This week it's all about "Simplicity". Pick up Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline at Amazon.com or any Barnes and Nobel. Read Chapter 6 and...
Come get in on the inspiration and fun!
When: Every Wednesday
6:30-9:30pm
Where: 610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd. Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Just One Day ... For Love
How do you define love?
a) a gushy feeling that leads to temporary insanity.
b) a verb
c) justice
d) all of the above
e) b and c
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: "Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that is not love."
I received the email on a Thursday. I was asked to come out and support a rally for immigration reform taking place three days later in East Harlem. When I arrived, I was surprised to find the rally was taking place in a store-front church (or so I thought) that I had passed on a bus dozens of times. When I stepped into the sanctuary I was amazed to find the 1000 seat sanctuary packed to overflowing with evangelical and pentecostal Latinos holding signs and chanting in spanish, "Si, se puede! Se, se puede!"
I entered and found a place to stand off to the right. I watched my friend Rev. Gabriel Salguero, pastor of Lambs Church of the Nazarene, let loose with passion and fury as he talked about the raids that are breaking up families across New York City every day. Soul after soul stepped forward and offered testimony of how someone in their family--a son, a father, a husband, a mother--was taken from them and sent away without warning, probably for ever. Hard working families are losing breadwinners and nurturing anchors. Their emotional, mental, and spiritual anguish is compounded by a slippery slope into the quagmire of poverty. The crowd wept, nodding heads, chanting between testimonies, vowing action. I was moved to the core.
Two days later I received a phone call asking if New York Faith & Justice would like to join an interfaith network of organizations pressing for immigration reform in 2009. I said yes. I am now on the steering committee of the New York State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform. Why? For the sake of love -- for the sake of justice.
Each of us can do our individual part to heed Jesus' words in Matthew 25, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." We can be nice to immigrants (documented or undocumented) within our city, but until we address the policies tearing families apart, our niceness is complicity.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
South Bronx Conversations for Change - Video
The South Bronx Conversations for Change initiative offers safe arenas for honest dialog between the police and community members: (50 dialog circles x 5 weeks) + 1 Action Plan Forum = a chance for change.
Are you a resident of the South Bronx? Want to help organize your community for change? Register to attend the Conversations for Change Organizers Training coming soon. Details below.
SAVE THE DATE
Organizers Training
Saturday July 11, 10-4pm.
Location TBA
To Register email Lisa at lsharper@nyfaithjustice.org. Please provide your name, organization, email address and phone number. Thank you.
New York Faith & Justice and the Conversations for Change Advisory Council would like to thank the Case Foundation and the Presbytery of New York City for their generous support of this critical project.
Are you a resident of the South Bronx? Want to help organize your community for change? Register to attend the Conversations for Change Organizers Training coming soon. Details below.
SAVE THE DATE
Organizers Training
Saturday July 11, 10-4pm.
Location TBA
To Register email Lisa at lsharper@nyfaithjustice.org. Please provide your name, organization, email address and phone number. Thank you.
New York Faith & Justice and the Conversations for Change Advisory Council would like to thank the Case Foundation and the Presbytery of New York City for their generous support of this critical project.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"Just One Day"
Only 7 days left to give "Just One Day" for Justice!!
The Just One Day campaign is just one of the initiatives of NY Faith & Justice. Please help us stay on the front lines in the fight against poverty. Become a sustaining partner today by setting up small recurring donations of just $10, $25, $50, or $100 per month? Click here to set up easy, secure, tax-deductible monthly contributions online.
Or give the special gift of a day's wage by clicking here.
If you prefer to send your gift by mail, make checks payable to "FCNY/NY Faith & Justice". Please write "Just One Day" in the memo line and send your contribution to:
NY Faith and Justice
Attn: Just One Day Campaign
475 Riverside Drive
Suite 500
New York, NY 10115
NOTE: Fund for the City of New York (FCNY), a 501(c)3 non-profit, is the fiscal sponsor of NY Faith & Justice. All donations are tax-deductible.
Just One Day ... For Lynne
By Lisa Sharon Harper
I stepped up to the automatic sliding doors, but they didn't open. I knocked. The guard recognized me, waved, and the South Bronx-based special care facility opened arms of welcome. My half-sister lives there--for the past four years, actually. Before that, "Lynne" alternated between backstreet allies and Rikers Island prison cells.
Lynne used to ride me on the back of her bike down New Jersey Avenue in the heart of her neighborhood in East New York. Whizzzing around the corner on banana-seat bikes, pink streamers whirled in the wind. I was eight. She was fourteen. We owned the road.
Back then Lynne was super smart, kind, and strong. She taught me how to cut and shuffle my first deck of cards, then tutored me in the science of winning my first card game--I-de-clare-war! I loved her. I looked up to her.
When my parents divorced I lost contact with Lynne and my other half-sister (Lynne's sister), "Danielle". Twenty-nine years later Danielle and I reunited though tears and hugs and I asked about Lynne.
"Oh," she said, "Lynne lives in a special care facility now. She has Schizophrenia. She was homeless for a while when she went off her meds. We didn't know where she was. She almost froze to death a couple of times - she lost toes and teeth. Eventually, she became addicted to drugs. She finally checked her self in to this facility and it's the longest she's ever been in one place since her first break-down."
Everytime I visit Lynne I feel the same lump in my throat as I did the very first time I saw her again, a year and a half ago.
On this One Day I walk past the nurses' station and greet her neighbors who line the hallway in their wheel chairs like old-timers sitting on front stoops waiting for something to interrupt the drone of lives lived encased between four walls.
I usually find Lynne in the smoking room or the TV room, but on this One Day she stands in the hall way just outside of her room--waiting for me. She is lovely.
"Do you like it?" she asks me, motioning with her shaky hands to the dress that fits her perfectly. "The nurses gave it to me."
"It's beautiful!"
We go downstairs to the multi-purpose room and wait for fellow residents to arrive. Lynne's roommate, "Gloria", goes around to every resident in the center and tells them - demands, actually - that they come down and watch "the show."
"Lynne's sister is going to perform spoken-word poetry," Gloria announces with the fervor of an agent working on commission. "Don't miss it!"
On this One Day my sister sits slumped in her wheel chair; drugged to oblivion, tired, but there. Residents wheel in and out as I share one poem after another. Lynne's neighbors clap and cry and talk back to the characters in the poems. And Lynne sits slumped, head nodding... eyes closed... until...
Lynne looks up through her drugged haze
I turn to face Lynne directly. She presses through the haze. We lock eyes.
Lynne smiles.
I leave after a Q and A time with the neighbors and a short chance to say "Good-bye, for now" to Lynne. I walk back through the sliding doors into the world of buses and subways and "Hey babies" and "Yo, pretty mama's" ... and I am grateful.
My work with NY Faith & Justice gives me the chance to confront systemic injustice every day. But on this One Day - for one solitary moment - God made things right for two long-lost sisters. After the separation, the pain, the poverty, the sickness, the trauma, and the loneliness, Lynne knew ... and I knew... we are not alone.
I stepped up to the automatic sliding doors, but they didn't open. I knocked. The guard recognized me, waved, and the South Bronx-based special care facility opened arms of welcome. My half-sister lives there--for the past four years, actually. Before that, "Lynne" alternated between backstreet allies and Rikers Island prison cells.
Lynne used to ride me on the back of her bike down New Jersey Avenue in the heart of her neighborhood in East New York. Whizzzing around the corner on banana-seat bikes, pink streamers whirled in the wind. I was eight. She was fourteen. We owned the road.
Back then Lynne was super smart, kind, and strong. She taught me how to cut and shuffle my first deck of cards, then tutored me in the science of winning my first card game--I-de-clare-war! I loved her. I looked up to her.
When my parents divorced I lost contact with Lynne and my other half-sister (Lynne's sister), "Danielle". Twenty-nine years later Danielle and I reunited though tears and hugs and I asked about Lynne.
"Oh," she said, "Lynne lives in a special care facility now. She has Schizophrenia. She was homeless for a while when she went off her meds. We didn't know where she was. She almost froze to death a couple of times - she lost toes and teeth. Eventually, she became addicted to drugs. She finally checked her self in to this facility and it's the longest she's ever been in one place since her first break-down."
Everytime I visit Lynne I feel the same lump in my throat as I did the very first time I saw her again, a year and a half ago.
On this One Day I walk past the nurses' station and greet her neighbors who line the hallway in their wheel chairs like old-timers sitting on front stoops waiting for something to interrupt the drone of lives lived encased between four walls.
I usually find Lynne in the smoking room or the TV room, but on this One Day she stands in the hall way just outside of her room--waiting for me. She is lovely.
"Do you like it?" she asks me, motioning with her shaky hands to the dress that fits her perfectly. "The nurses gave it to me."
"It's beautiful!"
We go downstairs to the multi-purpose room and wait for fellow residents to arrive. Lynne's roommate, "Gloria", goes around to every resident in the center and tells them - demands, actually - that they come down and watch "the show."
"Lynne's sister is going to perform spoken-word poetry," Gloria announces with the fervor of an agent working on commission. "Don't miss it!"
On this One Day my sister sits slumped in her wheel chair; drugged to oblivion, tired, but there. Residents wheel in and out as I share one poem after another. Lynne's neighbors clap and cry and talk back to the characters in the poems. And Lynne sits slumped, head nodding... eyes closed... until...
"I See It In Your Eyes"
by Lisa Sharon Harper
I see it in your eyes
Friend
Family
Sister
Your eyes dance
Reach out
Lay hold
Of my soul
With giggles
Deep inside
They well up
They spill out
At the most inopportune times
Driving
Sleeping
Flying
Talking...with a stranger
I think of you and
... smile
Lynne looks up through her drugged haze
I know
No matter how near or far
Across mountains and plains
Bays and bayous
Bridges and giant stone monuments called cities
Your eyes...
I turn to face Lynne directly. She presses through the haze. We lock eyes.
...They smile
They dance
They tell
... our story.
Lynne smiles.
I leave after a Q and A time with the neighbors and a short chance to say "Good-bye, for now" to Lynne. I walk back through the sliding doors into the world of buses and subways and "Hey babies" and "Yo, pretty mama's" ... and I am grateful.
My work with NY Faith & Justice gives me the chance to confront systemic injustice every day. But on this One Day - for one solitary moment - God made things right for two long-lost sisters. After the separation, the pain, the poverty, the sickness, the trauma, and the loneliness, Lynne knew ... and I knew... we are not alone.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
This Week, Luke 4 @ Summer House Gathering
Two weeks ago we cracked open the book of Luke and started our summer investigation by going deep into Luke chapter 1. This week, we're goin' deeper. This week, it's all about Luke 4 - You really won't want to miss this . It is really goooooood.
Charlotte writes about her experience at the first meeting:
Come join in the inspiring and fun gatherings
When: Every Wednesday
6:30-9:30pm
Where: 610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd. Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Charlotte writes about her experience at the first meeting:
...this is such an amazing way to dive into God's word and discover so much more about what He wants us to know through this type of study! I also appreciated the community aspect of discovering together. We shared ideas and perspectives, then we compiled an assessment together and sat amazed at what we discovered together!
It was a great study and I really look forward to continuing in it! Thanks Lisa!
Come join in the inspiring and fun gatherings
When: Every Wednesday
6:30-9:30pm
Where: 610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd. Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Monday, June 22, 2009
DWU Bill of Rights Petition
Show the NY state government your support for a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights! Let's make Gov. Patterson stand by his word of support. If willing and able - please sign DWU's most recent petition to urge the state congress to pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights! They've been having some trouble lately with amendments to the bill and the
craziness that's going on with the state senate.
Sign the Petition Here!
Listen Up
The radio program Speaking of Faith hosted by Krista Tippett conducted a public interview with President Obama’s head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Josh Dubois. Over the hour an interesting conversation of what he discovered about the Christian and other religious communities over this past election and where he sees religious as well as other non-profit organizations going under the current administration.
The very words "faith-based" became controversial during the Bush administration, yet Barack Obama has retained the faith-based centers in 11 federal agencies that his predecessor created. And within weeks of assuming the presidency, he announced priority areas for his own White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships — including economic recovery and poverty reduction, abortion reduction, responsible fatherhood, and global interfaith dialogue. In a live, public conversation, we meet the 26-year-old political strategist, Pentecostal minister, and trusted associate of the president who will lead this charge.
--Speaking of Faith (speakingoffaith.org)
Take a listen:
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2009/obama-dubois/
Special Thanks!
We here at NYFJ would like to make a special recognition and thanks to the Harlem House and Brooklyn House/Radical Living for hosting our Community Gatherings since this past fall.
We thank you for all your work and generosity!!!
Look for the gatherings to resume in the fall.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: My experience at the Prayer Vigil for a Just and Sustainable Food System
First of all, I must make a confession. I had other things on my mind yesterday as I made my way down to City Hall to attend the Prayer Vigil for a Just and Sustainable Food System. Over the past week I have been completely consumed by the events taking place in Iran. The bravery and determination of the people protesting has been overwhelmingly inspiring to me. The pictures of that many people speaking in one voice for their rights have made our country’s “politics of the day” seem trite and somewhat petty compared to what they are fighting for. With this on my mind, and as I fought the rain getting to City Hall, I was in no means prepared for a prayer vigil.
As the bible points out many times however, God speaks to us in many ways. Often times this happens when we least expect it and in forms we don’t always recognize. About half-way through the vigil-with personal testimony, prayers of other religious traditions than my own, and an examination of a simple prayer that Jesus taught us-I suddenly awoke from the chatter inside my head and heard what God was trying to tell me. The right of everyone to have equal access to healthy food is more than just a policy or a political fight, it’s a biblical mandate taught by Jesus to serve his people here on earth.
Give US this day OUR daily bread on earth as it is in Heaven.
I have realized, as I become more educated on the subject, how much the fight for a just food policy is misunderstood and overlooked. Unless people are directly affected by it, they just don’t think of it. I have witnessed people’s reactions when I talk to them about a food policy, a look of befuddlement crosses their face. Once I tell them more about it, their faces change and they actually share stories of their own. That is why it is so important for people like us to get the message out. Once it is explained, people understand. The numbers are overwhelming. The facts indisputable. The solutions relatively simple.
Like the people of Iran protesting for their rights and their voice to be heard, we must follow their example. We need to unite with a loud voice that stands up for those who are being overlooked and harmed. Unlike the protests in Iran, the consequences of our speaking out don’t immediately threaten our lives or put us in any immediate danger, but it does threaten the lives of people down the line. The children who suffer from obesity and diabetes at astonishing rates due to a continually unhealthy diet because of a lack of access to healthy food in their neighborhoods or schools, these are the people who benefit from our voice. These are the ones being harmed that we can help.
I left the vigil in a different manner than I arrived. I was inspired. A thought even crossed my mind that harkened back to my childhood explanations of the rain. God was crying yesterday, tears of joy, to see his children of different faith’s and cultures united to work for Him and all of his children.
Stephen Tickner
NYFJ Communications Intern
Lisa Sharon Harper, NYFJ Co-founder & Executive Director
Bowie Snodgrass, Executive Director, Faith House
Rev. Gary Wiley, Trinity Grace
Tanya Fields, The Majora Carter Group
Rain Check!!!
Because of the rainy weather, there has been a change in location for the Brooklyn/Harlem House combined gathering.
When: Sat, June 20, 5pm - 8pm
Where: The Bruderhof (Harlem House) 226 West 138th Street (Btwn 7th
and 8th Aves. Take the C,B 2, or 3 to 135th Street.
Join us for a combined House Gathering with Radical Living, Harlem
House(The Bruderhof Community) and NYFJ to celebrate the longest day
of the year and to pray for Domestic Workers United (DWU)!
Where: The Bruderhof (Harlem House) 226 West 138th Street (Btwn 7th
and 8th Aves. Take the C,B 2, or 3 to 135th Street.
Join us for a combined House Gathering with Radical Living, Harlem
House(The Bruderhof Community) and NYFJ to celebrate the longest day
of the year and to pray for Domestic Workers United (DWU)!
Please RSVP by emailing Fred Mow at FredMow@Rifton.com, Sharaya Tindal
at STindal@cfthomeless.org, or Onleilove Alston at dovepsu@yahoo.com.
You can also contact any of us with questions or concerns you may have.
at STindal@cfthomeless.org, or Onleilove Alston at dovepsu@yahoo.com.
You can also contact any of us with questions or concerns you may have.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Brooklyn/Harlem House Gathering
Combined June Gathering in Central ParkWhen: Sat, June 20, 5pm - 8pmWhere: The Great Hill, Central Park (Near 105th and Adam Clayton
Powell (7th Ave) Take the C train (sometimes the A is local on the
weekends) to 110th St and walk up the hill entering through the
north-west corner of central park.
Join us for a combined House Gathering with Radical Living, Harlem
House(The Bruderhof Community) and NYFJ to celebrate the longest day
of the year and to pray for Domestic Workers United (DWU)!
What to Bring: A dish, snack or beverage, and a blanket or chair to sit on.
Please RSVP by Friday June 19th by emailing Fred Mow at
FredMow@Rifton.com, Sharaya Tindal at STindal@cfthomeless.org, or
Onleilove Alston at dovepsu@yahoo.com. You can also contact any of us
with questions or concerns you may have.
Onleilove G. Alston
3rd Year MDiv/MSW Candidate
Union Theological Seminary
Columbia University School of Social Work***A plan is being worked out in case of rain. Check back here for details...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
NYFJ Summer House Gathering
The second NYFJ House Gathering is tonight!! This week starts the Celebration of Discipline study based on the book by Richard J. Foster.
You can purchase a used copy of Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster on Amazon.com for as low as $4!
Last week we started a study on the book of Luke taught by Lisa Sharon Harper. Charlotte writes about her experience at the first meeting:
...this is such an amazing way to dive into God's word and discover so much more about what He wants us to know through this type of study! I also appreciated the community aspect of discovering together. We shared ideas and perspectives, then we compiled an assessment together and sat amazed at what we discovered together!
It was a great study and I really look forward to continuing in it! Thanks Lisa!
Come join in the inspiring and fun gatherings
When: Every Wednesday
6:30-9:30pm
Where: 610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd.
Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Day of Justice
Have a direct affect on food justice this Thursday! Two events will take place to demand changes to our food system at the city and state level.
Start your Thursday in prayer by attending...
An Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Food JusticeHosted by Faith Leaders for Environmental JusticeThursday, June 18, 2009 @ 9amSteps of City HallWarren Ave (between Center and Broadway)(DIRECTIONS: Take the A/C/E to Chambers, 2/3 to Park Pl,N/R/W to City Hall,or 4/5/6/J/M to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall)
Let your voice be heard as we join hands with our Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist brother's and sister's on the steps of City Hall to speak out to our representatives on the importance of creating a just and sustainable food system. Email Ayannias@nyccah.org to RSVP, or contact Alexandra Yannias @ 212.825.0028. End your Thursday by communing with others while letting your feelings be known in writing by coming to New York Faith & Justice's...An Offering of Letters for Food JusticeThursday, June 18, 20097pmSt. Mary's Episcopal Church
(521 w. 126th Street, btwn Broadway and Amsterdam)
(DIRECTIONS: Take the A to 125th Street. Walk west a couple of blocks on 125th to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn left. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the right.
Or take the 1 to 125th Street. Walk east one block on 125th to Old Broadway. Turn left. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn right. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the left.)
Come hear stories of food injustice and its effects in our city and our schools. Then take action. Put pen to paper and let Mayor Bloomberg and your congressional representatives know you want them to do everything possible to create a just and sustainable food systems for our city and our nation.To RSVP email mdunbar@nyfaithjustice.org or contact Matt Dunbar at 212.870.2219.The more people speak in one voice the easier they are heard. Help us make sure our city leaders and representatives hear our message!!!
Food For Thought
Richard Stearns, President & CEO of WorldVision, challenges all Christians to live up to their biblical responsibility to “the least of these.” The following is a powerful exerpt from his book The Hole in Our Gospel:
Surely this is another one of those passages that would be easy to cut from our Bibles. We would much rather believe that the only things needed for our salvation are saying the right words and believing the right things--not living lives that are characterized by Christ’s concern for the poor. Why is this passage so sobering for us to read in the twenty-first century? Might it be that it hits us very close to home? Let me take some liberties and paraphrase these verses for today’s reader:
For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but
you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me
deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was
sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness.
I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved.
If we are honest, our response to the poor might sometimes be better described by this irreverent version. Whatever the case, Christ’s words in this passage cannot be dismissed out of hand. We have to face their implications no matter how disquieting. God has clear expectations for those who choose to follow Him.
-Richard Stearns, The Hole In Our Gospel (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 2009) p.59
What are your thoughts? Please share them with us!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Being the Oaks of Righteousness: Domestic Workers United
This blog was first posted on God's Politics, Wrecked for the Ordinary and Esther's Call.
As NYFJ continues Just One Day I am choosing to contribute by supporting Domestic Workers United (DWU) in two ways: praying for their work and attending to the June 20th combined NYFJ House Gathering (see Nyfj calendar) where I will pray for DWU with NYFJ, Harlem House, and Radical Living. Read below how these women (many who are STRONG Christians) are living out Isaiah 61! Governor Patterson is in support of a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights which is a miracle becasue since the 30's this form of labor has been left out of workers rights legislation. Read Governor Patterson's words to gain a historical understanding of why the work of DWU is important:
"If you read back in the 30s, the reason that these workers and farmworkers did not receive those equal benefits it's because the southern Senators wouldn't vote for it. It really began with the racism of the mid 20th century. Uh, clearly in the law these workers deserve equal rights and if they are able to pass the Bill or if they are able to get the legislature to even come back, I will sign it."
In the fall of 2007, not long after I started to work with New York Faith & Justice, I learned of an in-depth Bible study on Isaiah 61, which revolutionized my approach to the ministry of ending poverty. I learned that this passage declares the poor “the oaks of righteousness,” and says “that THEY will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated.” Instead of the poor just being passive recipients of the gospel, the poor are called to rebuild and restore their communities!
As NYFJ continues Just One Day I am choosing to contribute by supporting Domestic Workers United (DWU) in two ways: praying for their work and attending to the June 20th combined NYFJ House Gathering (see Nyfj calendar) where I will pray for DWU with NYFJ, Harlem House, and Radical Living. Read below how these women (many who are STRONG Christians) are living out Isaiah 61! Governor Patterson is in support of a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights which is a miracle becasue since the 30's this form of labor has been left out of workers rights legislation. Read Governor Patterson's words to gain a historical understanding of why the work of DWU is important:
"If you read back in the 30s, the reason that these workers and farmworkers did not receive those equal benefits it's because the southern Senators wouldn't vote for it. It really began with the racism of the mid 20th century. Uh, clearly in the law these workers deserve equal rights and if they are able to pass the Bill or if they are able to get the legislature to even come back, I will sign it."
In the fall of 2007, not long after I started to work with New York Faith & Justice, I learned of an in-depth Bible study on Isaiah 61, which revolutionized my approach to the ministry of ending poverty. I learned that this passage declares the poor “the oaks of righteousness,” and says “that THEY will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated.” Instead of the poor just being passive recipients of the gospel, the poor are called to rebuild and restore their communities!
If you are a person of privilege, instead of working for the poor you are called to work alongside the poor. And if, like me, you come from the ranks of the poor, you are called to rebuild and restore your community.
I see this at work in the words and actions of Marilyn Marshall and Joyce Gill-Campbell of Domestic Workers United, whom I met because they are nominated for the Poverty Initiative’s Poverty Scholars Program:
“I want to be in tune with my maker.”
“I pray for the organization to get the (Domestic Workers) Bill of Rights passed.”
“Without God we can’t do anything.”
“I put fliers in the churches, I speak to the pastors.”
–Marilyn Marshall and Joyce Gill-Campbell, leaders in Domestic Workers United (DWU)
“We have a dream that one day, all work will be valued equally.”
-Mission of Domestic Workers United
DWU is:
an organization of Caribbean, Latina and African nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers in New York, organizing for power, respect, fair labor standards and to help build a movement to end exploitation and oppression for all.
Stories of illegally low wages, verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse are all too common for domestic workers across the country. It’s not unusual for DWU to protest in front of luxury condos in Manhattan while advocating for a member who was treated unjustly on the job. In New York City alone, there are more than 200,000 nannies, caregivers, and housekeepers who are essential to the city’s economy. The current economic crisis is further affecting this already vulnerable group.
This invisible but essential part of our workforce is now becoming visible through the work of being the oaks of righteousness Isaiah prophesied about. It only takes a few minutes of listening to these activists’ testimony to see that God is central to this work and provides these dynamic women with the courage they need to organize. When members of DWU do educational/outreach sessions, they do more preaching than speech giving; one member is currently studying to become a minister.
Historically, domestic workers have been excluded from legal protections and face long hours, low pay, and no benefits. So DWU is advocating for the passage of a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which would:
guarantee basic work standards and protections: time-and-a-half for every hour worked over 40 hours per week; one day off per 7-day calendar week; and other basic employee rights that most of us take for granted. The bill provides a means of enforcing these standards in court.
As a progressive Christian movement continues to solidify, it is exciting — but we must not stop at “preaching the good news to the poor,” because that is only half of the prophet Isaiah’s message. Now we need to move into the second part of this word: standing beside the poor as they become oaks of righteousness and speak for themselves.
One way to do this is to support DWU’s work in one of these practical ways:
- Speak to your church or organization about, and have it endorse, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. For info, visit www.domesticworkersunited.org.
- Give information about DWU to a domestic worker you know, in church or out.
- If you employ domestic workers, practice fair labor practices.
- Volunteer for, intern with, or donate to DWU.
Onleilove Alston is a former Beatitudes Society Fellow at Sojourners. She serves on the Servant Leadership Team of NY Faith & Justice, is a nominated Poverty Scholar and a Faithful Democrats Fellow.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tonight's the Night
The first meeting of our Summer House Gatherings is TONIGHT!!!!
When: 6:30-9:30pm
Where: 610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd.
Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Bring $5 for Luke Manuscript. Purchase used copy of Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster on Amazon.com for as low as $4!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Did You Know...
Monday, June 8, 2009
House Gathering Updates
Summer House Gatherings
Every Wednesday in June and July
@ 6:30-9:30pm
610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd.
Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Pot-luck dinner! Bring a dish, beverage, or dessert. Purchase used copy of Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster on Amazon.com for as low as $4!
Brooklyn/Harlem House Gathering - Summer Celebration
Saturday, June 20 @ 5pm
The Great Hill, Central Park - Near 105th and Adam Clayton Powell (7th Ave)
Join us for the combined house Gathering with Radical Living, Harlem House and New York Faith & Justice to celebrate the longest day of the year, welcome summer and most of all pray for the Domestic Workers United (DWU) as they seek to be Oaks of Righteousness and advocate for a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!
(Take the C/B Train (sometimes the A is local on weekends) to 110th St and walk
up the hill entering through the north-west corner of central park. You won't be able to miss us ;p.)
What to bring: A dish, snack, or beverage, and a blanket or chair.
RSVP by Friday, June 20 by emailing Fred Mow at Fred Mow@rifton.com, Sharaya Tindal at Stindal@cfthomeless.org, or Onleilove Alston at OAlston@nyfaithjustice.org.
Every Wednesday in June and July
@ 6:30-9:30pm
610 W. 152 Street, Apt. 52
(Take the 1 train to 145th St. and walk north to 152nd.
Turn left and go to 610 W. 152nd. Ring buzzer for Apt. 52.)
Pot-luck dinner! Bring a dish, beverage, or dessert. Purchase used copy of Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster on Amazon.com for as low as $4!
Brooklyn/Harlem House Gathering - Summer Celebration
Saturday, June 20 @ 5pm
The Great Hill, Central Park - Near 105th and Adam Clayton Powell (7th Ave)
Join us for the combined house Gathering with Radical Living, Harlem House and New York Faith & Justice to celebrate the longest day of the year, welcome summer and most of all pray for the Domestic Workers United (DWU) as they seek to be Oaks of Righteousness and advocate for a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights!
(Take the C/B Train (sometimes the A is local on weekends) to 110th St and walk
up the hill entering through the north-west corner of central park. You won't be able to miss us ;p.)
What to bring: A dish, snack, or beverage, and a blanket or chair.
RSVP by Friday, June 20 by emailing Fred Mow at Fred Mow@rifton.com, Sharaya Tindal at Stindal@cfthomeless.org, or Onleilove Alston at OAlston@nyfaithjustice.org.
Voices From the Past
It has been said that the Devil has many faces, the same could be said about injustice. Violence is one of those faces that is well known in NYC as well as the country at large. The police shooting last week in East Harlem is the latest example to shine a spotlight on the problem that haunts our communities. Robert Kennedy spoke about the “Mindless Menace of Violence” in Cleveland, Ohio on April 5, 1968...the day after Martin Luther King, Jr was shot. Take a moment and listen to RFK’s powerful words.
Save the Date
Wanna spend a day having a deep impact for justice in NYC? Well, on Thursday, June 18 two events have been set up to do just that.
Start the day with a prayer vigil on the steps of City Hall for food justice in NYC...
Join us as we pray for a just and sustainable food system for NYC.
Email Ayannias@nyccah.org to RSVP, or contact Alexandra Yannias @ 212.825.0028.
...and end the day with an offering of letters to our elected officials!
Come hear stories of food injustice and its effects in our city and our schools. Then take action. Put pen to paper and let Mayor Bloomberg and your congressional representatives know you want them to do everything possible to create a just and sustainable food systems for our city and our nation.
To RSVP email mdunbar@nyfaithjustice.org or contact Matt Dunbar at 212.870.2219.
Start the day with a prayer vigil on the steps of City Hall for food justice in NYC...
Faith Leaders for Environmental Justice
Invites you to
An Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Food Justice
Thursday, June 18, 2009 @ 9am
Steps of City Hall
Warren Ave (between Center and Broadway)
(DIRECTIONS: Take the A/C/E to Chambers, 2/3 to Park Pl, N/R/W to City Hall,
or 4/5/6/J/M to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall)
Join us as we pray for a just and sustainable food system for NYC.
Email Ayannias@nyccah.org to RSVP, or contact Alexandra Yannias @ 212.825.0028.
...and end the day with an offering of letters to our elected officials!
NY Faith & Justice
invites you to
An Offering of Letters for Food Justice
Thursday, June 18, 2009
7pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
(521 w. 126th Street, btwn Broadway and Amsterdam)
(DIRECTIONS: Take the A to 125th Street. Walk west a couple of blocks on 125th to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn left. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the right.
Or take the 1 to 125th Street. Walk east one block on 125th to Old Broadway. Turn left. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn right. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the left.)
(521 w. 126th Street, btwn Broadway and Amsterdam)
(DIRECTIONS: Take the A to 125th Street. Walk west a couple of blocks on 125th to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn left. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the right.
Or take the 1 to 125th Street. Walk east one block on 125th to Old Broadway. Turn left. Walk one block north to 126th. Turn right. Walk 1/2 block to St. Mary's Church on the left.)
Come hear stories of food injustice and its effects in our city and our schools. Then take action. Put pen to paper and let Mayor Bloomberg and your congressional representatives know you want them to do everything possible to create a just and sustainable food systems for our city and our nation.
To RSVP email mdunbar@nyfaithjustice.org or contact Matt Dunbar at 212.870.2219.
Justice Countdown
Only 23 days left in the "Just One Day" campaign to do justice! How have you performed an act of justice? We want to hear. By sharing you might inspire someone else. So, let us know!
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