AEC Annual Meeting, 7.31.2024: Minutes (Draft)

•   Association of Episcopal Chaplains Annual Meeting

July 31, 2024, 12:00 - 12:50 pm CST
Location: Zoom Meeting

Attendees: Alex Allain, Dorothy Balser, Elaine Bayless (President-elect), Kate Bell, Sherry Black (Immediate Past President), Carla Davis, Peggy Determeyer,   David Fleenor (President), Mark Jeske, Kate O’Connor, Barbara Pendergrast, Andrew Peterson (Treasurer), Paul Rajan, Margaret Rose, Marshall Scott (Web/Communications), Cheryl Sherman, Chuck Stewart, Jana Troutman-Miller

1. Welcome and Introductions - David Fleenor

2. Noonday Prayer - David

3. Opening Remarks - David

4. President’s Report - David

• Highlighted the name change from the Assembly of Episcopal Healthcare Chaplains to the Association of Episcopal Chaplains.
• Emphasized the inclusive mission to serve all chaplains within the Episcopal Church.
• Mentioned ongoing communication with church leaders and efforts to regain nonprofit status.
• Addressed the decline in church attendance and the unique role of chaplains in continuing the work of love.

5. President-elect’s Report - Elaine Bayless:

• Provided updates on recent activities, including participation in meetings, proofreading, and leading noonday prayer.
• Discussed planning for the 2025 retreat and efforts to ensure geographic accessibility.

6. Treasurer’s Report - Andrew Peterson:

• Presented the financial report, highlighting expenditures and account balances.
• Mentioned ongoing efforts to regain nonprofit status and the need for a new treasurer.
• Discussed the use of grant funds for the upcoming retreat and other activities.

7. Web/Communications Report - Marshall Scott:

• Shared updates on the association's web presence, including the website, Facebook group, and Mailchimp mailings.
• Encouraged contributions to the Chaplair and highlighted recent popular posts.

8. Open Forum

• Margaret Rose: Expressed gratitude for the work of chaplains and the importance of spiritual care.
• Cheryl Sherman: Inquired about the inclusion of various chaplaincy fields, such as animal chaplaincy.
• Sherry Black: Acknowledged the success of the General Convention and the distribution of materials.

9. Acknowledgment of Newly Certified Chaplains

• Paddy Blaine, Linda Card, Mary Grace Doran, Christy Dumont, Michael Inver, Kayla Ford, Teresa Newell, Kate O'Connor

10. Closing and Benediction

• Benediction by Sherry Black: A prayer of blessing for all participants and their work.

11. Next Meeting: TBD - July 30, 2025?
Notes recorded by AI
Respectfully submitted: Mark Jeske, Secretary
August 1, 2024

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