Church of the Incarnation, Manhattan

Moravian Open Door (MOD) is a transitional housing facility for homeless adults.

Our ministry with MOD is characterized by mutual joy in fellowship.  We don’t just serve; we come together to laugh and have fun. This is most clearly seen and felt during our bingo nights, theme parties, and other activities that foster an environment of collaboration and celebration. Volunteers from our church cook, collect prizes, plan games, and then bring it all to the MOD common room for a good time to be had by all.  While we also do projects off site – holding a linens drive, writing birthday cards to the residents, making sandwiches and goodie bags – we most enjoy bringing the Incarnation and MOD communities together. Read about this ministry in the August 2018 issue of Moravian Magazine. (pp. 12-13)

Incarnation also has a seat on the MOD Board of Directors, enabling us to provide further assistance.

Every third Sunday of the month, parishioners are invited to the Parish Dining Room at 12:30 pm to help make sandwiches for delivery to a nearby homeless drop-in center.

Hour Children and the Osborne Association are local nonprofit organizations that serve children of incarcerated parents. Hour Children helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children successfully rejoin their communities. Osborne serves and strengthens individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal legal system.

Incarnation routinely organizes service projects with both organizations, including events for children. We also hold drives for backpacks, baby supplies, and other goods.

During the Christmas season, parishioners are invited to select a letter written to “Santa” by a child in need and purchase gifts for that child. In recent years, we have provided each Christmas presents for 50 children living in a nearby domestic violence shelter.