The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop. The first BCEF call of 2016 is to repair the heating system at St. Andrew's Church in Newark.
Gordon Fenty, a Warden of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newark is enthusiastic about his parish and its ministry. “We’re a city parish,” says Fenty, “but we have a small town feel.” Coming upon the parish at the corner of Clinton Avenue and South 17th Street, one finds an inviting set of brick buildings, the church set directly on the corner and an attached parish hall set back somewhat. The neighborhood, populated mostly by two-family houses and storefront businesses, has a distinctly residential feel.
“We’re an open, accepting church,” Fenty adds, “and that’s what draws people in.” He also mentions that the congregation has a healthy Sunday attendance of around 45 and a committed and exuberant choir. The worship also draws many people from outside the neighborhood and many travel some distance to attend the church each Sunday.
But Sunday is not the only time St. Andrew’s is bustling with activity. The parish becomes something of a community center each Saturday with neighborhood groups being given access to the congregation’s large parish hall without charge. On Fridays members of the parish themselves operate a soup kitchen for the homeless and underprivileged people in the surrounding area. All the food is prepared onsite by church members and other volunteers in the parish hall’s kitchen.
Like many inner city churches, St. Andrew’s faces a major challenge with its deferred maintenance. “Seems like every time I do an inspection there are more repairs I need to add to the list,” says Gordon Fenty. The warmer weather is easing his mind somewhat about the urgency of fixing the church’s broken radiators. But the leaky roof, damaged flooring, and peeling paint in some areas of the chancel are problems that need immediate attention. Call #1 of 2016 seeks your financial support to help the people of St. Andrew’s address these serious concerns. Your generous help will insure they can continue their vital ministries within and outside the walls of their church.
Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith
Bishop of Newark
