They decided:

                          1.  To function as a network, not as an organization

                    2.  To function from within the congregations, working with local clergy, on    

                                ecumenical efforts and interfaith relations

                    3.  To include other local Ecumenical Officers and Representatives as interest

                                emerged in other congregations

They agreed:

                    1.  To meet once a month for lunch in a local restaurant

                    2.  To act first on Wesley United Methodist's need for space usage during their  

                                transition to a new building (July 2005-Fall 2006)

                    3.  To interview each of our clergy, using an agreed-upon format.

As ION grew . . .

                   here's a sample of what we did from June 2005 to June 2009:

         Started "Walking God's Paths," a six-week Jewish Christian Dialogue group

         Interviewed all clergy re congregations interest in ecumenical/interfaith issues/activities

         Promoted World Communion Sunday, offering liturgical resources to Christian congregations

         Researched and distributed contact information from & to leaders of Youth Ministries to enable

                                 sharing of ideas & support

         Received and supported an invitation from the UMass Rumi Club for a gift Ramadan Iftar

                                 Dinner to our congregations (continued for four consecutive years,

                                 with a fifth in 2010) 

         Abraham Group #1 - a four year conversation group of Jewish, Christian, Muslim participants

                                                                 [Abraham Group #2 began meeting in 2010]

         Recognized ordinations and anniversaries; attended ordination/installation services of clergy

         Shared information about open-to-all ecumenical opportunities in our congregations

         Encouraged and enabled interfaith activities in ION congregations - speakers/Ashura, etc.          

    Launched a yearlong Women's Interfaith Scripture Group, built on Silks for Sisters Project

      Surveyed, collated and distributed lists of mission & outreach activities sponsored by our

                               various congregations, and identified Chairpersons of these activities.

        Welcomed guest speakers on Immigration Concerns, Building Bridges Project,

                               Shelter Sunday, and others

    Ordered and distributed 30 copies of the Mulltifaith Calendar

    Led by Lee Barstow of South Congregational and supported by the Trustees of his church,

                              started the ION website.  It is managed by Bonny Vaught (ION Clerk).