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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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