MINUTES
Covenant Region C.P. Women's Ministry Spring Meeting
Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church
April 20, 2013
The Covenant Region C.P. Women's Ministry met Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. with the Highland Church. Bettie Stoll from Highland presented the beautiful prelude.
Welcome: President Sidney Milton welcomed everyone and thanked Highland for hosting the meeting. She relayed the information that Secretary Elaine York was unable to attend the meeting and Secretary Elect Brenda Shoulta was in Florida following the death of her daughter-in-law. Therefore, Past Secretary Martha Darnall agreed to act in that capacity for the day.
Worship Service: The worship service was opened with the theme scripture, 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23 followed by singing a rousing rendition of the Theme Hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story." Special music was a selection of wonderful hymns, played by Bettie Stoll; some of the hymns included were "Showers of Blessing," "Where Can I Go," "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," and concluded with everyone joining in singing "God Bless America" to uplift us after the week our country had endured. Devotional speaker, Pastor Connie Crick, Vineyard Worship Center in Morton's Gap, KY, highlighted women from scripture, mentioning the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and the woman who brought precious oils for Jesus' feet. These women indicate Jesus will give us living water, He doesn't condemn, and we are to put the Kingdom of God first. She read a portion of Jesus Is, questioning our circle of friends and acquaintances - are they all Christian, or are some of them the outcasts of society? She also encouraged us to consider mentoring a young woman and encouraging those young families struggling to have family time. The service was closed by those assembled singing "Pass It On".
Recess: A break was taken for the Executive Committee to make committee assignments.
Credential Report: The Credential Report was given with 36 present representing 12 churches and the new Zion Fellowship. The report was accepted and filed under Appendix "A".
Constituting Prayer: The Constituting Prayer was given by Gladys Brown, Sugar Grove Church.
Adoption of Program: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adopt program subject to any necessary changes.
Recognition of Visitors and Ministers: Five women were recognized and welcomed as attending for the first time. They were Gladys Brown, Cindy Garrett, Nancy Dixon, Rhonda Buchanan, and Dawn Carty.
Mission Work in Covenant Presbytery: Time was given for Nancy Dixon to inform the women about the Zion Fellowship - how they became part of Covenant Presbytery and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the events they have planned; she asked for prayer in their endeavors. President Sidney Milton read a report from the Disaster Team.
Outreach Challenge Follow-Up: President Elect Lora Kerner presided over the presentation from the local groups on the mission projects their women had attempted following the challenge given at the Fall meeting. Various ventures were described. Piney Fork and Highland had posters of their outreach projects on display in the Fellowship Hall.
Committee Assignments:
Nominating: Charlotte Guarneros, Flat Lick; Sarah Ford, Piney Fork; and Debbie Hayes, Unity.
Auditing: Marlene Wallace, Highland Church, and Sharlon Wigginton, Fredonia
Offering and Prayer: The offering was received by Piney Fork ladies, who explained the project of Children's Fest 2014 to be held at Bethel University and Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home in Denton, TX. Sarah Ford gave the Offering Prayer.
Lunch Blessing: The blessing was offered by President Elect Lora Kerner.
Lunch Break
Hymn Sing: Following lunch the group enjoyed more music by Bettie Stoll and joined in singing the hymns she played.
Mission Outreach: Dawn Carty, Margaret Hank, explained her vision for a program to prepare men and women for the work force, including instructions on appearance, how to be interviewed, and other essential attitudes. This program will be a non-profit organization and will be funded in part by a Thrift store in the basement of the Margaret Hank Church. In addition to the jobs training program, another long term goal is to partner with local businesses and organizations to provide a vehicle to eligible participants. The program has been coined "An Angel's Road to Success." Dawn asked the Regional Women to pray for Rev. Chris Fleming, with whom she is working, the Board of Directors, and herself for the success of this outreach.
Fellowship of Least Coin Offering: Debbie Hayes from Unity Church gave information on the Fellowship of Least Coin Offering. As she voiced the prayer for the offering, coins were dropped into a cup with each woman mentioned in the prayer.
Business Session:
Auditing Committee Report: Report was presented by Marlene Wallace.
Motion made, seconded, and passed to accept. Report filed as Appendix "B".
Executive Committee Report: Report was presented by President Sidney Milton.
Motion made, seconded, and passed to accept. Report filed as Appendix "C".
Treasurer Report: Report was presented by Treasurer Donna Robertson
Motion made, seconded, and passed to accept. Copy of report included in Minutes.
Installation of Officers: Past President, Sandra Boaz, installed the 2013-2014 officers, using the Theme of Meeting People Where They Are. Those installed were:
President: Sidney Milton, Highland Church
President Elect: Lora Kerner, Highland Church
Secretary: Brenda Shoulta, Mt. Carmel Church
Treasurer: Donna Robertson, Oak Grove Union Church
Past President: Paula Bell, Margaret Hank Church
Invitation for Spring Meeting: In the absence of the delegate from Hopkinsville Church, President Sidney Milton, issued the invitation from them to meet Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Hopkinsville Church.
Reading of minutes: Motion made, seconded, and passed that the minutes be read, corrected and approved by the Executive Committee.
Closing Announcements: Several announcements were made concerning upcoming events at local churches and reminders of the Local Report due date, upcoming 2013 Convention at Murfreesboro, TN, a Renewal Conference at Russellville, AR, and a Workshop planned for Covenant Regional groups August 17, 2013, at the Fredonia Church.
Motion: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn following the Memorial Service.
Memorial Service: Mary Lowe, Oak Grove Church conducted the Memorial Service, using Proverbs 31:10. Using the image of a garden, fourteen women were remembered with paper butterflies. Mary Lowe closed the service in prayer.
Adjournment
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Covenant Region
Cumberland Presbyterian
Women's Ministry
Synod of MidWest