Social Action Green Sanctuary Minutes 2.28.2010

Present: Bill Gazitano, JoAnn Jacobsen, Don Stebbins, Sandy Scofield, Jackie Leisos and Malcolm Buffington

Social Action:

No action was taken on identifying a new co-chair. This will be discussed at our next meeting

It was requested that the Social Action Committee take on the responsibility of delivering food bank items at the end of each month. This led to a discussion of where the items should be delivered. It was mentioned that the Food Bank itself takes donations but prefers cash, as they can buy larger amounts of food in bulk at a cheaper price. They accept other in kind donations as well. It was also mentioned that bringing collected items to other churches results in them getting credit instead of us. Other possible places to donate included Emmaus House, Hope House and Bowman House. We will try to make this a standing agenda item for the Social Action Committee, depending on the nature of the monthly collection, we will decide where to donate the collected items and who on the committee will make the actual delivery.

It was suggested that Jeff Parker of the local chapter of the American Red Cross would be a good speaker to invite to a future Social Action meeting. His purpose may be to recruit new volunteers, but this was not clear. This will be discussed again at a future meeting.

There is no new information about hearing devices for our congregants.

There is no new information about volunteers for the Refugee Center.

The 40 Hour Fast program was canceled.

We discussed donations that went to Haiti and possible needs for Chile.

Green Sanctuary:

The interfaith project to address climate change and other matters is on hold as the original organizer of this endeavor is experiencing some health problems. That group may meet again on March 15. In the meantime, some local congregations may go ahead with projects independently. It is unclear what our congregation will do. We are exploring the cost of replacement dimmable, low energy light bulbs to replace current light bulbs at our church and perhaps seeking donations from the congregation for this purpose.

Plastic has been put on the window of the clerical office, to keep it warmer and save energy. Insulation was put around the front door to reduce energy loss and a draft there.

Next Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 21 at 12 Noon in the Church parlor if available.