HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
CHURCH
Salem United Methodist Church Addresses Hunger in Harlem
S
By Lil Nickelson alem United Methodist Church (“SUMC”) is located at 2190 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd, on the Northwest corner of 129th Street. SUMC was founded in 1881 as a mission and grew to become a separate church in 1908. By 1923 its congregation had grew to over 600 at which time they purchased and moved to its present location. SUMC has been home to many of Harlem’s cultural and intellectual elite, such as singer Marian Anderson and poet Countee Cullen. The Reverend Dr. Marvin Anthony Moss is the church’s current pastor since 2014. The congregation began addressing hunger in Harlem 10 years ago when Sister Bitha Alexander started a weekly can goods drive to give away to community residents she saw needed help. Other con-
Rooftop Garden
gregation members like Sister Barbara Ellison-Miller joined in and a new church ministry, Hunger Relief Ministry was formed, and Mrs. Miller is Executive Director. Most houses of worship closed their buildings to wor-
Salem United Methodist Church
ship services since March 2020 when COVID-19 invaded our state and Gov. Cuomo put New York State on pause. The spirit to serve those less fortunate were intensified by the efforts of the men and women that worship at
SUMC and/or volunteer with SUMC’s Hunger Relief Ministry. The ministry’s mission is to minister to the needs of those who are unable to care for themselves by feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. Before COVID-19 pro-
visions were made on each Wednesday through the soup kitchen they used to operate. Since the summer of 2020 they started giving away 9,700 take home cold meals in total over five days a week (Tuesday through Saturday) starting at 11am that are supplied mainly by the restaurants selected by a collaboration of church officials and staff from Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (“GHCC”) and the financial sponsor, Brooklyn born non-profit food group Rethink Food NYC. SUMC Hunger Relief ministry also serves as a food bank and they give out groceries starting at 10 am every Friday that give away bags of meat, fruit, produce, dairy, eggs, orange juice and naturally can goods too. Sister Bitha Alexander relocated out of NY some years ago, however,
the ministry she planted the seeds for live on. Mrs. Miller has over 50 years of worshipping at SUMC since she was in middle school. She sent me photos of a roof top garden the ministry built with grants obtained that enables the ministry to grow eggplants, fresh herbs or any other produce that crosses their minds. I asked Mrs. Miller how is SUMC able to obtain some many grants to address feeding hungry Harlem residents. I had no prior grant writing experience. I just had a lot of time on my hands after I left work as a Project Manager for Verizon until 2010 and church leaders gave me their blessings. I started writing grant proposals because I knew we had the physical space here to serve our surrounding community and look what God has done; to Him be the glory.
Death Notice: Dr. Clayton Lyle Natta Dr. Clayton Lyle Natta passed
the College of Physicians and Sur-
away unexpectedly on February
geons at Columbia Presbyterian as
10th, 2021 at his residence in New
well as the Chief of Hematology at
York City. He was 88.
Harlem Hospital. He was a prolific researcher, writer, and teacher, and
nando, Trinidad. He graduated with
authored and co-authored numerous
a Batchelor’s Degree from McMas-
peer-reviewed articles. He was nom-
ter University in Hamilton Ontario
inated for the Nobel Prize in the field
and an MD from The University of
of Chemistry in 1983 and has been
Toronto Faculty of Medicine. After
noted in Who’s Who in Internation-
a one-year research position at The
al Medicine as well as Who’s Who
Royal College of Physicians and
among African Americans.
PHYSICAL THERAPY HARLEM
The premier physical therapy clinic in the heart of Harlem! We are committed to providing dignified, personalized care! Programs:
Surgeons, Scotland, he completed an
Dr. Natta was loved by his
additional fellowship in Hematology
family, staff, and patients alike. His
at New York University’s School
quick wit, dry sense of humor, and
of Medicine. In his spare time, he
passionate care for his fellow hu-
loved working out at the gym, bak-
man beings permeated his work and
nephews, his trusted assistant Anna
ing bread, and doing private re-
home life. He had a private medical
Nova and trusted longtime friend
search in his lab. Dr. Natta was an
practice in Harlem and was known
Hazel Hendricks.
accomplished ping pong player and
to help anyone who needed medical
Due to COVID 19, funeral ser-
was active in his local table tennis
care – whether they were able to pay
vices will be private. A memorial
league.
or not.
service will be planned in 2022. The
Dr. Natta’s primary area of re-
Dr. Natta is survived by his wife
family asks that memorial donations
search was in cell mutation, sick-
Stephenie and their children, Andrea
be made to The Sickle Cell Founda-
le cell anemia, and other blood
and Laura, brothers Elton, Gilbert,
tion https://www.scdfc.org/donate-
disorders. He served as Associate
and St. Clair, sisters Barbara and
to-a-specific-program-or-event
Professor of Clinical Medicine at
Marjorie, numerous nieces and
• Back and Neck Care • Sports Medicine • Osteoporoses • Balance • Total Joint Replacements
Treatment Protocols: • Prevention and Education • Close Chain Stabilization • Weight Training • Home Exercise Programs
Conditions Treated Include:
Sprains/Strains/Muscle Spasm • Fractures • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Whiplash Back Pain • Plantarfascitis • Weakness and Instability • Tendonitis/Bursitis Total Hip/Knee Replacement • Neuropathy Post-Operative Rehabilitation for: Knees/Shoulders/Elbows/Ankles and Feet
Call Us We Can Help
212-996-3303
www.ptharlem.com
Harlem Community Newspapers | March 11. 2021
Dr. Natta was born in San Fer-
1400 5th Ave. (entrance on 116th Street), NY, NY 10026
15
