CCC FORUMS

melinda hawbaker · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

Central Christian Church
CACS Department Meeting
April 2, 2007
6:30 pm in the Disciple Room

Present: Robert Bushey, Judy Ford, Andy Fulk, Melinda Hawbaker, Julie Martin, Yvonne Purcell, Penny Rutherford, Sue Simcox, Donna Strong, Kevin Wilmot

Department Chair Melinda thanked everyone for coming and asked Donna to introduce our guest, Ray Batman, Executive Director of Dove, Inc. Ray gave a brief presentation about the Anna B. Millikin Home, which was given to Dove, Inc. on February 1st of this year. Soon renovations will begin for this home at 302 S. Union Street to serve as Dove’s Domestic Violence Shelter, a safe place for women and children to live. Although this facility remains in excellent condition, valued at more than $2 million, Dove is seeking financial support for a few needed improvements, including security screens for the windows, a fence for the children’s play area, kitchen equipment, and a security system. The group discussed how much Central Christian Church takes pride in the history of Dove and concluded we should support Dove’s efforts to renovate this building.

Dove Auction Alternatives

During our last meeting we agreed to try something different than the Silent Auction to raise money for Dove this year. Last year we raised approximately $2000 from the auction, but it doesn’t seem to be as successful as in recent years. Pending the approval of Dove, the group decided to hold an ice-cream social at the Anna B. Millikin Home on Sunday, May 6th in the afternoon, when our congregation will be given the opportunity to tour the home and pledge their financial support toward these improvements. Previously the ChristCare Stitchers had let us know they would donate a table topper and table runner made from Ernestine Mrozinski’s fabric, so we discussed holding a raffle for these, with proceeds to Dove, during this event. We agreed to serve cakes as well as ice cream and attempt to provide some entertainment. Donna, Sue, Judy and Melinda agreed to form a committee to carry out these plans for May 6th.

Robert also mentioned that our Capital Campaign includes an outreach portion for projects of this nature and $5,000 to $10,000 may be available to support Dove in the future.

Good Samaritan Inn

Judy reported that our committee of five to eight people continues to prepare and serve weekday meals on the second Monday of every month.

Our Hunger Relief Task Force will prepare and serve meals on the remaining Saturdays this year:

April 14 June 16 August 18 October 6 December 15

Robert shared that he plans to give the congregation another opportunity to sign up to help later this spring.

Peace & Justice Task Force

Robert reported the task force continues to work with the Central Illinois Organizing Project (CIOP) to plan an event about Pay Day Loans tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 19th at 9:00 am at St. Peters AME Church. This effort is to help organize people to find solutions to the problem of Pay Day Loan companies increasing predatory lending. At this time, Attorney General Lisa Madigan plans to attend this event.

The Public Education Panel Discussion held on March 4th was a huge success, and the task force continues to discuss how we may help our public education systems meet the challenges they face today.

On Sunday, May 6th at 6:00 pm the film Romero will be shown at First Presbyterian Church as part of our Just Flicks film series co-hosted with the Peacemaking committee there.

The next meeting of the task force will be held on April 18th.

One Church One School

Robert thanked everyone who recently served as volunteer proctors to assist with standard achievement tests for students with special needs.

Next Meeting

Monday, June 4th at 6:30 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Melinda Hawbaker, Department Chair