Quarterly Report from Connecticut Conference Dusabilities Inclusion Associates

April
The team met in New Haven on April 25, 2008.

In attendance were Jacky Schofield, Ann Marino and Rev. Karen Jodice.

Issues Discussed:

1. Preparations for an information table to be set up at the upcoming Annual Conference Spring Meeting.

• To have an A2A poster made
• To obtain a tri-fold stand for the poster
• To make copies of several documents for the table (A2A Guide for Ushers, A2A Worship Guidelines, a sign-up sheet for people interested in working on the team, “Anybody, Everybody, Christ’s Body” – A2A brochure, several flyers from the UCC Mental Illness Network).

2. The need to grow our team and ways in which it may be accomplished.

3. Goal of applying for official status as a Ministry Team within the Connecticut Conference in September.

4. Most efficient way to communicate with and visit churches within the Connecticut Conference that have worked to achieve accessibility and to disseminate information abut A2A.

May

1. An information table on Disability Ministry and A2A was set up at the Conference Annual Spring Meeting on May 10, 2008.

The table was staffed alternately by team members and a good number of people stopped for information and pamphlets, but only two people expressed interest in working on our team. We followed up with both people and Their contact information has been retained for future reference.

2. Two articles on the team and A2A were published by the Conference. One in the “Conference Call” newsletter and One on the Conference website “ConnnTact.” Visit at http://www.ctucc.org. Go to NEWS, ConnTact, Archives,

June
The team met in New Haven on June 5, 2008.

In attendance were Jacky Schofield and Rev. Karen Jodice.

Issues Discussed:

1. The response to the sign-up sheet at the Spring Meeting.
• Both interested parties had been contacted and their numbers kept for future reference.

2. How best to locate and contact potential new team members from around the Conference.
• We discussed the possibility of sending out a letter to all pastors and/or Regional Ministers asking for names of people who may be interested in joining the team.
3. What would be the most efficient way to locate and visit churches that have already done the most towards full accessibility?
• The possibility of directly contacting and visiting local churches, or
• Asking Regional Ministers to assist in targeting specific churches.

Meeting held in New Haven on June 18, 2008.

In attendance were Ann Marino and Rev. Karen Jodice.

Issues Discussed:

1. Using their knowledge of local churches and their members, they finalized plans to contact Regional Ministers to recruit a diverse core team.

2. The plan also included a way to elicit information about churches that have already taken steps to welcome and embrace members with disabilities. These churches would be recognized at the Fall conference Meeting.
• Ann Marino will compose a letter to all Regional Ministers asking for their help in locating potential team members as well as identifying local churches that have taken steps toward accessibility.