Creating a Caring Community

Greetings, 

There are a few quick IM notes I'd like to share with you:

· We have opened registration for this year's Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues, which are scheduled for Thursday, November 17th. This year we are planning two tracks; one for first-timers, and one for folks who have participated previously and want a different experience. We expect hundreds of folks to come together for meaningful talk and friendship. You really do help us when you register early - so please do! Click here to visit the registration page.

· We are very close to 4,700 seniors receiving Meals on Wheels. We will likely be adding another 75 or so this month - which means that they will cost IM about $100,000 over their first year. We are getting awfully close to our maximum capacity - unless lots of folks step up and sponsor seniors. Our Manna Group does just that - they sponsor one or more seniors at $1,200 a year. Manna Group members come in all types - corporations like Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises, LLC. (our lead corporate sponsor); lots of congregations and organizations; and over a hundred individuals just like you and me. We anticipate adding 300 to 400 more clients this fiscal year - so we really need that number sponsored for us to keep going. Does this sound like something you'd like to consider? If so, click here to learn more.

· A special thank you to Scout's Honor Rescue, a non profit animal rescue organization, who collected more than 4,000 pounds of dog and cat food for our aniMeals on Wheels program this weekend. This food will go to seniors with pets so that they do not have to share their limited food and resources with their four legged friends! If you'd like to help this program, click here.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Each year at this time I write a note about the United Way campaign and why I believe it is such a critically important asset in our community. So aside from the fact that IM is a major recipient of United Way funds, I am passionate about community campaigns.

Here's my top three reasons why I hope you will contribute to the United Way, either through your company campaign or individually:

· We are blessed to live in a very charitable community. If you think about that, would you want to live in any other sort of place? Would you want to live in a community where people don't care about one another? The United Way is Houston's primary resource for showing how much we care about one another. That's important enough for me to give my money.

· The United Way touches the lives of more than one out of every two Houstonians through the organizations and programs it funds. I'll bet you know someone who has been touched by a United Way service. Do you know of any other organization, other than government, that has that reach?

· In difficult times the needs grow more urgent. The work that the United Way supports is being hit hard by the double effects of reduced government funding and a difficult economy. So this year, and likely more to come, the United Way will be looked to as the best resource to help fill the many gaps that are widening. It's a hard job, made necessary by the needs that are growing.

In these fragmented times, we need great examples of unity. United Way is one great way to show that not only do YOU care, but that WE all do. It's just that plain simple. It's time to help those in need and United Way is Houston's best way to act together.

Talk to you in two weeks.


Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Coming Together to Serve

Greetings!

The Kroger store that is located right across the street from our offices on Montrose recently finished a significant update to their building and to show their appreciation they wanted to do something nice for the neighborhood and the city, so they donated $5,000 to IM which will provide for 1,000 hot lunch meals for our seniors. We really appreciate the gesture and the recognition, and we thank Kroger for being such a good neighbor.

9/11
This week marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. There are not many dates in our history that carry so much weight and changed us so deeply. We may have porous borders, but most of us think we are safe within them, even now. So it is fitting that 9/11 not only memorializes the dead and wounded, but now symbolizes a time to come together to serve.

Our city, like cities all over America, will hold a number of events worthy of your attention. We are dedicating a special 9/11 Community Update box, which you will find below this message.  I urge you all to find a way to come together and prove that we are stronger than any terrorists, and we affirm our values of openness, freedom and respect. We will not let fear alter the way we live our lives.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER
Even though we cannot let fear change our core values, so much has changed since 9/11. So it is noteworthy, I think, to celebrate something that hasn't changed in my life: this past Sunday I celebrated the fortieth anniversary of my marriage to Alyson. It is probably equally important to note that we've known each other for more than 50 years - and we decided to stick it out together.

Forty, and certainly fifty years, is a long time. We've been asked how we've made it.

The answer is not that simple. Like every couple we've had our ups and downs, though, thank God, many more ups. The other day when I was talking about my upcoming 40th anniversary someone said "boy, I bet you've had a really good 25 years together." There's a lot of truth to that.

So why have we've kept going all this time? Here's why.

Even though we are very different people, we share the same core values. And our relationship from the very beginning has been based on those. We believe in honesty so there are no secrets between us. We believe in family so our hearts swell when things are good and burst when things are sad. We believe in community, so we give back to others always reminding ourselves of the many blessings that God has bestowed on us.

And because of the bonds of trust, loyalty and honesty, our relationship has turned to love. It's not the same infatuation we had when we were teenagers, but it still burns today.

Who would know that a simple love story would be the proof text that some things don't have to change. It's awfully hard work, even now, but in the end, I am convinced that it's the most important work I have done and have yet to finish.

Talk to you in two weeks.


Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
For a complete list of events the City of Houston has planned for the 10th anniversary of 9/11click here.

Tuesday Memo - Helping Build a Better World

Greetings!

So did you expect that we would have a record-breaking heat wave this summer? The previous record, at 14 consecutive days, was broken last week and who knows where it will stop. I marvel at the tenacity of IM's staff. Through thick and thin they are out in this heat welcoming refugees and helping them find jobs, delivering meals to thousands of seniors every weekday and following up with case assessment visits. And they do more than just deliver a meal or welcome a stranger, they are checking up on their clients - with an attentive smile and an open heart.

So I want to give out a big THANK YOU to our dedicated staff who brave the heat to make sure that no senior goes hungry and that our refugees are "warmly" welcomed. It is hard work and I so appreciate their positive attitude even in these scorching temperatures.

While the extreme heat continues, more fans are needed for our elderly Meals on Wheels clients. Fans do not solve the problem, but they are an economical step in helping a bit. So if you are able, please consider dropping off a fan or two at our offices (3217 Montrose Blvd) or through our new wish list site here.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Things changed on a fateful day almost ten years ago. I was on a Southwest flight out of Dallas to Houston for an interview with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Upon landing, we all learned that two airplanes had hit the Twin Towers.

It was a surreal day. I was interviewed with everyone's eyes on a TV that had been wheeled into the room. Somehow we made it through the process and since I could not catch the return flight, we all sat around watching the events unfold. As we became aware of the enormity of the tragedy, it was clear to all of us that a "new normal" was to come about.

That new normal led America into a series of wars, new security institutions and years of doubt.

Now ten years later, in just a few short weeks, there will be many community-wide events and certainly a lot of soul-searching. I have written a small prayer for us all, and it goes something like this:

I pray that men and women of all races, creeds and religion learn that we have the power to destroy and to build. May we understand that though it is easy to rationalize our power to destroy, it is more important to find the strength to build. If our highest aspiration is to reflect the Divine in the world, may we be taught how to love our brothers and sisters, and even those whom we do not know. Show us how to overcome anger and grief and turn our weapons into plowshares. May we be guided to build safe, healthy communities of respect, kindness and compassion. Help us to turn outward to find partners for peace.

My friends I hope that each of us use the memory of this terrible anniversary for good. Look for and participate in the many community activities that will be taking place (you will find a number of them on IM's webpage on the Community Calendar). Learn about a new coordinating body called Compassionate Houston that is being launched to recognize the many wonderful collaborative works being done throughout our city and region (you can visit www.compassionatehouston.org).

My guess is we will see more 9/11s in our lifetime. I also know that we will also see great outpourings of kindness when the next tsunami hits. We have a choice - we can bemoan the state of the world or we can choose to come together to help build a better world. I choose the latter. Join me, please.

Talk to you in two weeks.


Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Tuesday Memo - Seeking Forgiveness

Greetings!

I am back from my vacation. Alyson and I took a driving trip to visit friends and family all over the east coast. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone, particularly the grandkids! It's important to have opportunities to clear one's mind every so often, and I hope that many of you too have had some summer respite.

While I was away lots of things kept moving along. Our second annual Interfaith Youth Camp was held and we almost doubled the number of teens this year. The kids had great fun and even made short videos that are posted on our website and up for a contest. If you'd like to see their enthusiastic work, click here.

We are actively working to build our interfaith teen program and over the next few years you will hear a lot more about the important opportunities that IM will give hundreds of teens who want to get to know kids from other parts of town and faiths in a safe and nurturing place. I am convinced we and others need to do everything we can to break down the walls that separate us.

Here are a few more items that I hope you will find of interest:

• The summer aniMeals on Wheels Pet Food Drive will take place this Friday, August 12, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 13, 9 a.m. -Noon at IM's office, 3217 Montrose Blvd. We need dog and cat food, both wet and dry in whatever quantity you would like to donate. You can also donate through our website by clicking here.  We are now giving away more than 7,000 pounds each month, mostly from donations from folks like you.
  
•   We are participating in the and have a chance to win fuel for IM vehicles.  Everyone is allowed to vote through  Citgo Fueling Good Programonce every day, Thursday August 11th.As of today, we are one of the leading organizations in votes!! Help us win by voting for IM here.
  
• Last month, we delivered our annual shelf-stable emergency food boxes to all of our home-bound seniors. Our seniors are instructed to put these meals aside in case of a hurricane or other disaster. Thank you to Reliant Energy for donating shelf-stable food boxes and hurricane information for our seniors to prepare them for hurricane season for the third year in a row. Reliant is just one of the many generous corporations who support IM's work with money and time. We continue to be very thankful to Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC for being our Lead Corporate Sponsor for Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston.
  
  
  A THOUGHT TO PONDER
  
  Today is the Jewish commemoration of Tisha B' Av, the ninth of the Jewish month of Av. It is believed that it is on this day that both Temples were destroyed and over history, there are connections to this day for a number of other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people. It is a solemn and sad day which calls for serious reflection and repentance.
  
  In my synagogue, and synagogues all over the world, last night we chanted the five chapters from the Book of Lamentations. By candlelight, we were called to remember our sins and to seek out God's forgiveness. We also remembered that true forgiveness starts within each person's heart and doesn't just end with prayers to God. True forgiveness leads us to repent and to be better human beings.
  
  It is in the eerie calm, amidst the flickering lights of candles, that I heard the weeping of the past, or was that God weeping? All I know is that it is good for me to take some time each year and remember that the greatest tragedies we face are very often self-inflicted. It's hard not to leave such a setting without shedding some of the hubris that encrusts our daily living. Perhaps it is then that I can become not only closer to God, but closer to each of you.
  
  Talk to you in two weeks.
  Elliot Gershenson
  President and CEO
  Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
  

Tuesday Memo - Summer Recharge

I derive a lot of pleasure writing these bi-weekly Tuesday Memos and getting feedback from so many of you. I appreciate hearing from you. Over the years these Memos have provided you with important information related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike; have given voice to the many projects that drive IM's mission; and have given me an opportunity to share a bit of myself through the Thought to Ponder section. I hope I've lifted your spirits and made you think more than once or twice.

The Tuesday Memos will take a summer break that will cover the month of July and a bit of August - the memos will return on Tuesday, August 9th unless some critical event or issue needs to be addressed. My hope is that all of you have a great start to the summer, take a bit of time to relax, and come August we'll get back to business as usual.

All the while, lots of home-bound seniors will be fed, new refugees will arrive and I hope that no hurricanes will come calling. And here's some information on two of IM's current projects:

• IM's Second Annual Teen Leadership Camp called iFAITH is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, July 19 - 21st. We had a great start last year and we are gearing up for this summer's experience. IM is investing a lot more into teen engagement and we hope that many of you will tell your friends about this unique and dynamic experience. This year there will be a special "CSI" forensic lab onsite that will be fascinating adding to the other fun and meaningful activities. To learn more please click here. Please spread the word!! Shaping tomorrow's community begins with our teens!
  
• We'd like to give a big shout out to the staff at Winstead PC who collected 60 fans for our seniors. This is a very hot season and more seniors still need fans. You can donate one or more simply by dropping them off at our offices at 3217 Montrose Blvd. If you want more information about how you can run your own "fan" campaign - just email Andrea Fineman. We will make sure a home-bound senior in need gets the fans right away.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER
I am a workaholic. Guilty as charged! It's hard for me to truly get away, because I am always thinking about work. I've been this way my whole career.

I know this is not very healthy. We all need a break and I actually know that most of us are more productive after we've had a chance to clear our heads. But like most habits, some things are hard to change.

Everyone of us has big challenges these days. What I am trying to learn is to put them into some perspective; to not let them overwhelm me. That doesn't mean that I won't break down and read an email or two (or 1000) or answer a phone call when needed. But for a few weeks this summer, I am going to try to focus on my grandkids and kids; the scenery along the way and have a bit of time to reconnect with my wife, Alyson.

IM is blessed with great staff and volunteers who are capable of making sure that the good work continues. It's really hard for an obsessed person like me to let go; but I am pretty sure that after a bit of R and R, I will be better prepared to tackle whatever comes our way in the coming new program year. Talk to you in six weeks or so.

Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Tuesday Memo - Honoring Those Who Serve

Greetings,

We pride ourselves with the many collaborations that are central to IM's mission.  We work with lots of great organizations who share our passion for service, particularly those who work with seniors, refugees, disasters and interfaith dialogue.

One such organization is Houston's great SPCA.  We have found common cause around helping the animals that bring so much joy to our homebound seniors.  Each year individual donors and organizations like the SPCA donate loads of pet food so that we can use the money we raise primarily for the food our seniors eat.  Almost all of our pet food is donated and it comes to about 40 tons per year. 

For the entire month of June, we are partnering with the Houston SPCA on a cat and dog crate drive so that if our seniors have to evacuate this summer they will have appropriate ways to take their pets.  Without this, many of our seniors refuse to go to a shelter for fear of losing their companion pets. 

Animeals, IM's pet food delivery program, feeds 900 pets each month.  More than 125 wonderful volunteers work with IM to assure that the dog and cat food is delivered monthly and also help us collect pet food all year long. 

You can help in one of two ways:  You can purchase a pet crate and donate it to IM through the SPCA or you can donate the cost of one (about $50).  Click here to donate online or click here to find more information about drop off locations.  Thank you for helping a senior make sure that his or her pet is well loved during the next hurricane.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

As I was contemplating the lives of our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, I spent a bit of time looking at the wars of my lifetime and those who paid that price.

I turn 61 this year and over those years we have been at war for a total of 31 of them - just a bit over half of my lifetime.  And during those many years, just over 100,000 men and women have perished. 

We may choose to disagree with a particular engagement or war, but the truth is undeniable; the freedoms we hold dear are ours due to the bravery of a very select few who choose to serve and protect. 

Our freedom, in large part, is a direct result of their readiness and willingness to act on our behalf.  So while I pray for the day when we will beat our swords into plowshares, I also pray for those who have fallen and for those who serve.  Because of them we have the chance to be free.  Thank you all.

Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Tuesday Memo - Devastation and Faith

Greetings,

Tonight we celebrate IM's 2011 Tapestry Gala with a bang.  Thanks go to Philamena and Arthur Baird, our Tapestry Chairs; to our Honorary Chairs, Peggy and Bill Barnett and Jan Duncan and to our noted honorees, the Honorable Arthur Schechter and the Honorable Fred Zeidman. What a night we anticipate.  Hundreds of people from every corner of Houston will be out, joined by Mayor Annise Parker and County Judge Ed Emmett, who will be presenting awards to our honorees.  We will also honor the incredible career of Rabbi Roy Walter who after 40 years is retiring from his position of Senior Rabbi at Congregation Emanu El.  Roy has been a long-term friend of IM and a former Board President.  We are so pleased that Lester Smith, a long-time member at Emanu El will present a life-time achievement award to his dear friend, Roy.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC for being our Presenting Sponsor this year.

We will be excited to announce our fundraising efforts tonight (they are BIG!). All of these funds go to support the important work of IM - to assure that 4,600 home-bound seniors get a nutritious meal each day; that more than 500 refugees are settled here in the safety of our dynamic city; that IM is prepared to shepherd the resources of the faith community in time of disaster; and that all of the important dialogue work we do grows.  Over the past five years we've seen our budget grow from about $7.5 million to almost $13 million this year.  None of this is possible without the support of thousands of donors, almost 150 staff members, hundreds of volunteers and a strong Board of Directors led by Bill King. 

We like to believe that Houston is a better city because of IM's work.  We hope you agree.

IFEST and IM

One of IM's most important roles is to collaborate with many of Houston's most incredible organizations.  We are proud that we are asked to shepherd so much through Houston's diverse faith communities.  This past weekend and next IM, has been hard at work producing one of the many events for this year's International Festival.  The production called "Religions of the Silk Road " was the brain-child of our very own Lauren Santerre, IM's Director of Interfaith Relations.  She has been hard at work with the iFest Team and the High School for Performing and Visual Arts and together they have put on a wonderful show that showcases the many faith traditions along the Silk Road, which is the theme of this year's iFest.

The iFest still has one more weekend of activities, and IM's production will be showing Sunday, May 8^th at 12:30 pm on the Kid's Stage.  To learn more about iFest just click here.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

It was devastating to hear about the terrible loss of life and property all throughout the south this past week.  Living in "hurricane alley" gives us some perspective, I guess. We are a bit lucky, I suppose, that hurricanes take a bit of time to make their move. Not with these tornados. Most of the people had precious minutes to decide what to do.

We've all seen the photos and are awestruck.  It's amazing that anyone survived the brutality of nature.  But one thing has struck me to my core.  There are countless accounts of people who just lost everything and they are not wallowing in self-pity.  In the face of the stories we hear about Americans becoming flabby and lazy we see countless people stepping up to help in such unselfish ways it makes my eyes grow wet.

Once again we've proven to be a country with heart.  While the people of Japan are stoic and heroic; we Americans are caring and giving.  I believe so much of that comes from the source of our blessings - our faiths.  There is good that comes from believing in something larger than oneself.

Here's a quote from the AP news service that pretty much sums up what I am talking about:

Niki Eberhart, whose home in the Alberta City neighborhood of Tuscaloosa was shredded by the tornado, said Saturday that her husband and two children are getting everything they need at the shelter. And it isn't the first time they've counted on the Red Cross. When their home in Meridian, Miss., burned down last year in an electrical fire, Eberhart said the Red Cross responded within an hour.

"We feel like we've been blessed," she said. "Both times it could have been much worse. We lost things. Material possessions can be replaced."

Eberhart and her husband, Shane, also had already gotten help from FEMA workers at the shelter. And while they waited for a response from the federal government, Eberhart dismissed relatives' offers of sympathy.

"I told them we're having great luck because it could have been so much worse," she said. "If you don't have any bad times, how are you going to appreciate the good times?"

I have great respect for the Eberharts because they see the big picture.  Thankfully they didn't lose anyone close to them.  All they lost was stuff and stuff can be replaced.  Don't get me wrong, theirs is a situation no one would wish on themselves.  But with the help of their friends, their community and I am guessing their church, they will do fine.

You can do your part.  Give to the Red Cross by going here.  They will make sure that your dollars go to good use.  And let's pray that when the rains come to Houston (we need rain!) they come in a more gentle fashion.  But if not, it's good to know that we have each other to count upon.  I have faith in all of you.

Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Tuesday Memo - Volunteerism and Values

Greetings,

You may know that last week was national Volunteer Appreciation Week and here at IM we celebrate volunteers all throughout April - well actually all year long.  We are proud that so many folks choose to volunteer at IM and elsewhere.  Volunteering really makes a big difference for non-profits, as all the hours donated make our services that much more affordable.

But in truth, I believe that volunteering adds another important component to the work we and others do.  When someone volunteers he or she is served along with the clients they help.  Most of us have a desire to serve - to give back for the blessings we have.  One way is to give money - and yes every non-profit needs money to pay for the goods and services they provide.  But giving back through volunteerism fills a spiritual need that many of us have - to do God's work here on Earth.  A component of all of our great faith traditions is to be Holy - and when one volunteers one gets to taste a bit of heaven here on Earth.

So thank you for volunteering - whether it is for IM or elsewhere.  Every act of kindness you do touches someone in need.  This is a classic "win-win" where the recipient and the giver get an equal dose of love.  We at IM are thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who help us with feeding seniors and their pets; welcoming refugees to Houston; assuring that folks are helped during disasters; bringing people together for meaningful dialogue; and helping IM make good decisions.  We are very appreciative to all those who serve on our Board of Directors, committees and task forces.  We would not be a great organization without all of your support.

THINGS ARE HOPPING AT IM

• For our refugees, we are sponsoring a "Second Hand for a Second Chance" donation drive April 29^th and 30^th here at IM. We need clothing, kitchen items, furniture and other housewares.  Click here to find out how you can help.
• The next Women's Spiritual Gathering is scheduled for April 28^th hosted by Zoroastrian community.  These gatherings are very special and provide a unique experience for women who are seeking to learn about women of many faiths.  There is no charge and you can register by clicking here.
• The Tapestry Gala is scheduled for May 3^rd and there are still a few seats left to purchase.  The Gala is exactly two weeks away and if you've never attended let me make one promise:  you will be amazed at the diversity of people and music that makes this evening so magical.  If you'd like to attend click here for more information.
  

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Every so often I find a cartoon that not only strikes my funny-bone, but hits a chord.  I was actually saddened by this cartoon even as I laughed a bit.  IM's tag-line is the strengths of shared beliefs - it could easily be the strength of shared values.  We are in our 42^nd year and it is my hope that we haven't been jaded by time, which is ever so easy to have happen.

How many of us wonder if we still have any of the enthusiasm and hopes of our youth?  How many of us have been beaten down by the real world?  I am guessing most of us experience some moments when we ask ourselves where our optimism has gone.

March For Meals - Tuesday Memo

Greetings!

March is "March for Meals," a time to raise awareness of senior hunger and recognize Meals on Wheels programs all over the country. IM's Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston has grown significantly from 3,900 seniors receiving a daily weekday meal to about 4,600 over the last year. We have been able to keep serving the need because of your generous support. Thank you!

The need is continuing to grow and if things continue as they are, we could be serving as many as 5,000 clients by the end of the year. You can help us keep delivering a hot meal to as many home-bound seniors who request assistance. Every gift makes a big difference, no matter how small or large. You can easily make a donation online or mail us a contribution to 3217 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX, or respond to one of our mail pieces that many of you will be receiving this month and next.

As an added bonus, we will also participate again in the annual National Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge to fight hunger in America. Every dollar we raise during March and April goes towards our share of that million dollars.

We have quite a few activities throughout March to recognize March for Meals.

• Just yesterday, our friend Judge Ed Emmett delivered several Meals on Wheels meals to home-bound seniors in our program. Thank you, Judge Emmett for taking time to spend with our seniors and raise awareness of the importance of Meals on Wheels. You can read more about the event from KUHF here and KHOU here.
  
• Later this month, we will have our Spring aniMeals on Wheels Pet Food Drive on March 25-26. As we've seen an increase in Meals on Wheels clients, the need for those with pets has increased also. This month we will send out pet food to more than 430 seniors with pets. That's up more than 100 people since the beginning of this year. Both dog and cat food can be donated at any time.
  
• During the month of March, for every purchase you make at either Tru Meals or Diet Gourmet, a dollar will be donated to IM's Meals on Wheels program. Their goal is to raise $1,200, enough to feed one senior for an entire year.
  
• Lastly, on March 31, three local California Pizza Kitchen restaurants will donate 20% of every check to IM's Meals on Wheels program. To qualify, please print the flyer by clicking here and bring it with you.

Please share these promotions with others and help make this March for Meals very successful!

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

There's a burning question at play in congress: What role should government play in regard to all sorts of services that it now provides? I know of no one who believes that home-bound seniors should go unfed. I also know of no one who believes that the government can continue running a $1.5 trillion (that's right, with a "T") deficit. The core question is what is government's basic role?

What's missing, I believe, is a frank discussion on what government should do and how much it will cost. If I am right, consensus is that government needs to protect us, educate our kids, fix our roads and rebuild our infrastructure; find cures to cancer and other diseases; explore space; keep our environment safe; explore our culture; and on and on. What's missing is a consensus on how to pay for these services.

I believe that we should get only the government for which we are willing to pay. It's hard to find a consensus with 300 million people. But if you agree that government has many important roles, then you need to be willing to pay your fair share.

I can tell you this. The deficits are real. They are unsustainable. They will bankrupt our country. But a deficit of service and heart will cripple us nonetheless. We can't build our way out of deficit through cuts alone. Speaking for me, I am willing to pay my share. Are you?

Talk to you in two weeks.


Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Never Give Up Hope-Tuesday Memo

Greetings!

I admit that I am not a big sports fan, but like most Americans I watched this past Sunday's Super Bowl. It started with an amazing video featuring cancer-survivor Michael Douglas called "The Journey" which showcased the Super Bowl as a metaphor for what makes America great: Grit, ingenuity, determination and sacrifice.

That's about it. Two teams representing old American towns that are struggling to make it back. The message is sublime; never give up hope, keep fighting and work as a team. Every team member in every sport knows that there will be highs and lows - and through shared effort and sacrifice anything is possible.

I am convinced that this is true. With a little more self-sacrifice, beyond those made by our troops in harm's way, anything is possible here in America when we are called into action and come together. I have faith in our collective spirit and I hope that our leaders have the courage to ask us to prove it.

It inspired me; I hope it touches you too.


Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston

Dinner Dialogues Tuesday Memo

 November 9, 2010

Greetings!

Let me begin by thanking all of the hosts, moderators and participants that made this past week's 4^th Annual Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues such a great success.  I bumped into folks this weekend that participated and based on what I heard it seems that we have had another fine experience.  We've had many thousands of people participate over the years and we do hope that there are now many new friendships.  We believe that through the simple act of breaking bread with folks we don't know that there is hope that we can come to know one another in new and deeply meaningful ways.  We owe a special debt of gratitude to IM's Manager of Interfaith Relations, Lauren Santerre, and to Iesa Galloway, IM's IR Program Coordinator, for their tenacity, flexibility and just plain hard work to make sure everyone had a great home to visit.

As we come to the close of another year, there are many things that still need to be done.  Here's a quick look at some of them:

• Next week's For All Humanity Luncheon honoring Charles Foster in support of IM's Refugee Services Department is fast approaching.  There's still just a bit of room if you'd like to come.  The event is set for Monday, November 15^th at Noon at the Junior League.  If you'd like to attend, please click here. 
• Most of you who receive this bi-weekly email have received one of our year-end fundraising pieces (and may receive some more!).  Please respond - because we cannot feed 4,400 seniors each weekday; serve more than 550 refugees each year; be ready for the next disaster; and provide meaningful interfaith dialogue programming and services without your help.  Each year more than 4,000 folks have been donating to IM - we need every one of you to do so again this year.  My commitment is that we will use those dollars well - and play our distinct and unique role right here in Greater Houston.  If you have not received one of these pieces and want to make your year-end donation, all you need to do is click here.
• We also need continuing volunteer support.  On Thanksgiving Day we will be delivering a turkey dinner to about 2,800 seniors.  This has been a long tradition at IM - and a great family opportunity to make your holiday a bit more special.  It takes about two to three hours of your time and is perfect for folks of all ages.  Click here to register as a Thanksgiving Volunteer.  Also, we need your help providing holiday gifts to our seniors and refugees. You can help by adopting a family and buying gifts from their wish list or by donating needed items such as toiletries, hats, blankets and scarves.  Click here for more information.
• Lastly, a big thank you to board member Fatima Mawji for volunteering her time earlier this month and providing flu shots to our staff.

Let me end with special greetings to all of our friends from India and that region of the world with our warm wishes for a good Diwali which began this past Friday.  Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Happy Diwali!

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

I was going to talk a bit about this past week's elections.  I think you all know that I am frustrated by the anger and partisanship has become a hallmark of each electoral season.  But I've decided not to do so.  Why?

Well, it's finally fall here in Houston and the weather is just too darn nice to do anything but smile.  I've been told as a relative newcomer to Houston (it's only been about 8 years) that there are two seasons here - summer and February!  Well this week is proving the skeptics wrong.  The change in weather just might make our spirits glow - and it is my hope that we take this pause from the heat to reflect on the many blessings we have.  We've come through another hurricane season unscathed!  We are turning the corner and the economy is coming back, ever so slowly.  And, it looks like this is going to be a mild flu season to boot.  I am not pressing my luck, just reflecting on our good fortune to be alive here in Houston.  No matter what our disagreements may be, it seems to me that on a beautiful fall day, we should just sit back and be thankful.  Not a bad way to welcome in the season of Thanksgiving and Joy.  

Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson

President and CEO

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston