Matthew 25 In Action: Memorial Presbyterian Church's Commitment Shines on Hope Day 2024

LIVING OUT THE CALL OF MATTHEW 25

The Matthew 25 Initiative, rooted in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), calls us to action in building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. This year, Memorial Presbyterian Church of Roosevelt, NY, embodied this mission through its active participation in Hope Day 2024, held on June 8th in the Western Beef parking lot in Roosevelt, NY.

A DAY OF HOPE AND SERVICE

Hope Day 2024 was a collaborative effort with Christ's First Presbyterian Church of Hempstead, NY, and showcased the power of community and faith in action. This year's event was marked by significant achievements and a profound impact on the local community.

REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY

The event welcomed 433 Guests of Honor, who were met with compassion, care, and a spirit of service. 50 Volunteers from both Memorial Presbyterian Church and Christ's First Presbyterian Church worked tirelessly to ensure the day was a success.

SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

A dedicated Connections Team prayed with 51 Guests, offering spiritual support and guidance. Remarkably, 10 Guests made a decision for Christ, and 22 Guests requested follow-up visits, highlighting the deep spiritual impact of the event.

COLLABORATIONS AND SERVICES

Hope Day 2024 saw the participation of 12 Community Service Organizations and 3 Health Service Organizations, providing a wide range of support and services to attendees. This collaboration underscores the importance of working together to address community needs.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

The generosity of the event was evident in the distribution of 400 bags of groceries and 400 pairs of shoes, ensuring that many families had their basic needs met. Additionally, 84 family photos were taken, creating lasting memories, and 35 haircuts were provided by Trimz, enhancing the dignity and self-esteem of the guests.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

The event also focused on health and well-being, with 50 Honored Guests receiving blood pressure screenings, contributing to the overall health of the community. 160 lunch bags were distributed along with over 400 ice bars, providing nourishment and refreshment on a warm day.

REFLECTING THE SPIRIT OF MATTHEW 25

Memorial Presbyterian Church's participation in Hope Day 2024 is a testament to the church's commitment to the principles of the Matthew 25 Initiative. By addressing immediate needs, offering spiritual support, and fostering community connections, the church demonstrated how faith in action can transform lives and build a more compassionate and just society.

A CALL TO CONTINUE THE MISSION

As we reflect on the success of Hope Day 2024, let us be inspired to continue this mission in our communities. The work of building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty is ongoing. We encourage all members of the Synod of the Northeast to participate in similar initiatives, embodying the teachings of Jesus and making a tangible difference in the world.

For more information about Hope Day and to get involved, please visit Hope Day Network.

Together, let us move forward in faith, hope, and love, living out the call of Matthew 25 in our daily lives and communities.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

189 Babylon Turnpike

Roosevelt, NY 11575

https://mpcliny.org

Presbytery of Long Island

109 Udall Road

West Islip, NY 11795

https://presbyteryofli.com/

Abigail Nokland - A Young Adult Advisory Delegate’s (YAAD) Journey to PC(USA) General Assembly 2024 Salt Lake City, Utah

Ensign Peak, Salt Lake City, UT

Abigail Nokland “P” – General Assembly 2024 YAAD

Hudson River Presbytery – Wurffel-Sills Recipient

At the end of June, I embarked on what I thought would be a easy-peasy trip to the PCUSA General Assembly, but little did I know it would turn into an exhilarating adventure filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

It all began at Albany International Airport on a Friday morning. Despite my early start, things took an unexpected turn when I encountered an unexpectedly long TSA line. With my flight boarding time rapidly approaching, panic started to set in. In a moment of desperation, a tearful plea to airport staff led to an unexpected solution: a wheelchair and a fast-tracked journey through security, bypassing the line and making it to my gate just in time. It was a moment of relief and newfound independence, having navigated the challenge of flying solo for the first time.

However, the challenges weren’t over yet. Shortly after takeoff, an announcement was made: our flight needed to make an emergency landing in Cleveland, Ohio, due to maintenance issues. What was supposed to be a short flight turned into a lengthy ordeal, and upon landing, I realized I had missed my connecting flight in Chicago.

Like many others stranded from the same flight, I faced a long wait and a tough decision: wait nine hours for the next available flight to Salt Lake City or opt for a longer route through Los Angeles with a shorter layover. Exhausted and eager to reach my destination, I chose the latter. A four-hour flight to LAX followed by a brief layover finally got me back on track, much later than originally planned.

Arriving in Salt Lake City late that evening, running on just a few hours of sleep and nearly a full day of travel, I was relieved to see familiar faces and feel the welcoming embrace of the General Assembly community. Despite the rocky journey, my time in Utah was nothing short of transformative.

Days were filled with engaging meetings, inspiring worship sessions, and the joy of connecting with fellow attendees from across the country. One memorable morning, a few of us woke up at dawn to climb Ensign Peak, soaking in the quiet beauty and reflecting on the journey that brought us all together.

Each day began with communal worship, followed by passionate discussions on various committee proposals, and concluded with heartfelt prayers that united us in purpose and faith. The experience of meeting so many new friends and engaging in meaningful conversations reaffirmed my belief in the importance of gatherings like the General Assembly.

Looking back, while the journey tested my patience and resolve, it also taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. The challenges I faced along the way ultimately added depth to my experience and strengthened my connection to the community I now proudly call my own.

As I boarded my return flight home, exhausted yet filled with gratitude, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact this journey had on me. The unexpected twists and turns made it clear that sometimes the most meaningful experiences arise from moments of challenge and uncertainty. I left Utah with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the bonds forged through shared faith and shared journeys.

My trip to the PCUSA General Assembly was more than just a series of flights and meetings—it was a journey of growth, discovery, and unwavering faith in the power of community. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Abigail Nokland “P”

Ensign Peak, Salt Lake City, UT

General Assembly 2024 YAAD

Hudson River Presbytery

Wurffel-Sills Scholarship

and Interest-Free Loan Recipient

July is

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is an annual awareness month celebrated in July. It aims to celebrate disabled people and promote awareness of physical, learning, hidden disabilities, and mental health conditions. The month also commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which secured essential rights and protections for people living with disabilities.

For more information, please visit:

Call for Volunteers: Synod Indigenous Mission Day on September 28, 2024

Get ready for an incredible day of service, connection, and cultural immersion! We are excited to announce the Synod-Wide Indigenous Mission Day on September 28, 2024, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative experience. The Synod-Wide Indigenous Mission Day is a dedicated day of action and solidarity, where we come together to support our Indigenous brothers and sisters. The event will feature hands-on building repair projects, opportunities to build meaningful relationships, and immersive cultural experiences.

Why Should You Get Involved?

1. Make a Tangible Impact: Participate in building repair projects that directly benefit Indigenous communities. Your skills and efforts will help improve living conditions and community spaces.
2. Build Lasting Relationships: Engage in activities that foster understanding and partnership with Indigenous community members. Learn from each other and build friendships that go beyond this one day.
3. Experience Indigenous Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich traditions & stories while celebrating their heritage and resilience within the community.

How Can You Help?

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us. Whether you're an expert or just willing to lend a hand, your help is valuable. Bring your skills in construction, carpentry, painting, or general handyman work to help with repair projects.