Thank You to the New York Times
February 22nd, 2008 | UncategorizedThe New York Times has done a fabulous job of telling the story of the church’s food pantry and dinner program. The article is online now, and will appear in Sunday’s City Section. there’s also a great write-up on the paper’s blog.
Last week someone noted that our work together is a “smashing success.” Yes, we’re able feed a lot of people. But one of the best moments in the last few months was introducing the Times reporter to those sharing the meal. It felt amazing to be affirmed by having this story in the paper. But it was far more exciting to affirm the folks who enjoy our hot meals by noting that they are as much a part of this success as anyone else. Together, the volunteers, the donors and all who partake of the meals are successful. None of us could do it without the others.
And now we have a great opportunity to include new friends in this great endeavor as we welcome readers of the Times to our website. Feel free to join us on Wednesdays for a meal, or volunteer some of your time. For those who would like to donate to this effort, you can donate online. Currently, we’re in need of new plastic tables. We’re also saving up to rehab the kitchen. You can’t quite see it in the photo, but our stove is from 1942 and the rest of the kitchen is about as old as the stove. Building an industrial kitchen would allow us to cook additional food, and help the program expand, hopefully to being open more days.
Wednesdays: Food Pantry/Dinner Program Update
February 19th, 2008 | Uncategorized
After much hard work, we’ve made it half way through the month of February! That means in a few weeks our food programs have been up and running for four months. We almost done with the process of applying to participate in the food bank system.
At a gathering last month, food program several volunteers committed to taking the required NYC food prep class, others offered to give our kitchen the deep cleaning it so needs, and a handful are now working on fundraising and writing grants.
Many of you have wondered, just who volunteers at the food pantry and soup kitchen? Several of the folks are members of our church, but far more are concerned neighbors who are looking for a way serve their community. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. Several have no faith life, others grew up in a church, but do not participate any more. Some are Catholic, others are Jewish, and some are Protestant. Many heard about the program through local newspaper coverage or via a neighborhood blog. A lot of folks first came because they are friends with someone else who volunteers.
If you’re interested in helping, feel free to show up Wednesdays between 4pm and 7pm. For those of you who work late, we still need folks at 7pm to help clean up - your aid would be very much appreciated.
Greenpoint Community Counseling Center
December 7th, 2007 | Uncategorized
Disappointment. Anger. Sadness. Grief. Experiencing emotions are a part of living life to its fullest. Sometimes we need help working through some of life’s more difficult issues, and often we discover we’re seeking a spiritual answer.
Through a partnership with the Blanton-Peale Institute, our church is now able to offer individual and family counseling sessions with a licensed social worker.
Porter Canon combines a background in spirituality with the insight and practice of psychology. She has holds both MSW and MDiv degrees, and seeks to help people grow both emotionally and spiritually.
We have no idea what the community response will be to this program, but we hope that it will help meet some of the need for trained counselors in our area. You’ll see a banner about the center in front of the church. Appointments are available for Thursdays and may expand to other days depending upon the need.
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