August 28, 2017, 7:00 pm
To connect the members of St. James with people in need.
Room at the Table presently is okay financially. Backpack will receive some designated funds and CARE may appeal to the parish for additional funds in the coming weeks.
Old Business:
R@T Teams were reorganized from 5 teams to 4 teams in June. Teams will serve 3 times a year. We will have a meeting of the captains in late October or early November to evaluate the new organization and support the captains.
There will be a meeting at Davenport with other Backpack churches September 15th to get their numbers and assess the needs for this year. The first packing will be October 5th at 9:30.
LEOS is without a director and the Yokefellow board is looking at what steps to take next. St. James continues to serve the 4th Saturday. There will be an open house to encourage members to see the facility and consider signing up to help.
Old & New Business
Bread for the World –
The titles of the last two Bread for the World newsletters, said, “Thanks to You, Congress Authorizes Famine Relief” and “Thanks to You, August Will Not Be a Quiet Month”. The first newsletter talked about the monies that were approved for WIC and the summer nutrition program that we appreciate for our Backpack children. The second newsletter was referring to the advocacy expressed in town hall meetings for programs vital to hungry people. BFW President Beckman said, “Every religious congregation in the country would need to raise $714,000 a year for 10 years to offset cuts to programs that aid those in need.” Bread for the World is co-chair with the Circle of Protection which is a coalition of religious leaders, including Bishop Michael Curry, who are participating in the “For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy” campaign. They are called to pray and fast on the 21st of the month (day that SNAP benefits typically run out) CARE members may consider joining them and appealing to the congregation to fast & pray on the 21st of the month.
St. James will sponsor a Bread for the World Sunday letter writing campaign on October 15th. It will happen after each service with refreshments.
We, the People
The Bishop’s letter (attached) that was sent out to the congregation August 23rd declaring that “as Christians, we must meet everyone with the love of Christ in our hearts” was shared. In his letter he expressed that he would be making more than pronouncements against racism and will be holding himself and the diocese accountable to initiate a collaborative process that involves:
- Meeting with the Diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism to help us “name, confess, resist and confront the sin of racism through prayer, education, advocacy and action” and to develop “wholehearted, concrete practices that cultivate systemic change.
- “All congregations begin having intentional conversations about how they can address hate and bigotry in their communities.” He wants to hear about our conversations.
- Invited us to include in our worship the Collect for the Human Family the next 4 Sundays.
New Business:
CARE Committee Process Form -
The Vestry has been working on Job Descriptions and Policies and Procedures for each of the church committees. Job Descriptions seem to be in good shape but we need a policy and procedure for CARE.
Habitat for Humanity – Women’s Build –
The first Women’s Build that will begin next spring. Women participating in the build must pay individually or through sponsors $250 each in order to have the money needed to build the house. St. James has not committed money to Habitat in 3 years, but was waiting for a project to support, such as this.
William Lenoir – Student Needs –
William Lenoir Middle School gave a list of student needs. They are: lotions, deodorants (male & female), shampoo, brushes, body wash, soaps, 5 subject notebooks, snacks – protein bars, Gatorade. We will be collecting these items during the month of September. There is a box in the back of the sanctuary.
Next Meeting: October 23rd, 7:00