Interfaith Blood Drive

November 1, 2025

First Presbyterian Church

8:30 AM - 1:15 PM

Blood donation can seem an abstract act, but it’s a mitzvah! And remembering that those we love may need blood at some time in life. I know it extended life for our friend Lynette Lyon. I think of her each time I donate, and of the Jewish commandments that blood donation allow us to fulfill. Please read this message about giving blood, and DONATE on November 1, by signing up now at rcblood.org/donate and use code FPCG (for First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich), or call 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). So many who need our blood are counting on us!

 ~ Barbara Salop, in memory of Lynette Lyon 

(bdsalop@gmail.com; 1-203-496-1604)

and with thanks to Sandy Soule for her sage words forming the basis for this letter.

An EGG-cellent Social Action Project

Schoke Jewish Family Services, which runs the Kosher Food Pantry in Stamford, is asking for help collecting food due to increasing food insecurity and decreasing contributions. They have asked all congregations in the area to contribute regularly. Shir Ami has agreed to contribute $250 monthly for a year, which will be collected from members at each service or gathering. There will be an EGG BOX into which you can place your contribution. Our donation will be used to purchase FRESH EGGS, which are rarely available at the Food Pantry.

Rabbi David has offered to make up any monthly shortfall from his Discretionary Fund. On Shabbat, contributions should be made when you arrive, before services, out of respect for not handling money on Shabbat. 

We have already raised $900 and paid our $250 commitment for each of October and November. Thanks to those who have already contributed. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Of course, anyone can make a contribution anytime, on our website's Donations page.

Thank you to those who have already completed your registration!

We warmly welcome you to renew your membership or to become a member of our Shir Ami community. 

Please visit our Membership Page where you can find:

• Membership Letter - from our Shir Ami Officers
• Membership Form - easy-to-fill out online or print
• Membership Policy - details on dues, benefits and more

Membership allows you special access to:

• practice our faith together and learn from the Torah and each other
• participate in multicultural and multifaith activities
• support Shir Ami's mission and our commitment to Tikkun Olam and social action
• find inspiration in our innovative portfolio of services, classes and events
• participate in rituals, group trips and events reserved for members
• have access to our dynamic, multi-talented, creative spiritual leader for pastoral care and life cycle events
• recognize our loved ones who have passed during our Yizkor service each year

As with most faith-based organizations, membership dues fuel everything we do and account for only 65% of our annual budget. Full dues payments and additional contributions are always appreciated. If an alternate arrangement is needed, please contact Co-Presidents Jackie Marschall at jackiea.broadcast@gmail.com, Abby Ross at aar1@optonline.net or Fran Pribish at fabprib807@gmail.com.

If you are interested and would like to know more, please find membership information on our website’s membership page. The easy-to-fill-out form can be completed online and submitted with a button, or printed out and sent to our mailing address: Congregation Shir Ami, 1273 E Putnam Ave, PO Box 312, Riverside, CT 06878.

Contact us at shirami.info@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to speak with an officer or our clergy.

All are welcome to join our community!