Church and Society Mission Team

Fifth Meeting: 11/11/07

First Presbyterian – Columbia, MO

Members Present:

Team Moderator, Debby Howland, Jefferson City

Ruth Thompson, Columbia

Nancy Copenhaver, Moberly

Ray Schneider, Jefferson City

Brian Long, Jefferson City

Moderator Howland called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer asking for compassion, wisdom, and guidance.  She thanked Ruth for hosting the group at First Presbyterian in Columbia.

MINUTES

Following a brief discussion, the minutes from the 8/26/07 Team meeting were approved. 

UPDATE

Moderator Howland next asked Brian Long to inform the Team of his changing responsibilities. Brian indicated that his work with the Higher Education Association is expanding and that he would not be able to continue his consulting work with the Mission Team. He assured the Team he would continue to be active and his family help with the web site would continue. Brian introduced Ray Schneider who has accepted the role of consulted and gave some information about his background as Chief of Staff in the State Senate and Deputy Director in the Budget Division of Social Services.

Moderator Howland led a discussion of activities conducted since the last meeting. 

   An annual evaluation of the Team’s activities was completed and submitted to Presbytery.

   The October 18th meeting with the Fulton Session was postponed until Nov 20.

   Covenant Church in Marshall is again and endorsing Church for the Mission Team.

    A January /February date was discussed to meet with Trinity Presbyterian in Columbia

    Brian purchased a display Board for use at meetings/presentation

    Ray is preparing a summary of the Governor’s new proposal Insure Mo

    Nancy stated Presbyterian Children is starting a new facility.

C & S Team presentations  

              The presentation to the Fulton Session was set for October 16th but the new pastor, Rev. Jennifer Turnick was being installed that week and it was decided to delay the presentation until the November 20 Session meeting. Also, Rev. Massey (RIM) from Columbia Trinity Presbyterian invited the Team to make a presentation to their Session on the Nov 20th but because of the conflict with the Fulton presentation it will be delayed until January or February.

              It was agreed that any member or interested Presbyterian can contact their Pastor or Session to see if they would like for the C&S Team to make a presentation.

ISSUES SURVEY

              Ray Schneider presented a draft of the issues survey for discussion on how best to collect the information and what additional topics might included?

              It was agreed that each Church would be allowed up to three surveys, one from the Pastor, one to represent the opinions of the Session and one to represent the Deacons. Clarification was suggested on the fiscal issues topic, the immigration topic and the affordable housing item.

TO DO

Ray will draft a meeting summary and distribute to the Team.

Ray will finalize the survey form and distribute.

Team will meet with Fulton Session on Nov. 20th

Debby will contact Amy Blouin @ Mo Budget Project about TABOR presentation.

Ruth Thompson will talk to Rev Ramsey for his input on the survey.

Nancy Copenhaver will contact Citizens for Tax Justice about linking to their site.

Ray will pursue contacts with other Presbytery in St. Louis.

Debby will talk with Rev. Rudy Beard and get contact info for Heartland Presbytery in KC.

NEXT MEETING

              January 27, 2008, 2:30pm, at First Presbyterian, Columbia