TABLE OF CONTENTS
From Our Executive Director:
TIME TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS?
It is no surprise that these are challenging times for houses of worship. People are turning for help to congregations and clergy in record numbers at exactly the time that it is harder to raise money for any local church - as is the case at the Long Island Council of Churches. These are anxious days as congregations - and Councils - try to squeak through 2009 somehow while preparing budgets for 2010.
There is a natural human tendency in hard times to circle the wagons, pull up the drawbridge, and otherwise retreat from the world. In houses of worship, this often translates into reducing the missions budget, pulling back from ecumenical and/or interfaith organizations, and taking care of your own folks rather than those in the surrounding community. This reaction may be normal in churches, but it is often fatal: if you aren't helping people in bad times, why should anyone support you in good times?
To survive a recession, and thrive in the midst of one, requires faith, creativity, and good stewardship. Here are a few suggestions:
- Rather than cut your giving to good causes your congregation supports, ask how you can reduce expenses that serve no good purpose. A modest investment in a programmable thermostat or LED lights for your emergency exit signs or adding insulation could save you money almost immediately and save the earth's resources. Most houses of worship likewise waste so much electricity on incandescent light bulbs, that an "energy service company" will guarantee that they can improve your lighting, eliminate the need for someone to perch precariously under the chandelier each year on a ladder, and guarantee to save you money, all in one fell swoop.
- Ask how you might increase your income in ways that support your ministry and mission. Do you need help encouraging your members to do financial planning that will also produce new gifts for your congregation? Do you have a tall steeple or high roof that cell phone companies might pay you to use for antennas? Do you have space you might share with a 12-step support group that needs your basement, a Seventh-Day Adventist church that needs a sanctuary on Saturdays, a Korean congregation that is looking for a place where members can gather each morning at 6 a.m. for prayer, or a nursery school or after-school program that needs classrooms sometime when you are not using them?
- Ask if your congregation knows its new neighbors well enough to thrive in the future? Have you identified whom you might invite to worship and how to make them feel welcome? Has your flock discovered how to make the families moving into your area comfortable sending their children to your nursery school?
- Do you or your members need to learn more about how to handle money well?
The LICC would be glad to help with all these issues. The LICC often plays match-maker between those needing space and those who have space to share, and we'd be glad to tell you more about energy conservation and cell phone tower clearinghouses. Our interfaith education project, the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum, helps people to understand their new neighbors and how to get along with them. And we'd be glad to bring a finance seminar to your congregation to explore money management, planned giving, how to pay for conservation measures, or anything else you need to know.
Which I suppose is a not-too-subtle way of suggesting why you may want to support the LICC even in the midst of your own financial struggles. Through us you help thousands of people in desperate need - exactly the sort of thing your members probably want their donations to do - and we just might be able to help you learn something your congregation really needs to know to survive and thrive.
Shalom/Salaam/Shanti/Pax,
Tom
Return to top
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Sara C. Weiss, Director of Development
Special thanks to an anonymous donor who gave $25,000 in unrestricted funds. We thank the following institutional donors for their gifts of $500 and more:
| Christ Church Manhasset | $500 Use Where Most Needed |
| CVS Pharmacy, Inc. | $3,000 Prescription Assistance |
| Deamoak's Planning Services | $500 Where Most Needed |
| First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown | $1,150 Where Most Needed |
| Hearts in the Community | $500 Where Most Needed |
Mallouk Family Fund
(L.I. Community Foundation) | $1,000 Where Most Needed |
| New York Community Trust | $1,000 Where Most Needed |
| Setauket Presbyterian Church | $1,580 Where Most Needed |
| United Church of Rockville Centre | $752 Where Most Needed |
United Methodist Church-Glen Cove Trustees
(Carpenter Memorial) | $500 Where Most Needed |
We also thank the institutions that gave less than $500, and all of our individual donors, though we do not list them because they, too, have asked to remain anonymous.
Memorial/Tribute Gifts
A 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. Please call Sara for a list. We also have planned giving opportunities that will sustain these programs in perpetuity.
Return to top
THE SOCIAL SECTOR
by Sara C. Weiss, Director of Development
The term "nonprofit" was entirely appropriate in the days when nonprofits were largely staffed by volunteers, had far less people to serve, and were operated through houses of worship or other small operations that basically recycled donated goods through volunteers to people in need. These tended to be small, very local enterprises that served a modest constituency. They also were not a significant component of the American economy.
Today, there are approximately 1.7 million nonprofits doing $30 billion in business. Nonprofits contribute 10% of the country's economic output. In New York City, the nonprofit sector is the largest in the City. More and more, they have taken over functions formerly conducted by government, meaning they are ever more important in serving people in need. A special report by the National Council of Nonprofits released on August 10, 2009, stated that "The vast majority of nonprofits . . . [are] small, community-based groups serving local needs. . . . These local nonprofits collectively hold vast portions of the social safety net, yet an increasing percentage of them are being strained beyond capacity."
21st century nonprofit enterprise has become a critical safety net serving millions of people in need. Therefore the assumption that they can be run on a shoe-string budget by volunteers - and the related assumption that programs are separate from administration - is outdated and no longer applies. While volunteers are still critical to our work, in reality, programs cannot exist without general operating or infrastructure support. The belief that they are separate is an illusion, an historical artifact from a very different era.
Study after study, and article after article, describe the destructive effects of the mistaken belief that programs somehow exist apart from infrastructure/administrative support. One of my favorite writers is Clara Miller, C.E.O. of the Nonprofit Finance Fund. I've frequently referred to her work in past articles for this newsletter. The results of a survey her agency released this past April revealed a sector in serious trouble and further compromised by decreased funding and escalating client needs. The survey found that "America's nonprofits, including the 'lifeline" organizations [such as the Long Island Council of Churches] that many depend on for food, shelter, and other basic services, are strained to the breaking point."
The economic crisis threatens to decimate the nonprofit sector, which is in "a precarious state because it is continually asked to do more with less. It also brings a long-standing problem into sharp relief," Clara Miller explained. "Lifeline organizations, 91% of which focus on serving vulnerable populations, simply will not be around to provide critical services if we continue with current practices.," she added. "We must free the entire sector from the archaic assumptions and harmful constraints that keep many organizations perpetually on the brink of survival, and especially at risk in times of recession."
One of the most harmful, archaic constraints to which she refers is the mistaken belief that people should give to programs, not to general operating funds. This practice keeps nonprofit agencies in a constant stage of crisis, with insufficient cash flow or financial reserves. The more depleted reserves and cash flow become, the more likely the agency will not stay around to serve people in crisis. It is time to discard the destructive believe that it is better to give for programs than to give unrestricted funds. In the real world they are one and the same. One cannot exist without the other.
I suggest that we retire the term "nonprofit" and replace it with the term "social sector." "Nonprofit" reinforces the outmoded belief that agencies don't need much money or any capital reserves to survive, which in turn makes it impossible for them to expand and sustain successful programs. In the 21st century, social sector agencies cannot afford to lose money on the work they do if they are to survive and sustain their mission to serve people in need (social services), nurture the spirit and soul (the arts, cultural institutions), provide essential health care to the uninsured or inadequately insured (healthcare institutions), etc.
Although they will not USE these proceeds as for-profits do, to be successful, the social sector also needs to be able to hire and retain well-trained, talented people, support constant staff and board improvement through professional development, and build up reserve funds they can draw upon when hard times hit as they are now. The social sector must build financial reserves and increase the cash flow that will enable us to serve the escalating number of clients that depend on us to survive.
The social sector, like any other enterprise, is expected to adopt and utilize such "good stewardship" practices, also called "best practices." They are a prerequisite for any well-run social sector agency and are the hallmark of successful agencies. Failure to utilize them puts the agency and everyone they serve at serious risk, keeping agencies forever stuck in the "crisis mode" and able to respond only to today's needs. The infrastructure needed to solve long-term problems has no chance to develop under the current system. Without it, we cannot solve the intractable social problems such as hunger, homelessness and poverty that require sustained efforts over long periods of time. Instead, we will perpetually run in place, and people will always be hungry, homeless, and without access to adequate healthcare.
Return to top
IDEAS YOU CAN USE FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Blue Christmas/Longest Night Worship
Christmas is both a joyful time and a stressful time for many people. An increasing number of churches are offering "Blue Christmas" services during Advent for those who are lonely, depressed, grieving, or simply exhausted during a season. Adding insult to injury, our culture - and often other Christians - sometimes act as if it is sinful to feel a bit down. Last December, for example, Old Steeple Church (UCC) in Aquebogue and Christ Lutheran Church/Iglesia Luterana de Cristo in Freeport had quiet, meditative "Blue Christmas" worship that acknowledged that not everyone feels chipper in December. Suggestions for this sort of service can be found at www.gbod.org/worship, including this Call to Worship, from a prayer of St. Anselm:
Leader: Jesus said, "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." And so we invite each other to this time of peaceful worship. Flee for a while from your tasks.
People: Hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts.
Leader: Come, cast aside your burdensome cares and put aside your laborious pursuits.
All: Give your time to God, and rest in God for a little while.
Here are some hymns you might consider for such a service:
- "Canticle of Light and Darkness"
- "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
- "In the Bleak Midwinter"
- "O Little Town of Bethlehem," particularly the fourth verse
- "Stand by Me"
- "We'll Understand It By and By"
Christmas is a good time to remember both that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth" and that Jesus wants us to care for "the least of these, my brothers and sisters." On Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, and the preceding weekend, many houses of worship will hold memorial services for those who died while 'sleeping rough" without a home. Perhaps you might remember them in your own prayers that day. Or gather food and warm clothing for the poor and homeless. Or demand decent housing for all our brothers and sisters.
Christmas Eve Youth Group Reunion
Young adults often return to worship on Christmas Eve, either while visiting their families or simply because, like so many other "Christmas and Easter Christians", they find that they miss the church as the holidays roll around. For several years, the Senior High Youth Group of Setauket Presbyterian Church has held an annual Alumni Party for all alumni of the youth fellowship 30 or younger. It begins at 9 p.m., conveniently scheduled between the congregation's Christmas Eve services: "Come see old friends, get caught up, and let us hear what is new with you!" What a great way to help ease the return home of those who have been away - and what a great way for senior high youth to demonstrate that they want to be able to return themselves.
Still More Ideas for an Ecumenical Advent
In Riverhead, an Anglo family invited Latinos from their parish and other members of the community to their home for Las Posadas. In 2004, Sr. Margaret Smyth began organizing Las Posadas celebrations for Latinos at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Riverhead and St. Agnes Church in Greenport because the story of Mary and Joseph resonates with immigrants seeking housing and hospitality here. Later, she began inviting Anglos, too. Now, Anglos are among those hosting the annual re-enactments of the Holy Family's search for shelter.
In December 2007, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Amityville hosted a concert of Orthodox Christmas music by the 22-voice a capella "Spirit of Orthodoxy" choir.
In 2008, Amityville Ecumenical Ministries held an ecumenical Lessons & Carols for Advent worship service to raise funds for the outreach ministry to the poor performed by the host parish, St. Martin of Tours. The Catholics hosted this service, which was modeled on the traditional Anglican service at Kings College in Cambridge, with choirs from St. Martin, St. Mary's Anglican Church, and St. Paul's Lutheran, bell ringers from 1st United Methodist Church, and readers and pastors from all four congregations.
Is your congregation/parish doing anything like this to "prepare the way of the Lord"?
Return to top
WORTH QUOTING
Why God Loves Me
"I'd like to think that God loves me because of my sterling character and pleasant demeanor, but when I suggest this possibility, my wife's uncontrollable laughter quickly deflates such delusions."
--Philip Gulley & James Mulholland, If God Is Love: Rediscovering Grace in a Ungracious World (Harper Collins)
Career Advice
"Much of the unhappiness we experience at work is because we are not doing what fills us with joy and the world with goodness."
--Philip Gulley & James Mulholland, If God Is Love: Rediscovering Grace in a Ungracious World (Harper Collins)
Remembering Grace MacMillan
Grace MacMillan, a former LICC Board m ember and the longtime local coordinator for Church World Service, our partner in ecumenical disaster response and development work, died in September. At her memorial service in October at Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church, Kathy Burton, the Church World Service associate director for Long Island, offered some of the highest words of praise that any Christian can earn:
"She showed me how to love your neighbor as yourself."
Religious Diversity
"The lamps are different, But the Light is the same."
--Jalal-ud-Din Rumi
Return to top
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MICAH?
There's bad news and good news. The bad news is that the LICC's funding to staff the Mobilized Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger has come to an end. The good news, however, is that the MICAH Steering Committee has decided to attempt to transition to a volunteer-run campaign. Many thanks to Catholic Charities for staffing MICAH during its first year, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock for funding the second year's staffing, and to the Long Island Community Foundation, the Presbytery of Long Island, Touro Law Center and all the others who have helped MICAH continue the last half year. Many thanks also to the Rev. Paul Ratzlaff of the UU Fellowship of Huntington for chairing the MICAH Steering Committee the past year, to Cristina Notaro of St. Patrick's Church in Huntington for graciously volunteered to chair further MICAH efforts, and to Neelofer Chaudry for the work she has done as our Advocacy Director.
As part of our transition, the MICAH steering committee is asking each congregation and faith-based organization to formally re-join the coalition and inviting them to send a representative to the re-formed steering committee, which will meet on
Monday, November 9, at noon at the Presbytery Center in Commack. Please contact Cristina at crisnotaro@aol.com to RSVP.
Return to top
DID YOU KNOW?
- LICC Executive Director Tom Goodhue will be honored by the Central American Refugee Center at its 26th Anniversary Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 11, at the Westbury Manor for his "long-standing and important work serving the immigrant and minority communities." The keynote speaker will be Cesar Perales, Director of Latino Justice PRLDEF. Other honorees include Luis Valenzuela, Director of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance.
- The United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America completed a full communion agreement this summer that will make it easier for the two denominations and their congregations to share clergy, missions, and ministry.
- Many local Church Women United groups observe World Community Day on Friday, November 6. The theme this year is "Piecing Earth Together." The LICC's Executive Director will be speaking at the South Shore CWU gathering at Baldwin United Methodist Church (881 Merrick Ave.) at 1:00 on the 6th about how we can be better stewards of God's Creation in our homes and churches. He also is bringing several of the LICC finance seminar panelists who will speak briefly about how you can pay for energy conservation projects in your home or house of worship. Men are welcome at these gatherings, too!
Return to top
FOOD LIMITS LIFTED AT LICC PANTRY
At the Annual Meeting of the Long Island Council of Churches in May, Jean Kelly from the INN challenged us to find a way to feed our guests whatever they need as often as they need it. We have been converting our Freeport emergency food pantry (450 N. Main Street, 516-868-4989) to a "client choice" pantry, so our guests can choose food for themselves rather than settle for whatever we bag for them. By making this change, we can better meet the needs of our guests, make sure that your donations do not go to waste, and treat people in need with more dignity. Our Freeport manager Wally Merna and our staff have worked along with Eagle-candidate Connor Hillery and Boy Scout Troop 163 in Rockville Centre to paint, replace ceiling tiles, and build shelves to accomplish this change.
And since we have plenty of food to feed the steadily-growing number of people coming to us for help, we are also trying another experiment: suspending the usual request that guests wait a month before returning for more groceries. Our guests are welcome to come to either the Freeport pantry or our Hempstead office (in Christ's First Presbyterian Church on Nichol's Court at Washington, opposite Village Hall and the library, 516-565-0290) whenever they need food. Wish us luck with the experiment!
While we have plenty of food at the moment, it continues to be a struggle to raise enough money to pay salaries, rent, utilities, and the other expenses of helping your neighbors in need. Please give if you can.
Return to top
NEEDED/OFFERED
Offered:
- Finance Seminars
- The Long Island Council of Churches is presenting a financial education seminar in Greenport for the North Fork Housing Assistance on Friday, November 13, at 4 p.m. at 116 South Street. We will be covering saving, budgeting, debt management, managing credit, and what it takes to get a mortgage. Our Executive Director, Rich Murphy from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and others will be speaking.
- The LICC is also doing a presentation for Church Women United on Friday, November 6, from 1:00 to 3:00 at Baldwin United Methodist Church (881 Merrick Ave., just east of Grand Avenue), on how to make homes and churches more energy efficient - and how to finance such improvements. Speakers will include our Executive Director, Ed Howard from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (who will describe how seniors can use reverse mortgages to finance energy conservation projects), and Taisha Reid and Jonathan Gordon from Bethpage Federal Credit Union, who will speak about "green lending."
- Library Fines Waived for Food Donations
- The Riverhead Public Library is offering amnesty for library fines throughout the month of November to patrons who donate nonperishable food to help stock local food pantries.
- Heating Assistance
- Low income households may be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which begins Nov. 2. The income limits vary with family size from $2,030 gross monthly income for single people to $6,029 for a family of 11, for example. For more information in Nassau County, or to request an application, call 516-565-HEAP (4327). In Suffolk call 631-853-8825. Or call the New York State HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
- Free Lecture on "Islam in the 21st Century"
- Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, an Egyptian-American who seeks to improve relations between Muslims and the West, will present a lecture on "Islam in the 21st Century" on Thursday November 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the D'Ecclesiis Auditorium (O'Connor Hall) of St. Joseph's College in Patchogue. This lecture is free and open to the public. For further information about this lecture, visit to the college's website at http://www.sjcny.edu/News/4. For directions to the Patchogue campus, visit http://www.sjcny.edu/AboutUs/Long-Island-Campus-Directions/96/
- In a review of Imam Rauf's book What's Right With Islam, Devika Mistry states:
"This text along with the Imam's other initiatives have a two fold purpose and twin targeted audience. It is for Muslims seeking to understand their own religion and practice it freely as well as for non-Muslims seeking to understand the Islamic religion to overcome a negative perception of the same. It is an attempt to build a bridge between the two communities. In a world where "Islamophobia" is rampant, the relevance of this text cannot be dismissed." http://www.strategicforesight.com/bookreview_whatsrightwithislam.htm
- Workshop on How To Pay for Home Care
- Seniors and caregivers are invited to this free workshop, which will cover :
- What kind of care is available if a loved one needs help at home?
- What government programs will pay home care costs, and who qualifies for them?
- Can I keep my home if I go on Medicaid?
- What if I don't qualify for Medicaid?
- What legal documents will I need?
- Who really needs a trust?
- Simple strategies to make it easier to get benefits when I need them
- What happens if my loved ones have not signed a power of attorney or health care proxy?
St Andrew's & Nativity Church (Episcopal Church of the Resurrection)
- 147 Campbell Avenue, Williston Park 11596
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 A.M. & Wednesday, Nov 11, 7 P.M.
- Speakers: Janna P. Visconti, Esq. & Floyd Sarisohn, Esq., of Sarisohn Law Partners
- RSVP: Andrea 631-543-7667
- Light Refreshments Served
Needed:
- Volunteers to Cook & Schlep Turkeys
- Two flyers included in this edition of The Prelude describe the donations and volunteers that we need for Thanksgiving baskets in Nassau and our annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Riverhead for farm workers and the community. We have a particular need right now for donations of pies, juice, and cooked turkeys, volunteers who can cook Turkeys before Nov. 24, and drivers to haul donations and cooked turkeys to Riverhead. If you can help with either of these, please call Carolyn Gumbs or Olga Torres ASAP at 631-727-2210. Thanks!
- Disaster Response Kits
- Church World Service, our ecumenical partner in disaster response, has issued an urgent appeal for all types of CWS “Gift of the Heart” Kits. Its inventory at the Brethren Service Center is very low and there are not enough Kits to respond to all the requests they have received recently. If you can create and donate kits in any quantity and ship them to New Windsor, MD, please visit www.churchworldservice.org for details or call Kathy Burton, the Church World Service associate director for Long Island, at 860-598-9194, 888-297-2767, or email her at kburton@churchworldservice.org. If you are driving south for Thanksgiving or Christmas or any other time soon, could you haul some kits with you to Maryland?
- Kidney Donor
- Recently a member of Bellmore Presbyterian Church who volunteers with the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum did something extraordinary: she donated one of her kidneys so that another person might live a long, healthy life. A member of Garden City Community Church needs a similar act of generosity. Irene Torino’s kidney function has deteriorated to the point where she needs the gift of a kidney as soon as possible. Her family is small and her relatives have all been medically excluded as possible donors. The decision to be a living kidney donor is a personal choice that requires introspection and reflection. The first step as a potential donor is to fill out a medical questionnaire or contact the number below. It takes only a few minutes. Donors must be in good health, from 21 to 60, and those with type O blood may be able to do a simpler, direct donation rather than a more complicated “paired exchange.” For further information, contact Irene M. Torino at 516-248-8213 or imt102@optonline.net or Karen or Maureen at New York - Presbyterian Hospital’s Renal Transplantation Unit, 212-305-6469.
Return to top
LOOKING FOR A GUEST PREACHER OR SPEAKER?
- Our Executive Director, the Rev. Tom Goodhue, has some Sundays available for guest preaching this winter. You can reach him at tomgoodhue@optonline.net or 516-565-0290, ext. 206.
- LICC chaplain Nancy Schaffer, who is ordained in the United Church of Christ, is available for guest preaching. Call 631-586-9667.
- The Rev. Lawrence W. Swensen, one of the LICC’s chaplains, is available for guest preaching. You can reach him at 516-794-4505.
- Chaplain Wally Merna, the manager of our Freeport food pantry, is licensed to preach in the United Church of Christ. You can reach him at 516-458-1360 or chaplainwally@gmail.com. He also would be happy to speak to service clubs or other community organizations.
- Timothy Denton, our Finance Director, is available occasionally to speak about the ministry of the LICC. You can reach him at licc@optonline.net.
- The Rev. Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra, Vice-President for Pastoral Care of Episcopal Health Services and a member of the LICC Pastoral Care Committee is available for guest preaching. She can be reached at 718-869-7835 or cbroderi@ehs.org.
- The Rev. David L. Tucker, a retired United Church of Christ pastor who lives in Mineola, is available for pulpit supply and interim work. You can reach him at 516-750-8355 or dltgap@optonline.net.
- The Rev. Yuri Ando, who is ordained in the United Methodist Church and trained in Gestalt Pastoral Care, is available for pulpit supply in Suffolk and occasionally in Nassau. Please call her at 631-744-4836 or email at ymando@optonline.net.
- Pastor Emilce Erato of Iglesia Luterana de la Resurrection in Uniondale, is available for guest preaching on Sunday mornings or other times that do not conflict with her worship service on Sunday at 1:00. She is ordained to ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA and can preach or celebrate communion in Spanish as well as English. You can reach her at 516-770-2494.
- The Rev. Elsa Callender, a United Church of Christ clergywoman, is available for guest and supply preaching. You can reach her at 917-836-8524.
- Bob MacMillan, an attorney who founded the Long Island Housing Partnership, chaired the Panama Canal Commission, and served as a trustee of the American Medical Association, is available for guest speaking on the future of healthcare and other topics. He also has preached on Laity Sunday about his ministry as a layperson. You can reach him at 516-610-1000.
- Kathy Burton, the Church World Service associate director for Long Island, is available for guest-speaking and preaching. She also would be glad to report to denominational meetings on the work that CWS is doing. You can reach her at 860-598-9194, 888-297-2767, or kburton@churchworldservice.org.
- Sister Camille D'Arienzo, RSM, who has done extensive prison ministry with death-row inmates, is available for speaking and preaching. You can reach her at cherilife@aol.com or 718-366-0966.
- Sue Terry is a graduate of New Brunswick Seminary and is a licensed preacher in the United Church of Christ (and can celebrate communion in Suffolk County). She can be reached at gterrys@aol.com or 631-751-1170.
- Tom Lyons, a member of Mt. Sinai Congregational Church (UCC) who is active in the Heifer Project, would be happy to speak or preach in local churches. He can be reached a 631-928-4317 or lyonheifer@aol.com.
- Imam Khalid Lateef is available for guest preaching and for lectures on topics such as:
- The difference between Farakhan's Nation of Islam and the religion of Al-Islam.
- The need for Muslims to support vs. "tolerate" the religious beliefs of others.
- The effects of Racialism on Islam and the Human Family.
- The United State's diversity as the best example and hope for the Human Family.
- The divisive effects of the narrow promotion of religious dogma, with claims of exclusivity.
- The influence of traditions, culture and nationalism on the way people practice "Islam".
- The practice of "Islam" with a focus on "academics" (learning to speak Arabic, memorizing volumes of Hadith, etc.) vs. character development (practicing the "do's and don'ts" from the Holy Quran).
You can reach him at 631-586-0875 (h), or kslateef@aol.com.
- Rabbi Moses Birnbaum of the Jewish Center in Kew Gardens Hills is the former interreligious chair for the Long Island Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and a past president of the LI Board of Rabbis. He would be glad to guest-preach in churches and other houses of worship. You can reach him at 718-263-6500, 516-622-6385, 516-768-6665, or ramab18@yahoo.com.
- Kirby Einhorn from Long Island Wins, a communications and education campaign focused on immigration issues on Long Island, would be glad to speak in local congregations about how to solve problems created by our failed national immigration laws and how to prevent hate crimes in our communities. You can contact her at kirbyliw@gmail.com or visit www.longislandwins.com.
- The Rev. Max B. Surjadinata, who has served UCC congregations on Long Island and now lives in Manhattan, would be glad to speak about his experiences in Israel and Palestine with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program of the World Council of Churches. He can be reached at 212-222-1899, srjdnt@aol.com, or mbsur@yahoo.com.
- Stephen Langdon, an Advanced Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, is available for guest-preaching in Nassau. You can reach him at 516-507-0935.
- The Rev. Stefanie Regis is available for guest preaching. You can reach her at 516-520-9292 or seviregis@msn.com.
- The Rev. Patricia Sealy, a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary who is ordained in the Elim International Church, is available for guest preaching. You can reach her at patsealy@verizon.net or manna0504@verizon.net.
- Darrell W. Pone, MD, a member of the Congregational Church of South Hempstead and author of We've Come This Far By Faith; Dr Pone's Ten Keys to Success is available for guest speaking about overcoming cerebral palsy. You can reach him at 516-647 2477.
Return to top
ADVERTISING IN THE PRELUDE
Each month we mail about 3000 copies of our newsletter The Prelude to the clergy leaders and lay leaders of 1350 faith organizations. We also email this newsletter to 2200 religious leaders and post it on our Web site (www.liccny.org), which receives more than 2000 visitors each month. 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 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 tomgoodhue@optonline.net. 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.
Return to top
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Job Opening: Social Worker/Network Director for Homeless Families
Family Promise of Nassau County seeks an experienced social worker to direct the services of its interfaith hospitality network. This innovative program involves volunteers from houses of worship who provide overnight shelter for homeless families. During the day, the Network Director provides case management services to allow homeless families to find transitional or permanent housing. FPNC is an affiliate of Family Promise, a national program with 144 interfaith hospitality networks in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a field related to social services, required; Master of Social Work (MSW) or related education and/or experience preferred. Experience with homeless families a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills, minimum of three years experience in social service environment, administrative skills, and willingness to work with volunteers required. Fax cover letter and resume to 516-222-0356.
CENTRAL AMERICAN REFUGEE CENTER – CARECEN
26th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Honoring
CESAR PERALES, ESQ. – LatinoJustice PRLDEF
REV. THOMAS GOODHUE – L.I. Council of Churches
LUIS VALENZUELA, Ph.D. – L.I. Immigrant Alliance
PROF. SERGE MARTINEZ, ESQ. – Hofstra School of Law
MIRIAM GARCIA – Adelante of Suffolk
ROSY ARGUETA – CARECEN Community Volunteer
Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 PM
Westbury Manor, Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY
Tickets: $75 per person Table of 10: $630 Cash Bar
|
Please reserve _____ places at $75 each, or _____ tables of 10 (enclose list of names) at $630 for CARECEN’s Annual Dinner. Enclosed please find my check for $_____ made payable to CARECEN.
(_____) I would like to sponsor a refugee to attend the Dinner. I have added $40 per place for _____ sponsorships. (Low income reservations are available at $40 each).
(____) I’m sorry not to be able to attend, but enclose $_____ to assist refugees and their families.
Name____________________________ Address_____________________________
_____________________________________________Telephone________________
Remit to: CARECEN, 91 N. Franklin St., #208, Hempstead, NY 11550, (516) 489-8330 or (631) 273-8721. RSVP by November 4
|
Choral Concert in Farmingdale Sunday, November 15
Farmingdale United Methodist Church will present “Testament of Praise,” a special fund-raising choral performance on Sunday, November 15 – 4 PM at Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, corner of Main Street and Grant Avenue in Farmingdale.
FUMC’s Chancel and Praise & Gospel Choirs, and their director David Majoros, will join with choirs from other Long Island Methodist churches to present Joseph A. Martin’s Testament of Praise – A Celebration of Faith, a cantata based on the hymns of Charles Wesley. The six anthems include such well-known hymns as Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing and Rejoice the Lord is King.
This event is a fundraiser in support of Farmingdale United Methodist Church’s newly installed heating system. Suggested donation for the November 15 event is $10 per person, with children 11 and under free of charge. For reservations, please call the FUMC office at 516-694-3424. For more information about Farmingdale United Methodist Church, please visit their website at http://www.farmingdaleumc.org.
FALL WORKSHOPS FROM THE PARISH RESOURCE CENTER
- Advent & Christmas Open House
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, from 10 am - 5 pm
In our new satellite office Bellport United Methodist Church, 185 South Country Road, Bellport
- Catechists’ Training
Saturday, November 7, 2009, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
St Peter & Paul, 781 Wading River Rd, Manorville
Leader Rita Dlug
Learn how:
- to more effectively use teaching manuals and lesson preparation times;
- to utilize space in classrooms or homes by designating a prayer area, an activity area, etc.;
- to include supplemental ideas such as crafts, music, readings, prayer and art forms;
- to convey the importance of participating at Sunday Mass to catechists and students;
- to promote the value of Outreach Projects for all grade levels
- to emphasize the need for personal prayer by the catechists
- to teach the value of good communication and attitudes.
Member of a Subscribing Church, $10, Member of a Non-Subscribing Church, $20
- Clergy Compensation & the IRS
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Congregational Church of Patchogue, 95 East Main Street, Patchogue
Leader: Rev. Ralph Wright, CPA
The tax laws of the United States are highly complex and ever changing. In addition there are many unique rules that apply to reporting for church and clergy. For example, clergy are considered by the IRS to be employed by the church they serve, but the Social Security Administration considers clergy to be self-employed.
The workshop will help treasurers, bookkeepers and church board members to define “income”, report business expenses, apply charitable contribution rules and understand federal tax reporting requirements. For clergy, the workshop will help clergy to prepare their 2009 tax returns, correctly report Social Security taxes, properly deduct housing allowances, distinguish relevant exemptions and reduce tax liability as much as possible given changes in the U.S. Tax Code.
Ralph B. Wright, Jr. is the President of E&R Tax and Business Services, Inc. of Patchogue, NY, is an enrolled agent with the IRS and is an ordained Presbyterian (USA) minister, presently serving the Yaphank Presbyterian Church. He has served on the Board of Trustees of both the Synod of the Northeast and the Presbytery of Long Island and is the Treasurer of the Greater Patchogue Foundation. His tax practice assists pastors and churches of various denominations, not only on Long Island but across the U.S.
Member of a Subscribing Church, $20, Member of a Non-Subscribing Church, $30
- Building Peace
Andy Blanch; President and Director of Center for Religious Tolerance
Thursday, November 19, 7:30 pm
Infant Jesus Parish Center, Main Street, Port Jefferson
Co-sponsored by the Infant Jesus Women’s Group and the Parish Resource Center
We are all too aware of intolerance and discouraging acts of violence against the “other” right here in our own communities and abroad. Please join us for an inspiriting talk concerning the work of peace by ordinary citizens – working both locally and on the broader stage, the world we inhabit and will leave to our children.
This is a free event. For more information contact: Joan Branca –631 928-7251 or Nancy Hall –631 928-2746
- Advent Open House for Youth & Children
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Parish Resource Center, 89 Hallock Landing Rd., Rocky Point
Nurturing Healthy Congregations in Anxious Times
Friday, November 20, 2009, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Smithtown United Methodist Church 230 E. Main Street, Smithtown
Led by Peter L. Steinke, an internationally respected congregational systems consultant who has also served as a parish pastor, an educator, and a therapist for clergy. He is author of the best-selling books: Healthy Congregation: A Systems Approach, How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems and Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What.
Early Registration Discount by Monday, November 6th: $ 69, Registration fee: $ 79
Three or more people from the same church will receive an additional discount of $10 each. A light sandwich lunch provided.
Presented in association with Talithacum Ministry
Experience "Taize"
Saturday, December 5, 2009, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Taize Service at 5:30 pm
Mt Sinai Congregational UCC Church, 233 North Country Rd, Mt Sinai
Join us for the hour prior to the service as Rev. Elaine B Kirkland explains how to structure a Taize service, learn the chants, and discuss the importance of music and enjoinment to the experience. Then stay and participate in the Advent Taize Worship. This is a free event but the event prior to the service will only be held if 20 people register.
Tabletop Donation Boxes
At a recent meeting of the LICC board, Werner Reich shared an idea used in his synagogue to teach children stewardship, compassion, and generosity, the “Tzedakkah Box .“ This container sits on the dining table and family members make donations to help the poor and hungry as they enjoy a nice meal themselves. The Episcopalians reported using similar boxes for charitable gifts. Perhaps you’d like to do this in your home? Here is an example of a label you can attach to a recycled can or jar. Thanks for remembering those in need!
Please cut this sheet out, attach it to a container, and collect donations for the Long Island Council of Churches’ ministry to your neighbors in need. You might ask children to decorate them for use on the containers.
PLEASE HELP THE LONG ISLAND COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
FEED YOUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
The Long Island Council of Churches feeds hundreds of people each week in Nassau and Suffolk, prevents homelessness, and provides other assistance to Long Islanders in crisis. Your donations will help feed, house, clothe, and provide basic services to your hardworking neighbors in need across Long Island.
|
Please send donations to:
Long Island Council of Churches
1644 Denton Green, Hempstead, New York 11550
THANKSGIVING
BASKETS
We hope to give out about 300 baskets at our Freeport Emergency Food Pantry. Please help! Your donations should be received by November 13 so distribution can start on Monday, November 16.
Most Needed Donations:
- Turkeys, ham, oven-stuffer chickens
- Stuffing and/or Cornbread mix
- Yams, potatoes, gravy, rice, mac & cheese
- Canned corn, green beans, peas, greens
- Canned pumpkin, pie crust, spices
- Cake mix, brownie mix, cornbread mix, Jello
- Coffee, tea, apple juice
Long Island Council of Churches
Emergency Food Pantry in Nassau
450 N. Main Street, Freeport
516-868-4989 Pantry/516-565-0290 Office
Donations of money also needed!
Thank you for your assistance!
Mail to: Long Island Council of Churches
1644 Denton Green, Hempstead, NY 11550
Annual Community / Migrant Thanksgiving Dinner
Tuesday, November 24th 2009 at 6 PM
In the Riverhead Middle School Cafeteria
Sponsored by the Migrant Social Ministry of the
Long Island Council of Churches
407 Osborne Avenue, Riverhead NY 11901 - Phone: 631-727-2210
A Ministry in Suffolk County for over 60 Years
Donations Accepted: Turkeys, cranberry sauce, stuffing, collard greens, gravy, white and sweet potatoes, pies, butter, rolls, milk, coffee, tea, soda, cider, bottled water, salt, pepper, onions, celery, dark brown and white sugar, poultry seasoning. We also accept financial donations.
Volunteers Needed To: Cook turkeys, carve turkey, help in kitchen, serve meals & wash pots and pans. We particularly need folks who can stay to clean up after the meal is finished!
Contributing Organizations: Church Youth, Men’s & Women Groups, Dept. of Labor, Riverhead Brownie & Girl Scouts, Riverhead Kawanis Club, Riverhead Rotary Club, Riverhead/Mattituck Clergy, Westhampton & Southold Rotary Clubs, various synagogues, churches and individuals.
Please contact Carolyn Gumbs or Olga Torres
BEFORE NOVEMBER 21st About VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS
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.
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:tomgoodhue@optonline.net
Web: www.liccny.org
|
