The meeting began with breakfast and a opening prayer by Starr Shallow.
Faith communities represented at the meeting were: Temple Betenu, St. Joseph's Hospital, Christian Science, Arlington Street Methodist, Main Street Methodist, St. Phillip Greek Orthodox, First Baptist of Nashua, Pilgrim Congregational, Emmaus Institute, Christ the King Lutheran, Bahai, Nashua Presbyterian, Chinmaya Mission and First Baptist of Hudson.
Steve Edington, Vice President chaired the meeting. The subject was a review of the year, and thoughts for consideration by the Executive Board as it plans the September 2005 to June 2006 calendar.
The response to the format of dialogue and discussion format was strongly supported. We talked about our faith journeys and we had an opportunity to learn how other faith traditions regard same sex marriage. Some people learned how we are more alike and less different. Relationships were strengthened and people were given value.
Bill Manseau used the images of "leaven" and "beating heart" to symbolize the image he has of NAIC. A little leaven shapes the whole loaf, and a beating heart is fundamental to a living being.
Audrey Doll raised the issue of how do you stir up enthusiasm within your congregation. One idea that was offered in response was invite another person to attend. Another suggestion was to host a meeting an involve others in preparing the breakfast.
Activities during the past year included: · A community thanksgiving service · National Day of Prayer observance in May · The Crop Walk · Program held in April at the First Baptist Church, Nashua, on the subject of the Golden Rule. · Bill Manseau's representation of NAIC on the Ethnic Awareness Committee of the City of Nashua. · Recognition as the best New Hampshire Interfaith Group bestowed by the New Hampshire Council of Churches in April.
Interfaith activities give support of the Granite State Organizing Project, NAACP, and recipients of the CROP Walk funds and the Thanksgiving Offering.
Does the time of our breakfast hinder people from attending? For some it is hard to get going, others find it just right.
Bill Doll suggested that our format next year include 4 dialogue meetings, and 4 presentation meetings. December is a social meeting. Topics that could be presented include death and dying, and advance directives.
Time should be provided to have the host faith community or organization describe it's program.
We spoke of more publicity. An example (provided by Starr Shallow) was a column in the newspaper titled "People of Faith in Action." The criteria for selection of people would be their participation in interfaith activities.
The mayor of Nashua has requested a prayer breakfast in 2006. At the last Executive Board Sharon, the president of NAIC, said she would make this a priority.
The development of an interfaith educational model. This model would provide an opportunity to reflect on faith development, pastoral care for laity, learn music of other faiths, and develop models that would lead to service to the community. Such a model could be 4 weeks in length.
My own thought is that we could adopt a three directional interfaith model. We should create dialogue, witness in service and develop personal leadership abilities.
Minutes prepared by Rev. Tom Woodward, Secretary