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Community Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

PAPA — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:40:58 +0000

Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Dinner with all the fixings.

If you will be alone on Thanksgiving, or simply can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner, please join us.

Thursday, November 24, 2011
12:00 pm (doors open at 11:30 for reception)
United Methodist Church
1040 Main Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 [map]

** One Sitting Only for Diner, at 12 Noon **

Bishop Michael J. Champion talks about PAPA’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Q: Please describe PAPA’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.

A: … It has its origins in 1982 with the efforts of William D. Lancaster Sr. a community activist who engaged the cooperation of PAPA with the Peekskill United Methodist Church. About 300 dinners are served each year, with around half served ‘in house’ and half delivered to those confined to their homes. Some 30 to 50 turkeys are prepared together with all of the traditional accompaniments. … As people leave, we have an assortment of blankets and children’s items for those who need them.

Q: Why does PAPA continue to provide these two holiday services each year?

A: … There is value in continuity where a project continues to be purposeful, in the interest of both the practical and the spiritual needs of our community. I think that these two events continue to pass these criteria. With that said, the increasing needs in our current social environmenthave led to new and equally important requests for help from PAPA. A constant re-evaluation of our abilities to meet these requests shows that in order to do justice to the present needs, more fundraising is needed on the part of our organization.

(Taken from an interview for the Journal News)

Thanksgiving Service 2011

PAPA — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:08:50 +0000

THE
PEEKSKILL AREA
PASTORS ASSOCIATION
announces the annual

THANKSGIVING INTER-RELIGIOUS SERVICE

Sunday, November 20, 2011
5:00 pm
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
137 North Division St, Peekskill, NY 10566 [map]
Keynote Speaker: Rabbi Lee S. Paskind of the First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill

Local congregations of all faiths will participate
“Featuring the Peekskill Area Interfaith Choir”

** Refreshments to follow**
On street or free municipal parking available. Security will be on hand.

Download Flyer: English | Spanish

Thanksgiving Letter of Appeal

PAPA — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:32:37 +0000

Dear friends,

The Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA) announces this year’s Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, to be held at the United Methodist Church in Peekskill (1040 Main Street) on Thursday, November 24th at 12:00 noon.

As they have done for the past 30 years, volunteers will serve over 300 dinners to people who were alone or in need during the holiday. More than 125 of those meals will be delivered to homebound elderly and sick members of our community.

We need your financial support to make this dinner possible. Would you consider making a gift of $100 to this year’s dinner? Your donation will help to fund the dinner and provide for the on-going work of PAPA in the greater Peekskill-Northern Westchester-Putnam area.

Please send your contribution in the postage paid envelope provided, payable to “PAPA”. You can also help us to announce the dinner by posting the enclosed flier in a visible place.

PAPA and its member congregations is the founder and sponsor of the “noontime meal program” which is served every day at the Salvation Army building. Among other humanitarian outreaches, we were instrumental in starting CHOP (Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill), support the Jan Peek Shelter, Hudson River Health Care, Sunny Doughnut Breakfast Program, the new Fred’s Pantry at St. Peter’s Church, the inter-faith chaplaincy program at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center and much more. In these difficult times, the need for our work is increasing more than ever.

PAPA has a 150 year-old history in greater Peekskill. We promote harmony and cooperation between communities of diverse beliefs and continue our historically pivotal role in issues of justice and service. While we come together to further causes that put our individual faith into action, we respect and do not debate the different approaches to God which we all hold dear.

The time is also approaching for our annual Thanksgiving Inter-Religious Service, which will be held this year on Sunday, November 20 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 5.00 pm. We cordially invite you to participate. This year’s program will feature the PAPA Interfaith Choir and a colorful array of diverse expressions of faith and culture.

May God bless you for helping us keep a united community the Peekskill area. Please visit our website at pastorsofpeekskill.org to see more details of our work and activities.
With kind personal regards and best wishes for a blessed season,

Bishop Michael J. Champion
PAPA President

Download Letter: English | Spanish

C.H.O.P. Meet and Greet Event 2011

PAPA — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:02:18 +0000

On October 27, 2011 at the Bean Runner Cafe it took place the Meet and Great Event of the Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill, bringing awareness to help and serve the hungry and homeless.

The informal event had the purpose of raise awareness of C.H.O.P., a not for profit organization operating:

Jan Peek House – A homeless shelter
Sunny Donut – A free breakfast program
Fred’s Pantry – A choice food pantry

Donations are always vital and anyone is welcome to participate to continue this essential work in the community.

Rabbi Paskind with friends from C.H.O.P.

“Called To Care” Retreat 2011

PAPA — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:33:14 +0000

The core topics of wellness and taking care of the caregiver were so eloquently expressed in the Called To Care Retreat Day on September 22, 2011 at Stony Point Conference Center. The fifty participants went off refreshed and renewed, centered on spirituality and personal renewal. The day provided lively discussion and times of reflection and good healthy food for this interfaith group of clergy from the Peekskill Area Pastors’ Association and chaplains from Hudson Valley Hospital Center and caregivers at Hudson River Health Care and the Westchester Community Foundation. These sponsors, with a grant from Project Hope, wanted it to be a day of serenity and renewal for caregivers. Liz Phillips from HRHC and Joan Schildwachter from HVHC organized the day to energize the chaplains and clergy and caregivers to continue with their ministries.

In addition to the morning presentation on Compassion and Caretaking for Caregivers by Sister Theresa Lardner, OP, from Rockland Hospice, the afternoon presentation perfectly offered a well-rounded foundation for healing and de-stressing and finding moments of serenity not only by being present to the moment but being aware of relaxing one’s body, through meditation, massage therapy, and mindfulness. As with Sister Theresa, the inner peace and joy of Steve and Jenia Quinn were evident to us all—and inspiring. They were practical and inspiring, down-to-earth and wise. This was a wonderful community event.

- Joan Schildwachter

Called to Care 2011

Slideshow

The day provided lively discussion and times of reflection and good healthy food for this interfaith group of clergy.

Called To Care Retreat Day

Interfaith Chaplaincy Program at HVHC

PAPA members participate in September 11 memorial services 2011

PAPA — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:03:47 +0000

September 11, 2011: Members of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association participated in regional services remembering the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed near Shanksville PA. The commemorations were held in Peekskill, at the Fireman’s memorial in Riverfront Green Park, where the benediction was delivered by Bishop Michael J. Champion, PAPA president. The services were co-directed by the Peekskill Fire Department’s chief Lenny Varella and the City of Peekskill, led by mayor Mary Foster.

Also in the Town of Cortlandt, town supervisior Linda Puglisi presided at a packed, two hour town hall memorial program. Prayers were offered PAPA members, Monsignor Patrick J. Keenan, of St. Columbanus Roman Catholic Church, Rabbi Lee S. Paskind of the First Hebrew Congregation and Bishop Michael J: Champion.

The more than 20 member Peekskill Area Pastors Association Interfaith Choir, under the direction of Alice Avouris and accompanied by Karen Longwell provided musical selections at both services.

Media coverage:
Peekskill Patch
The Daily Peekskill

[Slideshow]

Clergy and faith leaders at Camp Smith

PAPA — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:21:31 +0000

On March 15, 2011 army chaplains join with area clergy and faith leaders at Camp Smith Training Site to launch the new “Partners in Care” initiative between the Army chaplaincy and local faith communities and to dedicate the newly renovated Chaplain Duffy Spiritual Fitness Center.

In the photo they join together in a prayer for the safety for those serving in the armed forces and for all victims of violence.

The three soldiers are: CH (CPT) James Collins, chaplain for the 1-69th BN, 42 ID; 1LT Chris Antal, who will be the new Installation Chaplain and OIC for the Spiritual Fitness Center; and CH (COL) Eric Olsen, Joint Forces Chaplain.

They are joined by (Clockwise, from Center):

The reverend Thomas Theilmann of the Trinity-Boscobel United Methodist Church in Buchanan; brother John Blazo, Maryknoll missionary from the Catholic Foreign Missionary Society in Ossining; imam Dr. Salahuddin Muhammad, muslim chaplain at the Department of Corrections in Fishkill and leader of the Masjid Al-Ihklas Mosque in Newburgh; Dr. Bill Butler, lay leader from the Times Square Church Military Ministry; Dr. Mahjabeen Hassan and Nasreen Hussain of the AmericanMuslim Women’s Association in Briarcliff Manor; rabbi Lee Paskind from the First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill; archbishop Michael J. Champion, of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Montrose and president of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA); father James J. Gardiner, SA, of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in Garrison; LTC (British Army, Retired) Noel Dawes, bishop David Bena, and the reverend Nigel Mumford from the Warriors Welcome Home Initiative of Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich- a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

Camp Smith 2011

Slideshow

Camp Smith Training Site launching of the new "Partners in Care" program.

Photo courtesy of Noel Dawes “Welcome Home Initiative”

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Interfaith Chaplaincy Program at HVHC

MLK Celebration 2011

PAPA — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:47:40 +0000

PAPA sponsored the 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, held at the Peekskill Middle School on January 17, 2011.

[Slideshow]

Thanksgiving Inter-religious Service 2010

PAPA — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:39:25 +0000

On Sunday, November 21, people of numerous faith traditions, cultures and walks of life filled the First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill for PAPA’s annual Interreligious Thanksgiving Service. Clergy, religious, pastoral ministers, religious and community leaders and activists, elected officials and many members of the faithful were among the close to 400 who were present.

Featured among the participants in the service were two choirs. Making their debut performance, the 30 member PAPA Greater Peekskill Interfaith Choir was co-directed by Alice Avouris and Karen Longwell. Violinist Mary Ann Feller added to one of the choir’s anthems. Also beautifying the service was the acclaimed Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Choir under the able direction of Tuesday Paige McDonald. Soloist Cece Hankins shared her talent with the community during the choir’s selection.

The sermon was delivered by Father James J. Gardiner, SA. Father Gardiner is well known in the Peekskill area and throughout greater New York. For the past twelve years, he served as director of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center in Garrison and has made many contributions to interfaith work as a member of PAPA and independently. At present Fr. Gardiner is on sabbatical at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land (OFM) in Washington, DC. At the conclusion of the service, PAPA president, Bishop Michael J. Champion presented Fr. Jim with a plaque, in recognition of his “dedicated membership and many important contributions” to the Peekskill Area Pastors Association.

While readings were taken from the Jewish, Christian and Islamic writings, intercessory prayers were recited in eight different languages by members of the laity. These included, Hebrew, Shona, Spanish, Yiddish, Arabic, German, Albanian and Urdu. To each petition, the choirs and people responded, “Óyenos Señor, listen to your people.” The selection of the languages and the intentions for needs of the whole of society, was a strong symbol of the unity in diversity present in the Peekskill area.

As is traditional at this service, all of the clergy present were invited to join together in imparting the concluding blessing.

Refreshments were served afterwards during a time of fellowship. PAPA expresses thanks to all who made the service memorable. A special thanks to Rabbi Lee S. Paskind, Hazzan Marian Turk, the board and members of the First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill for graciously hosting this year’s liturgical celebration.

Each year, this traditional service takes place at a different Peekskill area house of worship. Next year’s celebration will take place on Sunday, November 20, 2011. Save the date and watch for details! All are welcome.

Photos courtesy of Deacon R. Medina

Show Pictures

[Slideshow]

Bishop Michael J. Champion talks about PAPA’s Thanksgiving Inter-religious Service:

Q: Please describe PAPA’s Thanksgiving interreligious service.

A: The annualinterreligiousservice, as many community traditions, began with smaller gatherings of congregations located within very close proximity of each other. … Longtime members recall a PAPA ad in the local press, promoting the various services across the region. As PAPA’s work has grown, so has the Thanksgiving service. We draw clergy and parishioners from Peekskill, the whole town of Cortlandt, Mohegan, Yorktown, Putnam Valley, Garrison and other locales. There are Jews, Muslims, Christians, Unitarians,Buddhists, and people of faith with no one particular affiliation.

Q: What is the significance of the interreligious service?

A: One of the purposes of PAPA, as per our mission statement, is to provide occasions for fellowship and an authentic meeting place between the diverse faith traditions. This service is one of the ways we accomplish this goal. Another objective is to celebrate our unity and our diversity. Texts are used from the different traditions and prayers are read in at least eight different languages. Even the vestments of the clergy attest to the rainbow of faith that shines forth from this beautiful coming together. One of the highlights of this year’s service will be the interfaith choir, comprised of members from congregations throughout the area. Last year’s service drew some 400 people from every walk of life. Everyone is welcome. This year, the guest speaker will be the Rev. James J. Gardiner, former director of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center in Garrison and a PAPA member.

(Taken from an interview for the Journal News)

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

PAPA — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:26:32 +0000

This event has passed

Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Dinner with all the fixings.

If you will be alone on Thanksgiving, or simply can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner, please join us.

Thursday, November 26, 2010
12:00 pm (doors open at 11:30 for reception)
United Methodist Church
1040 Main Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 [map]

Bishop Michael J. Champion talks about PAPA’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Q: Please describe PAPA’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.

A: … It has its origins in 1982 with the efforts of William D. Lancaster Sr. a community activist who engaged the cooperation of PAPA with the Peekskill United Methodist Church. About 300 dinners are served each year, with around half served ‘in house’ and half delivered to those confined to their homes. Some 30 to 50 turkeys are prepared together with all of the traditional accompaniments. … As people leave, we have an assortment of blankets and children’s items for those who need them.

Q: Why does PAPA continue to provide these two holiday services each year?

A: … There is value in continuity where a project continues to be purposeful, in the interest of both the practical and the spiritual needs of our community. I think that these two events continue to pass these criteria. With that said, the increasing needs in our current social environmenthave led to new and equally important requests for help from PAPA. A constant re-evaluation of our abilities to meet these requests shows that in order to do justice to the present needs, more fundraising is needed on the part of our organization.

(Taken from an interview for the Journal News)