Minutes of October 3, 2008

Thirteen men gathered for a meal prepared by Erik Parker and Bill Powell. The president called the meeting to order at 8:25 PM then welcomed the members and thanked the supper committee. The secretary read the objects of the club followed by the minutes of the June and September meetings. Two corrections were noted. First, the phrase Middle Conscience middle was replaced with Moral. Second Roger Schnarr title as assistant treasurer should be change to Treasurer Support with signing authority. A motion to accept the minutes with noted corrections was moved seconded and carried.

Treasure’ Report
Treasurer Jay Brown reported an opening balance of $1120.47 When the adjustments from dues (payment from 9 men), contributions , food costs, dish washing expenses and interest are calculate, a working balance of 1312.21 remains in the account. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report as given was moved by Mike Hasen , seconded by Lee Horigan and carried.

New / Other Business
Item #1: A member wanted it noted that Mike Morton’s presentation at the last son’s meeting was more of and interactive seminar which debunked some of the myths or misconceptions of a public servant.
Item #2: At the request of the Principal, It was decided that the sons would purchase and donate a bench to the Olivet New Church School. The budget for this expenditure was set to between $200 to $300.
Item #3: Minutes should be circulated via email to son’s members prior to meeting
Item #4 The president will review minutes for errors and omissions before wide circulation
Item #4: Next Meeting November 14, 2008
Item #5: Son’s Ladies Night date is April 18, 2009
Item #6: Christmas Supper committee will be comprised of Lee Horigan, Jay Brown and Bill Powell

Upon confirmation there was no other business, or business arising from the meeting, Patrick Horigan then introduced the guest speaker of the evening, Don Barber who presented a paper entitled: Martyrdom



The Main Event.
Mr. Barber opened his talk with a joke. As awash was the word of the evening he joked his presentation would be awash with words. Mr. Barber showed and compared the differences by definition between Christian Martyrs and Muslim –Jihad Martyrs.

A Christian Martyr is one who is murdered or put to death for his Christian faith or beliefs and for his convictions. Such deaths are usually very cruel and may involve stoning, crucifixion or burning at the stake. Jesus Christ is the definitive example of a martyr he who fought the great fight to the bitter end. – As a historic significance, St. Stephen was the 1st Martyr who was killed for his beliers in Jesus as the savior. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a modern example of a martyr who is remembered today for his fight against racial injustice. Martyrs are often revered and their relics are kept as mementos. To date there are over 70 million Christian martyrs

Mr. Barber showed that Jihad Martyr extremists differ somewhat form Christians Martyrs. Their views as follows: You should yearn for an honorable death and you will gain perfect happiness. All Muslims must and have an obligation to Allah to practice Jihad. Allah will honor the fighters with splendid rewards. The messenger of Allah, peace be unto him the first to be forgiven. A sacred crown of dignity shall be placed upon his head. He is wedded to 72 of the women of heaven and can intercede for up to 70 of his relatives.

Mr. Barber pointed out that Jihad is a term that means struggle. Not a struggle to give up one’s life that is to die, but to change the life we live. In conclusion Mr. Barber showed from the writing God’s loving nature which is in opposition to every kind of evil. We read – The Nature of God is such that He love everyone outside of himself and desires to be one with us and to make us happy from himself. (TCR43) Additionally, God wants us to be happy and wants us to have conjunction with him – Lastly, from Devine Providence, God cannot punish or curse people as it is contraire to his divine love and Wisdom.

President Patrick Horigan was thanked by the membership for the presentation and much discussion followed. The meeting drew to a conclusion at 9:58 PM.


Respectfully submitted
John Reid.

Link to more information on Jihad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad