A Jewish, Franciscan, Calvinist Conspiracy

Monday Ministerial Musings

By Rev. Mark William Ennis

2021 Blog Number 11

March 15, 2021

A Jewish, Franciscan, Calvinist Conspiracy

The conspiracy happened right under our noses but most of us did not see it until it was almost over. Now I am revealing the truth of this well-conceived and well-performed scheme.

It began a few years ago as Barbara Blumberg, who is Jewish, became an active participant in soliciting donations for needy people in the area. The law firm where Barbara works had participated in these donation collections before but Barbara expanded it by her aggressive solicitation. Eventually, she began her own collection by bargain shopping at stores following each holiday. She brings bargain hunting to a new level, often taking advantage of 90% off sales.

Soon Barbara needed new places to donate to. Through the Bergen County Volunteer Center she became connected with the Franciscan Community Development Center of Fairview. Thus, a woman born into a Jewish family was partnering with members of an old and established Catholic order. But the conspiracy was not yet completed. Barbara ran out of room in her apartment and requested space in our physical plant. This space we were happy to grant. And thus, the final part of the conspiracy was completed.

This year for Easter Barbara assembled 160 Easter Baskets (bags). The Franciscans arrived to pick up one hundred of them. Where did the remainder go? They went to the Teaneck Food Bank and the Passaic County CASA for Children. In addition to these bags, 80 pair of children’s Easter socks and twenty stuffed animals were also distributed.

And so, the conspiracy was successful in blessing neighbors during this holy time. This was done, of course by the work and money of Barbara and her group conspirators. What a wonderful ecumenical work this was. May God continue to bless this mission.

#ClintonAvenueReformedChurch                         #ReformedChurchInAmerica                    

#PastorMarkAuthordotcom                                    #BergenfieldNJ

#BergenCountyNJ                                                   #FrancisanCommunityDevelopment

#Chairty                                                                     #Generosity

To read more of Pastor Mark’s writings, please order a copy of his book:https://deepriverbooks.com/books/the-circle-of-seven/