Mission Committee - Minutes - May 12, 2008

The meeting was opened with prayer and devotion by Sherry Holloman at 12:15 p.m.

Members present were:  Mary Breden, Lewis Allen , Craig Brown, Sherry Holloman, Randy Pack and Bill Schlesinger (via conference call).

Also present were:  Jose Luis Casal (General Missioner) and Theresa Wright (Recording Clerk)

Absent with excuse were:  Shannon Weisenfels and Karen Winkler

The minutes of the January 7, 2008 meeting were approved as corrected.

Communications

-         From Melissa Wheeler – Young Adult Volunteer serving in Belfast Northern Ireland requesting support.  Mary Breden will prepare a letter to share request with the presbytery for her support.  Sherry Holloman will also share the request with Trinity, where Melissa was a member.

 -         From Project Dignidad – thanking presbytery for $1000 contribution.   Received as information.

 -         Mo-Ranch Reflective Retreat – Hospitality and the challenges of immigration – October 29-31, 2008   Received as information.

 -         Hispanic Latinos Presbyterian Men – requesting donation for upcoming Triennial National Assembly.   Committee reviewed the request, but determined that there were no funds available.  Jose Luis Casal will respond to let them know that we cannot provide any financial support at this time.

 -         Consultation on the Worldwide Mission of the Church   Was received as information.  Information will be included in the presbytery packet.

 -         From First, Midland inviting the presbytery to participate in their Mission Fair to be held October 26, 2008.   Presbytery office will provide display for the mission fair.  Mary Breden will review the display for changes/updates.

Old Business

1.    Colombia Mission
Days of Prayer and Action
Mission Network Steering Committee – Mary Breden
 A final decision has not yet been made, but the annual Mission Network Meeting will probably be held in October 23-25 in Chicago .  Meeting expenses will have to come from the mission committee meeting budget.
Mission Trip - Written report from the mission trip was distributed to the committee, including a detailed budget report.

2.    Costa Rica Mission

Mission Network Meeting – Randy Pack and Jose Luis Casal
            Report from the meeting held February 8-10, 2008 was received as information.  Meeting expense was taken from the mission
  
        committee meeting budget.

Mission Trip - Group will train leaders in the church in Costa Rica .  Eight participants are currently confirmed for the trip.  Trip is             scheduled for July 22-29, 2008.

3.      Mexico & Border Ministries Network Meeting - Written report was presented to the committee by Jose Luis Casal and received                     as informationStrongly urge a strategic planning for joint mission work.  Bill Schlesinger drafted a statement to share with our                     commissioners to GA, which was distributed to the group for review.  It was agreed by all that a statement should be forwarded.                     Jose Luis Casal will edit this draft.

4.    Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference Chairperson/Enabler Training - Mary Breden reported on her discussion with Ervin                     Bullock about the pre-conference training and networking session that is available.  Mary will prepare an email to be sent to the                     churches to determine their interest in attending the conference.

5.    2008 International Peacemakers Conference – Jose Luis Casal will forward information to the Training and Nurture Committee                     for possible inclusion in the October Training Event.

6.    Boquillas Project - Karen Winkler and Shannon Weisenfels met in February with Rev. JoBeth McLeod and members of the Alpine church that handles their border ministry projects.  The Boquillas quilt project has actually gotten so large that it has moved to Houston , so the Alpine church is exploring new ways to engage in similar border ministries and in other border towns.  Attended a meeting consisting of several churches of varying traditions from several different surrounding communities.  They were so impressed with the manpower and brain power working on border ministry in that area of the stated.  Their conclusion with the help of this committee should certainly complement them, advertise their events and enthusiastically support their efforts, but they have things very well in hand.  It is possible that in the future as their ministry grows and their projects take a more specific shape, they may ask for our help.  JoBeth is very much aware of our support and appreciative of our visit, but Shannon and Karen reported that at the time of their meeting no action was needed on our part.

      It was noted that this meeting took place in February, but that a request came from JoBeth McLeod to the committee in                 mid-March.  Mary Breden will check with JoBeth to find out whether there are any (new) needs that need to be addressed.  

New Business:

-         General Assembly Restricted Funds - Applications have been sent to the churches.

 -         Restricted Fund Grant Application – FPC Fort Davis.   
           
It was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED that the grant be approved and sent to the Synod.

 -         Synod of the Sun Mission Initiative Grant for Root International
  
        
It was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED that notification be sent to the project informing them that the Synod Grant                 Program has changed and they will need to contact the Synod for the new regulations. 

 It was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED that a policy for mission networking be started.  Bill Schlesinger will prepare a draft of a policy for consideration of the committee. 

 -         Mission Worker Fund
            Fund was approved at the February meeting of presbytery.  The mission committee will advertise this new fund and encourage             their participation in the offering to be taken on the second Sunday of September.  Sherry Holloman will prepare information.               Mary Breden will help.

 Motion for consideration from Bill Schlesinger :  Pasos de Fe

Whereas Pasos de Fe is the current joint border ministry involving Tres Rios Presbytery, along with its respective partners; and
Whereas it has encountered several challenges regarding its structure, staffing, and communication systems; and
Whereas it participates in broader relationships beyond its direct impact on the Border,
THEREFORE be it resolved that Tres Rios Presbytery request its partners to join in a strategic planning meeting to review and prayerfully consider the future directions, staffing, structure and functioning of Pasos de Fe.

It was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED that the recommendation be approved and forwarded to presbytery.

 

Motion for consideration from Bill Schlesinger : Neighborhood Revitalization Mission Network

Whereas various Presbyteries in Synod of the Sun are engaged in supporting specific mission programs that address a wide range of community priorities and concerns in local areas; and
 Whereas such mission programs are not defined by a particular type of service, but adapt and form themselves around a wholistic understanding of linked community needs and programs; and
 Whereas such mission programs may be characterized by complexity, networking links, and integration with other entities in responding to community needs; and
 Whereas such mission programs often are unaware of similar programs and projects around the Synod, and the resources and skills that such other programs and projects have developed,  
Therefore be it resolved that Tres Rios Presbytery seek support from other Presbyteries in Synod of the Sun in identifying and linking such mission programs into a Synod Mission Network.

This will include contacting other Presbyteries for the contact information of such programs, inviting them to communicate their interest, and seeking joint sponsorship with the Synod.

It was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED that the recommendation be approved and forwarded to presbytery.

Absent Member:

The Moderator will notify Jim Hatcher that, per the Manual of Operations, he is now considered “officially resigned” from this committee, having missed three consecutive meetings without notification or excuse.

Replacement Member and Potential Members for Next Class:

Jose Luis Casal will talk with Ruth Aguirre, to see if she is willing to serve on our committee.

 Next Meeting – September 8

 Next Devotional – Lewis Allen

 There being no further business the meeting was adjourned with prayer at 2:10 p.m.