We got to have one of our seminary field education students join us for tea-ology on Wednesday and it was such a gift! If you would like to join in on the mailing list for teaology- email pastorhayley@adventnyc.org and she will let you know when all the gatherings are happening! (fb)

"In 2001, Magali Sanchez-Hall’s life took a pivotal turn. An undocumented Mexican immigrant and single mother to three young children, she found herself in a Brooklyn shelter after seeking refuge from her abuser. She was struggling to navigate the pain and uncertainty of her circumstances when she met a woman hosting workshops for domestic violence survivors. The woman’s guidance extended beyond the shelter—she introduced Sanchez-Hall to the Lutheran church and Hector Carrasquillo’s Latino ministry. These introductions set her on the path toward healing by instilling hope and empowering her to prioritize her safety and that of her children. As soon as Sanchez-Hall secured stable housing, she began volunteering with Carrasquillo and Trinity Lutheran Church. The congregation became a sanctuary for her family—not just spiritually but emotionally and socially as well. She worked part time and volunteered extensively, finding renewed purpose through service. When the coach of the church’s basketball team stepped down, Sanchez-Hall stepped up. When the community needed someone to lead the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, she said yes again. When asked to teach confirmation classes, she hesitated, unsure of her knowledge of the New Testament. But Carrasquillo was there to remind her of her worth and potential when she couldn’t yet see it herself. “You have a light and a joy inside you,” he told her. “It needs to be shared.” He gave her books to study and encouraged her every step of the way, preparing her for a role of leadership, faith and community-building." (fb)