A Gathering of Angels

By Mother Christina VanLiew,
Resurrection Church, Williston Park

In the spring of 2008, Episcopal Charities of Long Island began its "Angel's initiative" on the day our liturgical calendar celebrates the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth. Like Mary and Elizabeth's visit, our gathering was one of affirmation, of promise, of hope and joy despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

It is fitting that nine months later, on February 7, 2009, ECLI treated its Angels to an extraordinary day of celebration for the new life emerging through this agency, thanks to the leadership by Mother Clare Nesmith and the support of our Bishop, the Board, the "Angels" who champion the cause, and the congregations we represent.

We started the festivities with a joyful Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Walker, whose foresight and dedication to the ministry of ECLI has been invaluable. Father Tom Pellaton, Rector, warmly welcomed us to Church of the Ascension, Rockville Centre, and we reveled in fellowship and fun as we were pampered with a delicious luncheon.

It kept getting better! Mother Nesmith gave a brief stirring presentation about how ECLI has continued to move forward in faith despite economic downturns. Even in the midst of our area’s economic woes, Episcopalians in Long Island increased their 2008 donations 10% above giving in 2007.

As she pointed out, ECLI gives new meaning to the old slogan to "Think globally, act locally." Each of the diocesan ministries supported in part by ECLI: Archdeaconry and Church Based Grants, Camp DeWolfe, Diocesan Youth Ministries, Episcopal Community Services, and Episcopal Health Service shared their stories of changing lives for the better. Bishop Walker then shared with us how we are able to meet needs and give vital compassionate support through The Bishop’s Call.

The positive energy of these presentations inspired several spontaneous promises to aim for doubling and even tripling contributions to ECLI this year. The bishop challenged us: Can we raise a total of $300,000 this year? Yes, we can! So much depends on it! Not only is ECLI an efficient agency, it is also effective as it lives the Gospel values. We who are blessed to be "ECLI Angels" say thank you back, and with great pleasure. Thanks be to God!

Please give generously to Episcopal Charities of Long Island, 36 Cathedral Avenue, P.O. Box 510, Garden City, NY 11530, 516-248-4800,
ext 19, ecli@dioceseli.org

Have you considered all the ways you can give to Episcopal Charities of Long Island?

• By check or credit card You can donate directly by credit card by calling the office or directly from our website at
  www.episcopalcharitiesli.org.
  ––All unrestricted gifts are disbursed in grants to our agencies and programs during the next calendar year.
  ––All gifts designated to our various agencies and programs are disbursed within the same calendar year.
  ––Gifts donated in memory, in honor, or in thanksgiving are recorded in the Book of Remembrance and with an acknowledgement card sent to those being remembered.
• Matching gift programs Many employers have programs that match their employees’ gifts. Contact your Human Resources Department to ask for a matching gift form. Complete your portion and sent with your gift. We will take care of the rest.
• Bequests Have you remembered Episcopal Charities of Long Island in your will? A testimentary gift left to ECLI will leave a lasting legacy and shows future generations how