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NOVEMBER 1, 2009
The IUCC Advocates for Peace and Justice convened their monthly meeting at
about 12:15 on Sunday, November 1. This was the first meeting since
September (the meeting the first Sunday of October was cancelled because
of the reception to honor the departing Rob Istad as Music Director. In
attendance at the 11/1 meeting were Cathleen Brannon, Judy Curry, Howard
Emery, Felicity Figueroa, Marilyn Keslerwest, Dean McCleskey, Pat Sauter
and Dave Smith.
1) We began with a brief discussion and review of the Carl Wilken's event
in early October. Four meeting attendees also were present for this
(Pat, Felicity, Howard and me). It was quite successful with over 150
people in attendance from all around Orange County, representing a number
of groups and faith communities. It was a little disappointing that more
IUCCers weren't there. While some of us who went felt that Rev. Wilkens
could have been a bit more organized and/or provided more background and
context on Rwanda, the consensus was that he had a powerful story to tell.
2) The group discussed the idea of focusing on Afghanistan and the
possible escalation of the US intervention there in November. Earlier,
via email, there had been a discussion of trying to screen the new film,
RETHINKING AFGHANISTAN, at the church. It turns out that late last week
(October 29th?) Robinmarie had contact some of us and asked if the
Advocates would like to participate in the educational event on Wednesday,
11/11 by hosting a forum on the Afghan War. We discussed this. There was
a consensus that it would be good to present part of the film, RETHINKING
AFGHANISTAN that night, followed by a panel discussion -- with someone
from the Advocates group representing the anti-war, anti-escalation
position. Felicity seemed like a possibility -- but Dave Smith
volunteered to participate if Felicity was unable to (later I heard via
email that Dean McCleskey had a copy of the movie -- and might have a
friend who is a recent veteran who might be persuaded to participate in
this forum). Since the meeting Robinmarie has been in touch with Dave
Smith, Felicity Figueroa and Keith Boyum (who would be the "middle of the
road" panelist) -- planning for this event is moving ahead.
We also discussed a film about Afghanistan from the perspective of women
in that society. Both Felicity and Judy had seen the movie and
recommended it strongly. Felicity reported that it might be possible to
get the women who made the movie (and lives in southern California) to
come to IUCC to discuss it. We tentatively set Sunday, November 22nd at 7
pm was a target date and time for this (I can now confirm that Michael has
reserved the sanctuary for us that night). Planning is continuing for
this event.
3) Felicity report on two upcoming events: the Amnesty Write-A-Thon will
be happening at the church on Sunday, December 13th (presumably on the
patio after services). She also mentioned that December 1st is World AIDS
Day -- the Advocates decided that we should remind Rev. Paul of this and
urge him to incorporate it into the service the Sunday before or after.
4) Cathleen Brannon reported on the Orange County Family Promise efforts.
Cathleen is our congregation's representative to a group that is working
very hard to get this "off the ground." The M&S Committee has now
approved putting IUCC forward as a supporting congregation (we wouldn't
host a homeless family, but we would provide support for a church that
does). More information on this will be forthcoming as that group
continues its work (many thanks to Cathleen!).
5) Dave Smith reported on the Ministries and Mission Interpreter's
Training Event in Claremont, on Saturday, October 31st. He represented
IUCC at this all-day event, sponsored by Global Ministries, a "common
witness" of the national UCC and DOC denominations. The conference
familiarized participants with Global Missions, how it works, the
resources that are available, the programs, etc. One key effort is to
send delegations of UCC and DOC members on short term "mission trips" to
partner organizations overseas. Global Missions also makes UCC and DOC
missionaries available for congregational visits -- and generally is keen
on promoting global understanding in our local churches. For instance,
they encourage regular "mission moments" about our denominations' global
concerns, promote the UCC One Great Hour of Sharing offering (something we
already do -- quite well! -- at IUCC), and encourage local congregations
to become more active in global outreach efforts. As a newly minted
Ministries and Mission Interpreter, Dave Smith was asked to come up with
some goals. He listed two goals for IUCC: to become a Global Missions
Church and to try to have monthly "global mission moments" in worship by
the end of next year. To become a Global Missions Church we would follow
a program outline in a booklet provided by the denomination (we looked
these over in the meeting). There is also a short DVD explaining the
Global Missions programs which we can show (Howard borrowed the IUCC
copy). Since we are already "booked" this month and anticipate a busy
holiday season, we decided to defer further discussion of this until the
beginning of 2010. But there did seem to be some interest in pursuing the
Global Missions Church designation.
6) Finally, Dave Smith with be in Hong Kong and southern China for almost
two weeks at the beginning of December on a research trip and lecture
tour. Felicity Figueroa graciously agreed to convene the Advocates
meeting to be held on December 5th -- expect an email announcement and
agenda from Felicity the week before that next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
dave smith
chair, iucc advocates for peace and justice
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