Eastern Panhandle

Eastern Panhandle

Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley

Eastern Panhandle Mission Community

In attendance: Berkeley Springs (Brown), Falling Waters (Chamblin/Cushwa), First (Burton), Gerrardstown (Langdon/Bishop), Hedgesville (Houck), Little Falls (Howard/Cloud), Mountain Chapel (Bennett), Shepherdstown (Romano/Tremba), Tuscarora (Thatcher/DeSarro-Raynal). Excused: Elk Branch, Tabler, Tomahawk. Not represented: Kearneysville, Halltown, Charles Town, Bunker Hill.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and began with devotions let by Thatcher. She spoke of God’s continuing faithfulness. “We are free in the one body of Christ the Church.” In her prayer she included special requests for those not with us due to illness or family needs.

The November 28, 2006 minutes were approved as presented. The agenda was also approved as submitted.

Reports

Church “Good News” Reports

§ Berkeley Springs – Charisma Bible Study has started. The Children’s Choir started with three youth and has grown the thirteen participants. New resident will present a pedal harp performance at the church at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday 1/21/07.

§ Falling Waters – Will be holding a Valentine’s Day Event. A new member’s class is in planned for the end of January.

§ First – The Vision Committee initiated young adult dinners. The attendance at these dinners has grown from six to fifteen attendees.

§ Gerrardstown – Bishop introduced new Gerrardstown pastor, Brad Langdon. He was welcomed by the membership. A special youth event was held in memory of a departed member; Miana’s Toys for Angels collected and distributed 500 toys. Money was also collected to help families in need. A new members Class will be held in February.

§ Hedgesville – Participated in the Martinsburg Christmas parade, hosting a float. Fruit baskets were distributed at Christmas. An Eagle Award will be presented at a Valentine Dinner. The Boy and Cub Scout pack invites others to join.

§ Little Falls – Hosted Christmas International dinner. Ordination will take place on Sunday, 01-21-07.

§ Mountain Chapel – Continuing the monthly celebration of birthdays in 2007. On Sunday, 01-14-07, four birthdays and the fiftieth anniversary of Ralph and Lillian Shade were celebrated with a large crowd and sit down luncheon.

§ Shepherdstown – Falling plaster was replaced. Celebrating the Lenten season with meetings in individual homes.

§ Tuscarora – $15,000 has been earmarked for additional parking. The Annual Meeting will include a covered dish dinner. Committees will set up tables for a Committee Fair.

Convener (Howard) – Executive Committee met at 6:30 p.m. A proposed budget and projects for 2007 will be presented under New Business later in the meeting.

Convener – (Chamblin) No report. Comments tabled until later in this meeting.

Secretary/Treasurer - (Bennett) Discussed remaining funds and decision was made to support our usual charities and the Shenandoah Women’s Shelter.

Presbytery Council Representative – (Brown) The meeting was held 01-09-07. The Vision and Mission Committee submitted a concern that all Mission Communities get involved and become more active. Funds are becoming available for Campus Ministry. This may be an item of interest to our Campus Ministry Study Committee. Two Baltimore Presbytery churches have expressed a desire to join the Shenandoah Presbytery. See more of this report at: http://www.shenpres.org/council.html

Vision and Mission Committee of Presbytery Council Representative – (Thatcher) No meeting has been held in 2007. Karen shared her pride in the Eastern Panhandle Mission Community. She often hears comments at Presbytery how the EPMC’s willingness to get involved and the projects initiated by the Panhandle churches.

· Tri-County Mission Support (Bennett) – EPMC contributed to five charities in addition to the 300 Club (donation made earlier in the year). C-Cap, Hospice, Jefferson County Community Food Bank and MCIEC received the $350 each and the Shenandoah Women’s Shelter received $230. A continuation of supporting these same charities was approved at a rate of no less than $250 each for 2007. Langdon requested more information of how they can be involved in helping out during catastrophic events, i.e. such as ice storms. They can inquire what is planned or can be planned whenever an event indicates help is needed. These are on a case-by-case basis. Locally Tsunami and New Orleans victims have been supported. The PDA is a good place to start.

· Christmas House International (Howard) – The number of sponsors needed fell short of the twelve students who wanted to spend two weeks in the panhandle during the Christmas break. However the four students who were sponsored had a great time. They also joined the Rolling Ridge Retreat sponsored students attending events sponsored by both groups. Debbie Romano did a great job coordinating the sponsor homes.

· Vespers in the Park (Howard) – Langdon was volunteered to take on this task for 2007. He will get in touch with the coordinator for further information.

· Missionary Event – (Howard/Cushwa/Burton) Howard provided handouts and bulletin inserts (additional copies to be electronically forwarded) to inform and advertise this important event. The event covers three days in February, 02-24 thru 02-26-07. Please encourage members of your congregations to participate. The EPMC will be responsible for lodging and food for the visiting missionary(s). Volunteers are needed for lodging and transportation (Langdon volunteered to house Mike Robison; lodging is needed for Nadia Ayoub). $1500 is held by the Mountain Chapel, invoices and receipts to be submitted through Carolyn Bennett for payment.

· Presbyterian School for Excellent Leadership (Burton) – 2007 events in the planning stages.

· Presbyterian Annual High School Banquet Committee (Moore) – Will continue to be an annual event. Budget should remain about the same, $500.00. Planning will begin soon.

Fellowship

· Youth Council (DeSarro-Raynal, Thatcher) – Langdon/Bishop inquired about joining the Tuscarora youth group for events and meetings. More contact about this will occur outside this meeting. There will be a Sunday evening youth event during the Missionary Event on Sunday evening, 02/25/07, which includes snacks.

· Music Festival Committee (Tremba) –Festival is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on 02-18-07 at Shepherdstown. Notify Tremba if your church has special music, five minutes each. Choir practice begins at 4:00 p.m.

· Scottish Heritage Worship Service Committee (Brown) – Is in the talking stages.

· EPMC Website (Holder/Mattson) – Send changes/editions to the website through Bennett at cab46@adephia.net.

· 2007 Budget – DeSarro-Raynal proposed a discretionary fund be reinstituted. The approved amount will be $400 and includes items for which no funds were spent last year, administration, meeting refreshments and website costs.

· Projects 2007 – Remain static at this time.

· Appreciation – All present expressed great appreciation to Thatcher for refreshments in 2006 and to DeSarro-Raynal and Thatcher for hosting the meetings at the Tuscarora Church Hall. Falling Waters was also thanked for agreeing to host the 2007 meeting and for the delicious refreshments.

· Meeting Date Change Proposal – Howard submitted a request from Charles Town to change the meeting date from the third Tuesday every other month. The second Monday of every other month was agreed by all assembled as a date that did not conflict with their churches/chapel. Howard will contact Charles Town with this proposed date.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be held at Falling Waters at 7:00 p.m. date to be announced (Executive Committee meets at 6:30 p.m.). McDaniel is asked to provide the devotions.

LATER NOTE: The next meeting will be held at Falling Waters, 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2007