"He has shown you

what is good

and what does the LORD

require of you

but to do justice,

to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

 

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, the Pioneer Valley Project's 5th annual Ministry In Community Action Honoree award ceremony was held at the Sinai Temple in Springfield. Over 200 guests were present to honor thirteen awardees from PVP's member organizations. Each of the thirteen was chosen because of living lives that exemplified the true meaning of Micah 6:8 within the organization and the community.

The evening started out by voting in the 2009 - 2010 Executive Board. Emma Woods Eady was elected for a second term as Board President. An interest survey was then presented to those attending the ceremony. The survey will be used to find out what areas of PVP's current focus individuals would like to work on with the Pioneer Valley Project.

                       Campaigns listed were:

                        Education: Improve Springfield schools through parent involvement

                        Immigrant Rights: Improve the quality of life of immigrant farmworkers

                        Youth: Create youth centers in underserved neighborhoods

                        Jobs and Job Training: Labor agreements on school construction projects.

 

Cantor Martin Levson from the Sinai Temple led the gathering in singing a musical arrangement of Psalm 133.

The meal was prepared by Cocina Ayala caterers and consisted of traditional Mexican food cooked "American-style" (not spicy). After dinner a musical selection was offered by Tania Cook of Greater New Life Church.

The presentation of the awards was the highlight of the evening . Thirteen recipients from congregations and unions were each introduced to the audience by the person who had made the nomination. A brief description of the recipient's activities was offered to give an idea as to why the person (or group) was a worthy honoree for the 2009 MICAH award. (The honorees also received certificates featuring the highlights of the activities being recognized.) To get fuller descriptions of the honorees, guests could read the MICAH Program Book.

The evening ended with a closing prayer by the Master of Ceremonies, Reverend W.C. Watson. Comments about the evening were positive.