Where Do We Go From Here... Sunday, October 20th, 2002

Team Oz met on October 20th in what became an intimate and inspired meeting. With Pallotta Team Works no longer in the picture, a strategy needed to be developed by the Twin Cities Beneficiaries, including Grace House, so that funds could still be raised to sustain their existence. Jim Maurer spoke about the organization, presently going on, to institute a new ride. This ride is envisioned to be less elaborate, with the benefit being a higher percentage of funds raised going to the beneficiaries.

Aside from the bike ride next year, we addressed fund raising for the AIDS efforts in South Africa. Another group of folks will be going there this coming February. We watched a 27 minute video, made by the Pope brothers. It was quite moving. The contrast in the lives of Christians there and here can best be described as gut wrenching. It was suggested that perhaps Team Oz become a Small Christian Community. We aren't all that small, but we certainly are community. The energy tonight was invigorating. We can do whatever our hearts set out to do. This group is determined. One had the feeling that AIDS and poverty would be overcome. Small steps, small efforts, many people committed, ultimate success.

Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 25 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.

If indeed we decide to become a Small Christian Community, we more than likely will meet regularly. We will include the larger community of St. Joan of Arc in our communiqués as to our actions. Since it is imperative that inclusivity benefits the cause of AIDS's irradication, we need to bring all we have collectively to the table.