United Church Ministries
By Staff Reports
Published in News on February 24, 2013 1:50 AM
United Church Ministries held its 29th annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet recently at First African Baptist Church.
Secretary-treasurer Elaine Lamm gave the financial report, which showed member churches donating $27,672 and the annual Walk for Hunger raising $14,120. Other receipts brought the total to $53,530.
The Benevolent Fund, which is intended to assist the needy, received $36,000. With other expenses, the balance on hand on Dec. 31, 2012, was $20,986.
The activity report was given by Mary Fail, director of the center. Vouchers were given for rent, electricity, medical, water and heating fuel in the amount of $37,372. Also, the organization distributed 359 bags of food, which helped 538 people. More than 1,200 people benefited from aid from United Church Ministries during 2012.
Awards were presented for the Walk for Hunger, with Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church raising the most money -- $2,483. Northview Baptist Church generated the most money per member -- $28.52.
Joyce Edwards of Madison Avenue Baptist Church raised the most money for an individual -- $1,525. Connor Jones of Stoney Creek was the first to complete the walk as a runner. His time was 30:47. Two walkers tied for first in completing the walk: Megg Kidd and Curtis A. Hinton, both of Stoney Creek, finished in 60 minutes.
Sixteen volunteers received certificates for the number of hours they contributed during the year. The total number of volunteer hours was 1,901. Plaques were given to the top three volunteers at the center: Ann Langston of Harvest Baptist Church with 322 hours, Lois Pearn of Saulston United Methodist Church with 222 hours and Jean Carson of Love Memorial Baptist Church with 165 hours.
Lois Pearn of Saulston UMC was named volunteer of the year. Lou Kearney of Stoney Creek FWB received an award for her dedicated three years as vice chairman of the board of directors. She is retiring from the job.
The officers for 2013 are: Pat Stokes of First African Baptist Church, chairperson; Shirley Flowers of Northview Baptist Church, vice chairperson; and Elaine Lamm of St. Luke United Methodist Church, secretary-treasurer.
Terry Johnson, chairman of the Walk for Hunger, announced that this year's event will be held Sunday, April 7.