For Immediate Release
Diverse Faith Communities Serve Together in Honor of Sept. 11
HUDSON, Ohio, August 1, 2016 – Three Northeast Ohio faith communities are coming
together to host a day of service on September 11, 2016 – in honor of the fifteenth anniversary
of that unforgettable day.
The event is called First Serve Serve First – and will feature more than 1,000 individuals of all
ages from Temple Beth Shalom, the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, and First
Congregational Church of Hudson volunteering in Cleveland, Akron and surrounding
communities.
Projects will focus on working with first responder organizations, including:
• Alley clean up with Cleveland Police
• Small repairs for Akron Central Police Department
• Bike inspection station for neighborhood kids in Akron
• Repairs for the Freedom House for homeless veterans in Kent
• Yard cleanup for disabled first responders or survivor families
• Red Cross Blood drive
• Holiday cards for military
• And much more.
First Serve Serve First Schedule
Time
9 a.m.
Event
Sending Service
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Crews gather and
go to Project Sites
5 p.m.
Cultural Food
Fest
Location
First Congregational Church of
Hudson,
47 Aurora Street, Hudson
Throughout NE Ohio
Details
Interfaith service of
encouragement before
volunteering begins.
Exact Locations can be
shared as needed.
First Congregational Church of
Hudson
Local businesses
providing wide variety
of cultural foods.
“Much of our culture tells us to live in fear of that which we don’t know or is different, and it’s
easy not to trust when we’re isolated from our neighbors. People of faith are called to another
way: to be about building relationships that bring about cooperation, compassion, and
ultimately peace,” says Dr. Rev. Peter Wiley, Senior Pastor, First Congregational Church of
Hudson. "Side by side, as people of three faiths, we will offer loving service to the greater
Northeast Ohio community."
For more information or to access volunteer registration, please visit
http://firstserve.eventbrite.com.
Contact: Sue Wimer, 440-655-3732, [email protected]
About First Serve Serve First
First Serve Serve First (FSSF) is First Congregational Church of Hudson’s (FCCH) annual day
of service. For the past four years, the congregation has celebrated this day by sending out
project crews to work at sites in Akron, Cleveland, Hudson and surrounding communities. In
2016, Temple Beth Shalom and the Islamic Society of Akron & Kent join with FCCH to host the
event.
About Temple Beth Shalom
Temple Beth Shalom is a dynamic congregation of about 110 families, under the leadership of
Rabbi Jim Egolf. Known as the Synagogue of the Western Reserve, Temple Beth Shalom is a
Reform Jewish congregation, affiliated with the national organizations of that movement.
Although the Temple has grown over the years, it endeavors to maintain a warm and
welcoming atmosphere. The Temple is located in a beautiful, historic building at 50 Division
Street in Hudson. For more information, visit tbshudson.org.
About Islamic Society of Akron & Kent
Islamic Society of Akron and Kent serves the communities of Akron, Kent, Hudson and
Cuyahoga Falls and strives to promote goodwill, understanding, and tolerance; strengthen
fraternal bonds; provide guidance and information based on the teachings, history, culture and
philosophy of Islam; organize courses of study to meet the needs of Muslims and nonMuslims; maintain an Islamic Center to serve as a place of prayers and religious activities; and
promote understanding and act as a channel of communication between Muslims and nonMuslims. For more information, visit www.isak.org
About First Congregational Church of Hudson
The First Congregational Church of Hudson congregation reflects a wide range of theological
beliefs and are united by a common faith in Jesus Christ. Rich ministries are provided for all
ages. Throughout the church’s more than 200-year history, there has been an emphasis
placed on being engaged with the needs of the current day. The congregation has strived to be
God’s word alive in the present. For more information, visit www.hudsonucc.org.
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