I recieved a call from someone a few days ago who had a good idea. I am looking for volunteers to take a trip to Montclair on a Sunday morning. The sole purpose of this trip is a "good will mission". It appears that many members of Christ Church are under the impression that all of Rockaway dislikes them (personally), this came directly from 2 members who told a resident that is what they are hearing in church.
If we were to go to Montclair and offer information on what our logistial and environmental concerns are they may learn that this has NOTHING to do with them. If they understand the what damage will occure to the land, water and roadways they may actually want to protect our environment. After all G-d gave us one earth to care for I honestly can not see these people wanting to destroy it.
If you want to participate call me at 973-727-2450 and we can start working on details.
You only need to fear something if you are not honest. We are telling the truth. Providing information, data, weblinks. and copies of reports to review will help to let these people see that we have real problems. We are not just some land to take over, we are a community with real issues, people and concerns.
What are you afraid of? They are going to church - they say they are good Christians, well so am I... Lets talk to them.
I agree Lisa, and I would like to take it a step further - we should ask the members to all come out to 140 Green Pond Road on a Saturday or Sunday, as well as a weekday, and get a feel for what this will be like for all.
Let's get permission from Agilent to tour the property with the 5000 folks from CC - together we can all experience the natural environment that surrounds this property. They may come to some conclusions of their own and let their pastor know how they feel about this campus after they truly understand the impact.
Of course, some will probably just see a bunch of open space that needs to be built upon, but that can not be helped.
2) If many from Christ Church realize they do not want to make the trip, they'll just be left behind. Rev. Ireland is intere$ted in $eeing fre$h face$ at hi$ $ervice$. He ha$ already told u$ that $ome will not make the trip. He ha$ already told u$ that he will not leave a $mall church in Montclair. Why not? It would take away from HI$ mega-vi$ion for Rockaway.
At first blush, it seems like a reasonable idea, but, I would need to think it over. One possible problem with it is that it may be seen by the congregation as very provactive. If so, it might backfire on us and produce some real nasty press. Gotta sleep on it.
Now that I have slept on it and chatted abou it with Marla, we think it is a little like throwing gas on the fire. But, I will post another "road trip" idea under the Topic called, "One Test is equivelant to a Zillion Expert Opinions."
i'd be scared they'd try to spin it into something like...
the residents of rockaway - who oppose the church's move to their town - descended upon montclair and christ church - harrassing and trying to intimidate the church and its members...
their pr firm could make the event look so negative...and with a simple spin...it would be easy...
they wouldn't see it for what it would be...us reaching out - trying to share our views with the parishoners...asking them to see our side...and how this will effect them and our town and way of life...
