Commission for Witness Life

Report to the Coordinating Council

August 14, 2009

• Financial report and budget review: it was noted that the line item titled “NE Theological Education” does not belong in Witness Life, but rather with Spiritual Life. It is hoped that the correction can be reflected in the 2010 budget. Several attempts have been made to contact the office of campus ministry in Orono, both by telephone and by mail, with no response. Mark Doty is on their Board and the Commission has been informed that the ministry is not operating at this time. It was voted to notify them that we will no longer provide funding unless we have a response indicating that an active ministry is re-established.

• Annual Meeting workshops: the Commission will sponsor several workshops, including one on the meaning of being a Just Peace Conference (Bonnie Haase), a second on being an ONA Conference (Bill Walsh) and a third on the Maine program supported by a NIN grant (Jonathan Falk from PICA presenting the “kNOw US and THEM” project). In each case the presentation is also available to churches and Associations.

• Film showing at Annual Meeting: With the approval of Commission members Martha Phillips has arranged to have a film presented at Sunday River for optional viewing. The title is, “Aliens Among Us” and deals with immigrants facing deportation based on the fact that they are Muslim. It is hoped that the director of the film can attend and lead discussion.

• Resolution on Climate change: plans are underway this summer for the hearing at Annual Meeting. Some new resources have been purchased for the Resource Center, and will be highlighted with others on action material available for churches at the hearing and afterward by request. Marcia Charles and Jeanne Davis are coordinating this.

• NE Justice event: Tara Olsen has been the Maine Conference representative and deserves a great deal of credit for her work and dedication. She has taken a leadership role in the planning. The conference will be held at the United Congregational Church, UCC in Worcester, MA on November 6-7. It is expected that our budget will allow for some assistance to ME attendees. Tara will have registration materials and other information at Annual Meeting on the Commission display table. The title is, “Just Practice: a New England justice and witness event on practicing justice in our lives, communities, and world”. See http:www.macucc.org/mission-justice/JustPractice.htm.

• Seminary Scholarships: available funds have been divided between seven qualified candidates, all students at BTS.