PnJBannerV0208.JPG
Home | Calendar | About Our Community | Site | Contact Us | Reference | Past Features | Proceedings 2007 | 2008 Planning | 2008 Minutes | 8/08-7/09 Minutes | MDG
2008 Regular Meetings


 
 

September 21, 2008
Minutes:
 
The meeting started at 11:45 AM.
Present: Chris Angelo, Wanda Arcos, Patsy Bierley, Katherine Crockett, Mary Harrell, Hal Hurst, Edwin Kempmann, Diane Margrave, Patricia Terry and Dan Wilson.
 
Opening prayer: hymn let by Dan and Margy
 
Congressional  Election:
We plan to have our traditional open forum on the propositions for the coming election. Volunteering were Edwin, Diane, Margy, Hal, Wanda, Laurie, Chris and Charles. Margy will be taking the organizational leadership role. Please email or call Margy with proposition preference and include 2 alternatives.
 
L.A. Episcopal Diocesan Convention
6 December 2008 in Riverside, Ca. Bishop Katharine Schori will be speaking. Richard Parker will give an introduction for the annual Margaret Parker Memorial Lecture Series. Discussed were sign up lists for bus transportation, car pooling, announcements and a post reception at St. Cross. Jean M. will be chairperson for the event. Discussion of specifics and sign up lists will be on hold until after Bishop Bruno's visit on October 25.
 
New Peace and Justice Mission Statement
Revision in progress by Hal, Wanda and Edwin. Hal shared that part of the revision will state " to carry our the Baptismal Covenant to strive for peace and justice"
 
Peace Pole Proposal
Protocol and time line handed out by Edwin to be reviewed by members at home.
 
Invitations to Peace and Justice events
Need for invitations to be handed out by Peace and Justice community members agreed upon. Follow up with Jane A. who originally made suggestion.
 
Bulletin Board
Discussion of importance of having this board for use as communication mechanism. Laura G. and Patricia will take leadership role. We can post our calendar, fliers and Peace and Justice quotes.
 
Peace and Justice Pamphlet
Draft presented by Patricia. Importance of having a pamphlet is to increase awareness of the community. Members given copy of draft for review.
 
Peace and Justice Action
Patricia passed out copies of lists for "Things We Currently Do" and "Things We'd Like to Start" for comments and voting. On the Currently Do list it was agreed to continue to sell Peace T-Shirts, participate in Peace Demonstrations, have fund raisers for crises response, have book studies, have meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.  Patricia suggested the second Sunday be dedicated to programs and the 4th Sunday to ways to carry programs out. The importance of continuing the business meeting the second Tuesday of each month was strongly supported. Priority was also given to Peace Pole prayer, our election programs and an annual retreat to include those outside the Peace & Justice community. On the "Like to Start list" support for a Crisis Response Team was strong with Laurie D. offering to take a leadership role. Involvement in Microlending with possibly Wanda and Ricardo in leading was also supported. The community wanted Earth Day Activities and eco friendly projects to continue. The Peace and Justice website is a must continue and agreed upon by all. Further activities and voting to continue or stop, start or don't start will be further discussed.
 
The closing prayer was led by Margy.
 
Meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM.

September 9, 2008

                  Peace and Justice Community’s Meeting

                          Tuesday, September 9, 2008

 

A meeting was held at the home of Margy Harrell to continue the work begun at the retreat in August and to discuss “What do we want to stop, start, or continue?”  We began with a potluck dinner at 6:30PM.  Margy provided us with delicious “homemade” sandwiches.  While we talked about some P&J topics over our food, at about 7:15PM we moved upstairs to begin the formal business portion. 

 

Those present were Jane Affonso, Patsy Brierly, Laurie Dodson, Edwin Kampmann, Margy Harrell, Hal Hurst, Patricia Terry, Susan Tucker, Dan Wilson, and Pat Wooley. Patsy was our recorder for the evening.

 

(1) Many Thanks to Margy For Four Years of Service as Our Chair

 

The group presented Margy with a gift (a hand size labyrinth) in thanks and recognition of her four years of service as the chair of P&J.  We are so grateful for her gifts, vision, passion and leadership which she will continue to share with P&J in many other ways as we move forward.  Ever gracious, Margy had gifts for Patrica and Dan who agreed to act as co-chairs until the annual P&J leadership reassessment.

 

(2) Revised Mission Statement

 

A committee had been formed at the retreat to recommend changes to the mission statement (Wanda Arcos, Gene Hassan, Hal Hurst, and Edwin Kampmann).  Hal presented the committee’s recommendations and Ed added a few comments.  After thoughtful discussion and consideration, a consensus was reached by those present that our new mission statement is as follows:

 

The Peace and Justice Community of St. Cross Episcopal Church, with God’s help, works to fulfill our baptismal promise to “strive for peace and justice, and respect the dignity of every human being.”

 

Patricia and Dan thanked the committee for their hard work.

 

(3) What Things Do We Currently Do?

 

We came up with the list of the following things we do.  Then we had a discussion about them to see what we wanted to continue doing.  The things we currently do and the comments made about them at the meeting follow.  (The things we clearly want to stop doing are highlighted in red.)

 

            Things We Currently Do

                     Comments

1.  Labyrinth

This is a lot of work and while many of us appreciate the spiritual nourishment it provides, it is not part of our core mission.

2.  Summer Breakfast

No real pros or cons were discussed.

3.  Sell Peace T-Shirts

We liked this project a lot and many in our congregation bought them.  Margy had a new idea for t-shirt, e.g., “Jesus was a Community Organizer”.

4.  Promote Fair Trade by selling chocolates and promoting Fair Trade (1000 Villages, etc.) at the ECW Bazaar

This is something we really like and may want to expand upon.  Some of us will try to go the LA Fair Trade Fair on 9/28.  Jane has lots of other info.  We need to learn more and propose something to the group.

5.  Peace Demonstrations

This is a MUST CONTINUE!

6.  Fundraisers to respond to crises

We believe we are most effective when we are responding to crises locally, nationally and internationally.

7.  CROP Walk

This is core to our mission so we want to continue it.  The walk is on April 25th this year and we need for someone to take the lead to make it happen.

8.  Earth Day Fair, sponsor environmental speakers, and promoting the environment by selling canvas shopping bags, etc.

This is a MUST CONTINUE!  We also discussed the need to coordinate early on with the youth who are natural leaders in the environmental area.

9.  Fifth Sunday Speakers

Given our new 2nd Tuesday format, Earth Day, and other opportunities for speakers on Sundays, we no longer need to set aside the 5th Sunday for speakers.

10.  Book Studies

Everyone wants to continue the book studies.  It is an important way that we spend time together and newcomers sometimes are interested in getting to know our community through our book study.

11.  Having meetings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month

We want to continue the meetings.  But a new format was suggested.  The 2nd Sunday meeting will be an opportunity to work on our programs, projects, and activities.  We may even have speakers.  The 4th Sunday meeting will have a business, reporting, decision-making focus.

12.  Shrove Tuesdays

We started doing this to support Mississippi Ministries.  But we can no longer do it as a group, though we will continue to support it as individuals.

13.  ERD and Heifer Int. Animal Projects

We like this and want it to continue but we do not want to take the lead.  We wondered if the youth would be interested in leading it with our support.

14.  The Peace and Justice Website (Hal)

This is a MUST CONTINUE!  It is our best evangelism and communication tool.

15.  Prayer around the peace pole

This is a MUST CONTINUE!

16.  Corazon Builds

This is really out of reach for us right now.  They have to be scheduled 2-3 years in advance.

17.  We maintain a Peace and Justice Bulletin Board

Kate got this board for us and we would like to make better use of it.

18.  Promoting peace through high school year book Ads

We liked this and want to continue the work that Hal started with this.  We need a proposal for how to proceed, especially since Lawndale will not have a yearbook this year due to budge constraints.

19.  Letter writing campaigns

We want this to continue.

20.  The Margaret Parker Memorial Lecture Series

We are definitely committed to this important project for the foreseeable future.

21.  Annual Retreat

There is strong support from some of us for an annual retreat where we would also set aside time for leadership reassessment, program evaluation, revisioning, etc.

22.  Election Programs

This is a MUST CONTINUE!  It is a valuable resource for our congregation that is truly appreciated and it is consistent with our core mission.

23. Episcopal Peace Fellowship

We are committed to being an Episcopal Peace Chapter, which is relatively inexpensive.  There is some question, however, as to whether we should continue as Peace Partners.  We are currently committed to being a Peace Partner at an annual cost of $300 for a minimum of 3 years with $100 to come from our treasury and the rest from individuals in our group.  It is essentially a way to support the Episcopal Peace Fellowship but except for on-line recourses available to anyone it is not yet proven to be much of a benefit to us.  This Peace Partner issue is unresolved.

 

4.  What New Things Do We Want to Start Doing?

 

Although we did not have time for extended discussion on all of the items, there was support for the following new things we want to start doing.

 

 Things We Would Like to Start Doing

                    Comments

1.  A P&J tri-fold pamphlet

Patricia did a mock pamphlet based upon information from our website as modified by our retreat.  It cannot be finalized until we complete our discernment about what we want to do and who will take on the various leadership roles we need to make things happen.  Once the pamphlet is finalized, it will be a good statement of who we are and it will also be an excellent evangelism tool to inform outsiders as well as new comers to St. Cross about us. 

2.  Use of promotional cards to advertise specific P&J events

Jane showed us how, when we have an important event, cards can be made to hand out to promote the event and also would mention P&J and St. Cross.

3.  Campaign finance reform

This is a project that we had much interest in and need a way to move forward.

4.  Crisis Response Team

THIS IS A MUST START.  There is tremendous energy for making this a major program emphasis for P&J. 

5.  Evangelism (“small ‘e’”) of P&J

We are beginning to see ourselves as “small ‘e’” evangelists.  We need to look for quiet, hopeful, nonintrusive, and healing ways to do this in as part of our ministry of peace and justice.

6.  Posting calendar on bulletin board

We see TREMDOUS potential for new uses of our bulletin board.  It is the best place for the “Peace and Justice Quotes” that we talked about at the retreat.  We can post our calendar there so everyone can see what is going on; where we are meeting; our new, diverse and multi-focused agendas; etc.  Post flyers of events in the area.  Use the pockets for our pamphlet.

7.  Microlending

There is a LOT of interest in getting involved in microlending.  We need a formal proposal for how this can happen.

8.  Solar Cookers

For a LONG TIME now, there has been an interest in solar cookers.  We need a formal proposal for how this can happen.

9.  Create info pamphlet on fair trade

Jane suggested it.  It is a fine idea and may be part of a comprehensive proposal on how we can do more in the area of fair trade.

10. Promote bike riding and other eco-friendly transportation

Hal, Jane and Mike have inspired us.  We would like to find ways to encourage everyone to use bikes, buses, and trains as a regular part of their transportation.  Some of us will need help in figuring this out.  It is not a fundraiser, it is for eco-healing.

11. Promote life style changes that are promote peace and justice

More brainstorming is needed on this but it has great potential to be a core part of our work.

12. Environmental Projects

The more the better!!!

 

5.  Treasurer’s Report

 

Laurie Dodson reported that we currently have $705.51 in our treasury.  Rev. Mike Olsen has donated 50% of his bike ride proceeds to P&J which once received will increase our treasury by at least $300.  Anticipated expenses for the remainder of year include our speaker, Amir Hussain and the Margaret Parker lecture.  We would also like to give a gift to Mike when he is ordained to the priesthood in January.

 

The meeting adjourned at 10PM.

Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 7:47 PM
Subject: Minutes from 2/10/08 Meeting
_______________________________
 
Attending today:  Edwin Kampmann, Jane Affonso, Gene Hassan, Laurie Dodson, Amy Hanrahan, Diane Margrave, Patricia Terry, Hal Hurst, Susan Tucker, Wanda Arcos, and Dan Wilson.
 
The meeting began at 12:00 PM
.
Patricia opened the meeting with prayer.
 
Dan reviewed the minutes of the 2008 Planning Meeting with the members present.  Each items in the minutes of the 2008 Planning Meeting was read and discussed.  To the extent there was a significant amplification or discussion beyond that in the previous minutes, it is set forth below.
 
Habitat for Humanity Build
 
Hal indicated that it might be possible for groups of 2-3 at a time to participate in Habitat builds.  Therefore, while we could participate, we would not be able to do it as a group. Also, those who do participate would need to make more than a one time commitment in order to receive the training.
 
Jane Affanso said that her church joins together with other churches on Habitat builds so that no one group us burdened.  She may be raising it with South Coast Interfaith as a possible project for the entire group.
 
Dan asked why we were not doing the Corazon build this year.  Susan reminded everyone how we shared the expenses last time with St. Augustine.  Jane suggested that we team up with other churches for another Corazon build.
 
Presidential Candidates Forum
 
Interest was expressed in preparing for a September P&J forum for the 2008 Presidential Election.  A suggestion was made to find out the candidates' positions on the Millennium Development Goals.  Jane mentioned that "One Campaign 08" has done some of the work on this.  Patricia volunteered to research this for the group.  Edwin offered to be a "devil's advocate" for "any position" if we want to have a point-counterpoint type discussion of the issues and/or candidates.  Wanda recommended that Charles also be considered.
 
Earth Day
 
Diane suggested that we invite Sea Lab, from Redondo Beach, to come in as our Earth Day congregational offering this year.  They can tell us about their work in rescuing animals, indigenous plants, and other efforts they are making to protect nature and the environment in our area.  Everyone loved the idea.  Diane will get in touch with them right away, check on their availability, and get back to us ASAP.
 
Films
 
Dan and Wanda gave a report on the film and discussion that they attended last Friday at All Saints Pasadena called "Violence, Religion, and the American Soul".  Clips were shown of "Borne Identity" which was followed by an exciting discussion led by Los Angeles Times film critic, Kenneth Turan.  Members of the panel were Rev. Ed Bacon, Boston Globe columnist, author, and former Catholic priest, James Carroll, author/theologians JoAnne Terrell and Rev. Canon Michael Battle.  Turan  made the point that while the movie is violent, its ending is really about redemption, resurrection, and freedom.  But James Carroll called this "cheap grace" because there is no accountability.  Turan ended up agreeing with Carroll on this.  Patricia, who has seen the movie, pointed out that we train people all the time to kill for the good of our country, plus, since Borne was brainwashed into being a "killing machine" his will was over born which makes the need for punishment at best unclear.   
 
James Carroll has written a book called Constantine's Sword which focuses on violence done in the name of God and its connection to such monumental tragedies as The Holocaust.  Rather than do a book study of his book, a suggestion was made to instead consider showing the movie based upon the book which will be coming out in March.  Patricia will be seeing a preview of the movie on March 10th in Washington, D.C. and will inquire into the possibility of our showing it at St. Cross. 
 
Wanda suggested that instead of reading the Desmond Tutu's book, No Future Without Forgiveness, we instead view a 1 hour film that is available of his talk at the Washington Cathedral called, Can We Forgive Our Enemies?  The group thought that was a good idea and she will acquire a copy of the DVD.
 
In sum, the group felt that Borne Identity, and films like it which are cross generational, would stimulate discussion of important issues in our culture.  They would like to do at least three films a year, either as clips or in their entirety, depending upon the film.  Food offerings would be adapted to the length of the film.  For example, Wanda suggested that popcorn rather than a pot luck might be appropriate if we are showing an entire movie.
 
Status of Book Choice
 
Considering the excitement about doing film offerings, the book committee asked for more time to make their recommendation.  They will have a recommendation for the next meeting which is in two weeks. 
 
Meanwhile, Susan showed us a book that they have under consideration called, Subverting Hatred: Challenge of Non-Violence in Religious Traditions",  edited by Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, who is at Loyola Marymount and might be available to address the group.  Susan suggested that any book we do select should be: 1) mission focused; 2) not "preaching to the choir", in other words, one that will help us to grow; 3) ecumenical; and 4) one that leads us to action.
 
Peace Demonstration
 
The first Peace Demonstration will be on Wed. Feb. 27th at 5PM (the last Wed. of the month).  Since this is our first time and we need new signs, those who can are asked to meet at the church at 10AM on Saturday, February 23rd to make signs.  We need to check with the clergy to make sure nothing is going on at the church at that time.
 
Jane suggested that we include an announcement of the Peace Demonstration event with South Coast Interfaith Counsel.  She will contact Laura Geisel for an appropriate wording for the announcement, recognizing the need to remain clear that it is the Peace and Justice Community of St. Cross who is sponsoring this and not the entire congregation.
 
Website
 
Hal explained to the group why we need to get soft ware that will enable us to use a more stable platform for our website.  He asked for anyone who can replace pictures that have been "lost" by our current server to forward then to him.
 
Rule of Life Retreat
 
There was a great deal of discussion and interest in a Rule of Life retreat for the group.  Patricia agreed to send information that she had previously provided to Peace and Justice Leadership about a Rule of Life to the entire group.*  Susan agreed to do the planning for a possible retreat, including checking for possible sites and facilitators, and will come back with a proposal in two weeks.  Patricia agreed to provide assistance to Susan if needed.
 
Patricia closed the meeting with prayer.
 
The meeting concluded at 1:15 PM.
 
*To access materials provided by Patricia follow this link to A Rule of Life

Minutes from February 24, 2008
Thanks to Laura G for taking minutes

Present:
Hal H., Jane A., Chris A., Edwin K, Gene H., Laurie D, Laura G, Jean M, Patricia T., Dan W., Wanda A., Susan T.

Peace Demonstration:
Signs have not been made – a few people went to the church on Saturday but found no activity so left. No publicity has gone out except the church bulletin. The group decided it was best to postpone until March.
Laura will send the wording for the SCIC announcement to Jane so she can get it into the SCIC newsletter.
It was suggested, and decided, that signs be made at the next P and J meeting in order to eliminate the need to schedule another day/time. Jean M will purchase some foam boards and bring them; Laura will bring large markers and wood for handles. Hal will look for the large P and J banner from the March 07 rally, but he believes it is at Margy’s. It was decided that the funds for materials should come from the P and J budget.
Laura will put the announcement of the first demonstration into the bulletin.

Margaret Parker speaker:
Jean M reported that the committee is working on scheduling the first speaker. Once that is done the time and venue will be announced.

Desmond Tutu video:
Hal has only heard from 4 people that they can attend on March 11. He will let Laura know tonight how many more he has heard from – but in any case she will put it into the church bulletin as an invitation to the entire parish and request and RSVP to Hal. If there are over about a dozen people attending we will have to move the event to the church. (Note: according to Wanda the total was 9 as of the end of the meeting)

Bulletin board:
Wanda requested materials be sent to her so Pat W can revamp the board before she leaves for an extended trip. It was suggested that the P and J web site address be put at the top of the board, and that Pat redo it to be similar to the layout of the web site. Jane suggested we add something about the SCIC Bikeathon that will be held over Labor Day weekend. We also need to have announcement of the Peace demonstration.

Book discussion:
Wanda reported that the book selected is ‘Subverting Hatred: The Challenge of Nonviolence in Religious Traditions’, edited by Daniel L. Smith-Christopher.
Speakers were discussed – both before the book discussion begins and afterwards as a wrap-up. Perhaps the kickoff could be on a Sunday. The editor is at Loyola Marymount. No decision was reached. The St. Cross discussions will be on Tuesday evenings after Easter.

Movie nights:
Wanda presented the ideas of either viewing the Bourne Ultimatum or Constantine's Sword, and Patricia suggested Rwanda Rising, a documentary about using Archbishop Tutu’s model of reconciliation, and the possibility of having a panel discussion. She also told us Rev. Kate had requested that our movie night be a means of community building and having it draw from the whole congregation.
After lengthy discussion Patricia summed up what appeared to be our options: 1) once a year P and J movie with the possibility of a panel, 2) once a year P and J book reading/discussion and 3) church wide movie night. We, as the P and J community, determined that sponsoring option 3 was not in keeping with our mission and that we are being asked to take on things when there is no established group to sponsor them. So we will go with options 1 and 2 – with possible events more than once a year.

Web site:
Hal reported that the web site ‘rent’ has been paid for another year with he and Margy contributing funds. The group decided that we should use budgeted funds to pay for this, so they should request reimbursement.*
Earth Day:
From Margy’s note it appears that April 6 is the date when The Redondo Beach Sea Lab can provide a speaker for us – Laura will confirm. The date should be publicized in order to get families and children to attend. The format of the day needs to be determined and publicity generated. Laura will talk to Diane M., who has secured the speaker, to determine format, etc.

Prayers requested
Edwin shared that he will be having a stomach tube removed on March 5 and asked for our prayers.

 

The meeting began at 11:30 and was led by Dan Wilson.

 

Attending: Jane Affonso, Amy Hanrahan, Margy Harrell, Edwin Kampmann, Diane Margrave, Hal Hurst, Mary Malone, Dan Wilson, Mary Margaret Hurst, Patsy Brierly, Wanda Arcos.

 

Book Discussion  Meetings: The meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., in the Guild Room. The first meeting will be Tuesday, April 8. (Go to the information on the book discussion by clicking here) The book we are using is Subverting Hatred: The Challenge of Nonviolence in Religious Traditions, edited by Daniel L. Smith-Christopher. The books are here and are being sold for the cost of $11.50. Four copies are remaining; see Wanda Arcos for your copy. There is a sign-up sheet for discussion leaders. We need two leaders for each of the six meetings; please volunteer. (Please see accompanying schedule and sign-up.) Three of the authors are professors at Loyola Marymount and Wanda has invited them to form a panel for a discussion in our chapel. She is waiting for their replies.

 

Potluck and Viewing of Tutu DVD: The potluck and viewing will be held at Hal and Mary Margaret Hurst’s home, Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30. 14 people have indicated they will come.

 

Adult Literacy: Amy Hanrahan talked about her role as and adult literacy coordinator South-Central Los Angeles. She asked for volunteers for the program. The minimum commitment of time is two hours a week. Amy described the pleasant campus and the security. Anyone interested in volunteering should see Amy. Tell your friends.

 

Earth Day Speaker: Margy Harrell has invited a speaker from Sealab in Redondo Beach to do a presentation to mark Earth Day. Watch the Sunday Bulletin for more details.

 

Earth Hour: Earth Hour is at 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Maarch 29. This is a world-wide event. Individuals, communities, and businesses are being asked to “turn off the lights” for one hour. This simple act is meant to heighten awareness and inspire us to take more action to reduce our “carbon footprints.” We encourage everyone to observe Earth Hour.

 

Publicity: We need publicity this month for the book discussion meetings, The Earth Day speaker, and the blackout hour on March 29. Wanda agreed to ask our publicist, Laura Geisel, to put articles and announcements in the Crossroads, the Bulletin, and the local press.

 

Peace Signs: Materials were brought for making signs for our peace demonstrations. Several people stayed after the meeting was adjourned to work on their signs, while others took the materials home to work on them there.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10.

 
 
 


A meeting took place on short notice on March 30 after church, due to the need to coordinate on the CROP walk, the preparations for the upcoming book study, a report on the Hermosa Beach EPF chapter's demonstrations on 3/26, and to discuss the request from the California Council of Churches for Saint Cross to participate in the display of a banner during the campaign to abolish torture in June.

Kate attended the meeting and took the opportunity to give us a perspective on our growth since we were established several years ago, and to make some remarks concerning her new parish.

Minutes were not taken, nor were there any votes, due to the impromptu nature of the meeting, but for those who have missed the meeting an MP3 is available.
March 30 audio