VeNews November 2008

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Vesper Society, Oslo Center-U.S. Foundation Convene Dialogue on Iran and the West

Prompted by an ongoing commitment to support interfaith dialogue in the U.S. and internationally, and in partnership with the American branch of The Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, Vesper Society co-sponsored a panel discussion September 28 on how cultural and religious differences affect the political relationship between Iran and the West. The speakers explored ways in which informed and respectful dialogue can reduce international tensions. Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, hosted the discussion, which featured Kjell Magne Bondevik, president of The Oslo Center and former Norwegian Prime Minister, as well as distinguished scholars and religious leaders. The program was the inaugural event of The Oslo Center-U.S. Foundation. Vesper Society, The Oslo Center, and the U.S. Foundation hope to partner on future efforts to foster human rights and interfaith dialogue.

Board Update: New Members Magaña and Schieber Help Shape Vesper Society Projects; Lorimer Completes Term as Chair

Vesper Society’s Board of Directors has been enriched by the addition of two new members. Pediatrician Tomás A. Magaña of Oakland, California, is passionate about adolescent and cross-cultural medicine and has led youth development and mentoring projects in the U.S. and abroad. He serves on staff at Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland and St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, California. Randy Schieber of San Bruno, California, is a corporate strategist for Visa Inc. with extensive experience in enterprise planning, finance, and client relations. His background includes service as a legislative assistant and a staff member on Capitol Hill and as an active member of several Lutheran congregations. At the end of this year, Roderic Lorimer will have completed a four-year term as Chair, a period of leadership marked by innovative projects and by his efforts to reorganize the Society’s governance structure. More information on Vesper Society’s board may be found here.

 

Sutter Delta Clinic Widens Services

Vesper Society’s support of the Sutter Delta Urgent Care Clinic in Antioch continues to provide access to high quality health care for residents of San Francisco Bay Area’s Contra Costa County. With additional part-time staff, the clinic has expanded its educational, follow-up and outreach efforts while continuing to provide evening, non-emergency health care seven days a week for those lacking health insurance. A physician assistant now offers individual consultations and group classes for people with diabetes, sessions that are already showing positive results. A medical assistant contacts every patient in need of follow-up procedures and/or classes to support management of chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Classes offered by the clinic are open to everyone, regardless of insurance status. There are also plans in the works for Clinic staff to conduct regular health screenings in the nearby cities of Brentwood and Oakley for those who do not qualify for government health plans and/or have transportation barriers. For more information, contact .

 

Looking Ahead

The December 2008 edition of VeNews will include a year-end review of Vesper Society projects and activities as well as a feature on Vesper Society’s new book about British lay leader Mark Gibbs and the ministry in daily life movement.

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Vesper Society, a private operating foundation, promotes social justice locally and globally by addressing critical social issues including the provision of health services for the underserved.