Minutes, November 10, 2003
John McGinn, Vice Cow, opened this November's special 'Blood N Fire Giving' meeting at 7:10 PM. This month everyone was encouraged to bring items for our chosen ministry in Atlanta. By the end of the meeting the dual axle "black" trailer and a van was full of our members' generous giving! John says "God bless each of you who gave."
This meeting over 70 members were present with many new first-time visitors introduced.
Chris Franklin gave us a short story about one of B&F residents: "Art." Art had come to B&F as a down and out drug addict, and Chris described his journey through the B&F program. Through much encouragement and hard work, and opportunities that our funding makes possible. Art now has a job, and is a blessing those around him. Art is working at a local Waffle House. The Waffle House management has told Chris, that they will take all the potential employees that are like Art that B&F can send! What a great testimony to B&F's ministry.
Chris says if anyone needs a receipt for the donations given tonight or on other occasions send him an email at Chris@bloodnfire.com. He will ensure you get a receipt.
Leon will lead a ride Saturday, November 15, 2003, to benefit the Newnan Utilities Toy Ride. The ride will start at the Peachtree City Chick-fil-A promptly at 10:00 AM. Bring a new toy or money donation.
Other tentative rides include:
- December 6, 2003, the Festival of Trees Parade (an email will follow from John).
- Griffin Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade, December 7, 2003.
If you have any suggested ride "ideas" provide the information to our Ride Captain, Mark Trail, at mtrail@dch.state.ga.us.
The next meeting date for CalendarYear 2003 is December 8, 2003. The 2004 Calendar Year meeting dates are tentatively: January 12, February 9, March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 14 (for the first six months).
The minutes for October 2003 are posted on the website at http://www.moocowbikers.org.
a. Membership: : John McGinn said we have our first honorary, lifetime member…none other than Mr. Truett Cathy! John Pekarske is taking everyone else's membership dues for 2004 right now. Dues are still a low, low $15.00 or you can join for three years for $40.00. Send your dues in as soon as possible, but no later than the January 2004 (January 12, 2004) meeting. Be sure you are included in our new membership photo roster by paying your dues!
b. Budget/Funds: We had a great budget update from last month's meeting, over $3,880.00 dollars was donated to B&F in October. Everyone is reminded that the sale of MooCow Biker clothing, food-cost donations, and other miscellaneous donations all go to benefit our ministry at B&F. Only the membership dues are designated as MooCow Biker funds.
John McGinn stated that elections are scheduled for next month. Nominations are still open and welcome from any member. John will take nominations by email at jcmcginn01@aol.com.
John suggested we have a B&F Christmas "Santa" ride/drive. The purpose would be to collect and donate new toys for girls and boys 10 years and younger to help them celebrate Christmas at B&F. We are looking for someone of appropriate size to play the part of "Santa" and for everyone to participate by donating new toys. B&F will provide us a list of boys and girls to sponsor. John will provide more details on this event and the date by email. If you want to volunteer to be our Santa, call or email John.
Charlie Sorrell gave us an overview of his proposed "turtle and hare" riders groups for the new calendar year. The "hares" of course will be for those who want to ride really fast. The "turtles" will be those folks who don't mind taking two hours to get to Griffin from Fayetteville. Charlie says there will be plenty of fun and competition for everyone to get involved.
Ride Captains are reminded they are responsible for a safety brief before each scheduled group ride. Everyone should check out the website for safety information on riding in groups, hand signals, etc. http://www.moocowbikers.org/handsignals.htm
John McGinn, Vice Cow, closed the meeting and asked everyone to please sign the giant 'thank you' card for the Truett Cathy family.
John thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting and especially for blessing others with our donations of time, money, and items. John gave us a short devotional on faith, and what great examples we have in the Old Testament of men and women that always "gave the greater glory to God" and demonstrated by great acts of faith. He talked about the Bible patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. We can read about each of their lives throughout the Book of Genesis. These are wonderful examples of simple men, who heard God's voice, and stepped out in faith. Each not knowing what God had planned, but knowing that He always had only things for their good ready and waiting. John encouraged us to act in faith and be an example of faith in our on life.
_____________/signed/_________________
Dan Cathy, President