Faith in the Public Square

The New York State Council of Churches is promoting local participation in an international program called “Ring the Bells for Climate Justice.” At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, churches across the United States will be ringing their bells for 30 minutes in support of the Climate Gathering in Glasgow, Scotland. According to the announcement, “Church bells have traditionally been used as warnings and this time the danger to humanity couldn't be greater. Let our bells be our voice for climate justice!”   The gathering, known as COP 26, is the 26 th  meeting of the Conference of Parties. This UN global warming conference will address the threat of climate change.   Among the local churches that are participating are First United Methodist of East Greenbush, First Reformed Schenectady, Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs, and Messiah Lutheran Church in Rotterdam.    For more information and to let the Council know that your congregation is participat

For more than 50 years, SiCM (Schenectady Community Ministries), a partnership of 50 congregations for ministries of social service and social justice, has addressed public health needs such as food insecurity and nutrition education, racism and diversity concerns, and summer recreation through community collaborations and exceptional services and programs. On Friday, October 15, at 3 p.m., the organization will honor its former director, Rev. Phil Grigsby, when they dedicate the food pantry to him and rename it the Reverend Phil Food Pantry. Rev. Grigsby served the organization for 33 years.   The Official Grand Opening of the SiCM Community Hub will be at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 and provide access to this unique celebration including a tour of the brand-new building, wine tastings, and a commemorative gift.    According to the website: Your support provides the best programming possible to our neighbors and community partners. With your help, we can connect our pantry guests and fa