Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2010
PRESENT: Joan Carrier, Dolores Broberg, Pam Hermann, Kathy Cotter, Connie Baskett, Deb Theriault, and John McCall.
Deb opened the meeting with a prayer by Mother Theresa.
OLD BUSINESS:
We began the meeting with a recap of the Pride Parade in June. Joan and Deb both attended as well as Mike Kasputes, Carol Scheffler, Steve Ferris, Ed & Jill Saxby, and Elsa, and all marched behind the banner in the parade. As always, we were well received. Deb was interviewed by Channel 6 and was on TV. Joan noted that she heard a parade attendee shout out “tell God that” when he read our banner about God’s inclusive love. We were all glad that we participated and continue to have a presence at this important Pride event.
RCAD - John brought us up-to-date on the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination. John & Andrea and Elsa are all members (Elsa is on the Board). The committee formed (initiated by the Maine Civil Liberties Union) during the campaign for gay marriage and has been funded for another year. Hopefully the group will continue to do their important work if the funding ends.
“A Fish Out of Water” - This well-done film challenges common passages from the Bible used to condemn homosexuality. It was recently shown at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church; unfortunately, none at the meeting today were able to attend. Deb has seen it and shared it with Elsa, and it is the hope of RCAD to show it in areas such as Lewiston/Auburn and York County. Elsa will keep us informed about this.
John's Report - John brought us up to date on the closing of Williston-West UCC. The congregation has joined with the folks at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Portland (who has welcomed gays and lesbians for sometime and been “censured” by their denomination). It seems to be a good fit, and it is hoped that they will continue to grow.
NEW BUSINESS:
Deb mentioned in light of the recent suicides by several young people who were gay or perceived to be gay that we should try to support GLSEN as much as we can. Joan reminded us that GLSEN does have a table at the Mission Mall during the Holly Daze Bazaar, and Deb will contact Laurie Cary to see if they are in the Mission budget. We also need to make sure we support the ONA Coalition, which is the part of the UCC that helps churches on their journey to becoming Open & Affirming.
Diversity Sunday 2011 - Diversity Sunday will fall on January 16th (MLK, Jr. weekend Sunday as usual). John said he has heard there will not be an MLK, Jr. Breakfast that has historically been put on by the NAACP in Portland and instead there may be an invocation held on Sunday evening, January 16th.
We all tossed around ideas for the service. Elsa had just preached on “Coming Out”, and Dolores felt that we all hide behind masks sometimes and perhaps this would be a good topic. It then turned to the idea of each person’s uniqueness being celebrated, the idea that no two of us in the whole world is exactly alike. (like snowflakes! ) Another important theme was “being fully present” when we listen to someone. Pam shared a story of someone with early Alzheimer’s being forgetful and people seemingly bothered by it, but had they known this person’s “story” they would’ve been more compassionate. John suggested perhaps we have a series of vignettes telling people’s stories such as this one.
It was decided we would have a sub-committee meet with John to give this idea more shape and shake out the best parts of it all. Dolores, Pam, and Connie all agreed to be on the sub-committee. Once the minutes are shared with those not present at the meeting, if any of them wants to be on the sub-committee they are welcome to join. Members can email the committee to let us know of their interest. Once the ideas are discussed and whittled down to a workable topic, everyone will get their part to work on for the service in January.
The next meeting will be determined after the sub-committee meets, and Deb will also find out from Shirley when extra choir rehearsals for Christmas are set to begin so we’ll know when the best time for everyone will be.
Deb closed with a reading of some words of Anne Frank.
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Theriault
Showing posts with label Diversity Committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diversity Committee. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Diversity Committee
Meeting Minutes of 11-15-09
Present: Deb Theriault; Connie Baskett, Fran Rowell, Carol Scheffler, Pam Hermann, John Howard, Mike Kasputes, Dolores Broberg, John McCall, Joan Carrier.
Deb opened the meeting with the reading of the childrens’ book God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams and LeUyen Pham..
Deb asked that each of us hold in our prayers Kathy Cotter and her mother who is dealing with health issues.
It was the consensus that our participation in the Pride Parade (June), the Interfaith March for No on 1 campaign (October) and talk by Rev. Marvin Ellison (October) were all positive experiences for participants.
Feelings about and reactions to election results were informally discussed. There was agreement that though saddened by the results, looking back only five years ago, great progress has been made and that its increasingly clear that religious conviction should not have a place in shaping public policy.
Themes for Diversity Sunday (1/17/10) were discussed and it was decided that we should underscore the need for all in the congregation to feel safe in discussing divisive issues openly without fear of discrimination. Moreover, even though we might not achieve consensus, the congregation’s members should still feel loved, revered & valued as parts of the whole body of the church.
John M. read the Epistle for that Sunday: 1 Corinthians12:.1-11 and beyond. They seemed particularly appropriate for our chosen theme. Ways of illustrating this theme were discussed in which various unlike parts come together to make a whole. Visuals such as a heart, the figure of Jesus as in the body of Christ, a circle, the outline of the church, an elephant (as in the old folktale) were mentioned. Mike suggested having the congregation learn two disparate parts of a song which by themselves lack harmony but when sung together, create beautiful music. Deb will ask Shirley Curry for recommendations and also ask about an appropriate anthem.
It was suggested that we end the service by the entire congregation holding hands and singing “Many Gifts, One Spirit”.
Pam, Joan, Deb, Mike & John M. agreed to work as a sub-committee to flesh out these ideas. They will set a meeting date & e-mail any concerns that come up before our nest meeting.
John M. closed with a prayer.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Carol Scheffler
Present: Deb Theriault; Connie Baskett, Fran Rowell, Carol Scheffler, Pam Hermann, John Howard, Mike Kasputes, Dolores Broberg, John McCall, Joan Carrier.
Deb opened the meeting with the reading of the childrens’ book God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams and LeUyen Pham..
Deb asked that each of us hold in our prayers Kathy Cotter and her mother who is dealing with health issues.
It was the consensus that our participation in the Pride Parade (June), the Interfaith March for No on 1 campaign (October) and talk by Rev. Marvin Ellison (October) were all positive experiences for participants.
Feelings about and reactions to election results were informally discussed. There was agreement that though saddened by the results, looking back only five years ago, great progress has been made and that its increasingly clear that religious conviction should not have a place in shaping public policy.
Themes for Diversity Sunday (1/17/10) were discussed and it was decided that we should underscore the need for all in the congregation to feel safe in discussing divisive issues openly without fear of discrimination. Moreover, even though we might not achieve consensus, the congregation’s members should still feel loved, revered & valued as parts of the whole body of the church.
John M. read the Epistle for that Sunday: 1 Corinthians12:.1-11 and beyond. They seemed particularly appropriate for our chosen theme. Ways of illustrating this theme were discussed in which various unlike parts come together to make a whole. Visuals such as a heart, the figure of Jesus as in the body of Christ, a circle, the outline of the church, an elephant (as in the old folktale) were mentioned. Mike suggested having the congregation learn two disparate parts of a song which by themselves lack harmony but when sung together, create beautiful music. Deb will ask Shirley Curry for recommendations and also ask about an appropriate anthem.
It was suggested that we end the service by the entire congregation holding hands and singing “Many Gifts, One Spirit”.
Pam, Joan, Deb, Mike & John M. agreed to work as a sub-committee to flesh out these ideas. They will set a meeting date & e-mail any concerns that come up before our nest meeting.
John M. closed with a prayer.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Carol Scheffler
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Diversity Committee
Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2009
Present: Kathy Cotter, Carol Scheffler, Connie Baskett, and Deb Theriault.
Kathy opened the meeting with a reading from “Prayers for 1,000 Years”, a compilation by Elizabeth Roberts.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved.
OLD BUSINESS
• “TYING THE KNOT”: The plan for today’s meeting was to watch “Tying the Knot”, a documentary about same-sex marriage. Since the DVD was not available for the meeting, Deb volunteered to have a cookout/potluck at her house for the movie and a brief meeting on Sunday, August 23 after church.
• SPHS GSA: After the presentation on Diversity Sunday by Betsy Parsons of GLSEN (Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network), the Diversity Committee asked how we could support them. Betsy told us one of their biggest needs was transportation to the GLSEN meetings. In our effort to help South Portland High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance get their students to the GLSEN meetings, it was decided that we would put an article in the Beacon telling people what we are doing to help (purchasing a gas card), that some folks have already stepped forward to help, and letting others know how they can help if interested.* Deb and Carol will put something together right after the meeting in time for this week’s Beacon. There is a Council meeting on June 18 when formal fundraising for this will be discussed (Carol will be attending). A donation directly to GLSEN in the future was also discussed.
• PRIDE PARADE: The Pride parade will be held at noon on June 20, beginning at Monument Square. Deb has contacted Cyndi Alden, and a check has been sent registering us for the parade. Andrew & Elizabeth Lupien have volunteered to be the 2 traffic coordinators that were requested on the registration form. Those of us who can march with the church banner (Deb will bring banner) will meet in the Mitchell Road parking lot to car pool or meet in-town by noon. Deb will make an announcement on Sunday inviting anyone in the congregation who would like to join us to meet us to carpool or at Monument Square. We will also put an announcement in this week’s Beacon. Deb thought perhaps the Pride festival, which is held in Deering Oaks following the parade, would be a great way to publicize Marvin Ellison’s upcoming discussion on marriage equality at FCC on October 22. Since we don’t have a table at the festival, Deb will contact Equality Maine to see if it would be possible to put “flyers” with the information on their table.**
NEW BUSINESS
• “TYING THE KNOT” showing for the congregation. We have planned to show “Tying the Knot” on September 20 after church. It has been suggested that we show it in the Community Room (Joan will check on availability), which has shades for the windows and is a large room, which will be more comfortable and have more room for chairs. Popcorn and refreshments will be served! Deb will check out the “Tying the Knot” website regarding permission to show the DVD to groups if there is no fee being charged, donations, etc.
• YOUTH INVOLVEMENT: We discussed the involvement of the youth of the church in diversity related topics. It was noted that OWL (“Our Whole Lives”, a UCC program offered regarding sexuality) has been discussed in the past but there has been no interest. Elsa has mentioned that perhaps it could be part of the confirmation process. It was decided that we’d like to have Elsa/Aaron/Steve come and talk to us about Elsa’s suggestions in the past. We’d be happy to help in any way we can.
• HOMECOMING: Homecoming is September 13. Deb volunteered, but it was agreed by all that perhaps there should be a discussion about the need for the Homecoming setup after church as it is now. We discussed the fact that no one stops at our table and never really has. Those of us who have represented other boards and committees noted the same experience. It was felt by all that the only table that attracts people at the presentations after church on Homecoming is the Sunday School sign-ups. We are hoping that perhaps a different model could be looked at for Homecoming in the future.
• PREBLE STREET TEEN CENTER: Carol noted that there are lots of clothes for older kids in the Children’s Closet that could be sent to the Teen Center. Deb will regroup and plan on making an announcement to the congregation in the late summer (when new school clothes are being bought) regarding the donation of teen-sized clothing for the Teen Center. A box will be placed in the Narthex for these donations.
• MARVIN ELLISON AT FCC ON OCTOBER 22: We discussed ways to publicize Marvin’s discussion on Marriage Equality. Deb has spoken with Elsa about making a poster and will follow-up on that. Everyone has volunteered to help with getting the posters up around the community. Kathy will contact local publications like the Sentry, the Forecaster, Cape Courier, Current, as well as SPTV. Deb will contact other area churches, the new Portland Daily Sun, and see if Bill Nemitz might be interested in writing something. It was also suggested that Marvin might like to bring along some of his books in case folks were interested in them.
• UPCOMING CLASSES: Elsa’s upcoming bible study on marriage and John’s on the separation of church and state were mentioned. We all agreed we are very fortunate to have ministers who are so supportive and pro-active around the topic of marriage equality!
In light of this past year’s Diversity Sunday stories of “hidden” diversity in the congregation, it was hoped that perhaps in the future we could make such stories a part of worship on an occasional basis throughout the year.
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 23rd COOKOUT/POTLUCK/MOVIE/MEETING at Deb Theriault’s house after church (just down the hill at 26 O’Neil Street). Bring a dish to share, we’ll have some food, fellowship, a movie, and a brief meeting!
HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Theriault
* after the article for the Beacon was submitted, we were notified that it was edited as it seemed too much like fundraising. We need to be careful and make sure we clear things like this with the Council.
** regarding placing “flyers” regarding Marvin’s presentation on the Equality Maine table at the Pride festival, it was again requested that this be brought to the Council before doing so. Because of the dates, Council meeting June 18 and Pride festival June 20, we’ll have to see if timing allows if the plan is okayed.
Present: Kathy Cotter, Carol Scheffler, Connie Baskett, and Deb Theriault.
Kathy opened the meeting with a reading from “Prayers for 1,000 Years”, a compilation by Elizabeth Roberts.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved.
OLD BUSINESS
• “TYING THE KNOT”: The plan for today’s meeting was to watch “Tying the Knot”, a documentary about same-sex marriage. Since the DVD was not available for the meeting, Deb volunteered to have a cookout/potluck at her house for the movie and a brief meeting on Sunday, August 23 after church.
• SPHS GSA: After the presentation on Diversity Sunday by Betsy Parsons of GLSEN (Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network), the Diversity Committee asked how we could support them. Betsy told us one of their biggest needs was transportation to the GLSEN meetings. In our effort to help South Portland High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance get their students to the GLSEN meetings, it was decided that we would put an article in the Beacon telling people what we are doing to help (purchasing a gas card), that some folks have already stepped forward to help, and letting others know how they can help if interested.* Deb and Carol will put something together right after the meeting in time for this week’s Beacon. There is a Council meeting on June 18 when formal fundraising for this will be discussed (Carol will be attending). A donation directly to GLSEN in the future was also discussed.
• PRIDE PARADE: The Pride parade will be held at noon on June 20, beginning at Monument Square. Deb has contacted Cyndi Alden, and a check has been sent registering us for the parade. Andrew & Elizabeth Lupien have volunteered to be the 2 traffic coordinators that were requested on the registration form. Those of us who can march with the church banner (Deb will bring banner) will meet in the Mitchell Road parking lot to car pool or meet in-town by noon. Deb will make an announcement on Sunday inviting anyone in the congregation who would like to join us to meet us to carpool or at Monument Square. We will also put an announcement in this week’s Beacon. Deb thought perhaps the Pride festival, which is held in Deering Oaks following the parade, would be a great way to publicize Marvin Ellison’s upcoming discussion on marriage equality at FCC on October 22. Since we don’t have a table at the festival, Deb will contact Equality Maine to see if it would be possible to put “flyers” with the information on their table.**
NEW BUSINESS
• “TYING THE KNOT” showing for the congregation. We have planned to show “Tying the Knot” on September 20 after church. It has been suggested that we show it in the Community Room (Joan will check on availability), which has shades for the windows and is a large room, which will be more comfortable and have more room for chairs. Popcorn and refreshments will be served! Deb will check out the “Tying the Knot” website regarding permission to show the DVD to groups if there is no fee being charged, donations, etc.
• YOUTH INVOLVEMENT: We discussed the involvement of the youth of the church in diversity related topics. It was noted that OWL (“Our Whole Lives”, a UCC program offered regarding sexuality) has been discussed in the past but there has been no interest. Elsa has mentioned that perhaps it could be part of the confirmation process. It was decided that we’d like to have Elsa/Aaron/Steve come and talk to us about Elsa’s suggestions in the past. We’d be happy to help in any way we can.
• HOMECOMING: Homecoming is September 13. Deb volunteered, but it was agreed by all that perhaps there should be a discussion about the need for the Homecoming setup after church as it is now. We discussed the fact that no one stops at our table and never really has. Those of us who have represented other boards and committees noted the same experience. It was felt by all that the only table that attracts people at the presentations after church on Homecoming is the Sunday School sign-ups. We are hoping that perhaps a different model could be looked at for Homecoming in the future.
• PREBLE STREET TEEN CENTER: Carol noted that there are lots of clothes for older kids in the Children’s Closet that could be sent to the Teen Center. Deb will regroup and plan on making an announcement to the congregation in the late summer (when new school clothes are being bought) regarding the donation of teen-sized clothing for the Teen Center. A box will be placed in the Narthex for these donations.
• MARVIN ELLISON AT FCC ON OCTOBER 22: We discussed ways to publicize Marvin’s discussion on Marriage Equality. Deb has spoken with Elsa about making a poster and will follow-up on that. Everyone has volunteered to help with getting the posters up around the community. Kathy will contact local publications like the Sentry, the Forecaster, Cape Courier, Current, as well as SPTV. Deb will contact other area churches, the new Portland Daily Sun, and see if Bill Nemitz might be interested in writing something. It was also suggested that Marvin might like to bring along some of his books in case folks were interested in them.
• UPCOMING CLASSES: Elsa’s upcoming bible study on marriage and John’s on the separation of church and state were mentioned. We all agreed we are very fortunate to have ministers who are so supportive and pro-active around the topic of marriage equality!
In light of this past year’s Diversity Sunday stories of “hidden” diversity in the congregation, it was hoped that perhaps in the future we could make such stories a part of worship on an occasional basis throughout the year.
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 23rd COOKOUT/POTLUCK/MOVIE/MEETING at Deb Theriault’s house after church (just down the hill at 26 O’Neil Street). Bring a dish to share, we’ll have some food, fellowship, a movie, and a brief meeting!
HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Theriault
* after the article for the Beacon was submitted, we were notified that it was edited as it seemed too much like fundraising. We need to be careful and make sure we clear things like this with the Council.
** regarding placing “flyers” regarding Marvin’s presentation on the Equality Maine table at the Pride festival, it was again requested that this be brought to the Council before doing so. Because of the dates, Council meeting June 18 and Pride festival June 20, we’ll have to see if timing allows if the plan is okayed.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Diversity Committee
Meeting Minutes of May 3, 2009
Attendance: Joan Carrier, Carol Scheffler, Dolores Broberg, Mike Kasputes, Kathy Cotter, Connie Baskett, Pam Herrmann.
Joan opened the meeting with a prayerful thought.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Joan passed around a thank you note from Betsy Parsons for GLSEN for our $100 contribution.
- We also received a recommendation from the UCC General Synod suggesting we show the movie "Tying the Knot" to our congregation. Kathy will purchase the movie for our church library.
- Women in Harmony: We are waiting for WIH to respond to our invitation regarding use of our church space for next year's year concert (s).
- Clothing for the Preble Street Teen Center: Delores delivered a box for clothing for the Preble Street Teen Center. We are waiting until the Fall to fully organize a plan for teen clothing. The teens are welcome to clothing from the children's closet if teen clothing is available. There will not be a rummage sale until fall so no summer clothing was available from the rummage sale, but winter clothing was deemed to be more needed.
- Funding for SPHS Gay/Straight Alliance transportation to GLSEN events: Sheryl Kiernan, SPHS office manager, will check on the needed funds regarding transportation to GLSEN events. A member of the congregation has agreed to match all contributions (up to $1,000) received from the congregation for transportation to these events. It's very important for young people to get to these events and we need to help. The Diversity Committee Funds are shared with Social Witness and capped at $800 so it is necessary to ask the congregation for assistance.
Delores and Carol are going to work on a proposal for funding and take the proposal to the cabinet for approval. Carol will set up the meeting, and Delores will make the presentation at the next church council meeting. Their request was accepted, and they have been placed on the agenda for the June 18th council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
- The Diversity Committee expressed concern regarding the youth of our church. We want to be sure the youth are involved and informed on GLBT issues and encouraged to participate.
- The suggestion was made for the youth of the church to participate in Diversity Sunday next year. This idea will be presented to Elsa or Steve Ferris to get their input and assistance.
- Everyone was very pleased with the March 15th Forum led by John and Elsa after worship. Everyone freely expressed their views and respectfully listened to the views and feelings of others. In the fall, Elsa will lead a Bible study group, and John will host a discussion on the separation of church and state to help answer some expressed concerns.
- Marvin Ellison: Marvin Ellison will be here to speak with us on October 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Pavilion. The committee will be doing publicity to involve others outside the church as well. Susan Young was also mentioned as another good speaker for future events.
- The Diversity Committee will view the movie "Tying the Knot" and show it to the congregation after worship on either September 20th or September 27th. The committee will view the video on June 9th. Deb Theriault has purchased the video "Anyone and Everyone" and will be donating it to the church for all to use.
- Pride Parade: The Diversity Committee wants to have a presence in the Pride Parade. An open invitation will made welcoming anyone in the congregation to join us. We'll ask Elsa to make the announcement from the pulpit. We voted not to advertise in the Pride Guide. Deb will also write an article for the Beacon.
- A discussion for using hidden diversity stories for worship and after worship was tabled until the next meeting.
- It was brought to our attention that the UCC Coalition shows a list of open and affirming churches. Most churches had internet links, but we did not have direct access. Deb was chosen to be our contact with the UCC and will check into the matter.
- Joan will prepare our annual report from the year's minutes.
- Our next meeting will be June 9th at 11:30 a.m. to view the video "Tying the Knot".
Joan closed the meeting with prayerful thought on Psalm 139.
Respectfully Submitted
Pam Herrmann
Attendance: Joan Carrier, Carol Scheffler, Dolores Broberg, Mike Kasputes, Kathy Cotter, Connie Baskett, Pam Herrmann.
Joan opened the meeting with a prayerful thought.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Joan passed around a thank you note from Betsy Parsons for GLSEN for our $100 contribution.
- We also received a recommendation from the UCC General Synod suggesting we show the movie "Tying the Knot" to our congregation. Kathy will purchase the movie for our church library.
- Women in Harmony: We are waiting for WIH to respond to our invitation regarding use of our church space for next year's year concert (s).
- Clothing for the Preble Street Teen Center: Delores delivered a box for clothing for the Preble Street Teen Center. We are waiting until the Fall to fully organize a plan for teen clothing. The teens are welcome to clothing from the children's closet if teen clothing is available. There will not be a rummage sale until fall so no summer clothing was available from the rummage sale, but winter clothing was deemed to be more needed.
- Funding for SPHS Gay/Straight Alliance transportation to GLSEN events: Sheryl Kiernan, SPHS office manager, will check on the needed funds regarding transportation to GLSEN events. A member of the congregation has agreed to match all contributions (up to $1,000) received from the congregation for transportation to these events. It's very important for young people to get to these events and we need to help. The Diversity Committee Funds are shared with Social Witness and capped at $800 so it is necessary to ask the congregation for assistance.
Delores and Carol are going to work on a proposal for funding and take the proposal to the cabinet for approval. Carol will set up the meeting, and Delores will make the presentation at the next church council meeting. Their request was accepted, and they have been placed on the agenda for the June 18th council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
- The Diversity Committee expressed concern regarding the youth of our church. We want to be sure the youth are involved and informed on GLBT issues and encouraged to participate.
- The suggestion was made for the youth of the church to participate in Diversity Sunday next year. This idea will be presented to Elsa or Steve Ferris to get their input and assistance.
- Everyone was very pleased with the March 15th Forum led by John and Elsa after worship. Everyone freely expressed their views and respectfully listened to the views and feelings of others. In the fall, Elsa will lead a Bible study group, and John will host a discussion on the separation of church and state to help answer some expressed concerns.
- Marvin Ellison: Marvin Ellison will be here to speak with us on October 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Pavilion. The committee will be doing publicity to involve others outside the church as well. Susan Young was also mentioned as another good speaker for future events.
- The Diversity Committee will view the movie "Tying the Knot" and show it to the congregation after worship on either September 20th or September 27th. The committee will view the video on June 9th. Deb Theriault has purchased the video "Anyone and Everyone" and will be donating it to the church for all to use.
- Pride Parade: The Diversity Committee wants to have a presence in the Pride Parade. An open invitation will made welcoming anyone in the congregation to join us. We'll ask Elsa to make the announcement from the pulpit. We voted not to advertise in the Pride Guide. Deb will also write an article for the Beacon.
- A discussion for using hidden diversity stories for worship and after worship was tabled until the next meeting.
- It was brought to our attention that the UCC Coalition shows a list of open and affirming churches. Most churches had internet links, but we did not have direct access. Deb was chosen to be our contact with the UCC and will check into the matter.
- Joan will prepare our annual report from the year's minutes.
- Our next meeting will be June 9th at 11:30 a.m. to view the video "Tying the Knot".
Joan closed the meeting with prayerful thought on Psalm 139.
Respectfully Submitted
Pam Herrmann
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Diversity Committee
MEETING MINUTES of March 1, 2009
PRESENT: Joan Carrier, Carol Scheffler, Dolores Broberg, Mike Kasputes, Kathy Cotter, Elsa Peters, Pam Herrmann, and Deb Theriault
Carol opened the meeting with a prayer.
OLD BUSINESS:
Women In Harmony: Deb reported that WIH had been offered the use of FCC for their next concert, which has already been scheduled, but they are going to send someone from the group to see our new space and consider it for next year’s concert(s).
Clothing for Preble Street Teen Center: Everyone was interested in putting a box out (will check with John McCall re best location, when, amount of time). Carol will check to see the timing of the upcoming food drive so we don’t coincide with that. It was also suggested that we check with the Children’s Closet to see if they have any clothing that is too large for the children they serve that could be sent to the Teen Center. Dolores suggested that perhaps we could coordinate our efforts with the Rummage Sale and go through their clothing either before or after the sale to choose appropriate clothes for the Teen Center (Kathy will speak with Prudy about it).
“Anyone and Everyone”: It was decided to postpone the showing of this until after the Marriage Equality discussions.
Diversity Sunday: Great response from the congregation. We thanked Pam and Mike for sharing their stories (and thanks to Karen Westerberg, too!). Dolores suggested we ask others in the congregation to share their stories, revealing the Church’s “hidden diversity” interspersed throughout the year. The possibility of doing this in small groups after church was also discussed. Elsa mentioned that she and John have been discussing ways to use the “after hour” after church perhaps once a month and this might be something for that time.
NEW BUSINESS:
GLSEN: Betsy Parsons has sent an update regarding FCC’s help with funding transportation for the SPHS Gay-Straight Alliance kids to GLSEN events. There is still work to be done around how this would work, and we will table this until we get more information from Betsy.
March 15 worship service: Elsa talked a little bit about the upcoming discussion she and John will be having with the congregation on March 15 regarding the pending legislation/probable referendum regarding gay marriage in Maine. They will be addressing the issue from both a social justice point of view as well as regarding the separation of church and state. We discussed ways the Diversity Committee can help people understand this issue, and Elsa mentioned the UCC has a DVD available. Deb will try and get more information and possibly the Library Committee or Social Witness Ministries will purchase it for use at an after worship forum. Joan will send Deb a copy of the 150-page document that was distributed by the UCC following their formal discussion on the subject so she can print it out for the members to share. Deb suggested providing the names and addresses of local legislators at the discussion to be held following worship on March 15th so that anyone interested in contacting them regarding this issue could do so easily. She will also try and find a sample letter for this purpose that has been suggested by Equality Maine as well as research similar resources on the UCC Coalition website. We wondered if perhaps there were other resources, DVDs, etc. that the Maine Conference Library might have, and Deb will contact Sue Stevens about this. It was thought perhaps we should show the DVD in the fall, closer to the time of the anticipated referendum, and follow it up with a forum similar to those we’ve had in the past around similar issues with a discussion and time for a Q&A period. We all agreed Marvin Ellison would be a wonderful speaker, and Deb will talk to John and then email Marvin to see if he would be interested/available. Elsa noted that Marvin has a new book out on the topic of gay marriage.
NEXT MEETING: May 3. Since we felt it best to not schedule another meeting until after Easter and not competing with other after-church functions, we will be in touch with each other via email regarding the above issues. We will also discuss Pride Week at the next meeting.
Carol closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Theriault
PRESENT: Joan Carrier, Carol Scheffler, Dolores Broberg, Mike Kasputes, Kathy Cotter, Elsa Peters, Pam Herrmann, and Deb Theriault
Carol opened the meeting with a prayer.
OLD BUSINESS:
Women In Harmony: Deb reported that WIH had been offered the use of FCC for their next concert, which has already been scheduled, but they are going to send someone from the group to see our new space and consider it for next year’s concert(s).
Clothing for Preble Street Teen Center: Everyone was interested in putting a box out (will check with John McCall re best location, when, amount of time). Carol will check to see the timing of the upcoming food drive so we don’t coincide with that. It was also suggested that we check with the Children’s Closet to see if they have any clothing that is too large for the children they serve that could be sent to the Teen Center. Dolores suggested that perhaps we could coordinate our efforts with the Rummage Sale and go through their clothing either before or after the sale to choose appropriate clothes for the Teen Center (Kathy will speak with Prudy about it).
“Anyone and Everyone”: It was decided to postpone the showing of this until after the Marriage Equality discussions.
Diversity Sunday: Great response from the congregation. We thanked Pam and Mike for sharing their stories (and thanks to Karen Westerberg, too!). Dolores suggested we ask others in the congregation to share their stories, revealing the Church’s “hidden diversity” interspersed throughout the year. The possibility of doing this in small groups after church was also discussed. Elsa mentioned that she and John have been discussing ways to use the “after hour” after church perhaps once a month and this might be something for that time.
NEW BUSINESS:
GLSEN: Betsy Parsons has sent an update regarding FCC’s help with funding transportation for the SPHS Gay-Straight Alliance kids to GLSEN events. There is still work to be done around how this would work, and we will table this until we get more information from Betsy.
March 15 worship service: Elsa talked a little bit about the upcoming discussion she and John will be having with the congregation on March 15 regarding the pending legislation/probable referendum regarding gay marriage in Maine. They will be addressing the issue from both a social justice point of view as well as regarding the separation of church and state. We discussed ways the Diversity Committee can help people understand this issue, and Elsa mentioned the UCC has a DVD available. Deb will try and get more information and possibly the Library Committee or Social Witness Ministries will purchase it for use at an after worship forum. Joan will send Deb a copy of the 150-page document that was distributed by the UCC following their formal discussion on the subject so she can print it out for the members to share. Deb suggested providing the names and addresses of local legislators at the discussion to be held following worship on March 15th so that anyone interested in contacting them regarding this issue could do so easily. She will also try and find a sample letter for this purpose that has been suggested by Equality Maine as well as research similar resources on the UCC Coalition website. We wondered if perhaps there were other resources, DVDs, etc. that the Maine Conference Library might have, and Deb will contact Sue Stevens about this. It was thought perhaps we should show the DVD in the fall, closer to the time of the anticipated referendum, and follow it up with a forum similar to those we’ve had in the past around similar issues with a discussion and time for a Q&A period. We all agreed Marvin Ellison would be a wonderful speaker, and Deb will talk to John and then email Marvin to see if he would be interested/available. Elsa noted that Marvin has a new book out on the topic of gay marriage.
NEXT MEETING: May 3. Since we felt it best to not schedule another meeting until after Easter and not competing with other after-church functions, we will be in touch with each other via email regarding the above issues. We will also discuss Pride Week at the next meeting.
Carol closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Deb Theriault
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Diversity Committe
January 4, 2009
Present: Deb Theriault, Mike Kasputes, Karen Westerberg, Kathy Cotter, John McCall, Joan Carrier, Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler
Dolores gave the opening
Minutes of the Meeting of November 16, 2008 were accepted as corrected
OLD BUSINESS:
Women in Harmony
- receipt of ad for 2009 program confirmed
- Deb will check with Leigh Garrett that an invitation to use the Sanctuary for their Spring Concert was issued
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center- Deb received no response to her initial e-mail to Resource Contact to confirm need for clothing drive
- Deb will re-contact
- John agreed that having a box in the Narthex will be OK for a couple of weeks
- Carol will alert MOT that Diversity is heading up the drive
- Dolores has knit goods to add to box
GLSEN
- donation of $100.00 to GLSEN was approved by the committee members on-line in December
- unanimous agreement to listing of First Congregational as a supporter on GLSEN website
- Betsy Parsons will be leading a Forum describing the purpose of GLSEN following the Diversity Sunday service;Joan has provided guidelines to Betsy
“Anyone and Everyone” video
- It was decided to open the showing of the video to the
congregation in a Forum type format following a church service
- John will check for an available date in February or March
Other Old Business:
- John reported that AnnElissa Leveque will be leading a
Forum on signing on February 8th
NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business
DIVERSITY SUNDAY PLANNING:
Scripture chosen: Matthew 12:46-50
Hymns: #’s 7, 36, & 19 in Songs of the Spirit; Shirley will choose Anthem
Bulletin Cover: Joan presented a draft; John suggested “water-marking" tool & Joan will try this; Deb has house graphic that might work for both Bulletin & publicity posters to be put around church; Deb will find & e-mail to Joan & Kathy; Deb will produce 6 8 ½ x 11 posters & bring Tuesday to choir practice
Worship Leaders:
Carol: Life of the Church; Unison Prayer & Lord’s Prayer;
(Dolores will write Unison Prayer)
John: Welcome to Worship
Kathy: Children’s Time (many suggestions for theme
implementation made)
Elsa: Prayers of the People
Dolores: Prayer for Illumination; the Word
Message: Pam Hermann, Mike Kasputes, Karen Westerberg,
John McCall
Joan: Sharing our Tithes; Dedication Prayer
Benediction: Carol, Kathy, Joan & Dolores
Chapel: John, Mike, Karen, & Pam; Carol – Worship Leader
(John will provide outline)
NEXT MEETING: To be scheduled as needed with Agenda to include:
Possible participation in Pride Celebration Volunteering
for Women in Harmony Concert
Dolores gave the closing
Minutes taken by Carol Scheffler
Present: Deb Theriault, Mike Kasputes, Karen Westerberg, Kathy Cotter, John McCall, Joan Carrier, Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler
Dolores gave the opening
Minutes of the Meeting of November 16, 2008 were accepted as corrected
OLD BUSINESS:
Women in Harmony
- receipt of ad for 2009 program confirmed
- Deb will check with Leigh Garrett that an invitation to use the Sanctuary for their Spring Concert was issued
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center- Deb received no response to her initial e-mail to Resource Contact to confirm need for clothing drive
- Deb will re-contact
- John agreed that having a box in the Narthex will be OK for a couple of weeks
- Carol will alert MOT that Diversity is heading up the drive
- Dolores has knit goods to add to box
GLSEN
- donation of $100.00 to GLSEN was approved by the committee members on-line in December
- unanimous agreement to listing of First Congregational as a supporter on GLSEN website
- Betsy Parsons will be leading a Forum describing the purpose of GLSEN following the Diversity Sunday service;Joan has provided guidelines to Betsy
“Anyone and Everyone” video
- It was decided to open the showing of the video to the
congregation in a Forum type format following a church service
- John will check for an available date in February or March
Other Old Business:
- John reported that AnnElissa Leveque will be leading a
Forum on signing on February 8th
NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business
DIVERSITY SUNDAY PLANNING:
Scripture chosen: Matthew 12:46-50
Hymns: #’s 7, 36, & 19 in Songs of the Spirit; Shirley will choose Anthem
Bulletin Cover: Joan presented a draft; John suggested “water-marking" tool & Joan will try this; Deb has house graphic that might work for both Bulletin & publicity posters to be put around church; Deb will find & e-mail to Joan & Kathy; Deb will produce 6 8 ½ x 11 posters & bring Tuesday to choir practice
Worship Leaders:
Carol: Life of the Church; Unison Prayer & Lord’s Prayer;
(Dolores will write Unison Prayer)
John: Welcome to Worship
Kathy: Children’s Time (many suggestions for theme
implementation made)
Elsa: Prayers of the People
Dolores: Prayer for Illumination; the Word
Message: Pam Hermann, Mike Kasputes, Karen Westerberg,
John McCall
Joan: Sharing our Tithes; Dedication Prayer
Benediction: Carol, Kathy, Joan & Dolores
Chapel: John, Mike, Karen, & Pam; Carol – Worship Leader
(John will provide outline)
NEXT MEETING: To be scheduled as needed with Agenda to include:
Possible participation in Pride Celebration Volunteering
for Women in Harmony Concert
Dolores gave the closing
Minutes taken by Carol Scheffler
Diversity Committee
November 16, 2008
Present: Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler, Deb Theriault, Leigh Garrett, Joan Carrier, John McCall
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Old Business:
Women in Harmony ad. Deb will revise the ad for use in both the winter and spring concert programs. Leigh will invite Women in Harmony to use our sanctuary for the spring concert. The deadline for the ad is sometime in January.
October Social Witness Ministries (SWM) potluck. Dolores realized that there is an overlap of membership; the same people on various committees are involved with SWM.
The next potluck is on April 26, 2008.
"For the Bible Tells Me So". The DVD has been placed in the library. It is also available at Blockbusters. Kathy will write an article for the Beacon.
"Anyone and Everyone" is another movie that Deb has purchased. Joan said that it could be reserved at the CE library through the inter-library loan system.
New Business: Budget. We have not spent any funds from the budget in 2008.
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center. 40% of the homeless teens staying in shelters nationwide are LGBT youth. Deb will contact the Teen Center about the possibility of having a clothing drive and will e-mail the committee with the information.
GLSEN request for a donation and an offer to do a presentation. It was decided that we will ask the GLSEN to present a forum after Diversity Sunday.
ONA coalition donation. These funds have been earmarked in the Mission Outreach budget as it has been done in the past.
Diversity Sunday, January 18, 2009. The theme will be who/what is a family? John suggested 4 or 5 brief statements about who/what is a family and 2 or 3 minute vignettes.
• Family – who you love and who loves you.
• John will find a scripture for the day and pass the resources around via e-mail.
• John will brainstorm with Joan and Deb about the service. The committee should e-mail the group with questions and suggestions for the service. Meeting Tuesday December 2 4:30 pm.
• Possibilities for speakers:
1. Dolores will speak to an adoptive adult
2. Single parent
3. Someone who has built a family of unrelated people
4. Foster parent
5. Gay or lesbian parent(s)
Maximum of 3 speakers
Next meeting: January 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Minutes taken by Kathy Cotter
Present: Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler, Deb Theriault, Leigh Garrett, Joan Carrier, John McCall
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Old Business:
Women in Harmony ad. Deb will revise the ad for use in both the winter and spring concert programs. Leigh will invite Women in Harmony to use our sanctuary for the spring concert. The deadline for the ad is sometime in January.
October Social Witness Ministries (SWM) potluck. Dolores realized that there is an overlap of membership; the same people on various committees are involved with SWM.
The next potluck is on April 26, 2008.
"For the Bible Tells Me So". The DVD has been placed in the library. It is also available at Blockbusters. Kathy will write an article for the Beacon.
"Anyone and Everyone" is another movie that Deb has purchased. Joan said that it could be reserved at the CE library through the inter-library loan system.
New Business: Budget. We have not spent any funds from the budget in 2008.
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center. 40% of the homeless teens staying in shelters nationwide are LGBT youth. Deb will contact the Teen Center about the possibility of having a clothing drive and will e-mail the committee with the information.
GLSEN request for a donation and an offer to do a presentation. It was decided that we will ask the GLSEN to present a forum after Diversity Sunday.
ONA coalition donation. These funds have been earmarked in the Mission Outreach budget as it has been done in the past.
Diversity Sunday, January 18, 2009. The theme will be who/what is a family? John suggested 4 or 5 brief statements about who/what is a family and 2 or 3 minute vignettes.
• Family – who you love and who loves you.
• John will find a scripture for the day and pass the resources around via e-mail.
• John will brainstorm with Joan and Deb about the service. The committee should e-mail the group with questions and suggestions for the service. Meeting Tuesday December 2 4:30 pm.
• Possibilities for speakers:
1. Dolores will speak to an adoptive adult
2. Single parent
3. Someone who has built a family of unrelated people
4. Foster parent
5. Gay or lesbian parent(s)
Maximum of 3 speakers
Next meeting: January 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Minutes taken by Kathy Cotter
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