PRESENT: Chris, Billie, Mike, Bryan, Billie noted that several members were unable to attend today.
- UMSM budget update
- ministry overviews
- change in Justa Center Executive Director
Chris opened the meeting with prayer.
Chris Spencer introduced herself, letting members know she is interim. She is a board member of AZ Justice for Our Neighbors. Other members introduced themselves and the areas they represent.
WJ update: Billie gave a short overview of Western Jurisdiction. Our new Bishop will be visiting in December, starting in January.
UMSM – was not present at this meeting; other urban ministries which is where we would have possible availability were not present. Bryan noted that Justa would not be able to reduce funding. Tabled until the next meeting or via email. NOTE: UMSM is seeking 25K in order to hire a part-time Community Engagement Coordinator who will oversee the Valley affordable housing initiatives and our work with Open Table. While UMSM does not operate a specific ministry – it does oversee ministries (like Open Table and also is now operating as a interim board for the Campus Ministry). Should UMOM, TMM or Wesley be willing to reduce their funding to allocate to UMSM please contact Billie asap.
UMVIM – Mike Eyer: Mike traveled to Yuma to look at the possible repairs for Fort Yuma. Trinity Yuma will provide space for anyone wanting work on this trip. DS is helping trying to locate funding. Trip is the weekend of January 19-22. Chris suggested jurisdictional invitation. Scott Morris from JFON may be calling Mike to discuss if UMVIM people who come in the area may want to go on JFON trips.
Veterans Ministry – Bryan Ruth: Bryan cited that he has a new committee member – Gary Simons. He is trying to build the team. The idea is that churches recognize veterans in their congregations with a ceremony, certificate and pinning ceremony. This team is also responsible for educating our constituency on veterans issues, and go into the community and recognizing veterans in the general community – honor and respect.
Justa Center – Bryan Ruth, Billie Fidlin: there has been a change in directors. Currently there is an interim serving – Ms. Donna Cook. Board of Directors is becoming more and more involved. Thanksgiving dinner is being served the morning of Thanksgiving – board members hosting.
AZ Justice for Our Neighbors – Chris Spencer: There is a new director – Roxanna Aguilar Matiella. They have moved from a working board to many of the duties being moved to staff. Ella Rawls continues as attorney along with another person who leans more towards operations. A legal advocate will be hired (part time) to help Ella. They will no longer hold clinics as there are many known people needing services. They will be moving offices to a shared office space in downtown Tucson. Immigration Law and Justice Center – new national name for JFON. They will use Immigration Law and Justice Arizona. Local church support is a minor part of their income stream.
NEXT MEETING: February 15th – noon to 1 via zoom
