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Social Ministry

Committee Chairs

Deacon Karen Nurmi (co-chair)
Donna Vitetta (co-chair)
Tom McTigue (council liaison)

Contact Information

EmanuelELC197@gmail.com
914.769.1559

Committee Members

Irene Kogelmann
Gail Gazes
Susan Tedesco

Deacon Vicky Struss
Beate Noack
Riitta Pollock

Lynne Fargo
Susan Pate

Committee Notes

The Committee usually meets on a Sunday every other month after the first service. There is always room at the table! We invite you to join us! If you have a suggestion for a project or organization we should support, please speak with Karen Nurmi, Donna Vitetta, or Irene Kogelmann.

Social Ministry
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us to, “go and do likewise.” It is part of our baptismal calling to follow Jesus’ example and love and serve our neighbors, whether they are around the corner or around the globe.
It is the charge of Emanuel’s Social Ministry Committee to inform the congregation about opportunities to do this, and to invite members to participate in showing God’s love to others. In addition to congregational in-gatherings of goods and funds, the Committee also supports several needs and social service organizations on Emanuel’s behalf through the Social Ministry Discretionary Fund, supported by Emanuel’s operating budget, and through the Mary and Martha Fund, supported by designated gifts.
Our invitation for participation includes:

Blood Drives

Emanuel hosts a blood drive twice a year, first in January and then again in July.
New York Blood Center

An annual letter-writing campaign to our elected officials in Congress to support programs and policies that help alleviate global and domestic hunger and poverty.
Bread for the World

A group of Emanuelites who prepare meals for our members in times of stress and special need.

An in-gathering of articles of clothing to be distributed by port chaplains from Seafarers International House to seafarers, a marginalized population, who are in port during the holiday season and far away from family and friends.

An annual event highlighting the talents of Emanuelites and outside vendors. Proceeds are used to help support ministries at Emanuel and community programs, such as VA in Montrose.

An appeal made twice a year for monetary gifts to support this effective Churchwide program that addresses domestic and international hunger and poverty.
ELCA World Hunger

An in-gathering of household items for women and children in a shelter for victims of domestic violence to help them set up new households.
Hope's Door New York

As events unfold, the congregation is made aware of what the ELCA is doing to help victims of disaster rebuild their lives, and giving to the current need is encouraged.
ELCA - Lutheran Disaster Response

Special appeals as needs arise in the programs run by LSS, especially Early Life—a program for young children.
Lutheran Social Services of New York

an on-going gathering of food items by Emanuelites and other groups who use our building to help support those coping with chronic hunger locally. We also ask for volunteers to deliver our donations and to assist with distribution to clients.
Pleasantville Interfaith Food Pantry

a group of knitters and crocheters who make blankets, pillows, and lap robes for those in need of comfort or to help celebrate special moments. These articles are passed around to the congregation for prayer and blessing before they are given to the recipients.

an in-gathering of household items for veterans who are starting to live independently.
Articles of Interest...
Learn more about hunger on college campuses in New York... Read the full article here
Learn more about hunger among senior citizens from Aging in Place... Read the full article here
Learn more about the New LIFE School, a 12-month special education program of Lutheran Social Services of New York... Read the full article here
It is all God’s work. Our hands.

As we hear of other programs requesting involvement and support, such as ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Metro New York Synod Committees, or local needs such as the Emergency Shelter Partnership in northern Westchester, we share this information with the congregation and invite support.

The Committee also sends donations from its funds to Habitat for Humanity International, Hudson Link—an education, life-skills, and re-entry program for those incarcerated at facilities in the Hudson Valley, and The Lutheran Counseling Center, among others. Through one of our members we heard of the needs of students and families in Deposit, NY, an economically depressed area, and have sent monetary gifts to help purchase needed items.