Wapping Community Church
ONA Working Group
Meeting notes of June 1, 2015
A planning meeting for the ONA Working Group of Wapping Community Church was called to order on June 1, 2015 by Chairperson Charlene Swietek at 7:05 p.m. An opening prayer was led by the Reverend Chris Davies. A request was made by Charlene for someone to record notes of the meeting, and Ann Drake agreed to do so. Present were Judy Hall, Joyce Vallez, Mark Abernethy, Donna Williams, Chris Davies, Erik Ribera, Matt Desy, Charlene Swietek, and Ann Drake.
As was reported to the congregation at both services on Sunday, May 31, Charlene announced approval of the motion presented to Church Council by the ONA working group. Those present at the Council meeting shared some of the discussion that occurred prior to the Council vote. The vote was 13 Yes, 1 No, 1 Abstention. The motion stated:
Resolved that the Church Council bless and affirm the effort of the Open and
Affirming (ONA) Working Group, commissioning them to support the congregation through an intentional discernment process of becoming Open and Affirming (ONA)as per UCC Coalition guidelines, understanding that the process may take up to two years.
The group shared several comments about the May 31 church services with its emphasis on Whoever you are and wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. The varied descriptions of Wapping’s welcome and the eloquence of both the pastors and the congregation was mentioned.
The future composition of the group was discussed, as were ways to make the group as varied in representation as possible. It was agreed that the working group would be comprised of members of the congregation. A separate advisory group, comprised of the ministers, the Chair of Deacons, and the Moderator was suggested to offer the working group guidance in matters of Biblical references, liturgy, and church structure. This advisory group would be notified electronically of matters under consideration and would receive the notes of meetings held. Debriefing sessions with the ministers would be held after discussions with large groups.
The colorful “Rainbow” box designed by Charlene is the first of several which will be receptacles for any questions that the congregation might have about the process. It was suggested that the group consider the questions and decide how to answer each, based on research and the guidance of the ministers and advisory group if necessary.
Donna Williams asked if we are perhaps “holding ourselves back and going too slowly”. Erik Ribera mentioned that at another church, a panel was formed and the attendees given blank cards on which to submit questions. These questions were then answered by the panel. Donna suggested that all information be repeated in the Sunday bulletins for those who may have missed the last two services.
The first Monday of each month was chosen for the meeting date for the ONA Working Group, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, July 6.
What’s next? Ideas were numerous.
The meeting was adjourned with a circle of prayer at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Notes respectfully submitted by Ann Drake
ONA Working Group
Meeting notes of June 1, 2015
A planning meeting for the ONA Working Group of Wapping Community Church was called to order on June 1, 2015 by Chairperson Charlene Swietek at 7:05 p.m. An opening prayer was led by the Reverend Chris Davies. A request was made by Charlene for someone to record notes of the meeting, and Ann Drake agreed to do so. Present were Judy Hall, Joyce Vallez, Mark Abernethy, Donna Williams, Chris Davies, Erik Ribera, Matt Desy, Charlene Swietek, and Ann Drake.
As was reported to the congregation at both services on Sunday, May 31, Charlene announced approval of the motion presented to Church Council by the ONA working group. Those present at the Council meeting shared some of the discussion that occurred prior to the Council vote. The vote was 13 Yes, 1 No, 1 Abstention. The motion stated:
Resolved that the Church Council bless and affirm the effort of the Open and
Affirming (ONA) Working Group, commissioning them to support the congregation through an intentional discernment process of becoming Open and Affirming (ONA)as per UCC Coalition guidelines, understanding that the process may take up to two years.
The group shared several comments about the May 31 church services with its emphasis on Whoever you are and wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. The varied descriptions of Wapping’s welcome and the eloquence of both the pastors and the congregation was mentioned.
The future composition of the group was discussed, as were ways to make the group as varied in representation as possible. It was agreed that the working group would be comprised of members of the congregation. A separate advisory group, comprised of the ministers, the Chair of Deacons, and the Moderator was suggested to offer the working group guidance in matters of Biblical references, liturgy, and church structure. This advisory group would be notified electronically of matters under consideration and would receive the notes of meetings held. Debriefing sessions with the ministers would be held after discussions with large groups.
The colorful “Rainbow” box designed by Charlene is the first of several which will be receptacles for any questions that the congregation might have about the process. It was suggested that the group consider the questions and decide how to answer each, based on research and the guidance of the ministers and advisory group if necessary.
Donna Williams asked if we are perhaps “holding ourselves back and going too slowly”. Erik Ribera mentioned that at another church, a panel was formed and the attendees given blank cards on which to submit questions. These questions were then answered by the panel. Donna suggested that all information be repeated in the Sunday bulletins for those who may have missed the last two services.
The first Monday of each month was chosen for the meeting date for the ONA Working Group, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, July 6.
What’s next? Ideas were numerous.
- Repeat Charlene’s May 31 message in Parish Post, with a link to WCC materials
- Also repeat Charlene’s message on the church website
- Repeat the motion approved at Church Council in the Parish Post and on the website
- A fall Bible study in September is considered very important.
- Pew flyers with overview of terminology would be helpful
- Coffee hour July 5 at 9 a.m. hosted by the working group to publicize the message of ONA (Matt will provide cake.)
- G-mail address for the whole group (Chris will expedite.)
- Order “rainbow” comma pins from the UCC website for the working group. (Ann will
expedite).
- All people are welcome. All behaviors are not.
- Practice responding to sample questions
(A possible approach—“Would you like to
learn about this with us?”)
(“This is a direction the church is exploring.”) - What does ONA really mean?
- Begin to explore what our covenant will include
The meeting was adjourned with a circle of prayer at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Notes respectfully submitted by Ann Drake