Connecting With social action
We leave our Sunday service inspired by the scriptures to work for justice in our community and in the wider world.
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OSA Racial Justice Task Force. This task force was formed in early 2021 and is comprised of OSA members who are seeking ways to increase awareness in the congregation of racial justice issues, implicit bias, and the like, as these manifest at OSA and in the world. The Task Force’s activities thus far include:
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Spearheading ongoing congregational support for BIPOC and Jewish organizations in a gesture of repentance and reparations
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Congregational remote (due to COVID) viewing of Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ “The Black Church” on PBS, with online discussion forum created by Pastor John.
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In process: Development of a congregational survey around implicit bias at OSA
We welcome feedback from people who come to OSA and have experienced racism or microaggressions in our walls, or have experience with racial reconciliation, to contact us by clicking here.
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Racism and bias have no place in our community.
As followers of Jesus, we renounce it and work against it.
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Organizations OSA is Supporting - 2021-2022
Jewish Community Center of Washington Heights and Inwood
http://jccwashingtonheights.org
Thrive for Life
New York City Environmental Justice Alliance
Action Potluck - Sanctuary Neighborhood
For further resources regarding Racial Justice click here.
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Immigrant and Refugee Crisis. In 2017 we voted unanimously to become a Sanctuary Church, joining with other local faith communities to shelter and protect our immigrant brothers and sisters. Our efforts include providing a temporary living space for asylees in our hospitality suite, working with New Sanctuary Coalition on accompanying asylees to court appearances, assisting them in completing applications for asylum and letter writing in support of of asylees with upcoming court appearances,
Letter Writing on behalf of New Sanctuary Coalition Friend with upcoming court appearance.
Caring for God's World - Our Home. This group is working for climate justice and caring for creation. We study, write, visit legislators, lobby in the capitol and support the young people who are demanding that our leaders take action so that they will have a future. We support each other in this challenging work as we move forward with faith and hope.
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Below are links to recent events in which the Social Action Committee participated or sponsored. Please join us for a future event!!
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In February 2020, OSA hosted a very well attended forum on the Climate Crisis and the Green New Deal looking at the entire issue from a faith perspective. The Panel included clergy, political representatives and laity from diverse faith backgrounds, examining the issue from a scientific and social justice point of view.
In January 2020, OSA members traveled to Albany working with New York Renews and many other environmental rgroups to lobby all Assembly members and Senators on the essential need to fund the CLCPA and specifically to designate one billion dollars for poorer and underserved neighborhoods which are the most impacted by climate change.
OSA members join in the December 6, 2019 Climate Action outside of Congressman Espaillat's office at 181st Street and Bennett Avenue
Pastor John, member of OSA and community group leaders meeting with New York State Senator Robert Jackson regarding passage of the Climate and Community Protection Act.​
OSA members participating in the May 2019 Extinction Rebellion event near City Hall in NYC.