Church. Brookville NEWSLETTER. Reflections. Reflections. Where We Are Now. by Branch Worsham

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1 Brookville Church NEWSLETTER Reflections Reflections Our doors are always open. When Rev. Vicky arrived here she was astonished to encounter this and she immediately took it up as a motto for the church. I doubt if they have ever been closed because we came in 1963 and it had been so, long before that. The church was a bustling place in the fifties. Dick Van Dyke was a member and he attracted others while many members were related to the early Dutch founders with names we still find on local roads. Sunday School attendance was huge and the sanctuary was often full. On holidays folding chairs had to be set up in all three aisles and more in the narthex. Unfortunately, in the seventies and on, the Brookville Church has faced downward attendance and membership, just as most mainline protestant churches. Rev. Allen Ramirez was here for thirty years and became aware of those worrisome changes. In 2011 when he announced his impending retirement, Rev. Ramirez knew things were seriously on the decline. Around that time he started an association with the Interfaith Community of Long Island (IFC), a group of families representing both the Jewish and Christian faiths. These families were raising their children to learn and respect both religious heritages. Rev. Ramirez knew of their deep desire for a church home that would fully embrace them as interfaith families and it became his goal to make Brookville Church that place. Meanwhile, during the next two years, the Pastoral Search Committee was charged with finding a pastor who could work with our congregation alongside the IFC. Showing our church s commitment to the IFC, Pam Gawley and Sarah Cirker, Co-chairs of the group, were included in interviews. As you know, the search was a success when Rev. Vicky became our pastor. Where We Are Now by Branch Worsham Around the same time, it seemed that the hand of God had opened the doors for The New Synagogue of Long Island to make their home here. Their Rabbi (Rabbi Stuart Paris) recently told me a story about his mentor, Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman. As the older Rabbi was aware that his time remaining on this earth was growing shorter he discussed Rabbi Paris future, specifically starting his own synagogue with his own style of leadership. Rabbi Paris, somewhat doubtful, asked him where and when and who will he lead. Rabbi Gelberman replied, REV. VICKY L. EASTLAND Pastor of Congregational Life Rev.Vicky@verizon.net 2 BROOKVILLE ROAD BROOKVILLE, NY Brookvillechurch@gmail.com Where our doors are always open! July 2015 Without Us, in other words, there can never be hope of a We. ~Junot-Diaz They will find you! And sure enough, they did! Rabbi Paris began his synagogue around the same time Rev. Vicky began her ministry and the Interfaith Community embraced Brookville as their dual-faith home! The Muslim Reform Movement Organization, already here for many years, became interested in the changes which produced a new atmosphere of cooperation between all four groups (church, synagogue, Muslim group and Interfaith Community). From here a Multifaith Campus was birthed where four separate entities now call Brookville their home. The list of successful events and real fellowship that we have had is proof that we are on a right path to unity. Progress is a slow process but after nearly two years we know we are building something unique and worthwhile. As summer turns to fall the campus will come alive with new activities. There are still empty spaces in the pews for both Jewish and Christian worship services. There are opportunities for growth, unity and shared celebrations. Continued on page 7

2 Thank You To Muslim Reform Movement Organization The Brookville Multifaith Campus would like to thank Dr. Sultan and his Muslim community for hosting their first Community Iftaar Dinner on June 21, It was such a pleasure to observe Iftaar with them through a delicious dinner, great conversation and a lesson on the benefits of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Thank you for teaching us that each day during the month of Ramadan, which began this year on June 17th, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until the sun sets. We learned that fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spiritual awareness, humility and patience. We also learned that Ramadan is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God and put into practice the gift of charity. Thank you for teaching us that self-reflection is best done during Ramadan because it is a time when Muslims change their daily routines, so there is a greater opportunity to think about one s life. Dr. Dr. Sultan giving a talk on the benefits of fasting for Ramadan. Sultan said, If the thoughts in your mind always revolve around what is going on at present you remain trapped in it. In order to have a better life, you have to find time to think what it should be like. That is the purpose of selfevaluation. Dua or supplication is a means to ask God s help in getting there. Dr. Sultan also said, For this to be possible, you have to first reform your belief that Ramadan is a ritual based only on food. Ramadan is an opportunity to create a path to make sure that your life by next Ramadan will be better than it is today. Thank you for reminding us from other faith backgrounds the benefits of fasting, for it is a spiritual discipline in Christianity and Judaism as well, and one that few take advantage of. May we all be more faithful in our spiritual practices so we can grow closer to God and each other. We are blessed to have Dr. Sultan and his Muslim community as members of our multifaith campus and enjoy the deepening of friendships that is occurring among us. Ramadan Mubarak! Thanks be to God! Ramadan Mubarak! Thanks be to God!

3 May$was$the$month$of$Rite$of$Passage$for$our$campus $youth Brookville Church is proud of it s recent Confirmands, Branch (JJ) Worsham, Katherine Hunt, and Rachel Worsham who made their public Profession of Faith on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the 10 a.m. Worship Celebration! Here are a few things they shared with their church community: I believe in God because he blessed me with life and a wonderful family and life that I love and am thankful for. The Holy Spirit gives us all gifts, but one I have found will be useful on my journey through life [is] the gift of yourself and others. When you think about it I am sure there have been many times when you needed help and someone helped you. Or maybe it was vice versa someone needed help and you helped them, that I believe is what the gift of yourself and others is, I think it has been instilled into all of us, we just need to find it and use it to help others. God sent down his only son, Jesus, to die for our sins and I think we should do what is best for the world like God did, I think we should use our gifts to help others. So I would like to finish with saying I believe in God because he created me and instilled me with gifts that I will use to help others on my journey after confirmation. ~ Branch (JJ) Worsham In my life I try to put Jesus there as much as I can. Since I was very young Jesus has been an influence. At my baptism, my Grandma and Grandpa had given me a very simple, picture filled Bible. It didn't mean much to me then, due to the fact that I couldn't read, but as I grew up, I understood it more and more. I would pick it up before bed and read it. And even though I sometimes couldn't understand why and how the events were happening, I still could decipher a meaning from the stories. Even at a young age, I recognized the precedents that Jesus set for us, and that it was a good idea to follow them. And to this day I still do. My faith in God helps me everyday by being a better person for my friends, family, and whole community. ~ Katherine Hunt I believe in God because he has given me a passion for music and in all a blessed opportunity filled life. All that I have achieved has come to me from God. The most important thing in my life given to me from God was in 2nd grade when my parents said I was going to have piano lessons. Carol became my teacher and has been for roughly 7 years. She alone is a gift because she pushes me so hard and it is so rewarding. I remember playing a piece a few months ago and I m just watching my fingers. I was so amazed because it was almost automatic, I knew where my fingers had to be, how hard I had to push to get the right dynamic, and how long to hold my notes. That night I was praying and instead of saying the prayer I had grown up saying I thanked God for giving me this gift. Christianity is something I plan on keeping with me throughout my life and that is why today is so important. My future in this is being confirmed today and I m thankful that all of you are a part of it. ~ Rachel Worsham Dear JJ, Katherine and Rachel: I am proud of you and the statements of faith each of you made in front of your church family and God! On this day you made a promise to God. It was not a promise to be perfect or a promise to never doubt your faith. Instead you made a promise to love God and God s church and to do everything in your power to follow where that love takes you. My prayer for you is that you will always keep yourselves connected to the people of God and the church. If you stop coming to church you leave a BIG hole that noone else can fill. If you stop coming to church we will miss the gifts you bring, the ideas you have, the energy you can offer and the love you can bring! Many think that to be Confirmed in the church is to graduate from the church. This could not be farther from the truth. We did not graduate you out of the church, but rather you have graduated into the life of the church. We look forward to all the years of love and light you will bring to Brookville Church as you continue to worship, learn, grow and serve alongside us. Welcome to the family! With great love, Rev. Vicky

4 The commencement of the Interfaith Community students, which took place in our sanctuary on May 31st was an amazing experience for all who attended. The sanctuary was filled to capacity with loving parents, grandparents, family members and friends. Rev. Vicky Eastland, Rabbi Stuart Paris, Cantor Irene Failenbogen and I joyfully participated in the ceremony with our words and songs. Lesley Mazzota and Bill McBride along with the Identity and Transition teachers had beautifully prepared the students for this special ceremony. It was not only the culmination of a course of study in both Judaism and Christianity for these young people who were born to one Jewish parent and one Christian parent, but a celebration of unity, freedom, open mindedness and respect. I know it is difficult for people to understand how anyone can embrace two religions without conflict and confusion and yet that is exactly what our students have learned to do. Each student spoke about either something in his or her personal experience as a member of the Interfaith Community or shared a verse from the Bible, a reading or a poem. The reflections were meaningful, substantial and inspiring. Our young people really shone and made each one of us extremely proud to be a part of this enlightening experience. I look forward to many more years of service to this community and to our sacred Multifaith Campus where amazing things are sure to continue to happen. Many thanks to the Brookville Church for providing a home for all of us to be who we are. Blessings, Rev. Enid Kessler The Identity and Transition Class of 2015 We are sad to announce that Lesley Mazzotta who for the past nine months worked for both the church and the Interfaith Community of Long Island (IFC) is ending her job with both groups. We want to thank Lesley for the important work she did for us in this transitional year as the IFC moved all their programming to our campus. Lesley is gifted in management skills and worked to bring organization to the IFC along with writing their children s educational curriculum. She also coordinated our calendars, helped get our quarterly multifaith adult education program up and running, and worked with the church s leadership team (consistory) to define our target audience and vision for the future. Lesley will stay connected to our campus through the ministries she will continue to be running in Manhassett. We will continue to benefit from: The Ecumenical Women s Ministry Lesley has grown on the North Shore. Joint Multifaith Youth Group that Lesley runs with Rev. Lori Burgess from the Congregational Church of Manhassett. Girl Inspired: a new ministry Lesley, along with other women leaders started two years ago. This group helps teenage girls deal with negative images and messages that our media displays, telling girls they are not ok the way they are. The group s goal is to inspire all girls to develop a deep faith and strong sense of themselves. Adult Spiritual Retreats sponsored by Community Reformed Church of Manhassett. As has been the case in previous years, our church and multifaith community will be included in all the above listed group s activities. We wish Lesley all the best as she continues her important and influential ministry on the North Shore!

5 May$was$the$month$of$Rite$of$Passage$for$our$campus $youth (continued) We would like to congratulate the following students from the Interfaith Community of Long Island who completed their Identity and Transitions class and graduated at their Interfaith Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 2 pm: Dear graduates: As an interfaith young adult, whether you have chosen one faith over the other or remain interfaith, you were raised to be a peacemaker in a world still impacted by religious hatred and violence. You are a bridge-builder who can create a healing bond between religions. My hope is that you will be motivated by your interfaith family to strive to repair our broken world. As you embrace your own complex identity, remember to let your light shine so the world can see God s love in you. Don t hide your light, but let it shine for all to see. Your light represents being born into two great religious traditions, both infused with compassion and social justice, learning and spirituality. So go forth from here and shine on! raising children in a dual-faith home. God bless you! With love and best wishes, Rev. Vicky Michael Benjamin, son of Vicki and Peter Benjamin Sarah Cilento, daughter of Marsha and John Cilento Matthew Flood, son of Mindy and David Flood Daniel Hart, son of Jennifer and Malone Hart Michael Johanson, son of Shari and Robert Johanson Jason Kaplan, son of Loralee and Ira Kaplan Jordan Monaco, son of Lori and John Monaco Lila Racey, daughter of Laura and Stuart Racey Ian Schombs, son of Amy and Steven Schombs Jaclyn Schuman, daughter of Adam and Christine Schuman Justin Tawil, son of Vanessa and Aaron Tawil Dear parents: I commend you for choosing the road less traveled. You have each made a personal commitment to stay connected to your own faith even though it is different from your spouse. You have worked hard and with great intention to educate your children in both religions. Thank you for your commitment to teach your children to respect and appreciate both faiths. Thank you for being role models for other interfaith families who will come behind you looking for direction and guidance as they navigate this challenging, yet enriching journey of

6 Fun in the sun at the Children s Spring Musical & Picnic!

7 Let's Rock - A Huge Success! We ALL had so much fun on Sunday, June 14, when the kids from our multi faith campus performed the play "Let's Rock". They were wonderful and the audience was delighted with the talents of our kids. Afterwards, we had a wonderful party on the front lawn with a bounce house, the Kona Ice truck, a barbecue, and fellowship with members from our multifaith campus. What a day! Thank you to ALL of the parents of this cast. You are ALL amazing and I appreciate everything you did to help with Let's Rock. Thank you to our admin, Janîce Leotti, who does all the work behind the scenes. Thank you to our sexton, Rigo! You are amazing! From moving heavy stuff around for the play, to the last minute request for an amp and a microphone (while you were moving the heavy stuff), thank you so much. Thank you to ALL the cast members. You have been a joy to work with. Every member of this cast had input in staging, choreography, and the creation of the set. I am in awe of your talents and abilities. I am grateful for your commitment to our campus. YOU are our future! Thank you to Rev. Vicky and the multifaith campus for allowing me the freedom to be creative and produce these events. I am so blessed! The Cast - Jacob Apat, Joseph Apat, Gabe Cirker, Leah Cirker, Maddy Cirker, Georgia Leppard, Grace Leppard, Alaina Pinto, Andrew Pinto, Cara Schombs, Evan Schombs, Hailey Schombs, Ian Schombs, Monica Poblador, Branch J.J. Worsham, Rachel Worsham, Sarah Worsham. Upcoming Event - Save the Date! Saturday, September 26, 4:00 p.m. The First Children's Coffee House Concert *I will be forming a Multifaith Youth Choir to perform at approximately three events during the year. If you are interested in participating in any (or all) of these events, please let me know. Happy Summer to All! Carol Cgoglia@aol.com Where We Are Now Continued from page 1 The doors are always open -- but not used enough. The Dutch farmers who started the church in 1732 made up a congregation larger than our current active membership. In 1920, most members still came from the farm by horse and buggy or farm wagon. The roads in front of the church were dirt roads into the 1930s. As more time passed the church on the corner became more accessible and grew just as the nation did. Now we approach a new era in the place once called Wolver Hollow. The Multifaith Campus is making changes designed to build a deeper sense of belonging on our campus. We have a beautiful building set on a prominent corner and tended to by sexton, Rigo Melara, who does wonders with the trees, shrubs and flowers (not to mention the interior of the buildings). Our future is ours to create. This is not just a short-term fix; it is a permanent place of worship for all the people here and for those to come. Your presence will encourage others to come because you are coming. Branch Worsham

8 The$Challenge$of$Drugs America.has.a.health.crisis.and.it.is.unfolding. right.before.our.eyes.on.long.island. Families.are.devastated as.people.are.dying.from.drugs, especially.heroin. Please join us at 10:00 a.m. July - Brookville Church July 26 - Douglaston 9:30 a.m. (see announcement at bottom right of this page) August - Reformed Church of Locust Valley 115 Ryefield Rd. Locust Valley, NY 11560!Please$Note:$ New$Church$Office$Hours Summer.Schedule: June3August Monday:.. CLOSED Tuesday:.. 8:00.3.1:00.p.m. Wednesday:.. 8:00.3.1:00.p.m. Thursday:.. 8:00.3.1:00.p.m. Friday:.. 8:00.3.1:00.p.m. It s.an.american.epidemic! On.Friday.evening,.July$24,$at$7:00$p.m. Parkway.Community.Church.will.show.the.film: An$American$Epidemic Michael.DeLeon,.the.producer,.will.be.holding.a. discussion.following.the.film. Parkway.Community.Church 95.Stewart.Ave. Hicksville,.New.York For$more$information$call:$516U938U1233 THE HOBO ~ LETS HIS ~ WHISKERS SPROUT ~ IT S TRAINS.NOT GIRLS ~ ~ THAT HE TAKES OUT~ July$26$at$9:30$a.m. Joint$Galilean$Service on the shore of Little Neck Bay at the Douglaston Dock (Shore Rd. at the West end of Beverly Rd.) Participating Congregations ~ Community Church of Douglaston ~ Community Reformed Church of Manhassett ~ Reformed Church of Locust Valley ~ Brookville Church

9 Ask$the$Rabbi Two candles together enhance each other s brightness! Question: Why do Jewish holidays begin at nightfall? Answer: This question touches upon a fascinating concept - the passage of time. According to the Jewish calendar, not only Jewish holidays begin at nightfall, but every day does. This is based on the story of creation in Genesis, where at the end of each day it says, "And it was evening, and it was morning; the first day", "And it was evening, and it was morning; the second day" etc. By mentioning evening before morning, the Torah defines a day as beginning with the evening, followed by the morning. Darkness is a pathway to the sunrise hiding behind it. That's Jewish time - the comfort in knowing that no matter how dark it may seem, it is light that will have the last word. Question: Why is lighting candles a big part of Judaism? What is the connection between candles and spirituality? Answer: There is something about a candle that makes it more spiritual than physical. A physical substance, when spread, becomes thin. Spirituality, when spread, expands and grows. When you use something physical, it is diminished. The more money you spend, the less you have; the more gasoline you use, the more empty your tank becomes; the more food you eat, the more you need to restock your pantry. But spiritual things increase with use. If I use my wisdom to teach, the student learns, and I come out wiser for it; if I share my love with another, I become more loving, not less. When you give a spiritual gift, both the recipient and the giver gain. This is the spiritual property that candles share. When you use one candle to light another, the original candle remains bright. Its light is not diminished by being shared; on the contrary, the two candles together enhance each other s brightness and increase light. We sometimes worry that we may stretch ourselves too thin. In matters of spirit, this is never the case. The more goodness we spread, the more goodness we have. By making a new friend, you become a better friend to your old friends. By teaching more students, you become wiser. Keep lighting your candles. There is an endless supply of light in your soul. You will never run out of goodness. Question: What Does Oy Vey Mean? Answer: Oy and vey are two very old Jewish interjections which both mean woe. Oy is found many times in the Bible (see Numbers 21:29, I Samuel 4:7 and Isaiah 3:11 for a few examples). Vey is newer than oy; it is oy s Aramaic equivalent. Today, oy and vey are often used together. Oy vey is the ethnically Jewish way to react when you find out how much your child s braces will cost, or when you find out that there is a two-hour wait time for a table at the restaurant where you just arrived. Question: How can we put the J back in Oy to create JOY? Answer: As my dear friend, Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, said: Today, whatever may annoy, the word for me is joy, just simple joy. Those with no expectations, who feel they deserve nothing - that every breath is a gift - they carry an inner joy in all they do. As soon as we forget about what we need and instead focus on what we are needed for - the good we can do for others rather than the good we can get for ourselves - our joy comes flowing back. Find a higher purpose in all you do, an eternal purpose, the purpose for which you came to this world. Bond yourself with that purpose and with the One who created you with this purpose. That is who you truly are. With purpose comes inner joy. With purpose, your life belongs to you. With purpose, your life is eternal. Joy is not somewhere out there; it rests within, in that part of us that is forever young, forever free, and forever giving - our soul. Find your Purpose! Find your Joy! Rabbi Stuart Paris, HaKohen

10 The$Reformed$Church$of$Locust$Valley Fifth$Annual$Golf$Tournament Monday,$August$10,$2015 Glen$Cove$Golf$Course $175.00/Player $700.00/Foursome Includes:$Golf,$Cart,$Lunch$&$Dinner$at$The$View$Grill Scramble$Format 11:00$a.m.$Registration$/$1:15$p.m.$Shotgun Dinner$Only$at$6:00$p.m.$$40.00/Person,$Seniors$$30.00$(65+) Mail$this$form$with$your$check$payable$to: Reformed.Church.of.Locust.Valley 115.Ryefield.Road,.Locust.Valley,.NY11560 Player Cell$Phone Home$Phone Address Dinner$Only$U$Name(s) Cell$Phone Home$Phone Address All$proceeds$to$benefit$the$Reformed$Church$of$Locust$Valley

11 Set Up Your Online Giving now for the summer! While you re away, your support for the church continues! Giving online is easy, fast and secure! And you can earn points by using your rewards credit card! Here s how Online Giving makes your life easier: Signing up is quick and uncomplicated You can choose between using your checking account or a credit card Budget your giving weekly, monthly, yearly the choice is yours Select the fund(s) you wish to contribute toward General Operating Expenses, Camp Warwick Scholarship Fund, Rev. Meyers Partnership in Ministry in Oman, etc. Your gifts are received and support the work of the church, even if you are not able to get to church as often as you would like Collin & Gavin Remember to pray for our Partner in Peace and Education, Rev. Justin Meyers, his wife Stephanie and their sons, Gavin and Collin as they promote peace among religions in Oman.

12 The Brookville Multifaith Campus is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We grieve the victims: Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., and Myra Thompson and stand in solidarity with their families and the members of Emanuel AME. Our mission to build a multifaith community of people who are able to connect to one another by embracing similarities while respecting differences in a safe and welcoming space prompts us to speak out against racism and hatred. We commend Emanuel AME Church of Charleston for publicly saying they will respond in the spirit of love because love will eventually win. Thank you to everyone who is a part of our Multifaith Campus as we work in unity to restore peace and harmony in our world. God be with us all! Representing Brookville Multifaith Campus: ~ Rev. Vicky L. Eastland, Brookville Church ~ Rabbi Stuart Paris, The New Synagogue of Long Island ~ Dr. Sultan Abdulhameed, Muslim Reform Movement Organization ~ Rev. Enid Kessler, Advisor to The Interfaith Community of Long Island Remembering: Cynthia Hurd, 54 Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor, 49 Tywanza Sanders, 26 Myra Thompson, 59 Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41 Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45 Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74 Ethel Lee Lance, 70 Susie Jackson, 87