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Kidney Coalition of NYC Hosts Pop-Up Craft Fair

Courtesy The Kidney Coalition of NYC

The Kidney Coalition of NYC recently hosted a vibrant pop-up craft fair at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Glendale.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Kidney Coalition of NYC (KCNYC) hosted a vibrant pop-up craft fair on April 28, drawing in crowds of supporters, vendors, and music enthusiasts to the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Glendale. The event, which showcased the organization’s dedication to its cause, featured over 20 vendors, raffles, music, and a bustling concession stand.

Volunteers, the lifeblood of KCNYC, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. From setup to cleanup, their dedication was instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. Gratitude poured in from the organization to everyone who contributed, from volunteers to vendors and the community at large.

Courtesy The Kidney Coalition of NYC

The event featured over 20 vendors, live music, raffles, and a bustling concession stand, drawing in crowds of supporters and community members.

The event proved not only a celebration of creativity and community spirit but also a fundraising success. Initial estimates indicated a raise of over 750 dollars.

The funds raised will be directed toward the organization’s impactful campaigns. A significant portion will support the children’s campaign, Florie’s Flowers, while the remainder will be allocated to providing tote bags for dialysis patients. This dual focus underscores KCNYC’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals impacted by kidney disease.

Courtesy The Kidney Coalition of NYC

Volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success, from setup to cleanup, while attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with creativity and camaraderie.

Looking ahead, KCNYC has already set its sights on its next vendor event scheduled for October 26. As the organization continues its mission to provide a community of learning, support, and healing for individuals affected by kidney disease, events like these serve as crucial touchpoints for raising awareness and fostering connections within the community and beyond.

Founded as a non-profit organization by individuals with kidney disease for individuals with kidney disease, KCNYC stands as a beacon of hope and support for those navigating the complexities of chronic kidney disease. Through its myriad programs, activities, and events, KCNYC remains dedicated to its vision of advocacy, education, and ultimately, finding a cure for Chronic Kidney Disease.

For more information about KCNYC and upcoming events, visit their website at kidneycoalition.org.

Courtesy The Kidney Coalition of NYC

The fair raised over $750, with funds directed towards supporting the organization’s children’s campaign, Florie’s Flowers, and providing tote bags for dialysis patients.

St. John’s Evangelical Church Sees 180th Anniversary

By Britney Trachtenberg britt@queensledger.com

St. John’s Evangelical Church in Glendale is approaching its 180th anniversary. Led by Pastor Matt Staneck, the parish has delivered the gospel of Jesus Christ through three themes: education, human care, and music. Throughout its history, the church has seen changes in locations and initiatives, but that has not stopped the parish’s momentum.

In 1844, the church opened its doors at 10 Eyck St. in Williamsburg as the German Evangelical St. John’s Church. In the 1920s, many congregation members moved to Glendale. The Brooklyn parish began a relationship with the Glendale parish. In 1937, the congregation moved to 88-24 Myrtle Ave. in Glendale. The move helped to revive and change the congregation.

Pastor Staneck said, “When we talk about changing the church that means still holding onto the gospel. Even if those things look different, we have to find ways to do things that are important to our identity as Christians and people who are a part of St. John’s.”

St. John’s has three main themes: human care, education, and music. Pastor Staneck said, “The word ‘evangelical’ comes from Greek, which means ‘good news’ or ‘gospel.’ The reason for the themes is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The parish helped food insecure community members through a hot breakfast served on Sunday mornings. The initiative stopped due to volunteers passing or moving away. In recent years since the pandemic, the church has operated an edible garden in the summers. From June until August on Wed. nights, parishioners plan to harvest and give produce to their neighbors. Pastor Staneck hopes to expand the garden in the future and get more people involved.

The church used to operate Christian day schools in Queens and Brooklyn that served students in kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2013, the parochial schools closed. However, the parish is searching for new ways to educate Christian children.

St. John’s has a pipe organ through which they play music. Pastor Staneck hopes to develop a more active music ministry that incorporates the main messages from his sermons.

He said, “A big part of the gospel message is the daily dying and rising based on Jesus Christ’s rising. This means getting out of your own way and into the spirit of having God lead. Even in times of trouble, we die and rise each day as people of hope.”

When asked about advice for people in general, Pastor Staneck said, “There’s a lot of wisdom in moving one day at a time.”

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