Amboy Friends Monthly Meeting met August 21, 2011, after a carry-in meal. There were 30 members in attendance. Clerk Michael Reynolds opened the meeting with a word of prayer. Shari Auginbaugh volunteered to share a devotional from the book Grounded for Life, which she is using in the junior/senior high Sunday School class. She reminded us that we all have a choice on what attitude we display. We need to remember that attitudes are contagious, and, as Christians, we should choose to have happy and serving attitudes no matter our circumstances.
The July monthly meeting minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved.
The pastor’s report was presented, highlighting this past summer’s missions here at home with Vacation Bible School and away with our Oklahoma Missions Team. It was also noted that we had an increase in students attending Quaker Haven Camp this year.
Lisa Vincent presented the Missions Committee treasurer’s report. She pointed out that monies left over from the Oklahoma trip were put back into the Mission Trip fund. The Missions Committee year-end report was tabled until the next meeting.
New Business
Alan Hunt, Indiana Yearly Meeting representative, gave a report from this year’s sessions at Quaker Haven. He focused on the struggle IYM has had with the welcoming minute approved by West Richmond Friends and how to deal with the differing viewpoint. A task force was formed, and they brought four optional solutions to the situation before the Yearly Meeting:
In addition to Alan’s comments, John Norris noted that the Yearly Meeting Missions Committee needs to know how each meeting would like its mission assessment distributed. Our Missions Committee needs to decide which Yearly Meeting missions we want to support.
Trustees Chair Michael Reynolds reported that a Trustee Work Day has been planned for the near future. The date of September 10 was originally announced, but due to a scheduling conflict for the church a new date will be determined.
Among the tasks to be done on the work day, the removal of three trees in the front of the church building was discussed in detail. It was suggested that a landscape plan be put in place to present to the meeting for approval before the trees are removed. Shari Auginbaugh will be a part of that committee and others will be asked to join during our next worship service.
Tracy Bailey presented some possible changes to the Upward Basketball program. Due to the low numbers in the upper grades, she suggested not having the 5th and 6th grade teams and opening the program up to kindergarten students. She has gotten some positive feedback in the community for this. While it saddens the meeting to have to turn any child away, we are hoping to reach even more with the younger age group. It was agreed that she could make this change and that Amboy Friends will refer older children to other local organizations geared for 5th and 6th grades.
Lastly, the members discussed the funds that Abby Walker still needs for her missions work in Australia. She needs $1,800 by August 23 to finish the training portion, but she will need an additional $2,500-$3,500 to fulfill her duties. The Missions Committee members present shared that they have been looking into this and have talked with the Missions Committee from Sycamore Friends, Abby’s other main source of support. It was suggested that the struggle to raise such a large amount of funds could mean that the Lord may be leading her in a different direction for her mission. After much discussion, it was the consensus that we abide by the Missions Committee’s decision to wait before making a donation as a church. However, individuals wanting to contribute should contact Pastor Dwight Elliott or Missions Committee Chair Donna Overman for details.
Due to the Amboy Festival community service and meal on the third Sunday of September, the next meeting will be pushed to September 25, 2011.
Michael Reynolds, Clerk
Amy Reynolds, Recording Clerk
The July monthly meeting minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved.
The pastor’s report was presented, highlighting this past summer’s missions here at home with Vacation Bible School and away with our Oklahoma Missions Team. It was also noted that we had an increase in students attending Quaker Haven Camp this year.
Lisa Vincent presented the Missions Committee treasurer’s report. She pointed out that monies left over from the Oklahoma trip were put back into the Mission Trip fund. The Missions Committee year-end report was tabled until the next meeting.
New Business
Alan Hunt, Indiana Yearly Meeting representative, gave a report from this year’s sessions at Quaker Haven. He focused on the struggle IYM has had with the welcoming minute approved by West Richmond Friends and how to deal with the differing viewpoint. A task force was formed, and they brought four optional solutions to the situation before the Yearly Meeting:
- Agree to disagree coupled with redefining IYM to emphasize support and de-emphasize authority
- Consistent application of Faith & Practice
- Disciplinary action against West Richmond Friends
- Division and possible realignment
In addition to Alan’s comments, John Norris noted that the Yearly Meeting Missions Committee needs to know how each meeting would like its mission assessment distributed. Our Missions Committee needs to decide which Yearly Meeting missions we want to support.
Trustees Chair Michael Reynolds reported that a Trustee Work Day has been planned for the near future. The date of September 10 was originally announced, but due to a scheduling conflict for the church a new date will be determined.
Among the tasks to be done on the work day, the removal of three trees in the front of the church building was discussed in detail. It was suggested that a landscape plan be put in place to present to the meeting for approval before the trees are removed. Shari Auginbaugh will be a part of that committee and others will be asked to join during our next worship service.
Tracy Bailey presented some possible changes to the Upward Basketball program. Due to the low numbers in the upper grades, she suggested not having the 5th and 6th grade teams and opening the program up to kindergarten students. She has gotten some positive feedback in the community for this. While it saddens the meeting to have to turn any child away, we are hoping to reach even more with the younger age group. It was agreed that she could make this change and that Amboy Friends will refer older children to other local organizations geared for 5th and 6th grades.
Lastly, the members discussed the funds that Abby Walker still needs for her missions work in Australia. She needs $1,800 by August 23 to finish the training portion, but she will need an additional $2,500-$3,500 to fulfill her duties. The Missions Committee members present shared that they have been looking into this and have talked with the Missions Committee from Sycamore Friends, Abby’s other main source of support. It was suggested that the struggle to raise such a large amount of funds could mean that the Lord may be leading her in a different direction for her mission. After much discussion, it was the consensus that we abide by the Missions Committee’s decision to wait before making a donation as a church. However, individuals wanting to contribute should contact Pastor Dwight Elliott or Missions Committee Chair Donna Overman for details.
Due to the Amboy Festival community service and meal on the third Sunday of September, the next meeting will be pushed to September 25, 2011.
Michael Reynolds, Clerk
Amy Reynolds, Recording Clerk
