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| PRELUDE, July/August 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We extend a special thanks to an individual donor for his gift of $500 in response to our "Most Urgent Needs" column to help our East End clients with prescription assistance. We also thank the many other individuals who gave but asked that we don't publish their names, and we thank the institutions that gave less than $500. We are grateful for all of these gifts, each and every one of which enables us to continue our mission to serve Long Islanders in need. Most Urgent NeedOur most urgent need for this summer is Transportation. Our clients need MetroCards for a variety of purposes, including job searches, doctor's appointments, and multiple trips to the Department of Social Services while they are applying for public assistance. It takes two to three months to complete the application process before they become eligible for these benefits, and several trips back and forth to DSS to gather all the required documents and complete the paperwork. Clients also need MetroCards to get to our administrative offices so we can complete the paperwork required to provide them with the assistance they need. Then they need more MetroCards to get to our Freeport emergency food center to pick up food for themselves and their families. A typical example is a 46-year-old man with a wife and two children of his own who needed transportation assistance so he could come to us for emergency food. He needed food assistance because his sister was in drug rehab and he had temporary custody of her three children as well. Although he works full time, the additional responsibility of feeding her children was more than he could afford. Another example is a 39-year-old woman who is pregnant and living in a homeless shelter provided by the Department of Social Services. She needs transportation assistance to go back and forth from the shelter to be with her other children who were placed in a different shelter because there wasn't room for the entire family in one location. She also needs transportation assistance to pursue job interviews. We give out MetroCards at $4 per round trip. The majority of our clients receive between one and three MetroCards depending on family size. $1,000 would enable us to provide transportation assistance for at least 50% of our clients who need transportation assistance for the entire summer. Memorial/Tribute GiftsA great way to remember a loved one, whether living or deceased, is to give a memorial or tribute gift in his/her name. In your letter accompanying such a gift, please tell us who the gift is in memory or tribute to, and who is giving the gift. We will send a thank you letter to the contributor and to the family of the loved one in accordance with your instructions. Please send your contribution to the LICC, attention Sara Weiss. If you have any questions, call Sara for further information at 516-565-0290, ext. 207. Naming and Tribute opportunities are also available for our programs. Call Sara for a list. We also have planned giving opportunities that will sustain these programs in perpetuity. New Website AddressWe've simplified our website address. You can now access it at: www.liccny.org. If you have bookmarked our old website address, you can still access it through that address. Return to topIDEAS YOU CAN USE: Bear One Another's BurdensA growing number of Americans take work with them on vacation, check work-related email, or call into the office. Clergy seem particularly likely to do these things, even though we may particularly need to get away from the office. Some of us are workaholics or need to feel indispensable, of course, but we also labor in an odd profession where folks expect us to drop everything to minister to those who only occasionally grace the doors of our sanctuaries. One way to have less stressful vacations and fewer interruptions is to line up another parson to cover pastoral emergencies while you are on vacation - even if you are "vacationing at home," though hardly any clergy get uninterrupted time off if they stick around the parsonage/manse/rectory. Some denominations have formal arrangements for coverage during vacations, retreat weeks, study time, and days off, but if you do not happen to share your home with several other priests, you may have to line up your own pinch-hitter. It often is easiest to swap vacation coverage with nearby clergy of other denominations rather than a colleague who lives further away. The local Episcopal or Lutheran priest is likely to visit the same hospitals that you do, and to deal with the same funeral homes. He or she is also likely to be a familiar name and face to your flock, particularly if you have ever had a pulpit exchange with that parson. Arranging coverage during your time away reassures your parishioners that you take seriously their need for pastoral care - but that they should not bug you for minor emergencies while you are gone. Crossing denominational lines in pastoral emergencies also sends a powerful message that we recognize the validity of one another's ministry and that we are serious about seeking greater unity in the Body of Christ. One of the great things about local ministerial associations is that it can help you find colleagues whom you would trust to care for your parishioners during your absence. If you are new to town and do not know how to find a local clergy group, or if you would like help in starting one, the LICC would be glad to lend a hand. Our next newsletter and our new directory of the churches and synagogues of Long Island will include updated rosters of ecumenical and interfaith groups across our region. Laity who serve on a church council, personnel committee, board of deacons, or similar body can encourage these sorts of pastoral coverage exchanges - and insist that clergy take vacations, days off, study time, and retreat weeks so that they remain creative, effective leaders. --twg-- Return to topWORTH QUOTINGTake Time To Smell the Roses - and Offer Thanks for Them "Wherever you go this summer, please don't forget to worship and give thanks to God for the gift of creation and all the beauty and bounty of our natural world, and for the gift of your life and for the ones you hold dear. Pray often for our environment, for the wisdom of our leaders to preserve this fragile world entrusted to our care." An Ancient Sanskrit Greeting for the Day "Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life. Poverty as a Moral Issue "Poverty in the United States is a moral and social wound in the soul of our country. It is an ongoing disaster that threatens the health and well being of our nation. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge to virtually eliminate poverty, especially long-term poverty, but we do not yet have the political will." The Poor Among Us "More poor people now live in suburbs than in cities." Charity and Justice "Charity is a great virtue and a wonderful way to love your neighbor. But as good as we are at charity, we must not neglect the need for social justice as well. Charity and justice are both concerned with advancing the common good. But while charity works to counteract the effects of social inequality and sin, justice works to counteract the causes of social inequality and sin."Return to top WORTH READING: Passing on the FaithPassing on the Faith: Transforming Traditions for the Next Generation of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, edited by James L. Heft, S.M. Fordham University Press, 2007, $22 How can faith traditions give young adults roots and guidance in a secular, skeptical culture? How can we pass on our values and beliefs to a new generation? These questions are explored in "Passing on the Faith: Transforming Traditions for the Next Generation of Jews, Christians, and Muslims," the result of the historic gathering at the University of Southern California of scholars and religious leaders from three Abrahamic faiths. It is rare for us to openly share our anxieties, experience, and inspiration with others outside our denomination or faith community. "Passing on the Faith" represents interreligious dialogue in which we learn not only about one another but also from each another. Our different faiths face common challenges: as Melchor Sanchez de Toca of the Pontifical Council for Culture observes, militant atheism is declining throughout the world but indifference to religion, which he calls "practical atheism," is growing rapidly. There is a new dissatisfaction with both traditional atheism and traditional faith. Many children and young adults have been raised in interfaith families that can be both "spiritually fruitful," as Peter Phan explains, and "a deeply unsettling religious experience." Sociologist of religion Christian Smith is particularly insightful about the spiritual lives of the young. Teenagers today have learned to avoid obnoxious, offensive talk about faith but often cannot tell the difference between respectfully upholding your own beliefs and trashing someone else's religion. Like a growing number of Americans, they see themselves as spiritual but not religious-and have only a vague notion what this means. Smith characterizes their religiosity as Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: we should be good and that should make us happy. This is precisely "what sensitive and tolerant Americans would naturally gravitate toward who are looking for a belief system that facilitates personal fulfillment and smooth interpersonal relations." The only fault this critic would find with Smith's analysis is that he doesn't seem to notice how many of these teens have parents and grandparents who share their Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. Diane Winston, who covered religion for the Dallas Morning News, argues that this form of spirituality "does not challenge the existing social, cultural, and political order" and threatens "the substance of faith." The best part of this book are the portraits of congregations wrestling successfully with these challenges: Bnai Jeshurun, a synagogue in Manhattan that shares space with St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church, a Muslim youth camp in California, and the ecumenical Taizé community in France, which draws in thousands of youth each year. "As at Taizé," scholar/journalist Jack Miles observes, "worship at BJ is both scriptural and sacramental, both rational and mystical, both structured and improvised, both traditional and innovative, both calming and cathartic." There are plenty of lessons in "Passing on the Faith" as to how to do a better job of teaching our faith and living the beliefs we teach. Thriving mosques both help Muslims to deal with the surrounding American culture and also to claim their distinct identities. Both Bnai Jeshurun and Taizé attract the young not by pandering to them but rather by inviting them to join in new forms of ancient prayer. We all should go and do likewise. --twg-- Return to topSTOPPING SLAVERY - WHAT YOU CAN DOThe recent story about two immigrant women who were reported to have been held by their "employer" in conditions resembling slavery should remind us of the problem of human trafficking. Rescue & Restore, a coalition that the LICC joined several years ago, has just released an updated (and improved) DVD called Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking. The DVD includes new stories from victims, commentary by key Health & Human Services staff, and the updated National Human Trafficking Resource Center name. As before, the DVD will also be made available in Spanish. Please consider showing the DVD in your community to educate on the topic of human trafficking. Here's how:
DID YOU KNOW?
NEEDED/OFFEREDOffered:
Needed:
Worth Watching: “SAVING GRACE” on TNTThere is much in the provocative new TNT series “Saving Grace” that could easily offend many viewers. The pilot opens with Grace Hanadarko (played by Holly Hunter), a tormented, fast-living, hard-drinking Oklahoma City police detective, engaged vigorously in an inappropriate relationship with her married partner Ham Dewey (Kenneth Johnson). Earl (Leon Rippy), the angelic visitor she encounters, looks more like a mugger than Michael Landon. It would be a shame, though, if people of faith change the channel before the end of the program, for this series is all about grace, the unmerited love of God that saves us, and the visiting angels we may “entertain unawares” as strangers. Holly Hunter, who has won an Oscar and two Emmys, turns in a superb performance as a soul in desperate need of redemption. Her life is a train wreck. The one person in her life who does not judge her is the deeply religious criminologist Rhetta Rodriguez (Laura San Giacomo, best known from the series “Just Shoot Me”) who forgives others but has a hard time forgiving herself. Driving drunk and recklessly one night, Grace kills a man, falls to her knees in prayer, and meets Earl, a “Last Chance Angel.” If Earl looks more at home in dark alleys and honky-tonk bars than Christmas pageants, it is because his mission is to give hopeless sinners one final opportunity to turn their lives around. Struggling to understand whether this encounter was real, she visits death row inmate Leon Cooley (Bokeem Woodbine), someone who also has met Earl. Police dramas often divide the world into saints and sinners, but the cops in “Saving Grace” are complex human beings. Ham reads the Bible but spends more time in adultery than in church. Butch Ada (Bailey Chase) is an altruistic cop whose faith in God is tested by some of the things he sees on the job. Even the angry, cynical convicted killer Leon is willing to make amends before his date with the executioner. In this series, miracles do not save us from the consequences of our actions but rather allow us to confront them. Television and film have often reminded us that angels arrive in unexpected forms. On “Touched by an Angel,” the sometimes schmaltzy but always-uplifting series that had a long run on CBS and can still be caught in re-runs, the Angel of Death had misgivings about his assignment on occasion. Della Reese sometimes flew into a fury of righteous indignation. Evangelicals called for a boycott when sweet Monica (Roma Downey) swore in one episode. In particularly difficult cases where they confronted evil in its starkest forms, they called in heavy-hitters from Special Branch. Nancy Miller, the creator of “Saving Grace” uses a light touch to get around our defenses. “I am a practicing Catholic and love God deeply,” she has said, “but I also think God has a great sense of humor and would get a kick out of this show.” “Saving Grace” premieres on the TNT cable service on Monday, July 23, at 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) and repeats on Thursdays at 11 p.m. Let’s hope that this series prompts conversations across the nation about spirituality and salvation — and God’s sense of humor. Return to topSEPTEMBER DAWN release delayed--againThe premiere of the movie September Dawn, reviewed in the May Prelude, has been delayed again. The theatrical release is now scheduled for Aug. 24, in 800 to 1,000 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. September Dawn is a Romeo and Juliet love story told against the background of the real Mountain Meadows Massacre, in which a Mormon militia massacred 120 men, women and children in Utah on September 11, 1857. The film stars Jon Voight, Trent Ford, Tamara Hope, Lolita Davidovich, Dean Cain and Terence Stamp. Return to topLONG ISLAND BLOOD SERVICESUPCOMING COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVES FOR AUGUST 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) Return to topADVERTISING IN THE PRELUDEEach month, 2700 copies of our newsletter The Prelude are mailed to both the clergy leaders and lay leaders of 1350 faith organizations. Filled with timely articles, news briefs, updates and notices affecting Long Island’s communities and churches and the wider world, The Prelude is a must read for all who would “work together to improve living on Long Island and promote interfaith understanding and cooperation.” The LICC accepts paid sponsorship ads, display ads and simple listings (classifieds). Advertising in The Prelude is a great way to reach clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers in Long Island’s congregations. To receive a “media kit” with advertising rates, copy requirements, and copy deadlines, please call 516-565-0290 or email licchemp@aol.com. Congregations that join the LICC and groups that join the Friends of the LICC receive a free classified ad in thanks for paying their annual dues. PARSONAGE AVAILABLE IN OCEANSIDEParsonage available for rent to a member of the clergy on July 1. 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, living room, dining room, eat in kitchen, study, 2 car garage, all newly painted, with large yard. Rent $2000 per month plus utilities. Call Oceanside Lutheran Church 516-766-0136 and leave a message for our president John Maxwell. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR CONGREGATION TO SHARE
(516) 379-1114, Email: firstpresby.freeport@verizon.net, Pastor: Rev. Eddie Jusino JOB OPENINGSYouth Ministry Director PositionThe First Presbyterian Church of Freeport, a friendly, growing and diversified congregation that is over 160 years young is looking for a Youth Ministry Director to develop and support faith building of our middle school and high school youth ages 12 to 18. The Youth Director will plan and implement bi-weekly fellowship meetings (one for each age group), retreats, fundraisers, mission and other events for the youth. The Director will also assist the Pastor and lay leadership with Confirmation Class. Experience working with youth in a Christian setting is required. This will be a part time position. Please send your resume marked Attention: Youth Ministry Search Committee to: First Presbyterian Church Church SecretaryAscension Lutheran Church in Franklin Square is seeking a part-time secretary. They need someone who is highly organized, a self starter, with computer skills. Please email resume to ascensionpastor@optonline.net. CHURCH SECRETARY NEEDEDThe Community Church of Douglaston (Reformed Church in America) is seeking a full-time secretary. The church is located in Queens, one block north of the Douglaston train station. The position requires knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, familiarity with the internet and web site postings. The candidate must also be able to handle a large volume of phone calls. This is an excellent opportunity for a parent of young children, since the schedule can be flexible. If interested, please forward a resume and cover letter to Community Church of Douglaston, 39-50 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, NY 11363 Attn. Sally Ann Castle or e-mail to cyclemommy@aol.com. Bi-lingual (Spanish and English) Parish SecretaryChrist Lutheran Church ~ Iglesia Luterana de Cristo, 61 N. Grove Street, Freeport, New York, seeks a bi-lingual (Spanish and English) Parish Secretary for part-time work. Knowledge of computer software, especially Word and Publisher is required. Ability to greet callers and visitors cordially and with compassion; patience and maintenance of confidentiality; as well as being a self-starter are essentials. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 1 PM. For more information or to apply, please contact Parish Administrator, Bobbi Paulik, at 516/378-1258 or send inquiries to ChristFreeport@verizon.net. Administrative Assistant P/TThe Congregational Church of Patchogue is seeking a part-time administrative assistant. The ideal candidate for this part-time Monday-Friday position would be a “people person” with strong secretarial, office and computer skills. The position will be available 6/18/07. EOE Apply in confidence by Fax to 631-207-9470. Campus MinisterThe Protestant Campus Ministry at SUNY Stony Brook (a unit of Long Island United Campus Ministries) provides a Protestant Christian presence on the campus through its chaplain. The Board is seeking an ordained person with theological training at the Master’s level, who is academically minded, creative, organized, committed to dialogue with other traditions, and who enjoys working with churches and individuals to develop and grow the ministry on the campus. The position is for 12-14 hours per week from August 15 - May 15 and pays $15,000 per year package. Closing date for resumes is July 9th. For more information, contact the Rev. William Edwards, 26 Washington Ave., Setauket, NY 11733-1101, 631-751-1220, or e-mail: ewedwards@mindspring.com CAMPUS MINISTERSThe United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point New York is seeking an ordained part-time Protestant campus minister (20 hours per week, 46 weeks per year, including Sunday morning worship). The Academy is one of the nation’s five service academies and is a four year college program dedicated to serving the maritime industry and the armed forces. The student body numbers 1000 midshipmen from all fifty states. Additional information and qualifications for this position can be obtained by contacting the Deputy Superintendent (Rear Admiral Christopher McMahon) via email: mcmahonc@usmma.edu (The annual salary is $25,000). They are also seeking a Catholic campus minister. Parish Resource Center89 Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point, NY 11778 Tel: (631) 821-2255 ¨ Fax (631) 821-7073 Website www.prcli.org e-mail: info@prcli.org The Parish Resource Center of Long Island is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to working with congregations to make any task easier, and results more rewarding. Trained staff support, equip, and inspire clergy and laypersons for leadership and service in their faith communities through consultation, collaboration, resourcing and training. Up-Coming Workshops Superintendents - Are You Ready for September?
Get off to a running start as we discuss the best ways of recruiting staff, planning the upcoming year, connecting with your children, building enthusiasm in your church, and otherwise tying up loose ends before Sunday School is back in full force in September. (Roundtable) Member of a Subscribing Church, free w Member of a Non-Subscribing Church, $10
“Their” Story
Matthew’s gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus but deviates from the tradition of tracing ancestry through the male line - he inserts the names of five women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Matthew’s inclusion of these unconventional women in the ancestral history of the Messiah challenges us to think about connections in a different way: Who were these women? What did their choices and deeds have to do with who Jesus was, and what do these remarkable women challenge us to remember in living out our own Christian lives? Member of a Subscribing Church, $10 w Member of a Non-Subscribing Church, $35
“Our” Story
Our exploration of the lives of women of the Bible continues as we explore their lives and our own faith lives through short creative writing exercises. Bring pencil, paper and your imagination! Member of a Subscribing Church, $10 w Member of a Non-Subscribing Church, $35
Energize Yourself! Energize Your Students!
For new or experienced teachers: we’ll touch on some basics of Sunday School teaching, as well as looking at ways to energize yourself, your lessons, and your students! (Workshop) Cost: Subscribing churches - Individual $10/Group $25
*Non-subscribing churches can qualify for the subscribing church rate by paying $200 for a one year Special Contract. This would allow Sunday School staff to use the center and take out resources. Return to top The Long Island Council of Churches is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Long Island Council of Churches unites diverse Christians to work together in ministry with the poor and to promote interfaith understanding. All donations are tax-deductible and much appreciated.
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