Crossroads

   It is sometime hard to describe what happens in our ministry. You almost have to be there; you almost have to come and see what happens at one of our Sunday services or at SafeHaven . . . how community is built, how doors are opened, and how lives can be transformed.

   You can get a sense of what happens at Ecclesia by taking a look that this outstanding video about Common Cathedral in Longmont, Colorado which was founded in 2007 by our friend the Rev. Deacon Marc Genty and others.

   We haven't done a video yet, but if you'd like a tour of the neighborhood, take a walk with Steve before stopping by to experience the rest of the story.

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Come and See . . .  

   You probably already have it marked on your calendar. But, just in case - Please join us as we throw open the doors of Ecclesia House from 3 to 5 p.m. May 7th. Come and see what God's grace and your unflagging support have wrought.

   We're not doing anything fancy. No speechifying. No sumptuous feast. Just a chance to come and see a place that will be home to women in transition from one life to another, a place of hope and opportunity in a city where some think there is no hope or opportunity.

   Click here for directions.

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   We celebrate the Eucharist or Communion every week. It is a natural. Every one of our conversation's about the week's gospel lesson leads us there, leads us to a celebration of our onenesss in God and in all of Creation, God's abiding and unconditional love and welcome to all who seek God.

   Take our Palm Sunday gospel lesson from Matthew for example. We might explore the notion of Jesus riding two animals and wonder about the "stuff" we're riding . . . or we might place ourselves in the crowd as Jesus rides into our Jerusalem and imagine what it would be like . . . or we might be those who struggle with the question, "Who is this?" But, no matter what, somehow, we will experience Jesus riding into our midst, sliding off his donkey, inviting all of us to the table in remembrance of him. Join us if you can.

   This week is our last Sunday at 91 Ann Street. Next week - Easter Sunday - we will begin worshipping at a new time and place - 1:30 p.m. at 98 Grand Street in front of our SafeHaven drop-in center.

   Bring a friend and a smile to share.

That reminds us - We could really use some help providing sandwiches and fruit to share during our after-service sidewalk "happy hour." If you're willing and able to do that [makes a great group project], drop Ruth a note at sower@ecclesia-newburgh.org. Thanks! 

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   "Street ministry is as much about transforming one's self as it is about helping others to transform themselves," Steve told about two dozen students in the Ministry in a Non-Parish Setting class at Drew Theological School on April 6th. "If we do not engage in a daily practice of letting go of the stuff that gets in the way of our relationship with God, we cannot effectively help others pry themselves free of the addictions and habits that keep them trapped in the muck of life at the bottom . . .."

   "We look for God in everyone we meet," Ruth told the class. "Sometimes it's hard to do . . . we all struggle," she said.

   Ruth, Antonio and Steve met with the class at the invitation of legendary Theo School professor, Dave Graybeal who, this year, will retire again for the last time at age 90. They set up the Sunday altar, sang the opening song, and spent about and hour-ang-a-half talking about our ministry in Newburgh and the call for each of us to "think outside the box" known as the local church, to hear Jesus call to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, freedom for the oppressed, healing to the sick, restoration of sight to the blind, and the year of God's favor. In other words, they planted seeds . . .

  We've go plenty of seeds left. So, if you or your church or organization would like us to pay you a visit and talk about the work, please drop us a line at sower@ecclecia-newburgh.org or give Steve a call at 845-527-0405.

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    So many of you have been so generous to us, especially through your cash contributions that have helped to make Ecclesia House possible. But, there are other, non-cash, ways in which you can help.

   For instance, if you're travelling and stay at a hotel/motel, don't leave those little soaps and shampoos behind - scarf them up, bring them home and pass them on to us. Your friends on the street or living on the edges can really use them.

   In fact, Ruth has compiled a long list of supplies that we either hand out or use on a regular basis at SafeHaven, that awesome seven-day-a-week drop-in center. Just in case you stumble across a really good deal at a dollar store or some other retail therapy center:

For Distribution: Socks . . . men's pants, shirts & underwear . . . tooth brushes . . . small toothpastes . . . little soaps . . . petite shampoos . . . wee hand creams . . . disposable razors

For SafeHaven:  Decaf Coffee . . . decaf iced tea mix . . . tea bags . . . hot chocolate . . . soups . . . sugar . . . creamer . . . peanut butter . . . hot cups . . . paper plates . . . napkins . . . paper towels . . . toilet paper . . . band aides . . . bleach . . . ammonia

   If you want to do more, we are also in the need of volunteers to lead Bible Studies and group discussions on every topic under the sun and to help us develop and run modest recreation programs and lead field trips . . .

   And, if you are a professional - you know, doctor, nurse, nurse-tractitioner, social worker, attorney, entrepreneur, and such like - maybe you'd be willing to host a "clinic" of some sort for a couple of hours once a month or even once in a while . . .

Whatever you do - Pray on it!

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