Riverside Weekly Actions | July 9, 2026

I’m back!

After two weeks away, I’m returning with a heart full of gratitude. The time away gave me the gift of being fully present with my family. I delighted in watching my children deepen their relationships with their cousins in Hong Kong, embraced healthier rhythms of caring for my body, and, perhaps most importantly, found the quiet needed to listen for the Spirit’s voice.

Thank you for your patience while the MSJ Newsletter took a brief Sabbath.

I believe rest is an act of resistance. In a world shaped by empire’s relentless demand that our worth be measured by our productivity, choosing to rest is a declaration that we belong first to God, not to the machinery of endless work. Rest restores our bodies, renews our spirits, and reconnects us with the One who calls us into the work of justice.

My prayer is that you, too, are finding moments for rest, renewal, and communion with our Divine Creator. May that sacred pause strengthen us for the work ahead, so that together we can continue building a world rooted in justice, compassion, and hope.

Below you will see a list of ways you can engage in the work of Social Justice we are doing in the city.

July 22: Organizing for Mental Health in New York City 

Across New York City, 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health condition each year, yet as many as 34% are unable to access the care they need because of cost, stigma, workforce shortages, and other systemic barriers. Too many people are left to navigate mental health challenges alone, when healing should be a shared commitment and quality care should be available to everyone.

 

We believe a healthier New York is possible. Join The Riverside Church and Manhattan Together for an information session on July 22 to learn how we can organize for expanded access to mental healthcare, reduce stigma, and build collective power for a mental health system that serves all New Yorkers.

 

Let’s advocate together for a city where everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. For more info and registration, click here: Riverside Church Organizing for Mental Healthcare in NYC – Riverside Church

Social Services: Backpack Distribution



Support students in our neighborhood by donating supplies or volunteering! Our 2026

Back-to-School Drive will run from June 29 through August 14,
Drop supplies off at any one of our collection boxes located by the Security Kiosk and the 120th Street entrance.

OR volunteer with the School Supply Distribution taking place on Friday, August 28, at 1:00 PM in the Cloister Lounge.

Please help us spread the word and encourage others to support this year’s drive.

Join Us at the Q Christian Fellowship Conference!

We’re excited that the Q Christian Fellowship Conference will be held in Philadelphia, January 21 to 24, 2027. This annual gathering brings together LGBTQ+ Christians, allies, parents, pastors, and faith leaders for inspiring worship, engaging workshops, meaningful worship, and opportunities to build lasting community. Whether you’re exploring questions of faith, seeking affirmation, or looking to connect with others committed to a more inclusive Church, this conference offers a welcoming space to learn, grow, and be encouraged.

 

We have sent a delegation of Riversiders over the last two years. If you’re interested in joining the delegation for this upcoming conference, please email msj@trcnyc.org by July 13. The Riverside Church can cover the full conference registration for the first five Riversiders who express interest by the deadline.  

SAVE THE DATE for these upcoming events:

August 1: Advocacy Training with National Iranian American Council. Join us to learn how we can use our voices to demand an end to the war on Iran.

 

August 28: Covenant for Our Futures Multifaith Pilgrimage. Riverside is working with GreenFaith to host a multifaith pilgrimage for climate and immigration justice on August 28.

 

We will begin this powerful event by bearing witness to the suffering at the detention center in Sunset Park where detainees are currently being kept in brutal conditions, away from their family and friends, and often without any kind of due process. We will walk to Federal Plaza together and once there, demand that our government officials end this reign of terror by closing detention centers, repealing the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and investing in a climate resilient future for everyone. Please share this save the date for this powerful action.

MSJ Actions Alert:

Do you have an Instagram account? You can now subscribe to the Mission, Social Justice & Change Instagram Channel for real-time action alerts, advocacy opportunities, and ways to put your faith into action. You’ll receive updates on rallies, vigils, legislative campaigns, petitions, volunteer opportunities, and urgent moments when your voice can make a difference.

 

Click here to subscribe: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbbYy2vMBEePsmtE/