From HELEN:

Thanks Mike for clarification on some important questions.
I have some concerns and comments. I will try to incorporate them in italics iwithin each of your points.
Helen

In a message dated 4/13/2009 5:56:14 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, MikeD@joyonline.org writes:
Over a week ago Helen posed some questions. I delayed answering them
until we had our meeting with the elders. There will be another meeting
this Tuesday night the 21st. These are ongoing issues that will require
flexibility and creativity as our resources and situation changes.

Sunday Morning Class Space
Helen-- One of the solutions is to channel many of the teenagers into Zak's class at 9:00 and then they could worship at 10:33. Is Zak prepared to welcome 20 Nepal teenagers in his class? Perhaps Purna and Uma could describe the perceived barriers and that would help everyone including our need for space. It is important for them to be integrated into the youth group. This could have a significant impact on some of our space concerns.
We are still considering options. The Worship Center is open to us
second hour. There are more rooms available first hour than second
hour. This is complex. It may change weekly. As of today, we meet in
the same class Sunday.

Transportation
Helen--- Please talk again to the Woodbridge families again. Elvern did both pick up and return. They are very concerned/confused about the information that they received from you and Tika. They told Elvern that they could not attend Sunday services or the picnic at noon due to the fact they will need to take the bus. Perhaps one more visit. It was news to Elvern on Sunday so he could assist in the explanation.
We are doing great with personal vehicles but we need a better solution.
For most of our friends, it seems like a good solution is city buses. I
have tested the idea with a couple of them and received a positive
response. At first I was very hesitant, but I think it can work well.

Initially, we will have one person at each apartment complex. Those who
want to come to church will meet at a designated bus stop. The person
from Trinity will hand out one-day bus passes. If possible, we will
also have someone at the transfer point. If there are long layovers we
can offer water. This actually can greatly expand our capacity while
keeping it personal. The added benefit is bus training! We may still
car pool the return trip. They will have the added benefit to use the
bus passes the rest of the day.

This will take a couple of weeks to roll out. George Mann is working on
bus passes.

Snacks
Helen---Your recommendations are excellent. As you may recall I sent out the message yesterday regarding the family who provides the Starbucks snacks. They are currently very happy to continue bringing the day- old snacks. So we currently have sweet cakes and goodies covered.
Anne Graybeal has snacks lined up for us for the next month. The ideal
would be if Kamala and some of the women could take on the set up. If
they consider it their class, they would naturally take on the hostess
role. If we are the host, it will likely be more difficult for them to
be hostess. We gain a lot if they consider it their class.

Funds

Helen-- I will send a separate email about the picnic. I really need each of the committee members to assist by purchasing the items on the list I sent earlier. I have spent about $50 on chicken and still need to but some other items. I intend to submit the receipts and I hope others will as well.
Please continue to turn in receipts to the office. We don't want our
volunteers to bear too heavy of a burden.

We are transitioning from a class project to a church ministry. It is
an exciting time but full of challenges. Keep praying for our Nepali
friends and our continued effort to be Jesus in their lives.

Mike Darus
623-362-3255
good points....I'll add only a few...

From CARLA:

I tried to funnel the teen boys...they wouldn't go to the class. said they didn't like it. Doesn't mean it couldn't happen, it just didn't happen that day. Since their culture is not strongly parent centered authority, I don't expect any help from the parents with the kids. Same with the children...Sumitra, Keena, etc. That adds 5-7 to our space issue. Yes, I think the ladies should start hostessing and would enjoy it just like Tika likes being a part.

I can purchase and cool sodas but will need them transported in someone's vehicle so I have room for carseat storage in mine when I"m running adults. Mike or Emery can we use your truck? I have coolers.

I'll go to Fry's for ice cream.

A request was made for music and dancing. Any concerns/objections? Many of the songs I've heard are love songs, not Vishnu songs.