Thanksgiving Abundance
November 24th, 2007 | UncategorizedIt’s amazing how God provides for all things. Just a few months ago, the food pantry and dinner program was just a dream. We started by preparing groceries and dinner for 25 people, and managed to keep up the pace as more people arrived each week. But after the food program was featured on the cover of the Greenpoint Gazette, and Thanksgiving posters went up around the neighborhood, we weren’t so sure we could handle the crowd.
One of the volunteers reminded us that this whole program is about the story of the loaves and the fishes - feeding a crowd with whatever we have. Thanks to a wonderful gift of turkeys given by Fortune Metal in honor of the 94th Precinct, we had ample meat for the meal. One by one, kind neighbors called to offer gifts of time, food, and money. And all this happened just in time, because the need for food in our neighborhood is tremendous. By the time the evening finished, over 60 families received groceries and at least 70 people enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
We have at least two more months to go before we can apply for membership in the City’s food bank program. With some hard work and continued prayers, we’re on target to make this program a permanent reality. Thank you to everyone who helps make this important new ministry possible.
You can now donate online to the food pantry and dinner program. Just click on the Donate button.
Congratulations Rev. Aull!
October 31st, 2007 | Uncategorized
On Sunday Oct 28th, the Metro-New York Association of the United Church of Christ ordained our pastor, Jennifer, to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament. This means that she is now able to officiate at communion and baptism, oversee congregational meetings and sign marriage certificates.
Many of the members of the church as well as other friends from the Greenpoint community attended the ordination service, which was held at the Broadway United Church of Christ. Our supervisor, Rev. Dan Ramm read the Hebrew lesson, Elder Ruth Blankschen read the gospel lesson, Dr. Kansfield preached the sermon (which will be available online shortly) and the Red Hook Ramblers provided fabulous toe-tappin’ Dixieland gospel tunes. Our thanks to everyone who helped make this special service possible, especially to the Broadway UCC congregation for caring for Jennifer with kindness and compassion throughout her ordination process.
Thank You Greenpoint!
October 25th, 2007 | Uncategorized
Opening the doors of the church is always a treat, but these past few weeks have been even more enjoyable thanks to the wonderful outpouring of food that our neighbors have shared with the food pantry. Each time anyone checked the donation box on the front stoop, it seemed that another kind person had left a little more food. Thanks to this generosity, the food pantry opened with enough food for the next several weeks.
On Wednesday several volunteers arrived to pass out groceries and cook an amazingly delicious dinner. This effort provided 25 people with groceries for the week, and even more people shared a tasty meal with one another. It was a delightfully fun evening, with several people likening it to a holiday. So many people expressed their gratitude - for the food, the friendship, and the opportunity to be of service to one another.
Thank you to everyone who is helping to make this exiting new venture possible. You’re really making a difference in our community. So many people are looking forward to next Wednesday when we’ll gather again!
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