MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 8, 2012

Attending: Rev. Simon Foster, Vicki Fox, Victoria Crosby, Judy Wohrle, Janet Willis, Nancy Polk, Courtney Callahan.

Vicki Fox opened the meeting with the Agape prayer.

PARISH CARE COMMITTEE

Vicki Fox reminded us that at the last meeting we talked about efforts to rejuvenate the Parish Care Committee which provides help to our own parishioners, as well as their friends, who are in various kinds of need. We discussed the fact that currently we are aware of two people in that category and it was suggested that they receive some food from the church freezer. Janet Willis, who heads this committee, is having a very hard time finding drivers for people who want to come to church but are unable to drive on their own.

DATES FOR COOKING

Cooking for the men's shelter in Glen Cove, under the direction of Liza Picoli, occurs on the 1st Sunday of the month from 4 - 6 PM. On Jan.1st, Liza was the only one there so she did it by herself. We would love to have some more volunteers to help Liza.

Cooking to stock our own freezer takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month which falls this month on Jan. 17th. Courtney Callahan will organize food and supplies to cook for the January cooking. We will make lentil chili and banana bread. EXCEPTION - this February, since the 3rd Tuesday of the month falls on Shrove Tuesday, that event will count as our February cook-off. But instead of coming at the usual 4 PM, volunteers should arrive at 5 PM to set up. (see below)

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER

Takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 21st. Courtney Callahan is organizing it and she expects about 50 people to attend. Judy Wohrle will get pancake-making supplies and will check on prices for griddles at Costco as we need several more. If needed, parishioners can lend theirs. Everyone comes at 6 PM so those setting up should arrive by 5 PM.

SHELTER NEEDS

Vicki Fox has a list. Janet Willis will shop for these items. Thanks to Larry Lockes we have funds for this type of outreach.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Simon Foster wants to have a party to welcome new members. He would like members of the Vestry and Agape to attend. Karen and Fernando Vincinzini offered to host the party at their house - date to be announced.

Agape is inaugurating a luncheon with a guest speaker to honor Amanda Schuster's longtime involvement with the church. Karen Vincenzini suggested the lunch should be officially called, "Amanda Schuster Agape Spring Luncheon With Guest Speaker." Everyone present approved that name. Robin Senior will be the speaker this year. THE DATE FOR THE LUNCHEON IS MAY 2nd.

Simon Foster reported that funds for St. Andrews Shelter in Astoria have been sent. He and Suzanne Dillenbeck will be attending the cluster meeting..

COMMUNICATION

Vicki Fox said Duncan Naylor should send out a periodic e-mail blast about upcoming social events, Agape minutes and activities in Agape.

ESL NEWS

Judy Wohrle reported that in December, a church service, followed by a dinner was held for people taking part in the weekly ESL classes and their families. Organizers planned on 35 people showing up and had just enough food for that number. However, 120 people came! The miracle was, there was enough food for every single person! In addition, the Sunday school students had made exactly 120 cookies just the day before, so every single attendee got one!!

Also, Judy Wohrle pointed out that some types of food in our food pantry are more popular than others. She will make an effort to find out what food disappears quickly so we can concentrate on stocking the pantry in a way that reflects the recipients' preferences.

NEXT AGAPE MEETING: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

Please know that all are welcome to attend the Agape meetings. We meet in the St. John's kitchen for the cook offs. Volunteers should enter through side entrance by Guild Room off of Lattingtown Rd. (where you can park alongside the sidewalk) rather than the office entrance.