MEETING NOTES FOR PEOPLE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND HEALING

People for Peace, Justice, and Healing
June 6, 2009

People for Peace, Justice and healing met June 6, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Associated Ministries.  Present for check-in were:  Mark, Sallie, Sheila, Nancy, Susan, Vivi, Rob, Karen H., Karen K.  We were all especially happy to get to meet Susan, Sallie's sister from California.  However, we failed to get her to divulge any really scandalous family secrets about Sallie.

Main areas of discussion:  Israel/Palestine — Nancy has organized a protest encouraging Caterpillar to stop selling bulldozers to Israel. Protest to take place Mon., 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Federal Building.  Discussion of Representative Brian Baird's growing interest in the Israeli/Palesine issue.  Commemoration:  We recalled that it was three years that Ehren Watada announced his intention to refuse to go to Iraq.  The announcement was made at Associated Ministries and many of us participated in consequent activities including attending his trial in February 2007.  Reflections by attending members of the memorial for former activist and poet, Al Kammerzell, at Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregration on May 30.  Discussion of May 29 dinner and fundraiser for Associated Ministries at Tacoma Convention Center.  Our Sallie was especially honored.  Her acceptance speech amused us because she spent the time drumming up business for Interfaith Camp.  Campers still wanted.  Group folded posters to be distributed at Urban Grace Interfaith Stand-up Comedy night on June 7 at 7 p.m.  (A Rabbi, a Muslim and a Christian walk into Urban Grace...)  Karen H. announced she will be going to Japan with Bill Bichsel's Journey of Repentance group in August.  They leave July 30 for Tokyo.  About 20 people are in the group.  General exchange of ideas, questions about a future fundraiser.

Announcements:

Digging Deeper: Monday nights, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mandolin Cafe.  Current book: Family of Secrets: The Bush dynasty and the powerful forces that put it in the White House.  Author:  Russ Baker.  Mark has posted synopsis of ALL the books read by the Digging Deeper group.  Go to UFPPC website for the link.

Persian poetry celebration on June 21 at Burk's house.  See HERE for more information.

Fellowship of Reconciliation three-day family camp coming up at SEABECK — meals and lodging for a very reasonable price.  Scholarships and discounts available.  Three days of workshops and Seabeck amenities.  Go to www.wwfor.org/seabeck for more information, dates, and times

Respectfully submitted,
Karen