We hope to share regular newsletters with our GAF community to keep everyone updated with our events and activities, what we’re meditating on, and how you can join into creating relational communities wherever you are. Learn more about us here, and feel free to send any feedback to us by emailing us!
Better Together! More Fun Together! Although there was concern about the weather, we decided to go ahead with Governor’s Island. We were so glad we did! New friends joined us. May and Samantha caught the 10am ferry and found the perfect picnic area. We had tables under some trees in a grassy area. Felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. With Manni’s help, Kevin was wheeled all the way to the ferry and then the park. It was so encouraging to see Kevin make such a speedy recovery from his surgery. Thank you Samantha for making and lugging the drinks, Liz and Grace for bringing interesting yummy snacks (which quickly disappeared for some reason), Symphony for the cups and bug spray, Allison, Candy, and Tobi for bringing bikes. We all had a much needed relaxing non-agenda day under the cool breezy shade. If you missed it, don’t worry. This will be our annual outing to kick off our August Sabbath.
Zooming, hopping, jumping with the community! GAF joined in partnership with other local churches and organizations to help the community reconnect and heal together after enduring 17 months of isolation from one another. It was great watching people of different color and age work together caring for the community. We saw parents not only cheering on their kids but also demonstrating for them how to play. We had an open mic for people in the community to share their stories. The people in the community was the center of attention not ourselves. These community events will be called Love Strong, because it is God’s strong love that can bring people together and mend brokenness.
On 8/7 we attended Daryl’s wedding and gave her our love and blessings. Daryl, we will miss your laughter and craziness. It was great meeting Daryl’s newly extended family-in-law. Aaron’s dad has quite a sense of humor. It was a bit nostalgic reconnecting with old friends, which Daryl stayed in touch with. Our reconnection shows that quality relationships do not fade through time or distance, but more appreciated through the shared times together.
May Lee
GAF’s annual month long Sabbath is to give everyone a time to pause and step away from the hustle and bustle of life. Feeling a bit of inward exhaustion I welcome this opportunity to stop and give attention to my inner being, and spend time doing things that gives me life. It took me a while to unwind and remove myself from the demands of this world. I’ve been taking long walks along the Hudson River (4.5 hours last Sunday). During the first few walks, my mind was blank, (I’m usually deep in thoughts). It’s as if God is giving my mind a sabbath. There were moments when I did complain to God and poured out my feelings but they were not intense like usual. On the 4.5 walk, I felt as if I gave God the last drops of my gripes. Most of the time I was soaking in the peaceful surrounding, and ended up walking past my usual stop (34th street) and went on ahead to 97th without breakfast, lunch or water. My knee did not bother me. My mind was absolutely calm without racing thoughts to ponder on. I just kept on going connecting with my surroundings. My inner spirit seems to be awakening with life again.
Are you feeling exhausted? Overwhelmed by life’s demands? Give yourself a time of sabbath. Break away from the demands of life and let God refresh you.
We were honored to celebrate Ted’s 84th birthday and hear all ways God became his closest companion during the most lonely and discouraging moments of his life. He never stops giving thanks to God! We went to his favorite restaurant for Fishcake Soon Tofu and closed it off singing Happy Birthday and a delicious Black Forrest Cake.
New in September
Partnership with Apicha and Kaleidoscope
GAF is partnering with Apicha and Kaleidoscope to host a queerientation workshop for college folks (ages 18-24+) on Monday, September 20. More details to come. The workshop will be about sexuality and faith. Please pray for the planning and preparation work.
Our monthly events resume in September
Join us for our upcoming virtual / in-person events!
Monthly Celebration Service
Friday, Sept. 10 • 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
JOG (Journey of Grace) Small Group
Weekly on Sundays • 11AM - 12:30PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
Communion Fridays
This is a time of reflection on the meaning of communion and embody Christ’s hospitality caring for all people through fellowship, breaking bread, and stand in the needs of others through prayer.
Monthly - September 17 • 7PM - 8:30 PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
Offering / Donations!
Now that we are an official 501(3)c, we have a bank account! For administrative purposes, please fill out this Google Form each time you donate to GAF.
Donate via ACH/Wire:Â Use Account #: 875101564230; ABA #: 031101169; Alternative ABA #: 031101279 (ACH payments only).
Donate via Check:Â Mail your donation to Manni Lee, 275 South Street, Apt 19D, New York, NY 10002.
We currently allocate 90% of tithes towards our staff stipend and 10% towards an organization supporting our community during this time.Â
In July we donated $107.20 to Love Strong to help continue its work in partnership with different local churches and organizations to help bring communities together with God’s message of love.