Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church

A Look at this Week’s Events

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

Friday, February 3 – Psalm 84; John 7:1-13
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space

Saturday, February 4 – Psalm 63; John 7:14-36
LEAP, 10 am, Booker T. Washington Learning Center

This Sunday

Adult Education:

King David: His Life and Times, with Dennis Crowley
 
An examination of the political, social and spiritual life of one of most important figures of the Old Testament.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation, This Sunday, February 5, 1 pm, Parish Hall

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 elect new officers, to receive reports from the Deacons, Trustees and Session, as well as a report on the 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.

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 following Motions will be presented for consideration:

1. The quorum for a meeting of the congregation shall be 10% of the active membership.
    
2. Roberts Rules of Order shall be established as the parliamentary authority for congregational meetings.
    
3. Voting: only active members may vote. A simple majority rules. In case of a tie, the Moderator may choose to break the tie or to not vote, in which case, the question is lost.
    
4. Adequate public notice for congregational meetings shall be two successive Sundays, the Sunday of the meeting being one of the two.
    
5. The Congregational Nominating Committee shall consist of the Pastor, two Elders from Session, a member of the Board of Deacons, a member of the Board of Trustees, five members at large, elected annually by the congregation and not currently serving on any of the boards.  A personal shall not serve more than 3 consecutive years on the committee. The pastor shall be a member ex-officio, without a vote.

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, This 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. All participating students must hand in a waiver form, available upon request, in order to take part in the activities.

Opening Recital on our Newly Restored Casavant Pipe Organ!

This Sunday at 3 pm Andrew Henderson will play the opening recital on our recently restored Casavant organ–the first of two concerts on our Saint Andrew Music Society’s Music on Madison series celebrating the instrument’s 50th Birthday.

The 4,200-pipe instrument, built by the Casavant Frères firm of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, was inaugurated in March, 1962. Dr. Henderson’s program will feature works that are admirably suited to the instrument’s characteristics. While conceived along the lines of emulating Baroque instruments, the organ is unusually colorful and versatile when used in performing a wide range of repertoire. The program will include two Bach masterworks: the Fantasia & Fugue in G minor, and Toccata in F; Duruflé’s virtuosic Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, and works by César Franck and Herbert Howells.

Admission to Music on Madison concerts is by suggested donation at the door: $15 ($10 – students/seniors; Children 12 & under: free). More information about the program can be found on the church’s website.

20s/30s Super Bowl Party, This 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 potluck. 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.

Future Events and Other News

Mothers of Young Children, Change of Meeting Day

The Mothers of Young Children group has moved back to Monday mornings. 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.

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!

Families with Young Children, Saturday, February 11, 10 am to noon, 5th Floor

Come enjoy an early Valentine’s Day fest at the next Families with Young Children gathering on February 11. We’ll have Valentine-making art supplies, and some special treats as well as our usual bagels, fruit, coffee, tea, juice and snacks. We’ll be meeting on the 5th Floor this month. These monthly gatherings provide an opportunity for families with children ages 5 and under (older siblings can come, too) to enjoy a relaxed time of play and conversation. Please let us know you are coming so we can plan for the right amount of people. RSVP to Guillermo Catalan at ggc@mapc.com, or 212-288-8920 x271.

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.

MAPC-St. James’ Homeless Shelter Orientation
Sunday, February 12 at 1:15 pm in the Shelter Space

Interested in learning more about how you can help address homelessness in New York? Come to an orientation for the MAPC-St. James’ Homeless Shelter on Sunday, February 12 at 1:15 pm in the shelter space! No obligation–a light lunch will be served. RSVP to Don Wahlig at dbw@mapc.com.

Seniors Unlimited, February 13 in the Parish Hall, 3 pm

For our February gathering we will welcome Randi Luckman as our guest speaker. Randi is a nutritionist with an M.S. in Nutrition, a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and a Certified Life Coach. During her presentation she will weave together ideas, theories, facts, encouragement and inspiration to help us live healthier, more energetic, purposeful and fulfilling lives as seniors in this modern age. How do we navigate the information that bombards us without being overwhelmed by it? How do we discern what is going to be good for our bodies in terms of nutrition and supplements, when we hear about so many new products, discoveries and reports? How do we keep from being overwhelmed or left behind with the ever-changing “advances” in technology? Randi is an inspiring speaker who will help us take a positive look at navigating this world as seniors, so that we can continue to lead active, healthy, forward-looking lives.

As a nutritionist and Life Coach, Randi specializes in educating, nurturing and empowering individuals who are seeking wellness and renewal. We look forward to an inspiring hour and gaining new insights, practical suggestions and resolve for living healthier, happier lives.

There will be a time of refreshment and fellowship afterwards. RSVP to Arabel Bello at the church offices, 212-288-8920 x245, or aeb@mapc.com. Please come and bring a friend!

Celebrating the 50th Birthday of our Casavant Pipe Organ!

On February 26 we will continue to 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. 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. Admission to Saint Andrew Chorale concerts is $25 ($20 – students/seniors); tickets may be purchased online in advance by calling 212-288-8920, or at the door.

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!

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.

Faithful Friends Immigration MinistryNEW!

Join the Immigration Ministry Team in a new ministry to Asylum Seekers and Refugees! On Sunday, March 4, there will be a luncheon for this new hands-on ministry. Interested MAPC members should 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. We will go on an outing with our new friends 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 in January, 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 refer clients 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.

Don’t Walk By One-Day Homeless Outreach, February 25

Looking for a way to honor Jesus’ command to treat the least among us as we would Jesus himself? You can be a blessing by making a difference in the lives of homeless men and women right here in our neighborhood! Join in this one-day outreach program, sponsored by the Bowery Mission and based at MAPC. On Saturday, February 25, from 2:30 to 8 pm, MAPC will be the anchor site for teams of volunteers who will fan out across our neighborhood, engaging homeless folks and offering them food, comfort and assistance in locating housing and other services.

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, February 6 – Psalm 5; John 7:37-52
Mothers of Young Children, 9:30 am, Phillips Lounge
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space

Tuesday, February 7 – Psalm 42; John 7:53-8:11
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Library Committee, 5:30 pm, Hood Library
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space

Wednesday, February 8 – Psalm 1; John 8:12-20
Parents Prayer Group, 8 am, Phillips Lounge
Bible Study Fellowship, 9:30 am, DC, Lib, PH, Phillips Lounge & Sanctuary
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Kids’ Club & Wee Kids, 3:45 pm, PH, Gym, 5th Fl, RG, Youth Lounge
Children’s Choir Rehearsals, 4 pm, Parish Hall
Rupp/Bardossy Wedding, 4 pm, Sanctuary
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Cocaine Anonymous, 6 pm, 5th Floor
Outreach Ministries Committee, 7 pm, Phillips Lounge

Thursday, February 9 – Psalm 97; John 8:21-32
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
New Member Fellowship, 7 pm, 5th Floor
Christian Education Youth Subcommittee, 7 pm, Community Services Room
Saint Andrew Chorale Rehearsal, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Church Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 pm, Choir Room

See you in Church!