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OUTREACH AT THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHANNUAL REPORT FOR 2011Below are the reports from the various Outreach Committees: Advocacy (Click here) Education
Hunger
Homelessness
World Peacemaking and Mission
Special Offerings
Other Supported Outreach Ministries
Advocacy - 2011Responding to a survey of the members, in 2011, Advocacy focused on hydrofracking, education, hunger, and homelessnessóoffering one or more events on each topic and posting details of these and other social justice concerns on our website or through our Quick Alert System. Through the QAS, 400 subscribers in the congregation were urged to contact legislators about hydrofracking guidelines, and restoring RCSD after school programs and the federal food stamp program. Also, in collaboration with the Hunger Team, we sent Senator Gillibrand over 200 letters of concern about possible cuts to SNAP (food stamps). Advocacyís work on education evolves through the sub-committee under Urban Presbyterians Together (UPT). In September, Dr. William Cala delivered a well-received presentation to the ten urban churches about the state of education in Rochester. This has led to a needs and resources survey and an action plan for Rochester education starting with a Spring 2012 study of Gerald Grantís Hope and Despair in the American City: Why There are No Bad Schools in Raleigh. The congregation is urged to read the book in the coming weeks. Vince Tollers, Chair EducationRCSD School #6 Tutoring - 2011Our program entered its 24th year last fall with a force of 34 tutors. Because of the broad nature of our work, we can say we are impacting every child in the school this year. The news that School #6 will close in June of 2012 has brought some changes already. Plans are underway for a spring 2012 search for another school to partner with. This was a fruitful year under the direction of new principal Donna Gattelaro-Andersen. We initiated a "Math Facts Camp" and in other ways increased focus on improving math skills. For the first time, also, we successfully recruited volunteers through the Urban Presbyterians Together program, and hope to continue this avenue to our mutual benefit in the future. Tutor Coordinator at School #6 - Sue Maddock smasue@rochester.rr.com School #35 Tutoring - 2011The tutoring program at School 35 had a very successful end of the 2010-2011 school year and has carried that momentum into the 2011-12 year. For 2011-2012 we have 34 one-on-one tutors and 18 Math matters tutors. We also have the RIT Womenís basketball team working with all the girls in sixth grade on a bi-weekly basis (there are sixteen players plus the coach). The grand total of tutors is 69. Much of the extra budget expenses in 2011 were spent on supplementing Linda Jorgensonís salary in the Math Matters program. Linda was writing the curriculum writer for Math Matters. At the end of the year it was decided that to keep the costs in check that we would use a work book for the Math Matters Program for coming years. We have had much success with tutor retention from year to year. This year the teachers are required to have folders with work ready for the tutor on the given day. That extra level of preparation makes the tutorís job much easier, and also gives the tutor a real sense of purpose. The tutor also feels that their work is not an after thought, but part of the teacherís bigger plan. We have not bought books for the students in several years because there are many sources for donated books. I may buy a few books or go on a book search at some point since we are getting low on books for students in higher grades. Money that has been spent has been for consumable office supplies and cleaning products (the cleaning crew at School 35 is not the greatest) Coordinator at School #35: Ike Neilson neilson1118@me.com The Corner Place - 2011Arts AcademyThe primary focus of our work is the Arts Academy for children grades 1 - 6. Steady growth in enrollment has run to capacity numbers and waiting lists for many classes.
In Community
Income
Challenges
Coordinator: Joyce Perry cornerplace@frontiernet.net Earth Keepers Committee - 2011It is with some sadness that we announce that, after seven years of enthusiastic hard work advocating for environmental issues within our community, the Earth Keepers Team decided to disband as of June 30, 2011. Earth Keepers has been comprised of a core group of individuals passionate about the health of our planet. Based on our reading of the scriptures, the group has viewed stewardship of the earth as a faith mission, and has sought to educate and promote change in the practices of the church, the congregation, and beyond. We have had some significant accomplishments. We have
Earth Keepers also joined with other groups outside the church for events such as the Lake Ontario Coastal Cleanup and the Jewish Federationís ìrecycle day,î which the committee co-sponsored. Despite such contributions, the decision to disband stems from our dwindling core group and our inability to attract new members, without which Earth Keepers cannot be an effective, vital force for change. In response to this decision, the Outreach Committee (of which Earth Keepers is a subcommittee) has recommended to keep the structure of the committee open, making it possible for the group to re-form at a later date. In the meantime, current members of Earth Keepers will continue to empty the alkaline battery box and serve as a resource to other committees of the church as earth care issues arise. Thanks to all of you who worked over the past few years to become ìEarth Keepers of God's Creation,î showing an openness to re-examining old practices and habits that harm our planet, to making changes that matter. Clearly, our mission has not ended. 2011 Committee Members: Cindy Coupal, Miriam Gale, Betty Iwan, Ruth Morton, Pat Rumbold, Jo Whang, Elizabeth Woodard; Rod Frohman, Associate Pastor for Church in Society. Seminary Donations and Theological Educational FundsThird Church has had a long term commitment to theological education. The gifts we give cover several areas of education. The Theological Education Fund is a scholarship fund for seminary students and is administered by the Presbyterian Church. The Auburn gift is focused on the unique education which that seminary gives in extension to many students who cannot engage in a traditional residency program. Jim Stewart (deceased) was a long term board member. Third Church member Beth Struever just completed her second term on the Auburn Board. CRCDS is our local seminary. We have many connections with them. Their faculty frequently teach in our adult education programs. John Wilkinson recently completed several years as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Rod Frohman is affiliated with CRCDS as the Chair of the Center for the Congregation in Public Life, an affiliate organization. McCormick in John Wilkinsonís seminary. The contributions go to McCormickís general fund. The importance of such a contribution is the institutional connection made. Hunger MinistriesHunger Team members are: The TPC Hunger Team consists of four in-church ministries and two collaborative projects:
Dining Room MinistrySince 1991, the Dining Room Ministry has served a hot meal each Saturday noon to any and all comers. Ten teams of 8 to 9 volunteers each, backed by planners, shoppers and bakers, prepare and provide a meal on a rotating schedule, With gratitude to the Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, the DRM moved back to our brand-new kitchen and remodeled Celebration Center. Currently as many as 80 people are fed on any Saturday. $8500 was again budgeted for 2011 in recognition of the continuing demand on our services and rising food costs. 2011 was the 20th year of operation of our Dining Room Ministry, and we have not missed a single Saturday noon meal throughout these years. This past year was our first year in our newly renovated kitchen and celebration center. We have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated all of the improvements. Our numbers were up from last year by a total of 279 meals. We served 3308 people in 2011, which was an average of 62 people per Saturday. We have many ìregularsî who come every week and with whom we have developed valuable relationships. Our ten dedicated teams total 117 volunteers, plus 22 substitutes. When the shoppers, planners and bakers are added, the total number of volunteers involved in this ministry is 183 people! We had four holiday teams, which were made up of some regular DRM volunteers along with members of our congregation who had never done this work before. In addition, we have had 2 students from St. John Fisher College join us as part of their community service class. They had some valuable suggestions that we are considering implementing. The Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts and the Brighton Childrenís Basketball League have all joined us to experience the value in serving those who are less fortunate in our midst. We are so appreciative of their enthusiasm and energy and welcome their helping hands and willing hearts. We have implemented new strategies to help keep us compliant with Health Department regulations, and are exploring options to further maximize our safety and compliance with HD guidelines. In addition, we have implemented efforts to coordinate with TPC food cupboard to safely provide leftover DRM food for Food Cupboard patrons. We are also working on coordinating effective and efficient use of our new space with other TPC programs, sharing food supplies and kitchen equipment. To help with this, TPC has a new kitchen chief of staff, Susie Jacobs. Ellen Foster has been volunteering to launder towels, aprons and other kitchen laundry every week to insure that we have clean linen supplies. Co-coordinators: TPC Food CupboardThe TPC Food Cupboard continues to function efficiently on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:15 to 11:45 AM. In 2011 the Cupboard moved back to the church from the Sunday School building. Food is now stored in a large storage room behind the kitchen and food is distributed in the Celebration Center. Clients who live in zip code areas 14604, 14607 and 14620 receive staples and extra items such as milk, bread and fresh vegetables to last about 3 days. They may visit every 30 days. Teams of three to four volunteers staff the Food Cupboard once each month. Many other volunteers monitor inventory, stock the shelves, pick up orders at Foodlink and shop for needed items. Distributed food comes through the Outreach budget, Foodlink, state and federal grants, and ongoing donations from the congregation. In 2011 Outreach budgeted $19,750 for food purchases. In 2011 the Food Cupboard served 3840 individuals, providing 34,560 meals. The TPC Food Cupboard Steering Committee is headed by Kay Ramsay. Christmas BasketsAs in previous years, in 2011 the Christmas Basket Project committee worked with City Schools 35 and School 6 and the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network ( RAIHN) , to provide a weekís worth of food to 73 needy city families. Seventy-three church families ìadopted a familyî by purchasing, packing and delivering a Christmas food basket on Saturday, December 17. Donations from the whole congregation were used to purchase TOPS gift cards for each recipient family and to underwrite expenditures over $35 by sponsoring families. At the request of the schools a ìmitten treeî was festooned with childrensí underwear, sweatpants and warm mittens, gloves and scarves. The Christmas Basket committee members includes Bill and Carol Coons, Ned and Sally Green, and Marilyn Scheftic, with Rose Pethick as chairperson. Bread for the WorldAs a Bread for the World Covenant Church, Third Church sent $400 to the Bread for the World organization to continue to support lobbying and research efforts in the campaign to effect legislation aimed at reducing hunger in the nation and the world. In October, 2011 Third Church participated in an Offering of Letters for the 7th year in a row. The theme this year was aimed at preventing legislative cuts to local and global poverty-based programs. 175 letters supporting this cause were hand-delivered to each of the local offices of Senators Gillibrand and Schumer. Bread for the World will now be a part of an Advocacy Group headed by Vince Tollers,. This group will have the ability to mobilize The Quick Alert e-mail group which has been formed to respond to hunger and other issues at the state and federal level. For further information or to join BFW Committee, contact Vincent Tollers at 461-1202 or vtollers@rochester.rr.com AIDS-CareAIDSñCare is a new agency formed in January, 2010 by a coalition of AIDS-Rochester and the Rochester Community Health Center. AIDS-Care was created so that its parent organizations could most effectively use their combined resources to prevent additional HIV infection and provide the best services possible to those already infected. Third Church had supported the Daily Bread Program at AIDs-Rochester for many years; after discussion with the More Light Team, it was agreed to continue to budget $1000 in 2011 to support this new and possibly more effective organization. East Avenue Grocery Run - 2011The second annual East Avenue Grocery Run was a huge success. Almost 1100 walkers and runners made their way up and down East Avenue on a glorious fall morning to help feed the hungry in Rochester, celebrate fitness, and enjoy family fun. While the final numbers have not yet been tallied, we filled three pallets with canned goods for Foodlink, and raised more than $10K to fight hunger in Rochester. Thanks from the race committee go out to so many people who worked to make this event such a success: the more than 130 volunteers who arrived before dawn to set up and ensure that everything ran smoothly, our generous sponsors, our wonderful church staff, and the rest of the congregation for its support. It really did take a community to pull this off! Heard was one runner commenting to another, "This is a pretty cool church." It certainly is, and with your help, Third Church has established a fun and energizing event of which we can all be proud. Kerrie Merz and Bonny Claxton ñ2011 Coordinators Homelessness Team - 2011Interfaith Hospitality NetworkHospitality is not a special skill, but the joyful mandate of a just and loving people. Thirdís homelessness mission was advanced in 2011 through our strong continuing partnership with New Life Presbyterian Church, and our active participation as a host congregation for RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, www.raihn.org). In fact, we signed a new host covenant in December pledging our committed participation for an additional three years to provide a temporary gracious home for up to 5 families (or 14 individuals)óspecifically for food, shelter and hospitality, with RAIHNís support and training. In April 2012, we will complete our 8th year of operation preceded by a full year of planning. It is indeed the dedication, compassion and flexibility of our faithful volunteers who make Third Church a very hospitable place to take shelter. Here are 2011 highlights:
Calls to action: Katrina Recovery - 20112011 provided Third Church with two more opportunities to be of service to the people of New Orleans - K-8 and K-9. In March, eight volunteers worked again with Project Homecoming and were assigned to the home of Irma Washington on Louisiana Avenue Parkway in the Broadmoor section of New Orleans. We were the first recovery team to work in this two story home that was flooded up to the second floor. We spent the week completely gutting the first floor, sistering weakened joists in the wooden foundation, and replacing others, followed by constructing a new subfloor. Subsequent groups have finished the interior and painted this handsome house. As is our recent custom, we stayed at Parkway Presbyterian Church in Metarie. In October, we conducted our first interfaith trip with eight travelers. We were assigned to Eastview Drive in East NOLA. The homeowners are Jessie and Gayla Smith. Again, our team was the first back into this house since Project Homecoming leaders learned that an active termite infestation was threatening the wood foundation of the home. We spent the week tearing out the subfloor to allow for assessment and fumigation. We also cleared overgrown brush around the home and prepared the exterior for painting and finish work. In spite of the time that has elapsed since Katrina struck, there remains a staggering amount of work yet to do. The economically upscale and commercial parts of New Orleans have returned to reasonable shape, but so many homes, mostly of the poor, those defrauded by contractors, or under paid by insurance carriers remain, along with many public schools. We have planned for a return this April 21, 2012 with our K-10 group of 16 volunteers. Katrina Coordinators: Rod Taylor and Nancy Watson RH2NO - 2011While RH2NO was not as active as I had anticipated or hoped, we did send three groups of volunteers to New Orleans to help in the rebuilding process, involving 41 people from Rochester, Syracuse, and California. All three groups reported they had amazing trips and most are anxious to return. One of the groups was the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Webster, who sent their youth group to Project Homecomingís first annual summer youth project. The kids (and adults) had a blast working with the people of New Orleans, on the houses and in food kitchens. They loved meeting other youth from around the country. Project Homecoming responded to me that they are hoping to expand the program from July only to July and August in the summer of 2012. At present, I am working on two trips for May 2012, involving at least 20 people. One group is a repeat of volunteers from Caledonia, who initially traveled in May 2011; the other is a repeat trip from Laurelton Presbyterian Church. I sent multiple letters to all the area colleges in an attempt to illicit interest from their campus ministries and student activities. Unfortunately, I received only one response from the letters (MCC) and, sadly, they did not follow through. I have spoken to numerous high schools in an attempt to interest the community service projects to include a trip to NOLA. Again, there is interest on paper, but there seems to be little follow- through. I will continue to talk and advertise. The Caledonia group has decided to fundraise their entire trip in 2012 and, therefore, I have been joining them in working concerts and Amerks games at the Blue Cross Arena and CMAC . At present, Caledonia 2012 has raised more than $3,500; they are well on their way! When these volunteers are done fundraising, Iím hoping to continue the activity, using my new contacts at the arena. What a great way to build RH2NO coffers! Working concessions at the War Memorial has given me the opportunity to talk about NOLA and RH2NOís involvement in the rebuilding process with many people. A student from Erie Community College in Buffalo has taken our information back to his Environmental Program Chair in hopes that they will be able to organize a trip, and maybe make connections with Project Homecoming that give the students some practical experiences in exchange for some college credits. Iíve also had contact with a gentleman involved in West Seneca Rotary. There is follow-up with him. Outreach has also been made to the Rochester area armed services retirees; Iím expecting to address them at their monthly meeting on January 19th. I have been receiving e-mails inviting me to grant writing workshops. Unfortunately, my schedule has not allowed me to participate to date. However, this is something Iíd like to attend this coming year, if possible. EXPENDITURES for 2011 I have tried my best to keep expenses to a minimum in an attempt toward keeping RH2NO alive for a while longer.
All other expenditures in 2011 were directly NOLA-related (air fare, ground travel, lodging, food, parking, Project Homecoming fees), supported by volunteer deposits. While we ended the year having spent $316.74 more than we brought in, the balance for the year is up due to the addition of the Caledonia 2012 volunteer monies.
World Peacemaking & Mission - 2011The World Peacemaking & Mission team has been focused on the following projects in 2010: KenyaFor the Kenya partnership team 2011 has been an extremely busy year. A group of five travelers (Rod Frohman, Tom Klaseus, Karen & Don Pryor and Scott Stratton-Smith) left Rochester on February 5th. They attended a conference in Mombassa with members from the Kihumo church as well as many other international Presbyterian partnerships. Also attending the conference were partners from other churches in America as well as Korea, Canada, Ireland, Scotland. After the conference the group spent a week in the Kihumo Parish with members of the church. They met many members of the congregation and received wonderful hospitality while they were there. Then just seven months later, and after lots of planning, five of our friends from the Kihumo Parish came to visit. On September 23rd our five visitors George Waiyaki, Jane Wambaa, Rev. Moses & Eunice Ndegwa and Mary Hinga arrived at Rochester airport. We had a wonderful time sharing the many different gifts of our church and our community. They met with Session and Deacons, with children & youth, with many of our Outreach teams, with the choirs & worship committee as well as a menís and womenís breakfast. In addition they got to see some of the other Presbyterian work being done in Monroe County. Finally there was also time to take in the sites including Niagara Falls, Letchworth Park and Lake Ontario. We said farewell to our visitors on October 7th but not before they had told us that they were planning to open a new pre-school. They are converting some existing rooms into four classrooms so that they can teach up to 100 children. Third church agreed to help with the costs of converting the rooms into classrooms. Not only will the children get a head start on their education but it will also allow parents and grand-parents time to work and cultivate their fields. Interfaith DialogueFaith to Faith (with Third Church members) organized a trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (West Bank). The trip, conducted by Interfaith Peacebuilders (IFPB.org), included ten Faith to Faith members from Rochester. We met with many groups, Israeli and Palestinian, working in non-violent ways for peace and justice. Our report to the congregation, an Adult Education session, met with much interest at Third and has resulted in follow-up presentations in the region. We remain in touch with our fellow travelers from around the country, continuing to work and pray for peace in the region. We led a three-part Adult Education series about the Kairos Palestine Document, using a study guide developed by the PC(USA). Interfaith dialogue continues in Rochester with Third Church members participating in Faith to Faith, an independent group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims who seek a just peace which is respectful of both Israel and Palestine. World Peacemaking and Mission sold three cases of Palestinian Fair Trade olive oil ìat costî, at the Alternative Christmas market, with the proceeds benefitting Palestinian fair trade farming cooperatives. If you want to know more about upcoming Faith to Faith events, please see Lincoln Spaulding (342-9568, or LRSpaulding@yahoo.com). The Reverend James Rice Memorial Essay Contest"Building Community: Bridging our Differences". The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the spirit of the Rev. James Rice whose life embodied respect for people of all backgrounds. Nearly 500 high school students have participated in this essay contest since its inception, writing essays about their ideas for helping to ëbuild bridges of understandingí. The contest, begun in 2002 with leadership by the InterFaith Forum of Rochester and supported by Third Church, was not held this year and is seeking leadership so that it can continue. Amnesty InternationalIn 2011 members of our church signed and sent over 100 letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience within seven different countries, on four continents. These letters were directed to the heads of states and to their ambassadors within the USA. Approximately ten people participated in the letter writing on the fourth Sunday of each month. At the Alternative Christmas Market on December 4th we participated in the 50th anniversary Write for Rights write-a-thon. Cards with messages of encouragement were written to individual prisoners of conscience. These prisoners had been chosen by Amnesty as most likely to benefit from this mass effort. Twenty people took part in the TPC write-a-thon. "I am alive today, after 34 arrests, because members of Amnesty International spoke out for me." (Jenni Williams, human rights defender in Zimbabwe) Additional Fund Raising
Respectfully submitted, Ry Foye, Rod Frohman, Judy Gordon, Ronna Grimes, Tom Klaseus, Karen & Don Pryor, Sue & Linc Spaulding, Scott Stratton-Smith, Robert Veitch (Meetings are held monthly on the third Monday, at 7:30 PM, at Third Church) Other Outreach MinistriesPASTORS' EMERGENCY FUND ACTIVITY - 2011
TREC - 20112011 was a year to recognize Third Rochester Enterprise Corporation (TREC) for significant accomplishments and changes. Bill Jones, a TREC Board member was recognized for his multi-year efforts to organize, lead and support multiple Rochester community activities that resulted in the extremely successful redevelopment of the Culver Road Armory in the Upper Monroe neighborhood. The future directions for the Armory facilities were one of the major recommendations resulting from the Upper Monroe charrette that was highly supported through Third Churchís outreach program. The results are consistent with those early neighborhood recommendations. The building is now the home to major businesses while the surrounding grounds host the Upper Monroe Community garden and will also soon support new housing in the neighborhood. However, given shrinking budgets and the desired to elevate its impact, TRECís board voted to partner with the South East Area Coalition (SEAC), thus enabling expansion of its outreach program to a larger community. SEAC is a 40-year old Rochester based Neighborhood Preservation Company facilitating community and economic development in southeast Rochester and housing repair services across the city. In April, 2011, the SEAC Board of Directors voted to include four TREC Board members to also serve on its Board. TREC and SEAC are now focusing on expanding services to neighborhoods, local businesses and supporting nonprofits while maintaining a strong focus on housing repairs for those in need. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
