For many years, our landmark iron fence has been in need of repair. In particular, it has been leaning out toward the sidewalk instead of standing straight. At some point in the distant past, the level of dirt in the garden was raised and, over time, it has pressed the fence outward.

To fix the fence, then, the top level of soil has been removed. Then, after the fence is repaired, new plantings will be installed at the lower level of soil. The work should be completed this summer.

A huge job. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Kathy for this very generous gift.

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We also need to thank Brian Lamb and Andrew Roberts for their nurture and care of the garden over many years—in fact, since we decided long ago to convert the ivy-covered plot into a proper garden. God willing, they will continue to care for the garden when it is reinstalled according to a new design. New volunteers are also welcome—let me know if you’re interested.

SUMMER SOCIAL EVENTS

The Sunday lunches continue on the last Sunday of each month after the coffee hour. No reservation needed; cost is around $25, depending on what you order.

There will be a movie night on Tuesday, August 20, at 7 PM. Film to be announced!

FROM THE ASSOCIATE RECTOR:

Our Anti-Trafficking Group is taking on a new issue based on actions taken by New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, in whose district Incarnation is located. Assembly Member Gottfried recently introduced bill A.8230/S.6419, which is aimed at decriminalizing certain aspects of the sex trade. Firstly, this bill would decriminalize those who are bought and sold in prostitution. Prostituted people would no longer be arrested or prosecuted. Activists both for and against the bill generally agree this provision is a positive one.

However, the bill’s other provisions are much more controversial – they would allow pimping, brothel-owning, sex buying, and operating sex tourism travel agencies to become legal activities in New York State. I am opposed to this for a number of reasons, primarily because the vast majority of prostitution is human trafficking. Decriminalizing the sex industry would cause it to explode in NYC especially, creating a surge in trafficking to fill the increased demand for commercial sex.

Assembly Member Gottfried has agreed to speak at Incarnation about his bill, the reasons behind it, and the potential effects on New Yorkers. On Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m., I will moderate a panel event with him and Dorchen Leidholdt, Sanctuary for Families Legal Director and founder of the New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition. Please join us in the sanctuary. I encourage you to invite friends and neighbors to come learn about this critical issue.

In the past, we’ve offered information on where to donate used items, including clothes. Our community partner Moravian Open Door, which serves adults 50 and over, is always happy to receive both men’s and women’s clothing. They especially need men’s clothes, as these items are donated less frequently. If you would like to donate gently worn items, contact the Executive Director, Susan Attzs-Mendoza, at 212-995-5810 to schedule a drop off. Moravian Open Door is located at 347 E. 18th St. (Note: Incarnation can’t accept clothing.)

The 20s/30s Group will enjoy conversation, cocktails, and a live dance performance in the terrace and garden of the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum (5th Ave. at 90th St.) on Thursday, July 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door. Learn more at www.cooperhewitt.org/cocktails, and let me know if you can come. Ticket holders gain free access to the museum at 5:00 p.m.

I hope everyone will consider joining me for our fourth annual Parish Retreat in Ivoryton, Connecticut. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday, September 20, and concludes with a mid-morning service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, September 22. This year, spiritual formation sessions will be led by the Rev. Dana Stivers, Associate Executive Director and Chaplain of Incarnation Center. The theme Dana has chosen for our retreat is “Connections: Reconnecting with ourselves, God, one another and our natural world.” The retreat weekend will feature a mix of formal sessions, worship, time spent in nature, and ample opportunity for relaxing and enjoying all that is Camp. Retreat participants are also invited to a special Saturday evening reception with live music in Incarnation Center’s new building on the lake to celebrate their 90th year in Ivoryton.

The retreat is $190 for adults and $90 for children ages 4 to 13, plus transportation costs. Learn more about Incarnation Center at www.incarnationcenter.org, and pick up a registration form with FAQs and a retreat itinerary in the church narthex or the Parish House.

–The Rev. Adrian Dannhauser

THANKS TO:

***The many parishioners who participated in our Lenten Linens Drive for Moravian Open Door and all who helped organize a celebratory party and bake-off for the residents.

***All who volunteered for our May Senior Resource Day.

***The many volunteers who have been helping in the Parish Office.

GOODBYE TO:

***Ed and Jill Curtin who are moving upstate to live with Ed’s sister. Although Ed will be leaving the lay readers’ corps, we hope to see the Curtins on visits to see family in the city.

***Allen Cohen has moved to Los Angeles for at least a year, where his wife, Nina Kaminer is opening an office of her business.

LONDON LINK

I am happy to report that my trip to London in May was a great success. Dana and I got to see our friends at St. Vedast-Alias-Fosters on the Sunday morning, when I preached. We were also guests of Paul and Paula Kennedy for a dinner that included the retired Bishop of Wakefield. Bishop Stephen Platten also presided at the Eucharist on Sunday. While we were in London, we saw various former Incarnation parishioners. We were also given a tour of the Houses of Parliament; included in the tour was coffee in the House of Lords Coffee Room hosted by Lord Mountevans, a member of St. Vedast. Special thanks to Anne and Ted Rast for their help in arranging the tour.

NEWS FROM FORMER CLERGY:

***The Rev. Amy Cortright recently became rector of St. John’s Church, Tower Grove, Missouri.

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When it comes to religion, it’s hard to think of anything new. Christianity has been around for two thousand years; almost every form of ministry has been tried at one time or another.

But Incarnation’s Associate Rector has beaten the odds. Shortly after she arrived here in 2015, she invented a new form of ministry that just became the subject of a post on the Religious News Service. Once a week for half an hour, Adrian stands on the church steps and offers blessings to passers-by. She always has people coming up to her for advice and prayer.

Besides being innovative, this takes guts! I have subbed for Adrian a few times when she was on vacation, and I can attest that you are vulnerable to all kinds of stares and comments. Adrian has done this for four years, and she deserves all the credit she gets. What a great way to show the love of God to the world.

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I wish you a restful and re-creative summer.