FOCUS

Vol. 4, No. 1 Winter 2009

The Times They Are A-Changin

Looking Ahead
February 25 Ash Wednesday Service Emmanuel, 5:30 p.m.

by Rev. Deb Jameson

I stayed up past my normal bedtime and inhaled second-hand smoke on the lawn at SPAC to hear Bob Dylan in concert this summer. His song by the above title always seems relevant. Yet Scripture speaks of the constancy of GodOne who was there in the beginning, is here now, and will be for all time. God is with us, no matter what we do or dont do, whether we walk in the light of the Spirit or follow paths of shado w or confusion. So metimes this Divine presence is loud and mighty, so metimes quiet and unassuming. Our job is to listen and to respond faithfully. We who seek to live in the Spirit must be especially attentive to Gods leading in these c hang ing t im es. There is a radical shift in consciousness occurring in both our faith communities and the larger culture. Something is dying, something new waiting to be born. We live in what Walter Brueggemannn calls a state of liminality, where old configurations of power and certitude are increasingly seen as inadequate, and new ones are not yet (clearly) evident. We see signs of this liminality in a growing discontent with the trappings of our capitalistic and individualistic culture and a renewed hunger for meaning. In Revelation, we read of an open door, an invitation to walk with God here and now. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Rev. 3:8. Its a call to shift from despair about all that is evil and
(continued on page 5)

March 5 & Thursdays in Lent Lenten Supper First Pres., 5:45 p.m. Lenten Study First Pres., 6:15 p.m. April 12 Easter Dawn Service Capital Park, 6:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast Emmanuel, 7:15 a.m. May 3 CROP Walk 1st Lutheran, 1 p.m. July, August, Sept. FOCUS WORSHIP 1st Sunday

Pilot Project Links Computers & Kids

Albanys pilot Computers for Kids (CFK) progra m provided firsttime jobs for low-income 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who attended a four-week intensive course this summer at Albany High School. They came with little or no computer knowledge and left with critical computer skills that will help them be successful in high school and college and compete in today's job market. Each student ripped apart and rebuilt a computer under the guidance of instructors from RPI and Hudson Valley Community College. Upon graduation, they took their rebuilt computers home with them, along with the ability to perform most tasks handled by computer Geek Squads or Firedog technician services. (continued on page 4)

Inside
Food Programs........2 School Supplies.......2 Lenten Study.............3 New Staff....................3 FOCUS Advocacy.....4 Memorial Service....4 Church News............6 New Interim.............6 Contributors.............7 Golf Tournament....7 Gifts to FOCUS.........8
FOCUS is the collaboration of six churches in Albanys Capitol Hill united in our common calling to serve our neighbors needs as Gods servant people in a broken and hurting world.

Dare to experience early morning resurrection!

FOCUS Easter Dawn Service April 12 6:30 a.m. West Capital Park, Albany
A hot breakfast follows at Emmanuel Baptist Church

Pantry, Breakfast See Big Increases

During 2008, the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry provided 110,430 meals to 3,039 households (7,362 total people). Due to the downturn in the econo my and the rising number of families using the Pantry, the number of meals served monthly was increased fro m 15 to 18 per person. Because of financial and food donations, the Pantry has been able to sustain these meal numbers. Thank You to the following groups who donated food & personal care items over the holiday season: Karen Kendall, Lora Wesner - Extra Helpings Program, Kurt Kirkland Family, Bethlehem Grade School, Empire Blue Cross, Ten Broeck Gardeners, PEO Sisterhood, Governor's Office Staff, Congregation Beth Emeth, Retail Council of NYS, Congregation B'nai Sholom, First Unitarian, East Greenbush YMCA Youth Group, and the Grassroots Givers from Bethlehem Children's School. With record-breaking numbers (200 guests at times), FOCUS Winter Breakfast Program volunteers and staff continue to provide this essential ministry of hospitality to lowincome neighbors. December alone saw more than 3,300 hot meals and take-away lunches provided. Thank you to all who participated with clothing, food items, and money donations through the Giving Tree set up at the breakfast. Frequent visitors to breakfast include: Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables, a federal program teaching nutrition and new recipes, and our monthly Service Fairs, bringing vital services of multiple agencies on-site. In mid-January, Missy Marceau coordinated a timely art project that had breakfast guests decorating soup bowls to be sold after the FOCUS Worship Service at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, Feb. 1, which is, of course, Super (souper) Bowl Sunday. Proceeds from the sale of the bowls will be divided equally between the artists and support for the breakfast program.

Volunteers use assembly line to pack school supplies.

FOCUS Collection Helps Students and Schools

One hundred seventy-nine students from preschool through high school were outfitted for the start of school in September by the FOCUS School Supplies Project. Volunteers sorted boxes and boxes of donated supplies and repacked them into individual bags appropriate for each students grade level. In addition to paper, pens, and pencils, Kindergarteners and 1st graders had new crayons or markers to start the new year, while high school students received scientific calculators, gym locks, and spiral notebooks for each subject. Among those receiving supplies were 31 children living at the family shelter in Menands. Once all the children had been served, extra supplies were packed up and sent to nine of Albanys public schools. With the downturn in the economy, FOCUS expects even more children to need school supplies in 2009. Supplies will be collected over the summer. Packing and distribution will take place the week of Aug. 31. FOCUS is also hoping to provide backpacks to some children. Grants and cash donations are being sought to fund this part of the project.

With a wonderful evening of savory entrees and desserts from each church, accompanied by classical guitar and a pick-up choir singing the Alleluia Chorus, FOCUS ended its year-long celebration of our ministry together over four decades. Volunteers were recognized and our octogenarians were especially honored. Many of our community partners were present to receive plaques honoring their work and commitment.

Study, Devotions Offered for Lent

To accompany you on your Lenten journey FOCUS has compiled a tapestry of devotions and prayers written by pastors and church and community members. The booklet will be available in member congregations and the FOCUS office prior to the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25). To have copies mailed to you, call the FOCUS office, 443-0460. On Thursdays in Lent, beginning on March 5, First Presbyterian Church will host a Lenten Supper and Study in the Rose Room. A light meal will be served from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. Study will be from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. If you want to come for supper, please call the Church Office, 449-7332, to sign up by the Tuesday before.

Thank you to all who supported the Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Buttery Restaurant on January 24! One hundred and thirty-five of you came to eat pancakes, 186 tickets were sold, and $1,300 was raised for support of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry.

New Faces Join FOCUS Staff, Add Needed Skills

Will McMorris has taken on office management and Pantry associate responsibilities on a part-time Americorps internship. Will is no stranger to us, as he has served on the FOCUS Executive Council (representing the former Metropolitan Community Church) and is currently an active member of First Presbyterian. Rodney Pringle joined the Winter Breakfast Staff this season as janitor. He brings great pride to his work and is happy to share his pleasure: talking about his grandkids.

Lorraine Houk started as full-time Interfaith Food Pantry Manager this fall. (We said good bye to Doug Tatreau last summer.) She brings food industry and feeding program experience, as well as a heart for helping. She is currently serving as President of the Food Pantries for the Capital District Board of Directors. Our pantry is looking for volunteers so call Lorraine to say hi and sign up (443-0460).

Missy Marceau has joined the Winter Breakfast Staff as Co-coordinator. She comes to us from many years teaching at the Free School. Currently she balances her own cleaning business with an Americorps internship teaching art.

Johnny Perry had been a volunteer at the Interfaith Food Pantry before taking on a staff position as an associate. Because of his height (68) he is known fondly as little John. He brings a sense of humor and kindness to guests and volunteers alike.

Advocacy Efforts U To End Poverty in

FOCUS members continue to engage government powers through efforts of the Faith and Hunger Network of New York State. This fall, more than 60 faith leaders and communities statewide sent a letter urging Governor Paterson to provide moral leadership in ending the problems of hunger, homelessness, and poverty in our communities. Specifically, we urged restoring the value of welfare benefits to at least its 1990 level and providing quality, affordable health care for all. To create greater awareness of the suffering caused by poverty, FOCUS hosted a press conference at Thanksgiving to underscore the fact that the number of people seeking help from FOCUS food programs has increased by 35% this year. FOCUS urged an increase in the public assistance grant, which has not been raised in 19 years. In December, FOCUS volunteers participated in a Prayer Vigil inside the Capital prior to the release of Gov. Patersons 2009-2010 proposed budget. And in January, FOCUS volunteers joined other antipoverty activists at the Peoples State of the State Rally outside the Capital. They highlighted issues affecting poor and marginalized New Yorkers. During the spring, several organizations sponsor training and advocacy opportunities. FOCUS goal is

FOCUS members participated in a prayer vigil at the Capital prior to the release of Governor Patersons proposed 2009-2010 budget.

Homeless Are Remembered

A Memorial Service for those who died in the last year and who have known homelessness was sponsored by FOCUS and hosted at Westminster Presbyterian Church in December. Many faith traditions participated as well as the Giffen Elementary Community Choir under the direction of Linda Mallory-Mitchell. Rev. Vernon Victorson brought the message, and many testified in honor of more than a dozen persons named in memorial and remembered with candle lighting.

Computer

Computer class Kids, instructors, and helpers visit a local computer business to see the potential that computer skills hold for the future.

The goal beh low-income stud to greater access and expand to in The success o tion among chur thanks go to Sta ningham, sophom at HVCCollege, I ster Presbyteria more, District Su Presbyterian, Fi Methodist, and T Delmar Reform Community Pa ment Program, C Regional Partn Schenectady Inn

Urge Government n U.S. and Abroad

to have representation at the three events described below, all of which will take place in Washington, DC. Scholarship money is available from FOCUS and some member denominations. Please call the FOCUS office, 443-0460, to find out more. Ecumenical Advocacy Days will be held March 1316. The theme is Enough for All Creation. Participants will learn about the connections between climate change, migration, and poverty in the U.S. and around the world and how the abundance of our world can be allocated in a way that is fair and just for all creation. For more infor mation: www.advocacy days.org. The Mobilization to End Poverty is slated for April 2629. Sponsored by Sojourners, it is anticipated to be an historic event with thousands of Christians gathering in a powerful movement committed to the biblical imperative of reducing domestic and global poverty. For more information: www.sojourners.com. Bread for the World Gathering is set for June 13-15, with the Lobby Day on June 16. It provides a Christian voice for ending hunger. For more information: www.Bread.org.

FOCUS hosted a Thanksgiving press conference to draw attention to the 35% increase in usage at the Winter Breakfast Program and Interfaith Food Pantry, and the need to raise the public assistance grant.

Times A-Changin
(continued from page 1) wrong in the world to a more hopeful visionone that is taking shape, even amid all that would obscure it. This vision can only be nurtured by faith as we hear that call to become partners in creating a place where all come together in Gods love. But what does this new place look like? How do we listen for Gods call in a time of liminality? At FOCUS, we strive to open ourselves to the Spirits leading. We attend to voices on the margins, for the reign of God is often made most plain there. We listen carefully to each other and to the wider circle of community who surround this ministry, for Gods wisdom most often springs from community. We watch the signs of the times, for they can reveal who we are and who we might become. We cannot know where God will lead us. But as we step into a new era, we each must ask ourselves: What is our role during such changing and uncertain times? How do we continue to walk with God and allow the power of that constant presence to shape our lives, our faith communities, and our world? As we stand together before the open door, a soft wind whispers past even the most fearful and fretful among usGods voice of encouragement.

rs and Kids...

(continued from page 1) hind CFK is to narrow the educational gap between dents and students more familiar with technology due sibility. Plans are in motion to continue CFK in 2009 nclude more student employees. of the program was also due to tremendous collaborarches, individuals, and community partners. Grateful aff: Stephen Winters, Program Oversight; Eric Cunmore at RPI, Instructor; and Mark Evans, freshman Instructor. Interview Team: Peter McKee, Westminan; Dave Hannay, First Presbyterian; and Jim Fenniuperintendent, UMC. Daily lunch providers: First irst Israel AME, Delmar Reformed, Delmar United Trinity UMC. Underwriters and Funders: FOCUS, ed, Delmar United Methodist, and Hannay Reels. artners: Albany High School; Summer Youth EmployCity of Albany; DELL Computers, and nfrastructure. ners: Troy Area United Ministries (CFK founder), and ner City Ministry.

Churches Celebrate Milestones, Achievements

Emmanuel Baptist is celebrating its 175th Anniversary in 2009. Several former pastors and clergy sons and daughters of Emmanuel will be preaching during the year. The schedule is available on the Emmanuel website www.emmanuel albany.net/. All are welcome. Trinity United Methodist is celebrating its 75th year in the current Trinity Church building at the corner of Lark and Lancaster. The original building had been destroyed by fire two years earlier. During the period of rebuilding, Congregation Beth Emeth (which used to be located in the present Walls Temple) provided space for the congregations worship, education, and program life. The present building was planned and completed in the midst of the Great Depression with many members mortgaging their homes to support the project. First Israel AME opened and dedicated the Dr. Grace T. Green Library this fall. Housed next door to the church, the library continues Graces legacy of providing educational opportunities for children. Dr. Green served as cocoordinator of FOCUS, along with Tom Mc Pheeters, in the mid-nineties. Her husband, Dr. Elmer Green, continues to represent Israel AME on the FOCUS Executive Council. Accolades to the Rev. Miriam Lawrence Leupold, who celebrated the 20th anniversary of her ordination this past year! Miriam is co-pastor of First Presbyterian.

Couple Wins Ecumenical Award

Congratulations to Edith and Ian Leet, recipients of the Capital Area Council of Churches Carlyle Adams Ecumenical Award. Edith is a member of Emmanuel Baptist and currently serves with the Capital Region Ecumenical Organization, Capital Area Baptist Association, and Capital Region Theological Center. Ian is a member of First Church Albany and currently serves with CREO; the Classis and Particular Synod of Albany, Reformed Church in America; and Chapel House. He is coordinator for the CACC Ecumenical Baptismal Witness Program. Both are hard-core FOCUS volunteers.
I FOCUS is a publication of the FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. Rev. Debra Jameson, Editor. Graphic design and production by EHL Editorial Services, Albany NY. The FOCUS Churches of Albany, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 membership organization including Emmanuel Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Israel AME Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Affiliates of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry Program are Congregation Beth Emeth, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, New Covenant Presbyterian Church, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Program Partners include Delmar Reformed and Delmar United Methodist. The FOCUS office is located at 275 State St., Albany NY 12210. Phone: 518-443-0460 FAX: 518-443-0461 Email: focuschurches@juno.com

Emmanuel Names Interim

Rev. Lois Wolff has joined Emmanuel Baptist as their Interim Minister. She is ordained in the Presbyterian ChurchUSA and has extensive experience in interim ministry. In this capacity, she has served 10 churches within the Albany Presbytery and is very familiar with the Capital Region. Lois makes her home in Lake Luzerne. Welcome!

Rentals Available for Nonprofits

Trinity United Methodist Church in the historic center square district of Albany has office space140 square feet to 320 square feet (total 2,082SF)available for not-for-profits. The offices are wired for the internet and telephones. Electronic door security and off-street parking block away. Call the church office: 463-1293 or email: officetrinumc@aol.com. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street, Albany, has office space available for not-forprofit organizations. We have rooms from 100 square feet and one suite of 5 rooms (about 500 square feet). Phone and internet ready. Call Dorothy at the church office: 465-5161.

Gifts Enable FOCUS Ministries to Continue to Reach Out

Editors Note: The contributors acknowledged below represent gifts made to FOCUS from June 7, 2008 to January 15, 2009. G enera l S up p o rt: Rit a Abrams, Ted & Reszin Adams, Judith Adrezin, Nick & Jeanne Alesandro, Aimee & Guy Allaud, George & Jane Allen, Joe Kenyeres & Jim Amanatides, Ruth & Norman Andrews, Advanced Physical Therapy. Joyce & Paul Bascom, Jessica Bassett & colleagues at the Governors Office, John Battin, Laurie Beberwyck, Peggy & Richard Becker, Nancy Benedict, Jessica Besseti, Raymond Blanchard, John Bossung, Sr., Sen. Neil D. Breslin, Alysan Brod, Stacy & Paul Brodfuehrer, Martha Brown, Bruce Brynolfson, Carol Bullard, Jean & Warren Burton. Pat Campbell, Dominick Calsolaro, Capital Area Council of Churches, CARES, Inc., Elizabeth Carr, Deb Catozzi, Elaine Clawson, Thomas Congdon, Congregation Beth Emeth, Hon. Richard Conti, Elizabeth Coombe, Priscilla Crago. Sandy & Kurt Damhof, Richard & Dawn Dana, Delmar Reformed Church Mission, Michele De Persia, Gerard Deighan, Jeff Carlson & Karen Dewitt, Deborah Deyhle, Arden & Marilyn Dockter, Judith Enck & Mark Dunlea, Division of Budget NYS, Albert & Sue Easton, Carl Ekengren, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, First United Methodist of Voorheesville, Nick Fiscarelli, Catherine Fletcher, Robin Forshaw, Kenneth Gamble, June Gerling, Patricia & Paul Gioia, Richard Goodman, E. Joy Gould, J. Kenneth Graham, Dr. Elmer Green, Carol & Roger Green, Annie Greenlee, Valerie Grey, Rev. Phil Grigsby, Jonathan Gunther, Margaret & David Hannay, Hannay Reels, Katherine Harris, Claudia & Leif Hartmark, Randy Hartz, Virginia Hayes, George & Lorelei Heidenstrom, Mary Semon & John Heinsohm, Lee Helsby, Arthur & Janet Hengerer, Kathleen Hodges, Pat & Bob Hunziker, Kitt Jackson, Louise & Don Jameson, Klaire & Bill Jameson. Fran & Bob Kamp, Maria Joiner & George Kleinberger, Mary & Jim Kalas, Karen Kendall, Tyler Kessel, Ro & John Kinum, Marion & Bob Lamar, Ann Lapinski, Edith & Ian Leet, Mark Leinung, R. Michael Levi, Lawrie Lierheimer, Charlie Kite & Tara Lindsley, Kathy Linhardt. Julie Mader, Marilyn & Tony Malone, Ira Mandelkar, Barbara & Chuc k M ann in g, S uz anne Marchetti, Maria & Roger Markovics, Sandra & Tom Marston, Mrs. Frank Martin, Margie & Bill Mayer, MAZON: A Jewish Respo n se to Hu n ge r , Su za n n e McClure, Mabel McGraw, James & Doris McKee, Jr., Elizabeth & David McMillan, Will McMorris, Tom McPheeters, Katie Meislahn, Peter & Donna Meixner, James & Margaret Miller, Shirley Mosher. New Covenant Presbyterian Church, NYS Division of Budget employee donation, William Newman, Pam & Jim OBryan, Donald Odell, Terry & March OHare, Britany Orlebeke, John Overbeck & Donna Crego, Mark & Tracy Pearson, Harvey & Iteke Prins, Margaret & Paul Randall, Andrea Ricard, Nancy Rogers, Randy Rosette, Peter Rupert, John & Ruth Russell, Eve & Spencer Ryan. Janet Satin, Vera Scadura, Nancy & Peter Schiff, Alice Schrade, Fred Schroder, John P. & Dodie Seagle, Harriet Seeley, Valerie Shanley, Donald & Sheryl Sheraw, Edie Simpson, Dorothy Bellous & Judith Smiley, Irving & Diane Smith, Standish Family Foundation, Susan & Eugene Sneeringer, Linda Spencer, Nell StokesHolmes. Allan & Mary Jean Tedrow, Todd & Jennifer Thomas, James R. Thompson, Trinity United Methodist, Troy Savings Bank Foundation, Ned & Patricia Trudeau, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, St. Peters Health Care Services, Carrie Van Apeldoorn, Glenn & Eileen Van Oort. Chris Wagner, Alice Wehr, E. Ramona Weisband, Westminster Presbyterian Church Mission Committee & Session, Leslie & Bob Westphal, Margery & Michael Whiteman, Margaret & Ken Wieland, Pat Wilcox, Lois Wilson, Workers Compensation Unit, NYS Comptrollers Office, Bill & Amy Yates, Pola & Mark Yolles, Carol Zeph, Margaret Zettle, & ZIPS. (continued on page 8)

Drivers Needed
Were looking for volunteers to make runs to the Latham-based Food Bank for food pickups. If you are available weekday mornings, drive a van, pickup (or large vehicle), can lift boxes up to 20-30 lbs. and are available once or twice a month, we could use your help. Orientation is provided. Call FOCUS: 443-0460.

Playing for Dollars

Twenty-two golfers raised $2,000 for FOCUS feeding programs at the annual golf outing in September at Frenchs Hollow Fairways. Closest to the pin Rich Morgan 156; Longest Drive Jeff Graham (275 yards); Team with lowest score (2-under): John Bossung, Jim Reisner, John Kinum & Rich Morgan.

Volunteer Bob Hunziger (center) explains voter registration form to Pantry guests, part of the many services provided to meet guests

We Need Your Help

In the last 6 months there has been a dramatic increase (35%) in the use of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry and the Winter Breakfast Program. Please help us sustain these feeding programs during the coldest months of the year. ___ $20 to provide a four-day supply of fresh produce for a family of 4 ___ $Other ___ In honor of/in memory of (circle one) ______________________________ ___ I would like information about programs and volunteer opportunities. Name ______________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________ E-mail_________________________

Please return to: FOCUS, 275 State Street, Albany Y 12210

Gifts to FOCUS...
(continued from page 7) In Memory Of: Alvin Lierheimer by Lawrie Lier-heimer; Robert Palm by Jean & Warren Burton; Emil F. Riegert Apr. 24, 1908Dec.10, 1996, by Jon T. Riegert; Mary, Johan, & Ann Andersen by Abraham & Mona Selover; Orvilla Yost & Ellen Guernsey b y L. Lee Helsby; Helen Ammerman 1914Jan. 2, 2009, by Glenn & Eileen Van Oort. In Honor Of: Jack Haefelis 80th birthday, M. Jeffrey Balhers 50th birthday, & the 60th wedding anniversary of Helene & Harold Bauer by Eileen & Glenn Van Oort; Gloria & David Woods 50th wedding anniversary by Freda Gardner & Joyce & Paul Bascom; Bob Lamar & other FOCUS founding pastors by Judy & Don Marks; Lois Wilson by Lorraine Plauth, Judy KaskelTemple Beth Emeth, coordinator of Holy Family Sunday Soup Kitchen, by Dianne

Symansky; My ministers, Glenn & Miriam Leupold, by Lewis T. Boxwell; Mrs. Marion Goldring by Sally & Art Buell; All the wonderful FOCUS volunteers by Deb Catozzi; Breakfast guests by Kenneth Gamble; Rev. Deb Jameson by Sue Haney; Judy Smiley, Dorothy Bellous, & Bev York by Louise & Don Ja meson & Deb Ja meson; Lois Thomson & Jane Allen by Ursala Poland; Kathy Linhardts good work! by Colleen Ryan; F amily by Gail & Sa m Hill; Alice Schrade by Richard Schrade; Kathy Linhardt by Lois Wilson. Grateful For: Being able to contribute by Irene Econome; Friends, family, & FOCUS by Alice Schrade; The many blessings God has given us by Gloria & David Wood. Celebrating: Marion & Bob Lamars garage sale & move: Diane Campion, M.E. Dickinson, Fadia Ghobrial, Frances Macutek, Nancy Pierce, & Linda & Bob Stevens; The breakfast program &

In FOCUS 275 State Street Albany, NY 12210