CCC FORUMS

wldwdpc · Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 12

Peace & Justice Meeting
Wed. 6:30 p.m. 16 May. 2007
Minutes
1. Conversation on faith, values, and poverty
On Mon. 4 June 2007, Sojourners is sponsoring a discussion of faith, values, and poverty with three democratic presidential candidates which will be broadcast on CNN. Sojourners has suggested organizing parties to watch this event. We decided that it was short notice to organize such an event, but if we were make aware of one which had been organized, we would publicize it.
1. Courtwatch Program: Fred Spannaus
Fred is part of an organization which is preparing to observe trials involving domestic violence and sexual assault. They will be looking for volunteers who would then be trained to monitor the apparent attitudes of the attorneys and judges involved in these legal proceedings. Two or three volunteers would be present in these proceedings and take note of the respect victims were shown. The intent is to make sure that all people are treated with the respect they deserve. Fred noted that he was very pleasantly surprised at how well the Macon County States Attorney and law enforcement officials have done in recent years. It is the intent of this group to ensure that the court system is fair to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. If you know of someone who would make a good volunteer, please forward their names to Fred Spannaus.
2. Challenges of education funding: Jo Carter and Susie Simcox et. al.
We continued plans for another Education forum – this one focused on education financial reform. Some names considered for the forum or for suggestions for people to include in the forum were former rep. John Dunn, Wayne Honeycutt, and Alita Graham.
3. Pay Day Lending & CIOP: John Baird
Sat. 19 May is the big day. CIOP is having a regional event at St. Peters AME Church starting at 9 AM. Y’all COME! Attorney General Lisa Madigan will open the event with a presentation of her views on pay day lending. We have inside information that CEFCU will be making a presentation of trial offering of a similar product with only an 18% APR and no fees. This is a tremendous step and just what CIOP has been looking for. About all that is left is to make this trail offering permanent.
4. DVD series: Karen Baird and Kathy Pepper
The DVD committee will be meeting in July. They need ideas on film titles to include in next year’s series. We are looking for films which are sympathetic to the plight of the oppressed. We will have an event June 3 & 10 to solicit ideas from our congregation. We will give out popcorn along with a “ticket” to solicit ideas for films.
5. Robert’s missions: Robert Bushey
Robert shared magazines and books which were oriented toward Biblical justice. He brought copies of The Progressive Christian, Christian Century, Sojourners, and our Disciples World.
Robert reminded us of our church mission statement. We had a look at it. He suggested that we consider how we fit into these missions.
6. Set next meeting date
Tues. June 5, 2007 6:30. This meeting will be primarily a brain storming session about where we are going, what our priorities need to be. Our mission statement will be part of this discussion.
7. Adjourn
Robert dismissed us with a prayer.