TABLE OF CONTENTS
From Our Executive Director:
WALKING IN CIRCLES
Labyrinths are patterns for moving slowly toward the center of a circle, through many twists and turns, and then moving back out by the same path. They were commonly laid on the floors of medieval cathedrals as an aid to prayer. Similar, ancient patterns have been found in Greece, Ireland, North America, and other places. I have walked a number of labyrinths over the years: at Riverside Church when I was in seminary, at Little Portion Friary in Mt. Sinai last spring with others from the Multi-Faith Forum, and most recently with a group at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook.
What was different for me in Stony Brook was that we had a "facilitator" to guide us in preparing for our prayer walk and de-briefing us later, and this added depth to my peregrinations. Linda Mikell asked us before we began what intentions we brought with us. The question puzzled me at first, just as I am often unclear what Catholics mean when they say they are praying "for intentions." I quickly decided, though, that what I needed and wanted to offer that afternoon was gratitude. As I walked the labyrinth, following our facilitator's encouragement to pause at each turn in the path, I found my perspective shifting to new reasons to be grateful: for my wife, for the luxury of having a summer sabbatical to renew myself, for the good earth God has given us, for having food and shelter, for all that the Long Island Council of Churches does to help those who lack these necessities, for the chance to do ecumenical and interfaith work that I love, for all those who support this work.
I'm always a bit cautious about multi-faith worship and devotional activities: it is so easy to moosh together disparate traditions in a way that misappropriates them and misrepresents them. This walk, though, was one that was firmly rooted in Christian spirituality, hosted by a Unitarian Universalist congregation, but open to those of others faiths. It was a fine example of the way in which it is possible to learn from another tradition without abandoning your own. The Rev. Carol Wolff was both our gracious host and a fellow walker, welcoming us and inviting us back without feeling any need to turn us all into UUs. It was humbling for me as a Christian to experience something that is a part of my own spiritual traditions in a new way in the sanctuary of another faith community-but then this may be exactly the sort of humility that God is trying to teach us.
Shalom/Salaam/Shanti/Pax,
Tom
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DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Sara C. Weiss, Director of Development
We are profoundly grateful to the many individuals, congregations, businesses and other institutions that gave so generously in response to our urgent appeal this summer. We particularly needed - and you gave - unrestricted gifts, without which we could not pay our staff, the rent, the utilities, transportation costs, insurance costs, and the other expenses that sustain our ministry to the poor. Your unrestricted gifts are the life-blood of our mission to serve Long Islanders in need. They are enabling us to continue serving the ever-increasing number of people who come to us for help.
We thank the following institutional donors for their gifts of $500 and more in August:
| Centerport United Methodist Church | $1,000 Where Most Needed |
| Congregational Church of Manhasset | $1,500 Where Most Needed |
| First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin | $1,566 Where Most Needed |
| First United Methodist Church Amityville | $500 Where Most Needed |
| Garden City Community Church | $2,000 Where Most Needed |
| Goldstein & Greenlaw LLP | $1,000 Where Most Needed |
| Hearts in the Community, Inc. | $500 Where Most Needed |
| United Church of Rockville Centre (UCC) | $752 Where Most Needed |
| United Methodist Church - Riverhead | $2,000 Where Most Needed |
| United Methodist Women - First UMC Amityville | $1,500 Emergency Food |
| Wading River Congregational Church | $550 Where Most Needed |
We are most grateful for their generosity. We also thank the institutions that gave less than $500, and for all of our individual donors, though we do not list them because they wish 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.
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WHERE TO FIND A LABYRINTH
Care to walk soulfully in circles? Here are some opportunities:
- First Parish Church (Sound Avenue & Church Lane in Northville, 631-608-3827) has a walk every Thursday evening after their weekly 7 p.m. service. They have both an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth.
- The UU Fellowship at Stony Brook (380 Nicholls Road, Setauket, 631-751-0297, www.uufsb.org) welcomes one and all to its facilitated, indoor walks every Thursday at 1:30 and the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 p.m.
- The Franciscans (of the Episcopal Church) have a potluck followed by an outdoor labyrinth walk at Little Portion Friary in Mt. Sinai (408 Post Road, 631-473-0553, www.s-s-f.org/lpf-labrynth.html) each month on an evening near the full moon.
- St Joseph's Convent in Brentwood has one that is easily accessible. Enter the main gate, keep to the right, and continue toward the large building and the labyrinth is on the left.)
A number of churches have walks regularly, too. For more information, call Linda Mikell at 631-543-0337 or email edlinmik@optonline.net.
Want to walk in circles in your own congregation? Both Parish Resource Centers, East (Rocky Point) and West (Valley Stream), have portable, indoor canvas labyrinths that subscribing churches can use for free and unsubscribing churches for a fee, and books and pamphlets about labyrinths. For more info, visit www.parishresourcecenter.com or call 631-821-2255.
And here are some others on Long Island:
- C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
Public, Outdoor, Permanent, Wheelchair Accessible
Located next to Winick House administration building and the Admissions Building, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville,
Contact: Public Relations Office
Phone: 516-299-2333; Fax: 516-299-2622; Email: pr@cwpost.liu.edu
Web: http://www.liu.edu/labyrinth
Open from dawn until dusk, free admission, Medieval, ceramic tile
- The Paul Simons Foundation
Avalon Gardens: Stony Brook (Head of Harbor), across the road from The Stony Brook Grist Mill
- Hofstra University
Outdoor, Permanent, Wheelchair Accessible
1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, in front of the C.V. Starr Building on California Avenue on Hofstra's South Campus. It is constructed of 2 and ¼ inch thick granite slabs installed over a concrete pad.
Web: http://www.Hofstra.edu
Always open, Medieval, Chartres replica, granite slabs
- St. John's Episcopal Church
Outdoor, 1 Berard Blvd., Oakdale,
Contact: Pamela Burner at 631-244-3971 or posal777@aol.com
Always open
- The Reflective Garden @ The Common Ground - Peace Labyrinth
Rotary Park, between Gillette and Candee Ave., Sayville
Directions: LIE to exit 60. Head south 6 miles on Ocean Ave. Stay in left lane to Main Street, Sayville. Cross over Main St. onto Gillette Ave. 500 yards on right is the park.
Contact Marianne Fulfaro at 631-567-3275 or jfulfaro@optonline.net
Web: http://www.thecommonground.com
Always open, no admission fee, medieval mini-Chartres design - 7 circuit labyrinth, brick paver for the pattern, red stone for walkways
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WORTH QUOTING
Your Duty to Others
"Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give people back to themselves. Even in their darkest hour. Especially in that hour."
--Jean Kelly, Interfaith Nutrition Network
LICC/MICAH Retreat, Sept. 15, 2009, Camp De Wolfe, Wading River
Good News, Bad News, & Reality
"One of the things that really baffle me spiritually is this notion that we've got that, spiritually speaking, the bad news is somehow more real than the good news. . . . Somewhere we got the skewed idea that if you looked at the world with spiritual eyes, you would notice that it was long on pain and suffering and short on joy and ecstasy."
--Julia Cameron, God Is No Laughing Matter, studied at the LICC/MICAH retreat
Soul Freedom
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: truth stands out clear from error. . ."
--The Qur'an 2:256 (translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, who adds a footnote: "religion depends upon faith and will and these would be meaningless if induced by force.")
Is It Okay To Want Revenge?
"The Bible never says we shouldn't want revenge: wanting it is normal! . . . Indulging our inclination toward revenge is not such a good thing, however. The Bible tells us to be aware that while the urge for vengeance can be legitimate, acting on that urge is not. If we could hold on to just that one insight, our national debate about the death penalty would be much healthier."
--Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, You Don't Have To Be Wrong for Me To Be Right: Finding Faith without Fanaticism (Harmony Books, 2007)
Why We Are Here
"Humans are beings that have been put on this earth with only four things to do. One is to take care of each other; one is to take care of all of creation; one is to give thanks; and one (in a good way) is to take care of ourselves."
--a Keetoowah (Cherokee) activist, quoted by Lucinda Mosher in Faith in the Neighborhood: Loss, Seabury Books, 2007
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IDEAS YOU CAN USE
Sign in front of Freedom Baptist Church in St. Augustine, FL:
"Now Open between Easter and Christmas."
A Great Party Trick
The Rev. Dwight Wolter shares this idea from a party he attended recently.
"The invitation stated PLEASE, NO GIFTS. Instead, they asked that people bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry of the church to which the hosts belong (this is the church, The Congregational Church of Patchogue). I arrived at 4pm and left about 7:30pm. By then the donation area was over-flowing with bags and bags of food for the church food pantry to distribute to hungry people as this church has done for 18 years now. It took just one thought and one stroke of a pen on the part of the hosts of just one summer back yard party on Long Island to create an outpouring of love and support, from people with no idea of which church they were donating to, and with no intention of going to church the next day. But there they were, helping to save the world, one can of tuna at a time. Imagine how many barbeques have taken place in America this summer. Imagine just one can per person per party and how many people would be fed as a result. The people who did this do not want their names in print. And so we will praise them anonymously, and praise God from whom all blessings flow. And let's encourage ourselves and each other to think creatively about simple, inexpensive, easy ways to make a massive difference in our communities."
How To Boost Your Stewardship Campaign
It is no secret that most houses of worship face unique financial challenges in this recession. As the Wall Street Journal reported recently, congregations of all sizes and denominations are struggling to trim their budgets despite increased demand for their services. As the Journal noted, churches, synagogues, and mosques have historically fared well during recessions, even as other institutions have struggled, but this recession is different, and many congregations have been forced to cut spending, while more people are turning to them for spiritual guidance, counseling, monetary help, and career advice. According to Richard Klopp, associate director of the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University, the economic climate for religious organizations has not been this bad for at least thirty years.
At a recent meeting of our Personnel Committee, the Rev. Tom Phillip suggested that congregations ought to consider including in their staff roster those they support who work on their behalf outside the bounds of the parish. Members of the LICC, for example, might include in their Sunday bulletin, monthly newsletter, or annual meeting a note that besides having a parson, secretary, and organist on the payroll, they are also sustaining our food pantries, our chaplains, and the emergency housing assistance we provide - and they can turn to us for help. The key to building support for any congregation is telling the story of the good things that donations accomplish and strengthening the relationship between those in the pews and those who are working on their behalf.
We would be glad to provide reports on our work, bulletin inserts you can use, and anything else that helps you celebrate what your congregation is doing in partnership with the LICC. And here are some our staff you might want to count as supporting:
| Pastoral Care Director | The Rev. Richard Lehman |
| Chaplains | The Rev. Nancy Schaffer
The Rev. Larry Swensen |
| Hempstead Office Manager | Yolanda Murray |
| Receptionists | Letice Best
Marta Kuch |
| Riverhead Manager | Carolyn Gumbs |
| Assistant Manager | Olga Torres-Cortes |
| Clerk | Marianita Reyes |
| Hempstead Food Pantry Manager | Wally Merna |
| Clerks | Marsha Pinkney
Gregory Lucas |
And remember that the LICC also offers presentations on how to manage your money well and how your congregation can best manage your gifts to it. Our presentations usually run an hour to 90 minutes, but we can tailor it to the needs of your audience, We can do shorter programs, for example, for a college class, campus ministry group, or youth group. This could be a great addition to your congregation's stewardship campaign, helping people to think faithfully about how we use our resources, and not just the portion we donate to our house of worship. We have speakers who can handle a variety of languages.
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, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Citibank, Washington Mutual, Greenpoint Bank Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Ridgewood Savings Bank, TD Bank (Commerce), and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. To request a seminar, please call 516-565-0290, ext. 206, fax 516-565-0291, or e-mail tomgoodhue@optonline.net.
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MORE GOOD NEWS FOR STEWARDSHIP PLANNING
It's not news that the current recession and other economic woes have
many Pastors and Stewardship Committees worried about meeting their
financial goals.
The good news - maybe even great news - is that with careful planning people can support their favorite charity and also reduce their tax bills.
How? Well, let's take the example of someone 70½ or older who typically have to withdraw a percentage of their IRA each year (though the required minimum distribution has been suspended for 2009). Many of them do not want or need to draw out the money and dislike the additional tax burden. By converting that withdrawal into a direct donation to their church or the LICC that tax burden becomes a tax deduction.
Another example is someone who has a substantial CD money market with attached income taxes due. If instead you invested in tax-free insured bonds, the tax-free bond interest can become a charitable donation to the church-or the LICC. (Before investing, please read the product prospectus carefully for detailed product information.)
In both of these examples, a potential tax burden is easily turned into a tax-favorable charitable donation. It is often a delightful surprise for parishioners to learn that they can invest for their own future, donate to their church and save on taxes. In giving, they also receive.
Want to know more about how to support and complement your Stewardship Campaign? Give me a call at (866) 420-2220 and let's talk about the unique needs of your congregation.
Richard E. Deam, CFP, CWS
Deamoak's Planning Services, Ltd.
29 Elm Street Suite 206
Fishkill, New York 12524
Telephone: (845)897-2034 or Toll Free (866)420-2220
Fax: (845)896-9217
rdeam@deamoaks.com
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LOOKING FOR WORK? HELPFUL INFO FROM THE IRS
What if my income declines?
There are many tax credits that are subject to income limitations. If you had a reduction in income during the year, you may be eligible for some credits or deductions. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit is available for working families and individuals. Eligibility is determined by income and family size. You must file an income tax return in order to claim EITC. Visit www.irs.gov, keywords 1040 Central, for more information on EITC, other tax credits and tax law changes.
What if I lose my job?
The loss of a job may create new tax issues. Severance pay is taxable. Payments for any accumulated vacation or sick time are also taxable. You should ensure that enough taxes are withheld from these payments or make estimated tax payments to avoid a big bill at tax time. Public assistance and food stamps are not taxable. The IRS has a helpful publication which lists a number of job-loss related tax issues. For more information, see Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss.
What if I receive unemployment compensation?
Unemployment compensation you received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or of a state must be included in your income. It is taxable income. If you received unemployment compensation, you should receive Form 1099-G showing the amount you were paid and any federal income tax you elected to have withheld. For more information, see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.
NOTE: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act temporarily changed the taxation of unemployment benefits in 2009. The first $2,400 of unemployment benefits received in 2009 is tax free. Any amount over $2,400 will be subject to federal income tax. Individuals who receive unemployment benefits this year should check their withholding to ensure they are not having unnecessary tax withheld. IRS News Release 2009-29 has more detail on this provision.
What if I am searching for a new job?
You may be able to deduct certain expenses you incur while looking for a new job, even if you do not get a new job. Expenses may include travel, résumé and placement agency fees. For more information, see Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. Moving costs for a new job at least 50 miles away from your home may also be deductible.
These IRS publications can be downloaded for free from www.irs.gov.
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NEWS FROM CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Over the past 18 months, our ecumenical partner in disaster response and development work Church World Service has provided more than 240,000 Hygiene Kits and more than 90,000 School Kits to various communities worldwide and across the U.S. Large quantities of CWS Kits are currently being prepared for shipment to Liberia, Moldova, and the West Bank. Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits and School Kits are particularly needed right now to meet ongoing needs. In addition, Digna Bautista, who directs the CWS Emergency Response Program, notes, "We only have about 1,700 Emergency Clean-up Buckets in inventory, so if there is a major U.S. hurricane this year, we will deplete those quickly." Please visit www.churchworldservice.org/kits for kit-making and shipping information. If you assemble kits before next spring's pick-up date, please consider shipping them right away. If you are driving south this Thanksgiving, Christmas, or sometime this winter, perhaps you could you take some kits to the CWS center in New Windsor, Maryland.
More ways to help:
- Take part in a CROP Hunger Walk (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty), either by walking yourself or by sponsoring someone else to walk (such as our Executive Director, who is walking in Baldwin on Oct. 4.) 25% of the money goes to a local hunger ministry - the LICC's emergency food pantry in Freeport, for example, benefits from the Baldwin Walk and the Riverhead pantry benefits from the Riverhead Walk - and the rest will go to Church World Service or a hunger-fighting agency the walker specifies. Here are the Long Island CROP Hunger Walks this fall:
| Brookhaven | 10/18/09 | Randi Leonard | 631-928-5861 |
| Hicksville | 10/3/09 | Rose Mattei | 516-579-3395 |
| Huntington Area | 10/4/09 | Rev. Rebecca Segers | 631-367-9249 |
| North Fork | 10/18/09 | Herb Adler | 631-765-3365 |
| Riverhead | 10/18/09 | Rev. Led Baxter | 631-722-3070 |
| Sayville | 10/18/09 | Jerry Avolio | 631-363-6696 |
| South Fork | 10/18/09 | Elizabeth Rossuck | 631-324-2042 |
| Wantagh | 10/4/09 | Irene Donnelly | 516-731-4463 |
| Western Nassau | 10/4/09 | Rev. Mark Lukens | 516-599-5768 |
- Organize a CROP Walk
What does it take to hold a CROP Hunger Walk? A passion to make a difference, a team of 3 or 4 people, and willingness to invest the time to get your community involved. CWS will provide all the materials you need and support you every step of the way. To volunteer or to get more info, please contact Kathleen Burton, CWS Associate Director for Long Island at 888.297.2767, 860-598-9194, or kburton@churchworldservice.org
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Episcopal Church recently voted at its General Convention to expand its dialogue with the United Methodist Church to include the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the AME Zion Church, and the Christian Methodist Church.
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SUFFOLK DSS EXTENDS HOURS TO HELP THE WORKING POOR
The Suffolk County Department of Social Services instituted evening hours earlier this year at the request of the Welfare to Work Commission of the Suffolk County Legislature. MICAH, the Mobilized Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger, played a major role in advocating for this new policy to help working poor people, many of whom cannot access services during daytime hours. The Commission has developed a new flyer, pitched to working people, which outlines these services and details the new SCDSS evening hours. Please see information below and please help distribute the attached flyer widely before the start of the heating season, when many folks need to apply for HEAP assistance.
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HAVING A HARD TIME MAKING ENDS MEET? EXPERIENCING A FINANCIAL CRISIS?
There are benefits and supports that you may be losing out on! Check your eligibility for a wide range of services at: myBenefits.ny.gov or www.co.suffolk.ny.us/departments/socialservices. For more information call 631 854-9935. Suffolk County Department of Social Services (SCDSS) has now extended its hours. In addition to the regular 8 a.m.to 3 p.m. hours Monday-Friday, new Center hours are:
South West Center
2 South 2nd Street
Deer Park, New York 11729
OPEN Monday to Friday 8 to 3
Except Every First Wednesday of the Month open 12-8
Coram Center
80 Middle Country Road
Coram, New York 11727
OPEN Monday to Friday 8 to 3
Except Every Second Wednesday of the Month 8 to 8
Smithtown Center
200 Wireless Boulevard
Hauppauge, New York 11788
OPEN Monday to Friday 8 to 3
Except Every Third Wednesday of the Month 12 to 8
Riverhead Center
893 E. Main Street
Riverhead, New York 11901-2542
OPEN Monday to Friday 8 to 3
Except Fourth Wednesday of the Month 12 to 8
Emergency Assistance may be able to assist with rent, mortgage, and utility arrears.
Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance
Child Care
Food & Nutrition Benefits
Home Energy Assistance
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NEEDED/OFFERED
Needed:
- Freezer, Copier, Vacuum Cleaner, Shopping Carts, Chairs, Couch, Drivers
- The LICC's Emergency Food Center at 450 N. Main Street in Freeport (516-868-4989) needs donations from a bakery or bagel shop, a freezer, copier, vacuum cleaner, small shopping carts, some comfortable chairs, and Spanish-speaking volunteers who are available anytime Monday through Friday between 11:00 and 4:00.
Our Riverhead pantry (407 Osborne Avenue at Lincoln, 631-727-2210) needs comfortable chairs or a small couch for guests waiting for assistance.
We also need drivers who can pick up food donations occasionally and deliver them to Freeport, Hempstead, or Riverhead, as you are needed and as you happen to be available-with absolutely no guilt if you do not happen to be free.
Offered:
- Info on Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Consultation at the Nassau Bar Association
- The Nassau County Bar Association is offering a free public seminar "Is Bankruptcy the Solution" on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 15th & West Streets in Mineola. To register, call 516-747-4070 or email ckatz@nassaubar.org.
The Bar Assn. is offering free one-on-one guidance for Nassau homeowners who are worried about foreclosure on Monday, Oct. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 15th & West Streets in Mineola. To register, call 516-747-4070 or email ckatz@nassaubar.org.
- Money to Green Your House of Worship
- Federal stimulus funding is available through the New York State Energy Research & Development Agency for houses of worship that have 501(c)(3) status. Request for Proposals (RFP) 1613 offers up to $1,000,000 to implement energy conservation measures such as Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Clean Fleet projects. This is a competitive grant with up to four rounds of selection or until the available total funding of $74 million is exhausted. First-round proposals were due August 24; second round proposals are due October 26, Round 3 is due Dec. 21st, Round 4 is due Feb 16th. Act soon and don't miss out! Go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1613rfp.asp for more information. All questions should be directed to Ben Fox, 866-NYSERDA (866-697-3732), ext. 3444, bf2@nyserda.org.
- Information on Tax Savings
- With time running out to qualify for some of the Recovery benefits, the IRS has unveiled new YouTube videos, radio public service announcements and multi-lingual informational flyers that provide basic information for taxpayers. The IRS.gov official web site also contains links and complete information about ARRA (the economic stimulus act) at www.irs.gov/recovery. Topics covered include:
- The first-time homebuyer credit, which provides a maximum $8,000 tax credit to people who meet eligibility requirements and complete the purchase of their homes before December 1;
- The American Opportunity Credit expands education tax credits to $2,500 for tuition and a change in 529 plans allows for the purchase of computers for college use;
- The energy credit expands to a maximum of $1,500 for certain energy-saving upgrades;
- A new deduction for the sales or excise taxes paid on the purchase price of new vehicles;
- The Making Work Pay tax credit, which many American workers received in April through reduced tax withholding in their paychecks. The Making Work Pay credit is $400 for single taxpayers and $800 for married taxpayers who meet certain income guidelines. However, some people, such as married spouses, workers with two jobs, pensioners, some Social Security recipients and dependents, should check their tax withholding to ensure they are not having too little withheld.
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"HOW TO TEACH & PREACH ABOUT IMMIGRATION"
You are invited to a free lunch: "How to Teach and Preach about Immigration for a More Welcoming Long Island"
The Long Island Council of Churches and Long Island Wins invite religious leaders, clergy members and active lay leaders to be our special guests for a luncheon to discuss immigration on Long Island.
This event is for people of all faiths. Please join us on one of these dates at the location most convenient to you:
- October 7th, Wednesday: St. Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Church - Huntington Station
- October 22nd, Thursday: Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation - Old Westbury
- October 27th, Tuesday: First Baptist Church - Riverhead
All luncheons will be from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
The discussion and speakers will focus on how to preach about difficult issues, how to personalize the immigrant experience, immigration trends on Long Island and in our nation's history. Each participant will be given a tool kit which includes resources to connect your religious teachings with immigration issues, guidelines for suggested community building events, methods for educational programs and other resources to assist you in engaging your community on immigration.
The debate over immigration issues continues to take place both nationally and on Long Island. Religious leaders are important messengers and can provide unique insight on issues in our communities that are difficult to discuss. This is an opportunity to talk with other religious leaders about the work you are already doing or feel is needed on an issue that is deeply important to Long Islanders. Your leadership and collective efforts are essential to help make Long Island a more welcoming place for all.
All luncheons are free but please RSVP with your name, house of worship and which luncheon you will attend to keinhorn@longislandwins.com or 516-304-5642.
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LONG ISLAND BLOOD SERVICES BLOOD DRIVES IN OCTOBER
| 10/4/09 | The Church in the Gardens, 50 Ashcan Ave., Forest Hills | 10:00-3:30 PM |
| 10/5/09 | Bellmore Presbyterian Church, 2740 Martin Avenue | 3:00-8:30 PM |
| 10/5/09 | United Methodist Church, 35 Verbena Ave., Floral Park | 3:30-9:00 PM |
| 10/5/09 | Church of Resurrection, 420 Stewart Ave.. Garden City | 3:30-9:00 PM |
| 10/6/09 | First Presbyterian Church, 474 Wantagh Ave., Levittown | 2:00-7:30 PM |
| 10/6/09 | First Presbyterian Church, 175 E. Main Street, Smithtown | 2:45-8:15 PM |
| 10/10/09 | Trinity United Methodist. 107-12 86th Ave., Richmond Hill | 10:00-3:30 |
| 10/11/09 | Church of St. Jude, 3606 Lufberry Avenue, Wantagh | 8:30-2:00 |
| 10/13/09 | Gloria Dei Lutheran, 22 E. 18th St., Huntington Station | 3:00-8:30 PM |
| 10/14/09 | Christ Lutheran Church, Carleton Ave. & Nassau St., Islip | 4:00-9:30 PM |
| 10/17/09 | Seventh Day Adventist Academy, 41-32 58th St.,Woodside | 1:00-5:00 PM |
| 10/17/09 | St. Stephen's Church, 9 Carlton Ave., Pt. Washington | 10:00-3:30 |
| 10/17/09 | Parkway Community Church, 95 Stewart Ave., Hicksville | 10:00-2:00 |
| 10/18/09 | Huntington United Methodist Church, 180 W. Neck Road | 9:00-1:00 |
| 10/24/09 | Commack Church of Christ, 25 Old Indian Head Road | 10:00-3:30 |
| 10/25/09 | Centerport United Methodist Church, 97 Little Neck Road | 9:00-1:00 |
| 10/25/09 | Presbyterian Church, 150 Pittsburgh, Massapequa | 11:00-3:00 |
| 10/25/09 | Resurrection Church, 1400 Cedar Swamp Rd., Brookville | noon-4:00 PM |
| 10/26/09 | Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave. | 3:00-8:30 PM |
You can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org to verify the date and time of the blood drive.
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CHAPLAINS AND PASTORAL COUNSELORS
October is Pastoral Care Month. Do you know a student who has just started college on Long Island? Do you have a parishioner who is hospitalized? Would you like to help with worship in a local jail? These folks can help! Please keep chaplains, campus ministers, and pastoral counselors in your prayers this month.
IN NASSAU:
Adelphi University 516-877-3114
- The Rev. Biran Barr (Catholic) catholic@adelphi.edu
- Brother Abdin Chande (Muslim) chande@adelphi.edu
- Dr. Anne Klaeysen (Humanist) 718-965-3611, klaeysen@adelphi.edu
- Lisa Mar (IVCF) 516-877-3114, lisamars@juno.com
- Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz 516 764 4100, BDS48@aol.com
- The Rev. Jerome Taylor (Protestant) 516 378 5486
A. Holly Patterson Nursing Home 516 572 1479
- The Rev. R. Michael Reid
- The Rev. Delores Miller
- The Rev. Doris Stephens
Belmont Race Track, Chaplain Humberto Chavez, 516-488-6000 ext 4063
- RTCANY@aol.com, www.rtcany.org
Chaminade High School
- The Rev. Garret Long 516-742-5555
C. W. Post/Long Island University
- The Rev. Edward J Brown 516 299 2229
- The Rev. Dennis Carter (LIUCM) 516-299-3207
- Jill Kirschner 516 299 2217
Franklin Hospital Medical Center 516-256-6050
- The Rev. Dr. James Barnum
- The Rev. Augustine Okochi
- Rabbi Louis DIamond
- Mrs. Kathy Martino 516 256 6189
Good Shepherd Hospice (Nassau) 516 868 9532
- Sr. Mary Lou Kelly
- Sr. Joan Bernich
- Ms. Shevawn O'Connor
Hempstead Police Department
- Rev. Jerome D. Taylor 516-582-1739
- Rev. Dr. Pedro Bravo-Guzman 917-626-1206
Hofstra University
- Rev. Richard Hayes (LIUCM) 516-385-3272
- The Rev. Brian Barr (DRVC) 516-463-6814
- Joe Bruno (DRVC) 516-463-6814
- Rabbi Meir Mitelman 516 463 6922
- Dr. Mamdouh Farid 516 463 6012
- Dan Brady (IVCF) 516-782-9618
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Hicksville 516-433-2900
- The Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald
Hospice Care Network-Nassau staff 516 832 7100
- Jerry Calhoun, Manager of Pastoral Care 224-6460
- Sr. Marge Caulsen 516 832 2520, ext. 1064
- The Rev. Alan Bentz Letts ext. 1058
- George Teachey ext. 1048
- Vimala Thomas ext. 1118
Kellenberg Memorial High School
- The Rev. Thomas Cardone 516-292-0200
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
- Rabbi David Moseson
- Sr. Faustina
Long Island Lutheran Middle & Senior High School
- The Rev. Ron Gothberg 516 626 1700
Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf 516-628-4217 (voice)
- The Rev. S. R. Schumacher, 516-628-4222 (tty), 516-922-3871 (fax) Molloy College
- Scott Salvato, Director of Campus Ministry
McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School
- The Rev. Michael Rieder 631-727-5900
Mercy Medical Center 516 705 1414
- Sr. Mary Alice Aschenbach CIJ, Administrator
- Rev. Francis Oranefo
- Rev. Anthony Madu
- Ms. Mary Ellen Eichmann
- Sr. Norma Jean Lokcinski, CIJ
- Sr. Kate Thornton
- Eileen Vassallo
Nassau Community College
- (DRVC) 516-572-8064
- Alex Thomas (IVCF) 201-376-2547
Nassau County Correctional Center LICC 516 572 3625
- The Rev. Richard Lehman
- The Rev. Nancy Schaffer
- The Rev. Larry Swensen
Nassau County Correctional Center Catholic 516 572 3622/3623
- The Rev. Ralph Ferro
- Sr. Virginia Waters, FSP
- Sr. Dolores Castellano, CIJ
- Deacon Mauel Romero
- Deacon John McGonigle
- James Mundy, Chaplain intern
Nassau County Correctional Center Muslim 516 572 3624
- Imam Issa Abdul Kareem 516-442-0060
Nassau County Correctional Center-Unified Council of Churches 516 572 6288
- The Rev. Willie Reid
- The Rev. Milton Rochford
- The Rev. Saroya Byrd
- Elder Harold Branche
Nassau County Correctional Center others
- The Rev. Kevin Henesey 516 572 4147
Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center
- The Rev. Larry Swensen (LICC)
- Brother Jack Moylan, OSF (Catholic) 516-571-9153
- Sr. Dolores Castellano, CIJ (Catholic) 516-571-9153
- Jonathon Wharton (Unified Council)
Nassau University Medical Center
- Sr. Maureen Chase, Director of Pastoral Care, 516 572 6069
- The Rev. Sebastian Owusu-Mensah
- The Rev. Willie Reid 516 572 6288
- Deacon Sherwood Chapman 516 572 6288
- Joan Gauvauro 516 572 6288
- Kate Von Bransberg 516 572 6288
- Al haaj Ghazi Khankan 516 889 0005
New Island Hospital, Bethpage 631-520-0222
- Rev. Hilary Ezenwa
- Deacon William Griffin
New York Institute of Technology
- Deacon Patrick Dunphy 516 686 7794
North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove
- The Rev. Fred Kutubebi 516 674 7300
North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset 516-562-4043
- Jon Overvold, Director of Pastoral Care
- Rev. Benet Uwasomba
- The Rev. Isaac Mensah
- The Rev. Anthony Xavier
North Shore University Hospital at Plainview
- The Rev. Jose Simon Palliparambil 516 719 2285
St. Anthony Diocesan High School
- The Rev. Irinel Racos631-271-2020
St. Francis Hospital 516 562 6720
- Sr. Pauline Gilmore FMM (Director, Pastoral Care)
- Sr. Minda Castrillo FMM
- Sr. Elisea Fernando FMM
- The Rev. Christian Ike
- The Rev. Peter Igwilo
- Mary Toole
- Sr. Claire McDonald OP
- Maryann Annunziata
- Patricia Tarpinian
- Mary Ellen Bencivenga
- Sr. Mari Garesche
St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
- The Rev. James Vlaun 631-587-8000
South Nassau Communities Hospital 516 763 2030
- Rev. Francis Ackah
- Deacon Charles Muscarnera
S U N Y at Old Westbury
- Katie McEvoy 516-376-3031
U. S. Merchant Marine Academy 516-773-5306
Wedgewood Nursing Home, Great Neck
- The Rev. Anthony Xavier 516-562-0100
Winthrop University Hospital 516 663 9524
- The Rev. Jill Bowden, Director of Pastoral Care (Unitarian Universalist)
- Chaplain Eglon Angel, Staff Chaplain (Seventh Day Adventist)
- The Rev. Min Jung Park, Staff Chaplain (Presbyterian)
- Chaplain Joan Guevara, Chaplain (Seventh Day Adventist)
- The Rev. Ethel Anarado (Catholic)
- The Rev. Polycarp Nnajiafor (Catholic)
IN SUFFOLK:
Avalon Gardens Nursing Home & Rehab Center, Smithtown
- The Rev. Charles Froehlich, 631-499-8656
Brookhaven Hospice 631 687 2966
- Deacon Robert Gronenthal
- Sr. An McHugh OSU
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital 631 654 7100
Catholic Health Services - Clinical Pastoral Education Program
Catholic Home Care - Hauppague 631-929-8200
- Sr. Marjorie Devlin OP
- Kevin Danaher
- Linda Smith
Dowling College
- Thomas M. Smith 631 244 5034
Good Samaritan Home Health Care (Bay Shore)
Good Samaritan Medical Center 631 376 4103
- The Rev. Doug Dower, Director of Pastoral Care
- The Rev. Jerome Madumelu
- The Rev. Paul Nwobi
- Sr. Betty Keegan FMM
- Sr. Ellen Moore, OP
- Sr. Gertrude O'Brien DW
- Sr. Rosemary Jermusyk, OP
- Sr. Ann Marie Pierce IHM
- Chaplain Mary Ann Bonner
- Chaplain Robert Block
- Sr. Moon Kyung Park
- Chaplain Carmen Springer
Good Samaritan Nursing Home 631 244 2400
Good Shepherd Hospice (Babylon) 631 376 3850
- The Rev. Robert Dahley
- Sr. Joan Bernich
- The Rev. Karen Pickler
Good Shepherd Hospice (Port Jeff) 631 474 4040
- Sr. Joyce Osgood
- Sr. Lorraine Liebold
- Pauline La Valle
Gurwin Jewish Geriatric Center 631-715-2613
- Rabbi Zev Schostak
- Deacon Hans Weiderman
Hospice Care Network - Suffolk staff 516 832 7100
- Sr. Caryn Brennan, 516-832-2520, ext. 1112
- The Rev. William Feinberg Ext. 1123
Huntington Hospital
- The Rev. Thomas Edamattan 631-385-3311 x 221
- Deacon Edward Billia
Long Island State Veteran's Home, Stony Brook 631 444 8737
- The Rev. Peter O'Rourke
- The Rev. Gregory Leonard
- Rabbi Joseph Topek
Maryhaven Center of Hope 631 474 3400
- Sr. Maryaline Zierle OP
- Sr. Cathy Smith, OP
Mather Memorial Hospital, Port Jefferson 631 473 1320x4007
McGann-Mercy High School
North Shore University Hospital at Huntington
- The Rev. Thomas Edamattam 631 351 2000
- Deacon Edward Billia
Our Lady of Consolation Nursing Home, West Islip 631 587 1600
- Margaret Nixdorf, Director of Pastoral Care
- Theresa McNally
- Sandra Smith
- Rabbi Kathleen Novick
- Rev. William Logan
Peconic Bay Medical Center - Riverhead 631-548-6025
- Dorothy Nagel, Director of Pastoral Care
- The Rev. John Worthley
Pilgrim Psychiatric Hospital 631 434 5136
- The Rev. Lawrence O'Leary
- Sr. Mary Judith Summerville CSJ
Planned Parenthood of Hudson-Peconic
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center 631 862 3104
- Sr. Patricia McDonnell, CSJ, Director
- The Rev. Mark Applewhite
- The Rev. Fred Hill
- The Rev. Anselm Okeke
St. Charles Hospital 631 474 6411
- Sr. Josefita Rodrigues OP (Dept. Head)
- The Rev. Samuel Aririatu
- Sr. Mary Jo O'Connor DW
- Deacon Joseph Scollan
- Sr. Edith Menegus OSU
St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip 631-587-8000, ext. 116/145
- John Sureau, Campus Minister
South Oaks Psychiatric Hospital 631 264 4000
Southside Hospital 631 968 3000
- The Rev. Peter McCrann SMM
- The Rev. Christopher Okoli
Stony Brook University Hospital 631 444 8157
- The Rev. Stephen Unger, Dept. Head
- Sr. Lynn Queck, OP
- The Rev. Anthony Ewherido
- The Rev. Thomas Aidoo
- The Rev. Michael Udoekpo
- The Rev. Patrick Okafor
- Rabbi Abraham Rubenstein (ext. 7204)
- Anne Coulehan
- The Rev. John Paul Hankins
- The Rev. James Maltese
Suffolk Air Guard
Suffolk Community College - Riverhead
- Regina Keller 631 451 4369
Suffolk County Correctional Facility
- Sr. Michelle Bremer, CSFN 631-852-2728 Riverhead & Yaphank
- Deacon Chris Vigliotta 631 852 2294 at Riverhead
- Deacon Miguel Ramoero 631-852-4713 at Yaphank
- The Rev. Charles Coverdale 631 852 2294 at Riverhead & Yaphank
- The Rev. Marvin Dozier 631 852 2294 at Riverhead & Yaphank
- The Rev. Cynthia Liggon 631-727-2210 at Riverhead & Yaphank
- Rabbi Leib Baumgarten 631 852 2294 at Riverhead & Yaphank
Suffolk County Police Department 631-751-2527
- Rev. Edward A. Wisbauer, Jr., Chief of Chaplains
S U N Y At Stony Brook
- The Rev. Brenda Ford (LIUCM) 631 632 6563
- The Rev. Chen Chi (Baptist) 631-632-6563
- Jainnie San Pedro (IVCF) 631-928-1415
- Fr. Robert Smith (Catholic) 631-941-4141
- Sr. Margaret Ann Landry (Catholic)631 632 6562
- Rabbi Adam Stein (Lubbavitch)
- Rabbi Joseph Topek (Hillel) 632-6565
- Sr. Sanaa Nadim (Muslim) 631 979 6156
- The Rev. Timothy Denton (Issai Chizen Tokuzui) 516-578-3889
Timothy Hill Children's Home 631-369-1234
Touro Law School 631-761-7190
V A Medical Center 631 261 4400
- John Speraneo, MSW, Chief of Service ext. 7030
- Rabbi Paul Swerdlow ext. 7204
- The Rev George E Lutz ext. 7795
- The Rev. Wayne Olson ext. 7202
- The Rev. John Malone ext. 7796
- The Rev. Rashid Peter Francis, SF ext. 7203
Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice 631.930-9335
- The Rev. Mark Bigelow, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Pastoral Counselors
At our recent LICC/MICAH retreat, Jean Kelly from the Interfaith Nutrition Network reminded us that one aspect of taking care of our spirits is knowing when people need to be helped by someone else. An Episcopal priest noted that her denomination has a national rule that clergy must not see anyone for more than five counseling sessions before referring them to another therapist. This restriction was imposed on them as a condition of getting insurance covering clergy malpractice - in other words, to reduce the risk the parsons will harm parishioners by getting in over their heads. The rule also serves, though, to protect pastors from burn-out, since those of us in the helping professions often try to help more people than we actually can help. If I try to be available to everyone all the time, I end up not being fully present to anyone anytime.
But where can clergy find counselors or therapists who understand religious and spiritual issues? The Rev. Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra, Vice President of Pastoral Care at Episcopal Health Service and chair of our Pastoral Care Committee, recommends checking the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, cpsp.org, which lists certified pastoral counselors as well as chaplains. Miriam Kuo, a Presbyterian clergywoman and therapist who serves on the Committee, recommends the American Assn. of Pastoral Counselors Web site, www.aapc.org. Here are other recommendations we have received:
- The Rev. Yuri Ando has completed a course of study and professional internship in the theory and practice of Gestalt Pastoral Care. Gestalt Pastoral Care is an integration of Gestalt Growth Work, Spiritual Companioning and Healing Prayer. GPC believes that genuine healing is holistic and includes the whole person - spirit, body, emotions, mind and social context. For appointments, please call 631-744-4836 or email ymando@optonline.net
- The Rev. Dr. James W. Barnum, certified by CPSP, 516-804 8277
- Blanton Peale Graduate Institute of Religion and Health has a counseling center in Levittown at 474 Wantagh Avenue (520-9077)
- Caren Heacock, Pastoral Care Assistant at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, has a Master's Degree in Biblical Counseling and works with teens & adults, single, married or divorced. She is paid through the church, so there is no charge. 631-298-4145.
- Nancy Hoyt-Duncan, Mosaic Coaching and Counseling in Centerport,631-662-9330, nancyhoyt@optonline.net.
- Lutheran Counseling Center, with sites in Mineola, Dix Hills, Queens, Manhattan and Bronxville, 516-741-0994, www.LCCNY.org. Their clinical supervisors are the Rev. Dr. Serge A. Castigliano, Ph.D., D.Min., the Rev . Dr. Thomas Taylor LCSW-R, Ph.D., M.Div. and Maureen Buckley Fox, LCSW, BCD. Their consulting psychiatrist is the Rev. Carol L. Kessler, M.D. Their counseling staff is Nichole L. Adams, Psy.D., the Rev. Dr. Kirk Bingaman, David Doring, Psy.D., the Rev. David Elseroad, Elizabeth Geiling, MSED, the Rev. Dr. Marta Green, D.Min., the Rev. Dr. Ronald Lehenbauer, D.Min., Yakini Mack-Williams, Ph.D., Mary Rzeszut, LMSW, the Rev. Alan Steinke, LCSW-R. the Rev. Dr. Thomas Taylor, LCSW-R, Ph.D., and Stella Woodroffe, P.D., Ed.M.
- Queens Counseling Services of the Foundation for Religion & Mental Health, has offices in Freeport at Our Holy Redeemer Church, in Malverne at Community Presbyterian Church, and in Oceanside at 1st United Methodist Church. Call 516-442-0766 or e-mail frmh@optonline.net.
- Debra Sanito, 516-650-1804, 516-790-5686, debba33@optonline.net
- The Rev. Thomas E. Taylor, M.Div., LMSW, BCETS, a pastoral psychotherapist who provides EMDR, Brainspotting & Spiritual Counseling, NB650C@aol.com, 516-754-8176
- The Rev. Toby L. Tobias, PhD, LCSW, M.Div. - a pastoral psychotherapist and life-coach, works with individuals, couples and families with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions & post-traumatic stress. He uses various approaches including EMDR. 631-424-1690
- The Diocese of Rockville Centre also provides bereavement support groups. Their Director Elaine Stillwell (516-766-4682, Elainestillwell@att.net) recommends these bereavement counselors:
- Paul Alexander, LCSW, Rockville Centre, 631-537-3235
- Bobbie Comforto, LCSW, Northport & Hicksville 631-754-138, 516-798-3200
- Clarice Curry, LCS, Glen Cove & Carle Place, 516-671-5979
- Margie Dernshock, LMHC, Hauppauge, 631-265-0305
- William Donovan, Ph.D., Eastport & Bay Shore, 631-325-1030.
- Lorraine Fitzgerald, LCSW, Mineola, 516-987-6931
- Frederic Hartman, Ph.D., Mineola, 516-746-2487
- Patricia Jones, M.S., Sayville, 631-205-1842
- Anne Kane, Ph.D., Rockville Centre & NYC, 516-678-7348
- Jane Malone, Ph.D., LCSW, Smithtown, 631-816-1709
- Eileen McKeown, Ph.D., Huntington, 631-427-5294
- Theresa Pellegrino, LMHC, Farmingdale, 516-777-3840
- Julia Schuerger, LCSW, Rockville Centre, 516-678-6196
If you have additions or corrections for this list, please phone them to 516 565 0290 ext. 206, fax them to 516-565-0291, or e mail tomgoodhue@optonline.net.
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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:tomgoodhue@optonline.net
Web: www.liccny.org
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