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Reaching Out Program, 9.10.11
By Jeremy | September 15, 2011
Amazingly, this lineup of speakers, many of them “legends” in evangelical America, agreed to speak at Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly in 60, 120, or 180 second increments. Almost all of them stayed to their time, and not one received an introduction. Reflections coming soon.
Spoken Word
The Block
Song: “Our God”
Welcome
Rev. Louis Carlo & Jeremy Del Rio, Esq.
Song: “Mighty to Save”
Scripture Reading
Lois Ewald
1 Chronicles 16:8-14
Remembrance Reflection
Rev. Richard Del Rio
Scripture Reading
Rev. Robert Johannson
2 Chronicles 7:11-16
Healing Prayer
Rev. Robert Johannson
Jody Wood
Rev. Anne Gimenez
Solidarity Reflection
Ruben Austria
Solidarity Prayer
Rev. Jim Esposito
Rev. Pierre Fontaine
Aaron Mastaki
Spoken Word
The Block
Song: “Friend of God”
Song: “Shout Unto God”
Scripture Reading
Rev. Tim Chen
John 17:20-26
Relationship Reflection
Rev. Louis Carlo
Repentance Prayer
Rev. Dimas Salaberrios
Rev. Dave Butts
Eric Lugo
Scripture Reading
Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter
Philippians 2:5-8, 12-18
Engagement Reflection
Rev. Dr. Luis Carlo
Engagement Prayer
Rev. David Hernquist
Nick Hall
Rev. Jorge Martinez
Unity Through Diversity Reflection & Prayer
Rev. Gary Frost
Spoken Word
The Block
Song: “Freedom Reigns”
Song: “Let it Rain”
Scripture Reading
Pastor Dan Ramos
Zechariah 8:2-13
Renewal Reflection: Compassionate Communities
Enid Almanzar
Renewal Prayer
Rev. Joseph Henry Cortese
Bishop Ron Bailey
Scripture Reading
Ted Behr
Isaiah 58:5-12
Renewal Reflection: A Just World
Jeremy Del Rio, Esq.
Renewal Prayer
Rev. Drew Hyun
Ron Luce
Scripture Reading
Rev. Dr. Ray Rivera
Joel 2:15-32
Renewal Reflections: Spiritual Awakening
Rev. Billy Wilson
Rev. Abner Rosario
Awakening Prayer
Rev. Tom Philips
Eden Martinez
Closing Song Medley
“If my people,
who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and
I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly
Thanks our Hosts & Sponsors
Abounding Grace Ministries
Avenue of Hope Fellowship
Awaken America Alliance
Concerts of Prayer Greater NY
East Side Tabernacle
Primitive Christian Church
Topics: 9-11, reaching out nyc | No Comments »
Remembering 9/11: A Just World
By Jeremy | September 12, 2011
On 9.10.11, I had the privilege of offering a reflection on justice during the Renewal prayer segment at Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly. Here’s what I shared.
Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly, 9.10.11
Renewal Reflection: A Just World
Ten years ago the Towers fell and our City began rebuilding.
Today we pray as Jesus taught His disciples:
“Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”His prayer aligned with the Gospel He preached:
“The Kingdom of God is at hand.”
The Kingdom He’s building – on earth, not just in heaven – rests on a foundational mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
BECAUSE he has anointed me to preach
GOOD NEWS to the poor
… freedom for prisoners
… sight for the blind
… to release the oppressed, and
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”Ladies and gentlemen, Jesus’ Kingdom vision for a renewed New York City is a city that restores justice for:
• The poor
• The incarcerated
• The sick and infirmed
• The oppressed, put down, and neglected
• The 600,000 children who cannot read or do math at grade level in our public schools each year.The Year of the Lord’s Favor proclaims JUBILEE JUSTICE that forgives debts and restores equities.
Not only for Wall Street bankers, but for developing nations and credit dependent New Yorkers.
As we return to prayer, let us renew a vision – As Christ followers – to create a more just New York. Indeed, a more just world. One that rights the underlying wrongs that perpetuate injustices everyday.
“What does the Lord require of us?” The prophet asked.
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
“For I the Lord love justice.”
Let us pray.
Topics: 9-11, jubilee, justice | No Comments »
Prayer to Remember 9/11
By Jeremy | September 12, 2011
Love how President Obama returned prayer to Ground Zero’s 10th Anniversary 9/11 ceremony, despite Mayor Bloomberg’s protestations that prayer had no place at a civic memorial service.
On Friday September 9, The Blaze wrote about Mayor Bloomberg’s zero prayer controversy.
New York City-based Christian leader Pastor Rick Del Rio shared his views on the clergy ban in an exclusive interview with The Blaze. Del Rio, who arrived at Ground Zero just minutes after the second tower collapsed, was an instrumental force in the days and months following the attacks.
He co-convened the Northeast Clergy Group / Ground Zero Clergy Task Force (NEC), an interdenominational coalition of regional ministers who counseled workers at Ground Zero and assisted in relief efforts. This year, his church is hosting an alternative prayer event called Reaching Out New York City on Saturday (the day before the anniversary). Below, see the trailer for Reaching Out:
Del Rio explained his frustrations with Bloomberg‘s refusal to include clergy in this year’s 9/11 tribute:
“I think the 10th anniversary is such a milestone. We should have gone to great measures to include all those who participated. I think it’s an affront to all those who are clergy or first responders who were [down there after 9/11].
It’s ridiculous. Its almost like [Bloomberg's] trying to re-write history. These were components that were invaluable to bringing the city back together.”
These components he’s referring to are faith and religious leaders — two pillars for many in the wake of the attacks. Del Rio went on to explain the notion that the tragedy caused people to flood back to God. Additionally, he explained the positive presence that clergy had at Ground Zero:
“[The workers] said to me ‘father we’re just thankful that you’re here. We’d like to see more [pastors] here.’ It was the presence of a godly person — maybe even the presence of religion…the ability to pray [with them] was something that brought comfort in a time of such great turmoil.”
Topics: 9-11, michael bloomberg, richard del rio | No Comments »
Monday Morning MP3: A Tale of Two Fathers
By Jeremy | September 12, 2011
On the morning after the 10th anniversary of 9/11, here’s a sermon to challenge our vision of the future — specifically the relationship between Christians and our Muslim cousins.
A Tale of Two Fathers
Recorded at Abounding Grace Ministries on Father’s Day, 2011
The Biblical character Ishmael had two dads, an earthly father Abraham who abandoned him to die after sex-trafficking his mother, and a heavenly Father who stayed with him in the desert and promised to protect and bless his descendants forever. What does God’s relationship with Ishmael and his Arab children mean for their Christian cousins?
Download the MP3 directly.
Topics: missional, podcast | No Comments »
Remembering 9/11 – Tomorrow, 9/11/11
By Jeremy | September 10, 2011
I’m honored to be speaking at this community worship service on the morning of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in my neighborhood. Hope you can join us.
Topics: 9-11, crossroads christian church, schedule, speaking | No Comments »
Remembering 9/11 – Today
By Jeremy | September 10, 2011
Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly
Despite the exclusion of prayer at Ground Zero on 9/11, hundreds of pastors and people of faith will gather to pray TODAY, 9.10.11, in Lower Manhattan. Join us. Mayor Bloomberg, you are welcome too!
Concert – 3:00-4:15
Prayer Gathering – 4:30-6:30
Directions to East River Amphitheater
Via Subway
HopStop the best route for you.
Driving Directions
Nearest Parking Lot
Rain or shine the event is on.
In the event of torrential downpours, the event will be moved indoors to East Side Tabernacle. (Map it.) Check website for updates.
Topics: 9-11, reaching out nyc, schedule, speaking | No Comments »
Remembering 9/11 from the Belly of the Beast
By Jeremy | September 9, 2011
Amazing story by Tony Carnes today at the “Journey through New York City Religions” website about the presence of grace at and around Ground Zero on 9/11 and throughout New York City before and since that historic day.
It’s a feature length piece, well worth the read, an essential primer on what God’s been doing in one “hardscrabble city” for a long time.
After weaving together a dozen personal narratives of various ministers and Ground Zero survivors, he concludes with thoughts on how New York City evangelicals and Muslims can engage in ways that honor our common spiritual Father Abraham. Here’s an excerpt.
Out of the Belly of the Beast. 9/11 and its impact on NYC’s evangelical churches
The churches near World Trade Towers in New York City were shaken but were able to give immediate sanctuary in “the Belly of the Beast.”
Evangelicals were forced to deal with Muslims who are neighbors. Soon after 9/11 President George W. Bush had proclaimed Islam “a religion of peace” as a reason for tolerance. Volf and Keller also urged forgiveness and distinction between different types of Muslims. But not all were persuaded.
But NYC evangelicals didn’t know Muslims too well before or after the terrorist attacks. They knew that a Brooklyn sheik was in jail for plotting to blow up the World Trade Center in 1995. Some local leaders felt that 9/11 revealed the true hearts of their neighbors. Jeremy Del Rio recalls his shock at some of the harsh attitudes, “It was startling to me how many evangelical leaders that I knew personally had bad things to say about Arabs.” There was a generational gap.
Jeremy’s father was concerned that the Muslims were insensitive with their plans for a Ground Zero mosque. “The controversy opened up old wounds,” Rick says. “I think there might be an ulterior motive. It wasn’t pure.”
Evangelicals naturally feel close to Jews and Israel, and the Muslim-inspired attacks threw them closer together. For the first time evangelicals in the city started to meet with the NYC Board of Rabbis. Further, some city evangelicals believe that 9/11 revealed to them that Muslim state in Iran is the next big threat to their hometown. They have united with supporters of Israel to call upon the United States government to prevent the Iranians from attacking. Charles Stetson, a successful local businessman and social entrepreneur, says, “We have got a nation with nukes that wants us to be annihilated.” For Stetson and others “9/11 means Iran.”
However, most evangelicals seem to sympathize with Muslims’ right to worship freely wherever they want. During the Ground Zero mosque controversy, A Journey interviewed many evangelical church and ministry leaders who simultaneously were skeptical of the mosque builders’ motives and supportive of their right to do so. The younger leaders were more concerned about getting to know Muslims better and to work with them.
Rick Del Rio’s son Jeremy took a somewhat different lesson from the Ground Zero mosque controversy that he wanted to learn more about Muslims. His interest had started with 9/11 and deepened as he interacted with the Muslim parents and students at his son’s school. He learned much more about his Muslim neighbors than he had before, even though his home in Bay Ridge is surrounded by the fastest growing Muslim population in the city.
Last spring, he gathered evangelicals, Muslims and others to paint a mural together at their local public school. Since 911, Jeremy has lead 20/20, an effort to match-make churches and public schools. So far, he has matched 200 churches with 200 schools.
For the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, he will speak at a Bay Ridge evangelism gathering about the need to understand how the Arabic narrative is part of the Biblical narrative. He is planning to tell a story of a kid Ishmail who was “kicked to the curb” by his father Abraham. In contrast God didn’t abandoned Ishmail and promised blessings to him and his offspring who are today’s mainly Muslim Arabs. Del Rio intereprets the role of youth in the Arabic Spring, the recent democratic movements in the Middle East, as God’s blessing to Ishmail.
“We have to be more like God, engage our Muslim Arab neighbors better. Abraham’s kid Ishmail is participating in his own blessing from God. We should be there for him with the fullness of God’s blessing.”
————————–
Abounding Grace Ministries is putting on a 9/11 Remembrance on September 10, 2011, from 3-7 PM at the East River Park Amphitheater in NYC, “Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly.”
Topics: 9-11, media, tony carnes | No Comments »
Urban Faith Remembers 9/11
By Jeremy | September 9, 2011
How Did 9/11 Change Urban Ministry?
[Ed. Note: Published on UrbanFaith.com on September 9, 2011. Go here for the full story.]
With the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in mind, Christian leaders Jeremy Del Rio, DeForest Soaries, and Shane Claiborne reflect on how 9/11 changed urban ministry in America.
Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, so we asked three urban leaders who will be participating in memorial events how the attacks impacted urban ministry.
Here’s what they said:
Jeremy Del Rio, Esq., New York
Jeremy Del Rio is executive director of Community Solutions, Inc. a faith based youth and community development agency in New York City. On September 10, Del Rio will participate inReaching Out, A Sacred Assembly, a prayer and worship service in New York City.
September 11, 2001 exposed gaps in urban ministry in ways that could not be ignored any longer. The church’s response to those gaps demonstrated grace and hope and provided a glimpse of what might be one day. For me, here are three lessons learned over the last decade:
1) The magnitude of the attack and the scope of its impact required a Jesus who was far bigger than any one ministry or personality to heal. It forced the Church to confront the sad reality that we were too disconnected from each other to be a useful partner to our city during a crisis. It’s impossible to mobilize 7,000 churches quickly when they aren’t already connected and coordinated, so the city didn’t call us initially for help. Pastors and church leaders had to repent for being lone rangers and intentionally link arms during the common crisis in order to respond effectively and be Christ to a city that was collectively grieving in unprecedented ways.
2) September 11 also exposed fear and bigotry among many Christians towards our Muslim cousins. Suddenly, many who professed a love for Christ and people were parroting suspicions about our immigrant neighbors and perceiving threats where none existed. The Church had to embrace that Jesus’ imperative to love our neighbors as ourselves includes those individuals and communities we might otherwise fear, and wrestle with how to build bridges during and beyond the crisis.
3) The inertia of normalcy has obscured the need to remain vigilant in nurturing the kind of relationships that build trust across denominations and congregations, and with neighbors regardless of their faith and cultural traditions. My prayer for the Church on this tenth anniversary is that we would recapture what it means to love each other in such a way that the world will know we are His disciples.
To read more about how Jeremy and his father Rev. Richard Del Rio ministered in lower Manhattan post-9/11, go here.
Topics: 9-11, articles, urbanfaith.com | No Comments »
Remembering 9/11 – Tri-State Voice Celebrates Renewal
By Jeremy | September 9, 2011
Remembrance and Renewal: Rev. Del Rio and Dr. Rivera Will Lead 9-11 Anniversary Services
[Ed Note: Originally published in the Tri-State Voice, September 2011.]
- By Tom Campisi
On September 11, 2001, as the World Trade Center came crashing down in a cloud of dust and New York City was shook to its core, two pastors from Lower Manhattan came together to form a network that quickly emerged as a strong tower and refuge for a shell-shocked community.
Within minutes of the terrorist attack on his city and country, Rev. Rick Del Rio, senior pastor at Abounding Grace Ministries, jumped on his Harley and headed to Ground Zero.
“As I parked my motorcycle, I was immediately approached by a police officer who said, ‘Father, maybe you would like to pray for these body parts.’ I respectfully knelt and prayed. When I got up, I noticed both towers had fallen. The walking bridges were blown up, fire trucks and emergency apparatus were destroyed and covered with debris and ash. The surrounding buildings and vehicles were destroyed. The silence was deafening.”
Amidst surreal devastation, the former contractor began assisting fireman in the rubble, but more importantly, the presence of Rev. Del Rio—a Pastoral Liaison with the NYPD—let the heroic first responders know that God had not forsaken them. As he went into “emergency response mode,” he contacted his friend Dr. Marc Rivera, the pastor of nearby Primitive Christian Church; His son, Jeremy Del Rio, resigned his position as a corporate attorney to help them formalize the Ground Zero Clergy Task Force, which later became the Northeast Clergy Group.
“Having served the NYPD and the community for twenty years, I felt that an effective response would require all of the clergy,” he said.
In the critical days that followed 9/11, the Northeast Clergy Group organized a city-wide prayer service attended by 3,000 people; worked with the mayor’s office to help pastors gain access to Ground Zero, Great Kills Landfill, and family assistance centers; helped residents gain access to relief funds; and provided bilingual critical incidence and post-traumatic stress training.
“Marc and I had been friends and colleagues for years, but 9/11 galvanized our relationship. It was as if God had prepared us for that moment,” said Rev. Del Rio.
On Saturday, September 10, 2011—as our nation commemorates the 10 year anniversary of one of its darkest days—Rev. Del Rio and Dr. Rivera will again be at the forefront of a Christ-centered response.
In Brooklyn at the Christian Cultural Center, Dr. Rivera will lead The Hispanic 9-11 Memorial Worship Service with featured speakers Dr. Roberto Miranda (Boston, Mass.) and Dr. Luis Cortes (Esperanza USA, Philadelphia). The service begins at 1 p.m.
“This event is a gathering of the Hispanic church in our region. It will bring healing to so many that are still hurting from the tragedy of the 9-11 terrorist attacks,” said Dr. Rivera. . “Families, clergy, and laity will be prayed over by the many Hispanic gatekeepers who will join me for this time of worship and ministry. The might very well be one of the most significant events of the urban Hispanic church in recent memory.”
Rev. Del Rio and other local pastors and leaders will present Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly from 3-7 p.m. at the East River Park Amphitheater in Manhattan. The theme is “Remembrance, Relationship, and Renewal.”
“We will pray, worship, and give thanks to God with one voice,” he said.
The anniversary of 9-11 has sparked a renewed passion in Rev. Del Rio for unity among God’s people. Although he is encouraged by collaborations among some churches in the city, he is seeking an even greater cohesiveness.
“One lesson we learned (in 2001) was that a unified church was more effective than an individual congregation,” he said. “With 200 churches and leaders coalescing around the vision of restoration and renewal, we were able to speak with one voice and have a greater impact as we dealt with the authorities and responded to the needs.
“Ten years later, while relationships remain and the infrastructure to respond to another catastrophe is somewhat in place, the demands of ministry have caused many to return to pre 9-11 mode. Many of us have reverted back to focusing all of our time and energy on our own fields, meeting the demands and responsibilities of ‘our’ ministries. But there is one thing we can’t get away from, the prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17: ‘That they may be one even as we are one.’ ”
That’s a great word in season from the man police and firefighters at Ground Zero called “Father Harley.” As we look back on the last decade, we can surely agree that the “new normal” of 2001 has been replaced by the old status quo. It’s time to once again live out John 17 and fervently pray and seek the Lord. That’s something we can never forget.
For information on Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly, go to: http://reachingoutnyc.com.
Topics: 9-11, media, richard del rio, tri-state voice | No Comments »
Love Express Remembers 9/11: Father Harley Reflects
By Jeremy | September 9, 2011
9/11 Ten Years Later: A Lesson Learned
WTC TRAGEDY & GOD’S HEALING POWER 10 YEARS & COUNTING
[Ed note: Published in Love Express, September 2011]
by Rev. Richard Del Rio
On September 11, 2001, we witnessed the greatest attack our country has ever experienced. Thousands of workers, passengers, residents, by-standers and first responders lost there lives. The economic and military infrastructure of our nation was attacked. Buildings that were symbols of success, prosperity and security came crashing down. Fear, loss, despair, worry, and anger and retaliation gripped our nation.
Civil Servants and volunteers sprung into action not realizing that they would make the ultimate sacrifice. What a day! I arrived about 10 minutes after the collapse of the second tower. As I parked my motorcycle, I was immediately approached by a police who said, “Father, maybe you would like to pray for these body parts.” I respectfully knelt and prayed. When I got up, I noticed both towers had fallen. The walking bridges were blown up, fire trucks and emergency apparatus were destroyed and covered with debris and ash. The surrounding buildings and vehicles were destroyed. The silence was deafening.
As a Clergy Liaison for the NYPD, I was given access. The clergy collar, which I had hanging in my closet but had never worn before that morning, gave me instant recognition and provided for the first responders a sense that God was there. The devastation and despair was overwhelming. It was a war zone. In spite of this reality, the focus was to save lives. Who and how can we help? I jumped onto the pile and began helping firemen at 1 Liberty Plaza clean up for a triage, when a firemen said to me, “We’ll do that, we’re just glad you’re here.” I continued to help. Later on that afternoon, a police officer said, “Thank you for being here, we need more guys like you.” Of course that stirred in my heart.
I reached my friend Pastor Marc Rivera, and we immediately went into emergency response mode. My son Jeremy, resigned his position as a corporate attorney to join us as we formalized the Ground Zero Clergy Task Force that later became the Northeast Clergy Group. Having served the NYPD and the community for twenty years, I felt that an effective response would require all of the clergy. Thankfully, God allowed us to lead NYC clergy in responding to this tragedy/disaster.
One lesson we learned was that a unified church was more effective than an individual congregation. With 200 churches and leaders coalescing around the vision of restoration and renewal, we were able to speak with one voice and have a greater impact as we dealt with the authorities and responded to the needs.
Ten years later, while relationships remain and the infrastructure to respond to another catastrophe is somewhat in place, the demands of ministry have caused many to return to 9-11 mode. Many of us have reverted back to focusing all of our time and energy on our own fields, meeting the demands and responsibilities of “our” ministries. But there is one thing we can’t get away from, the prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17: “That they may be one even as we are one.”
Unity is more than coming together to respond to a catastrophe. The unity Jesus desires for us is proactive. It takes effort to become and stay one in relationship that embodies the characteristics of love and care God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have for each another. Only that type of unity can cry out to God together in prayer, worship and praise with one voice.
To become the answer to Jesus prayer, to be one with God and one with His people a decade after the crisis of 9-11, that is my renewed passion.
There is a cry in our hearts for the Lord to move in our churches and communities. Not only in Manhattan’s Lower East Side but across our city and nation. Local churches have come together for “Reaching Out” prayer and worship gatherings where there is faith, expectation, excitement and joy. These are not personality or any one church driven, but are intentionally designed to put all of the focus on Jesus.
- Rev. Richard Del Rio is the founder and senior pastor of Abounding Grace Ministries in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. After FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge was killed onsite, Pastor Rick was the only identifiable clergyman at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. Firefighters and policemen called him “Father Harley” for his practice of driving to Ground Zero on his motorcycle. Visit him online at www.agmin.org.
Topics: 9-11, abounding grace, media, richard del rio | 1 Comment »