Notes from VCIC July 21 meeting

We enjoyed reviewing the Bahai meeting. For those who were not able to attend the Bahai meeting, Renee explained what happens at a meeting. And as requested, she explained about the Bahai calendar of 19 months with 19 days. She was not sure how it developed. This led into a discussion about calendars in different faiths, including the Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist.

Next worship get-togethers:

1) Padre Serra on Saturday, August 6. Padre Serra is at 5205 Upland Road in Camarillo. We are to meet at 4:15 for an introduction to the mass/service in a room that is left off the courtyard. Linda Lowe will be there to ensure we get to the right place.

Mass is at 5 pm and lasts for approximately an hour. Pizza will be served during the discussion/fellowship afterward. There is no limit on attendance.

2) Sunday, October 2 there will be a Sikh service at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, time to be announced.

3) Sunday, November 6 there will be a Hindu service at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, time to be announced.

4) Discussion:

a. Percy is going to check about the possibility of a worship service in September at her home.

b. Ferial is speaking with Imam about our attending at service at the mosque in Newbury Park.

c. Ken is going to check on possibility of using his church in September for Tim to communicate what he has learned and understands about the Jain religion in a community forum.

Discussion went to the idea of service or serving. Renee reminded us of how all of us involved in VCIC had this in our hearts/beings. Discussion then focused on how to go about meeting the needs of the Ventura Correctional School girls. There was some confusion as to what their needs really are. Linda reminded us of the scholarship needs and Debbie focused on their personal needs. The idea of having a “Celebration of Cultures” fair might bring in some money. Debbie, Ferial, and Percy shared that organizing something on that order would take about two years. Percy shared the idea of having a dinner with a per plate charge. Debbie floated the idea that getting personal items from large companies would be easy and could be done for 500 girls. It finally came down to deciding that the group needs more clarification on how the girls would most benefit and what the volunteers at the facility think would work. Therefore, Linda is going to invite the Ventura Correctional School volunteer to attend our next meeting on August 18.

Discussion then ensued about having a forum for the public and keeping the core group a core group. The idea of having the forums at CSUCI, St. Columba’s, or the library was raised. Someone remembered a past discussion on how the university and our group could work together, both in service and in forum presentations, but no one was sure on how. Therefore, Frieda will invite Rabbi Lotker to the August 18 meeting.

Next VCIC core meeting: August 18 at 7 pm at Tim and Teri’s