Men's meeting summary

Sunday afternoon, the men gathered in the brisk but sunny outdoors for a quarterly men's meeting around the picnic tables. Here is a brief summary of what was discussed:

(1) Dean presented a financial report, including a summary of income and expenses for 2008. See copy posted on the church bulletin board for details. There was discussion of increasing support of Family Legacies ministry, and it was agreed this would be explored.

(2) We talked briefly about the teaching, prayer and singing time ... we discussed the need for enthusiasm on the part of the fathers, as a leadership example to our families.

(3) After our study in Acts ends, we will be studying one of the minor Prophets (which one to be determined). Then we will do a topical study on one or more Bible doctrines. The possibility was mentioned of using the Baptist Faith and Message booklet as a guide for this doctrinal study.

(4) We discussed increasing our church's participation in mission and service opportunities. It was reemphasized that the church is willing and able to financially support young people and families wishing to participate in mission trips and similar opportunities. Support was expressed for students attending Summit Ministries' worldview conferences at Bryan College in Dayton, TN. Also we agreed to explore the possibility of participating in mission trips with Youth Unlimited Gospel Outreach (see www.yugo.org). We expressed the desire to be involved in local ministry as well, and encouraged the men and their families to be alert for potential needs and opportunities.

(5) We talked about the need to revive the HFC blog with fresh content and frequent updates.

(6) We discussed the need for each of us to be alert to visitors, absentee members, or others that may need friendly follow-up or encouragement in the Lord.

(7) We will be posting a sign-up list for church cleaning. Families that want to participate can sign up for a particular month. At least once during their month, the family would spend an hour or two doing a thorough cleaning of the church building. We also agreed to have the carpets and bench fabric steam cleaned again.


After the men dismissed, the real powers-that-be took over the picnic tables: