Omaha Friends Meeting
Meeting for Business
16 September 2007
Present: Curtis, Nancy, Ginny, Debbie, Carol, Frank, Bob, Marshall, and Lynda
Minutes from August 19 were read and approved.
Query: The Query 7 response was read and approved.
Enabling decision-making is an important function of family. Ignoring gender stereotyping and stressing acceptance rather than expectance of things and behaviors from individuals more fully allows the functions of listening and loving. Roles in the family change as young people grow.
Our culture does not encourage us to complain and share. However testimonies are important. When we share, growth can happen. As family members are shown love even though human the decisions to show love to everyone else is encouraged.
Query 6 response will be shared later by Carol. Query 9 response is believed to be with Curtis.
Calendar:
First Day:
September 23 – reading from Listening Spirituality
by Patricia Loring will be
discussed. Call Debbie if you
need a copy of the excerpt.
September 30 - intergenerational Meeting –Sharing
our spiritual paths; potluck breakfast at 9
October 7 - query 10 - Debbie
October 14 - TBA – Quaker study or the culture
of our Meeting
October 21 - Business Meeting
October 28 - Jim & Ginger Kenney, Midwest
Field Representatives for FCNL,
From Faith to Public Policy
Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, refers to Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) as one of the two most effective faith based lobby groups in the country. The other is the Jewish lobby. This workshop will incorporate the insights gained over FCNL’s 64 year history to make your faith-based input into the political process as effective as possible.
Other:
September 22 - potluck, 6:30 at Bob’s & Beth’s
September 23 – Spiritual Diversity Celebration –
Unity Church/3424 N. 90/1:30-
5:45 – talk to Ginny
October 5 – 8 - Youth Quake – FGC – Oakwood
Friends School (see
quakeryouth.org)
October 5 - NADP Annual Dinner
Featuring Sister Helen Prejean; reception is free, dinner $35. Call
402-477.7787 for reservations
October 6 - NFP Annual Peace Conference
October 26-28 - Youth retreat; Backbone State
Park, Iowa/talk to CONTACT _Con-4006B6B71 \c \s \l Debbie Galusha
November ? - Friends of Sabeel/Central NE
Peace Workers – contact Don
Reeves in Central City
Buildings and Grounds:
The «new Meeting house» discussion of September 2nd was reviewed. Two neighborhoods in north Omaha were mentioned as affordable areas: Midtown and Bemis Park. Issues discussed were location, affordability, safety (day and evening), caretaker needs and pets, the energy needed to take care of a building, zoning laws, visibility, space for children, lead, and room to add on at a later time. Several people offered to watch for houses. Corner lots that are on or near main arteries, suitable parking, and proximity to a local university were mentioned as desireable.
Nominating Committee: Michael, Ginny and Lynda as convener.
.
Treasurer’s report:
The treasurer’s report was approved. Donations are needed to cover the cost of the quarterly payment toward the Yearly Meeting apportionment.
Other
Religious Education committee will be asked to consider a text for shared Quaker studies for the adults.
Because Yearly Meeting meets at the end of July/beginning of August, it would be helpful to have our Meeting’s committees established before this. We approved changing our new committees’ approval to the June Meeting for Business. These committees will become effective after that meeting. The fiscal year will continue to be from October 1 to September 30, as stated in the bylaws. The audit will be completed for the October Meeting for Business. Committees approved at the October 2007 Meeting for Business will serve a shortened term, ending in June 2008.