Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church

A Look at this Week’s Events

Thursday, January 26 – Psalm 143; John 5:30-47
Mothers of Young Children, 9:30 am, Phillips Lounge
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Shelter Dinner, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall
Recovery Group, 6:30 pm, Hood Library
Saint Andrew Chorale Rehearsal, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Church Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 pm, Choir Room

Friday, January 27 – Psalm 88; John 6:1-15
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Cabaret Evening, 6:30 pm, Church House Lobby & Parish Hall

Saturday, January 28 – Psalm 122; John 6:16-27
LEAP, 10 am, Offsite

Trattoria Allegria MAPC!
Annual January Cabaret Evening, Friday, January 27

Don’t forget–those of you who have reservations for Trattoria Allegria MAPC, it’s tomorrow evening! The Italian-inspired evening will begin with appetizers served in the Church House Lobby at 6:30 pm, and we’ll move downstairs to the Parish Hall for dinner around 7:15.

This Sunday

Adult Education:

Crisis in the Family
 
Last December, Dr. Anderson was a member of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation team that had been invited by the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Archbishop of Vienna to coordinate a three-day conference on “The Crisis in the Family in Europe.” Participants included a ten-member delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church led by the church’s Metropolitan (Bishop) for External Affairs, a ten-member delegation from the Archdiocese of Vienna led by his Eminence Cardinal Schönborn, and a ten-member delegation of European Rabbis led by Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the President of the Conference of European Rabbis. The conference focused on the challenges of secularity to the family, understood as the foundational unit of civil society. A broad range of topics were explored, ranging from the decision of people to delay or reject marriage altogether, to the impact of the economy in which couples are either having only one child or choosing to have none, as well as the impact of the technological revolution in the dynamics of child rearing and the erosion of parental authority, and the reversal of roles as parents live longer and become dependent upon their children. This Sunday, during the Adult Education Hour, Dr. Anderson will report on the conference and the discoveries and resolutions that came from it. The class will meet in the Parish Hall at 10:10 am.

Hands-On Immigration Ministry Luncheon, January 29

Luncheon with Asylum Seekers & Refugees, January 29: If you participated in the orientation session on January 22, join us on the 5th Floor of the Church House, this Sunday, after the 11:15 am service, for an informal lunch with Asylum Seekers and Refugees. Together we will get to know each other better and determine how we can best walk with them as they make a new life here in New York. Important: Please “RSVP” to Arabel Bello at aeb@mapc.com. Participation in the orientation session on January 22 is required to attend this luncheon.

Music on Madison: Works for Clarinet & Piano

Our Music on Madison series continues this Sunday, January 29 at 3 pm, with clarinetist Maksim Shtrykov and pianist Alina Kiryayeva performing four sonatas for clarinet and piano in a program entitled “Epilogues.” Featuring works by Saint-Saëns, Brahms and Poulenc, these pieces were composed during the last years of these composers’ lives–reflecting a rich and soulful expression at the final stage of their lives. Admission is by suggested donation at the door: $15 ($10 - Students/Seniors); Children 12 & under: free!

Future Events and Other News

Mothers of Young Children, Change of Meeting Day

Beginning next week, on January 30, the Mothers of Young Children group will move back to Monday mornings (from Thursdays). If you fit into this category, please join this group that meets from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the Phillips Lounge. It is a wonderful source of support and fellowship. Bring your coffee and tea, and your child if you need to. If you have questions, please contact Beverly Bartlett at bab@mapc.com or 212-288-8920 x247.

Joint Officers Meeting, Tuesday, January 31

The annual Joint Officers dinner meeting will be Tuesday evening, January 31, in the Parish Hall. Refreshments will be available from 6 pm; evening prayer and dinner will begin at 6:30 pm, with the meeting concluding by 7:30 pm. Cost for the dinner is $15. Thereafter, the Session and Trustees will confer on the 2012 draft budget. Following that discussion, the trustees will recess to the 5th Floor for their monthly meeting, and the Session will continue with its January meeting.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Sunday, February 5, 1 pm

The annual meeting of the Congregation of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church has been called for Sunday, February 5, at 1 pm in the Parish Hall. Agenda for the day is to receive reports from the Deacons, Trustees and Session, as well as a report on 2011 Operating Budget and review the new 2012 Operating Budget. In addition, the members will be asked to vote on several by-law concerns that heretofore were defined by the former Form of Government but have now been placed into the hands of the local congregation: questions such as quorum for a congregational meeting, size of Congregational Nominating Committee, public notification for meetings and procedures for electing the Church Treasurer. Finger sandwiches and beverages will be available at the conclusion of the meeting in order to accommodate those who will be staying for the Organ Dedication Recital at 3 pm.

The Congregational Nominating Committee Places the Following Names in Nomination for Office:

The following members will have their names placed in nomination for election to the office of Elder, Deacon or Trustee at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Congregation on February 5, in the Parish Hall, following the 11:15 am service.

For a Second Three-Year Term as Elder, Jonathan Dickey, Linda Field, Richard Iverson, Lauren Logan and Allison MacEachron

For a First Three-Year Term as Elder, Timothy O’Toole

For a Second Three-Year Term as Deacon, Anne Crabtree Brown, Joan Dietrich, Edward Hudaverdi, Dianne Robbins, Ruth Schroeder and Francois Silatchom

For a First Three-Year Term as Deacon, Alex Baxter, Amanda Baxter, Dennis Crowley and Penny Gemma

For a Second Three-Year Term as Trustee, David Caputo and Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols

For a First Three-Year Term as Trustee, Sharon Davison, Andrew Forbis, Robert Knakal

There will be an opportunity for nominations from the floor. If you plan to make such a nomination, please ensure that the person you are nominating has agreed to serve if elected.

Youth Open Gym, Sunday, February 5, 1 pm

All Middle School (6-8th grade) and High School students (9-12th grade) are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun and games at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. This will be at the same time as the Annual Meeting. Enjoy an athletic afternoon of pick-up basketball games, dodge ball, and other activities. Family and friends of member children are welcome as well.

Before the Open Gym and after the 11:15 am worship service (around 1 pm), participants are invited to have lunch in the Community Services Room. Pizza and other snacks will be served. Afterwards we will head up to the gym on the 2nd Floor of the Church House for some sports activities. There is no fee for the afternoon Youth Open Gym, and children may be dropped off.

RSVP to Millie Tourtelot at mat@mapc.com by Tuesday, January 31, 2012. All participating students must hand in a waiver form, available upon request, in order to take part in the activities.

Celebrating the 50th Birthday of our Casavant Pipe Organ!

In February we will celebrate the 50th Birthday of our recently-restored Casavant pipe organ! The instrument was completed and first used in worship in February 1962, and formally opened at a concert in March 1962 that featured MAPC’s organist, George Markey; Seth Bingham, Organist/Choirmaster Emeritus; MAPC’s Oratorio Choir (now the Saint Andrew Chorale); and an orchestra of performers from The Juilliard School conducted by MAPC member Gordon Hardy.

To celebrate the organ’s 50th Birthday, please join us at these services and concerts:

• On Sunday, February 5 we will rededicate the restored instrument at the 11:15 am service, with choral music by Macmillan, Mozart and Parry sung by the Church Choir and Children’s Choirs.
   
• On Sunday, February 5 at 3 pm, Dr. Andrew Henderson will perform a solo recital with works by Bach, Franck, Howells and Duruflé to showcase the revitalized instrument.
   
• On Sunday, February 26 at 3 pm, the Saint Andrew Chorale and Orchestra will perform the world premiere of John Weaver’s Three Canticles of Isaiah (commissioned by the Saint Andrew Music Society for the occasion), Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ Strings & Timpani, Respighi’s Suite in G for strings and organ, as well as choral works by Seth Bingham and Johannes Brahms. Andrew Henderson, Mary Huff & John Weaver, organists and conductors.

Report on Cost of the Organ Renovation

If you haven’t been following the project, please visit MAPC’s website to see photos, a video and further information concerning the Organ Restoration process. We are especially grateful for the 116 families and individuals who have made a contribution or pledge to date! However, we are approximately $22,000 away from reaching our goal of $320,000 to pay for the organ restoration and its related costs. If you have not yet made a pledge or contribution in support of the Casavant Organ Restoration Fund, we ask that you consider supporting this crucial project in the life of this congregation. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex and Church House Lobby, and gifts using a credit card can be made online. Thank you!

20s/30s Super Bowl Party, Sunday, February 5, 6 pm

It’s Super Bowl party time again! The annual party for 20s/30s and friends will be hosted by Stephanie Nichols and Aaron Ford. The party will start at 6 pm and kick-off is at 6:30. Aaron is making his “world” famous chili and the rest is pot-luck. Please let us know what you can bring so we can fill in any holes. RSVP to Guillermo Catalan in the church offices, ggc@mapc.com, or 212-288-8920 x271, and he will give you the address.

New Member Fellowship, February 9, 7 pm

All new Members who have joined MAPC since June of 2010, are invited to participate in a fun, informal gathering with other new members on the 8th Floor on Thursday evening, February 9, from 7-9 pm for a time of fellowship, Bible study and faith building, led by the Evangelism Committee. Good food, wine, beer and soft drinks will be served. This gathering will be a lot of fun and offers you a terrific way to get connected with other members of the congregation. RSVP via the Evite® invitation already sent, or by e-mail to Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com.

Mid-Timers at the Morgan, Friday, February 10

Join MAPC Mid-Timers* on Friday, February 10, for a tour of the Rembrandt’s World exhibit at the Morgan Museum. The exhibit features over 90 drawings from the Clement C. Moore Collections by many of the preeminent artists of Holland’s Golden Age, including Rembrandt van Rijn and his followers. This is the first time the drawings have been publicly exhibited. The group will meet in the Museum lobby at 5:45 pm and the tour will begin at 6 pm. The cost of the tour will be $12 for the entry fee and then $7.50-$10 for the tour (depending on the size of our group). After the tour, we will walk to a local restaurant for dinner. RSVP to Guillermo Catalan at ggc@mapc.com or 212-288-8920 x271.

*Mid-Timers events are open to anyone who falls between the 20s/30s group and Seniors Unlimited!

Presbyterian Association of Musicians at MAPC

On Saturday, February 11, MAPC will be hosting the Northeast Regional Gathering of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM). Fred Anderson, Andrew Henderson and Mary Huff will all be taking part as workshop presenters; there will be opening and closing services of worship in our Sanctuary, and a lunch prepared by our chef Ray Stuetz will be served in the Parish Hall. Non-PAM members and non-musicians are welcome to register to attend. Admission to the closing service of worship at 4 pm is, of course, free and open to the public. For details about registration and the day’s schedule, please see the flyer on the PAM website.

LEAP Learning Enrichment Program Needs Your Help!

Do you have a heart for working with disadvantaged children, but can’t spare time during the week? This is for you!

Spend Saturday morning helping students age 5-12 in Spanish Harlem learn to read and develop their creative talents at the LEAP program held at the Booker T. Washington Learning Center at the Church of the Resurrection at 325 E. 101st Street.

Sessions are from 10 am until 12 noon and provide an opportunity for caring adults to interact individually with a small group of children from Spanish Harlem, many of whose families are from Mexico. The thematic program is based on an hour of reading, followed by songs, storytelling and an art project that relates to a specific theme. The theme for this fall will be early cultures of Latin America. Contact Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com for more information!

MAPC is on Facebook!

In addition to information on our website, http://www.mapc.com, you can stay up-to-date on all the doings here at MAPC by joining the church’s Facebook group page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/8627900358/. See you there!

Flowers for the Sanctuary

Is there someone you would like to honor or remember through a gift of flowers for Sunday worship? If so, please contact the Office Manager, Arabel Bello, at aeb@mapc.com, or 212-288-8920 x245. The cost for Sunday flowers is now $85. We will only have flowers on the Chancel Steps on those Sundays when someone is being memorialized or honored.

Thank You for Filling the Yorkville Common Pantry Grocery Carts...and Let’s Keep Yorkie Fed!

The Yorkville Common Pantry thanks all who offered assistance in recent months. This month YCP is requesting canned soup or stew (low sodium) and whole wheat pasta. You can drop items off with “Yorkie” in the grocery carts in the Church House Lobby or the Sanctuary Narthex, or you could even order groceries to be delivered through one of your grocers. (8 East 109th Street, New York, NY, 10029, Phone: 917-720-9700). Thank you for taking literally and seriously Christ’s command to “feed my sheep!”

Clothing Donations Needed for Men–and now Women–too!

The Homeless Outreach Program at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, one of MAPC’s long-term outreach partners, continues to see a dramatic increase of homeless persons seeking assistance. Both casual and business clothing for men and women, as well as new undergarments, are among their most urgent needs. If you have clothing items in clean and neat condition, we encourage you to take them to the Jan Hus Clothes Pantry at 351 East 74th Street at 1st Avenue. The clothes pantry is open Monday through Saturday from 7 am-8:30 pm. If it is not possible to bring clothing to Jan Hus directly, they may also be left in the coatroom off of the MAPC Church House Lobby. Please be sure to notify the receptionist. Thank you for remembering those whom Jesus called “the least!”

Hands-On Ministries

Ways to get involved at MAPC with hands and hearts!

“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” The following opportunities to participate in hands-on ministries are provided by the Outreach Committee. If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, e-mail Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com. Let’s put our faith into action!

LEAP on Saturday Mornings

Can you help tutor a child in reading on Saturday mornings, or help them with their homework after school for an hour or two? Opportunities exist now for MAPC members and friends (including Senior High youth!) to work with at-risk youth at the Booker T. Washington Learning Center on East 101st Street in Spanish Harlem. This is a wonderful and well-run program that is appropriate for a wide range of folks.

NEW! Faithful Friends Immigration Ministry

Join the Immigration Ministry Team in a new ministry to Asylum Seekers and Refugees! On Sunday, January 29, there will be a kick-off luncheon for this new hands-on ministry. MAPC members who participated in the Orientation Session held this past Sunday are invited to RSVP to Arabel Bello (aeb@mapc.com) for this luncheon with Asylum Seekers and Refugees, which will be held on the 5th Floor of the Church House after the 11:15 am service. Our goal is to get to know these folks who are making a new life here in New York, in anticipation of assisting them.

If you missed the orientation this past Sunday: Contact Don Wahlig (dbw@mapc.com) or Sharon M. Davison (sdav54@verizon.net). We will review with you the material covered in the orientation session by representatives from the Bellevue/NYU Medical Center’s Program for the Survivors of Torture and the Sojourners Program for Immigrants Released from Detention, the two groups who have referred members to us.

After-School Tutoring in Spanish Harlem

Looking to engage your older teens in hands-on outreach? Do you have weekday afternoons free? This may be for you! The After-School Program at Booker T. Washington Learning Center serves more than 60 children in grades K-6 each afternoon, Monday-Thursday, through a tutoring program that provides homework help to children who do not have those resources in their homes. Many of their parents speak little or no English and look to volunteers like you at BTW for the support that is necessary for their children’s academic success.

Can You Host at MAPC’s Shelter This Month?

If you are already trained and actively participating as a shelter host, a big “Thank you!” You know firsthand what a blessing it is to provide hospitality for the 12 homeless men who call our shelter home 6 nights a week. Please contact Nina Maldari (nmaldari@stjames.org) for scheduling.

New Amsterdam Boys & Girls Choir Needs a Newsletter Writer

Do you have skills that include formatting and producing a basic newsletter? Then the Harlem Boys and Girls Choir needs YOU! MAPC has been associated with this talented group of at-risk youth for many years. Now we have an opportunity to help them with our hands, in addition to our wallets.

Yorkville Common Pantry

Yorkville Common Pantry offers opportunities for volunteers to help pack and distribute food to the working poor on Saturday mornings and other times each week. MAPC has supported this very well organized and effective organization since its inception 30 years ago. This is a wonderful way to follow Christ’s command to “feed my sheep!”

Further Program Calendar

Monday, January 30 – Psalm 108; John 6:27-40
Mothers of Young Children, 9:30 am, Phillips Lounge
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space

Tuesday, January 31 – Psalm 12; John 6:41-51
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Presbytery Meeting, 1 pm, Union Theological Seminary
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Joint Officers Dinner Meeting, 6 pm, Parish Hall
Session Meeting, 8 pm, Parish Hall
Trustees Meeting, 8 pm, Rm 503

Wednesday, February 1 – Psalm 96; John 6:52-59
Zimbabwe Partnership Committee, 7:30 am, Rm 503
Bible Study Fellowship, 9:30 am, DC, Lib, PH, Phillips Lounge & Sanctuary
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Shelter Subcommittee, 1 pm, Shelter Space
Kids’ Club & Wee Kids, 3:45 pm, PH, Gym, 5th Fl, RG, Youth Lounge
Children’s Choir Rehearsals, 4 pm, Choir Room
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Cocaine Anonymous, 6 pm, 5th Floor
Service of Healing & Wholeness, 6 pm, Dana Chapel
Deacons Meeting, 7 pm, 8th Floor

Thursday, February 2 – Psalm 116; John 6:60-71
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Shelter Dinner, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall
Recovery Group, 6:30 pm, Hood Library
Saint Andrew Chorale Rehearsal, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Christian Education Adult Subcommittee, 7:30 pm, Rm 503
Church Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 pm, Choir Room

See you in Church!