CURRENT PROJECTS
“Parables from Jesus for Kids”
Parables from Jesus for Kids is a 25-minute pilot for a video series produced for family consumption, filling a void in popular culture where God has been missing for a long time. Through the words of Jesus Christ, children and adults alike will be reminded to be kind, faithful, compassionate, and that we are all children of God. Our first episode is produced in memory of Pope Francis.
We will begin our video at St. Michael’s Church, a beautiful 125-year-old landmark church with its iconic tower built by Irish immigrants, designed by Raymond F. Almirall in the Northern Italian Renaissance/Romanesque Style. The interior reflects a Byzantine Style with a sanctuary entirely made from marble imported from Pietra Santa, Italy. The church is adorned with chancel decorations created by the renowned Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, inspiring awe as soon as one walks through its large wooden doors. https://youtu.be/Gv2kYekbAjo?si=GA8K8jo5wmq7t5_l
Our Host, Rev. Fulgencio Gutiérrez, has been a priest for the last 15 years, and is the senior pastor at St Michael’s (as well as St Agatha's). Also present will be a church filled with kids who have come to know Rev Gutiérrez, who is personable and fatherly in a manner that connects with all the children attending the Noon Mass.
We are truly blessed to have the music track provided and composed by Jared Lamenzo, Organist & Director of Music, at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral Basilica on their 19th-century Erben pipe organ (1868). This historic organ is one of a few remaining in existence; it produces ethereal sounds that only it can create. Made in New York 150 years ago by highly skilled craftsmen with the finest materials, its 2,500 pipes have resonated, sung, and served generations of immigrants through tens of thousands of masses, funerals, weddings, and concerts. https://youtu.be/VTK6JYZi2hM?si=WbzVL3HaYsMmjI9C
Our video begins with music from Jarred, accompanied by a soloist singing Ave Maria, as hundreds of kids arrive and fill the pews. Rev. Gutiérrez will enter from behind the sanctuary and walk to the break (middle) of the church and ask for all the children to come closer, surrounding him in a circle. As everyone settles in, Fr. Gutiérrez will express joy at seeing so many of them there at St. Michael’s Church to hear the parables that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples, and now he will share the same short stories with them.
The first parable we will feature here is, “Be Kind To The Stranger.” This verse in Matthew 25:35-40 fits perfectly for our times without being political; “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
The organ will cue the beginning for our first parable as Fr. Gutiérrez starts our video cuts from Fr. Gutiérrez to individual expressions of kids and then will dissolve to beautiful graphic illustrations by Ben Young, a brilliant 22 year old artist, with Fr. Gutiérrez’s voice and organ music over them and only occasionally cutting back to the kids in a slow dissolve as they listen and react to Fr. Gutiérrez. At the end of the parable, he will lead a discussion with the children about the lesson at hand.
“Story Time Under The Grandma Tree”
EPISODE 2 COMING SOON
All aboard the Sunset Park Railroad to “Story Time Under The Grandma Tree.” We invite you to help us produce a magical experience for grade school-age children and their elders with a 30-minute intergenerational video series fit for family consumption that will be broadcasted online. Aztec tales, Norwegian Trolls, Arabian Nights, Chinese heroes, and much more! "Story Time Under The Grandma Tree" will provide a bounty of stories read and told to them by authors of children's books and guest presenters under a majestic old elm that we call "The Grandma Tree” in Brooklyn's Sunset Park. This unique program will help foster a deeper appreciation for our elders, the environment, reading, writing and one another!
"The Grandma Tree" has been loved by many generations of people from all over the world. Our special series will provide stories that reflect the cultures and histories of people who live and work here and in NYC - past and present, stories that are vital to celebrating diversity and inclusion.
PAST PROJECTS
Tea Time
Join us for a momentous event where you have the exclusive opportunity to be one of 40 guests participating as co-engineers of peace, love, and unity. The highlight of the occasion will be the creation of a stunning mural featuring the words "peace," "love," and "unity" in nine languages: Arabic, English, Chinese, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Korean, Norwegian, and Spanish. Additionally, four exceptionally talented and culturally diverse artists will showcase their works with the theme "Love your Neighbor" on panels to be installed on the iconic tower of The Bethelship Norwegian Methodist United Church at 57th St. and 4th Ave. To make this event a reality, we kindly request a $1,000 donation, and we warmly invite you to be part of our dedication. The schedule will include a Chinese Tea Ceremony with Master Kingston Lam, followed by Dim-Sum served, and then Huang Xiang creating calligraphy while his poetry is recited by guests. Finally, you will have the opportunity to meet the four gifted mural artists, Huang Xiang, Lise Lorentzen, and Samar Suleiman, during an exciting auction.
"Unity Under The Stars"
Connect with the U Train and our fellow engineers the Assistant Speaker Assembly Member Felix W. Oritz, the Muslim Community Center, St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, and the 72nd Police precinct, with Special guests, our friends at the Amateurs Astronomers Association of New York, the Friendly Neighborhood Astronomer, and their representative, Ms, Irene Peace providing a brief lecture about Astronomy Across Cultures. They have generously offered to have several of their members bring their telescopes to help us give everyone a chance for a humbling experience with a view of the cosmos! We will invite everyone present to join us in a unity pledge of good character. That's not all. We are presenting a beautiful, advanced and motorized telescope donated for this project by the Celestron Co. to "Muslims Giving Back.." And they in turn have offered to share it with the entire community. Stay alert for our next star gazing event. All aboard!
ALL ABOARD!
Join us for an extraordinary gathering celebrating art, culture, and creativity. Meet four exceptionally talented artists who will captivate your imagination and inspire you throughout the event: Zetta Elliot, PhD - A renowned Children's Author, known for her captivating stories that ignite young minds, Huang Xiang - A Noble Literature Prize Nominee and a Master Calligrapher of Chinese art, whose brush strokes are mesmerizing, Professor Majed Seif - An expert in Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Arts, whose works showcase the beauty of the written word, and Lise Lorentzen - A Master of Norwegian Rosemaling, whose intricate designs reflect the rich heritage of Norway.
The event promises a variety of engaging activities, including
A live Calligraphy Ceremony where the art of calligraphy comes to life as our master calligraphers demonstrate their skills and create beautiful works before your eyes.
Live Music: Be enchanted by soulful melodies performed by talented musicians, adding a harmonious touch to the evening.
Breaking of Fast for Ramadan: As the event coincides with Ramadan, we will come together to break the fast, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Dinner will be provided.
