Community Art Exhibit

"Diversity in Community" Exhibit

Opening Reception

January 19th, 3-5pm

St. John's Lutheran Church

Old York Rd. & Melrose Ave.

Melrose Park

“Diversity in Community” Juried Exhibition

(collaborative show)

January 19-February 09

Cheltenham Center for the Arts and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Melrose Park, collaborative juried art exhibit highlighting the diversity in the Cheltenham area.

Exhibit to be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Old York Road & Melrose Ave., Melrose Park, PA

Cheltenham Center for the Arts nurtures the creative spirit of the community through instruction in the visual and dramatic arts, exhibitions and theater performances Home of the Cheltenham Clay Guild, Print Guild, ACX, MamaCita and Action Arts Theater.

Office/Gallery Hours:

Mon, Wed & Fri: 9am-5pm

Tue, Thur: 9am-8pm

Sat.: 9am-1pm

Cheltenham Art Center439 Ashbourne Rd.Cheltenham, PA 19012Phone: (215) 379-4660Fax: (215) 663-1946Email: info@cheltenhamarts.org

Community Health Needs

Next PUMI Event

This Saturday

January 19
10 until 2

Addressing Our Community’s Health Needs

Many people living in urban and suburban
communities cannot afford health insurance and therefore go without the necessary medical care that they need. Some of these people are children and many are older adults.
At the next PUMI workshop we will learn of things that our churches might do and of ministries
already providing medical care to the uninsured.

Nevi White, from Jefferson Health Systems
Community Partnership Division will lead our discussion.

The workshop is FREE!
There will be a $5 charge for lunch.

All are welcome!!!

The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown
35 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-843-8811

Preventing Gun Violence

"Preventing Gun Violence-Things Everyone Can Do to Protect their Loved Ones and their Communities"


On Saturday, January 19, 2008, the Germantown Jewish Centre presents a program open to the community regarding the prevention of gun violence. The keynote presentation, begins at 12:45 PM in the Charry Sanctuary, and is entitled: "Preventing Gun Violence-Things Everyone Can Do to Protect their Loved Ones and their Communities."

The speaker will be Diane Edbril, Executive Director of CeaseFire PA. While this program will be presented from a Jewish perspective, the issues we face are universal to all Americans.

The program will be held at the Germantown Jewish Centre located at 400 West Ellet Street at Lincoln Drive in Mt. Airy. It is open to the public and community members of all faiths, races and cultures are encouraged to join the Centre in learning about these critical issues our country is now facing. No reservations are needed; however, if you know in advance that you will be attending, please R.S.V.P. to the Centre at (215) 844-1507, ext 0.

The Ralph Granger Memorial honors Ralph Granger, a respected and well-loved former custodian of the Germantown Jewish Centre. Mr. Granger was a Christian African-American who was known for his dignity,
and his dedication and love for the Centre. During his lifetime, he served as a role model to the Germantown Jewish Centre's community for valuing and respecting differences in others. The Granger Memorial continues
to pay tribute to his memory, while focusing on current social issues pertinent to the larger communities in which we live.

The keynote speaker, Diane Edbril, is the Executive Director of CeaseFire PA. Edbril is a graduate of the Rockefeller College of Public Policy at the State University of New York at Albany, and earned her Juris Doctor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She spent nine years practicing criminal law in NYC, half that time as an assistant district attorney, before relocating to Pennsylvania. As an Assistant District Attorney Diane gained invaluable insight into the causes and fallout of gun violence, which formed the basis for her interest in the field of gun policy. She is one of the founders of CeaseFire PA, and has been on staff with the organization since 2002.

Please join us for an informative presentation. For more information or directions, please contact the Germantown Jewish Centre office at (215) 844-1507, ext. 0.
# # #

Rachel GrossExecutive DirectorGermantown Jewish Centre400 West Ellet StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19119tel: 215.844.1507, x12fax: 215.844.8309 director@germantownjewishcentre.org

A Day On Not Off #4

Sunday and Monday as part of the MLK Day of Service projects.

An effort to clean, paint and improve two Germantown institutions!

Fitler School and Happy Hollow Recreation Center.

We need your help as a volunteer but if you cannot join us, I hope that you will send a contribution to pay for materials and supplies.

On Sunday, January 20, 2008, we will descend on Fitler School (corner of Knox and Seymour Streets), 9am - 2pm.

Fitler School principal, Mrs. Jones, is excited about our efforts to make her school glow. We will be joined by some of her teachers, parents and schoolkids. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

On Monday, January 21, 2008, we will be at it again, this time at the Happy Hollow Recreation Center (corner of Wayne Avenue and Logan Street), 9am - 2pm.

We will be joined by members of the Happy Hollow Advisory Council who are eager to get to work. Breakfast and lunch will again be served.

If you cannot help this year (or even if you can), please send a check, however large or small, to pay for the supplies and materials that are required. Checks should be made payable to "Village of Mt. Airy" a 501(c)3 non profit and sent to my office at 5219 Germantown Avenue. To date, we have raised only $200 (from Scott Engel and Dennis McCarthy, thanks!) which is significantly short of the $2,000 that we need to accomplish our service projects.

Many thanks to our community partners: Germantown Jewish Centre, Unitarian Society of Germantown, Trolley Car Diner & Deli and Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM). Without them, three schools and four recreation centers would not have received a make over during the past five years! Any questions or to RSVP, please contact Ben Waxman at (215) 848-1133 x208 or brwaxman@gmail.com.

A Day On Not Off #3

*Brotherly Love Urban Youth Services*

5619 Germantown Ave., 2nd Floor

Phila., PA 19144

If you would like to participate please call (215) 438-9808 or email: youthbiz@bluys.org

A Day On Not Off #2

Making Philadelphia Safe

PhillyBlocks Town Meeting

Monday, January 21st, 9:30-Noon

Germantown High School, 40 E High St.

A Project of Martin Luther King's Day of Service

Main Speakers:
Ed Schwartz, Chair, Institute for the Study of Civic Values
Mayor Michael Nutter (Invited-Working Out Schedule)
Congressman Chaka Fattah
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey
Sandra Dungee Glenn, Chair, School Reform Commission
Anthony Murphy, Philadelphia Town Watch
Bilal Qayuum, Men United for a Better Philadelphia
Beth Grossman, District Attorney's Public Nuisance Task Force
Peter Solomon, Philadelphia Fight, Former Research Director, Probation Department
Harriet Spencer, Mayor's Office of Prisoner Reentry
Waheeda Shabazz, Philadelphia County Coalition for Prison
Donna Reed Miller, Chair, City Council Committee on Public Safety
State Senator Leanna Washington
State Representative John Myers State
Representative Cherelle Parker

Key Issues:
How do we reduce crime--especially crime that we see every day at specific locations in our neighborhoods? How do we reduce the number of people who commit crime--through effective probation and successful prisoner reentry?

Register Now: Make Philadelphia Safe Town Meeting Or call 215-238-1434

A Day On Not Off

Monday's MLK Day of Service

Are you sick and tired of being overrun with pests in your home and over-exposed to pesticides?

It’s not just your problem – a safe and secure home is an environmental justice issue.

We CAN do something about it!

Receive training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and learn how to safely and effectively manage pests in your home and advocate for a healthy community.

• Reduce Asthma
• Protect your Family’s Health
• Avoid Toxic Chemicals

When: MLK Day, Monday, January 21st from 8:45am to 1pm
Where: Germantown High School at Germantown Avenue and High Street (entrance on High St., room TBA)
How: Register for this workshop and service project by calling 215-843-5600 ext.105 or emailing aguarneri@nim-phila.org.


SIGN UP NOW and receive a kit with tools for less-toxic pest management and green cleaning products!

Environmental Justice: A Call to Action

Reaching a Milestone:
25th Annual Northwest Community
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ
Stenton & Ogontz Avenues, Philadelphia
3:30 — 5:00
followed by fellowship and refreshments

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray
Associate Professor of African American Studies; Director, Urban Theological Institute; teaching a course in the Theology of Dr. King

Two Community Voices:
Highlighting Environmental Challenges that we can help meet
Rev. Jesse Brown, community activist
Dion Lerman, Environmental Health Program Specialist

Germantown High School Drumline
Settlement Music School Combined Choir
Mt. Airy COGIC Mime
Civil Rights Musical Jubilee, led by Tobie Hoffman

Looking Back: A Brief Retrospective
Stanley Diamond, co-founder of this Celebration in 1984
Certificates of Appreciation to the congregations who have hosted so far, including Germantown Jewish Centre, our host for 21 years

Information Tables Displaying
Environmental Justice Programs

An Event for Teens and Parents

FREE - FOOD - FUN – PRIZES - SURPRISES

Mt. Airy, USA’s

Neighborhood Partnership Program

Presents

Mt. Airy Matters to Youth: Getting Ready for the “Real World”
An Event for Teens and Parents

At

Cliveden

6401 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Saturday December 1, 2007, 10:00 AM to1:00 PM

Call today to reserve your spot 215-844-6021

Free Continental Breakfast

• Choices and Values – Getting Ready for the “Real World”…Charles Patton, Concerned Black Men
  Why do you choose what you choose? What do you value and Why?
  Peer Pressure, Avoidance, Instant Gratification, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values.
  
• College Financial Aid Information………………………... Marie Onwuachi, MEE Productions
  Learn about the variety of federal and state student aid available for education and training beyond high school. A must for college-bound students and parents.
• Youth Entrepreneurship – Summer Youth Employment…… Terri Rivera, The Business Center
  Making your own money. . . Find out how.
  Learn about business; maybe even start your own.
  
  
  Free Lunch - Catered By Point of Destination Cafe

Local Pastor Published

Congratulations to Rev. Ernie Flores, who was just honored for completing ten years as pastor at Second Baptist Church, has now published a book of sermons, Tempted to Leave the Cross: Renewing the Call to Discipleship.

Here are some ways to check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/Tempted-Leave-Cross-Renewing-Discipleship/dp/0817015248/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195499600&sr=1-3

http://judsonpress.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=Ernest+Flores&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1

Loan $25 to change lives through Kiva.org

Kiva.org allows individuals to make $25 loans to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world (microfinance). By doing so, individuals like you provide affordable working capital for the poor (money to buy a sewing machine, livestock, etc.), empowering them to earn their way out of poverty.

It's a new, direct and sustainable way to fight global poverty, and the way I see it, I get a higher return on $25 helping someone build a future than the interest my checking account pays.

Anyways, if you have a minute, please check out the site: http://kiva.org/. If you need more "reputable" validation than my recommendation :), know that they have received great press in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal to NPR to BusinessWeek.

Bowling Against Bullets - Fri. Nov 30th!

The Institute for the Study of Civic Values (ISCV) hopes you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to support organizations fighting against gun violence. Proceeds from the event below will benefit the following ISCV programs including PhillyCorps, ISCV’s parent volunteer/welfare-to-work program; YouthRAP (the Youth Urban Renewal Arts Program), a youth driven after-school program focused on art therapy and civic education, and http://www.phillyneighborhoods.org/, the Institute’s website with Philadelphia neighborhood resources at your fingertips!

Lucky Strike Lanes is the place to be on Friday, November 30th!

Music...Free Food...Bowling...Drinks...and more...

What more could ask for on a Friday night!?

Bowling against Bullets
Presented by 3bg Marketing Solutions
A fundraiser benefiting organization working to address gun violence in Philadelphia

8pm to Midnight
Lucky Strike Lanes at 1336 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
21+ Dress code enforced

Please let us know if you will be attending and that you discovered the event on Phillyblocks!

Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Purchase tickets online

(http://www.ticketleap.com/Member/EventDetail.aspx/event_id/7CF3DF13-D6E8-40EE-87EE-8A4E79C6E0A)


Call Audrey at 215-238-1434 for more information. Hope to see you on the 30th.

Audrey Ann Ross
Community Outreach Coordinator
Institute for the Study of Civic Values
1218 Chestnut Street, Suite 702
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-238-1434
http://www.phillyneighborh/oods.org

Help with Clean Energy Bills in Harrisburg

Dear friend in faith,

As you may be aware, an important and urgently needed set of bills is under consideration in Harrisburg. Collectively known as The Energy Independence Strategy, this legislation would move Pennsylvania towards a cleaner energy future. A major benefit of this shift would be a serious reduction in global warming pollution from Pennsylvania. (Our state creates more global warming pollution than 105 developing countries combined. It's high time we act.) It's critical that the clean energy legislation gets enacted by the State Legislature before winter break. Your voice in this process can make the difference we need.

Aware that you have many demands on your time, especially at this time of year, I nevertheless ask for your help. We need to submit letters to the editor in papers large and small across the state to keep the energy issue front and center in Harrisburg. As you likely know, the opinion page is one of the most read pages of the newspaper, and it's certainly one your State Representative and his or her staff pay attention to regularly.

The Pa. Interfaith Climate Change Campaign is working closely with PennFuture on this project. If you can volunteer a few minutes to sign and send a letter to the editor of your local paper, please e-mail Heather Sage of PennFuture at sage@pennfuture.org or 412-258-6681 as soon as possible. She has draft letters ready to go, and can walk you through the submission process. It's surprisingly easy.

Thank you for your interest in global warming,
Joy Bergey, Project Director
Pennsylvania Interfaith Climate Change Campaign
215-836-5978
joybergey@earthlink.net

Ten Thousand Villages Holiday Gift Sale

Bring your ethics to the marketplace......

Shop for Holiday Gifts
With
NW Phila. Interfaith Hospitality Network (NPIHN)

Thursday December 6th 5 to 9 PM

at

Ten Thousand Villages
8331 Germantown Ave.

Buy beautiful fair-trade gifts.

Make a double difference!

Help artists and help homeless families at the same time!

Enjoy refreshments and shop with great people.
15% of your purchase will be donated to NPIHN.

For more information contact NPIHN 215-247-4663 ext 137

ONE Citizen Advocacy Training

The Philadelphia area is home to one of the strongest ONE volunteer bases in the country. This means that ONE members like you have an exceptional opportunity to organize and impact the political process to help end poverty.

I want to invite you to our ONE Citizen Advocacy Training in Philadelphia to help you take the next step in bringing your community together to fight poverty.

Sign up for the Philadelphia ONE volunteer training that I'll be leading at 2007 Frankford Ave (above Circle Thrift Shop) on December 8.

At the training, we'll talk about the ONE and what it takes to bring the fight against global poverty to your community, to your elected officials, and to candidates. It'll also be a great chance to meet other ONE volunteers from all over the Philadelphia area.

I look forward to seeing you next weekend!

Thanks,
Ranna Lanagan, ONE Field Coordinator
P.S. Send this invitation to any friends in Philadelphia that you think might be interested.

J-Term Course in Milwaukee Syllabus

Leadership for Urban Ministry
January 5 – January 15, 2008
ICS255C

Description: The 26 congregations of the Milwaukee Coalition and ecumenical partners provide the setting for this seminar in cooperative urban ministry. Through dialog with congregational leaders, introduction to the arts of congregation based organizing and participation in a variety of ministry settings, students will explore leadership models for rostered and lay leadership. Particular attention will be given to ministry among people in poverty, anti-racism work and justice ministries. Participants will do theological reflection with local mentors and write a formal theological reflection paper for course credit.

Pre-reading and two pre-session meetings are required.

Rationale: The power of community organizing to effect change has been well documented and the ELCA has been a strong proponent of Faith Based Community Organizing as a means to connect congregations and the communities in which they are located in order to transform both. Even Jesus could well be described as the ultimate community organizer – practicing one-on-ones, speaking truth to power, holding people accountable and agitating for justice.

This 10-day intensive will offer educational components focusing on the theological, historical, pastoral and socio-political nature of Faith Based Community Organizing and support future professional leaders to become better equipped to lead their congregations and communities to become places of transformation.

Course Objectives:
Students will

• Think theologically about public leadership and the role of self, congregation and denomination in public settings


• Learn about and experience an existing successful model of collaborative public leadership


• Analyze the systemic issues affecting people, institutions and communities in poverty


• Name the power structures for good and ill that affect people, congregations and communities to work for justice and transformation


• Gain knowledge of history of Faith Based Community Organizing, MICHAH and denominational urban ministry strategies


• How to balance roles of service and advocacy, congregation and community, agitation and compromise


• How to minister in the midst of change/transformation

Course Structure:
Course is open to a maximum of 7 students who will spend 10 days in Milwaukee, Wisconsin working and learning with students from Wartburg Seminary and members of the Milwaukee Coalition (MICAH)

Pre-reading prior to the trip will focus on Faith Based Community Organizing, MICAH, and Transformational Ministry

Two “pre-session” meetings will be held in Dec. prior to the trip will work on creating community among LTSP students, discussing expectations and reviewing trip details.

Students will spend 6-8 hours per day working with local faith leaders gaining an introduction to the arts of congregation based organizing and participation in a variety of ministry settings.

Students will explore leadership models for rostered and lay leadership in diverse urban settings.

Students will have an opportunity to experience various places of worship to see the diversity of congregations, worship styles and ministry settings.

With the assistance of mentors from MICAH congregations, debriefing sessions will be held throughout the 10 days to help seminarians process their experience through theological reflection.

Particular attention will be given to ministry among people in poverty, anti-racism work and justice ministries.

Requirements:

1. Completion of and reflection on assigned readings, as evidenced in #2-4. It is expected that students will complete assigned readings before the session for which the readings are assigned.


2. Regular attendance and appropriate informed participation. Grade +/-


3. One five- to seven-page theological reflection on any of the readings in dialogue with experiences during immersion, due 2/29. Grade A-F (65%).


4. One five- to seven-page case study on a congregation (either from Milwaukee, Field Ed, Internship or your home congregation) in dialogue with readings, especially Robust Congregations, Can This Church Live? and Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing, due 2/29. Grade A-F (35%)
   This may be combined with #3 into one paper.


5. A journal of notes on and responses to readings including thoughts on future ministry use, due 2/29 Grade +/-


6. Class participation and journal may raise or lower grade.

Textbooks (most are on reserve in the library):

§ Bible (recommended: The New Oxford Annotated Bible OR Harper's Study Bible).

§ Robust Church Development, Mike Regele, Church Innovations, 2003 (RCD)

§ Can This Church Live? By Donald L. Matthews, Pilgrim Press, (CTCL)

§ Cooperating Congregations: Portraits of Mission Strategies. Gilson A.C. Waldkoening and William O Avery. Alban Institute, 1999. (CC)

§ Churches, Cities, and Human Community: Urban Ministry in the United States, 1945-1985, Clifford Green, Ed. (CCHC)

§ Renewing Congregations: The Contribution of Faith Based Community Organizing, Interfaith Funders and the University of New Mexico, (RC)

§ Works by Coalition authors

o A Church of the People: Strategies of Urban Ministry, self-published, 1997. Available for purchase during course from author, Pastor Mick Roschke, Reformation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee (ACP)

o Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing by Dennis A. Jacobsen, Augsburg Fortress. (DJ)

o Let the Glory of the Lord Rise Among Us: Growing a Church in the Heart of the City by Greg Van Dunk. Augsburg Fortress, 2002. (LGLR)

Short articles may be distributed for reading and consideration in mentor groups during the immersion.

A. Introductory Matters – Katie Day and Terri Youngblut
Monday, 12/3 Over lunch introduction to the course; Syllabus and expectations; textbooks; recommended readings

B. Community Building - Katie Day and Terri Youngblut
Thursday, 12/13 7:30-9 at KD’s
Read: CCHC, pp 123-150 Non-ELCA students may choose an additional chapter relevant to their denomination; ACP, chapters 1-3; and CC Chapter 4, Milwaukee Strategy, pp. 111-146.

C. Immersion - Terri Youngblut and/or Amy Reumann, Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA
Saturday, 1/5 to Tuesday, 1/15 Read: LGLR, RCD, RC, CTCL, DJ

2008 January Term Immersion Schedule (subject to change before 1/5/2008)

Saturday, January 5
Arrival by 2:00 and Orientation Neighborhood Walk in All Peoples area
Dinner with Coalition Leaders

Sunday, January 6
Worship in Congregations
Coalition-Wide Epiphany Worship Service

Monday, January 7
Reflection Groups
Intro to CBO/One on One Training
Repairers of the Breach – Ministry with the Homeless

Tuesday, January 8
Anti-Racism Work - Lutheran Human Relations Association
Neighborhood Ministry and Tuesday Praise at Hephatha
Coalition-Wide Confirmation

Wednesday, January 9
Reflection Groups
Black Holocaust Museum
Bread of Healing Clinic at Cross
Wednesday Night Alive at All Peoples OR Kuji Kids Café OR Unity Soup Kitchen

Thursday, January 10
Grief Support Group, Community Bible Study and Neighborhood Ministry at Reformation
Evening Free

Friday, January 11
Kujichagulia Lutheran Center
CHOICES Training
Evening Free

Saturday, January 12
Hispanic Ministry at Faith/Santa Fe
Holy Ground Action (Congregation-Based Organizing)
Evening Free

Sunday, January 13
Worship in Congregations
Coalition Party

Monday, January 14
TBA
Serenity Inns – Addictions and Recovery Ministry

Tuesday, January 15
TBA
Coalition Meeting, Sending Worship and depart at 2:00
OR Option to stay overnight Wednesday, January 16

D. Reflection - Katie Day and/or Terri Youngblut
Thursday, 1/17 Lunch discussion, debriefing, and Q&A on papers

E. The Paper - Katie Day and/or Terri Youngblut
Thursday, 2/7 Follow-up lunch discussion, debriefing and Q&A for those who missed 1/17 or those who still have questions

Winter Clothing Drive

The Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman-at-Large

and Radio One Praise Inspiration Station (103.9)

Present

The 8th Annual Warmth in Winter Holiday Drive for Philadelphia's Homeless Children

Drop off your NEW mittens, NEW gloves, NEW hats and NEW scarves for children ages Newborn to 12 years old between now and Friday, December 7th, 2007.


The LTSP Drop-Off box is currently located in the Lull Lounge of the Brossman Center.


This initiative is a partnership with Radio One, Moxie Women, PHILADELPHIA Reads, The Department of Human Services, The Philadelphia Area Knit Out, and UrbanPhilly.com. For more info contact Luz B. Colon, Program Coordinator at (215) 626-3438

World AIDS Day

Join the SEPA Synod Aids Awareness Network as we celebrate

World Aids Day

A Service of Holy Communion and Litany of Healing

December 1, 3 p.m.

Reformation Lutheran Church

1217 Vernon Road, Philadelphia

HIV Education Forum for youth and young adults beginning at 1 p.m.

Service beginning at 3 p.m.

Bishop Claire Burkat will preside, and the sermon will be delivered by Pr. Bruce Davidson.

Unequal Justice

Correcting the System of Unequal Justice:

A Covenant with the Northwest Community Forum

Unitarian Society of Germantown in Philadelphia

6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA

(Parking in rear of church on Johnson Street between Wayne Avenue and Greene Street)

Monday, November 12, 2007

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

$5 suggested donation to help defray the costs

Registration is Recommended - Space is Limited.

6:30-7:00 PM Registration

7:00-7:15 PM Welcome

7:15-7:30 PM Justice in Philadelphia? Overview

7:30-8:00 PM Agenda Setting 8:00-8:45 PM Roundtable Discussions

8:45-9:00 PM Call to Action and Closing Circle

To RSVP, please visit Unequal Justice Town Meeting, e-mail Covenant or call the office at 215.843.6333.

Correcting the System of Unequal Justice

With this discussion on "Correcting the System of Unequal Justice," MALT continues its productive town meetings based on the best-selling book, The Covenant with Black America, edited by Tavis Smiley. In his introduction to the chapter detailing the numerous actions individuals and groups must take to change the justice system, expert James Bell notes that, "Today. . .there is a. . . damaging perception of poor black people that has resulted in a cradle-to-prison superhighway." Share your passion in improving the justice system and learn about what others are doing to achieve fairness and equity.

To get the evening started, attorney Jim Pabarue will give a brief overview of the local justice system. Representatives of several prominent organizations fighting to change the status quo will talk about their activities. Participants will have time for discussion with the presenters and to identify undertakings they choose to support. The goal of the evening is to help individuals discover what they can do to right the wrongs of an unequal justice system and match them with organizations already doing that work.

Attorney Jim Pabarue is a founding partner at the Philadelphia law firm of Christie, Pabarue, Mortensen and Young, P.C. In 1978, he began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia and tried hundreds of non-jury and jury trials. As an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, he was lead counsel on a number of high profile cases, including a municipal corruption case involving bribery of Philadelphia School District officials. In private practice, Mr. Pabarue has also represented individuals in federal grand jury investigations, including the "Filegate" investigation headed by Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr. Philadelphia Magazine has named Mr. Pabarue as one of Pennsylvania's Super Lawyers for the last three consecutive years.

MALT extends sincere thanks to First United Methodist Church of Germantown for its continued support and for generously underwriting the MALT - Covenant with Black America project. We also extend sincere thanks to Unitarian Society of Germantown for hosting the event.

About MALT Founded in Philadelphia in 1980, Mt. Airy Learning Tree (MALT) is a community-based non-profit corporation committed to the value of life-long learning and contributing to the welfare of our community. Our mission is to enrich Mt. Airy and the broader Northwest Philadelphia Community through inexpensive educational programs in non-traditional classroom settings throughout community. Mt. Airy Learning Tree 6601 Greene Street Philadelphia PA 19119info@mtairylearningtree.org Phone: 215-843-6333 215-843-6655 (FAX) http://www.mtairylearningtree.org/

Bowl-a-thon

Bowl-a-thon November 3rd.

The Philadelphia Chapter of Thrivent is hosting this fundraiser

on behalf of our Thrivent Builds (Habitat for Humanity) project.

If your church is planning to send bowlers to this event let Rene Tucker (naytuck@verizon.net or 215-224-1954) know whether you can participate and the number of bowlers you anticipate bringing.



Thank you again for your support of the Thrivent Builds activities.

Faith, Justice and the Environment

Published in the Mt. Airy Times -

NW congregations discuss environmental justice
By Charing A.Ball; Staff Writer

Religious leaders and environmentalists convened last Thursday, October 18, for a panel discussion on how religious leaders can influence their congregations to work universally to improve quality of life for all people, whatever their religious denomination may be.The panel discussion, entitled "Faith, Justice and the Environment," was jointly sponsored by the Northwest Interfaith Movement, the Cecilian Center for Earth, Arts, and Spirit, and Sustaining Creation, Protecting God's Creation for God's Children. It bought nearly 30 local residents and members from many faiths to the Second Baptist Church of Germantown, Germantown Avenue and Upsal Street, for frank talk about how environmental concerns should be treated as social injustice. "There is definitely a connection between social justice and environmental justice," said Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, director of the Cecilian Center for Earth, Arts and Spirit. "Humans are related to the creation of the earth, which we believe are one and the same. We believe that if the Earth is sick, so are we. And its time that we all have a calling to working on these environmental issues and make the connection that without the Earth, there is no us."

At the core of the panel discussion was a belief that science and faith have finally come in line in terms of the importance of preserving the Earth and its environment. The goal of the discussion was to inspire attendees to take a message back to their home congregations; that environmental issues are just as much a spiritual crisis as a material one.To help them achieve that goal, attendees received an "Environmental Toolkit," which included spiritual reflections, volunteer opportunities and ideas for action."Faith has caught up with science in that we are all one with the earth," said Clark. "At the Cecilian Center we teach this through arts, healing spirits and alternative living. However, we have to collectively begin to teach green living as not just a campaign but a means to an end."

According to Joy Bergey, a representative from PennFutures and a member of the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, in order to understand how individuals could work toward justice in environmental issues, they must first define "injustice.""Environmental injustice is best defined by environmental damage or destruction which disproportionately effects a portion of society which is not getting the benefit of what is being done and doesn't have the resources to get out of the way," she said.The displacement of thousands after Hurricane Katrina is a perfect example of this, said Bergey. Another example is poor air quality and high rates of asthma in predominately minority and poor communities, which she charged is not only the result of the federal government's failed energy policy but was also a universal failure in morality."If you do something that is intentional and it's hurting others and you know it's hurting people, than I would say that you are morally wrong," she said.And while alternative fuels and green options including recycling and conservation have become more prevalent in mainstream culture, Bergey said, she believes the country as a whole still remains behind the curve as those options tend to exclude or do not provide benefits to the people who are most effected.Instead, she said, we should be focusing on "green building," which would create more "green jobs" that not would not only help the environment but also fuel the economy.

Dion Lerman, an environmental health program specialist for thePennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program and a member of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, stated that many health disparities are caused by the deterioration of the environment and said that research has linked people's health risk to factors such as poverty, the age of buildings and vacant properties, and the high presence of pests and pesticide exposure, which he said effects indoor air quality.Using Germantown Avenue for example, he said that communities in Chestnut Hill, which have a 0.5 percent vacancy rate, have only two reported cases of lead poisoning and 56 cases of pesticide exposure, whereas communities in Germantown, which has an 18 percent vacancy rate, have 66 cases of lead poisoning and 139 cases of pesticide exposure reported."The biggest indicator is housing stock," he said. "When you have vacant properties, you also have pests such as roaches and mice, which we know carry diseases and increase the percentage of chance that you will get sick. Basically, what this research shows is if you have money, than you don't have problems but if you don't, the chances are you do."Lerman said that factors such as poverty, availability of health care and fresh fruits and vegetables are also factors and have been linked to other diseases such as asthma and cancer in majority minority and poor communities. However, he said that the number one root cause is a feeling of disempowerment, which he said could also contribute to mental health issues."Basically we are talking about people who have been systematically robbed of power and beat down to the point that they feel they can do nothing about it.""The remedy is to develop programs that empower the community to take action in demanding that their neighborhoods are environmentally safe," he said.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, for example, is one organization that offers community-geared programs that help to push the "green" agenda, according to Claire Baker, organizer of the PHS's City Harvest program. Through the City Harvest program, residents are taught community organic gardening on 22 vacant lots throughout the city.~ Each year, it is estimated that this program provides over 7,700 pounds of vegetables to the 122,000 low-income families throughout the area."Food access is a major issue for a lot of people in this city and there are communities that don't have convenient access to grocery stores. This is one of the benefits of this program: we are not only able to teach people how to grow their own food, we are also able to supply 22 food cupboards and 440 families with vital produce to maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Baker.Joe Walsh, a volunteer through the City Harvest program, said that he too would like to see similar programs on the 31,000 vacant lots throughout the city as it would help to turn back the great environmental injustice that many poor communities are facing. He also said that any change in mindset would have to begin with the congregations.

"Studies have shown that people look towards their churches for guidance in their lives and there is plenty of things that we as religious people can do that are low-cost and have a high impact, including beginning green lots of their own or creating green sanctuaries," he said. "We all have to understand that when it seems like there is nothing you can do, the reality is there is something we all can do. We just have to do it."

Musical Instruments Needed

From Central Germantown Council Director Rev. LeRoi Simmons

Could you spread the word at your churches, synagogues, book clubs, etc... that Germantown High School needs instruments? Especially flutes and clarinets. Our demand has exceeded our supply. We would be happy to provide a letter stating the instrument was donated so people could use it as a tax write-off. Spread the word to your friends and relatives! We can have them fixed if they're not working.

Thanks, Elisabeth D'Alessandro
Music Director
Germantown High School

Mt. Airy First Friday!

Focus on Local

Discover Mt. Airy this week at First Friday!

November 2nd, 2007

This Friday is the First Friday of the month, and that means it's time for Mt. Airy First Friday! Below are details of some of the events planned (Click the links for more details). Be sure and come out to show your support for local businesses. This First Friday promises to be an exciting one.

November's main event is a new one called Focus on Local. The event showcases all the local stores, restaurants, services, arts and food that make Mt. Airy such a wonderful place to live.Mt. Airy

Focus on Local Month November 1st - 30th


Mt. Airy First Friday Events:

Amoeba Art Shop7174 Germantown Avenue215 242-45686pm - 9pmLocal artist Mira Elwell shows her mixed media collage assemblages at Amoeba Art Shop. Mira works at Big Blue Marble Bookstore. The show runs from November 2nd -30th. Opening reception Friday, November 2nd 6-9pm, in conjunction with Mt. Airy First Friday. Click here for more information

Artista 7151 1/2 Germantown Avenue215-248-2450 6pm - 8:30pmArtista will host a trunk show on Friday November 2, from 5-8 p.m., Tom Leonard, children's book illustrator, will be on hand for a book signing, along with Maribel Beas who will be showing her line OF Renattoni's children's clothing designs. The show will continue through Saturday, November 3, from ll a.m. to 5 p.m. where you can see Renatonni's exciting new creations!

Eye Institute of Mt. Airy7145 Germantown Avenue215 248-60405:00-8:30pmCome in for a free vision screening and discounts on select frames and refreshments.

InFusion Coffee & Tea Gallery7133 Germantown Avenue215-248-17185pm-8pmMount Airy First Friday at InFusion Photographer Jack Souder brings 360-degree views of both Mt. Airy street life and nearby Wissahickon Creek wildlife to InFusion - A Coffee & Tea Gallery. Artist reception on Friday, November 2nd, 7pm - 9pm includes live performance by saxophonist Lynn Riley. Exhibit runs all month.

Jean Jacques Gallery7118 Germantown Avenue215-248-54406pm-9pmJean - Jacques Gallery hosts Local artist Devin Taylor of Saffron Creations, Devin is a Germantown based jewelry maker. Her work is inspired by nature and features handwrought silver. The work is lovely and delicate. Come meet the artist and see some of her newest work as well as the work of several other local artists.Several new lines are in the store as well including new cards,The beginnings of our holiday items, the beginnings of our new Judaica section and several other surprises. They'll also be a buffet of local foods and gin cocktails made with gin distilled in Philadelphia.

One Salon and Boutique7119 Germantown Avenue215-242-01136pm-8:30pm Featuring local designers Alaina G. with contemporary sterling silver jewelery , and Jayma Designs with unique t-shirts for men women and kids. At 7 pm let our stylists show you why hair extensions are the newest fashion accessory. Enjoy some wine and cheese while you shop! Book an appointment tonight to receive 15% that service

Rockstar Gallery20 E Mt Airy ave610-551-48046pm-9pmRockStar Gallery is a place where you will find crystal and mineral specimens from all over the world as well as local artists jewelry creations and other treasures.RockStar is a place for those who are a part of the growing holistic healing and metaphysical community and those who are interested in what holistic living is all about. Ancient ways for modern life is what we feel we offer. Workshops and classes are given by a variety of people within the community on topics that range from Crystal Healing, understanding the Mayan calendar and Time, to working with Angels and much more! All focused on helping people learn about a variety of ways to connect, or re-connect with themselves, each other and the earth. Come and share space while finding quality healing and life tools and people! November's First Friday $1 grab bag special at RockStar Kids of all ages come and see how many crystals you can fit into a pouch for $1! We have a variety to choose from and look forward to seeing how creative Mt. Airy is in creating a crystal pouch. So come and dig your hands into many colors and textures and see how many treasures you can fit in your pouch to take home!

Rothe Florists7148 Germantown Ave.215-247-0832hours: 6pm - 8:30pmFabulous Fall SALE ! For November First Friday, EVERYTHING FALL is on SALE - 50% off...just on First Friday! Now is the perfect time to get a few fall decorations for your home or office and still enjoy them through November. We also have some LOCALLY MADE wreaths and designs for you to enjoy. While you're here, have a cup of warm Cider and a treat on us! Be sure to sample a Chocolate Covered Pretzel from Asher's Chocolates before you go! See you this Friday for Mt. Airy First Friday!

Sedgwick Theater Gallery7137 Germantown Ave.215. 248-9560hours: 6-9 p.m.The Sedgwick Gallery hosts the exhibition, Pushing the Boundaries: Quilts by Q2Q2 is a group that have been gathering since 1999 to share quilt-making and community with one another. Based in Northwest Philadelphia, they create finished pieces that are stunningly beautiful and inspiringa powerful tribute to the meaning working together. Together they explore art in forms that none of them would create alone, thereby pushing the boundaries of their textile art.The exhibition will open on Friday, November 2, with an Artists Reception, 6-9 p.m. and continue on Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Soles - A Shoe Experience6817 Germantown Avenue215 844-1135Come Celebrate us Winning Fox Philly's Hot ListSOLES, A shoe experience Shoes will host Blue Sole , The winner of the Fox29 Hotlist for Best Men's Shoes for a night of men's shoes at SOLES, A shoe experience. Spirits and light fare served.6-9PM

Tesserae Studio Gallery6780 Germantown Avenue215 848-21106pm-9pmTesserae will be hosting Tiles at Tesserae: A Show of Tiles and Mosaics Made by Local ArtistsOpening Wine and Cheese Reception- November 2nd 6-9 PMNovember 3rd 12-5November 4th 12-5Our featured artists include:Sharon BartmannMarci SnyderLeigh Ann ParenteJessica Liddell

Video Library of Mt. Airy7141 Germantown Avenue215 247-30208pm-10pmSpecial for FF-- 6-11 p.m. Large ice cream cone for the price of a small oneMovie of the weekend at the Little Theater: Friday/Saturday, November 2 & 3, 8 p.m. Sunday, November 4, 7 p.m. TALK TO ME (2 hours) Don Cheadles moving portrayal of D. C. disc jockey Petey Green, who attracted a large radio audience in the turbulent 1960s not only for his music but also for his frank talk about issues of race and power.

What A Girl Wants & a Guy needs7125 Germantown Avenue215 247-93386pm-9pmPlease join What A Girl Wants (& a guy needs) in our CELEBRATION for winning THE BEST OF THE NORTHWEST 2007 !!!!!We are featuring our very own LOCAL Mt. Airy Artist, Ariell, and her beautiful hand-painted T-shirts . Just wait until you see the new handbags and headbands that have arrived-AMAZING! Please join us from 6-9 pm to enjoy our LOCAL musicians, once again making Mt. Airy sound sweet!!

Construction work has begun on Germantown Avenue. Please support your local Businesses!The major construction has begun on Germantown Avenue. The project will go from Mermaid lane to Nipping street and is set go until next fall. The reconstruction of the avenue is needed but will impact the businesses on those and surrounding blocks. For more information on the construction please go to Save the Ave.org At this time there will be no road closings until mid January. The work is being done during weekdays with no work scheduled for weekends or evenings. Even though the work has just begun the businesses on the avenue have already begun to feel the effects. Please come out and support your local businesses to ensure that they make it through the construction period.Help keep Mt. Airy unique.Thank you.

Just look for the Brand New Mt. Airy First Friday Flags. The flags are yellow and black and will be easy to spot this Friday.Please come join us for a fun night out and Thank you for supporting your local businesses!!!
email: maffinfo@verizon.net

Environmental Justice

"A Forum on Environmental Justice: Your Watershed and Your Health"

The Cecilian center for Earth, Arts, and Spirit

100 West Carpenter Lane

Philadelphia, Pa 19119

Monday, November 5

6:00-9:00 pm

$15/person, Light supper included (using local farm produce)

Speakers:

Robert Meyer,PhD, Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences ,Chestnut Hill College

Virginia Ranly, Director of Environmental Education and Watershed Programs Coordinator

Steve Jones, Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers

Learn about regional water quality and its impact on your health and well being. Gain information, engage with other concerned neighbors, take action.

Cosponsored by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (file:///C:Documents%20and%20SettingsFrontDeskLocal%20SettingsTemp??).
Contact: 215-849-3364
E-mail: file:///C:Documents%20and%20SettingsFrontDeskLocal%20SettingsTemp??,
Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ, Director, Cecilian Center for Earth, Arts and Spirit
Erin Johnson, Program Development Manager, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education ejohnson@schuylkillcenter.org ,

FEED YOUR BODY-HEAL A HEART

DINE OUT TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Now through Sunday, November 4th.
Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave
5pm to 9pm

Bring your friends and family for a delicious meal at Trolley Car Diner and help stop domestic violence!

As part of its Helping Hands Fundraising program, the Trolley Car Diner will donate 10% of the revenue to Lutheran Settlement House for the entire week. This is a fun and easy way for you to show your support for victims of domestic violence and their children.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU THE COUPON IN ORDER FOR US TO GET THE 10%!

You can download the coupon at http://www.lutheransettlement.org/events.html#oct


Suzette Belz
Director of Marketing and Philanthropy
Lutheran Settlement House
1340 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Ph: 215-426-8610 x 208
1-866-723-3014 Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.lutheransettlement.org/
United Way#00079

"Empowering children, adults, families and communities since 1902" Our services include: Education and Employment, Senior Services, Bilingual Domestic Violence Services and Residential

3 Blind Mice Jazz Trio

Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church presents...

Friday, November 2

7:00pm

3 Blind Mice jazz trio featuring...

Victor North on saxophone

Lucas Brown on organ

Wayne Smith on drums

Adults $10, Children $5

If you are looking for something to do tonight come on out and buy your tickets at the door. If you have little people that are too young for the jazz scene, bring them anyway as we will be showing children's movies on the lower level of the church during the jazz fest.

Buy your tickets early and receive 10% off dinner at participating Mt. Airy restaurants.

For tickets or more information, call 215-247-1303.

The church is locatedon the corner of Germantown and Mt. Pleasant Ave.

Energy Efficiency Workshop this Sunday!

Save $, Save the Earth!

An Energy Efficiency Workshop for Congregations and the Community

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

2 – 4 pm

Learn about how simple changes in your congregation or home can save you money!

Led By Andy Rudin, Interfaith Coalition on Energy

FREE for members of NIM congregations (includes LTSP)
FREE Compact Fluorescent Light for all attendees


Co-sponsored by PennFuture, Pennsylvania Interfaith Climate Change Campaign, &
Neighborhood Interfaith Movement

**To register, call Eric Wilden at 215-843-5600 extension 104 or email
ewilden@nim-phila.org

Brahms' Requiem Reconsidered

The award-winning Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia

Brahms' Requiem Reconsidered

Nov. 10, 2007 @ 8 pm

Nov. 11, 2007 @ 4 pm

Johannes Brahms often made arrangements of his own works for piano, so that they could be experienced in a more immediate, intimate setting. Our season opens with one of these, his immortal Ein deutsches Requiem, in the composer's own one piano, four hands arrangement. Hearing this beloved masterwork as chamber music is an experience not to be missed! Other works on the program will include Wagner’s arrangement of Palestrina’s Stabat Mater and movements from Heinrich Schutz’s Musikalische Exequien - the original “German Requiem” that may have inspired Brahms.

Saturday, November 10, 2007, 8 pm

Saint Mark's Church, 1625 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA

Sunday, November 11, 2007, 4 pm

The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill,

8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

Tickets

General: $25

Student: $12

The award-winning Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, a 60-voice chamber choir, has performed nearly 200 works by more than 100 composers including many world premieres.

EMPTY BOWL DINNER

Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network

(a shelter program for homeless families)

Annual EMPTY BOWL DINNER

Wednesday, November 14th

from 4:30 to *:30 PM

(open seating anytime)

Chestnut Hill College

The dinner features handmade bowls form local schools, soups of every kind you can imagine from nearly 50 restaurants, breads and desserts. At the end of the dinner you leave with your bowl as a reminder that there are many people in our country with nothing to fill their bowls.


Rachel Falkove
Executive Director, NPIHN
NW Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network
7047 Germantown Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19119
phone: (215) 247-HOME (4663)
fax: (215) 247-0544
e-mail: rachel@philashelter.org
visit our web site: http://www.philashelter.org/

It's United Way Pledge time- Please remember NPIHN!
Donor Option 8281
Thanks!

Scare A Crow Community Event Sept. 30th

Scare a Crow Family Day of Fun

September 30th, 2007 2pm - 5pm

Join in the fun creating your own scarecrow. We'll spice up the day with free refreshments. Enter your Creation in the First Friday Scare a Crow contest. Judging takes place at twilight on the night of October 5th!

Event Information
Sunday, September 30th from 2pm to 5pm

Sedgwick Theater - 7137 Germantown Avenue

Weather permitting, we'll be in the parking lot on the Chew Avenue Side.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll be inside.

$10.00 per scarecrow

Stakes, Straw and craft materials supplied! Just Bring your old clothes to dress your scarecrow. The event is open to all ages and we welcome church, community, school and other groups.

Thanks to our Sponsors
Lead Sponsors: Mt. Airy Business Association, Mt. Airy First Friday, Mt. Airy USA
Event Sponsors: Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, McCoubrey Overholser, Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Sovereign Bank, Valley Green Bank, Weaver's Way Co-op, Winder Real Estate
Committee Members: Jean-Jacques Gallery, Mr. Peeper's Optical, Sedgwick Theater, The Video Library

We hope you'll join us for this fun event!
email: info@mtairyfirstfriday.com

Open House Brotherly Love Urban Youth Services

Brotherly Love Urban Youth Services

www.bluys.org

Open House

Come out and join us!
Sat., September 29, 2007

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

5619 Germantown Avenue, 2nd Floor

Come see our after school program, The Spot, in action! Join us for a time of music, food and info as they youth give us the inside scoop on how BLUYS has offered them a safe place to be them. For more info contact - admin@bluys.org

Copyright (c) Brotherly Love Urban Youth Services

P.O. Box 4113

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144

215-438-9808 ext.3

admin@bluys.org

Mentors Needed at Parkway Peace High School

Dear Members of the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement,
My name is Deepa Vasudevan, and I work at the Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice, a public high school in Mt. Airy (located on the New Covenant Campus). I believe that you have worked with our school before through the Peace Program. I wanted to know if you could help me in recruiting for our mentoring program to various faith organizations and faith-based groups. We need new mentors for this school year and hope to gain some public interest as well as potential volunteers for the program. I have attached a small decription below. Thank you!
Deepa Vasudevan
484.951.0046
deepa.sriya@gmail.com

The Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice is a public school in Mt. Airy dedicated to supporting their students both inside and outside the classroom. This year we have many students who are interested in being matched with a mentor in the Philadelphia community. We are currently seeking adults who want to make a positive difference in the life a teenager. A mentor is a special friend, a guide, a role model, and a person who is eager to share his/her experiences. Most importantly, a mentor is expected to be a good friend and a careful listener. The Peace Program will match mentors with a student based on interests, gender, geography, special needs and compatibility of meeting times. Meeting with a student may involve participating in a common interest, such as sports or shopping, or sharing with a student other skills or interests that you may have. Mentoring involves at least a one year commitment, with the hope that the relationship will continue throughout the student’s high school career. The Peace Program at the school will support mentors through providing an orientation and activities you can do with your student. If interested, please contact Deepa Vasudevan, mentor coordinator, via email (deepa.sriya@gmail.com) or phone (215.248.6669).

Gun Battle Prayer Vigil in Cramer Hill

From LTSP grads ministering in Camden - injuries and the 50 plus shell casings give witness to a gun battle at 6 on a summer evening, as folks sat on their porches and kids played in the streets. The shooting took place in the back yard of Christus Lutheran Church and the front yard of the Christus Peace Center. We are trying to mobilize as many folks as possible for a prayer vigil on the one week anniversary, Sept. 28th, at 25th and Hays. It would be wonderful if LTSP student could join us for this time of prayer.

We want to free Camden from the cycle of violence perpetuated by the drug epidemic. This is a monumental task and we need God's guidance and love in this city. Please help us break the cycle of separate neighborhoods and bring the light of Christ-like love and unity into the isolation and darkness of Camden.

PRAYER VIGIL
FRIDAY, SEPT 28TH 6 PM
ON THE STREET, BLOCK 900 N 25th
BETWEEN HAYES AND RIVER Rd
(BEHIND Christus Lutheran Church)
CRAMER HILL, CAMDEN

Come help re-claim our street as Holy Ground after last Friday’s shooting in which over 50 shots were fired in broad daylight on a warm evening as residents scattered in terror.

4 were injured including a 3 year old child and a 73 year old bystander, and two teens. All are recovering. Miraculously no one was killed, but these outrageous actions call for united action in the name of Peace. Please join us!
Sponsored by Camden Churches Organized for People. Police protection provided.


VIGILIA
VIERNES, 28 DE SEPTIEMBRE 6 PM
EN LA CALLE 25, 900 NORTE
ENTRE LA AVENIDA HAYES Y RIVER
(ATRAS DE La Iglesia Luterana Christus)
CRAMER HILL, CAMDEN
Vengan y ayúdanos reclamar nuestra calle como Tierra Sagrada. El último viernes, hubo 50 tirados en la calle 25 a las 6 pm. Residentes fueron aterrorizados mientras los 4 heridos incluyeron un niño de 3 años, 2 jóvenes y uno de 73 años. No hubo muertos gracias a Dios, pero estos actos increíbles e inaceptables nos llaman a una acción de oración unida. Únenos este viernes en la calle 25.
Las Iglesias Unidas Para la Comunidad. Habrá protección de la policía.

Parking is available on 24th, 26th - 28th streets and Hayes Ave. . Over the Ben Franklin I would have them stay to the right and take exit 5A. Immediate left on Flanders and right on Federal. Quick right just across the bridge on River Rd. Remember River Road is closed between 24th and 27th. So, you turn right on 24th and then left on Hayes….or park

"You can find Calcutta anywhere in the world. You only need two eyes to see. Everywhere in the world, there are people that are not loved, people that are not wanted nor desired, people that no one will help, people that are pushed away or forgotten. And this is the greatest poverty." - Mother Teresa

Phila Thrivent Bowlathon Help Needed

Dear Congregational Champions :

We are excited and very hopeful that you and your congregation will team together with us for a Bowl-a-thon November 3rd. The Philadelphia Chapter of Thrivent is hosting this fundraiser on behalf of our Thrivent Builds (Habitat for Humanity) project. I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND YOU COLOR COPIES OF THE POSTER AND SIGN-UP SHEET. Just contact me via e-mail - or the number below and let me know your mailing address and I will promptly send hard copies. I am also sending this to a list of youth leaders and hard copies to the congregational coordinators, but hope that you will be the lead contact at your congregation for this project.

Our contact person to RSVP your participation information is Rene Tucker. Her contact information is listed below. Please let her know by October 26th if your church will be participating and how many bowlers you will have. We feel it is a perfect opportunity for Lutheran church members to get together throughout the city while supporting a great cause. Thank you in advance for your time and energy towards this.

Jana Crain

Tel: 215-466-4185
Fax: 215-963-6799

Rene Tucker
215-224-1954
Naytuck@verizon.net

Faith Coalition kick-off Event September 25 in Philadelphia!

Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, with Christ Church Philadelphia and the Faith Coalition for Pennsylvania Families, invites you to join leaders of the faith community for an evening of advocacy, discussion, and networking on Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Christ Church (2nd and Market).

This fall, the Pennsylvania legislature will consider legislation to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. People of faith will play a critical role in successfully passing this important bill. Join other people of faith from across Pennsylvania as the Faith Coalition for Pennsylvania Families kicks-off this advocacy campaign with an opportunity to network with other faith leaders and brainstorm ideas to advocate for social justice in Pennsylvania.

Light hors d’ouvres and wine will be served. Don’t miss this opportunity to discuss the current state of LGBT issues in Pennsylvania and the ways people of faith can advocate for positive change.

Please RSVP for this event by calling Jake Kaskey at (215) 731-1447 x 14 or send an e-mail to jkaskey@equalitypa.org.