"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, "I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25: 34 - 46

We gather to explore a powerful principle found in the heart of our faith: the act of giving. Our title, "Free to Give," reminds us that generosity is not just an obligation but a joyful expression of our love for God and others. In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This verse encapsulates the essence of giving with gladness. As we delve into this message, I want us to understand the profound benefits of donations—not just for those who receive but for us as givers.
As we reflect on these points today, let us remember that giving is not merely a transaction; it is an act of worship and a reflection of our relationship with God. When we give with gladness, we align ourselves with His heart and experience the blessings He has in store for us. Let us embrace the freedom to give, knowing that our generosity has the power to transform lives—both ours and those around us.
When we give, we mirror the very nature of God. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” God’s ultimate act of generosity was giving His Son for our salvation. When we give, we participate in His divine nature. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our giving reflects our understanding of God’s generosity towards us and allows us to share that love with others.
There is a unique joy that comes from giving. Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we donate our time, resources, or talents, we experience a sense of fulfillment that material possessions cannot provide. Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” As we bless others through our giving, we find ourselves enriched in ways that go beyond the physical. Our hearts are filled with joy as we witness the impact of our generosity.
Generosity fosters a sense of community among believers. In Acts 2:44-45, we see the early church sharing everything they had, creating a bond that strengthened their faith and unity. When we give, we contribute to the well-being of our church family and those in need around us. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Our donations help build a supportive community where love and compassion thrive.
Protect Mother Earth

We have happily accepted the offer and challenge from Interfaith Power and Light, to become a "Cool Congregation".
We encourage all persons to decrease their carbon footprints upon Mother Earth's increasingly fragile environment, both individually and collectively.
Ecclesia Ministries of
New York
Grace Theological Seminarians are rotating through their Community Chaplaincy Externships at Ecclesia Ministries of New York- Marcus Garvey Park Congregation, and Chapel on the Green in New Haven, Conn.
Provisions For The Journey
To help facilitate the sacred journey from a life of brokenness to a life of healing and wholeness.
Civil Eats
Food Policy-Farming-Health- Environmental Policy
POLARIS
Take the Course
"Human Trafficking 101"
Human Rights Watch
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples' rights, and with activists representing a multiplicity of identities and issues.
Healthcare Equality Network
The Healthcare Equality Network is committed to tackling health disparities head-on, supporting federal, state and local efforts to increase Black access to quality care, and holding legislators accountable for inaction.