Moravians In Mission
We know that we all have different gifts, talents, interests and expertise. Likewise, it is often better to join together with
others, and do one thing well, than to stay separate, duplicate services and do multiple things not so well.
Moravians In Mission are projects and ministries that are planned and coordinated by one of the four Moravians
on Staten Island, but are intended to include and involve not only members of our Moravian churches, but interested individuals
from the community as well. These projects seek to find individuals with common interest, skills and concerns, and to use them
to meet various needs of our community.
The Community Garden
The Community Garden is located behind the Castleton Hill Moravian Church parsonage. Two-thirds of
the garden are designated for Project Hospitality and one-third for individual gardeners. Hundreds of
pounds of produce are grown each year to help feed the hungry, while at the same time, providing a time for
fellowship with those who are working in the garden. This is Coordinated by Castleton Hill Moravian Church.
Children's Clothing Distribution
Gently used children's clothing and school supplies are collected, sorted, inventoried, and then distributed
to families from Hospitality House and the larger community. Collection and storting takes place in April
and May. The distribution takes place at the Brighton Heights Reformed Church in August. This is Coordinated
by Castleton Hill Moravian Church. Distribution this year will be in August.
"Feeding our Faith" Project
On the first Wednesday of the month, a dinner is prepared for approximately 50 people who are in Project
Hospitality's Positive Living Program for people living with HIV/AIDS. Every month, one of the Staten Island
Moravian churches is responsible for planning and preparing this meal. This is Coordinated by Castleton Hill Moravian Church.
Post-Katrina Mission Trips
A lot has been done in Louisiana and Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina came ashore in 2005, but there
is still a lot of rebuilding left to be done. It is estimated that reconstruction is only 30-35% completed. Help
will be needed for years to come. To date, five teams have already been part of the recovery process. Additional
teams are still being organized. This is individuals that consider themselves skilled or just "trainable." Some trips
are done in conjunction with the Moravian Disaster Relief program. Trips continue to be scheduled.
Mission Trip VIII just returned, but click HERE for some pictures from Mission Trip III.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitters and Crocheters meet once a month at Great Kills Moravian to make prayer shawls that are given to
people who are ill, going through a difficult time or transition. and to people whom it is felt might benefit from
a prayer shawl. Recipients are given a shawl to remind them that as they wrap themselves with the shawl,
they are being upheld, and "wrapped in prayer" by the members of the group and our prayer groups.
Thanksgiving Basket Program
Every fall, the New Dorp Moravian Church coordinates the collection of a variety of food items to be placed into a Thanksgiving Holiday Basket. Food donations of everything from cranberry sauce to frozen turkeys are assembled and delivered to help make Thanksgiving a special time for families in need. In 2007, more than 80 complete Thanksgiving Dinners were distributed. This year we delivered more than 90 complete dinners. Thank you for all your help and
donations. Look back again next September, as we start planning for Thanksgiving 2011.
Click HERE for donation items and dates.
Staten Island CROP Walk
The Great Kills Moravian Church has served as the coordinator for the Staten Island CROP Walk. Each
year, 75-125 walkers from Staten Island and Brooklyn walk the Staten Island Boardwalk to raise money to
help fight hunger. Each year 75% of the funds raised goes toward addressing glabal hunger through Church
World Service, while 25% goes to Project Hospitality to fight hunger right here on Staten Island.
The date for the next CROP Walk has not been set.
Click
HERE for pictures and more CROP Walk information.
Yoga & Meditation Programs
Yoga and Meditation classes are offered at New Dorp and Great Kills Moravian Churches.
Classes at New Dorp are: Monday evenings at 8:00 PM
Classes at Great Kills are: Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM
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