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Convener
Pam Chamblin

Vice Convener
William Moore

Secy/Treas
Carolyn Bennett

Eastern Panhandle Mission Community: 
Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan Counties

Mission Community Events
Eastern Panhandle Mission Community
Fifteen Churches and One Chapel
March 31, 2008

In attendance:  Berkeley Springs (Osborne), Charles Town (Beattie), Falling Waters (Chamblin/Cushwa), First (Burton/Smith), Gerrardstown (Stewart), Hedgesville (Houck), Little Falls (Cloud), Mountain Chapel (Bennett/Myers), Shepherdstown (Tremba)Tabler (Wink/Moore), Tomahawk (Wolverton/McDaniel),Tuscarora (Brown).  Not represented: Bunker Hill, Kearneysville, Halltown, Elk Branch. Visitor(s): (Camp Paddy Run) Amy Tubbs/Lori Orndorff

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. and began with devotions led by Charles Town.  Falling Waters is asked to lead devotions at the May 20 meeting.

The March 31, 2008 minutes were approved as submitted.  The agenda for this meeting was approved as submitted.

Reports

Church “Good News” Reports and Announcements of Upcoming Events
Berkeley Springs – Has 4 cents a meal program.  Berkeley Springs congregation are active in church charity and community charitable efforts and are seeing 1st hand what affect our current economy is having on donations.  The Peace concert was wonderful and largely attended.
Bunker Hill – No report.
Charles Town – Has increased their 4 cents a meal program to 6 cents a meal, due to the rising costs of food.  They are in the process of raising money for new sanctuary windows.
Elk Branch – No report.
Falling Waters – Presented children’s play Palm Sunday and live Last Supper reenactment Maundy Thursday.  Took in 4 new members in March.  Church improved with new carpet and handicap restrooms.
First – Presented 100 dollars to Kenya missionaries Bill and Sue Sager in Kenya.  A Kenya wall hanging was donated by Smith to Tomahawk. History Committee is meeting at Opequon, open to all.
Gerrardstown – Successful Easter Egg Hunt, Presbyterian Women’s Group continues to be successful.
Halltown – No report.
Hedgesville – Received deed for donated land.  Two deacons ordained.  Presented Laying on of Hands Service, combined with Little Falls for Easter Sunrise Service. Easter Egg Hunt with prizes, program, and crafts day attended by 40 children and adults.  Holding a dinner honoring Women, May 18.  A five dollar donation for each is suggested. 
Kearneysville – No report.
Little Falls – Three new professions of faith.  Easter Egg Hun/Healing and Laying on of Hands Service were part of Little Falls Easter celebrations.  Financial Class to be presented Saturday April6, 4 – 8 p.m.
Mountain Chapel – March birthdays celebrated, March 9.  Mother’s Day Breakfast served by the men to be held May 6 at 9:00 a.m.  Three transfers accepted March.  Rev. Snelson to conduct services at Tuscarora and Chapel April 6, due to vacation of the DeSarro-Raynals’.
Shepherdstown – Hosting David LaMott (Montreat), musician and story teller, at the Presbyterian Meeting House, Shepherdstown, May 4, 7;00 p.m..  A donation of $10.00 is suggested, but not required.
    Tabler – Conducted Ash Wednesday, Laying on of Hands and Easter Sunrise services.  Held yearly birthday celebration.  Successful Music Fest.  Held Easter Egg hunt.
Tomahawk – New pew cushions installed.  Lenten services, Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunrise conducted.  At Easter Egg Hunt, couple complimented church and gave donation.  Ordained/installed new Elder.  Bruce and Lora Whearty, missionary presentation and covered dish supper, begin at 6:30 pm., 4/18, all invited. Dedication service 1st Sunday in May, with Hymn Sing, refreshments. 1st Saturday Breakfast, for Presbyterian men each month.
Tuscarora – In process 0f developing community outreach day, August 16, to let folks know what the church is all about and what activities and services at the church and the county are available.
Convener (Chamblin) – Executive Committee met at 6:30 p.m. and discussed our current budget shortfalls. 
Vice Convener – (Moore) – Recently acquired projector and screen to be demonstrated later in the meeting.  Contact Bill Moore to schedule use. 
Secretary/Treasurer (Bennett) – We have forecast expenditures for 2008 that exceed our available budget.  Secretary will keep an eye on this.
Presbytery Council Representative (Brown) - No recent meeting to report.  However, Howard is working on task force tasked with divesting Presbytery of investments related to arms and war.  Mission Community role in PDA:  should we have self assessments at individual churches and chapels? Tabler did a one but is unsure how what comes next.  Brown will inquire further into this matter.  Past meeting minutes are available at the Shenandoah Presbytery website:  http://www.shenpres.org/council.html

Vision and Mission Committee of Presbytery Council Representative – (Thatcher) No report.

Updates on EPMC Activities

Mission
•    *Tri-County Mission Support (Bennett) – Nothing new to report.
•    Christmas House International 2008 (Moore) – Start asking churches for families interested in housing a student.  Will be asking churches for contact persons.  Need commitments to house students. 
•    Vespers in the Park (Cushwa) – Thatcher to reserve pavilion as soon as date is known.  Cushwa will have date at next meeting?
•    *300 Club (Bennett) – Nothing new to report.
•    Bus Trips to Presbytery Sites (Smith) – Richmond Seminary trip April 16, lunch provided.  Contact Ramona Smith for reserve a seat and/or offer to drive. Drivers needed. 
•    Missionary Event (Burton/Brown) –Pastors are attending a Session Banquet in Richmond were they will be trying to arrange Missionary events for this year, more information to follow.
•    Education
•    Sessions Enrichment Program (formerly Presbyterian School for Excellent Leadership) (Burton) – Volunteer needed to replace Donna DeSarro-Raynal on this committee. Contact Burton.
•    .Officer Training (DeSarro-Raynal) – No report.
•    Presbyterian Annual High School Banquet Committee (Tremba/Moore) – No concrete date set.  WVU Campus Minister wants to participate.

Fellowship
•    Youth Council (Chamblin) – No report.
•    Music Fest (Smith) – February Music Fest at Tabler 2/24, largely attended and successful.  Need a church for September, contact Ramona Smith.

Promotion
•    Scottish Heritage Worship Service Committee (Osbourne) – .No report.
•    Ads/Media (Cushwa/McDaniel) – Ads for Easter were run in the Buyers Guide and The Journal. 
•    EPMC Website (Bennett) – Send changes/additions to the website through Bennett at mailto:dvb46@comcast.net  Bennett will contact Bunker Hill webmaster for needed changes.
•    Historical Tour (Moore) – No Report.

New Business
Amy Tubbs and Lori Orndorff provided Paddy Run handouts and slide show (using EPMC projector and screen). Every one is encouraged to come out to see what is offered.  This is an Out door Ministry open to all to use for church related events.  There are scheduled group events and camping weekends. Or your church or group can schedule weekends for your activities or events.

Announcements
-Announcements were covered under church news and committee reports.

The meeting adjourned at 8: 30 p.m. with Chamblin leading the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting May 20 (Executive Committee meets at 6:30 p.m.), Falling Waters is asked to provide devotions.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn A. Bennett
Secretary Treasurer, EPMC

Eastern Panhandle Mission Community
Fifteen Churches and One Chapel
January 15, 2008 Meeting Minutes

In attendance:  Berkeley Springs (Brown/Osborne), Falling Waters (Chamblin/Cushwa/Linton), First (Burton/Smith), Hedgesville (Donaldson/Houck), Little Falls (Howard), Mountain Chapel (Bennett/Myers), Tabler (Wink), Tomahawk (Wolverton/McDaniel),Tuscarora (DeSarro-Raynal).  Excused:  Bunker Hill, Gerrardstown, Shepherdstown. Not represented:  Charles Town Kearneysville, Halltown, Elk Branch. Visitor(s):

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. and began with devotions led by Berkeley Springs. Osborne gave out presents from a black bag, while asking the question, “What are you looking for.”  Devotions based the Gospel of John ended with a prayer asking that we find what we are looking for through Jesus. Charles Town is asked to lead devotions at the March 31 meeting.

The November 26, 2007 minutes approved as submitted.  Agenda approved after deleting Disaster Response Team as an agenda item under new business.

Reports

Church “Good News” Reports and Announcements of Upcoming Events
Berkeley Springs – Everyone is invited and welcome to visit us.  Peace concert co-sponsored with a Peace Group.  Oldest member of church now in nursing home.
Bunker Hill – No report.
Charles Town – No report.
Elk Branch – No report.
Falling Waters – Christmas activities included a Cantata with the choir and family worship service.  Congregational meeting will occur on January 22.
First – Ordained/installed two new deacons.  During Burton’s recent illness, Cushwa presided over communion and Tom Horn delivered the message.  Christmas activities included caroling. 
Gerrardstown – Newly formed Presbyterian Women’s Group has elected officers.  Bible Study initiated and growing, mission/service projects adopted.  At December 9 Joy Gift Fellowship dinner shared ideas for the future mission of the church.  Session is taking those into consideration as it makes plans for the future.
Hedgesville – Bill Alger donated a lot valued at $20,000.  Two new deacons to be ordained. 
Little Falls –Pray for Brenda Cloud (flu/ear problems).  Now have a choir.  Took caroling to nursing home and shelter.  2004 Christmas International House student visiting in Shepherdstown went along.  He asked about Christ during his stay.  Another student from the 2004 group is now a Christian.
Mountain Chapel – Continue to celebrate birthdays monthly.  Rev and Mrs. Snelson presented two New Revised Standard bibles to be used in the pulpit and by the scripture readers.
Shepherdstown – Two members of Presbytery are going to Illubabor Bethel Synod in February.  The Ethiopia ESL (English as Second language committee is looking for people who would like to go to Mettu to tech English for 2 ½ - 5 weeks this summer and needs extra contributions to the partnership to help cover travel costs.
Tabler – Thirty-five to forty individuals attended the Christmas Eve Service.
Tomahawk – Completely moved into sanctuary after floor replacement.  Christmas activities included program, lunch and Christmas Caroling.  Lost one member, Charlotte Fielder and a summer attendee.  New family attending.  Having 1st Ash Wed Service this year.
Tuscarora – Holding a congregational meeting on 1/27.  Church Hall has been renovated.  Will hold a 60 year celebration of the hall celebrating, past present future.

Convener (Chamblin) – Executive Committee met at 6:30 p.m.  Laura Holbrook requested support for Montreat youth activities.  Chamblin to send an email to Holbrook requesting more information as it is not thought the Eastern Panhandle sends youth to these particular events.
Vice Convener – (Moore) No report. 
Secretary/Treasurer (Bennett) - Handed out draft copy of 2008 budget.  Decided to keep budget as in 2007, with noted exceptions.
Presbytery Council Representative (Brown) - discussed divestiture of Presbytery Corporation Lockheed Martin and other stocks.  Power Point training for developing websites will be offered.  More in-depth look at the meeting can be viewed at:  http://www.shenpres.org/council.html
Vision and Mission Committee of Presbytery Council Representative – (Thatcher) No report.

Updates on EPMC Activities

Mission
•    *Tri-County Mission Support (Bennett) – Annual donations to panhandle charities will remain the same for 2008.
•    Christmas House International 2008 (Howard) – Will begin making plans soon.  Start asking churches for families interested in housing a student.  Budget increased to $1000.
•    Vespers in the Park (Various) – Thatcher to reserve pavilion as soon as date is known.  Cushwa nominated.
•    *300 Club (Howard) – No report.
•    Bus Trips to Presbytery Sites (Smith) – Richmond Seminary trip April 16, lunch provided.  Budget increased to $150.  Contact Ramona Smith for reserve a seat and/or offer to drive.
•    Missionary Event (Howard/Burton/Brown) –.Missionary funds may be cut off in June.  Need to work hard to support Missionaries in the Field.

Education
•    Sessions Enrichment Program (formerly Presbyterian School for Excellent Leadership) (Burton) – Volunteer needed to replace Donna DeSarro-Raynal on this committee.  She is in the middle of doctorate dissertation.  Contact Burton to volunteer.
•    .Officer Training (DeSarro-Raynal) – Will schedule later in the year.
•    Presbyterian Annual High School Banquet Committee (Tremba/Moore/Romano) – .No report.

Fellowship
•    Youth Council (Thatcher/Langdon) – No report.
•    Music Fest (Smith/Osborne) – February Music Fest t0 be held at Tabler 2/24.  9/28 event to be held at Berkeley Springs.  Both occur at 4:30 p.m.

Promotion
•    Scottish Heritage Worship Service Committee (Brown) – .No plans at this point.
•    Ads/Media (Cushwa/McDaniel/Heaton) – Planning an Easter Ad Campaign. 
•    EPMC Website (Bennett) – Send changes/additions to the website through Bennett at mailto:dvb46@comcast.net 
•    Historical Tour (Moore) – No Report.

New Business
Disaster Response Team (Brown) Thalman asked that we set up a training date.  First will host the event and coordinate with Brown and Thalman.

Announcements
--Announcements were covered under church news and committee reports.

The meeting adjourned at 8: 30 p.m. with Chamblin leading the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting March 31 (Executive Committee meets at 6:30 p.m.).  Charles Town is asked to provide devotions.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn A. Bennett
Secretary Treasurer, EPMC

Minutes of Meeting
January 16, 2007
Eastern Panhandle Mission Community
Fifteen Churches and One Chapel

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.

Updates on EPMC Activities
Mission
•    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.
•    300 Club (Howard) – This charity was approved for 2007.
•    Bus Trips to Presbytery Sites (Smith) No report.
•    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. 
Education
•    Presbyterian School for Excellent Leadership (Burton) – 2007 events in the planning stages.
•    .Officer Training (Howard) – No report.
•    Campus Ministry Study Committee (Willis) – No report.
•    Presbyterian Annual High School Banquet Committee
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.
Promotion
•    Scottish Heritage Worship Service Committee (Brown) – Is in the talking stages.
•    Ads/Media (Cushwa) – Christmas ads came in under budget. 
•    EPMC Website (Holder/Mattson) – Send changes/editions to the website through Bennett at cab46@adephia.net. 
(Moore) – Will continue to be an annual event.  Budget should remain about the same, $500.00.  Planning will begin soon. 
New Business
•    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.

Announcements
  • Announcements were covered under church news and committee reports.
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

Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn A. Bennett
Secretary Treasurer, EPMC