Happy Interfaith Holidays

Transcription

1 December 2015 Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council Sponsored by Community Access Unlimited Happy Interfaith Holidays

2 About the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council Our Mission The Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council works to facilitate regular interfaith meetings in order to make way for the building of bonds within the interfaith community. Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council Steering Committee Members Pastor E. Crawford Chair Ebenezer AME Rahway Sidney Blanchard Executive Director of CAU Pastor D. Brown First Baptist Church Elizabeth Pastor H. Bryant Townley Presbyterian Church Union Kevin E. Caldwell Community Church of GOD Plainfield Pastor Carmine Pernini Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Rahway Pastor D. Ford St. Matthew Baptist Church Roselle Pastor Mertz First United Methodist Church Westfield Don Moore Islam Mosque Elizabeth Michelle Mobley Director of Youth Service Residential Roderick Spearman CAU Consultant Elder Arthur Skip Winter Cranford Presbyterian Church We respect the inclusion and welcoming of others regardless of faith, race or disability. We strive to be proactive on social issues. Our Goals To grow the network of faith-based organizations in Union County Encourage representatives from all faiths to join the Interfaith Coordinated Council including those of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, and other faiths To be engaged in: 1. Community Building within faith-based organizations and the general Union County population. 2. The advancement of Social Justice. 3. The intentional inclusion of others regardless of gender, faith, race. Be active in activities that are inclusive and community building Our Objectives Sponsor regular engagement opportunities that facilitate the building of bonds within the Union County interfaith community and their congregations Strengthen the Union County religious congregations through involvement, action and education in self-help. Build working relationships between Union County religious organizations and Community Access Unlimited that create opportunities for youth and people with disabilities and their support staff. Potential Advantages to Joining the Interfaith Community Develop interfaith solidarity Become active with increased publicity Build religious membership Build support to fundraising events with paid participants Create full and part time employment opportunities for congregation members Provide educational opportunities regarding entitlements, housing, and other services, to congregation members Assist individuals within the congregation to obtain services; for example, people with disabilities, youth, people with physical disabilities, or senior citizens. Advantages to the Interfaith Community: Develop interfaith solidarity Become active with increased publicity Build religious membership Build support to fundraising events with paid participants Create full and part time employment opportunities for congregation members Provide educational opportunities regarding entitlements, housing, and other services, to congregation members Assist individuals within the congregation to obtain services for example for people with disabilities; youth; people with physical disabilities; senior citizens.

3 Message from the Chair Person December is a month of great spiritual significance for many people of faith. The Month of December encompasses the Christian seasons of Advent (the coming of Christ) and Christmas (the birth of Christ). The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah (the Festival of lights). The Islamic celebration of Mawlid al-nabi (Mohammed s Birthday). The Buddhist celebration of Rohatsu (Bodhi Day) and so many other Holy Days and Holidays. It s almost as if God, strategically placed these Holy Days and Holidays together in one month, so that we could see and appreciate that which we have in common; and that which is so very different about us. Few words ring truer at this time, than those of Rev, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Thus, it becomes imperative that we look for -even search for- those things, that thing, which will compel us to live together as brothers and sisters. We must uncover, unveil and unwrap all of the beautiful things that we have in common, while respecting that which makes us different. Our commonality? We were all created in the image of God. Our difference? The location of our birth, the color of our skin and the nativity of our tongues. Our commonality? Our steadfast faith in God. Our higher power, our guide, and our strength. Our difference? Where we serve God. How we serve God. What we call God. When we worship God. In the month of December, I challenge us to find a commonality of faith for every difference of faith that rears its head. That is the only way in which we will ever learn to love each other with a pure and honest love. The only way we will be able to stand as defenders of truth in a day and time when our enemies seek to swift us and separate us. O Lord, you love justice and you establish peace on earth. We bring before you the disunity of today s world; the absurd violence, and the many wars, which are breaking the courage of the peoples of the world; human greed and injustice, which breed hatred and strife. Send your spirit and renew the face of the earth; teach us to be compassionate towards the whole human family; strengthen the will of all those who fight for justice and for peace, and give us that peace which the world cannot give. - Ecumenical Centre Prayer Join & Be Active Today! How can I join this viable group of supporters? Attend quarterly meetings. Invite other community leaders to attend our quarterly meetings. Support or host fundraising programs to support the Record Expungement Grant Program. Add your contact information to our mailing list. Share useful information about your organization. Contact Rod Spearman at x 324 for more information on becoming a member

4 Editorial HOSPITALITY: A WORD or REALITY People with disabilities are the most disrespected, unwelcomed, and most victimized group in this country. They are bullied every day or worse: they are invisible even in a crowd. Insults making references to various disabilities or mannerisms are quite socially acceptable, except in those rare awkward moments. For a person to even correct vile disability references or, even worse, to stand up to the perpetrator is viewed by many as 'bad manners', being 'politically correct' and 'socially awkward'. Often the hero who stands up to the bully is themselves denigrated. Either all living beings are equally valued or no life is of value. Either all life is to be respected or none shall be. Many people with disabilities are searching to belong to a community, to be respected, to be valued. A fellowship where they are also viewed as equal human beings worthy of friendship. Hospitality is a common practice and an integral part of most religions. The promise of generosity and a cordial welcome to strangers is the professed practice. Yet how many congregations have invited a person with a disability to even enter the building or open up their hands in a welcome and an invitation to belong? Sid Blanchard

5 JOIN OUR TEAM! Community Access Unlimited welcomes those with a big heart! Due to our continuing expansion, there are a number of full time and part time openings for those interested in guiding people with disabilities and youth at risk who are on the road to independence. Part time positions are available on the weekends and overnights! Minimum requirements are: Valid driver s license Access to vehicle daily to use for work purposes Original High School Diploma/GED/College Degree Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or youth at risk are a plus! Of course compassion for the work and a flexible schedule is also required when providing support to our members. Open House Mondays from 4 PM -6 PM 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ Don t forget your resume and Be prepared to fill out an application To make an appointment, please call an HR representative at (908) ext 203. If you are unable to attend the open house, please fax resume to (908) or to rwright@caunj.org. Working at CAU is not just a job but a career! We offer promotional opportunities for employees, competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to full time employees! Please take the time to visit our agency website for more information and current openings. Community Access Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

6 Member Spotlight Ayaz Aslam It is an honor to be part of the Union County Interfaith Council. In my opinion it is important to get to know different cultures so we can have a better understanding of each other and what is important to each faith. In the long run I really hope this will allow us to build trust, mutual respect and create an atmosphere of cooperation amongst each other. I earned my Bachelors degree in Business Management from Kean University in Union County New Jersey. Professionally, I work for a major cargo airline company and have over 20 years of experience in the transportation industry (global logistics). I enjoy getting involved in different projects, meeting new people, learning, understanding and implementing successful solutions. This is my third year as a Sunday School Coordinator at Muslim Community Center of Union County located in Elizabeth New Jersey. The school is a community service program that provides local children an education on the teachings of Islam and how to develop a positive attitude and respect for others. We are proud to say that all of our staff and students come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. For the last four years, I have been a volunteer for American Muslims for Hunger Relief (AMFHR). This organization serves the hungry and homeless with compassion, dignity, and respect. We cook and serve over 1,000 meals per month in various County s. At our Elizabeth Union County branch, we serve 200 meals on the last Saturday of every month from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. I also consult with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). This is a 16-state initiative dedicated to improving learning in all levels of school. I have worked specifically with SREB to develop a Global Logistics curriculum that employs project-based learning to help high school students prepare for the both college and career. The curriculum is now inspiring students in schools across New Jersey Currently, I am a board member for American Muslim for Democracy. AMD is a non-partisan, non-religious, non-profit, and an all-inclusive social welfare organization. The main purpose is to educate American Muslims about the need for civic engagement and participation in the political process. I truly hope that my background and experience will provide the necessary insight so I can continue to be an integral part of community affairs.

7 UCICC Outreach Coordinating Team Sidney Blanchard, Executive Director of Community Access Unlimited Roderick (Rod) Spearman UCICC Interfaith Coordinator Pastor Howard A. Bryant, UCICC Interfaith Coordinator Pastor Carmine Pernini UCICC Interfaith Coordinator A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF OUR WORK 2015 As another year draws to a close, I am inclined to take a look back and reflect upon the past eleven months of the work and accomplishments of our Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council. With the full commitment and support of Community Access Unlimited, the Interfaith Council has grown and been relatively effective in fulfilling its Mission. We have met regularly as a Steering Committee, and in Full (Bi-monthly) Meetings which has enabled us to build bonds of trust and appreciation within the Interfaith Community. We have also continued to meet with various Faith and Ministerial groups in their monthly meetings. During meetings of the UCICC we have endeavored to present speakers, and provide resources which would enable and enhance the work of the various members of the interfaith community, and the community at large. At our first Full Meeting in January the focus was on Aging. Donna Ferrel from the Union County Department of Human Services Division of Aging was the presenter. Details of the Summer Youth Employment program was discussed, and Applications were made available to participating houses of worship. On November 16, in the advancement of Social Justice, we partnered with the New Jersey Clergy Coalition for Justice in a Rally in Trenton. Purpose of the event was to request the State Legislature to pass Laws which would require Body Cams for all police officers in the State; a Special Prosecutor when death occurs at the hand of police; and additional training and education for law enforcement to manage implicit biases. CAU made available a bus for any within the faith community who wanted to attend the Rally. Twenty five members from CAU community made the trip. The crowning activity for the year was our Annual Day of Prayer. For the second year in a row we gathered at the First United Methodist Church, Westfield, pastored by Reverend Mertz. Over 3oo plus participants gathered and heard speakers from a broad spectrum of the Faith Communities address the theme: Praying for peace in the midst of violence. Discussion has already begun for next year s Day of Prayer. Throughout the following months we heard speakers, and received information beneficial to the health and welfare of all. Going forward we will evaluate our past efforts, and strive to broaden and expand our efforts in connecting with the various faith communities within the County. Howard Bryant Interfaith Coordinator

8 November 16, 2015 State House Rally Recap by Rev. Carmine Pernini On Monday, November 16, 2015, the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council (UCICC) and Community Access Unlimited (CAU) supported the New Jersey Clergy Coalition for Justice (NJCCJ) in Trenton, NJ for a State House Rally calling for reforms to police practices, training, and prosecution. CAU and the UCICC sent a bus load of people to Trenton, NJ to show their solidarity with several hundred other supporters who gathered there. Chants like, "We want justice now," "black lives matter," and "power to the people" were a commonplace at the event. Three issues were the focus of the rally: body cameras for all officers in the state of NJ, an independent prosecutor for police related shootings of civilians (bill - S2718), and bias recognition training for all police officers throughout their career (bill - S2888). In December of 2014, a bill (S2649) was introduced to create a "Body Camera Task Force" by Senators Shirley Tucker and Linda Greenstein. The task force has since been completed (Summer 2015) but the results have yet to be publicized. Senator Peter Barnes vowed to sponsor a bill for body cameras during his speech at the rally. Two families of men who were shot by police officers were in attendance to give their testimony on the necessity for police reform. Cecille Hepburn, whose grandson Kashad Ashford was killed by a police officer in Rutherford, NJ said the state continues to deny her information about her son's death. "The AG (John Hoffman) has refused to release any information," she said. "How dare he sit here and deny me and my family the right to know what happened to my blood?" Sheila Reid, mother of Jerame Reid who was shot by a police officer in Bridgeton, NJ, had similar grievances. Their calls for reform were joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Rev. Chris Hedges, veteran police officer and President of leading national police chiefs organization, Jiles Ship, director of the Urban Mission Cabinet, Rev. Lukata Mjumbe, and 12 clergy people from the NJCCJ, two of whom are coordinators for the UCICC - Rev. Howard Bryant and Rev. Carmine Pernini. The high point of the State House Rally was when approximately 500 Latino supporters from Faith in New Jersey (part of the PICO national network of organizers for social justice) joined the NJCCJ's State House rally in solidarity. With the UCICC, CAU, NJCCJ, and Faith in New Jersey - black, white, and brown women, children, and men - stood 700 strong in front of the State House chanting, "We want justice." The rally commenced during a time of intense national scrutiny of police practice and racial tension. Supporters of the State House Rally gathered together under the heading "Black Lives Matter," a movement which has been publicly denounced by Governor of New Jersey and presidential candidate Chris Christie as well as by other high profile politicians. Amidst the political tensions surrounding the movement, several of New Jersey's elected officials lent their support to the event and its calls for the legislative actions listed above. They included: Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Senator Peter Barnes, Senator Ray Lesniak, Senator Ronald Rice, Sr., Senator Nia Gill, Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, Assemblywoman Shirley Tucker, and Assemblyman Whip Wilson. The official press release for the rally stated, "It is the New Jersey Clergy Coalition for Justice's hope that at the State House Rally on Nov. 16, in attempt to mend the single garment of destiny by which we are all tied, that the threads of our repair are woven using as many colors, genders, ethnicities, political affiliations, and religions so as to resplendently represent the beautiful fabric of contemporary American society." After receiving support from so many diverse communities, "on the record" testimonies of affirmation from legislators, and solidarity with the grieving mothers and grandmothers of those who died at the hands of police, the supporters and organizers of the demonstration walked away feeling as though their work at the State House was a success but that there is still much more work to be done. The State House Rally was covered by the Star Ledger/NJ.com, Politico, the Asbury Park Press, and PolitickerNJ.

9 State House Rally for Justice Seeking Just, Peaceful & Fair Legislation

10

11

12 UNION COUNTY INTERFAITH COORDINATING COUNCIL BEGINS 2016 PLANNING Following a Union County Interfaith Steering Committee meeting, a preliminary 2016 schedule of events was presented at the general meeting of November 5, 2015 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rahway. Steering Committee member Skip Winter of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford made the presentation. Winter passed out copies of dates and events that were discussed for the entire group to reflect upon and discuss. In conjunction with the presentation, a roundtable discussion was held, with the audience breaking up into small groups to exchange ideas. From the presentation and after compiling the answers from the individual groups, over 30 different ideas were brought forward by the groups for the Steering Committee to consider. One of the new ideas discussed was to have a full gathering every month, with seminars, gatherings at different Houses of Worship and full meetings interspersed during the year. While it would be difficult to present all of the ideas in this article, some of the most common suggestions are as follows: Homelessness and Hunger in Union County Interfaith Understanding/Religious Tolerance/Ecumenical Dialogue Religion as a Part of Political Culture Churches Partnering with Social Service Organizations Faith Open Houses to Invite/Promote Interfaith Understanding Introduce and Educate Young People to Different Religious Cultures The complete list will be ed at a later date for reflection and suggestion. Additional ideas and suggestions should be ed to ahwinterjr@aol.com Skip Winter

13 Advertise in the UCICC Newsletter! Got an exciting event or program happening? Reach out to members of the interfaith community in Union County by advertising in this newsletter! Please send all ready ads to Rod Spearman at by the 15th of every month to save a space!

14

15

16 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 225 Elizabeth, NJ 80 West Grand Street Elizabeth, NJ Phone: TTY/TTD: Fax: Community Access Unlimited s Mission: To provide community access through effective and comprehensive support services for people with disabilities and at-risk youth, giving them the opportunity to live independently and to lead normal and productive lives in the community. UCICC & Steering Committee Upcoming Events UCICC Steering Committee Meeting December 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM Community Access Unlimited 80 W Grand St, Elizabeth NJ Full UCICC Meeting January 21, 2016 at 6:00 PM United Presbyterian Church 525 E. Front Street Plainfield, NJ Rod Spearman Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council c/o Community Access Unlimited 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ Phone: (908) Fax:(908)