East Central Illinois Home Educator Network

Meeting Minutes

August 7, 2008 at 6:30pm

Broadway Christian Church, Mattoon

 

Attendees:  Myron Barnett, Laura Barnett, Suellen Burns, Kevin Caskey, Winnie Caskey, John Griswald, Lauren Griswald, Mark Harden, Melissa Harden, Wendy Lawson, Christine Martin, Beka Murphy, Frank Perry, Stephanie Perry, Rachel Pitcher, Lyle Prosser, Denise Prosser, Kris Rensner, Kerra Southards, Bill Strode, Shanan Strode, Cindy Taber, Shelley Tobens, Shari Upton, Janelle Willett, and Kelly Zumbahlen.

 

Opening Prayer and devotion – Kris Rensner.

 

Introduction of theme for the year – This year our theme is Keepin’ it Real.  We went around the room and talked about what we are going to do to keep it real this year and “survive” the homeschooling year.

 

Icebreaker game – presented by Rachel Pitcher

 

Discussion of new programs for the year – presented by Christine Martin and Shelley Tobens. 

  • This year, we are going to have an “Early Bird” prize at each meeting.  In order to be entered in the drawing, you must be at the meeting by 6:29 p.m. 
  • We are also having a Forum Question of the Month.  At each meeting, we will ask everyone to write down the answer to this month’s forum question.  Prior to each meeting, you will need to visit our forum and find the forum question.  It will be in the forum thread called “Question of the Month”.  Good luck!  Go to http://www.ecihen.net/forum.htm to get instructions on viewing the forum.
  • Check out the new areas of our website:  the Missions Corner is a place to highlight ministries you are affiliated with or mission trips you or your family members may be taking.  Here you can ask for donations toward your trip or just prayer.  Also, if you or one of your children is planning on taking a mission trip, we’d love to have them speak at one of our meetings.  Just let one of our leaders know and we’ll make arrangements.
  • Tiny Tots is a new ministry for moms with preschoolers.  Beka Murphy is coordinating this ministry.  Check out the page on the website and the Tiny Tots area of the forum to get connected with other moms with Tiny Tots.
  • This year Stephanie Haas is coordinating a meal ministry.  This is a list of moms who would be willing to take a meal to one of our families in need.  Check out this area of the website to either add your name to the list or let us know of someone you know that could use a meal.  This list will be organized geographically so you should only get called to serve when someone in your area is in need. Thanks in advance!
  • Scholastic book orders are due by August 21 and will be delivered at the next meeting.  Go to the Links area of the site for instructions on how to order.
  • We will also have a FREE table at each meeting.  Please feel free to browse (and take) and also bring some things to offer at one of the meetings.  Last night we had lots of great books, tablets, etc.

 

 

Upcoming Events - please check the website at http://www.ecihen.net/events.htm.

 

Next Meeting – September 4

Snacks: Stephanie Perry, Melissa Harden

Round-table discussion about how we find quiet time, how we teach the Bible to our children, and what we do for Scripture memorization/children’s devotions.  Please come ready to share your ideas!