Higher Education/Campus Ministry Work Area Minutes

November 13, 2006 Minutes

Present: J. J. Burchman, Monty Engelmann, Karen Firos, Christi Hemming, Larry Switzer, Tim Tuthill, John Ross Thompson, Ian Weibel, Jessica Weibel

1. Devotion.

     Monty offered a his Vision Statement for discussion.

2. Yearly Report. (Monty)

     We went over the final draft of our report for the annual conference, due Nov. 20. All seemed satisfied that it was properly inclusive. Numbers of first time students (52) contacted with an email greeting were added to the Student Email report.

3. Goody Bag Sunday (Dec. 10)

     Martha Meaders sent a long a list of past goody bag donors and examples of the announcements for the Tower Alert and Bulletin for Toni and Jessica. She also noted that the best response was obtained from an oral plea at announcement time. Jessica will initiate the process.

4. Continued support for Wesley, Letter to Bishop.

     Monty apologized for not completing the draft and will do it soon. It was suggested that a letter be sent, not only to the Bishop but also to the DS because many districts are now doing more outreach projects.

5. Reports and analysis of our HiEd program.

     A. Africa U. Support ( )

     Don Meaders sent a note stating that he is willing to continue as a resource person for the Zimbabwe project. The Tabers are currently leading a VIM team in Zimbabwe and will be back after the first of the year. We can keep track of their activities using vimtozim.org. The team will be dealing directly with Old Mutare Mission Center and Africa U. We should contact the Tabers after they return and see if we can include them in the Student Recognition Sunday activities.

     B. Budget (Monty)

     We are currently waiting to see the results of the finance drive which will determine the size of our 2007 budget. Monty asked again for the members to think over our program and determine the funding for which HiEd programs might be cut back if necessary.

     C. College/University Student-UUMC Roster (Christi)

     We have had three responses from our bulletin and Tower Alert pleas. We will go with what we have. Monty will look at the old applications for the Merit Awards to find others.

     D. Goody Bag Sunday, Dec. 10 (Toni & Jessica)

     See above.

     E. Have-A-Heart Brunch- February 4 (Monty)

     We will deal with this next year.

     F. Host Family/Friend project (John)

     We have three names of persons willing to be fellowship friends with students, one of whom wishes to host a student for Thanksgiving. The names have been forwarded to John and Rev. Tim.

     G. Merit Scholarships, (Monty)

     We will put out the information and applications for Merit/Christian Service Awards in January. This year, we have an additional award given by Victor Wernette in honor of his wife Pauline for a student going into education.  The total amount is just over $1500 and Monty will talk to Victor and see if he wishes to give it as a single award or divide it over three years.

     H. Methodist Universities and College information & Student Recognition Sunday. (Ian)

     We still should give a formal notice to the staff that we wish to have the

Student Recognition Offering envelopes distributed on Sunday, April 29, 2007.

     I.  Classes for Parents of College Freshmen (Jessica)

     It was suggested that we  revisit this idea and see if it could work for our congregation as a one morning seminar for Freshmen and their parents. Rev. Tim suggested that one month after the start of the term begins might be more appropriate. Jessica will give it some more thought.

     J.  Seminary Student Support Project. ( )

     No seminarians this year.

     K. Student e-mails. (J. J.)

     About a dozen first time attending students have been sent email greetings the Semester.

     L. Van Project.- Parking, Purdue Game,11-04-'06 (Monty)

     We made $400 from parking cars at the Purdue game which will go to the van fund. Rev. Tim told us that the Wesley foundation has received a donation of a second van. Both "The Tan Van" and the new acquisition will need signs to identify them with the University United Methodist Center. We suggest that the $400 go toward that end.

     M. Web Page, Kiosk (Ian)

     The web page has been updated. We will try again with the Kiosk posting information about the Merit Awards. Our annual report will also be put on the web.

7. Other member comments or concerns.

     Rev. Tim reported that funding is the major problem facing the Wesley Foundation. They are broadcasting information to make individuals and congregations aware of their need. Program wise, there is a core of 25 students that regularly attend the Wednesday Service and about 50 participate weekly in various activities. It was suggested that we try again to run a get acquainted meeting after church to answer questions and make students aware of one another and activity possibilities. We will run one on January 21st after church.

     Rev. John Ross suggested that the church set aside a discretionary fund to help students in financial difficulty. The group concurred that this is an unmet need and should be initiated.

8. Next Meeting -  Monday, Dec. 11, 2006.

     The group decided that we should meet in December.

          Submitted 11-15-06 MDE

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