First Congregational Church in Dubuque will be hosting the association on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 3 p.m.   Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. 
 
There are workshops planned for the afternoon.   It is not necessary to choose a workshop at this point, BUT planners are asking that either a phone call or an email to Pat Mundell be made so that we have an idea of how many people will be attending.  This will help our workshop leaders plan on their materials.   
 
Please reply by September 19th with the numbers who will be attending to Pat Mundell, Faith United Church of Christ in Muscatine, 563-263-5979.
 
PLEASE ENCOURAGE MANY FROM YOUR CONGREGATION TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.
Agenda
 

Grounded in this commitment, we question the anti-Muslim tenor of actions and speech regarding the building of Cordoba House and mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City.  We are keenly aware that many Muslims, as well as Jews, Christians, Hindus, and others, lost family members in the attacks on September 11, 2001. We recognize, as does the Muslim community around the world, that it was a group of Muslims who embraced terrorism and teachings counter to the Qur'an and Islam that carried out this action. We stand with the majority of Muslims-including American Muslims-who are working against such radical influences in their communities. They have our support for building the Cordoba House as a living monument to mark the tragedy of 9/11 through a community center dedicated to learning, compassion, and respect for all people.  This effort is consistent with our country's principle of freedom of religion, and the rights all citizens should enjoy.  We also decry the anti-Muslim actions and plans of many church leaders and members, such as those of the Dove World Outreach Center in the U.S.A.  Misguided or confused about the love of neighbor by which Christ calls us to live,  leaders and members of this church and others are engaged in harassment of Muslims, and in the planning of an "International Burn the Qur'an Day," to be held on September 11th.   Such open acts of hatred are not a witness to Christian faith, but a grave trespass against the ninth commandment, a bearing of false witness against our neighbor.  They contradict the ministry of Christ and the witness of the church in the world.  

We ask all Christians to promote respect and love of neighbor, and to speak and work against extremist ideas, working with Muslims as appropriate, in order to live out the commandment to love our neighbor, and to promote peace.

The conference office will soon have two new people working with us in support staff positions.
 
Jo Ordway will join us on August 31 as Office Manager and Assistant to the Conference Minister.  Mallory Schneider will begin on September 7 as Support Staff for Conference Programs.  We look forward to welcoming Jo and Mallory!