Moore, Tania
From: p q < [email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2023 3:19 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Invocation Policy Agenda item
Council member Moser,
What a sensitive issue this is. Asking the Almighty to help our elected officials to make sound unbiased decisions is a sacred tradition. I believe we should continue this sacred tradition. The most non controversial way to provide someone to give the invocation is through the continued use of an inhouse chaplain.
The separation of Church and State is a delicate matter. When the City's relationship with one faith based organization was questioned in February, it opened up a can of worms. Was the invocation process used as a political tool? When accusations were made regarding the GHBIC I wrote directly to the GHBIC. I asked about council involvement in the selection of a GHBIC member to give the invocation. The rep told me that council was not involved with the exception of when a new mayor is installed and that it was the new mayor's choice. I asked which council member was involved with the December 2022 installation invocation and the rep said she wasn't sure but thought it was Dan Kalmick, but again she said she wasn't sure. I told her that her website indicates the City provides her group with a free meeting room at City Hall for their monthly meetings. I asked if the City provides any other public support to the group. She said, "No." Religions by nature advance political positions which are key to their beliefs. The invocation process should not have the appearance of being political. Using the inhouse chaplain achieves that goal.
If the GHBIC is to continue to use City Hall public meeting rooms, it should pay the same fee any other organizations are charged.
Sincerely,
Pat Quintana
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/140/2023
1 Agonda lam Na: 24(23-433).
Moore, Tania
From: Deb Janus < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Item #24 on the Agenda for 5/15/23
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am opposed to item
#24-2.. Submitted by Councilmember Moser - Invocation Policy Update Request the City Manager and City Attorney to present the following information at a City Council Meeting in June 2023:
1. An update on the Invocation Policy.
2. Considerations for amending Council's direction on February 21 with a draft Resolution outlining a policy of providing a moment of silence (in lieu of an invocation).
Our country was founded on the principals of religious freedom and the Bible. Our states, Cities and Municipalities have followed that principal since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and before.
Once again, Ms Moser only proposes items related to her personal agenda and not that of the Citizens of Huntington Beach. The second Item regarding a moment of silence in lieu of an Invocation is not acceptable and I respectfully ask that Council vote this proposed consideration down.
Sincerely,
Deborah Janus
Huntington Beach Resident
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/10/2023
Agenda tem No: 24 (23- 433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Ted Ross <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 3:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: CITY COUNCIL
Subject: City Council Agenda item 24. 23-433
I totally disagree with any attempt to corrupt the Huntington Beach City Council Meeting's format to remove the invocation!
Sent from my iPhone.......Ted Ross
Huntington Beach Resident
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete:.. 5/16/2003
Agenda tem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Cari Swan <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:31 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Cc: Cari Swan
Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude.
While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel.
Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24.
Respectfully,
Cari Swan
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
5/14p023
Agenda tam No: 24. (23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Cari Swan <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:54 PM SUPPLEMENTAL
To: Cari Swan COMMUNICATION
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 Meeting Date: 5/14/2023
Dear Friends and Faithful, Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
Please join me in opposing Agenda Item 24 for this week's city council meeting. This item was brought by Natalie Moser. She is recommending we eliminate the Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting and replace with a moment of silence! Frankly, I find this brutally insulting but not surprising from Moser!! Below is the email that I sent to City Council. A simple "I oppose Agenda Item 24" is also fine!
Please share with any friends, especially friends in faith!! Send emails to:
[email protected]
CC:
[email protected]
Fun Fact:
The Supreme Court ruled in favor Prayer prior to government meetings in May of 2014:
https://religionnews.com/2014/05/05/supreme-court-upholds-prayer-government-meetings/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-prayer-idUSBREA440FO20140505 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude. 1 While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel.
Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24.
Respectfully,
Cari Swan
2 Moore, Tania
From: Linda Wentzel < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 6:16 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," It is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solemn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance, and express gratitude.
Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24.
Kind Regards,
Linda Wentzel
[email protected]
(c) 714.951.7463
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/10/2023
Agenda lem No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Dennis Pappas < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 7:23 PM
To: Cari Swan SUPPLEMENTAL
Cc: [email protected] COMMUNICATION
Subject: Re: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Mesting Date:. 5/110/2023.
Will do.
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
Sent from my iPhone
On May 14, 2023, at 5:54 PM, Cari Swan <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Friends and Faithful,
Please join me in opposing Agenda Item 24 for this week's city council meeting. This item was brought by Natalie Moser. She is recommending we eliminate the Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting and replace with a moment of silence! Frankly, I find this brutally insulting but not surprising from Moser!! Below is the email that I sent to City Council. A simple "I oppose Agenda Item 24" is also fine! Please share with any friends, especially friends in faith!! Send emails to:
[email protected]
Cc:
[email protected]
Fun Fact:
The Supreme Court ruled in favor Prayer prior to government meetings in May of 2014:
https://religionnews.com/2014/05/05/supreme-court-upholds-prayer-government- meetings/
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-prayer-idUSBREA440FO20140505 Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, 1 I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do,"
is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude.
While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel.
Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24.
Respectfully,
Cari Swan
2 Moore, Tania
From: Don Stewart < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 9:34 PM SUPPLEMENTAL
To: CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Cc: [email protected]
Subiect: oppose agenda item 2 5/10/2023
Meeting Det.:..
5/14/23 Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
Dear Mayor and City Council Members
I oppose Agenda Item 24
At a time when there is so much need we have an agenda item removing prayer from our city council meetings. Whether it's the homeless, drug addicts, or suicidal individuals they could all use prayer to help them turn their lives around. I expect each council member could be helped by hearing the invocation at each meeting to help guide their actions and decisions. We all need to reach out and seek divine guidance in our most challenging times.
I spent many of my later adult years not attending church regularly, I am a believer but attended St. Mattress more often than a brick-and-mortar church. That changed in early 2021. The year 2020 was appalling and I saw a surge in systemic evil. I never saw so many people living in fear, acting irrationally, condoning criminal acts and removing God given rights of individuals. I told my wife no human has the power to control so many people in such radical acts. I believe Satan was at work and there is only one answer to him and that is God. I found a church and we have attended regularly for two straight years. I am not alone. There is a revival going on and city council members that vote in support of this agenda item are on the wrong side of the movement that is happening under their eyes.
Parents realize their children have been exposed to pornography in their schools starting in elementary school. That is why public-school enrollment is down. People are playing Mr. Potato head with their genitalia and they are proud about that. People believe full term unlimited abortions are okay even though the fetus cries out in pain when their limbs are ripped from their tiny bodies. If people disagree with your views, you're a racist or a Nazi. I am neither a racist or a Nazi and my nuclear family is a rich mixture of nationalities that are more brown than white.
In summary, we all need time to seek solutions through prayer. I believe I understand the motivation to remove the invocation from council meetings and it is a manipulation having nothing to do with prayer. You see Ms. Moser you don't have to protect the truth it roars like a lion and it is obvious to anyone that pays attentions, reads and uses their own brain to understand. I hope you all take your vote seriously as the people of this great city do and they hope you realize what a yes vote means.
Don Stewart
6402 Sligo Circle
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
2 Moore, Tania
From: Ed Laird <[email protected]>
Sent: unday, May 14, 2023 11:01 P.
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Agenda Item 24
From: Ed Laird <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, May 14, 2023 at 10:39 PM
Subject: Agenda Item 24
To: <[email protected]>
I am opposed to Agenda Item 24, on the May 16 city council meeting! Resident Ed Laird, 9641 Bay Meadow Drive.
Thank you,
Ed Laird
Laird Coatings Corporation
15541 Commerce Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Thank you,
Ed Laird
Laird Coatings Corporation
15541 Commerce Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Moting Dato: 5/10 2023
Agenda lam No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Kim Weddon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 8:45 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24
I oppose Agenda Item 24
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:.. 5/4/2023
Agenda tiem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:27 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer before city council
From: Andrew Trommald <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:22 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer before city council
It is very important to me as a regular voter, Christian, an oiler and HB resident that prayer for our city continues, as our wonderful city continues to be blessed.
Andrew
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete: 5/16/2023
Agenda lam Na: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Invocations at City Council Meeting
From: chris macdonald < [email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:42 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: Estanislau, Robin <Robin. [email protected]> Subject: Invocations at City Council Meeting
Dear Huntington Beach City Council Members - Tony, Gracey, Pat, Casey, Natalie, Dan and Rhonda, I'm in support of keeping Item 24 pertaining to Invocations at The Huntington Beach City Council Meetings.
I think it is very Important in the times we are living in now and everybody needs it especially the people in Government that lead our City.
Thank You Very Much,
Chris MacDonald, Native Huntington Beach Resident
Virus-free.www.avg.com
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/110/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23.433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Keeping an opening prayer for city Council -----Original Message-----
From: Woody Woodruff<[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 12:24 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Keeping an opening prayer for city Council
The city Council should keep giving a prayer before the start of each council meeting, not just a moment of silence. If there was ever a time we need prayer for our city and our country. It is now. I agree with the mayor of New York City we should've never taken prayer Out of our schools or out of our government. The city Council should not be looking to take prayer out of their meetings, in fact, we should be looking to put it back into our schools and to include prayer in our government more often.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:_ 5/14/2023
Agenda Rem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings
From: Tísha Benson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 1:18 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings
Good Afternoon City Council Members,
I'm writing today to request that you keep Prayer in the City Council Meetings. Prayer is foundational and has always been since our country was established.
Whatever your personal beliefs are, you are representing the residents of Huntington Beach and we require that prayer be continued in our Huntington Beach City Council Meetings. You have an obligation to serve and honor our requests so please respect our beliefs and wishes.
Please stay true to your word and obligation,
Tísha Prieto-Benson
[email protected]
808.772.2012
Sent Via iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/160/2023
Agenda Niem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Eleni Hapsis < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:35 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Opposed to Agenda Item 24
Dear Mayor and City Council:
I am OPPOSED to Agenda Item 24.
Sincerely,
Eleni
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Moting Defo: 5/142/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Michael Wright <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:09 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 24- OPPOSE
Importance: High
Honorable Mayor & Council,
I was reading the Agenda for this weeks City Council Meeting, and came across Item 24 and 1 am just so disappointed, but not really though when I see who proposed such an Item. An invocation prayer is a request for the spiritual presence and blessings of God at the beginning of a meeting, ceremony, or service, etc. This is something all of society needs more of, not less, and our leadership should recognize such decay and decline due to beliefs such as this and Oppose it. Only a morally and spiritually bankrupt human being would propose such an Item.
Please OPPOSE Agenda ITEM 24
Thank you
Mike Wright
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:. 5/16/2023
Agenda lam No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:28 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings
From: Tísha Benson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 1:18 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Keep Prayer in Council Meetings
Good Afternoon City Council Members,
I'm writing today to request that you keep Prayer in the City Council Meetings. Prayer is foundational and has always been since our country was established.
Whatever your personal beliefs are, you are representing the residents of Huntington Beach and we require that prayer be continued in our Huntington Beach City Council Meetings. You have an obligation to serve and honor our requests so please respect our beliefs and wishes.
Please stay true to your word and obligation,
Tísha Prieto-Benson
[email protected]
808.772.2012
Sent Via iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/10/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
-----Original Message----
From: LOWELL HORNUNG <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:38 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Hi there!
Please keep prayer before city council meetings and everywhere we can. Our city and our country both need all the help we can get !
Lowell Hornung HB resident
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23.433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
From: Estherly H<[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 2:59 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
It has come to my attention, that the city Council will not allow Prayer before a meeting. We are a nation under Jod and should be allowed to say a prayer. Please don't succumb to the evilness of the woke crowd. Go hould be welcome in your chamber
Estherly Hall
Huntington Beach Resident
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:... 5/10/2023
Agendalem No:_ 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer
From: Qts <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 4:43 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer
-- Forwarded Message ---
From: Qts <[email protected]>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 04:24:26 PM PDT
Subject: Fw: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer
..-- Forwarded Message -
From: Qts <[email protected]>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023, 04:20:45 PM PDT
Subject: E-Mail Regarding The Issue of Prayer
To Whom It May Concern,
It is to my understanding that the Huntington Beach City Council wants to remove the concept of "prayer" from council meetings and substitute it with the concept of "moments of silence". I am opposed to this for two reasons. For one thing, without the Lord Jesus Christ and reliance on Him, everything falls apart. Because society has wandered so far away from God, we have the major problems of theft, burglaries, wars, murders, and children living in broken homes. This is why it is neod, wes tave the gor outrageous that you want to leave the concept of "prayer" out of meetings. Another reason why what you are doing is outrageous is that it infringes on the First Amendment right of those of us who are Christian conservatives. This is illegal, because the Constitution says that everyone, including Christian conservatives, are to have their rights acknowledged. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Lauren C. Alan
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Mesting Defe:_ 5/14/2023.
Agenda rom No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:29 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: QPrayers9
---Original Message----
From: Brandi Desso <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:03 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: @Prayers 9
Hello,
My name is Brandi Desso Wertheimer, and I am a concerned citizen of Huntington Beach. I hear that it is on the agenda to take prayer out of meeting in Huntington Beach. As a God fearing Christian, I cannot stay silent on this matter. The United States of America was founded on Christian Values. We as Americans, need to allow our City Council to keep prayer in our council meetings. In God we trust.
Thank you,
Brandi Desso Wertheimer
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete:.. 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:30 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: HBCC meeting 5/16/23-Prayer
-----Original Message-----
From: Domnic McGee <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 5:09 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: HBCC meeting 5/16/23-Prayer
Honorable City Council Members,
I'm writing to ask that the invocation/prayer remain at the start of every city council meeting. I understand that some of you are somewhat disheartened over the fact that your choice of speaker may not be performing the invocation in the near future, but the people have spoken and we remain a nation under God.
I will be praying for you all in Jesus' name.
God bless,
Domnic McGee
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dato:... 5/10/2023
Agenda lam No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer out of Meeting
-----Original Message-----
From: Stacey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 7:37 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer out of Meeting
>>> Learning you want to take prayer out of conducting business. Unsure why everyone's rights matter and yet Christian's don't, what is the fear of God, you afraid Gods real, and people are peaceful? Why does it offend and why not other religions you respect, peoples cultures. Once you take it out of conducting business like you took it out of schools, HB will be just like LA has become, Godless, moralist and unsafe. I urge you to keep God over our city, keeping it a respectable city and not one to mess with! I ask and pray that the people that prayer offends, find Jesus! More then ever we need to be the city that is set apart of this world, keeping our surf city community safe. Do not surcum to the offended, but be the city that stand for family and it's community. >>>
>>> Thank you kindly,
>>> Stacey
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:™. 5/10/2023
Agenda tom No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Invocation
From: Jennifer Paulin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 9:48 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Invocation
Please keep the prayers during the invocation. We need the more now than ever before! Jennifer Paulin
Sent from Mail for Windows
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:.. 5/4/2003
1 Agendalem Na: 24 (23.433)
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 24
From: Ed Laird <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 10:40 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 24
I am opposed to Agenda Item 24, on the May 16 city council meeting! Resident Ed Laird, 9641 Bay Meadow Drive.
Thank you,
Ed Laird
Laird Coatings Corporation
15541 Commerce Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete:*... 5/4/2003
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:31 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: To urge support for Item 24, a moment of silence From: surfcitysocal <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 11:24 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: To urge support for Item 24, a moment of silence I have resided in Huntington Beach for 36 years and am writing to all members of the city council to express my support of Item 24 on the May 16th, 2023 agenda to recommend providing a moment of silence in lieu of an invocation.
Several council members have complained recently that the invocation has become political. By involving the city council and staff in establishing a list of religious associates to provide invocations, they are, in fact, politicizing the invocation and doing exactly the opposite of what they say they want to avoid doing. The council and staff have no business getting involved, and that is why a moment of silence is the preferred course of action. It acknowledges those who want to maintain the tradition of an expression of faith, without involving the city in a formal recognition of such, and thus maintains the separation of church and state in a reasonable manner that is sensitive to all faiths. There has been far too much conflating of faith and politics recently which has had a damaging effect on both faith and politics.
And I'm writing this as someone who is a person of faith and attends a church here in Huntington Beach.
I urge you to support item 24 to provide a moment of silence in lieu of an invocation.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Teri Pool
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:, 5/12023
Agenda Nam No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:32 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 24
-Original Message-....
From: Pat Pitts < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 24
I oppose removing an opening prayer from city council meetings.
Patricia Pitts
5962 Treetop Cir
HB. 92649
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/16/2023
Agendalem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:32 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda item #24
From: Julie Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:05 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda item #24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms.
Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude.
While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel.
I OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Respectfully,
Julie Rose
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/10/2023
Mandalonts: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: prayer
From: Jeff Thomas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:44 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: prayer
As a HB resident and business owner, I know how important prayer is. We need God to keep us on track. We We need His protection. We neec
Jeff and Natalie Thomas
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/14/2023
AgendatamNa: 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:54 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Invocation
-----Original Message-----
From: marilyn grangruth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:51 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Invocation
Keep prayer in council meetings. Please
Sent from my iPhone and includes errors
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Moting Date: 5/10/2023
Agenda lem Na: 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:53 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 24 CC Meeting 5/16
From: Cooper Carrasco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:38 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 24 CC Meeting 5/16
Agenda Item 42 reminds me of a good quote from a cool document that is supposed to be important to this country:
"make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"
A moment of silence achieves this better than the current invocation practice, as it neither respects nor prohibits. Silence allows all to practice privately how they see fit, some religions even encourage silent and private prayer over otherwise.
For example, Matthew Chapter 6:
(5) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (6) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (7) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
For these reasons, Agenda Item 42 is a better approach to invocation and I encourage the council to approve it. Alternatively, I would love to see an open-to-HB-residents invocation lottery.
Sincerely, Cooper C.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:.. 5/14/2083
Agenda lem Mai 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Peta-Gaye Latibeaudiere <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:31 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda Item 24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I vote to keep an invocation at the beginning of each council meeting.
Regards,
Peta-Gaye Hoskinson
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:... 5/10/2023
Agenda lom No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Brooke Wright <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:35 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Opposition of Agenda Item 24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. While I do support a better policy for selecting the many wonderful clergy we are blessed to have within our city for providing an Invocation at the beginning of each council meeting, I STRONGLY oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition with a mere moment of silence! In fact, to even suggest the following (quote from Moser's Agenda Item):
"This procedure (moment of silence) would lend the same solemnity that invocations do," is an absolute INSULT to the purpose and meaning of a divinely inspired and properly delivered invocation. Perhaps Ms. Moser is not clear on the purpose and meaning of an Invocation or perhaps she doesn't care. It is far more than a "solumn" moment!! An invocation is a prayer offered to gain Divine assistance (Lord know she could use it!), and express gratitude.
While I am frankly not surprised, it seems that this agenda item is typical of Councilmember Moser. Apparently, the invocation was acceptable to her as long as it could be used as a political weapon by using allies of her long standing ideologically driven "Interfaith Council". Shame on Council member Moser for using the deeply held religious convictions of many in our community as a political cudgel.
Please OPPOSE Agenda Item 24.
Respectfully,
Brooke Wright
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date. 5/10/2023
AgendalIm No: 34 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
Sylvia Calhoun <[email protected]>
Monday, May 15, 2023 12:27 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 24. Oppose
Dear City Council members,
I oppose the replacement of out loud verbal prayer with a moment of silence.
I have traveled the world and have prayed with people of every religion you can think of and some that perhaps you day. (is a huge Bahai temple in Tidia). Throw in the odd ull or to and ve been there praying away in I can speak with authority that the "silent moment" does not cut it. The Spirit world wants to hear you! God wants to hear your voice!
A "moment of silence" is just another way of distancing human beings from each other. & Sylvia Calhoun
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/14/2023
Agenda lam No: 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Jerry Barry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24
"I oppose agenda item number 24".
I am so tired of the majority thinking they are being nice by allowing the sensitive, woke to control us. I hope our city Council is a little smarter and stronger than that.
-Jerry B.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date**.. 5/16/2023
Agandalm No:_ 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: OPPOSITION TO AGENDA ITEM #24
I am opposed to this item proposed by Ms. Moser. Every invocation speaker I have heard over the years has done a beautiful job in asking the Divine to GIVE THE COUNCILMEMBERS wisdom, prudence, foresight, temperance, justice, guidance, etc. in order to do the best job possible FOR THE CITIZENS and CITY of Huntington Beach. Is it possible that Ms. Moser does NOT desire to be blessed with the above mentioned attributes in her decisions??? The Constitution and Supreme Court of this great United States clearly stand in favor of a prayerful invocation before city meetings.....and clearly prohibits government limiting the free expression of religion. Let Ms. Moser and her leftist/divisive cronies on the council use their " moments of silence" during the invocation to mentally oppose any blessings that are sent their way if they are so bothered by it all!!! Thank you from a 40 year resident of this wonderful city.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dete:.. 5/16/2023
Agenda nom No: 24 (23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Rita Barry < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:02 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose item number 24
I oppose item 24.
I oppose, because without a higher power and a moral code our city will fall into moral depravity. There is plenty of proof of that fact in our country today. We need to learn from others mistakes and stand firm!! Rita Barry
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting at ... 5/16/003
Agenda lam No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Ronald Higby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:31 PM
To: Sylvia Calhoun; CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]; 1 Ronald Higby
Subject: Re: Agenda item 24. Oppose
Excellent letter Sylvia. You speak with authority. On God's behalf.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Monday, May 15, 2023, 12:27 PM, Sylvia Calhoun <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear City Council members,
I oppose the replacement of out loud verbal prayer with a moment of silence.
I have traveled the world and have prayed with people of every religion you can think of and some that perhaps you can't. (ie a huge Bahai temple in India). Throw in the odd cult or two and I've been there praying away in my day.
I can speak with authority that the "silent moment" does not cut it. The Spirit world wants to hear you! God wants to hear your voice!
A "moment of silence" is just another way of distancing human beings from each other. in Sylvia Calhoun
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:_ 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:53 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Invocations/Council Meetings
From: Joseph Pedick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 1:40 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Invocations/Council Meetings
To H.B. City Council Members,
I appreciate all you do for us here in our beautiful city of Huntington Beach.
In light of this fact, I would like to bring to your attention the importance of retaining the invocations at the commencement of the HB City Meetings.
One cannot fail to observe that we are living in difficult times in our city and indeed our nation.
It is imperative therefore, that we recognize our desperate need to call upon the ONE who not only can hear our prayers for help but have the ability to actually answer them especially in our time of need. To neglect this privilege freely given to us, would be both foolish and tragic.
Ladies and Gentlemen, May we see the urgency of the hour and invoke the Creator of the Universe who not only loves us but holds our very next breath in His Hands. I implore you to kindly KEEP the invocations in the meetings.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Pedick
H.B. Resident
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/10/2023
Agendalem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Theresa DuBourdieu <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:17 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Importance: High
Long time resident here of HB, STRONLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Please stop this.
Thank you!
Theresa DuBourdieu
Theresa DuBourdieu
Operations Manager
VARISCO DESIGN BUILD GROUP
VD 30 Corporate Park, Suite 300, Irvine CA 92606
O: (949) 679-6300 M: (714) 679-8695
BG www.vdbg.com [email protected]
in
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date. 5/10/2023
Agenda lom No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:19 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Agenda item 24
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Council member Moser. I Strongly oppose replacing this very reverent and Divine tradition of prayer with a moment of silence. I feel blessed to live in the conservative and godly community of Huntington Beach, and hope that the council will vote to keep prayer as a part of the council meetings moving forward.
Thank you,
Alexandra Mason-Apodaca
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: theresa dubourdieu <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:22 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: OPPOSE AGENDA item 24
21 year old resident of HB.
I am STRONLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Please stop this!!
Cory DuBourdieu
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/4/023
Agendalem No: 24 (23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Theresa DuBourdieu <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:24 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: OPPOSE Agenda Item 24
Long time resident here of HB, STRONGLY opposing Agenda Item 24. This "moment of silence" is as offensive as taking a knee during the National Anthem.
Murray DuBourdieu
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dat*:.. 5/10/2023
Agenda lom No.: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Steve Amundson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:57 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: I Oppose Agenda Item #24
I adamantly oppose Agenda Item #24. We are one nation under God. Especially in these troubling times we must pray for wisdom and guidance from a higher power, God.
Steve Amundson
HB resident
SUPPLEMENTAL
CONMUNICATION
Meeting Dste: 5/110/2023
Agendalom No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Jeanne Paris <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:15 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Agenda Item 24
To the City Council,
I am writing in strong opposition to Agenda Item 24.
I believe the traditional Invocation speaks to a higher power to guide our leaders of the City to make the best decisions for the community. We seek guidance which mere human wisdom cannot provide.
A moment of silence means nothing and will eventually turn into just that.
We are still a God-fearing nation.
It means something.
No on Agenda Item 24.
Thank you.
Jeanne Paris
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date. 5/10/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Kristina Mahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:54 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; [email protected]
Subject: Council meeting input
I am a long time resident of HB and I am writing in favor of holding a moment of silence in lieu of a prayer at the start of council meetings. A moment of silence honors ALL residents of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. During the discussion about displaying the pride flag, council majority members proclaimed that HB is an inclusive city already. Well, holding a moment of silence is a very inclusive move.
I hesitated to send any input because it is clear the council majority have already made up their minds (per Gracy's speech at CCOH that was subsequently deleted from their recording as to not reveal her Brown Act I would additionally like for Gracy's Brown Act violation and cover up to be fully investigated and for her to be removed from council.
Thank you,
Kristina Mahan
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:... 5/10/2023
Agenda lem No:_ 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: [email protected]
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:36 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: [email protected]
Dear Mayor Strickland and City Council,
I am writing to OPPOSE Agenda Item 24 proposed by Councilmember Moser. I STRONGLY oppose replacing invocation with a mere moment of silence! I see people who want to do away with prayer and replace with silence as evil and destructive. There is power in prayer, of which I am sure Miss Moser wants to give over to darkness. Miss Moser, I will pray for you, that you will come to the knowledge of the truth.
Sincerely,
Luanne N Shoup
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date. 5/14/2023
Agenda lom Na: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 P
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Opening prayer
From: Tony Goodwin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 2:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Opening prayer
Please! DO NOT STOP opening your sessions with prayer. We need it now, more than ever. If you're not really "into it," that's fine, but give the others willing a platform to do so. You can use the time to quietly think through how you will try to serve us ALL today, not just those to which you have a connection.
Thank you,
Tony Goodwin
Huntington Beach, CA
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Matting Date:. 5/10/2023
Agenda lem No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:50 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: I oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence -----Original Message-----
From: Diane Snider <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: I oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence I STRONGLY oppose replacing prayer with a moment of silence!
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:™ 5/16/2023
Agenda Item No.:. 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:51 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer or Silence?
-----Original Message--
From: diane resortlivinginteriors.com <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:21 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Cc: Mulligan -Fischer Marilyn < [email protected]> Subject: Prayer or Silence?
How awful, for a country built on God, that you should replace a prayer of gratitude for a moment of SILENCE?! Do you want this world to come to isolation, separation, more to tear us apart than build us UP as a Nation!! We need HOPE, we need Prayer.
We are AMERICAN US
Diane Smith
949-230-4116
"Personalize your Life!"
[email protected]
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:_.... 5/16/2023
Agenda ltem No.: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:51 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer is powerful
-----Original Message--
From: Sheryl Bergquist <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:44 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer is powerful
Please don't replace prayer with silence.
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:... 5/16/0033
Agenda lem No. _ 24(23 - 433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:13 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
----Original Message--
From: Judi's Email <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:58 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Dear HB City Council members, I am a member of Calvery Chapel the Harbour in Huntington Beach and we received a word from one of your members yesterday that tomorrow evening, at your council meeting, you will be discussing the practice of whether or not to open your meetings with prayer.
I'm asking that you please keep the practice of having a prayer prior to your meetings. It's vital to look to our Lord for his guidance and care in all that we do. Our country is in a very dark place and we have moved away from the Judeo Christian principles and beliefs that were the basis of the formation of our Republic. We are in a spiritual war in this country and we are witnessing pure evil all around us that is beyond political. Please consider keeping the prayer in your meetings. It is vital and God will judge us all for all that we're doing. Thank you, Judi DeMers.
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/16/2023
Agenda tem No. i 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:39 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Oppose Agenda item 24
-----Original Message-----
From: Lolly Mchardy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:18 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Oppose Agenda item 24
I oppose agenda item 24 proposed by Natalie Moser.
We need to keep invocation prayer at the beginning of each meeting.
Prayer is needed.
Lolly McHardy
Sent from my iPad
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date... 5/16/2023
Agendalm No: 24(23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:40 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 24
From: courtney gillett <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 24
I oppose Item 24!!
Courtney Gillett
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date... 5/14/2023
Agendalem No: 24(33-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:40 PM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Please DO NOT REPLACE PRAYER with a moment of silence ----Original Message----
From: Belen Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Please DO NOT REPLACE PRAYER with a moment of silence My name is Mrs. Belen Smith
My request is that you do not replace "Prayer" with a moment of silence.
Please listen to the will of the people.
That's my request and I will also be praying that you do the right thing! Sincerely,
Belén Smith
Sent from Belén ~ From my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date.*.. 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24(23-433)
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:43 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer vs a moment of silence
-----Original Message-----
From: Cheryl Stein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 6:55 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer vs a moment of silence
Please consider keeping a cherished tradition of prayer at our meetings instead of changing to the moment of silence.
For so many people in todays world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and divisiveness.
Thank you for your consideration.
Cheryl Stein
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/16/2023
Agenda Nom No: 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:43 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Attn: City Council
-----Original Message----
From: Susan Mrock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:00 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Attn: City Council
Hi HB City Council,
I urge you and am in support of you continuing to have prayer before each council meeting, etc.
Susan Mrock
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:. 5/16/2023
Agendalm No: 34 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: The importance of Prayer
From: Amy Ellsworth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 7:10 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: The importance of Prayer
Hello,
I am a downtown resident, and I am emailing you to urge you to keep prayer in the Huntington Beach City Council, and not change it to "a moment of silence." Prayer has been part of the Huntington Beach city council for many years and has benefited the entire city, wether known or unknown. Research also suggests that prayer reduces stress and helps people manage fears and anxiety.
Thank you for your consideration,
--
Amy Ellsworth, RDN
South Coast Wellness
151 Kalmus Dr.
Bldg A #104
Costa Mesa 92626
714-376-4542 m
949-220-0850 •
www.socowell.com
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:.. 5/140/2023
Agendalm Ma: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
----Original Message-
From: Susie Myers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:01 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Please consider keeping prayer instead of a moment of silence. People need to be encouraged. Prayer is a way to lift others up no matter what the circumstances are. We all need hope in this world.
Thank you for your support
Susan Myers
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:_ 5/16/2023
Agenda lem No: 24(23-433).
Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:44 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer before Counsel
-----Original Message----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:08 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Prayer before Counsel
Dear Council-
I am in favor of continuing the opening of city meetings with prayer! We are one nation under God, and we need his guidance and direction for the City of HB.
With Appreciation for all you do!!
Thank you-
Dawn M Bartos
HB Resident
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Ming Da. 5/14/2023
Agenda lem Na.: 24. (23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
-----Original Message----
From: Arla Luithly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 10:42 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Dear City Council Members,
Please consider keeping prayer, a cherished tradition, at your meetings instead of changing to a moment of silence.
For so many people in today's world, prayer at our familiar institutions provides stability and peace during so much change and diviseness.
Sincerely,
Arla Luithly
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meting Date: 5/10/2023
Agendalem No: 24 23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:45 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Keep Prayer in HB
-----Original Message-----
From: Carolina Perez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 1:19 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <city. [email protected]>
Subject: Keep Prayer in HB
As a resident of HB.. I would like to inform you that I prefer we keep prayer instead of moment in silence in City Council.
Prayers are important part HB tradition and it is a powerful tool in keeping the peace and order in this city.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Carolina Perez
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/14/2023
Agenda tem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
-----Original Message-----
From: David Michaelis < [email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 5:15 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Please don't ban prayer at the City Council meetings. Our city needs prayer more than ever at this time.
Regards,
David Michaelis
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:.. 5/10/2023
Agenda tem Na: 24(23-433).
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer
-----Original Message-----
From: Tami Vitale <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:11 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
Please keep prayer instead a moment of silence. We need them!!! Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Mating Das.. 5/14/2003
Agendalem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Prayer Before City Council Meeting to be Replaced w Silence- Comment... -----Original Message---
From: Vanessa English Casella <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:58 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer Before City Council Meeting to be Replaced w Silence-Comment...
Hello Members of the HB City Council-
It is my sincere hope that you will consider continuing the tradition of an interfaith council member being called upon to pray before each City Council meeting and not replace this custom with the more ubiquitous Moment of Silence.
Allowing City Council participants to reflect in a moment of prayer, led often by a faith outside of their own, offers insight into others mindsets and permits an opportunity to be introduced to ideologies that may bring clarity to feelings of others that often differ from views of our own. It is my opinion that prayer before a meeting where our nation is pledged to "under God" is appropriate and should remain intact.
Thank you,
Vanessa P English Casella
19311 Surf Drive
92648
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Moving Da'. 51/10/2003
Agenda som Ma: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: SUPPORT for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings From: Marina Acosta <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 7:26 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: SUPPORT for PRAYER at HB City Council Meetings Hello,
I am writing in support for KEEPING PRAYER at HB City Council meetings.
Prayer is important to all human beings. Prayer also sets the right tone for all City Council meetings, especially in these days of uncertainty, division, and great turmoil.
I have been a resident of HB for 12 years now. One of the things I enjoy most is being able to attend City Council meetings knowing that government business is being conducted first and foremost with prayer at the beginning of each meeting. As an immigrant, I absolutely love the fact this country's roots are based on a strong belief in God. This is critical to one's quality of life, the decisions we make daily, and how we treat each other.
God bless each one of you as you continue to make the right decisions for your constituents, with Christ in your hearts.
For the small handful of you who do not yet know Jesus Christ, we continue to pray for you.
Blessings,
Marina Acosta
HB City Resident for 12 years
E: [email protected]
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:_ 5/16/2023
Agenda lam No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:46 AM
To: Agenda Alert
Subject: W: Prayer
From: Janet Lockhart <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:15 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL <[email protected]>
Subject: Prayer
It's been brought to my attention that the Huntington Beach City Council is considering replacing prayer before the meeting with a moment of silence.
I'm respectfully asking that you don't make this change. Beginning with prayer starts the meeting with a humble, loving attitude striving for truth in all actions taken. Please leave this wonderful tradition in place.
Sincerely,
Janet Lockhart
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Maling Date: 5/14/2023
Agenda lem No: 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:47 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: Support Item 24, 5-16-23 CC meeting
From: Dan Jamieson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:23 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: Support Item 24, 5-16-23 CC meeting
May 16, 2023
Dear HB City Council:
I support item 24, offered by Councilmember Moser for tonight's council meeting, to have a moment of silence at the beginning of council meetings in place of the traditional invocation.
This policy would be a reasonable solution to the controversy created by the current council majority when they dismissed the Interfaith Council in February, claiming--without evidence--that Interfaith Council members had engaged in "political soapboxing" during invocations. This action was most unfortunate, given that the Interfaith Council has, in my view, always remained true to the spirit of delivering a non-denominational message of tolerance.
That said, I personally see no need to pray or invoke the name of "God" during a secular government meeting.
If the Interfaith Council is to be sidelined, a moment of silence would allow people to pray or reflect in their own way.
Sincerely,
Dan Jamieson
Huntington Beach
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Dat... 5/110/2023
Agenda lem No:_ 24 (23-433)
1 Moore, Tania
From: Fikes, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:53 AM
To: Agenda Alerts
Subject: FW: City Council Agenda #24
From: Cathey Ryder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:48 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL < [email protected]>
Subject: City Council Agenda #24
Mayor and HB City Council Members
In the United States, there are at least 200 Protestant ways to practice Christianity. There almost a dozen ways to practice Judaism.
Within the Catholic tradition, there are various practices that are observed.
And there are Buddhists, Hindus, followers of the different sects of Islam, Sikhs. agnostics, Atheists, followers of Wiccan and folks who are spiritual but do not attend a church that live in Huntington Beach.
If the HB City Council wanted to be inclusive, there is no way with only approximately 24 meetings a year to include everyone's viewpoint or faith.
For those who practice Christianity, in the Bible in Matthew 6:6 Jesus tells us but when you pray,go into your own room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
This best way to truly represent everyone is to allow for a moment of silence or reflection so that each person attending in person or watching at home can prepare their heats and minds for the meeting in their own way.
And BTW, in 2003, moments of silence were the norm for the HB City Council.
Do the right thing, let every person practice their version of faith in their own way prior to each meeting.Attendees can use their public comment time to pray to their faith leader if they so choose.
Religious freedom is not infringed by having a moment of silence or reflection, it is actually the best way to practice it. Each person having the freedom to practice their own form of spiritual preparation.
Sent from my iPhone
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date: 5/16/2023
Agenda liam No: 24 (23-433)
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