Minutes of the Durham Congregations In Action Annual Assembly Banquet.

Thursday, January 14, 2010. Epworth United Methodist Church.

Outgoing DCIA president, Chuck Byrd, called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. An opening greeting and invocation was given by Rev. Andy Peck-McClain of Epworth United Methodist Church. Mr. Byrd led the assembly in the DCIA affirmation.

Bob Newlin presented a financial report, referring to the printed spreadsheet handout. DCIA ran a deficit in 2009 of $26,000, using reserves to balance the budget. YO Durham ran a deficit of $30,000. He called upon congregations to help us make up the difference in 2010 through donations.

Dinner was served. Following the meal, DCIA executive director, Rev. Spencer Bradford, thanked the catering company and the YO Durham students who helped with hospitality for this event. He also thanked the DCIA and YO-Durham staff: Miriam Valle, Krystal Fox, and Susan Blackmon, and Eric Olsen-Getty (currently traveling in Africa). He gave an overview of the YO Durham program and announced the YO Durham fundraising breakfast in February. He encouraged volunteers to help with the 2010 summer career academy. He called attention to DCIA's sponsored-ministries, community partners, and seed money recipients. He recognized Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas for her work with the Families First program and Jackie Brown for her leadership of the Durham Economic Resource Center. DCIA distributes $44,000 at this banquet as the local portion of funds raised through the CROP walk. Referring to the tough economic times, he mentioned quotations by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about economic justice and an economy that is more person-centered than profit centered. He then introduced Martin Eakes, CEO of Self-Help Credit Union and the main speaker of the banquet.

Mr. Eakes thanked DCIA, his wife, and members of his staff in attendance. He spoke of the value of servant-leadership, “not thinking less of yourself but thinking less about yourself.” Using humor and poignant anecdotes, he outlined three core beliefs: 1. It is our duty and privilege to fight for justice. 2. We are all trustees for everything we possess and anything we touch. 3. Suffering and self-sacrifice can heal the corrosion that has taken hold of our community. The assembly gave a standing ovation.

Mr. Bradford introduced Rev. Jimmie Hawkins and Jenny Shafer for the presentation of CROP walk monies. Organizations that received grants include: Changing a Generation Outreach, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Genesis Home, Housing for New Hope, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Meals on Wheels, Mt. Calvary UCC Food Pantry, Society of St. Andrew, Threshold, and Urban Ministries of Durham.

Mr. Hawkins, DCIA's incoming president and a board member with Church World Service spoke briefly about Durham's reputation at Church World Service as a top fundraiser in the CROP walk. He also invited the assembly to keep the victims of the Haitian earthquake in prayer and to make a donation tonight to Church World Service which will go toward earthquake relief.

Mr. Byrd introduced Rev. Joe Harvard, DCIA Board Member, who thanked Mr. Byrd for his leadership. He introduced the new members of the Board and the 2010 officers. He thanked Olive Joyner and Kaaren Johansen, outgoing board members for their service. He thanked Mr. Bradford for his leadership as Executive Director. New board members and officers were introduced. The new officers, Rev. Jimmie Hawkins (president), Rev. Dr. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham (vice-president), Rev. Joe Hensley (secretary), and Bob Newlin (treasurer) were installed using the litany for installation.

Mr. Bradford gave a closing benediction. The meeting ended at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joe Hensley, DCIA Secretary