Minutes of Tres Dias
30th International Assembly
CLEVELAND, OH
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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Welcome & Invocation
Pam Belknap introduced Rev. Tom Madden, Pastor of host church, Bay Presbyterian Church, and a Pescadore of the Cleveland Tres Dias Community, who welcomed everyone to the Tres Dias International Assembly and gave a prayer of invocation prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Bob Drusenvahl from the local Koinonia community was welcomed to participate in the Assembly meeting.
Pam Belknap headed the General Planning Committee for this gathering.
Keynote Address
Pam Belknap introduced Rev. Dr. Christopher Taylor who provided an inspiring, challenging and affirming keynote address titled on Ministry of Reconciliation as Ambassadors of Christ.
Procession of the Banners
Bernie Melster, President of Cleveland Tres Dias, greeted the Assembly on behalf of the Cleveland community and signaled the beginning of the Procession of Banners.
Banners from each of the member communities of Tres Dias that were on display throughout the church facility yesterday, and were presented during today’s procession encircling the Assembly Hall. Delegates and Observers from each of the communities in attendance carried the banner representing the Pescadores of their communities. The grand procession brings to mind the thousands and thousands of men and women worldwide who have been touched by God during their Tres Dias experience.
Pam Belknap informed the Assembly that the Cleveland Community has been praying for each community represented by the banners.
1st Business Session of the 30th INT’L Assembly (JIM bAILEY)
Call to Order
The 30th Annual Assembly of Tres Dias International was convened by Jim Bailey, Vice President of Administration, and a member of the North Florida Tres Dias Community, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The meeting was held in Cleveland, OH. The Chairman, Jim Bailey, presided. He began by asking John McKinney, the first President of the national organization of Tres Dias to talk about our Roots; and he asked Paul Weis, the current President of what is now the international organization, to speak about the Branches of Tres Dias. The two talks represent our historical story and our present day story. Paul then spoke about the growth of Tres Dias International, and talked about some of the many opportunities to serve.
Recognition of Communities in Attendance
Richard Thornhill, VP Membership, then called the roll so that those present from all communities represented could be recognized.
The Two Governing Bodies of Tres Dias
Jim Bailey then called attention to the functions of the two governing bodies of Tres Dias: the International Secretariat and the Assembly of Delegates (meeting annually in July) as printed in the packets. The gathering of Delegates and Observers at the Annual Assembly provides an opportunity, not only to do the business of Tres Dias, but also to provide motivation, information and ways to learn, to share and to experience God’s grace through camaraderie and worship. He encouraged each person to fully participate in every aspect of the Assembly. He reviewed the responsibilities of the Assembly, including those that are carried out by proxy vote.
Introduction of Appointed Parliamentarian
Jim Bailey announced Bill Boyd was appointed as the Parliamentarian. Bill briefly explained the meeting protocol as directed by the Roberts Rules of Order, newly revised 10th edition, October 2000.
Introduction of Appointed Officers of the Assembly
The following officers were appointed to serve the 30th International Assembly: Deane Elek, Recording Secretary; Lisa Pringle, Financial Secretary; Lisa Corwin, Treasurer; and Todd and Aimee Herrick, Registrars.
Presentation and Approval of “Standing Rules of the 30th Assembly”
The Standing Rules of the Assembly were presented. John Green made a motion to approve the Standing Rules. Merv LeMasurier seconded the motion. The Motion carried.
Presentation and Approval of Agenda
The agenda was presented. Sue Loveland made a motion to approve the agenda. Eric Borman seconded the motion. The Motion carried.
Call for motions for New Business to be Presented to the Assembly
Motions for New Business may be made in writing by a Delegate and presented to the Assembly Chairperson by 1:00 PM for consideration of discussion under New Business.
Last Call for Proxy Ballots (Elections, Budget and Assessment
The Chairman, Jim Bailey, made a last call for Proxy Ballots (on Elections, Budget & Assessment, and approval of issues that affect the By-laws). No communities noted their Proxy Votes were not submitted.
Cindy Mentz, Chair of the Elections sub-committee, and Valerie Mehl were ordered to tally the votes.
Attendance Report Presented
Registrars, Todd and Aimee Herrick, presented the attendance report and verified a quorum. There were 143 total attendees: 93 Observers; 50 Delegates; with a total of 52 Delegate votes represented.
Jim then introduced Paul Weis, the current President of the International Secretariat of Tres Dias, and John McKinney, Secretariat Executive of Tres Dias.
A motion was made by Julie Bohl, and seconded by Richard Thornhill, to officially change John McKinney’s title to Executive Director. The motion passed with two opposing votes.
Annual Report Presented
Paul presented the highlights of the Annual Report of the work of the Secretariat over the course of fiscal year 2008-2009. Paul noted this is the 30th governing body and all previous locations are listed in the back of the report. He noted the International governing body is to support the local bodies, and he called upon the local communities to increase communication to International. He noted Pam Belknap’s suggestion for holding the various communities up in prayer. He also encouraged the committees to apply the methods of piety, study and action.
Voting Results
Valerie Mehl and Cindy Mentz were thanked by Paul Weis for their good work in counting ballots.
From the Election sub-committee Valerie Mehl explained the voting process and procedures. Cindy Mentz, Chair, gave the Proxy results. She reported there were a total of 189 proxy votes received.
ISSUES SENT TO PROXY VOTE:
1. Passed: Change in By-laws #1.5 on Computation of representation of the Local Secretariats to the assembly
2. Passed: Change in the Constitution (3.0,3.1,3.2) and By-Laws (1.3) to clarify that Tres Dias, Inc, and each local Tres Dias community is a separate entity
3. Passed: Approve Budget for FY 2009-2010 at $22,000
4. Passed: Per Unit Assessment for FY 2009-2010 at $56/Unit
5. Passed: Change in Tres Dias By-Laws 3.2 to assure that the policies of the local communities are uniform and are consistent with the policies of Tres Dias, Inc.
Officers elected:
Administrative VP Pamela Belknap Cleveland TD
Secretary Marcy Myers Mid Carolinas TD
Treasurer Jeff Mentz Mid Hudson TD
Members elected (12)
Brenda Aldridge Mid Carolinas TD
Eric Borman RIMA TD
Carolyn Davis Southeast Tennessee TD
Steven Ferrell Chattahoochee Valley TD
Ned Heffington Birmingham TD
Denver Henderson Music City TD (one year term)
Charles Ligon Trinity Valley TD
Steven Meyer North Georgia TD
Rosann Miloscia Mid Hudson TD (one year term)
Tom Morrison Music City TD
Jeanne Norwood New Hampshire TD
Lauren Thunew Fairfield County TD
Harold Thurman offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the voting process and for the new electees.
Jim Bailey introduced each of the current Secretariat Officers and 5 Committee Chairs and our TD Secretariat Executive as follows:
Executive VP –Julie Bohl of Fairfield County TD, Executive Committee Chair
Secretary – Judith Herren of Coastal Georgia TD (filling in by Marcy Meyers)
Treasurer – Don VanLandingham of Georgia Mountains TD
Financial Secretary – Sue Loveland of Mid-Hudson TD
VP Administration –Jim Bailey of North Florida TD, Chairman of Administration Committee and Chairman of International Assembly
VP Membership –Richard Thornhill of Trinity Valley TD, Chairman of Membership Committee,
Chairman Policy Committee –Dave Routzon, North Texas TD.
Chairman, Services Committee – Paul Markowitz of North Jersey TD,
Other Discussions
The new Tres Dias Team Guide CD and the new Pilgrim’s Guides were presented by Ben Seal. Approximately 2000 copies of the old blue Pilgrim’s Guides will remain available until they run out. Bill Boyd noted that there were three errors in the printed manual that were corrected on the Team Guide CD, and they will be corrected in the next printing of the hard copy of the manual.
Paul Markowitz, the outgoing Service Chair, thanked those who participated on the Services Committee, and he thanked the Lord Jesus for equipping him for chairing the committee.
Don VanLandingham, outgoing Treasurer, expressed his thanks to all those who served and assisted him in accomplishing his job.
Mike Holmes gave kudos to Don Bohl for his great work on the Newsletter.
Richard Thornhill suggested future Chairmanships should be three years long because of the learning curve required. Julie Bohl responded that the Executive Committee has tabled that discussion until October because it requires a change to the By-laws.
Break/Workshops/Lunch
At 11:00 a.m., the Chairman, Jim Bailey, announced a recess in the Business Session for instructions, a short break, the first Workshops of the Assembly, and lunch.
2ND Business Session of the 30th INT’L Assembly (jIM BAILEY)
Meeting Reconvenes
At 1:45 p.m. Chairman, Jim Bailey, called the Second Session of the 30th Tres Dias International Assembly to order in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Sandy Seaton-Todd gave the opening prayer to convene the Second Session.
Prayer requests were heard from the members of the Assembly, and Sandy Seaton-Todd then lead the Assembly in praying for the reported needs of individuals, relationships, and Tres Dias Communities.
Acknowledgement of Past Presidents and the Secretariat Executive
The Chairman, Jim Bailey, acknowledged the past presidents of Tres Dias International who were in attendance. He announced them by name, community and number of terms served.
John McKinney, 1st President, Mid-Hudson, 1 term; Mid Hudson is where Tres Dias started. Since 1993 John has served as Secretariat Executive, a staff position.
Bill Boyd, Mid-Carolinas, 2 terms
Bob Decker was also recognized for his long service and as one of the founders of Tres Dias.
New Business
There were no item(s) of New Business received by the Chair by the 1:00 PM deadline. Therefore no new business was discussed or conducted.
Stories of God’s Grace from Tres Dias Around the World
Anyone with news of communities from around the world were invited to speak briefly to witness how God’s grace was manifest in their lives or in the lives of people in their communities as a result of attending Tres Dias. The inspiring stories touched us all and reminded us of our commitment to piety, study and action to serve the Lord.
· Peru announced it is being chartered, and they are planning their 6th weekend for this winter (summer in the southern hemisphere). An open invitation was made to any Pescadores who feel called to serve on their team.
· Tres Dias is having their 7th Weekend in September, and is applying for charter this weekend. They are excited to see what God is doing in restoring people in their relationships and reconnecting with the Savior.
· Canada finished a Men’s weekend with 16 candidates, and a Women’s weekend with 22 candidates. The Men’s Team was mostly composed of men from the US, and the Women’s Team was comprised mostly of Canadian women. The weekends were held at a campground on a lake near Ottawa.
· Wilson Burton announced he just returned as one of four Americans in attendance at the Assembly out of a total of 19 Americans and 126 Ukrainians that served 154 youth leaders from six nations.
· Cuba held a weekend in February, is in process of setting up Secretariat, and will hold their next Weekend in January, 2010.
· Paul Weis reported receiving an email about a new Tres Dias community getting started in Denmark. That startup is being helped by a German Tres Dias community.
Thank you to the Pescadores of Cleveland TD.
Jim Bailey called on Pam Belknap of Cleveland Tres Dias to accept the thanks of the Assembly on behalf of the entire community of Cleveland TD for their good work and excellent service. Everything was wonderful and done with a gracious spirit of service. On behalf of the International Assembly, Jim thanked Pam for leading and inspiring the team that hosted the Assembly. (The Cleveland team is to be recognized by the Assembly at the evening meal.)
Julie Bohl announced according to TD rules, Southeast Texas Tres Dias is eligible to host an Assembly even though they have not yet had a regular Secretariat meeting.
A motion was made by Bill Byrd that the 2010 Assembly be held in Houston by the Southeast Texas Community. Laurie Claudio seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Fall Secretariat will be hosted by New Hampshire Tres Dias in Newington, NH on October 16-18, 2009. Jeannie Norwood gave some information about the location and announced the registration is on the website.
The Spring meeting, March 12-14, 2010 will be held in Rockford, IL and hosted by the Abundant Life/Northern Illinois Tres Dias. Paul Weis gave information about the location.
The Fall Secretariat will be hosted in West Warick, RI on October 22-24, 2010 by RIMA Tres Dias (Rhode Island / Massachusetts)
Pending approval by the local Secretariat, the Spring 2011 Secretariat will be sponsored by Central Georgia in Warner Robbins, GA on March 11-13, 2011.
The Annual Assembly and Secretariat will be sponsored by Mid-Carolinas, in Belmont, NC on July 8-10, 2011.
The Long Island Secretariat will consider hosting the Fall Secretariat to be held on October 21-23, 2011.
The TD Korean Region Committee invited the Assembly to hold the Annual Assembly and Secretariat in Seoul in July, 2012.
There being no objection to a change in the agenda, it was decided to move the Installation and Consecration Ceremony to this point in the Agenda.
Installation and Consecration of International Tres Dias Secretariat Officers and Members
The current officers, along with the new officers and members of Secretariat were called forward for the Installation and Consecration Ceremony. The Ceremony was conducted beginning at 2:25 PM.
The Rev. Sandy Seaton-Todd officiated at the installation and consecration of the new Officers and members of Tres Dias International Secretariat.
Communion Celebrated by the Assembly
There being no objection it was decided to amend the agenda and move Communion to this point in the meeting.
Communion was celebrated by the Assembly as conducted by Rev. Sandy Seaton-Todd, Rev. Hal Vink and Rev. A. Charles Allen.
Break/ Workshops
The Assembly was recessed for one hour for the second set of workshops.
Meeting Reconvenes
At 4:35 PM Chairman, Jim Bailey, reconvened the Second Session of the 30th Tres Dias International Assembly in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
International Secretariat of Tres Dias Meetings
The meeting continued with the Reading and Approval of International Assembly Minutes by appointed Recording Secretary, Deane Elek.
John McKinney suggested we add the actual wording from the Proxy Ballots to the Minutes.
Richard Thornhill made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Harold Thurman seconded the motion. Motion carried and the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.
Jim Bailey provided materials and asked attendees to submit corrections to Pam Belknap.
The first International Secretariat meeting of this fiscal year will begin tomorrow (July 12, 2009) morning at 8 AM in Room 118 of the Holiday Inn in Westlake, Ohio. All were invited to attend and to participate on the standing committees of the Secretariat.
The fall meeting is scheduled for October 16-18, 2009 and will be hosted by New Hampshire TD in Wilmington, NH..
The spring meeting of the International Secretariat will be held March 12-14, 2010 hosted by Abundant Life/Northern Illinois TD in Rockford, Illinois.
Pending approval by the Southeast Texas Community, The 31th Annual Tres Dias International Assembly and Secretariat meeting will be July 9-11, 2010, and held in Houston, TX.
Jim Bailey announced John McKinney’s presentation will be given in October, 2009.
The Banner was passed to the temporary custody of Southeast Texas Tres Dias.
Adjournment of 30th Annual Assembly of Tres Dias International
A motion was made by Sue Loveland to close the 30th Annual Assembly of Tres Dias. Rosie Miloscia seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Respectfully submitted,
Deane Elek, Recording Secretary
30th Annual International Tres Dias Assembly