Minutes of the special meeting of the board of deacons of the congregational church of austin held on
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| MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
DEACONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AUSTIN HELD ON NOVEMBER 24, 2002 AT THE CHURCH Members Present. Joe McMillan (Chair), Cecile Ervin Adam, Paul Deisler (Secretary), Pat Oakes, Jeri Winter and Tom VandeStadt (ex officio). I. Call to Order. Joe McMillan, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. II. Candidate for membership. The Chair explained that the meeting had been called so the Board of Deacons might meet with Michael Bader, who has several times expressed the desire to become a member of the church. The Chair went on to outline the normal procedures by which candidates become members, stressing the need to describe the obligations and responsibilities of membership and including the need for a congregational meeting and a vote of affirmation by the congregation. Michael Bader had been invited by Tom VandeStadt by e-mail to meet with the Board of Deacons today. No answer was received and Michael Bader did not show up (Cecile Ervin Adams indicated she had heard he might have changed his mind about joining, feeling that he might not be welcome as a member). It was agreed by all that such Deacons as might be present on any Sunday would be prepared to meet with Michael Bader for the purposes already outlined. III. Deacons’ emergency fund. The Chair explained that Paul Deisler had a possible candidate for a no-interest loan from the Fund (as opposed to an outright gift). Paul Deisler had spoken to Michael Adams who had described the very difficult but temporary straits he finds himself in because of needing to expend money to complete the reconstruction of his house (burned over a year ago) so that his insurance company might then reimburse him. In the meantime he needs to be able to pay tuition for Jamie (who is to graduate from high school in May) and for Julia. These payments need to be made soon. Paul Deisler stated that he had not raised the possibility of help from the Deacons pending his talk with the them. Paul Deisler today suggested that a no-interest loan be made from the Fund to tide Michael Adams over until he can repay the loan and so to ensure that neither child’s education be interrupted. Paul Deisler needs to talk to Michael Adams privately to determine whether the need is urgent or not and how much a need there might be before the Deacons can act. . Cecile Ervin Adam stated that she had been approached by Lisa Kirch who told her that her ex-husband is in arrears on child support payments and that she, Lisa, needs to borrow to cover the lost income. At the urging of the Deacons, Cecile Ervin Adam sought out Lisa Kirch during the meeting to learn more about her need. She found that her need, too, is urgent and that the amount payments are in arrears is $1,000. . The Chair reported that the Fund now contains some $1,300 after reducing the previously existing deficit. This amount might not be enough to help both candidates for assistance to a reasonable degree without making an appeal to the congregation. Tom VandeStadt reported that the Board of Trustees plans to make an appeal to the congregation to cover a deficit in funds available to meet the operating budget. This latter appeal will be made on Sunday, December 8. The problems of making two appeals close together were discussed with Cecile Ervin Adam suggesting that, if the nature of the Deacons’ appeal (a loan) were understood by the congregation they would be more likely to underwrite it. In the case of Lisa Kirch the Deacons decided to make her a loan of $500.00. The Chair will make the appropriate arrangements. In the case of Michael Adams the Deacons decided that Paul Deisler should pursue the matter with Michael Adams to determine seriousness and need. If Michael Adams does indeed have urgent need, the Board of Deacons authorized Joe McMillan to make the appropriate arrangements for expenditure. Dates were discussed for making the appeal; it should be soon.. IV. Craig Headley’s request for assistance. The chair reported that no further word has been heard from Craig Headley since the letter was sent to him asking for verification and clarification of his request. V. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 1:00. p.m. |