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June 2007 Minutes

 
 
 
Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting
Date
Time
 
Location
June 26, 2007
Topeka/Shawnee Public Library, Marvin auditorium 101C
6:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Committee
About 6:45 p.m. Faith sharing
About 7:45 p.m. Business Meeting
 
Recorder
Jackie Lakin
Interfaith of Topeka Mission
Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.
                                                                                   
Members (present at meeting X; absent at meeting left blank)
 
Don Anderson
 
David Beale
 
Joel Edwards
X
Bill Gitchell
 
Daljit Jawa
 
Christian Kramer
X
Jackie Lakin
X
Norbert Lickteig
 
C.R. Macchi
X
Jim Mosher
 
Deepak Parulkar
X
Jan Price
X
Sanford Pomeranz
X
Jerry Quiring
X
Jack Rardin
 
Karen Sessel
 
Ashraf Sufi
X
Phil Wilkes
X
Sallye Winkinson
X
Joe Hendrixson–Class of 2007
X
Barbara Karnowski
 
Vacant Class of 2007
 
Vacant Class of 2009
 
 
Agenda Items
Objectives
Key Points Discussed
Action or Follow-up
1
Opening Prayer
Dr. Sufi conducted the opening prayer.
 
 
2
 
 
 
 
 
Faith Sharing: Dr. Sufi, Islam
 
 
Key points discussed:
-Submission to will of God is a major factor in Islam.
-2nd largest religion after Christianity—1.5 billion Muslims
-Islam is for everybody—not just one race or country
-Realistic, simple creed is used.
-Oldest religion—God made people and appointed prophets including Adam, Noah, and Jesus. They are Muslims because they submitted to will of God.
-Only one God and no other deity. He is the creator and everything else is the creation.
-Humans are only different from other animals in that they have free will.
-When people did have oneness with God, he sent prophets.
-Prophet Mohammed talked about Abraham, Moses, Jesus and what they said about one God.
-Prophet Mohammed has much knowledge collected about him because he came as prophet after the time of Jesus.
-The history of Jesus was discussed including is role as a Servant of God. He is mentioned 27 times in the Koran. His miracles are reported as in the Bible. 
-Mary is mentioned more in the Koran than in the New Testament. Most noble, beloved woman in history of universe. Mariam is Islamic version of Mary and often used in Muslim households.
-Jesus did not create laws, corrected laws of Moses. He is still alive and will come back.
-Moses is also mentioned extensively in Koran.
-Koran is holy book. Bible is a holy book because it came from the prophets. Koran is word of God. Koran means to read. Presents community, personal life and theological message, and stories about scripture.
-Family values include extended family, neighbors. Marriage is about 50% of Islamic life.
-After 9/11 interest has increased in the Koran. The readings brought by Dr. Sufi talks about the truths of the Koran versus what is misinterpreted or rumor. 
 
Questions: 
What is your background? Born as a Muslim in Pakistan. After moving to U.S. had revisit Muslim faith to teach his children. Then. to defend his religion to different faiths, he had to study his faith.
 
Suicide bombing is not condoned by Koran. It is a sin. Political situations create a sense of life worth not living and it is used to recruit suicide bombers.
 
Why is their head covering for women and separation of men and women? Modesty is most important men and women. Koran says to cover head but does not have to cover her face. Is it sin not to cover her head? No, it is between a woman and God. Separation during prayer is due to reading of prayers and is a matter of modesty when praying. Woman can be scholars, president of mosques.
 
What about dietary restrictions—different religions seem to have different viewpoints?   Islam and Judism seem to have similar restrictions. Change in restrictions overtime was done by Christians in terms of dietary habits. 
3
Addition of New Business
Renewal of Storage Unit—Phil Wilkes
 
4
Approve May 22, 2007 Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Action: Moved and seconded to approve minutes
 
 
 
5
Treasure’s Report—Phil Wilkes
$1,273.72 checking
1,694.75 SBC Cash Fund
4,214.57 PAX World Growth Fund
7,182.57 Total Liquid Assets
 
Follow-up: Storage space on agenda for next meeting–$400 annual costs. Need more information. Visit set up for IF members to see what is in storage unit. Officers are encouraged to attend. Bill will set up with Christian.
6
Update on IF board issues—
Bill Gitchell
  • Review names and links on website
Follow-up: Need to continue working on this project.
7
Bulletin Board Update—Don Jacobs
Key points discussed:
Nexlynx Web Site Design and Development—Fixed Fee Estimates is $275. Users given password to enter discussion and make a comment. A tree diagram is used for discussion threads. Push enter to send to a gatekeeper. Check for content related to discussion forum. Once approved, message sent to anyone interested in this thread. Local, regional, or international. Don will donate costs and act as moderator with one or two others. Questions from board members included:
 
-Can we keep up with comments? Don’t want free for all comments. Or, do we want to have a comment reported to moderator that is outside of our boundaries. Can keep new person on moderator list until they are proven.
-Not many other bulletin boards for interfaith topics.
-Do we get a report on hits for IF?
-Can we ask for donations via IF website?
-Experimental group with IF to test?
Action: IF members test use of bb for next meetings. Don will donate costs of $275. Approved by a vote of yes.
8
Spirituality Events—All
  • Possibilities for faith sharing and/or spirituality conference.
  • Needed space for larger groups—will library space suffice?
  • How best to advertise spirituality event? Newspaper, public assess channel, bulletin board, blog?
  • Actual program on public assess (Channel 4 or KTWU). Need a hook to turn on the channel.
  • Coordinate events with other faith traditions
 
Follow-up: Continue item into July meeting.
 
9
Thanksgiving Programming—“Thankful for Nature’s Bounty”
November 18th–Jack Rardin
Sallye’s church, First Congregation will host event.
 
 
Donation of funds is open.
 
Jack will set up meeting at First Congregation
 
 
10
Dialogue: Educational experience about not to fear what caused the founders of Interfaith to draw away from the group—earth based faith traditions raised concerns.–All
 
Follow-up: Continue item into July meeting.
 
11
Dialogue: Meaning of Spirituality–All
Follow-up: Continue item into July meeting.
 
12
New Business
 
Follow-up: Continue item on storage unit into July meeting.
 
13
Next Meeting Date: July 24 at the Topeka/Shawnee Public Library
 
Faith Sharing Schedule:
July: Jerry Quiring, Progressive Christianity
August: TBA
September: Christian Kramer, Healing Mother Earth
 
Bill—oral report that be recorded. MP3 file from faith sharing.    New technology that goes directly to computer. USB port.
14
Announcements
Key Points Discussed:
Dr. Sufi—Ingrid Mattson is coming to Topeka on Dec. 1 or 2. She is the President of Islamic Society of North America. Islamic Center will sponsor and IF could co-sponsor an event. Dr. Sufi will e-mail members for interest in serving on a committee. 
 

May 2007 Minutes

 
 
 
Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting
Date
Time
 
Location
May 22, 2007
Topeka/Shawnee Public Library, Marvin auditorium 101C
6:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Committee
About 6:45 p.m. Faith sharing
About 7:45 p.m. Business Meeting
 
Recorder
Jackie Lakin
Interfaith of Topeka Mission
Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.
                                                                                   
Members (present at meeting X; absent at meeting left blank)
 
Don Anderson
X
David Beale
 
Joel Edwards
X
Bill Gitchell
 
Daljit Jawa
X
Christian Kramer
X
Jackie Lakin
 
Norbert Lickteig
 
C.R. Macchi
 
Jim Mosher
X
Deepak Parulkar
 
Jan Price
 
Sanford Pomeranz
X
Jerry Quiring
X
Jack Rardin
 
Karen Sessel
 
Ashraf Sufi
X
Phil Wilkes
X
Sallye Winkinson
 
Joe Hendrixson–Class of 2007
X
Barbara Karnowski
 
Vacant Class of 2007
 
Vacant Class of 2009
 
 
Agenda Items
Objectives
Key Points Discussed
Action or Follow-up
1
Opening Prayer
Action: Barbara Karnowski held opening prayer in preparation for faith sharing.
2
Addition of new business–
Bill Gitchell
None
3
Faith Sharing: Barbara Karnowski
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
Key Points Discussed:
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification was founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon.
  • Videotape segment—70 year overview of Rev. Moon’s background in Korea and Presbyterianism. Later in developed concept of World Religion.
  • DVD segment—violence needs to be ended. What will it take? Ambassadors for Peace is a program bringing people together to peacefully resolve problems. Ambassadors come from all walks of life and work throughout the world. They represent common ground on self-evident truths from U.S. Constitution.  Principles were presented and service programs were shared. Some IF board members serve as ambassadors.   Christian shared his experience.
  • Handout read in part to IF board by Barbara which follows her tradition of reading out loud: Sun Myung Moon—God’s Grief http://www.unification.net/nhtt/nhtt_12.html
  • Barbara described her journey to joining the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. She shared that as a new movement, it came under intense scrutiny leading to misconceptions about being a cult. Readings and prayers in first language is acceptable although Korean is encouraged as a way to read and understand primary documents written in this language. All sacred texts from religions are honored and shared in World Anthology: A Comparative Anthology of Scared Texts
 
 
4
Approve April 24, 2007 Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Action: Moved and seconded to approve minutes.
 
 
 
 
5
Treasure’s Report—Phil Wilkes
Action: Received for audit.
  • Balance in Commerce Bank & Trust Company Checking–$1,105.55
  • SBC Cash Fund–$1,694.75
  • PAX World Growth fund–$4,214.10
  • Total financial assets $7.014.40
 
 
6
Update on IF board issues—
Bill Gitchell
Action: Bill introduced new IF member Joe Hendrixson, Christian faith tradition.
 
 
7
Bulletin Board—Don Jacobs
Follow-up: Met last week with Nexlynx who is the IF internet service provider. They are working up a quote for the bulletin board. Don expects to have this information available at the June 26th board meeting.
 
 
8
Spirituality Events–All
Key Points Discussed
  • Possibilities for faith sharing and/or spirituality conference.
  • Needed space for larger groups—will library space suffice?
  • How best to advertise spirituality event? Newspaper, public assess channel, bulletin board, blog?
  • Actual program on public assess (Channel 4 or KTWU). Need a hook to turn on the channel.
  • Coordinate events with other faith traditions
 
 
 
9
Thanksgiving Programming—
Jack Rardin
Key Points Discussed:
  • Scott Simpson resigned at Westminster Presbyterian so that church will not be available.
  • Possibly pursue an Evangelical Church
  • Sallye will check on First Congregational Church.
  • Cornerstone Community Church—Christian will ask.
  • Central Congregation—Sherry Triggs is contact—Jackie will call her. And she will check on Calvary Baptist also.
 
“Thankful for Nature’s Bounty” is the theme
 
Possible speakers: Joe Hendrixson; Native American, short presentations from faith traditions represented by the IF board; Cambodian
 
Need to think about organization to support with donations.
 
November 18 is the date for the event.
 
Next meeting: 6 P.M. June 26, 2007
 
Jackie will bring copies of last year’s program to review for 2007 program ideas.
 
10
Dialogue: Educational experience about not to fear what caused the founders of Interfaith to draw away from the group—earth based faith traditions raised concerns.–All
 
Not addressed due to lack of time.
11
Dialogue: Meaning of Spirituality–All
Not addressed due to lack of time.
12
New Business

  •  

None
13
Next Meeting Date: June 26 at the Topeka/Shawnee Public Library
 
Faith Sharing Schedule:
June: Dr. Sufi, Islam
July: Jerry Quiring, Progressive Christianity
August: TBA
September: Christian Kramer, Healing Mother Earth
 
Action–Agenda Items for Next Meeting:
  • Review website—Jackie will bring copies or try to hook-up with Wi-fi.
  • Program on public assess (Channel 4 or KTWU). What types of programming? How to design programming to attract viewers? How can other churches and organizations be involved to promote ownership?
 
Key Point Discussed: Faith Sharing as a personal journey versus a more polished presentation. Both aspects have positive points. Some faith traditions do not have a written text or dogma. Presenters are encouraged to share their experiences on what led to their belonging to their faith tradition.    
14
Announcements
Follow-up: Phil Wilkes is looking for presenters to cover various aspects of family history research and databases, especially relating to minority ethnic and cultural groups for Family History Research Conference to be held September 22, 2007, Family History Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Topeka, Kansas. Contact: Phil Wilkes at 224-5211 (cell phone)
 
 
 

April 2007 Minutes

 
 
 
Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Date
Time
 
Location
April 24, 2007
6:30 p.m. Gather at Topeka/Shawnee Public Library
7 p.m. Meeting Starts
 
Recorder
Jackie Lakin
Interfaith of Topeka Mission
Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.
                                                                                   
Members (present at meeting X; absent at meeting left blank)
X
Don Anderson
X
David Beale
 
Joel Edwards
X
Bill Gitchell
 
Daljit Jawa
X
Christian Kramer
X
Jackie Lakin
 
Norbert Lickteig
 
C.R. Macchi
X
Jim Mosher
X
Deepak Parulkar
X
Jan Price
X
Sanford Pomeranz
X
Jerry Quiring
X
Jack Rardin
 
Karen Sessel
 
Ashraf Sufi
X
Phil Wilkes
X
Sallye Wilkinson
 
Joe Hendrixson–Class of 2007
X
Barbara Karnowski
 
Vacant Class of 2007
 
Vacant Class of 2009
 
 
Agenda Items
Objectives
Key Points Discussed
Action or Follow-up
1
Opening Prayer
Action: Don Anderson conducted opening prayer
2
Addition of new business–
Bill Gitchell
 
3
Faith Sharing: Jack Rardin
Presbyterian
Key Points DiscussedJack Rardin, IF board member representing Westminster Presbyterian introduced Rev. Scott Simpson who spoke about Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (does not have jurisdiction over Presbyterians in other countries). Over 2 million members and 11, 064 congregations in the U.S.A including Puerto Rico. He discussed What’s unique about P.C (U.S.A.)?
 
Based on reformed theology from 16th century Protestant Reformation and John Calvin. Believes in:
  • God’s supremacy
  • humanity—glorify & enjoy
Form of Presbyterian Government is based on:
  • Congregational Polity—local control
  • Episcopal Polity—has a bishop
  • Presbyterian Polity—from a Greek word Presbuteros meaning elder. The English durative is Presbyter signifying 1) Ministers of Word and Sacrament, and 2) Elders.
Organizational Structure shows unity and relationship
General Assembly—Mission and ministry world wide
Synod—a larger geographic area with 3 or more Presbyteries. Mission and ministry are represented and concentrate on connectiveness.
Presbytery—mission and ministry
Session—local church with ministers and elders
 
Scott Simpson describes himself as a teaching minister who holds sessions at Westminster.
 
Resources: Holy Bible, The Book of Confessions, and Book of Order 2004/2005
4
Approve March 27, 2007 Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Action: Motion made to approve and accept minutes
5
Treasure’s Report—Phil Wilkes
o        Socially responsible growth fund
o        Telephone responsibilities
Key Points Discussed:
$1036.55 checking
$6945.40 total with two funds and checking
All outstanding bills are paid.
Action: Treasurer’s report received
 
Key points discussed on socially responsible growth funds: Sanford reported on PAX fund in terms of long term impact. He suggested we keep this fund in spite of its current low growth because it is a relative low risk fund that is socially responsible. Discussion from IF members reflected on these points and Phil shared he’d like to see stronger performance. Also, Phil shared that they are more than one time of PAX funds. IF had PAX World Growth Fund.
 
Ashraf sent an e-mail report on long term mutual funds. His report included two funds:
    1. Vanguard ftse social index fund (vftsx)
    2. Parnassus equity income (PRBLX)
Information included:
1. Vanguard ftse social index fund(vftsx).   It does not screen for nuclear power companies.
2. Parnassus equity income (PRBLX).  It avoids nuclear power but has positive screening for animal testing.
 
Action: Bill stated that we have reevaluated PAX fund and should leave it as it right now.  Sanford is going to continue researching this issue.   
 
Key points discussed on telephone responsibilities: Christian and Sanford are working to figure out phone message system. Has not been checked since November. Christian reported few phone calls are received. They will report out at the next meeting.   
 
6
Update on IF board issues—
Bill Gitchell
Key Points Discussed by Bill concerning external committee membership. Don Anderson has represented IF on Faith in Action and Unity Council/Global Village. He needs to step down. 
 
Faith In Action—first Tuesday of each month at First Christian Church. Meet with John McCullough. David Beale might attend.
 
Unity Council/Global Village—Table at Global Village might be manageable by IF board. Jack Rardin has worked previously and Jackie Lakin assisted him last year.
 
IF needs to replace Elaine Patton, former board member, who served on the United Way local Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Valeri Hysten from United Way shared they need a certain number of organizations represented to meet its requirements. They want to continue having IF membership. Bill will contact Valeri about United Way membership needs.
 
 
7
Bulletin Board—Don Jacobs
Follow-up: Don was not able to attending meeting but will report at May meeting on Bulletin Board progress.
8
Spirituality Events–All
Sallye—Check with Washburn on satellite conference—still working on resource details and timing.
 
Ashraf e-mailed the board about Dr. Ingrid Mattson presenting at an event.
 
Bill suggested no large conference but rather small meetings with local faith groups. American Shaolin Matthew Pollo was given as an example of a small event sponsored by the Topeka/Shawnee Public Library.
 
How big is spirituality—Bill noted dozens of people attended in the past due to large number of ministers involved who coordinated conferences with their church events. Spirituality conference is great but not drawing anyone to them. How does IF create more community involvement? Thanksgiving involves a congregation putting its best foot forward. Jerry asked Bill about an IF speakers’ bureau. As the meeting ended, the question about the meaning of spirituality needs to be an ongoing discussion.
 
 
9
Thanksgiving Programming—Jack Rardin
First meeting tonight prior to board meeting. 
 
Key Points Discussed:
 
  • Bountiful Earth program theme
 
  • November 18 is the date
 
  • Need to find a church
 
  • Need speakers with many faiths represented.
 
  • Need keynote speaker, musical groups (music Jim and Jack)
 
  • Need youth involvement such as Deepak provided last year.
 
Next meeting in May 22, 6 pm before May board meeting.
10
New Business
  • memberships
 
Action: Need to continue pursuing this need to increase membership
11
Next Meeting Date: May 22, 2007 at library
 
Faith Sharing: Barbara Karnowski
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
Agenda items for next meeting:
 
Educational experience about not to fear what caused the founders of Interfaith to draw away from the group—earth based faith traditions raised concerns.
 
 
 

March 2007 Minutes

 
 
 
Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Date
Time
 
Location
March 27, 2007
6:30 p.m. Gather at Topeka/Shawnee Public Library
7 p.m. Meeting Starts
 
Recorder
Jackie Lakin
Interfaith of Topeka Mission
Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.
                                                                                   
Members (present at meeting X; absent at meeting left blank)
X
Don Anderson
X
David Beale
 
Joel Edwards
X
Bill Gitchell
 
Daljit Jawa
X
Christian Kramer
X
Jackie Lakin
 
Norbert Lickteig
 
C.R. Macchi
X
Jim Mosher
X
Deepak Parulkar
 
Jan Price
 
Sanford Pomeranz
X
Jerry Quiring
X
Jack Rardin
X
Karen Sessel
X
Ashraf Sufi
X
Phil Wilkes
X
Sallye Wilkinson
 
Vacant Class of 2007
X
Barbara Karnowski
 
Vacant Class of 2007
 
Vacant Class of 2009
 
 
Agenda Items
Objectives
Key Points Discussed
Action or Follow-up
1
Opening Prayer
 
2
Addition of new business–
Bill Gitchell
Bill Gitchell presented Don Anderson a plaque for serving as IF president for two years.
3
Faith Sharing: Deepak Parulkar on Hinduism
Key Point Discussed: An overview of the Hindu faith traditions was shared by Deepak Parulkar. 
4
Approve 2-27 Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting Minutes
Follow-up: Make minutes available in simple text so that it can be opened by all board members.
5
Treasure’s Report—Phil Wilkes
o        Faith group IF dues
o        Individual IF dues
o        Revise membership form
Key Point Discussed: Phil and Ashraf shared that a CD from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on pandemic influenza was sent to IF and church groups as a means to educate the public on how to act in an epidemic. Contact information is: http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/ or call 785-296-1086
 
Key Point Discussed: 
$1133.06 (checking)
$6861.96 (two funds)
Phil questioned the investment return on the PAX World Growth Fund. Follow-up: Ashraf and Deepak will investigate changing to a socially responsible fund with better results.
Follow-up: Phil discussed the phone bill. The phone number and responding to voice mail may be the responsibility of the vice-president. More information on the number will be reported in April by Christian.
6
Discussion on setting IF dues from faith groups–Bill Gitchell
Key Point Discussed: Membership dues are $15 for single; $20 per couple; and, $1 per member of faith group or whatever is feasible for that group. Changes in membership dues is up to the board and is not defined in the by-laws.
7
Faith group membership roles—Bill Gitchell
  • Number of members per group
  • Vote at annual meeting
  • Participate but not vote at IF meetings
  • Encouraged to attend IF meetings
  • Committee work
Key Discussion Points: 
-If you are a board member representing a faith group, then that faith group should send notification of your representation. Each faith group/organization/church member should have two voting members who can vote at the annual meeting.
-It was determined that Deepak is an at-large member. At-larger members afford the opportunity to have more board members who bring wider representation to IF.
8
Procedures for adding new board members—Bill Gitchell
Key Discussion Point: Board members need to be appointed who can maximize participation. Individual organizations can join as well.
 
9
Update on appointment of Joe Hendrixson to IF board—Bill Gitchell
Action: Joe will be invited to join IF as an at-large board member.
10
IF Website, Faith group links. Electronic Bulletin Board—Bill Gitchell, Jackie Lakin, Don Jacobs
Key Discussion Point: Don Jacobs will donate the cost of establishing and maintaining an IF bulletin board. He will provide more details at the April meeting.
 
11
New Business
  • Don Anderson, committee memberships
 
No Action: Committee memberships are still open
Key Discussion Point: Ashraf brought up that a new Islamic leader might be a good presenter for a joint program with Topeka IF and Kansas City IF. He will continue to update the board on this possibility.
 
12
Next Meeting Date: April 24,
Topeka/Shawnee Public Library
Faith Sharing:
 
 

November Board Meeting 2007

The November Board Meeting will be held at the Topeka/Shawnee Public Library.  Faith Sharing will be by Christian Kramer with a presentation on American Indian traditions.

Peace Pole Dedication

First Congregational-UCC 1701 SW Collins will dedicate their peace pole on Saturday, October 27, 2007.  The speakers will include Imam Omar Hazim from the Islamic Center of Topeka and Bill Beachy from the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice. 

The presentation will take place at 10:00 a.m. and all interested parties are invited to attend.  Interfaith of Topeka is encouraging faith groups around Topeka to join together planting peace poles throughout the community.

(There will be a pancake breakfast the same morning from 8-11:00 for the Don Hough Memorial.  Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage, oatmeal, coffee and fruit juice will be served. $5 adults, $2.50 children 12 and under.  While this is not officially a part of the peace pole dedication it will be good food for a good cause for anyone interested.  Proceeds will benefit Christian Education)

 

Thanksgiving Service 2007

The Thanksgiving Service will be held  Sunday November 18th at the First Congregational-UCC Church, 1701 Collins Park.  The service will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Singing, dancing, music and faith sharing will be the order of the night.  A reception will follow.

An offering will be taken and canned goods will be accepted for "Let’s Help".

American Sign Language Interpreter Available

Child Care Available

All are welcome to attend.

 

Board Meeting, October 2007

October Board meeting will be held at the Congregational Church @ 17th and Collins Park.

The meeting will be held in the Congregational Church library starting at 6:00 pm.

Board Meeting – September 2007

The September Board meeting will be held, 2007-09-25 at the Topeka Public Library as usual.

February 2007 Board Minutes

 
 
 
Interfaith of Topeka Board Meeting
Date
Time
 
Location

February 27, 2007

6:30 p.m. Refreshments

7 p.m. Meeting Starts

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka

 
Recorder

Jackie Lakin

Interfaith of Topeka Mission

Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.

Members (present at meeting X; absent at meeting left blank)
X

Don Anderson

X

David Beale

 

Joel Edwards

X

Bill Gitchell

 

Daljit Jawa

X

Christian Kramer

X
Jackie Lakin
 

Norbert Lickteig

 

C.R. Macchi

X

Jim Mosher

 

Deepak Parulkar

X

Jan Price

X
Sanford Pomeranz
X

Jerry Quiring

 

Jack Rardin

 

Karen Sessel

X

Ashraf Sufi

X

Phil Wilkes

X

Sallye Winkinson

 

Vacant Class of 2007

 

Vacant Class of 2007

 

Vacant Class of 2007

 

Vacant Class of 2009

 
 
Agenda Items
Objectives
Key Points Discussed
Action or follow-up
1.

Introduction of board members and officers & addition of new business–

Bill Gitchell

Action: Board moved and accepted Barbara Karnowski as member representing Class 09.

Follow-up: Jerry Quiring recommended Joe Hendrixson as a board member with further discussion to take place during March 27, 2007 board meeting.

2.

Faith Sharing: Phil Wilkes–Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (an introductory DVD)

Key Points Discussed: Phil shared a DVD on LDS that included: History, Organization, Core Beliefs, Temple and Meeting Houses, Code of Health, and Humanitarian Services. He noted he is the great-great grandson of Brigham Young. Other resources were Beliefs About Families, 13 Articles of Faith, Brief History of the Church, and the Book of Mormon. His faith sharing was followed by question and answer session. Resources from his presentation are located at: http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg

3.

Bill Gitchell, new IF president, shares his future directions for the organization. 

 
  • Faith sharing
  • Committee assignments (Spirituality, Thanksgiving)
  • Meeting arrangements
 

Board members and guests are welcome to comment/make suggestions.

Key Points Discussed on Faith Sharing: Bill shared that the type of faith sharing with Phil is his idea of how this activity should be conducted. Faith sharing is what makes IF unique. He hopes to attract more members and visitors by publicizing faith sharing and having it take place at the beginning of each meeting.

 

Key Points Discussed on Committee Assignments: This is committee work taking place primarily within those groups. Brief progress reports would be given during board meetings. A sign up sheet was passed around to board members. A suggestion was made not to have a Spirituality Conference but instead attract well-known speakers for two or three events. Follow-up: Spirituality Conference Committee will continue this discussion and make a recommendation to the board.

Key Points Discussed on Meeting Arrangements: The public library appears to be a neutral meeting place. It might be difficult to rotate from faith group facilities in that members need to readily know where meetings are being held.

4.
Approve November Board Meeting Minutes

Action: Minutes were accepted and approved.

5.
Treasurer’s Report—Phil Wilkes

Key Points Discussed: $6,335.09 total assets in checking and funds. SBC fund had a gain of 4%; PAX World Growth Fund had a 2% loss.

Action: Treasurer’s report was accepted.

 
6.

IF Website—Bill Gitchell, Jackie Lakin, Phil Wilkes

 
Electronic Bulletin Board—Don Jacobs, UUFT guest

Key Points Discussed: Bill Gitchell shared that he would like the website to become more interactive with the community. Also, he wants to make sure every faith group represented by IF has a link to its site. 

 

Don Jacobs proposed IF establish a forum or bulletin board for the purpose of fostering ongoing discussion to specific topics selected by the board. Discussion took place on how inappropriate remarks not relevant to the topic could be addressed and how guidelines need to be established.

 
Follow-up
  1. Don Jacobs, Jackie Lakin and other interested board members are pursing options/costs for establishing a bulletin board.
  2. Bill Gitchell will contact board members to make sure links to faith groups are accurate and in place.
7.
New Business
Committee Appointments
  1. Faith in Action—1st Tuesday of the month, noon at First Christian Church
  2. Unity Council/Global Village—2nd Tuesday of each month, noon at Housing Authority
 
 

Key Points Discussed: Don Anderson has represented IF on Faith in Action and Unity Council/Global Village. He needs to step down. 

 

Follow-up: New representatives to be found

8.
Next Meeting Date:
March 27, Topeka/Shawnee Public Library

Action: Faith sharing by Deepak Parulkar at March meeting; faith sharing by Jack Rardin at April board meeting.

 

 

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