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Upcoming Online Services
Nov. 1: Beyond the Band-Aid, Rev. Joan Montagnes All our social ills are systemic – white supremacy, climate change, hunger, classism, homelessness, even covid – and yet we insist on using band-aid solutions to solve these deep wounds. Let’s begin to heal society by changing the systems. Click here for login information to use Zoom. Previous Sunday's Service Oct 25: Now's the Time, Rev. Joan Montagnes Its Celebration Sunday! A day to reflect and revel in our shared ministry to each other and our wider community. This is our stewardship service, a time to remember with our gratitude those who gave in the past so we could have a church today. A time to continue with our generosity to build a world of faith, peace, justice and love. 
We are a compassionate, thoughtful, and diverse religious community who nurture and challenge each other to deeper understanding, meaning and purpose in our lives. We use our hearts and our heads (and a good deal of humor) to make a difference not only in our lives, but the lives of those beyond our doors. Learn more about our beliefs, our services, and our history in the About Us tab.
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What Does it Mean to be a People of Deep Listening?
We can talk a lot about the pandemic, natural disasters due to climate change, and dismantling white supremacy. We can also talk a lot about how all three have fueled our current state of general anxiety and political polarity. There’s a lot of talking going on. And we need to talk. Let’s also remember to listen and to listen deeply.
My beloveds, listen to the traditionally marginalized. Those of us in the dominant culture don’t need to ask anyone to tell us of their experience of being oppressed. It is not their job to educate us. All the information is already out there. It is our responsibility to go and study. Let’s place the voices of those who history has silenced in the center. Imagine how our community’s agenda could change. See the full Article in our October Newsletter HERE. |
Our Vision
We will gather in loving community, creating a shared vision of compassion and dignity for all,
to radically transform the world in which we live.
We will gather in loving community, creating a shared vision of compassion and dignity for all,
to radically transform the world in which we live.
Share-the-Plate OCTOBER – Prisoners are People Too, Inc.
For the last fifteen years, this has been our mantra and our motto: Prisoners Are People Too; to deny their humanity, is to deny our own. This is our wholehearted belief. It defines and guides the work we do for incarcerated people and their families. It leads us as we educate the community about criminal justice issues. We support our returning citizens as they strive to be assets to their families and this community. The work we do can, at times, be frustrating and disappointing but it can also be fulfilling and gratifying. We encourage prisoners and their families to stay positive as we fight against inhumane and unprofessional treatment. We urge prisoners to keep their eyes on the ultimate prize .... which is their release.
Floyd, from Buffalo, went to prison 15 years ago ... leaving two sons behind who are now 16 and 17 years old. Floyd came home 3 weeks ago. He has worked with us for 9 months, preparing for his release. Pictures, letters, and infrequent visits helped him to stay somewhat connected to his children for 15 years, but they are teenagers now with "lives of their own." Floyd has a curfew now that has him in the house at a time earlier than his teen sons.
We are so proud of this man who favorably impressed the NYS Parole Board at his FIRST Parole Board hearing with his statements of remorse, rehabilitation, and plans for the future. We will continue to support Floyd during his reentry process.
Visit our website at the link above and learn about what we are doing to support the growth of the community's knowledge and understanding of the prison industrial complex, the plight of prisoners and prison families, and the challenges of re-entry.
For the last fifteen years, this has been our mantra and our motto: Prisoners Are People Too; to deny their humanity, is to deny our own. This is our wholehearted belief. It defines and guides the work we do for incarcerated people and their families. It leads us as we educate the community about criminal justice issues. We support our returning citizens as they strive to be assets to their families and this community. The work we do can, at times, be frustrating and disappointing but it can also be fulfilling and gratifying. We encourage prisoners and their families to stay positive as we fight against inhumane and unprofessional treatment. We urge prisoners to keep their eyes on the ultimate prize .... which is their release.
Floyd, from Buffalo, went to prison 15 years ago ... leaving two sons behind who are now 16 and 17 years old. Floyd came home 3 weeks ago. He has worked with us for 9 months, preparing for his release. Pictures, letters, and infrequent visits helped him to stay somewhat connected to his children for 15 years, but they are teenagers now with "lives of their own." Floyd has a curfew now that has him in the house at a time earlier than his teen sons.
We are so proud of this man who favorably impressed the NYS Parole Board at his FIRST Parole Board hearing with his statements of remorse, rehabilitation, and plans for the future. We will continue to support Floyd during his reentry process.
Visit our website at the link above and learn about what we are doing to support the growth of the community's knowledge and understanding of the prison industrial complex, the plight of prisoners and prison families, and the challenges of re-entry.