Friday, November 13, 2015

Minutes 2015/11

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild November 9, 2015

Elaine began the November meeting with an opening prayer for Thanksgiving.

The meeting started at 6:30 with Divine Mercy Bingo led by Lauren, an Icebreaker and fun game, which helped to better acquaint us with our DM members. Denise Long was the top winner with the most bingos.

Sue welcomed Donna Ellis, our newest DM Guild Member

Sue asked DM Guild Members if they would agree, this one time only, to use our usual Food Panty collection for a Thanksgiving Dinner given by DM Parish. A motion was made by Elaine and seconded by Michele and accepted by all members. $175 was collected.


Corresponding Secretary
Yvonne read a letter and presented a framed Kitchen Prayer sent to DM from United Congregational Church in celebration of our new kitchen. All agreed that the framed prayer would be hung in the kitchen; Yvonne will send a Thank You card for the gift.

Treasurer’s Report
Beth passed out a copy of the current Check Register, which indicated entries through Oct. 31, 2015 and explained various expenditures. She also informed us that an audit was conducted. The new balance is $3,645.48

informed us that an audit was conducted. The new balance is $3,645.48

Old Business

Monsignor’s Anniversary Party: Sue thanked everyone who helped with the party, which was a huge success.

Constitution and By-Law Changes It was suggested that wording in Article VI be changed and should read “ The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any business meeting by a two-thirds vote of the membership present, provided one business meeting notice has been given to the membership. A motion to change the wording was made by Denise; Karen B seconded and the motion was accepted. With this addition, all the changes sent out to the members last month, were voted on and accepted.

New Business

Kitchen Care and Maintenance: Joyce addressed using the new kitchen and that we would all need to make sure it stays nice. Each group using the kitchen will be responsible for cleanup. There are supplies available for use but if special themed items are desired, then that expense will be the responsibility of the group.  She asked that any extra items purchased for a particular event be taken home. There will be instructions posted for appliance and equipment usage.

November 16th Program: Lauren announce that Fr. Chris Alar, Director of the Association of Marian Helpers at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, will explain the promise of God's mercy and the devotion of Divine Mercy at 7pm in the Parish Hall

Holiday Stroll:
Help is needed from everyone especially for set-up and breakdown.

Karen Bannister spoke before the Guild concerning several issues with regards to the Holiday Stroll. All details are listed in the November Guild Agenda and are as follows:

Friday Hours 10am-4pm   Sat. 7:30am-4pm;
Karen took care of parking for Sat. Use Depot Square for Friday
Piano players are in place (throughout the day) & Bell Ringers (11-12)
Balloons will be out front; Posters will be available
Card table requests were made at the meeting
Sign-up sheets for set-up and breakdown were available

Individual Areas

Crafts: Kathy Sullivan put out sign-up sheets for the craft area; crafts completed at home should be brought to Bass Hall on Friday morning to be priced and inventoried. There is a need for help all day especially on Saturday evening after the fair to pack up all items not sold; those items will be immediately brought to DVM Parish Hall for the Mini Fair after Mass on Saturday and Sunday.  For more info contact Kathy at 924-9967

Café: Beth put out a sign-up sheet; she needs help all day with various positions within the Café. She mentioned she would share her expertise with anyone interested in operating the Café in the future and that this year she plans on having extra help with all facets of the Café operation Bring a mug; free coffee is provided throughout the day for working members. Contact Beth for info at 588-2076

Bake Table & Cookie Trays: Janice announced that she would be in the Parish Hall Friday morning and that cookies should be brought to the hall at 8:30am. Cookie trays will be assembled from 9 –10am and immediately delivered to Bass Hall afterwards. Cookies and baked items can also be brought anytime DVM office is open and left in the kitchen with a note that they are for Janice. She will be at Bass Hall later Friday morning with prepared trays and on Saturday morning accepting baked goods. Janice will gladly pick up cookies and any donated baked goods; she is requesting 3 – 4 dozen cookies, all recipes are welcomed, cookies will be used for cookie trays. Additional small cookie plates are made and will be given to each of the participating Holiday Stroll churches. Help is needed both Friday morning at the church and at Bass Hall and all day Saturday. There is a sign-up sheet with designated time slots. If you want to sign-up to help or need more info, contact Janice 588-2356

Raffle Baskets: Linda Caracappa needs help on Saturday selling raffle tickets for the various baskets she has created. A sign-up sheet is available for participants. She also needs items to fill some of her baskets; homemade goodies (jelly, jam, relish, applesauce etc.) can be brought to the Parish kitchen closet; there’s a bin that says tablecloths towards the left on the floor. Gift cards are needed and can also be left in the bin. Raffle winners will be chosen at the Mini Fair after Sunday Mass.  For questions or more info contact Linda 924-3504

Blood Drive December 11th:  Kathy Sullivan has sign-up sheets to help with the annual blood drive held at United Congregational Church. Help is needed with food donations and in the kitchen, making sandwiches, serving soup and preparing various finger foods. Food should be dropped off by 12:15pm at the church. Assistance is also needed helping with the blood donors. Kathy is hoping that next Spring DM will have a blood drive in our Parish Hall. If you can help in any way, Contact Kathy 924-9967

Christmas Party December 14th The DM December meeting is also our annual Christmas Party. Sue will be the chairman; contact her if you can help or for any further information.  525-4934

Holiday Trees in Peterborough December 11th & 12th Lauren spoke about this event, which is held at the Community Center. She explained that Christmas trees are creatively decorated with a variety of themes and designs. Last year DM’s tree was awarded a gold ribbon in the “True Meaning Of Christmas” category, a beautiful tree encompassing the Nativity. Lauren would like DM to participate again and is asking for ideas and helpers to produce another spectacular creation. If you want to help contact Lauren 924-9664

Aprons: Sue is inquiring about obtaining more Guild aprons and the current cost. If you are interested in purchasing an apron and didn’t sign-up, contact Sue 525-4934

Elaine closed the meeting with a prayer and a beautiful, thoughtful sentiment, that of a grateful heart.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 and was followed by refreshments delightfully presented by Joyce, Janice and Helen.  Thank you ladies, everything was delicious.

Twenty-Eight Guild Members were in attendance.

Respectfully submitted by,
Gracie Hartman, Secretary     
Divine Mercy Women’s Guild November 9, 2015