Wednesday, October 1, 2008
St. John's UCC, Newport
The meeting came to order at 11:00 a.m. Present: Ben Darby, Pam DeFusco, Rudy Gruenke, Steve Heckey, Linda Kemp-Baird, Henry Marksberry, Cynthia Priem, Doug Slagle, Kay Young, and Stuart Blersch.
Opening: Pam began by reading our new mission statement aloud. Kay read a statement about hope, and members shared their individual hopes during the nation's current financial crisis. Pam introduced Ben Darby, a new volunteer at Washington UCC. Stuart introduced Doug Slagle from The Gathering.
Discussion: Pam circulated copies of a letter from SONKA Minister Ruth Brandon, encouraging us to begin a sacred conversation on race.
• Steve suggested bringing in a speaker like columnist Leonard Pitts or Walter Brueggemann to lead an evening RVCC event focusing on race.
• Kay suggested some people from our area who might also participate. She also spoke about her church's involvement in an Islamic-Jewish youth group, which now has 25 participants. She also has a video on the subject prepared by Linda and Mark Johnson [not sure of these names] that we could show in our individual congregations. Linda Johnson [?] could attend and speak.
• We discussed expanding the event to include religion, since religion, particularly Islam, and race overlap. The concensus was to start with an event focusing specifically on race, and if it is successful, going forward with religion.
• We decided that Friday, January 23, would be an ideal date for the event. (The World Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25)
• Assignments: Steve will check the availability of Pitts and Brueggemann. Pam will look into possible grants for funding.
Housekeeping: Cynthia mentioned that the listings of ministers on our website and our email list need updating. Stuart will check with Chris Comte.
Upcoming events:
• Urban Church Workshop: October 3-4 at St. John's UCC in Newport. (Steve has sent out brochures.)
• St. Mark UCC, Latonia, celebrating its centennial October 3-4.
• The Mission Priority Board's Church-a-palooza at 1st UCC, College Hill, October 10-12.
• Washington UCC workday ("Doing Something Beautiful for God"): Saturday, October 18. Keith updated the brochure and sent electronic versions to all RVCC churches for distribution.
• Final Friday art exhibit at the Gathering in Over-the-Rhine, October 31.
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m. (!)
Next meeting: Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m. until noon, at St. John UCC, 520 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Kentucky 41073
Respectfully submitted,
Stuart Blersch, sec'y
