Wednesday, July 15, 2020

SLT Meeting Minutes From July 11, 2020

In Attendance:  Kathy AgnewLinda Dollins, Parth Domke, Diane Langworthy, Deborah Lewallen, Merrilee Melvin, Kathy Mendoza (joined at 10:45), Joan Thompson, Susan Wheeler, Mary Williams

The meeting was held via Zoom starting at 9:30 AM.  Mary opened the meeting with a period of centering prayer.

Media Librarian (Diane Oldfield):  Linda reported for Diane Oldfield.  She noted that not many people are borrowing materials at this point.  Linda mentioned that Escondido Public Library provides a “Book in a Bag” service that could be accessed by prayer groups using books for formation.  Diane L explained that You Tube videos could be shared in a Zoom format.  Once Diane has learned how to do this she is willing to teach the SLT members how to share these videos in their Zoom meetings.

COSD Liaison (Diane Langworthy):  The COSD servant leadership team has not met since the onset of COVID-19.  COSD prayer groups are meeting via Zoom, with the exception of one group, which meets on a member’s patio.  Diane mentioned that her church would be offering a free 2-morning presentation by Olivia Espin about John of the Cross on 8/22 and 8/29.  She also reported that Karen Downs from COSD is considering offering a very small online Intro.

Prayer Group Facilitator Support (Kathy Agnew):  Kathy will contact facilitators in the Fall to ask about the formation material that they’re using and to request input about how she can best support them.

“Be Still and Know” Blog (Mary Williams):  Mary explained that she had intended to reshape the blog into a list of linked resources.  She encountered formatting challenges in trying to do this, but will update the blog to keep the “Facilitator Resources” post-listings at the top of the blog.  Diane L recommended the book, Joy Unspeakable:  Contemplative Practices of the Black Church, by Barbara Holmes and volunteered to write a review on this book for the blog and/or CONSD Newsletter.  Mary mentioned that Race and the Cosmos is another excellent book by Barbara Holmes.

Webmaster (Diana Conner):  Mary and Linda noted that Diana has been refreshing and updating the CONSD website.

Spiritual Development – Formation during COVID-19  (Linda Dollins, Mary Williams):  Kathy Mendoza has been facilitating an 11th Step prayer group via Zoom on Fridays at 4:30 PM.  The group has a core attendance of 10 – 11 people, with up to 25 having attended.

Mary noted that the Simply Prayer Zoom group on Thursdays alternates between mornings and evenings (10 AM on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays and 7:30 PM on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays).  Kathy M, Mary, Elena Andrews and Joan rotate as facilitators of this group.

Mary pointed out that CO’s national newsletters (mailed) and e-bulletins (emailed) post lots of good articles such as “The Guard of the Heart Practice,” and “Contemplative Wilderness.”  These periodicals also list new books and offerings on the CO YouTube channel.  Presenters may be interested in the training on Lectio Divina to be offered on 8/7 and 8/8.  This training is open to everyone in CO.

Open Comments:  Diane asked if Chris Hagen was considering presenting "Transformation of Consciousness: Becoming the Word of God." (This is Pt 2 of his presentation, “Putting on the Mind of Christ: How Centering Prayer Changes the Brain.”) Linda has been in touch with Chris, who would like to present this material in the traditional workshop format – at St Bart’s with a video component.

It was noted that Cynthia Bourgeault had 3800 attendees for her three-part Zoom presentation, "Oneness: The Secret Embrace," focusing on Fr Thomas’ final book of poetry. It is now available on CO’s YouTube channel.

Kathy reminded team members about the free class offered by Vincent Pizzuto on his book, Contemplating Christ, each Sat at 7 AM in the Peace Chapel at the Meditation Chapel site.  Diane pointed out that all of his previous presentations are available on the website at St Columba’s.

Merrilee recommended a new book by Mary Mrozowski’s daughter, Judith Halbreich:  The Audacity to Be Divine.

Financial Report (Merrilee Melvin):  Merrilee announced that she would be resigning as treasurer and moving to Michigan to be close to her family.  She reported that the chapter account has a balance of $10,424.31. The chapter has made $100.00 donations to Interfaith Community Services, ElderHelp and Oceanside Kitchen Collaborative.

Other Concerns:  Linda explained that she will be moving into a new phase of service to the chapter, “slipping out the back door” of chapter co-coordinating and continuing on as Events team leader and temporary treasurer.  There were multiple expressions of gratitude and appreciation for Linda’s service to the chapter. 

Linda recommended that there be a single chapter coordinator. She also pointed out openings on the SLTeam.  The chapter will need a treasurer, a person to manage Mail Chimp, and someone to help with equipment for live events.  Mary asked whether the chapter also should have a secretary to take minutes at team meetings.  Deborah and Parth offered to share this job, asking that Diane O (who has been willing to take minutes at past meetings) also might share this job with them.

The next SLT meeting will be held on 9/19.

Linda closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Lewallen


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