THE ANNUAL MEETING

At 6:30 PM on Tuesday May 13, 2008 Executive Director Rev. Dennis Hawkinson welcomed those gathered in the Olson Campus Center dining room on the Luther Theological Seminary campus in St. Paul, Minnesota to celebrate the fifty-sixth anniversary of the Lutheran Braille Evangelism Association ministry. He then called upon Rev. Michael Dobbins of Vasa Lutheran Church to open the evening with devotions. Barb Hawkinson led the singing of the table prayer, "Be Present At Our Table Lord", and all then enjoyed a delicious meal of beverage, roll and butter, salad with dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, cranberries, and pumpkin pie for dessert, all prepared and served by the Luther Seminary Dining Service. The pink Geranium table plants were awarded to the lucky person at each table with a flower sticker on their place mat.

After the meal, Rev. Hawkinson acknowledged Luther Seminary and the Dining Service workers, while the fifty-seven who had enjoyed the meal expressed their thanks with applause. Retiring LBEA board member Matthew Dobbins was acknowledged for six years of service to LBEA. Don Weed and his group were thanked for special music.

Executive Director Hawkinson then led in a special prayer and the Fifty-sixth Anniversary Offering was received (note: this offering was $3,081.40).

Following the offering, all enjoyed the special country music and old time songs of Mowin Weeds.

President Robert Preuss then called the annual business meeting to order. The current members of the LBEA Board of Directors were introduced and thanked with applause. The 12 month financial report was given by Treasurer, Bethany Muinch. The report was approved as read.

The Executive Director's report was presented by Rev. Dennis Hawkinson. Recalling that last Sunday celebrated Pentecost and the birthday of the Christian Church with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who empowered the first disciples to proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ in many languages, he spoke of the LBEA ministry's part in the Pentecost proclamation as the message of Jesus Christ--His death and resurrection--is proclaimed in accessible formats of braille, large print, and audio to the blind and visually impaired. He reminded all that the evening was a time of thanksgiving to celebrate fifty-six years of God's blessing of the LBEA ministry. Also, he noted, that this month marks the twentieth anniversary since he and Barbara were called to head the work of LBEA. So the evening held special significance for them.

Rev. Hawkinson expressed thanks for the continued financial strength that LBEA has enjoyed in recent years from bequests and special grants and gifts. He also challenged contributors to greater use of the Thrivent for Lutherans GivingPlus program in the coming year enabling LBEA to qualify for more matching funds. He acknowledged the Carrie Hoversten and Hedvig Peterson bequests which made this another strong year financially for the ministry. These bequests enabled LBEA to manufacture 500 double BibleCourier talking Bibles this year (i.e. each unit now holds two complete different translations). LBEA distributed 285 talking Bibles during the year.

Rev. Hawkinson reported that last summer LBEA used the IBM $1,000 grant to distribute 17 braille Bibles and New Testaments to blind individuals throughout the United States. During the fall and winter LBEA emphasized Bibles in extra large print through a repeated add in The Metro Lutheran Magazine. Many persons requested these free large print Bibles.

Rev. Hawkinson concluded his report by calling on Barbara to share a sampling of correspondence telling how LBEA Bibles, materials and publications in braille, large print, and audio cassette, have blessed many blind persons during the year with the good news of Jesus Christ.

The four candidates for election to the LBEA Board of Directors were then introduced. There being no additional nominations from the floor, President Preuss called for a vote. An unanimous ballot was cast to elect Jerry Fredrick, Corinne Metcalf, Carol McKitrick, and Barbara Hawkinson to three year terms on the LBEA Board of Directors.

President Preuss then called on Carol McKitrick to make a presentation on behalf of the LBEA board to Dennis and Barbara of gift cards to Buca's restaurant and the St. Paul Chamber orchestra in appreciation for their twenty years of service to Lutheran Braille Evangelism.

There being no more business a motion prevailed to adjourn the 2008 annual meeting. Barbara Hawkinson led and all sang the benediction, "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow."

LBEA officers for 2008-2009 are as follows:
Rev. Robert Preuss, President
Mrs. Carol McKitrick, Vice President
Mr. Herb Svendsen, Secretary
Mrs. Bethany Muinch, Treasurer