February 6th, 2003

Members Present: Chuck MacDonald, Susan Sell, Deb Meyer, Janet Brown, Roger Dick, Steve Boyle, Mark Abeln, George Buchok, Cathy Doyle-Burris, George Wertin, Peter Eichten.

1. Opening Prayer:
   Was led by Mark.
2. Mission Statement: Was read by all. A brief sharing followed.
3. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the Jan. meeting were approved.
4. Liaison Reports:
   1. Deb gave a report on the Youth programs and Confirmation. She felt the program was strong with the leadership provided by Lisa and Amy. Deb gave a brief description of the Confirmation program: there are 55 students participating; there is a series of retreats; the group is divided into small groups that meet in homes; there are 4 meetings with the sponsors; a final retreat in April; recognition of the confirmation group by the entire parish in June.
   2. Mark gave a report on the Nursery Advisory Board. He is impressed with how organized they are. They are looking at creating “Family Ministry” that would bridge the various children and youth programs.
   3. Janet gave a report on religious education. Janet works in the program and knows it well, and the program is going strong. There will be an advocacy training (for children issues) provided by GMCC on Feb. 13 for staff and interested parishioners. Janet invited Council members to that training.
   4. Peter gave a report on the Finance Committee in Ray’s absence. The Finance Committee has recommended that the house that we own on Clinton Ave be sold and the proceeds used to pay off the balance of the loan. There is a concern for Nancy Becker who now lives in the house, and she would be given the first opportunity to buy the house. On a related note Steve asked if the staff could be given the Christmas bonuses they were denied because of budget restraints if the budget now allows it. This is an item that the Finance Committee needs to look at.
5. Pastor’s Report: This is a time of transition as we move from Christmas to Easter. There is preparation going on for the Lenten theme of discipleship in both the liturgies and the Wed. evening prayer services and adult education. The staff retreat was very good, and George thanked those Council members that attended that day. There is a good spirit among the staff and we are all working hard. George and Peter are doing mid-year reviews with the staff. The DC trip was a highlight, and the SJA Housing Ministry continues to go well.
6. Old Business:
   1. Review of Letter to Archbishop: the Council reviewed the letter that is being sent to the Archbishop, it was approved, and Susan will send it out. It will carry the names of all Council members. There was discussion about putting the letter in the bulletin.
   2. Asking Other Parishes: Susan and Deb have made some calls asking other parishes to send similar letters to the Archbishop. It has been difficult getting to the Council chairs. Susan suggested that going through a social justice staff person probably works the best. Each Council member agreed to make one call to another parish. There are 4 articles that serve as resources for the issue. Those will be e-mailed to Council members.
   3. Reminder of Goals: Susan reminded the Council that goal sheets are due to Peter by Feb. 15. The sub-committee of Susan, Steve, George, and Janet will meet shortly after the 15th.
7. New Business:
   1. How Inclusive is SJA?: Chuck led this discussion. He had emailed a paper that laid out some of the issues he is hearing about from parishioners. The issues were: monopoly on truth, do we really welcome diverse ideas? Principles of Pacifism, are we really non-violent in the way we speak? How do we convert or change minds, are we single-minded in being a Peace-Church? Do we ever ask forgiveness? These issues and questions precipitated a great deal of discussion. One of the questions raised was how do we allow parishioners the opportunity to respond to positions taken by various speakers? The suggestion was made to re-package the Spirit Café specifically to discuss the homily. The Council felt that it was important to provide people with the opportunity to speak and for us to listen. The Council agreed that tolerance to those who disagree with us is very important. It was suggested we include those serving in the military and their families in the prayers at Sunday liturgies. Also, we could pray for our President and other US leaders at the Sunday liturgies. There was a request that PC members be notified when a homily by a staff member may be perceived as having input and agreement from the PC. This topic needs to continue to be discussed at the next meeting.
   2. Meeting With Joel Barker: The Council was reminded of the meeting with Joel Barker on March 2. It will begin at 12:30 with a light lunch, and we will then meet from 1:00 - 3:00.
8. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Eichten