Sangha Planning Meeting Minutes

January 18^th, 2004

Present: Stacy, Walter, Mark Stein, Tony Glore, and Dan Wolverton

1.      Treasurer’s report.  Bob, by proxy, shared that we have approximately $150.00 in our coffers, with the rent to Orbis having been paid for January.  

2.      January Day of Mindfulness.  The last day of January is a 5^th Sunday, which is typically designated for a Day of Mindful (DOM) retreat.  It was decided to cancel this month’s DOM.  Jacqueline will be facilitating that day.  Tony is to contact her to let her know that this will be a regular sit Sunday with her utilizing the second activity as she finds appropriate.  

There was discussion about finding an outside facilitator or perhaps other group to incorporate into our next DOM, which will be in spring.  Tony agreed to research potential groups or individuals, (Dick Sisto, area monks, the Shambala group). 

3.      Newsletter.  Tony asked for the group’s consensus on adding a section to the newsletter that asks folks to submit short (up to 2 paragraphs) passages from any readings that they might have recently enjoyed.   The group was good with that, as long as the limitations were clearly communicated in the newsletter. 

It was also suggested that a general informational flier about the Sangha be added to the newsletter occasionally hat members could print and post to let others know about us.  The group agreed. 

4.      Incense lighter.  Mark suggested that we ask any one who lights the incense on Sunday to place the lighter in the brass plate (that we need to set out during set up) to prevent any burning to the carpet.  Also, a related matter, Mark observed that when the smaller table is used for set up, there is little room for the incense burner, and ashes fall from the burner to the floor.  

5.      Books.  Mark shared that he’s observed that books written by Thay have been checked out for a long period of time.  He recommended that someone volunteer to spend about an hour calling those who have checked out books asking them to come visit us, and bring the books with them. Anyone who would like to volunteer for this task would be welcomed.   It was also suggested that we post a request in the newsletter to return books that aren’t being read. 

6.      LEO Ad. Since Jon is entering another phase of treatments for cancer, Tony will contact him to see if he’d like for Tony to replace him as the contact in the Leo ad. 

7.      Document Box.  Tony expressed a compulsive need to have the Sangha’s box of documents cleaned out.  It was agreed that some of the facilitators could do this together after a Sunday sit.   Tony will send the documents created for the festival of faiths to Dan, who will further develop a visitor’s information sheet.