MEK's Annual Soup Kitchen Fund Raiser

I just began planning my annual fund-raiser for our church's soup kitchen, so if you're a fan you should be receiving an invitation soon.

Lost In Woonsocket Film Invitation

The United Methodist Church Of The Village (Seventh Avenue at 13th Street) will be showing the film, "Lost In Woonsocket" on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30 p.m. There will be no charge, however donations will be accepted to continue funding the Village Church soup kitchen, "Hope For Our Neighbors In Need."

A miraculous journey of hope... Missing for years from their families, two alcoholics are discovered hiding in the woods of Woonsocket, RI by film crew. A series of profound coincidences lead to a miraculous reunion with their children, signifying the power of love and forgiveness. Just as the men begin their second chance at life one of them is forced to face a new challenge... small town fame.

Feed NYC!

On Sunday March 8th, concerned citizens and faith leaders in New York City are gathering to urge our local and national leaders to meet the difficult challenges now facing our local community and beyond. In these tough economic times, hungry and poor people are being hit the hardest. Rising unemployment and stagnant wages make it harder for low-income workers to provide food for their families, especially in light of sharply higher food prices--did anyone see the price of food go back down after gas prices did--wasn't that the reason we were told the prices went up?!

Date: Sunday March 8th, 2009
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: Judson Memorial Church
55 Washington Square South
New York, NY

Who:
Bread for the World
Interfaith Voices AgainstHunger/Feed the Solution
Hunger Action Network of New York State
New York Province of the Society of Jesus
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
Faith and Hunger Network
Partners In Grace
Hope For Our Neighbors In Need
Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship and more!

Homelessness Prevention Program To Lose Funding

Susan Dominus reports for "The New York Times" that The Homelessness Prevention Program will lose its funding in April because of the state’s gaping budget shortfall. Read the full article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16bigcity.html

Religious Shelters Feel Squeezed By Rules

Leslie Kaufman reports for "The New York Times" that The Friends Quaker Meeting Shelter, a program that I have volunteered for in the past, is facing the possibility of being shuttered. Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/nyregion/25shelter.html.

Your Help Is Needed!

Whether you have some free time or a few bucks, The United Methodist Church Of The Village really needs your help this holiday season. They'll be slicing, dicing and chopping on Saturday, December 6th from 1-4 p.m. To sign-up, contact Louise Fawcett at fawcettlr@aol.com.

If you can't make it in person, your tax deductible financial contributions are always welcome. Make sure you note "HNN" (Help For Our Neighbors In Need) on the "memo" portion of the check, or just stop by the church office:

The Church Of The Village/HNN
201 West 13th Street
New York, NY 10011

Christmas Pageant: Live Nativity & Tap-Dancing Sheep

3rd Annual CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Benefit
The Church of the Village
201 W. 13th @ 7th Ave New York City
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th @10:30 AM

Come celebrate the Christmas story with Carols, Dance, a live Nativity Scene and TAP-DANCING SHEEP!

All are welcome, Children are invited to participate.

Admission is free, but please bring a gift for “Hope for our Neighbors in Need.”

Suggested items: $4 Metro-card, NEW socks, gloves, winter-hats, T-shirts, underwear, long-johns, sweaters, coats, earmuffs, headbands. There will also be a HOLIDAY BAZAAR, afterwards, a fund-raising sale to benefit Church of the Village Dance Ministries.