Nashua Area Interfaith Council
Minutes November 3, 2004

The Council met today at the Pilgrim Congregational Church. The meeting began at 7:30 am and was opened with prayer by Rev. Ed Koonz, pastor.

Faith Communities in attendance were: Nashua Presbyterian, Emmaus Institute, Bahai, St. Joseph's Hospital, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, Home and Hospice, Corpus Christie Food Pantry, First Church, Christ the King Lutheran, Hollis Congregational Church, First Baptist of Hudson, Main Street Methodist, Chinmaya Mission, Christ Scientist, Congregation Betenu, Temple Beth Abraham, Habit for Humanity, Litchfield Community Church, Roman Catholic Deanery, Community Church of Hudson, Pilgrim Congregational, Latter Day Saints, and First Baptist Church of Nashua.

Following breakfast we had a number of announcements. Included were the following:

• Crop Walk event was reported on by Susan Raban. Pilgrim Congregational Church was host congregation. This year's event was in competition with a Breast Cancer walk, and we had poor weather. Planning for next year is beginning. The date is October 23, 2005. A host congregation needs to be recruited. Those interested in more information can contact Susan at 883-6641
• John Terry of the Hollis Congregational Church spoke of a Work Camp project that is under the sponsorship of his church for next summer. He is seeking to find homeowners who need work done so they can be included in this program. Materials were circulated. For more information please call 465-7099.
• The Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network is ready to open. This past Sunday the day center was dedicated, and a worship service held. Faith communities not involved, who want to explore how they can help, can call Laurie Skibba at 883-7338.
• The third in the series "How We Pray" will be held in Milford on November 30.

Program: Sharon Spivak lead the attendees in a discussion of this question: "Does my faith tradition influence my community involvement?" A number of people shared their stories.

Reports: Treasurer: Bill Doll had a written report available. The balance is the same, with Crop Walk expenses to be paid. Dues statements for 2005 are being prepared for mailing. The report was received as information.

Secretary: Minutes were presented. A change was made in the minutes regarding the location of this meeting. It had been changed in the secretary's copy.

Committee Reports:

• Rev. Tom Woodward reported on the Granite State Organizing Committee's work.
  • The GSOP will have a letter and petition to circulate to churches on the subject of the requirement that all immigrant people must go to Concord to secure a driver's license or renew a driver's license.
  • We are working to move a grant request of the Dental Connection through offices in Concord. The state government does not have the resources to do the qualifying work necessary to forward the grant to the Federal Government.
  • The annual meeting of the GSOP is set for Sunday, November 14 in Manchester.
  • We would encourage congregations to attend future meetings of the Nashua chapter. The next meeting is November 29, at 7 PM at the Universal Unitarian Church in Nashua.
• The Community Thanksgiving Service is set for November 21st at the First Church at 7:30 PM. Rev. Jeff Evans is making the plans and will contact people.

The meeting adjourned at 9 AM and Franklin Haskill led us in prayer.

The next meeting is set for St. Joseph Hospital on December 8 at 7:30 PM. Parking is available in the new parking garage off Lake Street. The meeting will take place in the Carl Ameilo room on the group floor.