Faith in the Public Square

FOCUS Churches of Albany and Westminster Commons w ill host the First Annual FOCUS Festival of Thanks and Giving on  Sunday, November 24  from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut Street in Albany. The festival will feature a variety of activities led by members of FOCUS Churches, including Westminster, such as kindness stones, gratitude flags, Thanksgiving cards for  guests of the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry,  games for all ages, and a light lunch.    At 1 p.m., attendees are invited to join a Circle of Gratitude with songs and a chance to share what they are thankful for this season.   If you would like to help with this event, please contact Pastor Heather  at  pastor@wpcalbany.org .   Although the event is free, donations to support the work of the FOCUS Churches of Albany will be appreciated. Donations of non-perishable food are welcome for the FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry.

Peter Crasto-Donnelly has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Capital Area Council of Churches . Peter has served on the board for five years and as Board President for the last two years. He is a member of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas in Albany.     In making the announcement, the board expressed its thanks to Bruce France for his five years of service as Executive Director and thanked him for his ongoing help to ensure a smooth transition.   A video message from Peter is available here .