Notes from Church Group Conference Call
Date: Thursday January 24th 2008
Members present on Call:
Eileen Brown, facilitator
Norm Bengel
Carol Fleitz
Mary Garvin
Kathy Harrington
Mary Ellen Holohan
Judy Ryan
Jeanenne Weis

We began with a brief check in. It has been two months since we talked and we welcomed our entire group to this call. We noted in common that it was cold from California to the Pacific Northwest. After all it's winter! We are aware of the need for a special concern for the homeless.

Many members of the group offered observations and insights about current situations of the contemporary church:
● reality of church reorganization offering opportunities to be creatively involved in new structures
● recognition of the importance of laity in multiple aspects of church life and leadership
● contribution of IPJC sponsorship of Joan de la Plane and value of her session calling women to be prophets and agents of change based on a life of contemplation and forgiveness of the church as an institution in order to free one to give energy in new ways.

Topics inviting further discussion
● Awareness and discovery of youth in our milieu, need for mentoring young women
● Searching for creative alternatives for church and letting them be better known
● Noticing that 3 women ordained as WomenPriests have SNJM connections

New Initiative
● Developing the topic of resources and collaboration among our own Associates and Sisters in various aspects of church
For example the dialogue among various faiths: Jewish, Christian, Islam
Recognition of the book The Faith Club as a model for our own conversations, gathering women of various faith traditions
We will give suggestions and feedback to Kathy for the Congregational Meeting on the topic of Associates.

Resources recommended:
Film: "The Basket"
TV on PBS: "Sisters of Selma" perhaps gather in local groups to discuss

NEXT CONFERENCE CALL: Thursday February 21st 7:30 PM (Note time change)
Agenda: Personal experiences and resources concerning church
What's going on with youth in our areas?
Suggestions for Kathy for Congregational Associates gathering
Submitted by Mary Garvin

Mary Garvin, snjm
Religious Studies Department
Gonzaga University
Spokane Washington
509-323-6798
garvinm@calvin.gonzaga.edu