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February 18th, 2008 Team Minutes
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CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY-VOICE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 18,2008
Present: Bette Brunish, Jan Losi, Nancy Kresge, Carol Horvath, Linda Siddons, Philip Siddons, Mary Ann Sheldon, Helen Cyrulik.
Meeting called to order at 7:03pm. Philip opened the meeting with a prayer.
- Old minutes read aloud and accepted.
- Feed back from Feast of Tables: “great”, “wonderful food”, “happy”. 170 people attended last year. 220 reservations this year with actually 200 in attendance. This is a convenient location, but limited parking is an issue, possibly have a parking attendant to direct parking? Time of year may be of concern due to unpredictable weather—change to the fall? Or switch dates with Art Auction?
This event is squeezed in between after Christmas and Lent/Easter too.
Made $925 on basket auction alone; amount made on ticket sales is unknown at this time.
3. General Meeting on Feb. 11th held at Blessed Sacrament Church: Agenda included 3 topics; one being Faith and Democracy Dialogues. This topic was not addressed last year—questioned what is the plan for this year? Unknown at this time. A November 1st public meeting is being planned—those present unable to make commitment at this time—not sure of plan or content of November meeting—therefore unable to make people number commitment, etc—goal is: what to do to get there, but no plan or concensus yet. Vacancy of Vice President position on Exec. Committee remains open—other officers are: President/Chairs: Fr. Paul, Bruce McKay, Treasurer: Dennis Walczyk, Secretary: Shaun Hughes. Philip regarded each church reports on programs they are involved in; as a positive element of the committee meeting; for example Holy Trinity has adopted a school—everyone gets to hear what others are doing. Linda suggests that Sheila from Blessed Sacrament share her educational materials—she seems to have a lot that the committee and other church committees, like ours would benefit from. Nancy will follow up with Sheila and ask her to attend one of our meetings or we go to hers. This will also promote city and surburban churches working together. Next meeting is March 10th at Lady of Loretto on 14th Street in Buffalo at 7pm. All are invited.
4. Thruway Alliance met in Rochester, February 12-13.. Statewide campaign on Health Care, Local Hiring/Benefit Agreements and Youth Jobs & Violence Prevent—these are identified at problems not issues. Need to identify the “issues” in the three “problems”
5. New Name: Social Justice Team: discussion regarding what does it mean to you? Not to be confused with Outreach—Outreach provides a service to the community—feed the poor, clothe the poor; our VOICE Social Justice team is a link to the wider community. We are a participant in VOICE Buffalo. VOICE Buffalo changes the system. Can be political changes.
NEXT STEP: Mission Statement drafted:
Social Justice VOICE Nativity Committee is an active member of VOICE Buffalo, to be a link and extension of our presence in the wider ecumenical life of the community.
We seek to make a positive difference in our society by specifically working to enable:
full employment
full education
equitable pay
greater diversity
greater environmental responsibility
health care for all
and the elimination of poverty and violence.
Have mission statement published in Parish News &/or church bulletin.
Nancy will follow up Sheila regarding their social justice committee.
- This committee is to think of an issue for this group to focus on. Be prepared with some ideas for next meeting.
Closing prayer by Mary Ann
Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
NEXT MEETING: MARCH 17TH AT 7PM. (Note date change again because of conflict with VOICE general meeting).
Respectfully submitted : Helen Cyrulik.
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