“WILL SING FOR FOOD” CONCERTS
JAN. 15 & 16 The 5th Annual WILL SING FOR FOOD charity concert will help feed the hungry. It’s a fun-filled night of music, and a special event for the entire family. The concert will be performed on two separate nights: *Friday January 15 at 8:00 pm at The First Presbyterian Church of Freeport (178 S. Ocean Ave.) Sponsored by Worship, Arts and Music and the Board of Session. *Saturday January 16 at 8:00 pm at The Garden City Community Church (245 Stewart Avenue) Sponsored by The GCCC Board of Outreach. No advance ticket purchase or reservation necessary. Suggested donation: $20.
All proceeds will go to the LONG ISLAND COUNCIL OF CHURCHES food pantry. We are also raising money by selling ads in our WSFF Playbill. Contact Lou Demars at lou@avmdemars.com Please take out a personal or business ad to help support the cause. Submissions are due by January 11. For more information email: willsingforfood@icloud.com
DID YOU KNOW OUR NEW HEMPSTEAD OFFICE IS ACCESSIBLE?
Our new Hempstead office is located at 40 Washington Street (at Front Street) on the second floor of the United Methodist Church of Hempstead. Our entrance is on the north side of the building, where you will see a large LICC sign. The intercom and buzzer are located on the right side of the double doors. Press the lower button for us. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp from the parking lot, near our door, and we can easily meet with clients on the ground floor, but you might want to call 516-565-0290 so that we can meet you. Our new office is on the 48/49 NICE bus line on Front Street, a block east of the 40/41 line on Main Street, and a block south of the 71/72 line on Fulton and not far from the LIRR.
WHERE TO DONATE USED CLOTHES As Newsday reported on Dec. 24, the Town of North Hempstead is investigating complaints about the proliferation of poorly-serviced clothing collection bins operated by for-profit companies posing as nonprofit charities. The LICC works the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to channel donations to a legitimate ministry that does a great job of emptying bins as often as needed. Do you have room for a clothing collection bin at your congregation? Recycling clothes is good for planet, good for people who need inexpensive clothing, and generates much-needed revenue for the Society and the Council. Congregations that provide space for collection bins can also gain access to the Society’s clothing voucher program and can refer people who need clothing to the SVDP stores in Garden City Park and Huntington Station. For more information about the SVDP/LICC’s collection box placement and the Society’s voucher program, call Vincent Strynkowski at 516-822-3132, ext. 111.
Please don’t bring clothing to our Hempstead or Riverhead offices, other than the coats, gloves, mittens, and scarves we are currently seeking, since we do not have the room to store or display other clothes. But Ist Congregational Church in Riverhead, a block from our offices, has a nice, new SVDP?LICC box in their parking lot, which is located behind the church (103 1st Street). We have more room for clothing at our Freeport emergency food center at 450 N. Main Street, and we have a collection bin for SVDP outside our Freeport locations where you can drop off items anytime 24/7/365. As you can see from this photo, Parkway Community Church in Hicksville did not even have to give up a single parking space to have a bin.
UTILITY HELP FROM PROJECT WARMTH NOW AVAILABLE
United Way of Long Island’s emergency heating assistance program, Project Warmth, provides one-time aid for fuel and/or fuel-related electricity bills. The grants can be up to $400 for fuel and $150 for electric heating bills. Homeowners may also be able to get free energy conservation assistance through Project Warmth. In addition, receiving Project Warmth assistance averts a shut-off for up to 30 days. Applicants must –have a heating and/or fuel-related electricity bill in their name that is severely overdue, pending disconnection, or terminated, or have an oil tank that is nearly empty, –not have their electricity turned off already, –demonstrate financial hardship and provide acceptable explanation for their arrears, –have a photo ID and proof of income. –not have received Project Warmth more than two years in a row (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) unless there are extenuating circumstances, and –apply first to DSS for the Home Energy Assistance Program and Emergency HEAP (if eligible), which can hold off termination for 30 days, allowing the customer to apply for Project Warmth and negotiate a payment plan with the utility or fuel supplier. Seniors may apply for HEAP at the Dept. for the Aging rather than DSS and those whose income exceeds the HEAP limits (which vary with family size, from $2,138 a month for a single to $4,011 for a family of four) do not need to apply first for HEAP. The LICC can help residents of Suffolk, Nassau, or the Rockaways to apply for Project Warmth at our Riverhead (631-727-2210) or Hempstead offices (516-565-0290). Call for an appointment before coming. If our hours or locations are not convenient, our staff can direct people to another agency near them. Agencies that process applications are listed at www.unitedwayli.org. For further information, call United Way at 1-888-774-7633.
ECUMENICAL/INTERRELIGIOUS MLK WORSHIP SERVICES Does your community have an ecumenical (interdenominational) or interreligious worship service for Martin Luther King’s Birthday or the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity? If so, we’d be glad to pass the word. Let me know if you’d like a copy of my tip sheet on planning such worship services or if you would like some suggestions of congregations to invite whom you may not know. The LICC’s Dialogue Committee also is encouraging churches to plan interreligious celebrations of Diwali next year. Let me know if you would like to take part in any such event. *On Friday evening, January 15, the Woodbury Jewish Center, 200 South Woods Rd., invites people of all faiths to a special MLK Shabbat (Sabbath) Service at 6:30 p.m. Fr. Michael Maffeo, Pastor of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Syosset, and Dr. Yusuf Sayed from the Islamic Center of Long Island will speak during the service, which also features, Sabbath melodies, spirituals and songs of the civil rights movement. There will be prayers for peace, dessert and time for questions and answers following the conclusion of services. The service will end around 7:45. *On Sunday, January 17, at 4pm North Fork United Methodist Church in Cutchogue will host the Southold Town Anti-Bias Task Force’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The keynote speaker will be our Board member the Rev. Dr. Tracie Saunders. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free of cost. *On Sunday, January 17, at 5:30PM at the Masjid Hamza Islamic Center, 200 Stuart Avenue, will host Valley Stream Religious Council’s Martin Luther King Day Interfaith Worship Service.
WHAT SHOULD GUEST PREACHERS AND ORGANISTS BE PAID? People often call the Long Island Council of Churches for help finding a guest preacher or organist and sometimes also ask what “the going rate” may be. We haven’t updated the info we provide in a while. The last time we published this info, we said that some denominations have clear guidelines: *Episcopal parishes are supposed to pay substitute priests at least $175 per service, plus travel expenses; organists get about the same.
*The Metro New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommends that clergy be paid $175 for one service, $200 for two services on the same day, and $225 for three services the same day, plus mileage at the IRS business rate, and reimbursement of parking fees and tolls. If public transit is used, reimbursement of the fare is expected. Most organists are willing to accept $150, but some ask $200.
*The Presbytery of New York strongly recommends at least $200. *In other denominations, there are no guidelines but a rough consensus as to which honoraria are insulting and which are generous: Reformed churches, for example, generally pay guest preachers $150 to $300 and organists at least $125.
Here are the American Guild of Organists guidelines: Substitute Musicians Single service (organist only or director only, no separate rehearsal), $100-$225 Additional services (organist or director only) not requiring additional preparation, $50-$125 Single service (organist-director combination, no separate rehearsal), $150-$275 Additional services (organist-director combination) not requiring additional preparation, $75-$175 Rehearsal fees range from $25-$100/hour, depending on whether the substitute is organist only, director only, or organist-director combination and the preparation required Mileage is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip. The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired. Weddings Service fees are $100-$350 (service only) Wedding rehearsal with bridal party is $50-$100/hour. Additional rehearsals are $30-$50/hour. Mileage is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip. The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired. Funerals Service fees are $100-$225 (service only) Rehearsals $25-$100/hour, depending on the difficulty of the music and the participation of choirs, soloists, or instrumentalists. Mileage is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip. The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired. Can you help us update these figures? And if you would like a copy of our roster of pinch-hitters and our suggestions for the care and feeding of guest preachers, let me know.
JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES
We have not received info about any blood collection dates in January or February from Long Island Blood Services–and the holidays always bring a blood shortage–but we would be glad to pass the word about your congregation’s blood drive if you send details. Here the dates we have heard directly from congregations: *Wednesday, January 13, 3:45 to 9:45PM St. Martin of Tours on Union Avenue, just east of Broadway (Route 110) in Amityville To schedule an appointment click here or call 1-800-933-2566. *Saturday, Jan.23, 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Bethany Presbyterian Church 425 Maplewood Road, Huntington Station 631-423-6359 Previously Posted
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS JAN. 14
The LICC’s new Board member Howard Capell, an attorney with extensive experience representing religious denominations and congregations, is volunteering his services at the LICC to provide one or two free legal consultations to religious leaders. He can discuss property matters, building use agreements, dealing with challenges to congregational tax exemption, and other such questions. He has hour-long slots available in our Hempstead office on Thursday, Jan. 14. To request an appointment, please call Maria at the LICC at 516-565-0290. Please bring a copy of your congregation’s by-laws and/or denominational rule book.
DO YOU COLLECT FOOD FOR OUR PANTRIES? Our computer consultant is setting up a collection bin for our emergency food centers in his office and suggested that we let people know where they can donate food for our pantries without schlepping all the way to Freeport, Hempstead, or Riverhead. If your congregation, business, library, etc. would like to be included in this roster, let us know and we’ll pass the word! Here are some places where food can be donated to our pantries: New Apostolic Church, 327 Cross St. in Westbury Old Steeple Congregational Church in Aquebogue Wading River Congregational Church Middle Island Presbyterian Mary Dewar & Fr. Bill Brisotti To Be Honored at MLK Breakfast LICC Board member Mary Dewar and our friend Fr. Bill Brisotti, pastor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Wyandanch will be honored at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 18, at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch in Hauppauge. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased by Jan. 12. Checks made out to “MLK, Jr. Breakfast” can be mailed to MLK Breakfast Committee 1st Baptist Church of Riverhead 1018 Northville Turnpike Riverhead, NY 11901 For more information, please call 631-727-3446.
LICC’S HEMPSTEAD PANTRY EXPANDS Our small satellite food pantry in Hempstead has grown into a full-fledged one. While the selection of items is still greater at our Freeport and Riverhead emergency food centers, we now have a good supply of basic items at our new location: 40 Washington Street at Front Street, on the second floor of Hempstead United Methodist Church. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 4:30. There is not room in our new location for used clothes or household items, so please take these to our Freeport pantry or donate them to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. EXPANDED SERVICE HOURS AT THE LICC IN RIVERHEAD We have expanded the hours for our Riverhead food pantry (which is now located at 220 Roanoke Ave. #3 @ 2nd Avenue). People are now welcome to come for food Monday through Friday, 9:30 to noon and 1:30 to 4:00. We are also no longer limiting how frequently guests may come for food at any of our locations. Want to help us to assist more people? We could use additional volunteers in Riverhead. Please call Carolyn Gumbs at 631-727-2210 if you can lend a hand.
NEEDED THIS WEEK IN OUR FOOD PANTRIES Our Riverhead pantry needs peanut butter and diapers this week, particularly larger sizes We need Spanish-speaking volunteers in Freeport and donations of food that contains protein: meat, fish, beans, cheese, etc. And, of course, monetary donations to support our emergency food centers would be greatly appreciated.
These should be sent to The Long Island Council of Churches 40 Washington Street Hempstead, NY 11550 Or call 516-565-0290 to charge your contribution to a credit card. You can also donate on-line through https://www.LICCDonate.org:
HAVE A VAN TO DONATE? WANT TO HELP US BUY ONE?
The van at our Riverhead pantry is nearing the end of its life. Do you have one you might be willing to donate? Can you help with occasionally picking up food donations and schlepping them to Riverhead? Or Freeport or Hempstead? Of course, it would be even better to have a new van. Want to contribute toward this? Please click here or visit https://www.liccdonate.org/collections/gmc-cargo-van to read Don Metznik’s blog about how essential a vehicle is in feeding our neighbors in need. Or send a check to the LICC at 40 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 or call 516-565-0290 to charge a donation to
RENT, MORTGAGE & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
We understand that the Family & Children’s Association has housing funds to help seniors and that Services for the Underserved can help veterans, but we are not aware of anyone else who has money for rent and mortgage assistance, other than the Dept. of Social Services. The HEAP heating assistance program, Emergency HEAP, and United Way’s Project Warmth are now available. We help with applications for Project Warmth, but those eligible for HEAP must apply for that first before asking for Project Warmth assistance. HEAP income limits range from $26.931 for singles to $80,055 for a family of eleven. Those applying for Project Warmth should make an appointment with the LICC or another agency and bring heating bills, termination notice, an explanation of arrears, and proof of residence and income.
AN UPDATE ON THE OPEN DOOR EXCHANGE
The LICC’s frequent requests for furniture for our clients and our lack of storage space for furniture has inspired the Rev. Kate Jones Calone and the church she serves to begin the Open Door Exchange, a furniture ministry at Setauket Presbyterian Church that we hope may evolve into a new location for the LICC to assist our neighbors in need. Do you have furniture to offer? Requests for furniture? Want to volunteer at their warehouse in Port Jefferson Station or pick up donations? If so, please contact Kate at katecjones@yahoo.com or 631-941-4271. Open Door Exchange can pick up furniture donations anywhere within a 30-minute drive of Port Jefferson Station. They cannot accept donated mattresses or appliances but would be glad to receive small household items and lamps. We also take requests for furniture in our Riverhead office (631-727-2210), our Hempstead office (516-565-0290), and our Freeport pantry (516-868-4989).
FREE STUFF
*The LICC has unopened boxes of toner cartridges from a Brother printer we no longer have. They fit a DCP 7055, 7060, or 7065, the HL 2220, w230, 2240, 2270, 2275, or 2280 and several Brother fax machines. Would you like them? *The United Methodist Church of Port Washington has a Risograph duplicator RZ 220 and ink and supplies to give away and an HP LaserJet 6p printer and supplies. Both are in good condition. Please call Pat at 516 883-1430 or email umcpw@verizon.net to arrange pickup. *Massapequa Reformed Church has several bronze communion sets (chalice, bread plates), bronze taper candle holders, A bronze baptismal shell, a large white cloth with a cross embroidered on it (large enough to cover a coffin) and green and purple liturgical cloths. They would be glad to give these away to any church that can use them and can send photos. Email Kathryn at info@massreformedchurch.org
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: GARDEN CITY CLERGY FELLOWSHIP JANUARY STUDY SERIES “THE HEART OF A STRANGER” (UNDERSTANDING OUR FEAR OF OTHERS) The community is encouraged to attend these programs, and fellowship with members of other faith communities. We gather at 7:15 pm for dessert. The programs are from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. January 12 Jewish Center – Long Island Wins, 168 Nassau Blvd., January 19 Community Church – Werner Reich (Holocaust survivor & refugee) 245 Stewart Ave. January 26 Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Muslim speaker) 229 Stewart Ave. “CREATING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY” JAN. 17 IN WYANDANCH
SENIOR MINISTER SOUGHT
The Community Church of East Williston, a vibrant, inter-denominational Protestant congregation, located in western Nassau County, is seeking a Senior Minister to take this historic church into the future. The position requires an experienced, ordained minister with a youthful enthusiasm to reestablish our CCEW as the “Light in the Community.” The ideal candidate will have ministerial, supervisory, and managerial skills. We offer a competitive salary, including housing. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Mitch Williams at: mgwill0408@optonline.net, or mail a hard to Mitch Williams, CCEW, 45 East Williams Avenue, East Williston 11596.
OFFICE COORDINATOR SOUGHT IN BELLPORT
Office coordinator needed three days a week (10-3pm ). Must be experienced in office responsibilities, computer programs, and processing payroll, all w/attention to detail. Willingness to learn and work with various people. Good command of English and written skills. Send resume and a cover letter to Bellport United Methodist Church, PO Box 460, Bellport 11713, 631-286-0525, bellportumc@optimum.net
SEXTON SOUGHT IN LEVITTOWN
The First Presbyterian Church of Levittown, 474 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY is seeking a Part Time Sexton – Approximately 20 hours per week. The Sexton is responsible for general repairs, preventive maintenance, cleaning of the building and the grounds. Additionally, the Sexton will prepare the building for church activities and functions. Interested applicants should send their resume via mail or via email to levitfpc@optonline.net. Applicants can contact the Church with questions at 516-731-3808.
SANCTUARY TO SHARE IN MALVERNE
Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne has space to share with another congregation or 501 c3 organization. Our sanctuary holds 300 and is available Sundays after 11:30am. Street parking only. Lower level includes lounge area, kitchen, fellowship space and Sunday School room. For more information contact Rev. Janice Moore-Caputo, pastorjanicemoore@gmail.com
CHURCH FOR SALE IN ROCKY POINT 2,000 sq. ft. church located at 89 Hallock Landing Road in Rocky Point, on .92 acres, with two small auxiliary buildings and frontage on three streets. There is a small parking lot, with room to expand. $475,000. Contact John F. Hoblin, Jr. at Hunt Corporate Services, 516- 937-1000 or jhoblin@huntcorp.com or visit www.huntcorp.com OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE IN GARDEN CITY Garden City Community Church has an office space to share. The monthly maintenance cost of $500 includes heat and electricity use. For more information call Liz Cavolo at 516-746-1700 or email ecavolo@thegccc.org
MORE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE IN GARDEN CITY
A non-profit organization on Old Country Road in Garden City has office space to share long-term with another non-profit. Available are two individual offices (230+ sq ft. each). Ample free parking and a short walk from the Nassau County Seat, Winthrop University Hospital and the Mineola LIRR train station. Also on site and available for occasional use are a conference room for meetings of up to 50 people and a large auditorium for larger events. For additional information, please visit www.ehsli.org or call 516-741-7304.
CHURCH FOR SALE IN AMITYVILLE
The New Apostolic Church has merged its Amityville and Westbury congregations to create a larger, more diverse church that eventually will soon move into a new location in Bethpage. The Amityville location, 890 County Line Road, right off the Southern State Parkway, is already for sale. The one-story building is about 3300 sq. ft., with a sanctuary that seats about 75, and there is an adjacent parking lot. For more information, please contact Stephen Preuss or Denise Prevete at Cushman Wakefield, 718-512-2118/2605.
SPACE AVAILABLE TO SHARE IN NEW HYDE PARK
Hillside United Methodist Church in New Hyde Park has space they would be glad to share with another congregation, school, or not-for-profit agency. Their chapel seats 35 and is available Sunday afternoons between 1 and 4 p.m. They also have three classrooms, a children’s room, and a meeting room/library that they might be able to share. For further information, contact Bob Graf at 516-741-5148.
CHURCH SPACE AVAILABLE IN LEVITTOWN First Presbyterian Church of Levittown has space available for any 501(c)3 organization. Spaces available include, party room, conference room, full size gym, balcony room. Wantagh Avenue in Levittown, exit 28 on the Southern State Parkway. Contact the church office at 516-731-3808 or levitfpc@optonline.net for further information.
CHURCH SPACE TO SHARE IN MASSAPEQUA: The Presbyterian Community Church in Massapequa has space to share with another congregation: Sanctuary, two levels, seats 225, generally available except Sunday Fellowship hall/auditorium/gymnasium with kitchen Club room Parking lot and street parking for 60 cars (on weekends, additional parking is available) Several classrooms This is a large building that can be used for worship, meetings and other gatherings, conveniently located near the Southern State Parkway, Route 135 and Sunrise Highway. Please call Pete LaMassa at 516-316-6571 for more information.
PARSONAGE AVAILABLE IN MANHASSET
4-bedroom, 3 full bath parsonage, with center hall colonial with attached garage in lovely Manhasset neighborhood available to person or agency substantially related to the church’s tax- exempt purpose. $2950 plus utilities. Contact the Church of Our Saviour office at 516-627-2430.
PARSONAGE AVAILABLE IN QUEENS VILLAGE
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Queens Village seeks clergy for use and occupancy of parsonage with brand new kitchen, carpeting, and paint. The parsonage includes a finished basement, washer and dryer, window A/C units, wi-fi connections, front and back yards, and off-street parking. It is accessible by public transportation and major parkways and costs $2500 monthly. Call 718-468-8868 for more information.
| LI Council of Churches 40 Washington Street Hempstead, New York 11550 US |