SEEKERS CHURCH
Stewards Minutes
March 5, 2017
Present: Marjory Bankson (recorder), Peter Bankson, Kevin Barwick, Cynthia Dahlin, Joan Dodge (angel), Michele Frome, Judy Lantz, David Lloyd, Sandra Miller (worship), Trish Nemore, Vincent Shepherd (angel), Margreta Silverstone, Deborah Sokolove (moderator).
Absent: Ken Burton, Brenda Seat, Keith Seat, Jacqie Wallen.
Visitors: Pat Conover, Glen Yakushiji.
Worship was offered by Sandra with a reading from Jan Richardson.
Housekeeping: Stewards will next meet on Sunday, April 2, 5:30pm at the church.
Moderator: __________ Worship: Margreta
Recorder: Judy Angels: Kevin & Sandra
2017 Retreat Opportunities:
Seekers Silent Retreats – April 28-30 and September 22-24
Church of the Saviour silent retreat – March 24-26
Report on Alcohol Use Policy: Dave & Time &Space
After review by the reconstituted Legal Team (Doug Dodge & Keith Seat), the Alcohol Use Policy has been posted on the website. Briefly, no license is required for Seekers’ ceremonial events (weddings, anniversaries etc.). Building users will need a license by the caterer.
Participation in Art Hop: Sandra
The Art Hop Reception is scheduled for April 30th (unfortunately the same weekend as silent retreat) and will need volunteers to help. Sandra is hoping for a show of photographs in our space, but that is not final yet.
Participation in Sanctuary Movement: Trish
From Seekers, Trish, Brenda, Joan and Sandra attended the 2nd of 3 meetings to build a coalition of 200 religious organizations in the District, Maryland and Virginia to support people in danger of deportation. They described four potential actions: 1) host training; 2) accompany someone to an ICE check-in; 3) rapid response to a raid by ICE personnel; 4) shelter & protect people at the church. The next meeting is Monday, March 13, 6-9pm.
Trish presented a draft statement for approval by Stewards. A spirited discussion ensued, beginning with these scriptures (Nub 35:11-12; Lev. 19:33; Matt 25:35; Heb 13:2) which invite protection for “the stranger.” We explored possible consequences and learned that these other C of S congregations have signed on: Dayspring, 8th Day and New Community. Then the following revised statement was approved:
We are a network of congregations in the DC/MD/VA region that are providing support and solidarity to neighbors, friends, and family who fear being detained, deported or profiled. Our faith will not allow us to permit the criminalization and scapegoating of immigrants and people of color. In the face of hate and discrimination we are committed to showing love, compassion and hospitality. There are many ways to stand with people who are being targeted. Some congregations are hosting people who are at risk of deportation; others are supporting congregations that are hosting; accompanying people to ICE check-ins and legal hearings; holding Defend Your Rights trainings; setting up Rapid Response networks to show up when ICE raids take place; and pressing their cities and states to get ICE out of schools, jails and courts and end all policies that racially-profile and over-incarcerate people of color. Please join us!
Sharing and Soul Talk: After dinner, two Stewards, Cynthia and Joan, shared more extensively, followed by Soul Talk.
Submitted by
Marjory Bankson
Mar 7, 2017
