By Janis Fontaine
We asked people at local churches and synagogues to tell us their hopes and dreams, plans and wishes, for 2016. Here they are:
“My hopes, plans, dreams or desires for 2016 are that we learn to love each other more; 2015 was a year of needless cruelty, hatred and killings.” — Jay Blotcher, publicist for Congregation Beit Kulam
“My hopes: Peace in Syria. This war is at the root of most of our current problems including terrorism and refugees. My plans: Spend three weeks in India teaching at a mission school. Go to the Bruce Springsteen concert with my grown-up kids. Make some epic home brews. And paint the driveway.” — Pastor Andrew Hagen, Advent Boca Raton
“I am optimistic about 2016. Technology and medical science seem to be having new breakthroughs weekly. I pray this will be a ‘year of hope’ for those with cancer, muscular dystrophy and other devastating diseases, with some real cures available to the average consumer. On a personal level, I hope my ‘sandwich’ of young adult children and an elderly mother and mother-in-law, continue to thrive and find joy in their respective lives. And that events for my synagogue will surpass our financial goals and allow us to offer even more programs to the community.” — Betti Adams, co-vice president of fundraising for Temple Sinai
“To grow in my love for Jesus, my wife, my children, my church, and my city … and thus become a blessing to the world.” — Pastor Casey Cleveland, The Avenue Church in Delray Beach
“Peace in our community, nation and the world as a whole. As I think about this, I am reminded of the song, ‘Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.’ My goal is to strive to be at peace with the people that come my way, starting with my son, family members, friends and even those I may not see eye-to-eye with. May I look for the many things that we have in common, and, if need be, agree to disagree.” — Ruth Mageria, executive director, CROS Ministries
“My desire for 2016 is to enjoy and look for the little things in life — like a sunset, a smile, and kindness!” — Gibbie Nauman, director of development and community relations, CROS Ministries
“To make the community a better place by reaching out one hand at a time to make a difference no matter how big or small.” — Emily Zarzycki, CROS Ministries camp director
“I left a full-time job in a very busy workplace full of very needy clients in 2015. This world filled up my personal and public space. My responsibility as a Jew tells me to continue to spend time in my community, shouting out that it is unacceptable that children are hungry, that housing is unaffordable and that medical care is still out of reach of many. My hopes, plans, dreams and desires for 2016 are for today and not tomorrow: continue learning about my religious heritage, so full of humanity and empathy for the other, extend a needed hand, live with trust and faith in a world in which I have little control, and haul out that backpack to travel to the other and say hello.” — Sammy Alzofon, publicist, Temple Sinai
“My hopes for 2016 are for more food-insecure residents of our county to find the help they need and move out of poverty.” — the Rev. Juanita Bryant Goode, director of engagement, CROS Ministries
“My hopes, dreams … to be a better man, listener, leader, husband and father. To learn more in my walk with God.” — Steven Wright, a member of Advent Lutheran
“My potential improvements might be to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier and return fully to morning person status; bring thoughts of the business home with me less, possibly much less; and learn to pray better.” — Sandy Jack, a member of Advent Lutheran
“My goal for 2016 is to start a blog that will inspire or mentor other women to achieve their dreams, and that there is no limit when you want to succeed. (I’m a single mom, and I completed my bachelor’s degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University this fall — at age 48!)
“As a Christ follower, my wish is to help those people around me, by listening without judging, encouraging them, and reminding them there is hope. We all have the ability to do wonderful things, and to make this world more peaceful, just by respecting and loving each other.” — Claudia Rosada, administrative assistant, CROS Ministries.
Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.
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