The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport

In the interest of keeping our partner congregations up-to-date regarding Council activities, we offer these monthly "Council Highlights" to be published in monthly newsletters or distributed to parishioners as bulletin inserts.

Council Highlights

March 2010

Project Learn (turning students into scholars)

Project Learn’s Trumbull Gardens Center will be moving to Our Lady of Good Counsel at 163 Ortega Street in Bridgeport at the beginning of March. With this move and great new space comes a wish list of items to help make this center functionally efficient and cozy. Please contact Sean Campbell at 203.334.1121. x 244 or seancampbell@ccgb.org if your congregation can help us out with some of these items:

(4) Mobile Computer Carts

(2) two-shelf Bookcases

(1) five-shelf Bookcase

(2) Storage cabinet with lock and key

(4) Bean bag chairs or cozy reading chairs

(4) Letter trays

(6) Big cup supply organizers

Puzzles

Board Games

Construction Paper

Art supplies

Flash Cards

(6) Plastic Shoe boxes

CO-OP Center will host its Fourth Annual Art from Prison Auction from March 15-26 at Housatonic Community College’s Beacon Hall gallery on the second floor. All artwork is donated by inmates participating in CPA’s Prison Arts program, and proceeds from the sale of the artwork will support CO-OP Center’s college scholarship program at HCC. There will be a reception on Friday, March 26 at Beacon Hall beginning at 4:30 pm. The auction will close at 6pm. For more information, visit The Council’s website, www.ccgb.org.

Janus Center’s program director, Dale R. Holder was asked to speak at the United Methodist Church of Westport/Weston’s Martin Luther King Celebration service in January about the services that Janus Center provides ~ and the impact on Greater Bridgeport area youth and families in crisis. The congregation took up a special collection which thankfully raised over $700 ~ all of which will go directly towards offsetting the cost of providing these critical services. If you are interested in having Dale come talk to your congregation, contact him at 203.334.1121 x 221.

H NGER – The problem can’t be solved without YOU! The Hunger Outreach Network, coordinated by The Council of Churches, is a point of contact for food donations and volunteer service to 37 area feeding programs. Please consider organizing a non-perishable food drive - the list of registered feeding programs with contact information can be found at www.ccgb.org.

The 2010 Annual Youth Conference, designed to engage members of your senior high youth groups, will be held Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 2 to 5 pm, at University Commons, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, in Fairfield. Through facilitated dialogue, the teens will explore the difference between Want and Need. Refreshments and pizza supper provided. There is no charge for this event. Contact Richetta Joyner to register or for information at richettaj@ccgb.org.

Save the date! "Last Days of Spring Fling," fundraiser, Thursday, June 17, 6 p.m. at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre featuring the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." More to follow.

Project Learn has been chosen as one of three community programs to benefit from the funds raised by Fabrics and Fabrications – a Quilt Exhibit at Southport Congregational Church, which will take place from March 4 to March 6th , with a Preview Party on Thursday, March 4 from 6 to 8 pm. Quilts will be displayed in the Sanctuary and Chapel, with a Special Display entitled “The World of Miniatures” in the library. There will also be a Fabrications Boutique offering handmade needlepoint, quilted and knitted treasures for sale. For more information, visit www.fabricsandfabrications.org. Come enjoy the exhibit and support Project Learn at the same time!

CO-OP Center announces its fourth annual Arts from Prison Auction to be held at Housatonic Community College’s Beacon Hall gallery from Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 26, 2010. All artwork is donated by inmates participating in the Community Partners in Action’s Prison Arts Program. All proceeds will go toward the CO-OP Center Scholarship Foundation which provides partial scholarships to Housatonic Community College for ex-offenders. For more information, contact danbraccio@ccgb.org.

The Hunger Outreach Network, coordinated by The Council of Churches, is a point of contact for food donations and volunteer service to 37 area feeding programs. If you are interested in organizing a non-perishable food drive, call 203.334.1121 and ask to receive a list of the registered programs with contact information.

Rev. Enock Yatri is serving as our new Chaplain at Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center. He is the pastor of First United Methodist Church, Ansonia, CT. Rev. Yatri has Clinical Pastoral Education certification from Bridgeport Hospital. He succeeds the Rev. Dr. F. Jerome Streets, whose university and preaching commitments limited his available time. We thank Dr. Streets for his service and welcome Rev. Yatri.

We are indeed blessed! Jeannette Harris, a parishioner of Covenant Church of Easton, answered our call for a volunteer to answer phones and greet clients and visitors from 2:30 to 4:45 weekday afternoons during the school year. If you call The Council of Churches in the afternoon, introduce yourself – and say “Thank You” to Jeannette for her wonderful gift of time and talent!

Happy New Year! We give great thanks to all our contributing churches for your generous support in 2009 as we “turn faith into action…leveraging hope and changing lives” in your name.

The 2010 Directory of Congregations, a comprehensive listing for Greater Bridgeport, will be available in late January and is free to member and contributing congregations.

Remember that there are 12 Days of Christmas – still plenty of time to “Be an Angel” this holiday season! Our annual Christmas/holiday fundraiser, “The Angel Giving Guide,” is on-line at www.ccgb.org. It has also been presented in many of our member congregations, offering an easy way to give a “tribute” gift to The Council in honor or memory of special “angels” in your life. Contact Patty Jensen at pattyjensen@ccgb.org or 334-1121, ext. 243 for more information.

Help with Hygiene Kits! Supplies of toiletry items used to make up hygiene kits for clients are low, and CO-OP Center is actively seeking donations. If you are interested in helping, Dan would like to suggest a system that has worked well in his church – collecting one specific item per week, Beginning January 10th

Once a “critical mass” has been collected, contact Dan Braccio to make delivery arrangements at danbraccio@ccgb.org or 203 367-8441 x 231.

Can you help someone learn how to use Microsoft Office applications, such as WORD, EXCEL, and PowerPoint? CO-OP Center would welcome your participation in our Computer Technology Center (TLC) as an occasional instructor. Courses are offered during business hours 9 am – 5 pm. Those with previous experience teaching new students how to operate a computer can contact CO-OP Center program director, Dan Braccio, at 203 367-8441 x 231. A small stipend is offered.

On November 7th First Church Congregational, UCC, Fairfield hosted the first “Battle of the Bands” fund raiser for the Janus Center for Youth in Crisis. Five youth bands from the Greater Bridgeport area shared their talents, enthusiasm, and energy to help other kids in crisis. This event raised $700 to support the mission of the Janus Center. The fundraiser was so successful, that First Church will be hosting another “Battle of the Bands” in the spring. Stay tuned for more information.

The theme for the 2010 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18 – 25) is You Are Witnesses of These Things. It comes from Luke's gospel Chapter 24 verse 48. In observance, there will be a worship service at St. John’s Episcopal Church on

The Hunger Outreach Network, coordinated by The Council of Churches, is a point of contact for food donations and volunteer service to 41 area feeding programs. Regrettably, hunger never takes a vacation. If you would like to organize a food drive or volunteer, contact Ana Cotto at 334-1121, ext. 246 or anacotto@ccgb.org. To those who serve in community suppers and pantries not only during the holidays, but all year long, our hearty thanks.

Our annual Christmas/holiday fundraiser, “The Angel Giving Guide,” was mailed late October and is on-line at www.ccgb.org. It has also been presented in many of our member congregations. The website and Guide make it easy to give a “tribute” gift to The Council in honor or memory of special “angels” in your life. Contact Patty Jensen at pattyjensen@ccgb.org or 334-1121, ext. 243 for more information or to make a gift.

Thanks to the many area churches and members who supported our recent initiatives in interfaith dialogue, the housing crisis and the celebration of Hispanic Heritage. Nearly 100 people attended the “Tent of Abraham” interfaith dialogue on October 18^th at the masjid of the Muslim Students Association at the University of Bridgeport; and “The State of the Housing Crisis” forum on October 26^th at United Congregational Church. A Hispanic Heritage Celebration at St. John’s Episcopal Church on November 8 saw people from many area churches enjoy bi-lingual worship on the theme “We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe.”

The Hunger Outreach Network, coordinated by The Council of Churches, is a point of contact for food donations and volunteer service to 41 area feeding programs. Contact Byron Crosdale at 334-1121, ext. 249 or byroncrosdale@ccgb.org.

Our annual “Jill Chase Dance Recital” fundraiser will be Saturday, December 19^th, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A Noon luncheon is followed by a 1 p.m. program. Tickets at $20 for adults, $15 for children under 12 are available from seancampbell@ccgb.org at 334-1121, ext. 244.

Needed: volunteers to answer phones and greet clients and visitors from 2:30 to 4:45 weekday afternoons during the school year. Anyone interested in helping out should call Richetta Joyner at 334.1121 or email her at richettaj@ccgb.org.

Battle of the Bands: On Saturday, November 7^th from 7 until 10 pm (doors open @ 6:30pm), First Church Congregational, UCC, 148 Beach Road, Fairfield 06604 will be hosting their first “Battle of the Bands.” Suggested donation at the door is $5 per person or $15 per family. All proceeds generated from this event will go to support The Janus Center for Youth in Crisis. Please come out and support youth “rocking-out” for area youth in crisis! For more information, please contact First Church Congregational of Fairfield at 203.807.0098 or Dale Holder/ Janus Center Program Director at 203-334-1121

The Angel Giving Guide: The 26^th edition of our annual Christmas/holiday fundraiser, “The Angel Giving Guide,” should arrive soon. Those on our mailing list will receive a copy in the mail. Others may obtain one on-line; through local congregations; or contact pattyjensen@ccgb.org at 334-1121, ext. 243. Consider helping others through a tribute gift to The Council in honor of special “angels” who have helped you along life’s journey.

Hispanic Heritage Service Planned Save the Date! On Sunday, Nov. 8^th at 4 pm, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 768 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport 06604 will offer a special bilingual service celebrating the rich history and cultural contributions of the Hispanic community. In the planning stages are: a colorful procession of flags, choirs from Hispanic churches joining voices, and a “Festival of Tables” providing refreshment following the service. All clergy are invited to attend and robe. Final details to follow via “COUNCIL.net” flyer.

CO-OP Center seeks computer instructors who can teach basic Microsoft application courses, Word, Excel to interested students; and introduction to computers for beginners. Courses, typically 6 hours, are scheduled weekday afternoons at the teacher’s convenience. A small stipend is available. To help, or for more information, please contact Dan Braccio, CO-OP Center Program Director, 367-8441 x 231.

Project Learn The Jill Chase Dance Studio will present a dance recital to benefit Project Learn on Saturday, December 19^th at noon at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Call Sean Campbell at 334.1121 x 244 for information.

The Council’s “Tent of Abraham” series continues on Sunday, October 18, 4:45 – 7:45 p.m. at the Cox Student Center, University of Bridgeport on the theme “Ramadan’s Ultimate Goal: God-Consciousness.” This is the last in a series of three immersions in each of the three Abrahamic faiths. Speakers will be Kareem Adeeb, Ph.D., President, The American Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies and Mrs. Olga Shibtini, Vice-President, Bridgeport Islamic Community Center. Refreshments will be served at the beginning of the evening, hosted by the Muslim Students Association at the University of Bridgeport. For information and to register, please contact Richetta Joyner at richettaj@ccgb.org or 334-1121. A flyer is available on request.

A Bridge-Building Leadership Breakfast on “The State of the Housing Crisis” will be held on Monday, October 26, 7:15 – 9 a.m. at United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue (at State), Bridgeport, 06604. Congressman Jim Himes, Fannie Mae President Michael Williams, and Fannie Mae Vice President for Community Lending Jeff Hayward will speak. There is no charge for this event. Register by October 21st to Richetta Joyner at richettaj@ccgb.org or 334-1121. A flier is available on request.

The Council’s CO-OP Center seeks computer instructors who can teach basic Microsoft application courses, Word, Excel to interested students; and introduction to computers for beginners. Courses, typically 6 hours, are scheduled weekday afternoons at the teacher’s convenience. A small stipend is available. To help, or for more information, please contact Dan Braccio, CO-OP Center Program Director, 367-8441 x 231.

The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport is searching for volunteers to answer phones and greet clients and visitors from 2:30 to 4:45 weekday afternoons during the school year. Anyone interested in helping out should call Richetta Joyner at 334.1121 or email her at richettaj@ccgb.org.

New staff at The Council: We are delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Jerome F. Streets as The Council’s part-time chaplain at Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center. Dr. Streets, active in retirement, was previously Chaplain at Yale University (1992 – 2007) and pastor of Mount Aery Baptist Church, Bridgeport (1975 – 1992). His position is funded by a contract with Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. We are also pleased to welcome Sandra J. Valdes-Lopez as a Yale Seminary intern for the 2009-2010 program year. Ms. Valdes-Lopez will focus on Bridge Building and Congregation Relations. Her position is funded by Yale University.