Tory Crowley

Work and purpose are closely connected. Especially in America. Especially in New York City.

Before I joined the staff at Hope for New York, I was a volunteer. I signed up to serve breakfast on Mondays at St. Paul’s House, a food pantry and soup kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen.

We hope you will reflect on and recite this prayer written by Tory, our Manager of Mobilization. This prayer was shared during Palm Sunday services by the Redeemer Presbyterian Church network this year.

COVID-19 has disrupted so many natural rhythms of life. Yet many traditions persist. I still made resolutions this year. I am still dreaming about how things can be better—how I can be better. Maybe you are doing the same.

In our Prayer Guide, the month of May is when we recognize and pray for the formerly incarcerated community. Read our prayer!

There are some basic do's and don'ts when deciding whether or not to volunteer, but there are also less obvious nuances to consider. We put together a visual aid below as a guide toward discerning whether you should serve right now, and how you can serve (in person or virtually).

God, you are the maker of heaven and earth. You created each and every one of us. There is nothing that you do not see. There is not a thought or feeling that I have that I can hide from you. You know all of my fears and all of my hopes.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” — Philippians 2:5

What does it really mean to show mercy? And, does it mean grand gestures? Simply, being merciful showing strength, even with the smallest but most meaningful sacrifices.