Mission Team Minutes-Jan. 20, 2009
Led by the power of the Holy Spirit, embraced by the love of God through Jesus Christ, Missouri Union Presbytery joyfully responds to and calls forth each member congregation’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
Missouri Union Presbytery (MUP)
Mission Teams Committee (MTC) Meeting
January 20, 2009
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Committee Members Present: Pastor John Becker, Ann Bouchard, Nancy Carle,
Rebecca McElroy, Bruce Oliver, and Pastor Ron Roberts
Also Present: David Meerse, Interim General Presbyter, Bess Gamm, Criminal
Justice; and Kathy Montgomery, Disaster Preparedness and Response
Bruce Oliver welcomed everyone, introduced Ann Bouchard, Nancy Carle, and Rebecca McElroy as new members, and opened the meeting with prayer at 9:05 am.
OLD BUSINESS
The minutes for the October 7, 2008 meeting were approved. The Church and Society Team will present a 1-hour educational program at the September 12th MUP meeting.
TEAM REPORTS
Church and Society/Social Justice and Peacemaking: Ron reported efforts continue in the Missouri legislative arena. The Teams have updated the list of legislators throughout MUP and continues to partner with the three other presbyteries in Missouri regarding appropriate responses to legislative issues. A Legislative Issues seminar will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at First Jefferson City from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Criminal Justice: Bess reported that contributions of Patch program Christmas gifts (Chillicothe facility) at the November MUP meeting was overwhelmingly positive. It was suggested that Vandalia might be contacted for possible renewed interest in the program now that Chillicothe has helped relieve the overcrowding in the facility.
Disaster Preparedness and Response: Kathy reported the DAT team will be in New Orleans January 25-31st. An impressive 26 workers representing 9 churches will continue housing rehabilitation work. Kathy requested permission be requested to hold communion on the trip with Pastor Jim Collier officiating. Bruce will present this request to Council for comment and action. A fall trip is in the preliminary planning stages.
Family Enrichment Ministries: Rebecca reported that mentoring continues with good success although activity has slowed in winter months. Presbyterian Children’s Services’ donations declined $100,000 in 2008 with resulting budget cuts sadly eliminating Jill Wright’s position. Pam Adkison is now managing the program from her home with First Hannibal providing storage and meeting space to the Team, as needed.
Hungarian Reformed Church (HRC): Bruce reported the Team continues their support of church work through the HRC partnership. The Team is requesting Council approval for a direct financial support campaign mailing to the congregations of MUP as government financial support for Ukraine ‘private’ schools is being eliminated. Bruce will present the request to Council for comment and action. The Team continues to support the work of 5 MUP churches in ‘direct partnership’ with HRC churches.
Media Promotion: Joe Weston submitted the television advertising campaign with KOMU and KRCG was completed at Christmas. The Easter campaign is fully financed through the support of MUP, First Columbia, and First Jefferson City.
PRESBYTERY MEETING ‘TIME REQUESTS’
The following mission teams requested time for the February 26th MUP meeting at First Mexico.
Criminal Justice; Disaster Preparedness and Response; Family Enrichment
Ministries; and Senior High/Mid High Youth 15 minutes Total
NEW BUSINESS
The 2009 MTC General Information, Directory, and Budget were distributed. Preston Turley has joined First Columbia’s staff and now chairs the Campus Ministries effort in Columbia.
Thanks to Ann, Nancy, and Rebecca who agreed to be liaisons for the Senior High and Mid High Youth, Small Church Christian Education, and Family Enrichment Ministries Teams, respectively.
Kathy submitted an ‘old’ Missions Team tri-fold brochure she noticed while visiting the MUP Office. Upon review, the brochure needs to be updated with our current Mission Teams’, Campus Ministries’, and Evelyn Bedell Awards’ information. After discussion, John Becker moved to request the MUP Office create a ‘new’ Missions Team tri-fold brochure for distribution to MUP churches. Motion passed.
There being no further business the meeting closed with prayer by Pastor Ron Roberts at 10:00 am.
Bruce Oliver