Along with our neighboring churches and synagogues, Woodlands belongs to the Greenburgh Interfaith Caring Community, an organization that promotes interfaith good works in our community. Through it, we work together across religious lines, to make the world a bit better. In some cases, GICC initiates programs; in others it teams up with individual congregations or facilitates several congregations working together; and in yet other cases, it serves as a vehicle to promote the activities of individual congregations. Its meetings are open to all of our congregants and provide a wonderful opportunity to get involved in interfaith efforts.

GIFTED HANDS – a GICC Project

· Wednesday evening program:For six years now, the Gifted Hands arts and crafts workshops have been held on the first Wednesday of the month. Men and women of all faiths and backgrounds gather to create wearable and decorative pieces of art, surprising themselves with the beauty they create and the fun and fellowship they enjoy. The creations are given to residents of My Sisters Place and the Northern Westchester Shelter and clients served by AIIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) and the Volunteers of America (VOA) shelter

· Valhalla Residence program: Since Fall, 2006, Interfaith has brought Gifted Hands to the VOA Shelter in Valhalla, and 8 or 9 of the residents make their own crafts. There is much talent among them and they love to work with the Interfaith volunteers!

· Children’s Village program: GICC has also led a number of Gifted Hands crafts programs for the fourteen 9-14 year-old boys at Brooks Cottage at Children’s Village, integrating the arts and crafts sessions into the monthly programs at Brooks, sponsored by GICC for the past seven years. The boys especially love the arts and crafts; being able to create something beautiful boosts their self-image and confidence.

Gifted Hands is coordinated by Carol Bennett (First Reformed), Karen Thomas (St. Barnabas Episcopal Church) and Bonnie Schapira (Chavura Rosh Pinah). There is always room in the Wednesday arts and crafts workshops or programs in community agencies for anyone who wishes to try making something to share with others. You don’t need any special artistic ability…..just a willing heart and hands. Or, if you do have a craft you would like to share or even teach, we are open to learning from each other. We all have Gifted Hands! For information call Karen Thomas at 914-478-3575.