December 7, 2011

1:30 p.m. at Barat Residence, Summer Street, Halifax .

KAIROS Halifax, Dec. 7^th, 2011

Agenda

1.          Welcome and introductions-

Wyn Farnel, Gerry Lancaster,  Linda Scherzinger, Theresa Chu, 

Anna Parks, Mary Rigby, Margaret Sagar,  Sister Margaret,

Lindsay Rankin, Kenn Stright, Caroline Earl.

Regrets: Roger Davies

2.         Reflection, prayer-Mary led in a time of reflection. How to change the society we live in… Good Samaritan story… how respond to need. Who is my neighbour?. Must be seen institutionally and individually. Do we assist affected people or do their situations pass us by (eg. TRC process).  Many label “The other” and so not our problem. If ‘the other’ does not have justice neither do we. Kairos: defining moment…

Gerry will lead next time of reflection

3.         Minutes: Kenn thanked

Correspondence:   Letter from Marilyn resigning from the Cluster. She was thanked for her participation. It was reported that Sharon Beals is also stepping down.

Updates:

A.      Truth Reconciliation and Equality: They Matter to Us.  Look at new resources.  We should register again as a community (Caroline Foster). Linda will register. We talked about the report, “Honouring the children”… Margaret did a draft still doing ‘terrible things’ to Aboriginal People – address to the Minister. Kairos sent out an urgent action on this. Gerry talked about the coverage re. remote reserves on “the Current”

-        Solidarity with Pictou Landing – ( Meeting on the 12^th at Pictou Landing -        focus onBoatHarbour…. ARC is joining the efforts at Pictou Landing)

-        Solidarity with Maliseet / Frackking in NB – some materials have been received from Meagan Leslie’s office (prepared by the Sierra Club). NB had a large demonstration on frackking. (Maybe find out info on the Sierra Club site.) Heidi has been very involved in this from Debert. How much is gov’t involved n the process. Maybe have Heidi speak on this…. Invite C of C, Sierra Club. Ruth said she’d join the no-frackking coalition on our behalf. Contact other organizations and see how we can be involved. Connect with churches to see how to be involved. Margaret talked about meeting MLA’s etc. Contact Kairos folk in NB and see what they are doing. Ω  Invite no-frackking or C of C to next meeting for an open discussion

-        Other –

b)    Sustainability, Climate Justice, Tar Sands:

-        Letter re loss of funding for CEN/NSEN – Linda wrote and sent around a letter. It will be sent from the cluster.

-        Caroline:  National Child Poverty report is out (up to 2009) 14,000 children in NS living in poverty.

c)     Other:

-        Occupy NS – looking for statements of support. Need moral support. Statement affirming we are part of the 99%.

-        Other -

1. Next Meeting
   Kairos cluster will reconvene on Wednesday January 4th, 1:30 at Barat Residence.

Upcoming events:

Circle Talk: First Nations People of Nova Scotia

When:   Tuesday, December 13, 2011 Time    7:00 pm

Where:UniversalistUnitarianChurchof Halifax ,5500 Inglis St.

Author and elder Dan Paul will be one of the speakers.

November 2, 2011

1:30 p.m. at Barat Residence, Summer Street, Halifax .

1.Welcome and introductions- Wyn Farnell,  Linda Scherzinger, Theresa Chu,  Anna Parks,  Mary Rigby, Ruth Bishop,  Margaret Sagar, Sharon Murphy, Sister Margaret, Billy Lewis, Lindsay Rankin,  Roger Davies.  Note taker once again Kenn Stright.

Gerry Lancaster and Ruth Bishop regrets      Linda and Anna will co- chain

2.      Reflection, prayer-Anna led in a time of reflection (from “Our Land, Our Rights”  Isaiah 58:1-12) Sharing of resources   Prayer

3.         Correspondence   Letter fromSharonresigning from the Cluster

4.      Treasurers’ Report -  Bev, Gerry and Anna went and changed signing authorities and got cheques (free!) (We need to pay for T-shirts)

5.      Old Business:

A.      Update Gifts for the All Nations Drummers and some other individuals. This has been done.

B.      Update on Helen Ralston Memorial Gift -  Info  for book plates. Margaret will tell us when the books arrive.

C.      Regional event reflections Sept. 24 & 25 at Tatamagouche:  Lindsay learned a lot at the event. Found out so much about First Nations and Culture. Wyn impressed with the organization. Billy commented on how diverse organization can be and how effective it can be. Therea’s comments onAlmaand how moving it was (representing Antiguity). Links from past to present. Margaret said Jennifer Henry was great.

D.      TRC   Share thoughts and experiences. Kairo’s booth was well used and questions were excellent. Disseminate information to everyone. Our presentation was excellent (Gestures of Reconciliation). The “Walkers’ were impressive. Would like to see more community people… some confusion. Roger was there as a volunteer. Sacred Fire experience. The Commissioners were excellent.

“My happiness is my revenge.”  Seven words to change the world: “I’m sorry. I love you. Thank you.”

6.      New Business:

A.    Availability of new resource(s)

B.     How to follow-up on TRC and work with Indigenous peoples

.How to follow-up on TRC and work with Indigenous peoples. People from 3 Presbyterian Churches gathered on Sunday to debrief the TRC and explore the future. Came up with a ‘to-do’ list and have covenanted to gather in January to explore further and hope to connect interdenominationally.

We do get direction from Kairos National Office… we can speak to specific issues that are local… “Honouring the Children”. We can write in support of this…  The injustice is ongoing… abuse is continuing… need to write a letter in support of… maybe a draft to circulate… to provincial and federal.  Suggested Margaret write the letter (will circulate). Billy will look at what support is most appropriate. We’ll share the letter with various groups and encourage them to follow up as well.

Other issues will be addressed in the coming meetings.

Need to keep the momentum going.

November 6 there is a rally in support of Occupation move to Victoria Park (11-1). Billy and Theresa will talk with the Occupation.

Linda  1.  2 pm  Black community asking a walk this Sunday afternoon from Cornwallis Baptist.

            2.  Peace initiative “Concert forPalestine”:  Nov. 13,  2 pm at St. Patrick’s Church.

            3.  Letter writing to PM and M of Environment re. environmental network. Agree to a letter being written.

Note from Billy re. walk to NB regarding Fracking.

7.  Next Meeting.

1:30 p.m. at Barat Residence, Summer Street, Halifax .

1.      Welcome and introductions- Regional Rep Bev McDonald , and Susan Chisholm, TRC Planning Committee    Gerry Lancaster,  Linda S., Theresa Chu,  Anna Parks,  Mary Rigby, Ruth Bishop,  Margaret Sagar, Sharon Murphy, Sister Margaret   regrets Carolyn Earl, Marilyn Smith. Note taker once again Kenn Stright

2.      Reflection, prayer-Margaret Sagar. Reflection on Jack Layton’s death. (from his letter) Love is better than anger…hope (fear), optimism (despair)… we’ll change the world. Those who save life will lose it – those who lose it for Christ’s sake… well done good and faithful servant. We can find inspiration is this aspiration.          Prayer

3.      Treasurers’ Report -Bev and Gerry  

Need to verify signing officer. They will reimburse service charges            $337.66 with a further deposit of $110.00.

“At a duly constituted meeting of the Kairos Halifax Cluster, it was moved and seconded that Gerry Lancaster and Anna Parks be the official signers. Moved  by Sharon Murphy and Linda Scherzinger.

4.      Old Business:

A.    Follow up to Banner Send Off (We have not met since then!) Photos, news, comments etc of the Banner Train and national Ottawa event. Please send any pictures of this and/or the Workshop to Cathy Scott for the KAGM.

B.      Gifts for the All Nations Drummers and some other individuals

C.     Helen Ralston Memorial Gift -  Info  for book plates

5.      New Business:

A.    Regional KAIROS eventSept. 24 & 25 at Tatamagouche Centre-Bev McDonald programme, who’s going, rides etc

B.     Truth and Reconciliation National Event,Halifax October 26-29-information – Susan Chisholm, Gerry, and Kenn. Do we as KAIROS have a role to play or how can we support, listen etc?  Will there be any events prior? Our banners are coming back for this event and we hope they can be displayed somehow, somewhere. Blanket Exercise to be celebrated at Calvin Presbyterian on October 1, 9 am breakfast with exercise to follow.

5.  New Business

B.  cont’d    Susan Chisholm  can be reached at schishom@bellaliant.net  
                  Kairos. National Office will determine how to display Atlantic banners at the Truth and Reconciliation National Event in Halifax .

C  A  New Cluster Leader.
Anna Parks & Linda Scherzinger have agreed to co-chair Halifax Cluster meetings.

D  Linda S. reported on the upcoming Interfaith Coalition on Climate Justice event “We All Live Downstream” scheduled for October 2nd.  Halifax Cluster will act as a co-sponsor,  endorsing the event , through promoting interest among its membership and helping to circulate information to the broader public

f.  Linda S. provided an update on the likelihood of Amira Haas coming to speak in Halifax , as one of her Canadian stops.  Should she speak in Halifax , the event will take place on Tuesday October 11th, at a charge of $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and the unwaged.  When the event is confirmed, Linda will contact Margaret and Bev to circulate information about the venue and where to purchase tickets.

F.  24 Hours of Climate Reality is a live Internet program scheduled for September14th over 24 horas around the world, where participants may join others from around the wprold, discovering what is happening in climate change.

G.   Doctors Without Borders are setting up a re-enactment of a refuge camp on the Garrison Ground from September 15th to 18th

H.  On September 12th, Doug Roach will be speaking St St. Mary’s University.  More info. will be e-mailed about this event.

I    On Thursday September 29th, at Just Us Cafe, Roger Annis will share information about his experiences in Haiti .

7..  Next Meeting
There will be no meeting in October.  Kairos cluster will reconvene on Wednesday November 2nd, 1:30 at Barat Residence.

KAIROS Meeting June 1, 2011

Welcome and attendance (regrets from Sharon Murphy –she arrived early and left. Carolyn Earl)

Margaret,  Kenn, Sharon Beals, Theresa, Marilyn, Ruth Bishop, Sr. Gerry, Linda S, Anna Parks,

 Heidi VerHeul, Wynn Farnell, Marilyn Smith, Scott Barber.

Prayer:  Margaret 

Adoption of agenda 

Minutes of last meeting

 Reports:

                       Gerry will put money in to the account.

Banner Train send off Saturday June 18 at 12:15 (train departs). 11:00 for participants.  11:15 am for activity.

At Cornwallis Park   –a place with negative connotation for Aboriginal/ European relations – lamentation /ceremony. Smudging this place that needs to be smudged where abuse/genocide began. Make statement about the UNDRIP as a new beginning and need for a gesture to address the past.  Ask Dan Paul to come. Support his proposal to change name of Cornwallis St. and Cornwallis Park at a later date e.g. Follow-up may be to address the name issue on  Treaty Day October 1.   Joan and Tammy will probably come… they and the drum group may be present. Have Mi’kmaq ceremony followed by Christian prayers. Maybe have choir/choral group. Maybe a group like Shining Lights.  “Deep in our Hearts” suggested as a possible song to sing.  

Anna will prepare media info and distribution.

Margaret will prepare invitation and a progamme for the event.

Margaret Check arrangements with Kairos HQ ( report added: Kiaros staffer Anne Herteis will ride the train from Hfx. Media release next week.)

Kenn contact with local ministers

Everyone: talk this up and spread the word to make a banner and to come to the send off!

Looking ahead:

                        T and R Commission (Metro Centre) October 25-28: Is there worship as part of the commission?

NEXT MEETING:   We will be there on the 18^th

September meeting –Wednesday, September 7 at Barat House at 1:30 p.m.

Margaret gave notice that  a new leader for the Hfx cluster will be needed after that meeting!

)

KAIROS Meeting May 4, 2011

Welcome and attendance (regrets from Sr. Gerry, Linda S, Anna.)

Carolyn, Margaret,  Kenn, Sharon, Theresa, Marilyn, John MacDonald, Sharon M, Ruth

Worship: Theresa gave a Martin Luther King quote to begin the meeting:

 “I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Happy Birthday to Sharon M!

Adoption of agenda

Minutes of last meeting

Business arising: 

Report of talk to CUPW: Billy Lewis and Margaret went. Union members very aware. Were given an hour to explain what is happening at KAIROS and UNDRIP. Many people followed up in conversation. Gave info re Banner train and there was interest in making banners.Will maintain contact with union. M reported back to national KAIROS staff.

Thanks and evaluation of KAIROS worship May 1: Not a lot of people. Russ has an excellent sermon. Need to write your own resurrection story. We need to write our resurrection stories.

Contact with Sr. Beverley re Blanket Exercise at Sacred Heart School. Anna was to check in about the exercise. Theresa has talked to class re residential schools.

New Business:

Financial report –offering, expenses for service etc. Margaret updated us re. finances (balance in bank 194.86) Bev and Gerry are signing officers. Jim Wicks is doing the Atlantic account. There is additional 110.00 from the workshop and 100.00 donation of honorarium to add to the account. Total: $404.86

Decision re banking (correspondence with Bev) Ask Gerry to look into changing the kind of account we have or we will move elsewhere..

Sunday Offering is going to the National KAIROS for programming… $261.60

Expenses for Sunday: Gift of tobacco for Billy Lewis and Photocopying for service etc. Margaret submitted bills for this – total 45.05.

Russ and Kevin: gift of two T-shirts. Total expenses: $ 85.05

Banner making for Roll Out the Declaration

Banner Train send off Saturday June 18 at 12:15 (train departs). What groups might we approach?

Involving wider community: Sierra club (Heidi) Collegeof Art(Sharon M. will ask)

Quakers might make one. Ask the Korean congregation to make one. Ask Billy if there are people who could make a banner. Others as well.

We need to invite people to come to the train station for a start off. See if there is a service for the send off ( Margaret). A drop off place for the banners. June 1^st for Banner making. Ruth and Linda asked to help organize (Heidi).

Helen Ralston Memorial Fund: guidelines were read and reflected on. Suggested to make this a one time gift. ($150.00) rather than ongoing fund.

Looking ahead:

                        T and R Commission (Metro Centre) October 25-28: Is there worship as part of the commission? Margaret talked to Russ abut the possibility. We should organize such for the community.

                      Sharon M: report on regional Conference Call: how communicate in future and what to do re. KAGM  – using Skype.

Other: Kenn gave a summary of his presentation to the Pictou County Council of Churches at Stella Maris in Pictou.

NEXT MEETING: 

JUNE 1^ST AT 1:30 P.M. FOR BANNER MAKING UNTIL APPROX. 2:30 P.M., FOLLOWED BY BUSINESS MEETING UNTIL 4:00 P.M. Please plan be there. Business will further the plans for send off.

.

Welcome and Attendance: Kenn S., Theresa Cho,  Gerry Lancaster,  Sharon Murphy,  Anna Parks, Sharon Beals, Carolyn Earl,  Beverley, Fran Paton, Margaret S., Linda S.

Agenda was approved and adopted

1. Beverley came to explain how the Sacred Heart School could make a banner for the banner train… from school and also from the sisters… desire to have the blanket ceremony at the ceremony… bmcnamara@shsh.ca send her Ed’s e-mail address

1. Worship – Linda volunteered to lead worship… Sabeel Conference (the Way or channel spring of water… what more do we say than love one another. Read from the way of the cross, a contemporary version. A search for God in the midst of affliction. Luke 19:41  “Jerusalem… the things that make for peace.”

1. Thank you’s, Review and Evaluation of the April 2 workshop-content, publicity, food, etc. We should celebrate the day! Blanket ceremony. Need to see if Blankets could be made available for use here. Food came together well. Good and interesting attendance. Thanks to all for work! Publicity worked but need to see what actually worked well. Content: maybe needed a meatier afternoon… maybe more local participation and issues of concern. Not so much on the game ad more on … Need thank you’s – church,  Billy, Ed. Ask Bev re. money from luncheon.

1. Next steps re UNDRIP: election, reaching out?   CUPW taking part with Kairos re. Rollout the banner. Want a speaker to address CUPW for Saturday (2:15) Margaret talk about Kairos and Billy about UNDRIP. Margaret, Martha Martin and Sharon and Anna will help make the Blanket ceremony happen at Sacred Heart with 2 grade six classes. If you get a chance to talk to candidates raise Kairos and UNDRIP etc.

1. The Workshop at Tatamagouche Centre in preparation for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission visit in fall. Ambassadors for Reconciliation May 4-6 to Tatamagouche. TRC Oct. 25^th to 28^th at the Trade Centre.

1. Roll Out the Banner –make banner, involve others, a send off event for the train. Get people involved, get people in churches making banners, get the right instructions to people. We have till June (14^th?) Need to send out notices after Easter. Make certain the union knows when the train leaves. Maybe have a banner making day and invite folk (Heidi) to com and make 2-3 banners. Linda will see about finding an evening to make bnners.
2. KAIROS Sunday May 1^st:  focus -Linda and Bev’s experiences?, place, time, who will lead worship, plan liturgy, music, reception.

Linda will be away on May 1^st… maybe ask Russ Daye to talk about TRC and how to connect. Margaret will ask him. Where: ask St. Andrew’s.  Light lunch.

Liturgy based on the Study (Margaret will help put together). Maybe get drummers for the event (ask Billy  -  Margaret). See if Kevin is available (organ). Anna will do follow-up with Sister Beverley re. Blanket ceremony).Plan B  Margaret and Sharon and Fran. Margaret will get out stuff for May 1 Kairos Sunday. See if there is a list of Social Action committees that went to Tatamagouche

1. Other announcements or issues: Libyian community gathering each week.Sharonhas written an editorial and wants our prayers.

Additional Minutes after Kenn left:

Margaret announced that a National Truth and Reconciliation is scheduled forHalifaxfrom October 25 to 28at the World Trade Centre

Margaret asked Anna to contact Sister Beverly (after Easter) to confirm a date and time to meet and organize “the Blanket Exercise” with two Grade 6 classes at Sacred Heart School.

Meeting participants are encouraged to register as companions on the Kairos website.  Margaret will contact Caroline Foster at the Kairos office to remind her that some people have not been able to fill in the companion application posted on the website.  It is important to make this formal application to build a complete database at the National level, allowing all companions to receive direct e-mails.

Kairos Sunday Church Service is scheduled for Sunday Evening May 1^st at St. Andrew’s Church.  Margaret will contact Rev. Russell Day to enquire whether he can be available to lead a service.  If he declines, she will contact Rev. Linda Yates for some information about who from Sisters of the Spirit community spoke to her congregation about Indigenous Peoples.  As soon as Margaret has secured a speaker for May 1^st, she will circulate the information to Kairos participants to circulate among various contacts.  It is important to have this information in church bulletins for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.  The following people volunteered to bring food and beverage for the fellowship gathering after the service: cookies from Gerry, Sharon B. Margaret & Anna; juice from Sharon B. & Anna.

After a refreshment break, Linda reported on her recent trip to the Palestinian territories.   The situations experienced by many Palestinians through the ongoing injustices delivered by many of the settlers continue to escalate, always leaving us with the question What Can We Do?

Date for Next Meeting May 4^th – 1:30 at the Barat Residence.

KAIROS MEETING, MARCH 2, 2011         1.30 pm at Barat Residence

Opening Worship  ( Anna) reading from the first of January from Gathering Epiphany 4 (What does the Lord require?) (January 30)  Matthew 5: 1-12. God’s way is not the world’s way – contrary to the world (especially Kairos) Prayer:  Trust that God is near as we come together today…

Attendance: Kenn S., Theresa Cho,  Gerry Lancaster,  Sharon Murphy,  Sharon Beals,    Carolyn Earl,  Ruth Bishop, Marilyn Smith.

Request from Ruth: Ecological Justice issues, please send addresses to her

Regrets:  Margaret Sagar, Linda S.,

Kairos in the limelight  (exchange of comments… What now?)     Send letters complimenting MP and others for speaking up.

Some horrified at what Minister Oda has done… joined to letters like Margaret Sagar and Marion Best. Mary Finlayson (Society of Sacred Heart) letter about acting fairly.

Review of agenda items

Workshop plans and progress reports:  9 am  for set-up 9:30-10 for registration  10 for Ceremony  10:30 for welcome (Kenn)  rest of the morning Blanket ceremony (send minutes to Ed   Coffee will be ready when arrive and lunch  Noon and start again at 12:30

Welcome and MC   (Kenn)

 Introduce (Kairos) Margaret

Schedule  Let Ed create the schedule

Facility and materials requested by Ed  (DVD player/projector, flip chart/ white board) Kenn will look after the requests for supplies

Ed’s proposed sessions (review)

Lunch plan  ( small group to plan?)  / finger food ,sweets, refreshments-cold/hot    Sharon (fruit tray)  Gerry Sandwiches   Anna cheese tray  Kenn sandwiches  Therea cookies  Sharon Muffins   Marilyn cookies   Carolyn  free trade coffee, milk and tea    Ruth  juice.   

Invitations/Publicity     How are we doing with contacts?

 Kenn, Gerry did contact list.

Posters  (were sent out – hopefully people are dissimilating… need to check that it came out OK)  Sharon contacting all the Catholic Community…

Media/PSA     (Time line). Anna will do Coast and Chronicle herald…can we get on CKDU

Pictou Landing resource person?  

Information Table…..Kairos materials, petition, companion sheets, other… please bring information re. Kairos  ask Ed will bring much of the material on companions (Our Land, Our Home),  (ask Ed re. configuration… UNDRIP, TRC and other materials… Face of Poverty… ask Bev to Bring Banner.

Registration –Marilyn   name tags and a list of personal information.

Closing prayer ritual    Music? Closing prayer for the day (to the beat of the drum) From across the valley…  Ruth will ask an indigenous woman to drum quietly through the prayer (Celina)

Airport pick up         TBA

Accommodations      Theresa will look into this…

Other

Event at law court for Chaudrey family – pleased with turnout…

May 1  Kairos Sunday  we’ll decide location at April meeting… 

Next meeting April 6, 2011