LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive

Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:

Here’s the June 30th edition of  “Comfort & Renew Online,” a weekly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY. If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org.

New Ground Day Camps kick off next week
The fourth year of New Ground Day camps, sponsored by LDRNY, gets under way next week. This summer's theme is Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances. Kickoff sites for the week of July 5th  include St. Jacobus, Woodside, Queens, and St. Paul in Elizabeth, N.J. To read more about New Ground, go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.

LDRNY leadership to question mayoral candidates about homelessness
LDRNY's the Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the ELCA, is participating in a Forum to interview the New York City mayoral candidates, June 30, 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Chapel near Ground Zero. He is also giving the homily. He says, "I remember well the concerted effort at Ground Zero to rescue, then recover, the remains of our loved ones. We were together with commonpurpose. I remember the respect and reverence for human life whensomeone would be found. How the pile would become quiet, how hearts and love would go out to the remains of those lifted out from the rubble. Can we recover that same sense of human dignity for those among us who are still alive and sinking under the weight of poverty, hunger and homelessness?  Can we recover the same sense of urgency at these Ground Zeroes we have missed?" The Forum is sponsored by the Interfaith Association on Housing and Homelessness. All are invited.

LDRNY welcomes Dominic D'Andrea
Dominic D'Andrea has joined LDRNY as an administrative assistant and event planner. Originally from Maryland, he's an accomplished playwright and director, and has experience in development and fundraising. If you visit the Comfort and Renew Center, be sure to greet the newest staffer.

New Freedom Tower design announced
The 1776-foot tall Freedom Tower will be built at the southwest corner of the former WTC site. Security concerns forced re-evaluation of the original design, but architects and officials are pleased with the new plans for the structure.  Check out pictures and details here:
http://www.ldrny.org/GroundZero/GroundZero1.asp

Hurricane season is here -- do you have a Go Bag?
All disaster and emergency experts recommend that the best way to be prepared for a natural disaster is to be prepared! A Go Bag helps you do that, especially during this year's hurricane seaseon. You can make or own bag, or if you don't want to, LDRNY has done the work for you. LDRNY's Go Bag is the most comprehensive disaster-preparedness bag on the market today. The red standard backpack is filled with more than 50 items to help a person survive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency. Items include a flashlight, water, energy bar, whistle, rain poncho, mylar blanket, hand-warmer packet, radio and compass, first-aid kit, toothbrush, hand-sanitizers, ID holder, DNA/fingerprint kit, pen and pad, and much more. The suggested contribution for the Go Bag is $70 each, plus $7.50 shipping/handling, and can be obtained by calling LDRNY at 1-866-864-1600, or by visiting the website, www.LDRNY.org . Click on the red logo on the homepage to get more information and an order form.

Make a gift to LDRNY

LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. If you’d like to make a donation to honor or memorialize someone, send a check to LDRNY at the address below. Tell us who should be notified of the gift, and please provide an address. Thrivent members will have their gift matched.  

You may now make a gift to support the work of LDRNY among the hidden victims of Sept. 11 online, thanks to Lutheran Community Foundation’s Charity Finder. Go to

http://www.thelcf.org/donors/charityfinder_details.asp?charity_id=145 

Events, programs and training on www.LDRNY.org
You’re reminded to check the LDRNY.org website often for a complete listing of events taking place around Ground Zero and in lower Manhattan, and for programs and training relating to 9/11. They’re listed here:
http://www.ldrny.org/comfort/comfort3.asp

Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others’ experiences,go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment from one person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease. Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."

Helpful sites you may want to visit
• Lifenet  www.9-11MentalHealth.org  1-800-LIFENET.

LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www.LDRNY.org.

LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St.  10007
New York, NY
1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736
www.LDRNY.org
Dr. John J. Scibilia, Executive Director (john@ldrny.org)