rev. vicky l. eastland 2 brookville road...
TRANSCRIPT
Brookville Church
N E W S L E T T E R
REV. VICKY L. EASTLANDPastor of Congregational [email protected]
2 BROOKVILLE ROADBROOKVILLE, NY 11545
[email protected]/BrookvilleChurchwww.BrookvilleChurch.org
Where our doors are always open!November 2014
A Muslim in the study group found a very different insight in the passage. The profundity for this Muslim wasn’t that Jesus was associating with a tax collector but rather that Jesus invited himself into Zacchaeus’ home. In Omani Muslim culture no one, not even the Sultan himself, is audacious enough to invite themselves over to someone else’s home. In their culture and religious tradition only God himself would be presumptuous enough to invite himself into someone’s home. The Muslim exclaimed, “Now I understand why Christians believe that Jesus is God!” This became a new revelation for both the Christians and Muslims that were studying together that day.My hope is that we will be able to enter into this type of study together here on our multifaith campus. It would not only strengthen our own personal faith, but would be a way to safely enter into the exploration of some of the fundamental differences of belief we hold in our respective faith traditions. In our multifaith campus mission statement we say: “…we are able to connect to one another by embracing similarities while respecting differences.” Up to this point in our journey together we have said we respect each other’s differences but have done so without really knowing what those differences are. Let’s challenge ourselves to take the step of faith totrust each other enough to begin exploring those differences together.
Shalom, Salaam, Peace,
Rev. Vicky
For more info on Scriptural Reasoning check out: www.scripturalreasoning.org
While on my recent trip to Oman one of the ways I found myself challenged was to think differently about how to approach multi-faith dialogue. When asked how we deal with the fundamental differences in our religions on our multifaith campus, my response was, “We haven’t really dealt with them. We concentrate on the universal truths found in each of our faith traditions and discover ways to capitalize on the moral themes that run through all three of our faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.” The push back I received from our Partner in Peace and Education, Rev. Justin Meyers, was that looking only at our similarities is stopping short of a deeper relationship that we could discover with one another.
In Oman we were introduced to a method of mutual study that provides a safe environment for the exploration of the seemingly conflicting truths that each of our respective religions hold. This method is called Scriptural Reasoning and was developed by David Ford out of the University of Cambridge in England. This is how it works. A small group of people from different religions gather together and study each others Holy Scriptures. The main agenda isn’t to convince the other that one Scripture is better or more inspired, rather the objective is to enter into deeper relationship with one another through the process of studying each others faith texts together. To enter into this type of relationship each person involved must come with a respect that the scripture they are studying is holy and sacred for someone; it may not be sacred to you, but it is sacred to someone. There must be a mutual respect for each others religious beliefs for Scriptural Reasoning to work.
When people engage in Scriptural Reasoning together the greatest discovery is new insights into your own scriptures. When someone of a different faith is reading and interpreting your scripture for the first time, they have fresh eyes to see things that may enlighten and deepen your own faith. A great example was when Muslims alongside Christians were studying the story of Zacchaeus and Jesus from the New Testament Gospel of Luke chapter 19. Most Christians focus on the fact that Zacchaeus was a tax collector and Jesus went to his home. Christians think this is radical because tax collectors in Jesus’ day were considered corrupt and people with whom not to associate.
Let’s go deeper together
The melancholy days are come,The saddest of the year,
Of wailing winds, and naked woods, and meadows brown and sear.~ William Cullen Bryant, “Death of the Flowers”
The lines crafted by leading American poet and prestigious editor of the New York Evening Post speak of the days that lie ahead this month. Many people don’t like November. Granted it has Thanksgiving and it ushers in the joyous season of Advent, but former Roslyn Harbor resident William Cullen Bryant is right, November is a cold and mournful month.
It brings to mind death and life after death, which many have aversion to pondering; but life in the Northeast obliges us to think about them. Nature changes her palette to the bleak hues of a dead or dying landscape, the earth hardens and freezes, and we are forced to look ahead to the long, cold days of winter. For this very reason, it is fitting that the liturgical year ends in November. While a dismal month in many respects, November also holds the promise of the birth of Jesus Christ, King of kings, our Lord and Majesty. A triumphant occasion, when we celebrate our Redeemer coming to us in victory of good over evil, light over dark, life over death. He is the Light of the World who conquers darkness. Thus our thoughts change from gloom and doom to joy as the year ends. This highlight of the liturgical year often gets lost in the hubbub of holiday preparation. It is easy to understand why. It is a mad dash: from the start of Advent the very Sunday after Thanksgiving to the youth Christmas play, adult Christmas Cantata and Christmas Eve Candlelight service. I would challenge each of us, this November, to pause and reflect, that in every ending is a beginning.Perhaps one of the ways to begin anew is to jump aboard our newly created Brookville meal train. Former church members Helen & Arthur Hessinger have paved the way by generously donating funds to be used exclusively for the meal ministry, and others have signed up to volunteer their time and talents. This is the perfect time of year to think of others—dispel the woebegone days of November and embrace the spirit of our loving Savior. Take to the kitchen, get inspired and cook for a family in need. “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness,” Lucius Annaeus Seneca (Roman philosopher, mid-1st century).
~ Kris BaggelaarChair of Growth & Development
Choir News
By Carol Goglia, Minister of Music Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
….And that is exactly what we are rehearsing to do!!!The Adult Christmas Choir is 17 singers large. We are working to present ‘Child Of Hope’. This is a beautiful cantata. Please mark your calendars as we will present this during the 10:00 a.m. worship time on December 21st.The youth of the combined Brookville church and Interfaith Community are busy rehearsing for our play. I am happy to announce that we have 19 actors involved and working hard learning dances and lines and creating sets. We will present ‘The Camel Lot’ on December 14th during the 10:00 a.m. worship hour. Again, please mark your calendars. These are huge projects which require hours of volunteer rehearsal time, and deserve a full congregation. Many thanks to Catherine and William Hunt for sharing their talents during the October 26th service. It is so wonderful to have our children participating in regular worship services.
Common Grounds Coffeehouse Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 pm
Musica Shmoosika will present a marvelous program of eclectic music spanning from the Beatles to Broadway songs, love songs, and the Beach Boys… the list goes on! The doors will open at 7:30 and give everyone time to browse raffles and get some great food. Music will begin at 8 pm. All proceeds from this event will go to sending children to Camp Warwick this coming summer.
If you have a raffle donation, please get in touch with Lisa Denison at 516-695-1123 or 516-674-4385.
Friday Jan. 30, 2015 ~ 7:00 p.m.in Fellowship Hall
Come with family, friends, or on your own to hear Rev. Vicky & Lesley Mazzotta
share about their recent trip to Oman. They will talk about the peace efforts between
Muslims and Christians that is happening at the Al Amana Centre and we will enjoy good food together.
Please bring a food dish to share!RSVP (516) 626-0414
If you can’t make it for dinner, join us for dessert when Rev. Vicky and Lesley
will give their presentation.
Multifaith Campus
Madeline "Lynn" Simm, a long-time member of the Brookville Church, p a s s e d a w a y t h i s Tu e s d a y m o r n i n g , October 28th, the day of her birth. She was 90 years old a n d a l t h o u g h i n declining health for the past year, her spirits never dwindled. The church was an integral part of her life - a
founding member of the Prayer Chain, an Elder, an active m e m b e r o f t h e Women's Group and a t o n e t i m e a S u n d a y s c h o o l teacher.
She is survived by her brother, George Housworth, her daughter Nan Coffey, her son Peter Simm and her step-son, David Simm and countless grandchildren!
A memorial service will take place at Brookville Church on Nov. 15 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following in Fellowship Hall.
Condolences
The Education Corner By Lesley Mazzotta, Director of Multifaith Education
As many of you know, Rev Vicky and I just returned from a 10-day trip to the Sultanate of Oman. This beautiful country, located on the Arabian Sea, next to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stands as a peaceful and safe place in a volatile part of the world. Oman is open and welcoming, eager to show and share its country, culture and traditions with the rest of the world.
While there, we stayed in the capital city of Muscat, hosted by the Al Amana Centre, a Reformed Church in America ministry, working internationally to foster understanding, acceptance, trust and peace between Muslims and Christians. We visited religious sites, explored ancient towns, engaged in interfaith dialogue, and spoke with Omani leaders and scholars, all to help us shed our false stereotypes and build deeper respect for interfaith relations. Our adventures abounded (mountain hikes, boat trips, desert overnights, ocean visits, camel rides, dune bashing!!), but it was the chance to meet and talk with this country’s gentle, faithful and hospitable people that warmed my heart and made me fall in love with Oman.
As a Christian, I felt particularly blessed to have the opportunity to speak in-depth with all types of Muslim people – men, women and children, to share our lives, celebrate our similarities and recognize the differences on our unique and personal journeys with God. I returned from my trip with a deeper faith in God, and a desire to simultaneously learn more about my Christian faith while engaging in interfaith conversations in a more meaningful, educated way.
It is for this reason I am so delighted to be part of the Brookville community, where each one of us is welcomed to openly celebrate our own faith while deepening understanding and respect of other religions. I know God has put me in the right place to learn, serve and love. I look forward to sharing this unfolding journey with all of you!
Fall Blessings,
LesleyHere is what’s happening for our children and youth this month on the Brookville Multifaith Campus:
Children’s Monthly ClassesOn November 2 at 10am, there will be a special children’s class for All Saints Day. All children will gather in Fellowship Hall, while parents attend a special communion service in the sanctuary.
On November 16, at 3pm, all children gather in Fellowship Hall for a monthly Bible lesson that highlights stories, arts, crafts and group discussion. Our classes are divided by age, and every grade is covered in three classes from kindergarten through 8th grade. During class, parents are invited to attend our Multifaith Thanksgiving Celebration, followed by a festive reception featuring international foods.
Multifaith Youth GroupRopes Course AdventureSaturday, November 15, 9am – 3pmAll youth, ages 12 – 17, are invited to Project C.A.R.E., a state of the art ropes course in Amityville, NY! We'll test our physical and mental capabilities, while building confidence, appreciation and trust! Then, we'll grab ice cream and discuss what we learned about gratitude and thankfulness for all that we can do, be, learn and experience in God's great world. Price: $45 for the day (scholarships available upon request), including Project C.A.R.E., snacks and ice cream. (Each student should bring their own lunch.) Space is limited, and advance registration is required by Sunday, November 8, no exceptions!
If you would like more information on any of these programs, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 917-623-4554.
ReflectionsReflectionsWhen Nancy was a young girl she would accompany her mother on whatever shopping trip was happening; often that included antique shops. In order to give Nancy some purpose and interest she would be given a small amount of money to buy things; eventually two of the things began to be her hobby – collecting ladies folding fans and parasols. There were enough inexpensive ones available to allow her to have a good start to a lifelong interest. As time passed her simple purchases became worth more and her new purchases were better choices and more expensive. Nancy kept collecting after we were married and it was one of the reasons for stopping at antique shops. Occasionally we would buy a piece of furniture, but for me those excursions were usually a quick walk through the shop and then read a book in the car.
About thirty years ago she joined the Fan Association of North America (FANA). Interestingly there is another Fan Association that we learned about when both organizations had their annual convention in the same hotel in Bradenton, Florida. The other group collected ceiling fans and other cooling fans -- which makes sense when one is in the south. She attended all of the annual FANA assemblages, became an officer, traveled on their junkets to European museums and thoroughly enjoyed the times. I was able to avoid most of them but did have to drive her to any East Coast event. About five years ago the collectors added smaller scale area gatherings, which for us was the New England group. These were one day events where I was able to deliver Nancy then visit the surrounding countryside or villages which were always enjoyable for me and offered something away from fans.
By now you can tell that my participation in the FANA meetings was as a dutiful but barely interested husband. Of course I have learned a lot just by being around the meetings and am known to many of the members. I was told October was the time to journey to Braintree, Massachusetts. With my usual lack of enthusiasm we found our way through this typical Colonial town getting lost in its quirky small, short and twisty streets and arriving late at the Braintree Historical Society. Nancy rushed in to the meeting and I took a walk. Braintree had several surprises for me.
There was a 5K footrace right through town and I joined the spectators watching the runners and remembering what it was like to be a participant in races. The finish line was at the Catholic Church on Main Street. Two blocks away in front of the picturesque Town Hall was the weekly Farmers Market. A few of the vendors and products were: Massachusetts fishermen, Vermont maple syrup, artisanal candle and soap makers, Rhode Island mushroom growers, a man playing his guitar and pleasantly singing familiar songs, bakers and a couple of food caterers, local farmers and pumpkin and apple cider on a farm wagon. It reminded me of October last year when we visited England and the Melton-Mowbray Market Day that had been going on since 1105.
I especially enjoyed the fall beauty which was at its peak that day. Walking in the town and across a large lawn where the leaves on the trees and ground were lovely shades of red, orange and brown. It was when I walked into the town library and asked how it came to be named the Thayer Library that the first surprise arrived. The librarian pointed to a large portrait of General Sylvanus Thayer and said, “He provided the money.” Thayer was born in Braintree (I didn’t know that) and graduated from West Point where, as a Colonel, he returned to became the Superintendent. (I knew that) Colonel Thayer established engineering courses, military discipline and operating policies that forever changed West Point. He is now known as the father of the Military Academy. The librarian sent me down the street to the Thayer Academy which is a co-ed day school established through the estate of General Thayer. It now has over 700 students whose parents pay $40,000 a year to attend.
Back at the Historical Society there was more to learn. Another famous resident became known when Thomas Edison made the first ever phone call saying, “Mr. Watson, please come here, I need you.” That Mr. Thomas Watson was also an inventor and returned to his home to develop marine steam engines for the nation’s growing shipbuilding business. I sat in on one of the FANA lectures about Braintree’s history and learned about the three major folding fan factories located there years ago. It was made clear that most every town was self-sufficient providing all of the food and fuel needed for the long winters from local sources.
Finally, at the end of the day, I won a door prize because Nancy had entered my name. However I had already won the best prize – a memorable day that connected me to my alma mater in an unexpected way.
Branch Worsham ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Beat Navy
Jimmy Said A Naughty Word Jimmy’s Mother Overheard
Soapsuds? No! He Preferred
It’s not the surprise that matters, it’s how you react to it. ~ Innocent Mwatsikesimbe
CHARLES J. GAWLEY EULOGY
(Excerpt from Eulogy Delivered by his son, Steven Gawley, at Festa Funeral Home, Totowa, NJ, on Friday, October 19th, 2014)
…My father was born in the Bronx to Irish immigrants during the Great Depression. He grew up as a boy during turbulent times and great wars and dangers. My grandfather was a veteran of WWI, and my father grew up patriotic and he believed in this country and taught us to do the same. He was a wonderful and dutiful son to his parents, Charles and Helen, and a loving brother to his sister Mary and to his brother Barnie.
My father met my mother in 1954 at a skating rink in Paterson, New Jersey and they fell in love. She was truly the love of his life. And they were married for over 59 years and they raised 4 sons together. My parents were little more than children when they met and they spent a wonderful lifetime together.
It has been said that what we do in life echoes in eternity. And I love the image that quote evokes. It captures not only the huge imprint our lives have on the other lives we touch, but also underscores the reverberation death creates following a truly meaningful life.
What do we do in life echoes in eternity....
So what will echo in eternity for my father?
The first echo will be laughter….
My father was a very witty guy who lit up every room he ever walked in. He had a great laugh and I will always remember the sound of it --- and I will remember the sounds of laughter coming out any room he was in. He was never the kind of person to laugh at you, but with you. People always looked forward to spending time with Charlie --- and he loved to talk to everyone.
In his later years, he would actually wear T-Shirts that just said CHARLIE on the front --- in big bold letters. My Dad would then marvel to us why perfect strangers would call him by name and strike up conversations with him. 'How do they know me?' he would say. My father really liked people and he made all of our lives better for the laughter and joy he brought to us.
My father's second echo will be duty and honor....
My father believed an individual has but one reputation and such reputation must be scrupulously guarded by always attempting to do the right thing, the honorable thing --- in all matters. My father was as honest as the day is long.
He was also a tremendously hard worker and he taught us the value of hard work. My father worked in the printing ink business for 50 years and was extremely proud of the fact he never called in for a sick day in 50 years. I have worked for 25 years now and I have never had a sick day, and that is not because I have never been sick, but because of my fathers example. My father was an incredibly industrious and productive person.
The third echo of his life will be bravery.....
My father was uniquely brave and courageous. I once saw a doctor almost fall over when he asked my father to recite his medical history as if to say, how exactly are you still alive sir? My father faced more serious medical procedures over the years than a whole family should face in their lifetimes, yet he never complained to me, even one single time, about any of it. If I asked my father how he felt, even up to the end, he would say "I'm Ok Steve, I'm doing fine." He never complained, ever. It was not in his DNA.
Even near death, which he also faced with unusual dignity and honor, he told me simply, "I'm prepared, I'm not in a rush, but I'm prepared". My father was so strong and so brave that we ultimately believed that he couldn't be killed. Well, we were wrong. But his bravery and his courage kept him with us for so many years after his warranty had expired, that we are forever grateful to him.
My father's fourth echo will be humility.....
My father was a modest man, in all ways. He was a throwback in this regard. The only people I felt he had little patience for were braggarts and self promoters. We live today in age of reality TV and social media where many strive for any kind of attention or fame they can attract, however fleeting or misguided. My father was the opposite. He always deferred credit to others. He did not want to attract attention to himself, even for the many great things he accomplished in his life. My father reminded me of the old Romans --- who believed that fame without honor was an infamnia, or a disgrace.
Continued on next page
CHARLES J. GAWLEY EULOGY continued:
His fifth echo emanates from his intellectual curiosity..... My father never graduated from high school because he had to go to work to help his parents make ends meet. But I never met a brighter or more self educated man. He was a voracious reader his whole life. From the time I was 6 years old, my father would take me to the library every Tuesday night and we would take out a book and read it during the week and return it the next. It was the highlight of my week as a child. Since that time, I have always equated reading books to spending time with my father. My father's intellectual curiosity led him to read so much about so many different people and so many different perspectives, that he was one of the most open minded and accepting people that I ever knew --- because he understood so many different points of view. And he loved reading about history. I often think of a favorite book we shared, that we have each read a dozen times, The Killers Angels. It recounts the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, which is essentially the turning point in the history of our Republic. We talked often over the years about the heroics of the 20th Maine Regiment that held Little Round Top during that great battle, how they somehow kept the extreme left flank of the Union Army intact, how they refused to be flanked and refused to be overrun, and how they finally ran out of ammunition --- and then chose to charge the enemy without any, and how they saved our nation in the process. The final and most important echo of my father's life will always be love..... My father loved my mother with all his heart and soul, and he loved his sons, so completely. And he loved his sixteen grandchildren so dearly. But he loved the rest of you too, his Sister, his brothers in law, his nieces, nephews, his friends, all of you. He always looked forward to seeing you all and to hearing about all your many adventures. All of us get one life --- this was true a thousand years ago and it will be true a thousand years hence, and we live that life day by day and moment by moment. So what is our legacy? And what is my father’s true legacy? I think one day, many generations from now, a child will be in need, and I can see that child in my mind. And that child will be comforted and loved by some long distant descendant of my father ---- in the same way and with the same words that our father spoke to us in similar times --- because I truly believe our father’s love and kindness will echo in eternity for many lives to come --- and all of those lives will be better off for him having been here. I can tell you that there are four fathers in this room right now for whom this legacy has already been given and we are all raising young sons who will be fathers someday. We are teaching them to bring the same love and the same devotion to their task --- that our father brought to his. And I don’t think there can be any greater legacy than that. We will miss you Charlie Gawley, but you leave us with great gifts for which we owe an enormous debt --- you raised us up from babies, and you taught us to be men. You did not teach us false machismo --- you taught us to be kind.
You did not teach us to be tough on our children --- you taught us to be understanding.
You did not teach us to manipulate the women in our lives --- you taught us to honor and respect them as partners.
You did not teach us self aggrandizement --- you taught us humility.
You did not teach us about obligations --- you taught us about honor and duty.
You were a masterful teacher and you taught us well. I spoke with my mother and father together shortly before he died, and told them that I have come to believe that the most important thing to almost every mother, the thing of most comfort to her, is that she would have married a man who her children loved and respected --- because he had earned that love and respect. To a mother, all else is secondary in some ways, because such a love completes her family. Well, Charlie Gawley earned our love Mom, and I can’t imagine anyone having a more loving, caring or kinder father --- than the father you gave us. You did well Mom, you did well by him and you did well by us. Sleep well Charlie Gawley, our beloved father, you have earned a peaceful sleep. You did well. You did well by her and you did well by us. Your life has been an inspiration to us. And your many gifts will echo in eternity.
2nd AnnualThanksgiving Celebration
Nov. 16, 2014 - 3 p.m.
International Food Reception following
Brookville Multifaith Campus, home to Christians, Muslims and Jews cordially invites you to join themin celebrating their one year anniversary at a special Thanksgiving Celebration.
Dr. Sultan Abdulhameed, founder of the Muslim Reform Movement Organization said their celebrationis unique. For the second year, instead of speaking from their own religious tradition, the pastor, therabbi and the Muslim leader will be teaching from the other’s holy scripture. Dr. Abdulhameed said thisshows respect for the other’s faith tradition and acknowledges that they honor each others holyscriptures. Rev. Vicky L. Eastland, pastor at Brookville Church said, “Last years ThanksgivingCelebration was the highlight of my career. I have spoke of the need for peace and reconciliation amongreligions for years, but this is the first time I am actually involved in a place that is putting it intopractice!”
What began solely as a Protestant Dutch church in 1732 is now a place of religious diversity. Along with Brookville Church, The Muslim Reform Movement Organization, The New Synagogue of Long Island, and The Interfaith Community of Long Island (two religions, one family), call the same location home. Their mission is to build a multifaith community of people from different faiths who are able to connect to one another by embracing similarities, while respecting differences. A warm welcome is extended to people of all faiths to attend this special day of celebration.
Brookville Multifaith Campus (housed at Brookville Church)2 Brookville Road, Brookville, New York 11545
Salaam alay-kumPeace be upon you
waalaykum as salaam and peace be with you
The kuma and massar, two forms of headdress for men, are both a large part of Omani men’s national dress. Men not only wear these traditional garments often, but are incredibly proud of them and the patriotism they represent.
The kuma is a specially sized (as opposed to one size fits all) hand-embroidered cap that has small holes throughout the embroidery which help keep the head cool in the hot Omani sun.
The massar is an embroidered wool turban which is worn tied neatly around the head. Some tie it over a kuma to give the massar more structure. It is made in Kashmir, India and imported into Oman.
In Oman, men will cover their heads for prayer and many men will wear a headdress daily. Throughout the muslim world, the prayer cap remains a prominent reminder of faith and the universal qualities of humility and respect.