MLK Day of Service Social Clean Up 2018

MLK - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. represents many things to many people.  This international figure is well recognized as a “good man” who had high expectations for humans.

Annually in Trenton NJ a group of people come together for a service project known as the MLK Day of Service Social Clean Up.  

Over the years several partners have joined and supported this effort including Elissa Horan of CARE TRENTON, Will Foskey of Trenton Going Global, Kieanna Childs-Alexander, Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nassau Presbyterian Church, High Rollaz Car Club, The Center for Faith Justice, LALDEF - Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund and other New Brunswick Presbytery congregations, the CIty of Trenton Public Works Department as well as individuals of various ages, backgrounds.

The idea behind the clean up is to bring people together for a service project that will encourage networking and community building.  Like past events, the intentional communal residence the Bethany House of Hospitality served as the HQ’s with restrooms and refreshments.  

Today ~30 people battled the temperatures that felt like the high teens, low twenties to pick up debris, rake leaves and to remove illegally dump household appliances in Columbus Park.

Thank you to everyone who participated, shared the event through various outlets and encouraged the efforts.

The Good Samaritan

I am always considering my faith. I was born into the Christian faith and as a young adult decided to search for more.

During this period of searching, my faith was strengthened as I went through the peaks and valleys that shaped me.

As a Father and Husband I am positive I do not have all of the answers however I have personal experiences that I share with my teenager daughter.

Recently we were talking about the importance of actions in addition to words.

As we were leaving church this past Sunday which was Palm Sunday, I pointed to a motorcycle that was riding past. My wife and daughter know how much I miss riding motorcycles and were just as excited to see the “bike” I am contemplating purchasing.  Just then the bike made a sudden stop and down went the bike and rider.

I immediately went to the aid of the rider, helping him up and moving his new bike to the side of the road. My daughter saw me in action and came to assist. She sprinted to church to gathered some bottles of water as I calmed and comforted the rider. During our chat I learned that he is a new rider, his bike is only a few months old and his injury did not need medical attention do to him being proactive with full riding gear including a full face helmet, gloves, long pants and boots.

After a few minutes and multiple questions about his state of mind I gave him my contact info and made him commit to follow up about his situation. He did follow up via email and thanked us for our efforts.

A few days later while reading a daily devotional I see the following.

The parable about the good Samaritan always touched me. Why did the Priest and the Levite avoid helping this person who was in need? Why did the Samaritan not only assist but provide extra help even using his “social capital” to make sure this man was taken care of?

In the morning before reading this devotional I was led to ask God to show me something spiritual today.  Hey God I saw it!

Friends be encouraged and think about the spirit of the 3 people in this parable and consider which one your actions are feeding.

Westminster Presbyterian Church Trenton NJ "Faith - Justice and More"

When I tell people "I am a Christian and I worship as a Presbyterian" I often get a raised eyebrow or two.  Presbyterians are not known for ministry in communities of color however I can say the pond has a few ripples happening.

Meet Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton NJ.  My family and I have been worshipping at WPC for over a decade for many reasons such as the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-generational services with lots of music and multi media displays.

WPC is also one of those churches (Faith Centers) that believes and acts upon the scripture reference from the book of Revelation ch 7:9.

"Pastor Karen" is not only thinking about the afterlife but also day to day life in the Trenton NJ region and beyond.  WPC is working with several others to ask hard questions of ourselves regarding society.  Issues like the judicial system, classism, racism, sexism, education, health & nutrition and more.

On Sunday July 10, 2016 WPC participated with churches throughout the nation for "In The Streets Sunday" a national protest against police brutality.  Often times chatting about delicate issues brings about elevated emotions however Rev. Karen has been blessed with the ability to share, discuss and lead through "the good, the bad and the ugly!"  

You will not hear Pastor Karen suggesting to visitors and congregants whom they should vote for, where to live and whom to love.  You will hear/see the extrovert "New Yourican" (Puerto-Rican born in New York) welcome you with open arms through words and action!

WPC operates an English School with classes in English and Spanish, a 20+ year old after school program, a community garden and more.

Have a listen to a recent interview with Pastor Karen.

https://soundcloud.com/trenton365/rev-karen-hernandez-granzen

Westminster is also very active in the national movement of the church.  Have a look at my participation at EAD - Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2016

Photo credit to Amans Brindled