Today's turtle run showcases The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York. This is my favorite hiding place, where I can go to get away from it all, relax and enjoy some "me time with God." The Cathedral history is pretty cool, it was founded in 1834 after an incident that transpired in 1787. (You can read all about The Allen Legacy here.)
There are over one hundred programs and groups to choose from in the Allen directory and if you ever stopped by to take a peek you would discover that the future direction of the Cathedral is a very interesting dynamic and fluid. It is centered around empowering people, building communities and changing lives in positive ways. Like AR, if you don't see a group that needs to be there, you can simply contact them and start the group yourself. The members actually keep the membership very busy and if you have a talent you wish to bring to the community, you are always encouraged to do so. The Cathedral keeps their facilities available for members to use 7 days a week so once in a while I enjoy stopping by around lunch time to enjoy some peace and quiet. When I need to be alone with God, or hang out with some godly company, there is always an opportunity to do so at Allen. I really appreciate that and find when things are getting tough, going back to basics is always the key for me, so I pray a lot and try to start over if it is at all feasible. Things have been pretty tough lately, and I am struggling just like everyone else does with a lot of issues, so I decided today I would share what works for me. (e.g. God, turtle runs and ice cream... and I will be going for ice cream as soon as I post this post! LOL)
Allen Cathedral also habitually invites some of the most amazing speakers I have ever seen. Coupled with their sponsorship of fabulous retreats, shopping sprees, historical tours, missionary work and a spectrum of workshops, it's impossible not to want to come there and see what's going on. They go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome and at home. (e.g. I was a visitor once, invited by Audrey H. Lipford, Esq and after being exposed to such a rich environment I decided to stay.) They know how to make discovering a Biblical truth relevant and enjoyable. Just try one of their business workshops and see. You'll be surprised at what you will walk out with. The volunteerism of the congregation is inspiring and they really know how to mentor and network among the 20K+ members.
BTW, their Cathedral Bible Institute has an "Articulation Agreement" with the Nyack College of New York, and "is seeking accreditation with the New York State Education Department, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the Accrediting Commission International of Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries." Before I go, I do have one last little trivia question to ask of you:
Did you know that the organization is headed by a retired United States Congressman? How cool is that?
The Honorable Reverend Floyd H. Flake, D.Min., U.S. Congressman, Retired and The Reverend M. Elaine Flake, D.Min. are just awesome! They really take the time to get to know what's going on in the community and are quick to step in and lend a helping hand when ever they can. They also teach upon how biblical home ownership really is, so Realtors like me absolutely love being blessed by them.
I am praying and believing for a turn around in this current market. How about you? ;-)
Here is some eye candy from my turtle run. Enjoy!






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Very nice! The whole thing looks like it cost a fortune, plus a fortune to maintain! Worth it from your pics though.
I love history! I clicked on the link you provided and learned about the incident. Thanks! Sounds like a very dynamic place.
You can't miss with God, turtle runs, and Ice Cream!
I love the photographs and history!
Thank you, Vertical Lending Services, it is definitely worth maintaining. :-)
Elaine, who knew church could be mad fun! I love this place. It is an excellent place to be. :-)
Pam, thank you kindly! My favorite combination. (LOL)
Very Nice Carolyn It sounds like an exciting community to be involved with. Thanks for the candy!
Carolyn - Finding a peaceful place to hang out when life throws those unexpected curve balls our way is the secret weapon to finding bliss amid the chaos. Stay in the game and enjoy the ice cream!
Carolyn ~ Beautiful; I would like to just sit on one of those big rocks and let the world go by!
Carolyn, churches are a great quiet spot to meditate especially if you go outside normal services hours. You continue to impress me with your photography. I particularly liked the second one with the sun glistening off the windows from the sun and the flowers were very colorful in those ones.
Hey Paddy-Paddy, you are very welcome. They are a pretty energetic bunch!
Thank you, Norma. It's one of the most peaceful places I know when they are not rockin' the house with some serious gospel music between preaching up a storm. (LOL)
Kathy, I know what you mean and have perched myself on the stairs or gone into one of the smaller chapels just to unwind and recharge. Sometimes, when I come during the wee hours in the morning, people are in the main sanctuary curled up listening to relaxing music. That's always nice...
Gary, that is so true about visiting during odd hours and I am so glad you enjoyed the presentation. :-)
I have my one-on-one time with God when I turn on my computer every morning.
:)
Good morning Elizabeth, that sounds very intriguing... I'm almost afraid to ask... :-)
C. Wow-beautiful landscaping. I love all the pretty flowers and the trees and bushes. Very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Carolyn, hope you got to enjoy that ice cream! You're in my thoughts and prayers--I hope things are better real soon. So, the turtle runs are when you go out to take pics?
Laura, you are welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed the photographs.
Deb, I enjoyed every spoon... and yes, the turtle runs are when I go out to take my pictures. I jog, clear my mind and collect eye candy. :-)
Get outta here, I am also a member of Allen. I go to the 8:30 AM sermon and sit at the back of balcony (on the right side). You know, I stopped believing in organized religion for many years until a friend of mine introduced me to Allen about 6 years ago. The rest is history.
Shane Scott, Esq.
Oh my word! I usually go to either the 6:30 or the 8:30. Once in a while the 11. This is very cool. We shall have to do church and lunch one of these days (LOL).