We are Christ-centered Friends who equip and encourage all people
to respond to God's love and transforming Spirit.

Minutes of Peace and Social Concerns Meetings

April 6, 2008 April 27, 2008 May 25, 2008 June 29, 2008 July 27, 2008 August 31, 2008 September 28, 2008 October 26, 2008 November 30, 2008 January 11, 2009 February 22, 2009 March 29, 2009 April 26, 2009 May 31, 2009 June 28, 2009

October 31, 2009 February 28, 2010 March 28, 2010 April 25, 2010 May 30, 2010 October 31, 2010 November 28, 2010 February 27, 2011 March 27, 2011 April 24, 2011 September 24, 2011 October 30, 2011 November 27, 2011

Minutes Peace and Social Concerns Committee
January 11, 2009
Present were: Kate Murphey, Tony Swan, Ken Magee, Shari and Bill Burke

We began the meeting with a discussion of the scheduled Peace Supper. Faith had asked us to discuss the fact that she is running into difficulty setting things up. She has realized in the course of trying to organize this that the way we had originally envisioned it will not work. It would be dangerous for people to come and tell their stories. Since we do not want to put anyone at risk, or make things worse when it comes to educating people about this controversial issue, we agreed to rethink how we will proceed. We have postponed the Peace Supper and are deciding how best to structure it when we do have it. Tony mentioned a film called "The Visitor" that deals with immigration. This is a film that Faith, Bill, and Tony have seen. It may be possible to show that and have a discussion about the issues it raises. Bill will look into whether or not this would violate copyright laws.

Ken then talked about a couple he knows who have done community development work in Rwanda - the Thomases. They will be back in the country at some point and he thinks they would be willing to present at a Peace Supper. He will let us know when they will be available so we can set that up.

We decided to proceed with the idea of hosting an informational meeting at which area churches could talk about what kinds of work they are doing. We see it as a way to engage in interfaith and community dialogue as well as giving people the opportunity to get involved in projects that may interest them.

Tony reported on the ongoing food outreach being done by the First United Methodist Church, which is another Fairview neighborhood institution. The next community dinner will be held there on January 20 and he will let people know if they need any helpers. The last dinner, held in December, was a success and a few people from the Friends Church attended, but it looked like there were plenty of volunteers anyway. The Christmas break lunch program went very well. About 150 lunches were distributed over the two-week break. Much food was donated by members of the Friends Church. Since they plan to do it again over spring break, we will put out a call for donations again. They will distribute the lunches from their church in future, however, because the school gym was too cold as the heat had to be turned off over the break. Tony will talk to someone at the Methodist church to see what kind of help, if any, they could use from us.

Kate mentioned the Countdown to End Torture, which is being organized by the National Religious Coalition against Torture. The hope is that President-elect Obama will close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay and sign an executive order banning torture in the first hours of his presidency.

We decided to proceed with the selling of fair trade items, but to vary things seasonally. W will have chocolate for Valentine's Day and perhaps couscous for Passover/Easter.

January food drive is Rice and Beans