Variety Show Helps Homeless
by AT Staff
Tony Romeo, pastor of the Historic Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church, is used to controversy. Adventist Today reported on him and his willingness to use unconventional methods to catch the attention of people who might be interested in what his church has to offer. [June 8, 2012] Unconventional, that is, to “church people”—very conventional in the world Romeo comes from. He worked for many years in marketing and public relations before becoming a pastor, and is often frustrated at the unwillingness of many in the church to use the skills of people like him in outreach ministry. “If they don’t know you’re there, you’re not there!”
We thought it was time for an update. Especially since his latest event seems likely to bring him some more controversy from some in the church. This Sunday, July 21, in partnership with Pathways to Housing, NY, the Manhattan church will be hosting a Variety Show. The poster (sent in Reach-NYC’s email newsletter) says, “Join us for a terrific afternoon of entertainment! Musicians, comics, poets, artists, exceptional talents!”
Here is an excerpt of Romeo’s description, both of the event and of the reason for it:
Pathways To Housing NY, is having their Variety Show this year on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. in the community room of Historic Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 232 West 11th Street, NYC, and it would be great if you could help make this event special, by attending.
This is a group that is helping individuals find affordable housing in the most unaffordable cities in the world, New York City. The work they do is needed and a vital part of helping people. . . .
In a city with so many needs, Historic Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church is happy to support their work.
Romeo goes on to delineate some of the other offerings of the church and invite people to join in. This particular letter mentions Wednesday night Bible studies and five separate AA groups, as well as weekend services. The church also has small discussion groups, vegetarian cooking classes (received with acclaim in a city whose mayor, Michael Bloomberg, is controversially active on health issues). Romeo’s “bandwidth” on the liberal/conservative spectrum may be exemplified by two recent events: This spring, the church hosted an evangelistic series by Ted Wilson, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Romeo also took part in a Blessing of the Animals ceremony with an ecumenical group nearby, including a Native American, a Buddhist, and a New Age spiritual leader. For his part, Tony explained the creation story as he sees it, and said that God made the animals for us to love and be loved by.
It may be that Romeo and the church will come under fire—again—for this variety show, which is likely to include jazz and tap dancing. And it is true that he sometimes feels discouraged. However, those who are drawn to Christ through this ministry, including artists and musicians who are often underserved by traditional “talking-head” church services, will cause rejoicing in heaven. AT salutes Reach-NYC and all who volunteer their time and effort in this attempt to reach hearts for the Kingdom of God.
More info:
www.reach-nyc.com (You can also sign up for email newsletters here.)
www.pathwaystohousing.org/ny/
Tony, Don't give up your love of people. There is hardly anyone ministering to this secular group. Keep going among the people and being a witness as Christ was when he kept company with "sinners." Remember how the Pharisees/church leaders were so angry at Him? Don't be surprised when this happens to you. Whether you get large numbers of members into a church, doesn't matter as much as the lives you touch through the Holy Spirit.
Just remember that while Christ engaged in activities *with* sinners He never used their sinful ways to *win* people.
If it is necessary to employ devilish music to attract people there needs to be a reexamination of the tactics used. God is not honored by compromise. Compromise is relatively easy while standing for principle is not.
Marnatha
Just because something is outside your conceptual box doesn't mean it is a compromise with sin. If anyone in the Bible was loathe to compromise with sin it was the apostle Paul, yet he quoted from a heathen poet to make a point during his debate with the skeptics at Mars Hill.
Blessing the animals? It is not clear to the reader whether he actually did bless them or merely took the occasion to emphasize that animals are to be treated humanely, the latter is perfectly acceptable.
When AToday does an article it would be helpful to fill in such details. I find the reference to "talking heads" as demeaning.
Wow…There are even cave Adventists here. Sorry "Truth Seeker." I am not sure what "develish music" even means. Just so you can sleep tonight, I did actually take part in blessing the animals. An actual prayer and everything. I hope that was okay? — Sleep well my friend. Sleep well.