Friendship Shalom Community Update Nov. 2011

Rebuilding & Renewing Community Life, Spiritually

Beginning the first and second weeks of November our tutoring programs began. Collaborating with Goode Elementary School these churches included:

Asbury UMC 14 4^th graders Tuesdays 6:30-7:40 pm

Grace UMC 12 3^rd graders Mondays 7:00-8:15 pm

First Presbyterian Church 5 2^nd graders Thursdays 6:30-7:40 pm

The evenings include transportation, snacks, emphasis on reading with homework help as needed. Martin Memorial Library has supplied books at the reading levels needed. Volunteers serve as snack preparers, tutors, librarians, drivers, and substitute tutors.

In two churches Secret Pals have been recruited to send an encouraging note to the students at least once a month. They will meet the students at the end of the year party in April.

Rebuilding & Renewing Community Life, Economically

Mildred Roland and Minnie Green from Friendship Baptist and Beth Myers, Kim Hackett, and Dave and Linda Meanor from Asbury UMC have begun work on our second plan. We are preparing evening workshops (6-8 weeks) to help adult residents (18+) become more employable. Included will be job search skills, resume writing, interview strategies, computer skills, employment aptitude inventory and identifying resources or additional training opportunities.

After meeting with representatives from Community Progress Council and Career Link it was determined that many residents in our Shalom Zone are not using these resources. Some work at low paying jobs but make just over the earning limit to go to CPC or they are not able to go during the day. Career Link is outside the city limits and either distance or attitudes keep our residents away. We are currently receiving “New Job Orders” each week from CL. We have also contacted Dress for Success and now are “referring agents” for any women with whom we work who are going for interviews or secure jobs. DFS will give them complete outfits that suit the type of work they secure. God has also placed men’s clothing in our laps from the Men’s Wearhouse in East York—currently stored at Asbury.

The next step is developing the training which will begin on Dec. 6 or 8. (Anyone interested in helping with this part—please contact me.)

We hope to begin the workshops in March, 2012.

Empowering Health, Wholeness and Healing

Audra Johns and Marilou Yingling are taking the lead in this area. We will sponsor an annual Health Fair providing information and/or screenings related to overall health, visual and dental health, nutrition and physical fitness. Asbury UMC interior and exterior areas will be used. Most of the work for this area will begin in June/July as the Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2012.

Strengthening Multicultural Relationships

We will join the Northeast Neighborhood Block Party with intentional recognition and celebration of diversity in August, 2012. We plan to provide opportunities to work towards removing prejudices and developing tolerance, valuation, and celebration of differences through sharing cultural richness in food, art, music, etc. Faith communities, businesses, cultural and ethnic groups, city officials, community residents, etc. will collaborate to make this happen. Work will begin in March, 2012 with Chrystal Sexton-McEachin and Sarah Yanda coordinating.

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A Tuesday morning in Autumn

     It's Tuesday morning and I'm remembering last November and the Shalom training we all attended.  Many of us had great expectations!  Some of us were disappointed and thought it was not worth our time to attend.  Some attended "just because."  
     Those of us who attended all the sessions, still seem to be the ones who are working in the community to try to bring something new in the form of collaboration, seeing a need and trying to work together to change something for the better.  Is it true that one person can really change the world?   
     To all those who are tutoring 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade students from Goode's Elementary School, we say, WAY TO GO!  YOU ARE making a difference!
    To all those who are planning together to bring ART and MUSIC to FERGUSON Elementary school, we say, KEEP IT GOING!  You will be and are making a difference in the lives of these children!
    To The Far East Shalom Community, hang in there, continue planning for the future in your community!


    Shalom in all its forms is needed so very much in our city of York.  Violence has increased in the past month alone!  
    On this Tuesday, in Autumn in York City, I would like to honor all of you and thank all of you for your courage, your humility and your hard work in all the areas you, your Shalom Team, or your Church/congregation has worked to change the world around you!

Friendship Shalom Community

Friendship Shalom Community sponsored a very informative evening with Lynne Leopold-Sharp and "Bridges Out of Poverty, http://www.bridgesoutofpoverty.com/ last Thursday, September 22, at Asbury UMC. (Thank you to Linda Meanor for arranging this.)

Those of us who attended had an eye opening experience. We were able to think about the definition of generational Poverty, situation poverty, hidden rules of class, and the most moving part of the evening for me was the last video we were shown. It was from the true life experience of someone in Adams county. It depicted just how difficult it really is to get out of poverty, and how long it would take a person to make a high enough wage to accomplish this.

If anyone of you were not able to make it to last Thursdays meeting and would like to attend this workshop, two are being held in the near future and here are the dates and times:

Sat. 10 01-11

Thur. 10-20-11 both from 9:00 - 3:00 You may contact Lynne to ask where it is being held. (lleopoldsharp@luthernscp.org)

Thank you Lynne for a very informative evening and for helping us to see poverty in a more informative way. Thanks again to Linda Meanor and Asbury UMC for accommodating this event.

May God's peace rest upon you,

Judy Bupp

The Biblical mandate is clear; both the Old Testament and the New Testament have literally hundreds of admonitions to respond in love to the needs of the poor. May our responses to need around and among us flow out of the compassion of Jesus himself.

--Bill Ehlig

The Far East Shalom Site/ 4th UM Church Co-Host N.N.O. on 8/2/11

The question on each information/drawing card was:  What would you like to see happen to improve your community?

Suggestions:

·        I represent a local business and would be able to donate coupons for promotional events.  Personally interested in recycling and community litter control.

·        A change in how the city communicates. (19 yrs.)

·        Pot holes filled. J (44 yrs.)

·        Making stuff be free. (12 yrs)

·        I would like some clean up crews & more benefits for kids (summer camp program)  (23 yrs.)

·        I would like to see more kid oriented activity for elementary school kids.  (25 yrs.)

·        Get guns off the streets of York, and also drug dealers.  Maybe more security lighting on street poles.  More nights out.  A few more police officers.

·        We (neighborhood) already quiet and everyone know everyone! (43 yrs.)

·        Car noise. (47 yrs.)

·        More light poles and more community activity. (25 yrs)

·        Positive activities for kids, games, face painting.  Family night dinners and get togethers.

·        Crime watch, garbage removal from streets. (23 yrs.)

·        More activities for children. (54 yrs.)

·        I would like to see our city cleaned up! (20 yrs)

·        More events to bring people together. (71 yrs.)

·        To be cleaner –all the streets. (11 yr.old)

·        Just all around keep drugs off the streets. (42 yrs.)

·        More community events. (28 yrs)

·        More gatherings (45 yrs)

·        More events for kids and community.  (34 yrs.)

·        Pot holes filled, crime rate dropped, more sidewalks. (29)

·        More community activities for the kids.

·        More events –community like this to get people together.

Notes -meeting at Ferguson School (West Side Shalom Comm.) 8-2-11

 This morning at 8:30 I met with Sara Baker, principal at Ferguson Elementary School.  We had representatives from Luther Memorial Church, York Brethren in Christ, and Grace Fellowship Church.  

     I am very happy to say that everyone had great ideas during our "vision casting" session as to how we can work together to fill the gap left by the loss of funding in the arts and music areas.  

    Our next meeting will be Sept. 20, at 4:30 at Ferguson.  In the meantime planning, supply requests, recruiting for helpers, and clearances must all take place so that we have a sustainable plan to begin in January, 2012!

    I am so excited about the possibilities that are before us as Shalom Zone West, "Arts Reach" and as the community working together to accomplish this vision!

    Please remember to set aside time for our next Shalom West meeting on Aug. 30, at 6:30 -Otterbein UMC.  We need to go back to Ferguson with the availability of our people to make this happen.

Also, I know I don't have everyone in the group included in this email so will you please forward this to those I have missed.  

I am so excited about how I see God going ahead of us and bringing it all together.

Blessings,

Judy Bupp (in Skip's absence) 

Shannon Sullivan's last day as our summer Intern 07-22-2011

     Today is Shannon's last day here with us in York and Delta in her "official capacity" as Shalom Intern.  Shannon has been an energetic, vibrant, and extremely helpful intern with all of us and we will miss her greatly, however, she will be returning for the National Night out that is being held by The Far East Shalom Community, on Aug. 2, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. in the parking lot here at Fourth UMC. 
     I'm sure Shannon will be returning from time to time after that too.  We will truly miss her smile and her enthusiasm and we pray for many blessings to come her way today and everyday in the future!

    May God richly bless you Shannon!
    Judy Bupp and the Delta and York City Shalom Team

Check Out Our New Facebook Pages

The Tri-Village Shalom Initiative in Delta, Cardiff, and Whiteford and the Friendship Shalom Community, serving York City between Queen St. and Broad St. and between Arch St. and Princess, have Facebook pages now. Become a fan of us and keep your eyes open for all that God is doing in these two zones!

Meet Shannon Sullivan our Comm. of Shalom Summer Intern

     Shannon's first day in York, PA as Shalom Intern was Monday, June 13, 2011.  We had a very full day

touring through York City, and visiting some of our Shalom sites here in the city. 

     Tuesday, 6-14,  Shannon and I visited with Pastor Judy Walker and the DCW Board meeting members, followed by a tour in the DCW area, and a tour of the transitional house beside Delta UMC.  

Later we visited with Linda Meanor, who is site manager in the Friendship Shalom Community. 

Tuesday, at 4:00 p.m. we held a meeting for the Far East Shalom community. 

     Friday, Shannon was able to connect with Pastor Skip Spangler regarding the West End Shalom Community.

     At the end of the week, we took inventory of the sites we had visited, the meetings we were a part of and what was learned.  

We then began planning our next steps for the week, beginning June 20.  So far at last report this afternoon Shannon has made some great connections and met with come important contacts for Shalom in both Delta,Cardiff, Whiteford and York City Shalom Communities! Tomorrow, Wednesday, is her first day volunteering at York Inner City Day Camp.  

    Thank you to Becky Detwiler and Karen for opening your Bed and Breakfast to Shannon as she is joining us in York City.

     Way to go Shannon, great job!!!!

Our Summer Shalom Intern from Drew University

     I would like to introduce our summer Shalom intern, Shannon Sullivan from Drew University.  Shannon will arrive on June 13, and stay until July 22, 2011.  Shannon's home is Norrisville, Maryland.  She has completed her second year at Drew and plans to graduate next May, 2012.  Below are few words from Shannon:
 

     I bring with me passion and energy for doing the work of Shalom. I have worked at progressive non-profits like Faith in Public Life and Protestant Community Centers, Inc. (PCCI), that provided me with opportunities to better learn organizational and administrative skills, communications and media work, as well as opportunities to work with children (at PCCI). I have experience planning community events designed to bring diverse communities together, through my work linking churches as an intern with Carlisle, PA-area United Methodist Churches and through my supervised ministry work with PCCI's mentoring program between inner-city Newark kids and suburban and urban community houses of worship and universities. I also bring with me a willingness to be flexible and an eagerness to learn new skills.

INTERESTS: I am very interested in urban ministry. I learned some with PCCI in Newark, but I never had the opportunity to sit with people and listen to their stories. On that note, I am also interested in listening to people's stories.

     Shannon will return from a trip to Bosnia right before she starts her internship here in York, PA.  I will be contacting the Shalom Site Coordinators to schedule a day for Shannon

Update from Saturday's "Bridgeing the Gap" Block Party

   In my previous post I talked about planting seeds.  Last Saturday on the 600 block of west Princess St. in York, had the following results as a result of the Salem Square Pastor's Evangelism Outreach --The tent with bracelets had 169 commitments to Christ  (youth) and Pastor Speer had one adult commitment.  God is faithful!  Thanks for all the prayers and thanks to those of you who stopped by my tent to visit as I painted "hundreds" of children's faces and arms!

Blessings and Peace,
Judy

Spiritual Seeds. . .

    Have you ever thought about planting seeds?  I mean really planting spiritual seeds in other peoples lives for Jesus.  I've been thinking alot about this lately.  Perhaps because its springtime and planting seeds is something we do in springtime.  So perhaps, this has helped to bring it to my mind.  Jesus planted alot of seeds...with Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, with the woman who had the issue of bleeding, and with the woman at the well, to name a few.  The seed that Jesus planted in their lives when he encountered them changed their lives forever.  Spiritual transformation took place! 
    Tomorrow, the West Side Shalom Site along with many churches in the the Salem Square community will be part of a block party held in the 600 block of West Princess St. in York. 
There will be food, music, witnessing, singing, face painting, ministry and more.  It is my prayer that the spiritual seeds of transformation will be planted as well.
    Won't you join me in prayer for this event and for all those Pastors and christians who are part of this day!  Pray for hearts to be softened so that the message and seeds of Jesus will transform lives.

Our Delta Shalom Site Group! Aren't they AWESOME!

DCW Communities of Shalom Minutes from May 2, 2011 meeting

Present:       Roger Hale, Dianna Hale, Richard Coen, Pastor Judy Walker (Delta UMC); Rev. Carletta Curley (Slateville/Slate Ridge Presbyterian); Pastor David Walker (McKendree UMC); Diana Sturgill (Re-Connect Café/DCW Business Organization)

Pastor Dave opened the meeting with prayer.

Lion’s Club Presentation:

o   Barbara Richardson and Sue Biondi gave a presentation to the Mason-Dixon Lion’s Club on March 14.  They were unable to be present at tonight’s meeting, but in speaking with them, they both felt they were well-received and the Lion’s Club offered their support for any upcoming projects. 

o   Suggestion cards were distributed to them with the following suggestions:  Playgound/Park,             Youth Group/Fellowship/Teen Club, Rail Trail, Emergency Medical Facility, Park/swimming pool/hike/walk trail with band stand for Summer music, Youth programs (anti drug, alcohol, etc.) and recreation related, Transport elderly for doctor, etc., Local roadways that are littered – Road clean-up, Fix the streets in town and clean up the town, “Don’t be afraid to ask Lion’s Club for help.”

Presentations at Organizations and Churches:

o   We are in the process of setting up presentations for other organizations and churches.  A power point presentation and display boards have been created for this purpose, as well as interest cards and community response cards.  The DCW Shalom Initiative had a display at the Heritage Festival this past weekend.

o   The Delta-Cardiff-Whiteford Business Organization is interested in hearing more about the Shalom Initiative since we are both working toward similar goals.  Pastors Carletta and Judy will be making a presentation to the DCW Business Organization on May 12^th at their monthly gathering.

o   Diana S. also shared upcoming plans of the DCWBA which include:

Ø Tri-Village Rummage Sale: June 18

Ø Float in the Annual Fireman’s Parade

Ø DCW Peach Fest:  August 27

Ø Halloween Party

Ø Christmas Fair – Discussion was held of possibly including a “stained-glass” tour of Churches in the area.

o   Diana S. was very helpful in offering suggestions of organization to make presentations to and contacts for those organizations. 

Ø Delta Borough Council:  Meets last Monday of each month at 101 College Avenue at 7:00 PM.  Contact:  Sherry Woods, Secretary-Treasurer

Ø Delta Fire Company.  Contact:  Rick Farrington

Ø Whiteford Fire Company.  Contact:  Larry Holbrook

Ø Harford County:  Contact:  Councilman Chad Shrodes

Ø Mason-Dixon Business Association:  Contact:  Sue Miller

Ø Highland Community Association

Getting the Word Out in Print:

o   The main goal of the team at this point is to seek input from the community as to the challenges and issues in our area that need to be addressed in order to bring peace and wholeness to our communities.   3x5 cards and business size cards with the shalom e-mail address (dcwshalomzone@yahoo.com) were distributed to each person to carry with them and to share with their churches as they seek input from community members.

o   An article will be submitted to The Star and to The Aegis.  We will also look into the possibility of a display ad in The Star seeking responses from Community members. 

o   It was also suggested that we consider setting up a website, Facebook page, Google voicemail (for those who do not have e-mail to respond), and look into getting the word out at:  harfordsneighbor.net for online advertising and Harford’s Heart Magazine.

The next meeting of the Shalom Initiative Team will be Monday, June 13

at 7:00 PM at Delta UMC.  Those present were asked to invite others who are interested to join us for the next meeting.

Pastor Carletta closed the meeting with prayer.

1 Corinthians 13:12

     For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
     We as the Communities of Shalom York City and Delta have entered into the unknown with a vision.   It may not be crystal clear yet, but with God's leading, guidance, and wisdom our sites will transform this city of York and rural area of Delta. 
     We are standing on the edge of a beautiful thing.  The frost on the window pane has a beauty of its own to share with the eye of the beholder.  Won't you begin this journey with us?  

Linda Meanor from Friendship Shalom Community presents their plan to the group.

Jerry Zimmerman receives her Shalom certificate and pin from J.P. Duncan and Bishop Middleton.

Friendship Community of Shalom

The Friendship Shalom Community at a planning session with our

guest for the day Biship Jane Allen Middleton of the Susquehanna Conference of the UM Church.