Doology

On Sunday, April 16, join First Community Interfaith Institute Inc. for a very special service at 4 PM. "The Meaning of Resurrection," the annual presentation by Minister Lawrance Lee Evans Sr., is a unique viewpoint on the significance of resurrection from a black perspective and always take place on "Easter Sunday." Dinner will be served,  and the program is open to all faiths.  We hope to see you on April 16!

Rev. Myra Brown, one of the honorees at our Women's History Month event, spoke about her background during the program.

First Community Interfaith Institute Inc will have a program of “Honor and Thank you” on Friday, March 10, 2017 (6 PM) at First Community Interfaith Institute Inc., 219 Hamilton Street, Rochester NY.
The Institute will honor the late Siti Akanke (AKA Mary Bailey), who helped Minister Evans develop case management services at First Community Interfaith Institute Inc. She also was a trustee at the Institute for over twenty years. Libation will be performed on behalf of Sister Siti.
Also on the Women’s History Month program, the Institute will give Rev. Myra Brown a “Thank You” in its traditional “Shout Out” based on its Doology discipline.
Rev. Myra Brown, who was ordained into the priesthood at Spiritus Christi Church, will be saluted at First Community Interfaith Institute Inc at the Institute’s Women’s History Month program “Receiving Our Heavenly Blessing: Tribute to Sister Siti Akanke” on March 10, 2017 at the First Community Interfaith Institute Inc., 6 PM, 219 Hamilton Street, Roche…

This excerpt from our most recent newsletter, The Black Koptic Press Release, was written by Brother Charles' sister, Sister Shiminege, the promoter of the Charles Riley Tutorial Program. On the 59th anniversary of his birth, the Institute will hold its Kwanzaa Appeal finale, "Supporters Day in Honor of Charles Riley" on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 6 PM, 219 Hamilton Street. Donations given at this event are tax deductible.

Brother Charles Riley was born on February 17, 1958 in Batavia, NY, and joined the ancestors on January 17,  1997. His mother was Sister Siti Akanke, aka Mary Bailey. His father was Leroy Riley.
Charles went to Alexander (NY) Elementary School and continued in Batavia, graduating at the top of his high school class in 1979. After he graduated, he moved to Rochester,  NY, where he lived with his mom, Sister Siti. He then went to Monroe Community College where he took up business classes.

Brother Charles came to First Community Interfaith Institute Inc. i…

Obtaining resources to finance an organization is difficult. Since 1970, First Community Interfaith Institute Inc.  has helped many families, organizations and individuals by our Charles Riley Tutorial Program (after school program), our cultural programs/activities, case management services and small business developments.
You can help by: 1. Donating bottles for our bottle campaign 2. Sponsoring Supporters Day: In Honor of Charles Riley--sponsorship is at least a minimum of $300.00 3. Giving a small donation of any amount 4. Advertising in our Program Booklet for Supporters Day.  Whole page $100; 1/2 page $50 and 1/4 page $25 5.Attend Supporters Day: In Honor of Charles Riley on February 17, 2017 (6 PM) at 219 Hamilton Street, Rochester NY 6. All of the above 7. Attend a special tea which will be held on February 18, 2017 (6 PM) at 219 Hamilton Street. RSVP only.

In Rochester, we just concluded a wonderful Kwanzaa season. From the folktales  and proverbs told during the 25 day First Fruits celebration; the African Mothers Day program on December 15 where the men presented the girls and women with flowers amid a last minute venue change due to inclement weather; to the stories about the various African nations told by Minister Evans' adult students between Dec. 27-30,;to Minister Evans' daughter Sasha Eloi-Evans' talk about her educational journey from Dominica to the US Virgin Islands to the mainland US, ulltimately ending up at the University of Rochester, where she is currently employed and working on her PhD, and to the finale on January 1 (our Kwanzaa feast), where we enjoyed some delicious food, exchanged gifts and a surprise donation of $1000 was given to the Institute! We thank all those who came to the Institute and/or St. Johns Home during the past 32 days, whether it was one time or from December 1 to January 1.

Here is the 32 day long First Fruits/Kwanzaa schedule of events as celebrated in Rochester Unless specifically stated otherwise, all events take place at 219 Hamilton Street at 5:30 PM
December 1: Kwanzaa Appreciation Program--open house, kickoff of 32 day First Fruits/Kwanzaa season; dinner will be served December 2-3, 5-10, 12-14, 16-17, 19-24: First Fruits storytelling, prayer and lighting of candles December 4, 11, 18, 25: Student Doology Hour--4 pm Sunday service, prayer after service; dinner will be served December 15: African Mothers Day--500 Webster Ave (School #33)-- females will receive flowers from men; program begins at 5:30 PM; refreshments available December 26: Umoja December 27: Kujichagulia December 28: Ujima December 29: Ujamaa December 30: Nia December 31: Kuumba January 1, 2017: Imani-Kwanzaa feast-- 150 Highland Ave (St Johns Home)--exchange gifts, bring dish to pass (non pork), entertainment; starts at 5:30 PM