TABLE OF CONTENTS
From Our Executive Director:
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU
At the recent National Workshop on Christian Unity in DC, Rabbi Fred Dobb shared a concept he learned from a Swedish Lutheran bishop, Krister Stendahl, "sacred envy." This, Rabbi Dobb explained, was saying, 'I am not going to convert, but I see something in your tradition that I really like." Some people find this threatening, of course, as if admitting that any other denomination or religion had anything worthwhile might imply that yours was illegitimate.
My own Methodist heritage has always acknowledged that we are "debtors to all," as William Shrewsbury put it, having borrowed freely from Anglican, Puritan, and Pietist traditions, among others. Alfred Barrett insisted in 1848 that, "A single Christian, yea, or a single Christian church, is a puny thing standing alone, and does not see and feel and know all the gospel, because the eye of understanding and the heart of others is needed for this purpose." I bear witness to this myself: I have found, as Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon said at the NWCU in response to Rabbi Dobb, that "interfaith dialogue has helped me to articulate my Christian faith more clearly."
So let me declare, without any intention of abandoning my denomination or the Gospel, some things that I profoundly envy:
- I like the way some of the "liturgical" denominations see communion as celebration and insist these days that clergy are not celebrants: everyone celebrates; we parsons merely "preside" at the party.
- I love the infectious joy of African American congregations. In every black church I have visited, from Baptists in Riverhead and the AME Zion in Amityville to the Lutherans in Roosevelt, worship is exuberant praise. The same is true of Latinos, Koreans, etc., etc.
- I am inspired by the enthusiasm that Evangelicals bring to their work for Christian unity. We who have been in these trenches for a long time can easily grow weary, impatient and discouraged, but Evangelicals bring fresh passion to events such as Jesus Alive, and over the last few years there have been Reformed-Pentecostal dialogues, Church of God-Mennonite dialogues, a joint meeting of the mission boards of four black Baptist denominations, and the creation last September of a new Wesleyan Holiness Consortium.
- I am envious of the way Reformed and Presbyterian traditions require those seeking baptism for their child to be active members of a local congregation, and has the local governing body of each congregation set policies for non-member weddings. This emphasizes the way in which the whole church joins in these celebrations. Clergy can easily spend every Saturday of their lives marrying brides and grooms who have never graced the doors of the sanctuary and whom they will never see again. Such a policy gives parsons a polite way to say "no" until the couple has found a church home.
- I love the sense of history I find in both Orthodox and Catholic churches, their continuity over millennia, "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses," and I also love the way Pentecostals, the United Church of Christ, and Unitarian Universalists remind us that, "God is still speaking."
- I appreciate the way that both Buddhists and Quakers gently nudge us to unplug, turn off the noise, shut up, sit down, and just be silent a while. The more that I am bombarded with incessant ads and jangling cell phones, the more I value silent prayer and meditation!
- I admire the way Muslims and Bahais focus on doing good rather than avoiding evil and I am humbled by how racially inclusive their communities are. By concentrating on "domestic harmony" at the Islamic Center of Long Island and on "race unity" among Bahais everywhere, they have achieved far more than my own denomination has in fighting domestic violence and racism.
- I am happily humbled by the way Sikhs feed everyone who comes to the gurudwara. Methodists make sure you get coffee after worship; the Sikhs give you lunch.
- And I am really humbled by the openness that Brahma Kumaris show to people of other faiths. After listening to a wonderful talk on meditation at Global Harmony House in Great Neck, I was asked by their guru if there was anything I would like to add. Can you imagine her getting such a welcome in your congregation?
- I am amused, bemused, and delighted by the way Hindus seem to see Jains and Brahma Kumaris, and often Sikhs and Buddhists and nearly everyone else as fellow travelers on the road to God. As Christians sometimes say, "Where we put a period, God puts a comma."
- And last, but certainly not least, I am gratefully indebted to Judaism for teaching me over and over again that we are called to "tikkun olam," to repair the brokenness of our world. And for raising a certain Jewish kid whom I strive to follow.
Shalom/Salaam/Shanti/Pax,
Tom
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BISHOP PARK TO SPEAK AT LICC CONVOCATION MARCH 24 IN RIVERHEAD
Nearly every church in our region is struggling with demographic changes, economic challenges, and the need to do new ministry with limited resources. The 2007 Annual Convocation of the Long Island Council of Churches will explore how faith-based organizations can work together cooperatively in mission and ministry across divisions of denomination, race, and language.
The Convocation will be Saturday, March 24, at 1st Baptist Church in Riverhead from 9:00 to 12:30. United Methodist Bishop Jeremiah Park will speak on his denomination's experience with "cooperative parishes" and "clusters" of churches, an idea he has been advancing in the New York Conference that holds promise on the East End of Long Island, and how to get clergy and lay leaders to work together more closely and creatively. John Luttke, from the New York Metro Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will speak about their experience with cooperative ministries, program development, and mergers. In addition, Mary Ann Tupper from Human Resources of Southampton will speak about how she recruited volunteers from many different denominations for this ecumenical ministry on the South Fork. Marty DiPiero will tell how diverse congregations are working together to shelter the homeless through Maureen's Haven. We will also hear brief reports on other cooperative ministries, such as an All-Suffolk Baptist/Church of God in Christ youth conference, the "Methbyterian" ecumenical youth group in Southold, Cutchogue Presbyterian/North Fork Reform Synagogue sharing a building, the Presbytery of Long Island's East End Latino Ministry, and how some "English" congregations are welcoming Latinos.
The Convocation will examine:
- How can churches cooperate more effectively in ministry and mission?
- How can we use the facilities we have ecumenically?
- What denominational leadership is needed for a cooperative parish?
- How can congregations get support from denominations for cooperative work where there is already local leadership?
- What questions come up for bishops or other judicatory executives when congregations want to do cooperative ministry?
- How can local leaders avoid threatening the authority of judicatory executives?
- How can people avoid threatening the pastors of independent churches?
- What questions come up about cooperative ministry across denominational, ethnic, or language divisions?
- How can one minimize the fears of small congregations (and pastors of small congregations) that they will lose their building or lose their pastor if they work cooperatively?
- How can we help people see cooperation as creative ministry rather than a last resort, an act of desperation?
- How might the planned retirement or move of a pastor be used for creative cooperation, either among independent churches, in a connectional system, or between local congregations that have differing polity?
The requested donation for the event is $10. Participants are encouraged to bring Church World Service disaster relief kits, nonperishable food for the LICC emergency food pantry in Riverhead, and perishable food for 1st Baptist's Open Arms Soup Kitchen.
Directions to 1st Baptist Church of Riverhead from the east:
- Take Route 25 to Old Country Road (Route 58) at the east end of Riverhead
- Go west on Old Country Road to Northville Turnpike.
- Turn right onto Northville Turnpike.
- Go North on Northville Turnpike about 3/10 of a mile, through a blinking light.
- The church is on the left at 1018. The number there is 631-727-3446.
- The handicapped-accessible entrance is around back.
Directions to 1st Baptist Church of Riverhead from the west:
- Take the Long Island Expressway (495) to the last exit (73).
- Go east on Old Country Road (Route 58) to Northville Turnpike, which is about the 9th traffic light or the 4th one (I think) after the traffic circle at Central Suffolk Hospital.
- Turn left onto Northville Turnpike (there is a Fleet Bank on the right)
- Go North on Northville Turnpike about 3/10 of a mile, through a blinking light.
- The church is on the left at 1018. The number there is 631-727-3446.
- The handicapped-accessible entrance is around back.
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SAVE THE DATE: LICC ANNUAL MEETING MAY 3 IN SMITHTOWN
The Long Island Council of Churches will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 3, from 11:00 to 2:00 at 1st Presbyterian Church in Smithtown. A panel will discuss one of the most important challenges facing churches and other not-for-profits: the way in which government shifts burdens to charities without paying the full cost of caring for people in need and the way in which nearly all religious leaders find themselves asked to do more and more with less and less support. Come and explore how we can cope with and respond creatively to these pressures.
Registration for this event is $35, which includes lunch. Reservations can be made by calling 516-565-0290 or emailing licch@optonline.net and mailing a check made out to the LICC to 1644 Denton Green, Hempstead, NY 11550.
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A WORD OR TWO OF THANKS
Sara C. Weiss, Director of Development
Special thanks go to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for its generous gift of $10,000 to help support our predatory lending prevention educational program, and to the Long Island Fund for Women & Girls for its generous gift of $5,000 to help support Women at the Well. We thank the following for their generous support during the month of January (we prepare our copy a month before publication), and for the blessings these gifts bring to our needy clients:
| Congregational Church of Manhasset | $500 Use where most needed |
| Grace United Methodist Church/Valley Stream | $1,600 Use where most needed |
| Long Island Cares, Inc. | $1,560 Emergency Food |
| United Methodist Church of Setauket | $1,000 Where most needed |
| United Way of Long Island | $1,491 Monthly Allocation |
We are also grateful to three individuals for their gifts, two who gave $500 each for transportation assistance in response to last month's "Most Urgent Need," and to another who gave $1,100 to support an intern for a second year (2007-2008 school year).
We thank these and 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.
Most Urgent Need
When we did a survey of client food preferences, we found that the canned foods we receive often do not match the nutritional needs or cultural preferences of our clients. Canned vegetables, meat and starches often have high sodium content, for example, and canned fruits have high sugar content. These are not good food choices for people with high blood pressure or diabetes.
The disconnect between donated foods and client needs has led us to reconsider how we can best meet the nutritional needs and cultural preferences of the hungry clients we serve. We believe the answer is gift cards from grocery store chains that are likely to have stores in the communities where our clients live and shop.
Although we are grateful for food donations of any kind, giving a grocery store gift card of an equivalent amount would better serve our clients, be more convenient for our donors, and would improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our emergency food services to hungry Long Islanders.
Here some benefits of gift card donations:
- Expands and diversifies client food choices.
- Empowers clients to make food choices according to their individual health needs and cultural preferences.
- Enables clients to buy fresh foods, which are usually better nutritional choices.
- Cuts down on wasted nonperishable food held in our pantries.
- Eliminates need to rotate food.
- Increases efficiency of food distribution.
- Eliminates time and effort required to deliver food to homebound clients.
- Reduces storage space needed for food storage.
- Saves donors the cost of gas and vehicle mileage.
- Donors can mail in gift certificate rather than drive food in.
One of our Board members recently asked, "I know you are glad to receive any nonperishable food, but wouldn't it be better to donate money?"
The answer is YES!
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WHY PROGRAMS REQUIRE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
By Sara C. Weiss, Director of Development
What does a wise nonprofit manager do when a major donor offers a large gift but restricts it to program expenses, with no provision for funding the administrative costs required to support the program?
- Accept it and pray that money to pay the administrative costs will fall like manna from Heaven?
- Reject it, because programs cannot operate effectively without administrative support?
This was the dilemma described in a recent Wall Street Journal article (12/27/06). The article began with an amazing statement that a nonprofit agency turned down a $90 Million gift. Why? Because the potential donor refused to designate any of it for operating expenses, dooming the intended program from the start.
The reporters also interviewed the enormously successful chief executive of Harlem Children's Zone, Geoffrey Canada, who has raised millions upon millions but learned the hard way that he had to turn away donors who only wanted to fund programs but not the back office expenses needed to operate them. Canada told the Wall Street Journal reporters, "The more grants I got, the further behind I got because I promised stuff that didn't have the true costs built in."
In my "Most Urgent Needs" article in the November 2006 issue of Prelude (p. 2), I referred to Clara Miller's example of what nonprofit fundraising would look like in a business context. In another article (www.nonprofitquarterly.org Winter 2005), she explains that nonprofit business and management practices are utterly at variance with accepted business practices, and gives examples to illustrate why the nonprofit finance model is so dysfunctional.
In contrast to businesses, for example, nonprofits are not paid by their consumers - the clients who use their services. Instead, they are paid by third parties - the donors. Miller explains that this dual payer system enormously intensifies the labor required to operate a nonprofit, which must work twice as hard to satisfy two markets instead of one - clients and donors.
In the business world, all costs and profit margins are included in the price of the product or service. Not so in the nonprofit world, where restricted gifts pay for only part of the costs and the already stretched nonprofit is expected to absorb the rest. The consequence, Miller explains, is that the nonprofit loses money on every client transaction and ends up subsidizing the rest of the costs through fundraising, yet restricted gifts are rarely designated for the activities required to pay for these subsidies.
There is a mistaken belief that giving restricted funds improves program performance. The reality is quite the opposite: According to Miller, restricting gifts to program performance diminishes program quality and efficiency because restricted gifts do not fund the infrastructure required to support the programs. Even if a program is initially successful, restricted gifts provide no reserves to expand and grow it. Instead, the program's quality is undermined and hollowed out from within because there is no money to invest in the support and systems necessary to grow and sustain it.
We are enormously grateful for the faithful support our donors provide for our ministry to serve the poor. However, we also believe it is our responsibility to account to our donors for what happens to their gifts and how they can best sustain the critical work we do. As our treasurer, Rev. Jack King, eloquently noted at our last Annual Meeting, "Behind every dollar in our budget is someone we've helped."
The most important gift you can give to the Long Island Council of Churches, your church, or any charity, is unrestricted gifts to be "used where most needed."
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IDEAS YOU CAN USE:
Have an Ecumenical Easter
Easter, like Christmas, is a time when worship often draws visitors from other denominations, which makes it a great time to embody our commitment to Christian unity. One way to welcome those from diverse backgrounds is to sing music from many denominations, nations, and cultures - and note in the bulletin the sources. "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" is an old Methodist hymn by Charles Wesley. "Walk on, O People of God" is by the Spanish Catholic Cesareo Gabarain. "The Strife Is O'er" draws on Latin and Italian sources. "He Rose" is an African American spiritual. "O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing" is a French Catholic hymn. "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands" is by Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach.
Many Easter hymns represent ecumenical collaboration. "The Day of Resurrection" comes from John of Damascus, an 8th-century theologian of the Eastern Church, and English composer Henry Smart. Henry Smart and an African American United Methodist, Bill James, wrote "Easter People, Raise Your Voices." "Christ Is Risen" has a text by English-born Brian Wren, set to a Polish Catholic carol. "Thine Be the Glory" has both Swiss and German roots. An Anglican wrote "Now the Green Blade Riseth," setting it to a French Catholic carol. "Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain" is by John of Damascus and William S. Gilbert's operatic partner, Arthur Sullivan.
It is harder to find music from the Third World, but even if your flock does not know "Christo Vive" from Argentina or "Christ the Lord Is Risen" from Ghana, they might enjoy hearing the choir sing one of these as an anthem. And the last verse of "Christo Vive" makes a good Benediction:
"Death has lost its old dominion,
let the world rejoice and shout!
Christ, the firstborn of the living,
Gives us life and leads us out."
Do you hesitate to try something new and different on Easter? Holiday worship needs to be visitor - friendly, but when we proclaim that God did something entirely unimaginable - raising a crucified Savior from the dead - it may be a good time to do something unexpected.
--twg--
How To Welcome Latino Neighbors
The United Methodist magazine Circuit Rider recently noted that most denominations think of Spanish-language worship as the way to minister with Latinos - but those who speak English are looking for much more, particularly second and third generation Hispanics.
First Presbyterian Church in East Moriches does not offer Spanish language worship, but the congregation has had regular exchanges with Cuban sister-church partners, a Literacy Volunteers of America program that serves Latinos and some bilingual Christian Education programs. Their CE program, dances, dinners, picnics, boat rides, and holiday worship are always in Spanish language media such as the newspaper "Voz Latina." As one member puts it, "we are simply advertising a welcome to our church."
Go thou and do likewise.
10 Occasions for Ecumenical Celebrations
The Graymoor Ecumenical Institute suggests the following:
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan.18-25 - next year is its 100th anniversary, visit www.weekofprayer2008.org for resources)
- Martin Luther King Biirthday (third Monday in January)
- World Day of Prayer (first Friday in March - visit www.wdpusa.org)
- Ash Wednesday & Lent
- Palm Sunday
- Easter Sunrise (the LICC's will be April 8 at 6:30 a.m. at Jones Beach)
- Pentecost
- All Souls Day (Nov. 2)
- World AIDS Day (Dec. 1)
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FROM THE MULTI-FAITH FORUM: WHAT IS UNIQUE IN CHRISTIANITY
by Marian Hubbard
As a member of the Multi-Faith Forum, I have been spending considerable time attempting to put words about my faith, Christianity, in a clear and concise form. Words themselves have turned out to be a problem. Words don't always mean the same thing to speaker or writer as to listener or reader. I am concerned when I hear what sounds like, "We are all alike" or "All religions teach the same things." Various systems of belief seem to lead to similar moral teachings, but such things as the "golden rule" relate to our relations with each other. Christianity has a great deal to do with our relationship with the divine. Everything circles around Jesus Christ as son of God and Savior. Although we may share some of these concepts with other faiths, I see the following as the combination that makes Christians different:
I. One God. We say God is love, but may be a bit vague about describing that love. We trust in God as a person, and many of us feel we have a real relationship with him. We speak of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three aspects of one God, sometimes referred to as the Trinity. Father, the creator, is invisible. Jesus, the Son, was born of a human mother and lived as a human being. He felt pain and human emotions. We claim that he was wholly God as well as wholly human. We say he died and rose again for our sins. This is an outrageous claim! Yet it is such a powerful idea that people are willing to die for it. One the other hand you will probably find people in Christian churches today who suspect that Jesus was only pretending to be a man. Finally, the Holy Spirit provides inner strength and guidance. I have felt this spirit working within me.
II. The Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament. We consider these writings to be the basis of our faith, but they are subject to many interpretations, and indeed to many translations. What we call the Old Testament is the Jewish Bible. The New Testament relates stories about Jesus and the aftermath of his death.
III. Sin can be defined as alienation from the divine. Christianity is for sinners, not for "good people."
IV. Afterlife. We believe there is a life after death. Heaven will be a good place, but I doubt that the visions in our Bible are literal descriptions of it. I suspect that Hell is the complete absence of God.
V. Salvation. Jesus showed how we can be reconciled with God despite sin. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. This is for the here and now, not just the hereafter. We are good because we are saved, not saved because we are good.
VI. We are a work in process. Here on earth Christians are all "becoming Christian," not Christians. The Kingdom of Heaven is more a process than a destination. I think of religion as an attempt to understand what is probably beyond human understanding. Christianity has room for many shades of meaning or understanding.
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WORTH QUOTING
Evangelistic Listening
"…we have to figure out how to tell our story in language that a person who doesn't know anything about Christianity can begin to understand. I'm going to suggest that our telling of that great story has to begin in listening. Not only does it say to the other person, `Your story is of great importance, and I recognize your equal dignity by listening,' but it also gives us an opportunity to discern where to help connect that story with the larger story of God's love known in Jesus Christ."
--Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, Episcopal Life January 2007
Why So Many of Our Neighbors Are Homeless
"Some struggle with addictions that have led them to their current state. Some struggle with mental illness. Some, in fact, have yet to learn the value of work and are dependent upon the mercy of strangers. Many are employed and hard workers, but not making a living wage. . . Some are seasonal workers who lose their home when their employers no longer need their muscles. Some are victims of abuse and have no safe space to lay their head, and/or suffer the long-term affects of emotional trauma. Some struggle with physical illness of some kind and are outside the ever shrinking net of social services. Some are suddenly displaced by fire, weather, family trauma, or bad financial advice, are struggling to get back on their feet. . . . In the eyes of Christ, all are God's children in need of compassion while they try to sort out their lives."
--the Rev. Peter Kelly, "The Good News," First Presbyterian Church of Southold
On Political & Religious Labels
"Labels make it easy for others to get a handle on you, when you yourself know that you are a bundle of contradictions, as are all human beings."
--former Congressman Bob LaFalce, National Workshop on Christian Unity, Feb. 1, 2007
How To Help Beleaguered Christians in the Holy Land
At the 2007 National Workshop on Christian Unity in Arlington, Virginia, three Christian leaders who have worked in the Holy Land shared their thoughts on how Americans can help the besieged and fast-disappearing Christian communities in Israel and the West Bank:
- "Christians should advocate justice, freedom, and peace for the Holy Land. This is the way to help Christians there."
--the Right Rev. Vicken Aykazian, Archbishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church and President-Elect of the National Council of Churches
- "We must first deal with our own prejudices in our own back yard before we can speak with any authenticity about peace in the Holy Land."
--the Rev. John Tidy, former dean, St. George's College in East Jerusalem
- "There is not good violence or bad violence. We Christians must be clear in condemning any form of violence to solve problems."
--Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
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WORTH READING: Kurlansky's Nonviolence & Brobston's Daddy Sang Lead
Mark Kurlansky's Nonviolence: 25 Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea (Modern Library & Recorded Books, 2006), is a stunning survey of human sin and human progress, one that is full of insight for people of faith. He observes that every religion teaches the power of nonviolence and the evil of violence, and yet nearly every faith has been co-opted by the state to endorse warfare. Hanukah, for example, is the only holiday on the Jewish calendar that celebrates a military victory and it is a mind or, non-religious holiday. Only consumerism and competition with Christmas have made it noteworthy today. Violence is one of the sins for which Jews must atone on Yom Kippur during the High Holidays, he observes, and "every year at Passover Jews are instructed not to hate their enemies" and to spill some of their celebratory wine to remember the suffering of those who had oppressed them.
The early Christians were the first faith community to completely reject warfare and militarism, but Constantine's embrace of the new religion changed this completely. It was, he quips, "a calamity from which the church still has not recovered. One lesson from history, according to Kurlansky, is that "Once a state embraces a religion, the nature of that religion changes radically. It loses its nonviolent component and becomes a force for war than peace."
One way nearly every faith has been wooed away from nonviolence, Kurlansky argues, is by canonizing founders who preached peace. "A saint is safer than a rebel," he says wryly: if we pay homage to Mohandas K. Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we may not have to think too hard about what they would say to us today. This book is full of pithy observations: "People who go to war become like their enemies." "If there is one place in the world where violence clearly has failed, it is the Middle East."
Richard Dreyfus, who recorded the audio version of this book, brilliantly embodies Kurlansky's ironic, sardonic tone. It would be easy to become bitter about our history of slaughtering one another, but Kurlansky remains both angry in healthy way and hopeful that we re beginning to grasp the radical teachings of those who have founded our faith communities. His last lesson from history is this: "The hard work of building a movement to abolish war has already begun."
Daddy Sang Lead: The History and Performance Practice of White Southern Gospel
In the interests of full disclosure, this reviewer should note that Stan Brobston is a friend and former parishioner of mine and that I am no musicologist. Published this January and available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and 1-800-882-3273, Daddy Sang Lead is probably the first serious study of white gospel music in the south. Brobston, who taught on Long Island and sang in a United Methodist choir for many years, and who sings in both white and black Baptist choirs in rural Georgia, looks at both the history of gospel music and how it is performed in that state.
Brobston begins by noting how important music has been in the religious life of America: the first book published in the English-speaking colonies was the Bay Psalm Book (1640), which translated the Book of Psalms "into singeable English meter." There has been considerable exploration of some parts of our musical heritage, Brobston notes, but white Gospel has been neglected by scholars and derided by many music historians.
Daddy Sang Lead traces the roots of this genre to Isaac Watts, John and Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, camp meeting songs, shaped note singing, and Sacred Harp music (which is represented by such wonderful hymns as "Spirit of Faith Come Down"), among other sources. While Brobston focuses on white gospel, he readily acknowledges the influence of African American spirituals on this genre and notes that Mahalia Jackson won the first Grammy award for religious music. He also notes the progress made in recent years toward integrating gospel music. Indeed, one of the groups he studies, the Wesley Arnold Family Singers, chose an African-American spiritual, "Lord I Want To Be a Christian," as their most representative song.
Daddy Sang Lead offers a good argument for self-publishing. This book is based on his Ph.D. dissertation at New York University, and it is difficult to interest any publisher in a dissertation on a neglected subject. It is precisely this focus on an unfashionable field that makes this sort of scholarly work particularly valuable to all of us who occasionally research obscure topics - and in this case to all who love religious music.
--twg--
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HOW TO COPE WITH THE MORTGAGE CRISIS
This fall, federal banking regulators issued some long-overdue changes in their rules that govern adjustable-rate mortgages. The intent of the new regulations is laudable: to make sure that fewer borrowers end up with "interest only" or "negative amortization" or "option" mortgages that they cannot repay.
The new, tougher lending standards arrive, though, right when many borrowers who took out Adjustable Rate Mortgages are seeing their payments soar as interest rates are "re-pegged " upwards - and right when many who took out "sub-prime" mortgages are getting into serious financial trouble. What can these folks do?
The Long Island Housing Partnership has an excellent program called HEMAP, which can help those who are less than 12 months in arrears and can sometimes make grants of up to $20,000. This, however, may not be adequate to help some folks who are in trouble through little fault of their own. (You can reach them at 631-435-4710.) Another loan repair source, a program offered by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, can help New Yorkers but does not currently have offices anywhere on Long Island. For further information about their National Anti-Predatory Lending Consumer Rescue Fund, please contact Lloyd P. London, llondon@ncrc.org, at (202) 628-8866 or (800) 475-6272.
Would your congregation, agency, or community group like some help in sorting out personal finances? The Long Island Council of Churches offers seminars on how to manage your money well - and not get ripped off. Our presentations usually run an hour to 90 minutes, and we will tailor it to the needs of your audience, such as a shorter program for a college class, campus ministry group, or youth group and their parents. The LICC will arrange speakers, educational materials, and other freebies. There is no charge for this program. Thanks to grants from Astoria Federal Savings, Bank of America, Bank of New York, Citibank, Dime Savings Bank (Washington Mutual), Greenpoint Bank Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Ridgewood Savings Bank, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for making it possible for the Long Island Council of Churches to provide this free program.
Each presentation is shaped around the needs of the audience and we are prepared to address a wide variety of topics. Here are some we have dealt with recently that might be of interest to students and their parents:
- How to shop for a good loan
- How to get a good deal on checking and savings accounts and other financial services
- How to manage credit cards and other forms of credit
- How to "repair" a bad credit history
- How to reduce expenses on things you think are essential
- How to convert a loan you already have into a better deal
- How to talk with your kids (or your parents) about how they manage their money
We have speakers who can handle a variety of languages. If you would like to have such a seminar, call 516-565-0290, ext. 206, fax 516-565-0291, or e-mail licchemp@aol.com.
Elsewhere in this issue of the Prelude, one of our frequent panelists, Rich Murphy, gives a brief introduction to Reverse Mortgages. He has written for our newsletter previously and we've persuaded him to do columns on a regular basis. Let us know which topics concerning personal finance that you'd like to see one of our experts address!
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REVERSE MORTGAGES FOR SENIORS
By Richard J. Murphy, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Many seniors in our community need information about "Reverse Mortgages." This inaugural column answers basic questions about Reverse Mortgages and explains how seniors can protect themselves from being victims of predatory lending abuse.
Throughout our lives, our financial situations change. We plan and prepare for the later years. But what happens if something unexpected arises? The FHA, a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has an answer to that problem. It's called the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). You may have heard it referred to or advertised as a "Reverse Mortgage." It allows senior homeowners to borrow against the hard-earned equity they have built up in their homes. Reverse mortgages can be used for expenses such as home improvements, medical bills, or even everyday expenses. We can help you find the answers to determine if this program is right for you!
Question #1:
How old must I be to apply for this type of loan?
Answer #1:
You must be a minimum of 62 years of age to apply. There is NO maximum age.
Question #2:
If I take a Reverse Mortgage do I give up my ownership to my home?
Answer #2:
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Your home will continue to stay in your name as long as the home remains your primary residence, but you will have a lien placed on your property that will be security for the loan. You must also remember that you must keep your property taxes and homeowners insurance current. You, or your Estate, would be required to pay off or refinance the mortgage only if you move out of the home or you are deceased. If you take the Reverse Mortgage with your spouse and only one of you moves or dies, then the loan will continue until the surviving spouse also moves or dies. If you do move or die, you or your Estate have a minimum of six months, or as much as 12 months (an extension beyond six months must be approved) to pay off the outstanding loan by refinancing or by selling the property. All profits made after paying off the Reverse Mortgage are still yours or your heirs' to keep.
Helpful Tip No.1: Before you consider taking this type of loan, you MUST speak with a licensed counselor. Next month's column will provide you with a list of available counselors who can provide you with this free service in Nassau & Suffolk Counties.
Do you have a question? Please let us know. All questions will be published anonymously and your identity will be protected. Help us help you and other seniors. Call Rev. Tom Goodhue at the Long Island Council of Churches, 516-565-0290, ext. 206, or send your questions by email to licchemp@aol.com. Remember, no question is unimportant if you do not know the answer!
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RESPONDING TO LONG ISLAND'S CHANGING FACE
A recent article by Winnie Hu in the New York Times addresses how rapidly our region is becoming more ethnically diverse. More than half the students in the Herricks school district are Indian, Korean, or Chinese. The number of Asian Americans at Valley Stream Central High has increased 71% over the past five years. In the Jericho school district, it is up more than 80%. This dramatic development creates both challenges and opportunities for educators - and for churches, employers, and nearly everyone else who lives here. No matter whether you want to attract customers to your business or invite newcomers to your congregation, you need to know your new neighbors.
The Long Island Council of Churches and Auburn Theological Seminary launched the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum in 1993 to help people throughout our area to understand their neighbors. It unites hundreds of Islanders from eleven different faith communities - and from many races, nationalities, and cultures. The Forum has presented more than 180 "Building Bridges" presentations and Multi-Faith Festivals in schools, workplaces, and houses of worship, for audiences ranging in size from ten to 1100. Recently the Forum began offering another educational program, its game show format "What's My Faith?"
For further information on the LIMFF, contact the LICC at 516-565-0290, ext. 206 or email licchemp@aol.com. To request a presentation, contact Bernice Suplee at 631-665-7033 or jbsuplee@aol.com.
The Long Island Multi-Faith Forum and Michael Fairchild Productions also have created Faiths of Long Island, a 30-minute video that introduces the eleven faith communities on Long Island that belong to the Forum and promotes greater understanding among the people of our region. It is available in both DVD and VHS formats and is designed for youth as well as adult audiences. The suggested donation is $30, plus $5 for shipping and handling. Please specify which format you wish. Checks can be sent to the LICC, 1644 Denton Green, Hempstead, NY 11550. We can now accept MasterCard and VISA credit cards for payment for Faiths of Long Island if you fax (516-565-0291) or phone (516-565-0290) the appropriate information.
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NCC HEAD TO SPEAK MARCH 2 ON LONG ISLAND
Bob Edgar has served as a United Methodist pastor, a six-term Congressman from Pennsylvania, the president of Claremont School of Theology, and now as General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. He led our Annual Convocation last March at 1st Baptist Church in Riverhead and will be speaking in Manhasset at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Shelter Rock on Friday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. The LICC is co-sponsoring the program. Edgar will address how people of faith can respond to the war in Iraq, then a panel will respond from varied viewpoints, and there will be time for the audience to ask questions. All are welcome!
The Shelter Rock Forum Presents
"Troops Out of Iraq. When?"
Featuring
The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar
General Secretary, National Council of Churches
Former Six-Term Member of Congress
Author of "Middle Church"
Introduction by Rev. Thomas Goodhue,
President, Long Island Council of Churches
With responses by the following Long Island religious leaders:
- Rev. Mark Lukens, Pastor, Bethany Congregational Church, Wyandanch
President, The Interfaith Alliance, L.I. Chapter
- Richard Koubek, Public Policy Chairman, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
- Dr. Ismay Chaudry, Islamic Center of Long Island
- Rev. Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra, V.P., Pastoral Care, Episcopal Health Services
Q. & A. Moderated by:
Rev. Dr. Paul Johnson
Sr. Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION AT SHELTER ROCK
48 SHELTER ROCK ROAD, MANHASSET
$5 Donation Suggested. Call 627-6560 for directions.
SPONSOR: THE SHELTER ROCK FORUM (Bert Napear, Chairman)
CO-SPONSORS: The Interfaith Alliance, The L. I. Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives,
Great Neck SANE/Peace Action, Reach Out America, L.I. Council of Churches
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Must "Affordable Housing" & "Nassau County" Always Be An Oxymoron?
Tuesday, March 6, 7 p.m.
Next Generation Housing Forum
Nassau County Bar Association
15th and West Streets, Garden City
(Opposite County Legislature Building)
Get some insight when Matthew Crosson, president of the Long Island Association, speaks on the need for next generation/workforce housing in our area.
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DID YOU KNOW?
- You Can Bring Church World Service Kits to LICC Meetings:
- Saturday, April 28, is the official pick-up day for “Gift of the Heart” disaster response kits that Church World Service distributes across the nation and around the world. CWS, our ecumenical partner in relief and development work, shipped kits last year to Buffalo and Syracuse in response to flooding there and sent tens of thousands of kits to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to aid those who are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
If you have already assembled School Kits, Kid’s Kits, Cleanup Kits, or Health Kits, you can bring them early to any LICC meeting in March or April, including our March 24 Convocation at 1st Baptist Church in Riverhead. For further information on what to put in a kit visit www.churchworldservice.org or call 1-888-CWS-CROP or our Long Island Coordinators, Grace MacMillan in Nassau (516-785-3951 or Helen Samuels in Suffolk (631-744-3870). Donations to ship the kits to disaster sites are also needed!
- Multi-Faith Forum Volunteer Named Health Commissioner:
- Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has nominated Dr. Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry of Commack to be Suffolk’s Commissioner of the Department of Health Services. Dr. Chaudhry is an active volunteer in the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum, which the LICC started fifteen years ago in conjunction with Auburn Theological Seminary. He is presently Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) of New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. He also serves as Assistant Dean for Health Policy at the college, is an attending physician at Long Beach Medical Center and Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola and maintains a part-time medical practice.
Levy will file a resolution to appoint Dr. Chaudhry; the bill will be eligible for a vote by the County Legislature March 20.
- LICC Volunteer Launches Corporate Accountability Web Site:
- Hank Boerner, a member of the LICC Development Committee and Old Steeple Church (UCC) in Aquebogue, has started a wonderful Web site devoted to corporate accountability and good governance, responsible lending, and socially responsible investing. You can find it at www.accountability-central.com/.
- 40-Hour Fast for Farm Worker Justice:
- The Labor and Religion Coalition is encouraging people of faith to fast for 40 hours, from 8 p.m. on Monday, March 5, to noon on Wednesday, March 7, and to use this time for prayer and reflection on the ways in which justice is needed for farm workers and other working poor people who bring food to our tables. More information can be found at www.labor-religion.org.
- Ecumenical Lenten Series in Merrick & Bellmore:
- Presbyterian and United Methodist congregations in Merrick and Bellmore are coming together for a mid-week Lenten series. The series will be every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 21 through March 28, plus April 5 and April 6. These services will be followed by a fellowship time with light refreshments. An offering will be received for the LICC’s emergency food program.
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NEEDED/OFFERED
Offered:
- Immunization Seminar:
- The New York State Department of Health along with the Suffolk County Department of Health will be sponsoring an Immunization seminar and informational session at The First Baptist Church of Riverhead on Sunday, March 25th from 1-3 p.m. Representatives from the State and County health departments will present on current immunization issues, and will be available to answer questions and provide late season vaccinations. Dinner will be provided. For further information please call Dwayne Meadows at (516) 473-1939.
- Free Workshop on How to Help Those Who Mourn:
- CancerCare of Long Island offers a free workshop on “Help and Hope for the Bereaved.” The workshop is free and will be held Thursday, March 15, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the CancerCare of Long Island offices (20 Crossways Park North in Woodbury). Continental breakfast will be served. Topics will include: The stages of grief, Identifying recurrent themes of grief, Ways to facilitate coping, and How CancerCare can help. They are particularly interested in reaching out to local members of the clergy, since they are often the first ones that individuals who have lost a loved one turn to. RSVP by calling 1-800-813-HOPE or by e-mailing jleung@cancercare.org.
- Free Computers:
- St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff is offering two gently used computers, complete with CRT monitors, keyboards, and mice. Each one runs on an Intel Pentium 3, with a 4 GB hard drive. All data has been scrubbed from hard drives. If you're interested in either one, or both, phone 516-676-4222, Tues. through Sat., or e-mail Rector06@verizon.net.
- Down-Payment Grants for First Time Homebuyers:
- First-time homebuyers can receive up to up to $5000 for their down payment through lenders in the Federal Home Loan Bank system if they take part in a “First Home Club.” Monthly meetings cover how to shop for a home, negotiate a price, get legal advice, find a home inspector, and get a great mortgage. For every $1 club members save toward the down payment, they receive $3, up to $5000. For further information, call Gladys Nichols or Leticia Buonantuono at the Long Island Housing Partnership, 631-435-4710.
- COUNSELING FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES:
- The Medicare program has become far more complicated and therefore confusing for many beneficiaries. For example, in 2007, there are 61 stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in New York State, up from 46 in 2006. Monthly premiums range from $9.50 to $82.10. Seventeen plans offer coverage through the coverage gap, commonly known as the “donut hole,” but that coverage is limited to generic drugs only. Additionally, there are 26 Medicare Advantage Health Plans in Nassau County that include drug benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans. Premiums for these plans, which include hospital and doctor benefits, range from $0 to $187 in addition to the Medicare Part B premium.
Individuals in need of information and assistance are encouraged to contact Medicare’s 24-hour toll-free help line at 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare also offers on-line comparison tools at www.medicare.gov that provide detailed information about plans, premiums, and drug costs.
In addition, Medicare beneficiaries may contact the HIICAP program. “Anyone from Nassau County who has questions, or would like in-person counseling, should call the HIICAP counselors at 516-485-3754,” suggests Dr. Sharon Mullon, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. “The Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is funded by Nassau County, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the federal Administration on Aging, and is provided in cooperation with Family and Children’s Association.”
Suffolk County beneficiaries may reach Suffolk HIICAP at 631-853-8239.
Needed:
- Girl Scout Cookies:
- Do you buy Girl Scout cookies each year to aid this worthy organization and then find that you have far more of these tasty goodies around the house or your office than you need or is good for you? Why not donate them to your local emergency food pantry?
The LICC would be glad to receive Girl Scout cookies to share with their clients. We have had a huge increase over the past year or two in the number of people coming to us for emergency food, particularly in Suffolk County. Food donations usually are slow during the winter, so Girl Scout cookies are welcome, along with fruitcake, fancy jellies and jams you received over the holidays, flavored coffees, cheese logs or nearly anything else that is edible. This is a good time to go through your cupboard and give away anything that you are not going to use that is not dented, many years old, or otherwise inedible.
Donations for the LICC can be dropped off at their Riverhead office (407 Osborne Avenue at Lincoln, opposite the Polish Town Civic Association, 631-727-2210), their Hempstead office (in Christ’s 1st Presbyterian Church at the village green on Nichol’s Court, 516-565-0290), or their Freeport Emergency Food Center (450 North Main Street, 516-868-4989).
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SAVE A LIFE--GIVE BLOOD!
Long Island Blood Services
Upcoming Community Blood Drives
| Event Date | Site | Address | Start/End Time | Chairperson/Phone |
|---|
| 3/3/07 | St. Johns Lutheran Church | 1675 Coates Ave.
Holbrook | 9:00 AM
1:00 PM | Claudia Manzella
(631) 348-5644 |
| 3/4/07 | Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs | 209-15 Horace Harding Blvd.
Bayside | 1:00 PM
5:00 PM | Liz Reed
(917) 974-7808 |
| 3/11/07 | All Saints Episcopal Church | 214-35 40th Ave.
Bayside | 9:00 AM
1:00 PM | Thomas Ramsay
(516) 574-8770 |
| 3/13/07 | Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church | 108 Warner Avenue
Roslyn Heights | 3:00 PM
8:30 PM | Maryann Vlahos
(516) 627-7303 |
| 3/20/07 | LICC Levittown | First Presbyterian Church
Levittown | 3:00 PM
8:30 PM | Betty Towner
(516) 465-3682 |
| 3/25/07 | Cathedral House | 50 Cathedral Avenue
Garden City | 9:00 AM
2:30 PM | Marla Wills
(516) 746-2955 |
| 3/25/07 | Centerport Methodist Church | 97 Little Neck Rd.
Centerport | 9:00 AM
1:00 PM | Elsie Beckler
631) 427-6308 |
| 3/26/07 | Garden City Community Church | 245 Stewart Ave.
Garden City | 3:00 PM
8:30 PM | Cindy Campbell
(516) 334-6325 |
| 3/27/07 | Grace Methodist Church School | 21 S. Franklin Avenue
Valley Stream | 3:00 PM
8:30 PM | Bob DiSalvo
(516) 561-2513 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT,
PLEASE CALL 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566)
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JOB OPENINGS:
- Senior Minister:
- The Community Church of East Williston is seeking a senior minister with at least ten years' experience to lead an active Long Island inter-denominational Protestant, 250-member church.
Responsibilities include: supervision and leadership of Christian education, visitation and staff. Ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills. Compensation package includes housing. Benefits and salary commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates should e-mail résumé in confidence to: ccewsearch@yahoo.com.
- Church Secretary - temporary:
- Temporary Church Secretary needed, beginning mid-March for 2-6 weeks due to medical leave. Need for ongoing temporary work as leave replacement. Office skills and some computer knowledge required. Send resume to: T. Tyson, Chair of SPRC, Bayport United Methodist Church, 482 Middle Road, Bayport, NY 11705.
- Church Secretary:
- Church Secretarial Position, Part-time in Amityville.
Hours: School year: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday through Friday
Summer hours: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 4 days a week
Qualifications: Secretarial experience of at least two years; skilled in meeting public, management, details. Must have good-to-excellent computer skills in word processing. Knowledge of other programs helpful. No bookkeeping required.
To apply, fax resume to 631-598-3425, or e-mail to amitychurch@verizon.net. No calls, please.
- Youth Director:
- 1st Congregational Church of Bay Shore is seeking a part-time Youth Director. Contact the Rev. Gary Gerth or Sandy at the church office (631-665-0091) for further information.
- Director of Christian Formation and Youth Ministry:
- The Cathedral of the Incarnation (Episcopal Diocese of Long Island) in Garden City is seeking a full-time Director of Christian Formation and Youth Ministry. For job description and position requirements, please visit www.dioceselongisland.org and click on "open position". Salary negotiable based on experience.
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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.
The Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue
Executive Director
Long Island Council of Churches
1644 Denton Green
Hempstead, NY 11550
voice: 516-565-0290, ext. 206
fax: 516-565-0291
email:licchemp@aol.com
Web: www.ncccusa.org/ecmin/licc
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