Posted on 21 Feb 2011 . 1 comment
1816: Rev. Bourne Serves as an Anti-Slavery Witness
Black History Month is the appropriate time to recall this church’s first protest against slavery; it was expressed in the call to the ministry and the support of one of the first Presbyterian ministers to denounce “the soul damning sin” of human bondage.
The February 27, 1816 entry into the minutes of the vestry [today’s Session and Deacons] of “The English Speaking Church in Germantown” [today’s FPCG] noted that ”Presbytery being informed that a Mr. Bourne is preaching in the congregation in Germantown without being introduced to the vacancy by a Committee appointed for the purpose of introducing strangers to our vacancies, and that the said Mr. Bourne has been deposed from the office of the Gospel ministry by the Presbytery to which he formerly belonged, it was on motion resolved that the preaching of said Mr. Bourne in the Germantown congregation is deemed irregular.”
In 1815, 195 years ago, this church called the Rev. George Bourne of South River, Virginia, to the pulpit. Before his arrival in Germantown, however, he was expelled from the ministry by the Presbytery of Lexington, Virginia, for his denunciation of slavery.
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Posted on 14 Feb 2011 . 1 comment
There are many free services offered by the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry.
> Did you know that you can file your federal and state tax returns for free?
> Do you know that qualified PA residents can get help with their heating and utility costs?
Free Filing Federal and State Tax Returns
If your household income is less than $60,000 you can come to GACM to file a federal and state tax return for free!
In today’s economy more people are looking to squeeze every dollar out of their tax returns. Unfortunately, however, they find themselves in an environment in which tax filing can be confusing and difficult. What’s worse, all too many tax filing services require fees and many offer Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) which strip millions in fees each year from the earned-income tax credits paid to working parents ultimately reducing the amount of their tax return.
Let Germantown Ave Crisis Ministry (GACM) help you get the most out of everything you do. Using The Benefit Bank (TBB), a counselor assisted, web-based program that connects low-to-moderate income wage earners with access to tax credits and public benefits GACM can file your Federal and State tax returns for free! E File and get your refund in as little as 7 days. Contact GACM, 215-843-2340 to schedule an appointment or walk in for service any Friday between 1 and 4pm. Is Sunday better? Contact Eileen Jones to schedule an appointment following worship.
Click here to learn about LIHEAP and how it can help you pay your heating bills
Posted on 07 Feb 2011 . 10 comments
Feb 13th: Gathering to End Gun Violence
Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9
I write this just days following the horrific and senseless shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and nineteen other people in Tucson, Arizona. I am numb! It seems that we are hearing about these types of terrible tragedies more and more frequently. What can we do?
As people of faith, we condemn violence and hatred. We grieve with the families of those whose lives are lost. We pray for victims who have been wounded. We sympathize with the family of the perpetrator and even try to understand why someone would take such violent action against another.
As people of faith we also need to do more. Recently a new organization has been founded in our northwest section of Philadelphia. The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown is one of among various faith organizations who have come together to form Neighborhood Partners To End Gun Violence. The purpose of this group is not about eliminating guns or even seeking legislative action but about reducing gun violence.
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Posted on 01 Feb 2011 . 6 comments
What’s Happening at the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry
Our friends at GACM are keeping busy this time of year. Here are some highlights:
The Benefit Bank:
The Benefit Bank (TBB) is a web-based program that enables federal and state income tax filing. There is no fee for this service and electronic filing is available. If your income is $57,000 or less, TBB is an alternative to large tax services and the predatory lending practices that are part of their rapid refund programs. Please call Eileen Jones at 215-843-2340 to schedule an appointment to have your taxes filed.
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Posted on 24 Jan 2011 . 6 comments
One Week Left to support the Drill Team!
During the month of January, Germantown Xclusive Drill Team and Drum Corp will be holding a $5.00 Snack Favorites Sale to raise money for new uniforms and upcoming competitions. Some of the items included are walnut fudge clusters, nonpareils, gourmet caramel popcorn, red raspberry gummies, fruit jelly slices, and sweet berry mix. Please see a GX Drill Team Member during coffee hour or speak to Contina Lundy.
We are still looking for new members to join our Pee Wee, Intermediate, and Drum. Our practices days are Monday and Fridays from 6:30 8:30. For more information, please speak to Tara Payne, 267 784 2485, Contina Lundy 215 512 8824 or Regina Carter 215 681 9299.
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