Liberation Fellowship CDC Supports Asian Americans United in Opposing Foxwoods Casino

I wanted to share the op-ed piece that I submitted to the Germantown Courier. Our CDC is very supportive of the efforts of Asian Americans United and the residents of Chinatown who have fought hard to keep Foxwoods casino from being placed at the Gallery in center city. From our perspective, a casino in anybody's neighborhood is a casino in our very own neighborhood--and we're opposed to it.

This is also an opportunity for all of us to think about how things that happen in one location affect us. The current worldwide economic recession (we all know that for many of our communities it's a depression) is a perfect example of this. I am urging that we all look around and determine that we are indeed our brothers' keepers, and they are ours.

This is the perfect set of circumstances that allows us to begin to think about how we can forge multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, cross-neighborhood alliances and be more inclusive in our thinking, more responsive in our action, and more determined to make democracy real in our overall planning for sustainable economic development in Philadelphia. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but somebody has to remind us of our civic responsibilities to each other.


Germantown Should Join Chinatown in Opposing Foxwoods Casino

Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter and City Council have decided that Foxwoods casino will be housed at the Gallery in Chinatown. South Philadelphians are happy that a deal has been cut so that the Foxwoods will abandon its Delaware River site and move on to the Gallery shopping mall. Chinatown residents and Asian Americans United continue to fight the good fight, while we here in Germantown--and others in neighborhoods all over this city==stand aloof, as if what is happening in Chinatown is not really happening to all of us.

There is something desperately wrong with the short-sighted selfishness of the neighborhood tribalism that we Philadelphians encourage and support. So long as something terrible is not in our neighborhood, we shrug our shoulders and say, "That's their problem, not ours." Meanwhile, government ignores the will of the people, and does the bidding of the powerful. Pir fragmentation and narrow, unprincipled self-interest keep us from making democracy real in Philadelphia. It also keeps our politicians unresponsive and unaccountable for their non-feasance in office when it comes to working for the best interests of our city's people as a whole.

Gambling anywhere in Philadelphia is a problem for all Philadelphians, no matter where we live. I will spare you the moral and spiritual arguments that clergy of all faiths, ethicists and principled atheists should be standing up and making on a daily basis in Germantown and every other part of this city. But I must make the brief social and sustainable economic development arguments that require all of us to oppos casino gambling in Philadelphia--especially the Foxwoods casino gambling that will specialize in slot machines at the Gallery.

From a social standpoint, slot machines rob the poor, wreak havoc on families by creating gambling addiction, and strain social services. Study after study has shown that people who can afford it the least gamble at slots the most. The lies and lure of the slot-pusher casinos entice desperate people to believe thatthey are one lever-pull away from the solution to their financial problems. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

From a sustainable economic development position, the few low-end jobs that a casino will bring to town--and they will bring their own people to town--will not begin to pay for the huge economic and social mess caused by the Foxwoods casino presence in Philadelphia. Just check out the real Atlantic City away from the lights of the boardwalk, if you doubt the negative growth that gambling brings to a city.

The location of Foxwoods casino anywhere in Philadelphia will bring out our most vulnerable populations from everywhere in Philadelphia and will negatively affect the health, welfare and sustainable economic development of all of our neighborhoods. Germantown must see that its best interests lie in supporting Chinatown in the struggle against Foxwoods casino at the Gallery.

Finally, we have an opportunity to do something about this situation. We can join with Asian Americans United, Chinatown residents and people of good will from all across the city, at Arch Street Methodist Church, Broad and Arch Streets, Monday evening, December 8th, at 7:00 p.m. Let's learn together how we can make our voices heard and the will of the people respected.

John Elliott Churchville, Ph.D., J.D., Chairman/CEO
Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation

Liberation Fellowship Launches Greater Germantown Business Association

Liberation Fellowship CDC launched the Greater Germantown Business Association in August 2008. We recognized the need to create sustainable economic development in the Germantown business corridor, and as a result met and partnered with Central Germantown Council and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians to discuss plans for the GGBA launch.

Since then we have held monthly meetings, and business membership is growing. For more information, visit our website at greatergermantownba.com

Free 3 Hour Drawing Class!!!

Have you always wanted to know how to draw but didn't know how to start? Learn the simple skill sets needed to launch you into the creative world of art.

On Saturday, October 25,2008 at 12:00 pm, at HEBRON TABERNACLE 6630 Germantown Avenue Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation will host a 3 Hour Basic Drawing Class.

Learn how to "see" instead of "look" at an art object. Discover the power of shadowing and light. Most of all, ejoy 3 hours of fun with neighbors and friends as you unearth your hidden artistic talents. All you have to bring is your desire to draw!

Computer Training - Using Blogs

Promoting an organization's agenda in the 21st century takes an internet presence. But, how does an organization on a shoestring budget get its information on the internet? With the ongoing Internet evolution, organizations have more tools at their fingertips than ever before to accomplish this required self-promotion.

On Saturday, November 15, 2008, Liberation Fellowship CDC will host a class called, "Using Blogs" to teach organizations how to use the internet as an excellent resource for hunting, gathering of resources and promoting their agendas.

This workshop is an excellent opportunity for grass roots organization to learn more about a wide range of e-topics, including some fantastic how-to content for social networks and other tools.

During this 4 hour hands-on workshop, participants will learn: What is a blog? Why do I/my organization need one? How can I build and maintain a blog for free? How can I promote my blog? How can I use a blog to generate revenue?

You will also have the ability to participate from the comfort of your own home via the live webcast for this event. See the Taking Tech to the Streets page for more information.

Pre-requisites: Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and internet navigation savvy.

JC Lamkin will also sign her book, "Fabulous & Tech-filled, Volume 1"

Event details
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest Regional Library, 68 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144-2795
(Greene St. & Chelten Ave.)
Meter parking available in the rear

Cost: Free
Participants must RSVP before November 1, 2008. Space is limited.

Audio PSA

Press Release

Flyer

Straight Up Word! Time Change

September 24, 2008

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Beginning on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th, Straight Up Word! will be broadcast on WNWR, 1540 AM, at a new time: 9:30 a.m.

This coming Sunday, September 28th, will be the LAST time the program is aired at 7:00 a.m.

John Elliott Churchville, Ph.D., J.D.,

Chairman/CEO

Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation

5555 Wissahickon Avenue, Suite 719

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144-4540

Tel: (215) 848-8511

jchurchville8@gmail.com

http://www.liberationfellowship.org

View Pictures From Our Family, Community Health & Fun Day Event

LIBERATION FELLOWSHIP IS ON THE AIR!

On Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Liberation Fellowship CDC launched its radio journal "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness". This weekly broadcast that airs Wednesdays at 1:00 pm on WNWR 1540 AM will feature information about the Arts & Culture, Urban Greening, Sustainable Economic Development and HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

A New Business Association In Town!

Liberation Fellowship CDC has formed The Greater Germantown Business Association. The group will hold its first public meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 7:00p.m. at Vernon House, 5800 Germantown Avenue.

Our strategic partners in this endeavor are Central Germantown Council and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians. The focus of the Association is to revitalize the Germantown business corridor, strengthen existing businesses and welcome new enterprises into the community.

For more information please contact Dr. John Churchville at (215) 435-4627.

ROCK THE VOTE WITH CONFIDENCE!

Liberation Fellowship CDC invites you to its VOTER EDUCATION SEMINAR Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 12:00 - 3:00p.m. at Hebron Tabernacle (6630 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia).

Learn what the terms "electoral college", "popular vote" and "superdelegates" means. Take advantage of an opportunity to really look closely at a voter's ballot and take note of some of the recent changes.

Instructors will be on hand to answer questions and advise you of some facts you may need to know before you partake in one of the most memorable elections in the history of the United States!

Voter regestration applications will be available for all procrastinators!


For more information, leave a message for Nancy at (215) 848-8511

LIBERATION FELLOWSHIP CDC is hosting a "FAMILY/COMMUNITY/HEALTH FUN DAY"

LIBERATION FELLOWSHIP CDC is hosting a FAMILY/COMMUNITY/HEALTH FUN DAY at Hebron Tabernacle - 6630 Germantown Ave. (corner of Gtn. Ave. & Phil-Ellena St.) on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

This fun-filled event is for children of ALL AGES! There will be face painting, free food, rides for the kids, on-site health screening and job applications, and more! You are invited to reserve table space to sell your wares at our "Corner Flea-market".

Come meet the folks in your neighborhood, have a bite to eat, learn more about your health and at the end of the day fellowship with us.

For more information about reserving tables, please contact Jerome Rogers at (267) 265-3006

LIBERATION FELLOWSHIP CDC - "Targeting Community Development...One Block At A Time!"

R U Important? R U Aware??? - HIV/AIDS AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES AT HEBRON TABERNACLE

Liberation Fellowship CDC will host an HIV/AIDS information seminar on Thursday, June 26th at 6630 Germantown Avenue (corner of Germantown and Phil-Ellena Street). Our presenter will be Adonis Baregas, manager of the Men's HIV Initiative at the Circle of Care. A flyer and press release are attached for your information. Please spread the word.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES AT HEBRON TABERNACLE

Liberation Fellowship CDC will be offering an interactive HIV/AIDS information and education seminar at Hebron Tabernacle, 6630 Germantown Avenue (the corner at Phil-Ellena Street), on Thursday, June 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is the second in a series of programs and activities that Hebron Tabernacle and Liberation Fellowship CDC will co-sponsor.
This seminar, free to the public, will focus on providing accurate information about how HIV is transmitted, what can be done to prevent the spread of HIV, and how and where to access rapid testing. The presenter will be Adonis Banegas, Manager of the Men’s HIV Initiative for the Circle of Care.
The Circle of Care is the Ryan White provider for HIV services and education for women, children, youth and families.
Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation (LFCDC) is a federally tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It was created in March, 2006, by members of Liberation Fellowship Church of Jesus, Inc. in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a separate, stand-alone outreach and community development expression of the church’s commitment to positive and progressive personal and societal change.

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View Pictures from our Martin Luther King Day Event

Upcoming Events

Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation
5555 Wissahickon Avenue, Suite 719
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144-4540
www.liberationfellowshipcdc.com


Liberation Fellowship CDC Calendar of Scheduled Events


1. Job Readiness Training Course (Four 1 ½ hour sessions)

Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2008: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

2. HIV-AIDS Education and Awareness Day

Saturday, June 21, 2008: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

3. Family Day and Community Flee Market

Saturday, August 2, 2008: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

4. Voter Education Event

Saturday, September 27, 2008: 12 noon – 3:00 p.m.

5. Art Workshop for Children and Adults

Saturday, October 18, 2008: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

6. Computer Technology Workshop

Saturday, November 15, 2008: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

7. Leadership Training Workshop

Saturday, December 13, 2008: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

8. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Monday, January 19, 2009: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Interactive Leadership Training course at Hebron Tabernacle

Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation
5555 Wissahickon Avenue, Suite 719
Philadelphia, PA 19144-4540
(215) 848-8511

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Elliott Churchville,(215) 435-4627, churchatty@msn.com

HEBRON TABERNACLE HOSTS LEADERSHIP COURSE MAY 6TH

Liberation Fellowship CDC will begin offering a four-part, interactive Leadership Training course at Hebron Tabernacle, 6630 Germantown Avenue (the corner at Phil-Elena Street), on Tuesday, May 6th and the three following Tuesdays in May, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is the first of a series of programs and activities that Hebron Tabernacle and Liberation Fellowship CDC will co-sponsor.
This course, free to the public, will focus on three core leadership values that promote positive social change: self-mastery (independence and personal responsibility), interdependence (working effectively within and among groups), and reflective leadership (team-building and shared group thinking that focuses on new, cooperative approaches to community problem-solving, and creation of new and needed programs, products and services).

Based on a building-block approach, the first session on May 6th will cover leadership introductory material and self-awareness issues that are essential in understanding personal and group leadership development. Session two, building upon the first session, will focus on time management. Session three will explore the interpersonal skills necessary to work with and among other groups. The final session will examine win/win strategies, listening to understand, and speaking to be understood skills that promote effective communication and team-building.
Rev. Paul L. Randleman is pastor of Hebron Tabernacle, a community-minded church located at 6630 Germantown Avenue.

Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation (LFCDC) is a federally tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It was created in March, 2006, by members of Liberation Fellowship Church of Jesus, Inc. in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a separate, stand-alone outreach and community development expression of the church’s commitment to positive and progressive personal and societal change.

2008 Martin Luther King Day of Service