United Church Ministries volunteers are honored
By Linda Luck
Published in News on January 14, 2005 1:59 PM
Doris Peterson was named Volunteer of the Year by United Church Ministries.
The announcement was made at the organization's annual banquet on Tuesday night at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to donating 87 hours to United Church Ministries last year, Mrs. Peterson served as chairman of the Walk for Hunger campaign at St. Mark Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, where she is a member.
Under her leadership, St. Mark raised $3,674.67, more than any other church, winning the trophy for the church that raised the most money.
Mrs. Peterson and Bishop Alton Smith accepted the trophy on behalf of the church.
Smith said he is " honored to be a part of United Church Ministries." He emphasized the importance of taking care of the poor, quoting Matthew 26:35 and 36 where Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food ... I was naked and you clothed me."
Smith then recognized Mrs. Peterson and other members of St. Mark for their efforts in the annual Walk for Hunger.
Elaine Lamm, U.C.M. treasurer, said the $24,796.92 raised during the walk made up 37 percent of the 2004 budget. Member churches gave $33,665.47, or 49 percent of the budget. Other income included $1,047.42 from the annual Community Lenten Services, $1,800 in grants, and other sources, such as memorial gifts.
Terry and Angela Johnson, co-chairmen of the 2004 walk, agreed to be in charge of the 2005 walk, which is set for April 3.
Trophies were also presented to Andy Sicard, who jogged the 4-1/2 mile route in 32 1/2 minutes and was the first person to cross the finish line. Sicard was not at the banquet, so his pastor, Steve Gillette, accepted the trophy for him. Trophies were also presented to Jeanne Speight, a member of Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist, and Candie Wiggins, a member of Pineview Baptist. Both completed the walk in 62 minutes and were the first walkers to finish.
Northview Baptist Church received the trophy for the church that raised the most money per member -- $14.77. The pastor, Steve Gillette, and Shirley Flowers accepted the trophy.
Joyce Edwards received the trophy for the individual who raised the most money. A member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, she raised $1,200.
Hugh Tate, vice president of United Church Ministries, recognized the people who donated their time to the ministry in 2004 -- logging a total of 1,483 hours.
Plaques and certificates were presented to Bessie Scott, Margaret Cogdell and Gloria Best.
Certificates went to Nan Montague, Thelma Jean Smith, Arnette Cogdell, Darla Anderson, Doris Peterson, KoKo Durham, Mattie Terrell, Elaine Lamm and Martin Casey.
The center director presented Mrs. Durham with a plaque in appreciation for her service and dedication -- in 2004 and previous years.
Tate encouraged more men to volunteer at the Center and urged the younger men to get involved.
It was reported that vouchers totaling $41,006.42 were written in 2004 and 712 people were helped.
The treasurer's report stated the ministry ended the year with $11,798.90 in checking and $15,975.71 in the money market account, for a total of $27,774.61.
United Church Ministries was organized in 1984 to provide a central office to give temporary assistance to people facing financial crisis.