Minutes, September 9, 2002
John McGinn, Vice President of the MooCow Bikers, opened the September 2002 meeting at 7:58 PM. This meeting far surpassed last month's record of 75 attendees with over 90 people attending (including numerous families with children). John opened the meeting with a special prayer for Blood & Fire (B&F) ministries, and for our group to continue to grow to support this worthwhile cause.
John gave a final total for the 2002 Ride N Fire Harley Davidson (HD) motorcycle raffle: over $19,600 was donated to B&F. All tickets were sold including $2,000+plus in T-shirt sales for that event. Many thanks go to Randy Adams who spearheaded the entire event, and whose hard work contributed greatly to its success. Additional thanks also go to Chick-fil-A (CFA) for the use of their beautiful building and campus grounds.
Chris gave us a brief update on B&F news regarding the new kitchen funded by CFA. For over eight years they have been cooking on propane burners. They now finally they have a state-of-the-art kitchen where every Sunday a full meal can be cooked and served to those in need. Chris encouraged everyone to remember God's tasking to us: "…give to the poor and those in need, and He will return to you immeasurable rewards."
Dan and Chris encouraged everyone to come to the official B&F Kitchen Dedication on September 19, 2002. There will be music from the MooCow Band, great guest speakers, and plenty of good food. Tours of the facility start at 5:00 PM and run through 7:00 PM. A bike group will meet at the CFA Dwarf House, Fayetteville, and ride downtown to the B&F. The ride leaves at 6:15 PM.
There are several opportunities to ride with other groups or as a group in September and October:
- On September 11, 2002, a group of riders from LaGrange are sponsoring a "honor America" and those who died on 9-11 ride. The ride will start 6:00 PM sharp at the LaGrange CFA.
- On September 14, 2002, the Atlanta area Police Association is sponsoring a "Back-to-School" ride. The ride will leave City Hall and ride to Indian Springs State Park. Your donation will help support inner-city school children with school supplies. The ride's cost includes a T-shirt and lunch and is approximately $25.00. Our group will leave CFA, Fayetteville, at 7:45 AM and ride downtown to meet up with the main group.
- On September 28, 2002, a group plans to ride and eat lunch at Grey Beard's Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. Ride leaves 9:00 AM (be gassed up and ready to go) from the CFA, Fayetteville.
- Our next big event is Bike Octoberfest (Daytona Bike Week) in October. The exact depart date/time has not been established but reservation are set for Wednesday through Saturday night, October 16-20, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Right now only two reserved seats are left. More information will follow by email from the Vice Cow.
- On Monday, October 28th, B&F is having a golf tournament. More information to follow at the October meeting.
- All Harley riders please note the Annual Georgia HOG Rally is October 31 through November 2, 2002.
- Next meeting dates for Calendar Year 2002 are October 14, November 11, and December 9.
The August Minutes are posted on the website.
a. Membership: Jeff Pritchett continues to produce membership cards. You need to be a dues paying member to get this once in a lifetime opportunity for a card and with the signature of our President Dan Cathy! Contact Jeff by email at jspritchett@mindspring.com.
b. Budget/Funds: As stated previously over $19,600 was donated to B&F from the bike raffle. Approximately $850.00 was given at this meeting.
No old agenda items were discussed.
No new agenda items were discussed. More information will follow on the Daytona Bike Week ride in October.
Safety briefs will continue to be given before each scheduled group ride. John encouraged everyone to check out the website for safety information on riding in groups, hand signals, etc. http://www.moocowbikers.org/handsignals.htm
Dan congratulated everyone on the great turn out the last two meetings! He encouraged us to continue through the winter months, even though the riding weather may not be perfect. Dan reminded us that what we doing is not just gathering here for food and a good time, but our works and donations go to help B&F, and that is worth all our efforts.
Dan shared some devotional thoughts with us, now that we are approaching the eve of September 11. He stated that this day has become a "defining moment in history" likened to Pearl Harbor in the 1940's. He reminded us that God is never caught by surprise - His words from the Bible constantly tell us this. Dan read from Romans, chapter 8: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (not even terrorist) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Dan stated that God is still very much in our lives, and we should constantly and consciously encourage each other with this. He expectantly tasked us to pray and encourage the every day heroes who stepped up on 9-11 and gave their time and lives unselfishly. We should use this day as a time of reflection on our nation, and give God thanks for these men and women who serve our country and our communities on a daily basis. Take the opportunity to encourage them and anyone today! Dan asked us, how do you know when someone needs encouragement: if they are breathing.
_____________/signed/_________________
Dan Cathy, President