Presbyterian Church
A Look at This Week’s Events
Thursday, February 4 – Psalm 116; John 6:60-71
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, Library
Saint Andrew Chorale Rehearsal, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Church Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 pm, Choir RoomFriday, February 5 – Psalm 84; John 7:1-13
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter SpaceSaturday, February 6 – Psalm 63; John 7:14-36
Confirmation Retreat, 10 am, 5th Floor
Families with Young Children, 10 am, Parish Hall
LEAP, 10 am, Booker T. Washington Learning Center
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This Sunday
Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held this Sunday, February 7 at 12:45 pm
The Session has called the annual meeting of the congregation for Sunday, February 7, at 12:45 pm in the Parish Hall. Agenda for the meeting will be the election of new officers, receiving reports from the Deacons, Trustees and Session, a review of the 2009 financials as well as the 2010 program budget the Session adopted at its January 26 meeting. Child care will be available until 2 pm.
The Congregational Nominating Committee Presents the Following People for Nomination:
Elders Class of 2013
Second three-year term:
David Carleton (07)
Kathy Hoffman (07)
David Johnson (07)
First three-year term:
Robert MacNeill (10)
Vicki Schmelzer (10)
Robin Weaver (10)
Deacons, Class of 2013
Second three-year term:
Margaret Dawson (07)
Kristin Hohmann (07)
Kathleen Ricketts (07)
Cheryl Trinka (09)
Anne Donovan (09)
First three-year term:
John Deewall (10)
Noel Deewall (10)
Ed Kleinert (10)
Dorothy Kleinert (10)
Nancy Ost (10)
Filling the vacancy in the class of 2011:
Gordon Robbins (10)
Trustees Class of 2012
Second three-year term:
Todd Cook (07)
First three-year term:
John Heilshorn (10)
Art Peponis (10)
Christopher Trinka (10)
Bill Welsh (10)
2010 Congregational Nominating Committee
Audrey Brown
Laura Burg
Meg Connor
Andrew Forbis
Megan Wiltfong
The Committee expresses its gratitude to each of these members for their willingness to serve in these important roles in our congregation’s life.
Responding to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster
“Give. Act. Pray.”
MAPC joins Presbyterian churches and other congregations around the world in responding to the crisis in Haiti. The PC(USA) tells us that money is the #1 need in this situation and we are helping to meet that need. We began receiving a disaster relief assistance offering for the people of Haiti on the Sunday following the earthquake and will continue to receive this offering through next week. We have received $5,327 in offerings so far for this important outreach. This is in addition to our One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, which are being distributed through Church World Service and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) programs. PDA is working in cooperation with our ecumenical partners on the ground to provide emergency food, water, shelter and medical supplies.
Does your company match charitable gifts? If so, please also consider making a gift directly to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The PC(USA) is a federally recognized, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. There is more information available at www.pcusa.org.
Thank you all for continuing to respond faithfully, with compassion and generosity. Please join us in continuing to lift up to God the people of Haiti, the rescue and relief workers, all those who have lost loved ones, and the survivors of the devastation.
Monthly Special Offering for Shelter Dinner
MAPC will receive our monthly food offering this Sunday, February 7, to support MAPC's Shelter Dinner for persons who are homeless or on limited income. Special yellow envelopes marked “MAPC Food Programs” will be included in Sunday’s worship bulletin. The offering supports the rising food costs that MAPC is experiencing. The MAPC Shelter Dinner continues to see increased numbers, and our congregation remains in need of support to offset our budget for food programs. The MAPC Shelter Dinner is an essential program that serves needy guests on Thursday evenings and works in collaboration with other neighborhood congregations that serve meals on the other remaining nights. Please support this critical MAPC Outreach program!
Adult Christian Education
MAPC’s Zimbabwe Partnership: Help Us Take the Next Step
The Zimbabwe Partnership Exploration Committee
February 7, 10 am, Parish Hall
Come and celebrate with members of the MAPC delegation that traveled to Zimbabwe in November, as they share photos, videos and stories of their eventful trip to Harare. The congregation is invited to offer their input in these sessions as we eagerly anticipate a return visit from our Zimbabwean hosts in May, during which we will formalize our partnership with the overall goal of strengthening our respective ministry and discipleship. Please come and let your voice be heard!
HOSEA: God’s Love or Domestic Abuse?
February 21, 28 and March 7
Ms. Starr Tomczak
How do we make sense of the Bible when we come across highly disturbing passages? The book of Hosea is famous for its use of the marriage metaphor to emphasize God’s love for us. However, feminist readings of the book criticize the way God punishes Israel as God’s adulterous wife and even the way God’s seduction of Israel leads to marital bliss. This is a pattern that is disturbingly similar to what has been observed in cases of domestic violence, which is often characterized by periods of bliss followed by periods of abuse. To understand Hosea, we will use rules of biblical interpretation from the Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Future Events and Other Concerns
Families with Young Children, February 6
Because of the Presidents Day weekend, our Families with Young Children gathering in February is one week earlier than usual! Please join us on Saturday morning, February 6, from 10 am to noon in the Parish Hall for play, conversation and a light breakfast. Since Valentine’s Day is the following week, we will have a special Valentine’s Day craft activity. These monthly gatherings are for families with children ages 5 and under (older siblings are welcome, too), and they provide a great opportunity for fellowship with other MAPC families. If you’re able to plan ahead, please let us know you’re coming so we’ll have plenty of bagels–but if you find you can make it at the last minute, don’t let the lack of a response keep you away! RSVP to Soraida Maldonado at 212-288-8920 x271, or via e-mail to sam@mapc.com.
20s/30s Super Bowl Party, February 7
The 20s/30s group will have their annual Super Bowl party on Sunday evening, February 7. Kerry Land will once again host this party. If you did not receive the “e-vite” that has gone out to the 20s/30s e-mail list, please call the church office for more information! Contact Soraida Maldonado at 212-288-8920 x271, or via e-mail to sam@mapc.com.
Seniors Unlimited, February 8, 3 pm in the Parish Hall
A New Decade: An Opportunity to Tell Our Stories in a Fresh Way,
Facilitated by Dr. Joy CarolFor our February gathering we will welcome back Dr. Joy Carol who will help us reflect on the stories that strengthen us as we face challenges and live in difficult times. Joy has been with us on a couple of occasions over the past several years, and those who have participated in her mini-workshops have found them to be very meaningful and enlivening. Joy writes:
These days the world seems filled with negative news about tragedies, unemployment, and financial insecurity. Every day we hear almost more than we can bear about problems and losses that cause us to feel fear and sorrow. We desperately need to “tell” and “hear” stories that aid us in our search for hope and meaning.
Since ancient times, storytelling has been used as a powerful resource in the healing process. Sharing accounts of how people have successfully faced tough challenges and transformed what seemed like difficult situations into positive experiences can be soothing balm for tired souls.
In this participatory workshop, we will have an opportunity to reflect on our stories; identify and appreciate our special gifts and human potential, and learn how to expand our horizons even under difficult situations. In the process we may find peace of mind and a new depth of meaning. This workshop will offer hope, inspiration and courage for everyone.
Joy Carol is an author, national speaker, spiritual director, and workshop & retreat leader. Over the last 30 years, Joy has been an educator (the Outstanding Young Educator of the USA), counselor, women in development specialist, and manager of international development programs. She has lived and worked in the developing world for organizations such as the Ford Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme, Save the Children, and the Christian Children’s Fund. Fifteen years ago Joy had three close encounters with death and has since dedicated her life to spirituality and healing.
Please come and bring a friend to this gathering. A time of fellowship with coffee, tea and cookies will follow Joy’s workshop. RSVP to Arabel Bello at 212-288-8920 x245, or via e-mail to aeb@mapc.com.
Ash Wednesday: February 17
We will observe the beginning of Lent with two Ash Wednesday services, at 12 noon and at 7 pm, in the Sanctuary. The services will include a sermon, the liturgy for penance, imposition of ashes and communion, with music sung by members of our professional octet. Don Wahlig will be the preacher for the day.
Lenten Small Group Meets Six Weeks,
Beginning Sunday Evening, February 21
Would you like to be part of a small group as part of your observance of Lent this year? There are openings for a few more people in a group that will be meeting for the six Sunday evenings in Lent, at 5:30 pm, in a church member’s home. The group will be using the book Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest, by Don Postema. Individuals will read and reflect on a chapter in the book during the week and come together on Sunday evenings for a time of devotions and to share their reflections on the reading for the week. If you would like to participate in this opportunity to deepen your spiritual life during Lent, please contact Beverly Bartlett at 212-288-8920 x247, or via e-mail to bab@mapc.com.
Wills Emphasis Sunday Brunch, February 21
What does your will say about you? We used to call them “Last Will and Testaments,” and did so because one’s will was a witness to what was important in one’s life. Did you know that our Second Helvetic Confession of Faith, one of three Reformation-Era Confessions in our Book of Confessions, began as a Last Will and Testament, written by Heinrich Bullinger, Pastor of the Reformed Church in Zurich? It was intended as his last word to the beloved congregation he served in that great center of the Reformation. When the German Lutherans accused Fredrick the Elector, governor of the palatinate, of heresy because of his role and support of the Heidelberg Catechism (it was too reformed!), he turned to Bullinger, who offered his “testament” to the governor as a basis for his defense. Not only was Fredrick exonerated, but the confession came to find wide acceptance in Reformed Europe and beyond.
Once each year we take time to reflect on the importance of having a will and what doing so means about us. On Sunday, February 21, at the brunch following the 11:15 am service, the Stewardship and Development Committee will offer a presentation on the importance of having a will and the ramifications of dying without one. Please plan to be with us for this informative event.
20s/30s Lunch, February 21, Room 509
The 20s/30s will gather for lunch on Sunday, February 21 at 1 pm on the 5th Floor. The group will meet-up at coffee hour in the Church House Lobby, go downstairs to get food and then go to the 5th Floor to have lunch together.
Celebration for MAPC Shelter, Monday,
February 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Come celebrate MAPC’s homeless shelter ministry along with our friends and partners from St. James’ Episcopal Church! Whether you are a current host in our homeless shelter, or you’re simply interested in finding out more about homelessness and the homeless ministries that go on here at MAPC, please join us for an informal gathering over dinner and drinks on Monday evening, February 22, in the Parish Hall. Our program will help us understand the scriptural and theological underpinnings of this special ministry, as well as the practical issues of homelessness in NYC and the logistical workings of our shelter. Testimonials will also be offered about the impact our shelter ministry has made in the lives of our members and friends who graciously volunteer their time to be hosts. All are welcome! RSVP to Arabel Bello at aeb@mapc.com.
Inquirers’ Class, Saturday, February 27,
9 am-3 pm in the Phillips Lounge
There will be a one-day Inquirers’ class offered on Saturday, February 27. The class will be held in the Phillips Lounge (behind the Sanctuary), beginning at 9 am and ending by 3 pm. Have you been thinking about membership at MAPC, or wondering what kind of commitments that might involve? Then join Dr. Anderson and Don Wahlig for this Inquirers’ class. A light breakfast and lunch will be served and dress is casual.
What will we cover? The class begins with some brief introductions and then moves to explore the meaning of the confession: “Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.” From there, we move on to a brief history of the development of the church from Pentecost to the Reformation, and then specifically to Presbyterianism as it emerged from Geneva to Scotland to the United States. We will talk about MAPC and our rich history, how we are organized and governed, and the many ministries that emerge as we try to make Jesus Christ Lord in our lives. At the end of the class, for those who are ready to do so, an invitation will be offered to unite with the congregation, as well as instructions leading to doing so and being welcomed in thereafter. If you have questions, please contact Don Wahlig, Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism, at dbw@mapc.com or 212-288-8920 x242.
Save the Date – Sunday, February 28 – Lenten Film Series Begins
Our Lenten Film Series begins again this year on Sunday, February 28 after the 11:15 am worship service. A simple brunch will be available for $5, and the film and discussion should be done by 3 pm.
The Overnight Shelter Needs Volunteer Hosts for February!
Our homeless guests tell us time and again how deeply they appreciate the hospitality we provide through our shelter ministry. This has never been more true than right now, in the teeth of winter. In order to keep our shelter open during this time of great need for our homeless guests, please consider being a volunteer host in February! Contact Terry Grace at terrygrace@juno.com to schedule a shift, either in the early evening (6-8 pm) or overnight (8 pm-7 am). Thank you for your faithfulness in enabling us to continue this critical and life-transforming ministry.
LEAP – Such an Opportunity!
“What a great way to spend a Saturday morning!” one of the LEAP volunteers exclaimed this past Saturday, as we volunteers were heading home after a morning at LEAP–MAPC’s Learning Enrichment Activities Program. Twelve children ages 5 to 12 had been deeply engaged with the adult volunteers in reading, singing and printmaking, along with lots of laughs and conversation. LEAP, which takes place on Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon, is located in a brand new building at 101st Street near First Avenue that houses the Church of the Resurrection and the Booker T. Washington Learning Center. Now that we are settled into these new quarters, the number of children in the program has doubled and we would love to invite additional volunteers to be part of this program. All you need is to enjoy working with children and to be able to join us on two Saturdays a month during the school year.
Our children are very special–many are recent immigrants from Mexico, and several are of Chinese and Puerto Rican heritage. They are full of curiosity and are thoughtful and kind to each other. Most of them start coming to LEAP when they are 5 or 6 years old and stay until they turn 12, so we get to know them over multiple years. We aim to provide one-to-one reading opportunities (reading books kids love!), but sometimes we pair up similar readers and they take turns reading with an adult. Every week we do wonderful art projects that develop children’s creativity–and singing and story-telling are also part of the mix.
If you think that this sounds like a great way to spend some Saturday mornings, please contact Ruth Schroeder at ruth874@verizon.net.
Mothers of Young Children Group,
Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 am
The weekly fellowship and prayer group for Mothers of Young Children meets on Thursday mornings in the Phillips Lounge (1st Floor, behind the Sanctuary). All mothers with young children are invited to attend. If you cannot be there every week, please come when you can. Coffee and tea will be available in the Phillips Lounge beginning at 9 am, and the group will officially begin at 9:30. If you have questions about the group, please contact Beverly Bartlett at 212-288-8920 or bab@mapc.com.
Thank You for Filling the Yorkville Common Pantry Grocery Carts...and Let’s Keep the Food Flowing!
The Yorkville Common Pantry thanks all who offered assistance during the holiday season. This month YCP is asking for: Winter foods, such as canned stew, canned soups (especially low-sodium) and canned vegetables. 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). Volunteering: YCP can always use assistance to help pack food for distribution on Saturday mornings and at certain other times each week. For details, please call YCP at 917-720-9710 and speak with Gladys at x110. Thank you for taking literally and seriously Christ’s command to “feed my sheep!”
Homeless Clothing Donations Needed
Since our Neighborhood Center for Homeless People was closed last summer, the Homeless Outreach Program at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church has seen a dramatic increase of homeless persons seeking assistance. Casual men’s clothing and new men’s undergarments are the most urgent needs. If you have clothing items in appropriate condition, we encourage you to take them to the Jan Hus Clothes Pantry at 74th Street and 1st Avenue, or leave them in the MAPC coatroom off of the Church House Lobby. (Please inform the receptionist that you have left a clothing donation.) Please note that this is NOT an opportunity to simply “clean closets” of unwanted rummage, but appropriate clothing donations are quite welcomed.
Program Calendar for Next Week
Monday, February 8 – Psalm 5; John 7:37-52
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Seniors Unlimited, 3 pm, Parish Hall
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
MAPC Women’s Bible Study, 6 pm, Phillips Lounge
Evangelism Committee, 7 pm, 5th Floor (Rm 503)Tuesday, February 9 – Psalm 42; John 7:53-8:11
Buildings & Grounds Committee, 8:30 am, Library
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Day School Committee, 6:15 pm, 8th Floor
MAPC Knitters, 6:30 pm, Library
Christian Education Committee, 7 pm, 5th Floor (Rm 503)Wednesday, February 10 – Psalm 1; John 8:12-20
Parents Prayer Group, 8 am, Phillips Lounge
Bible Study Fellowship, 9:30 am, Sanctuary, Dana Chapel, Parish Hall, 5th Floor
Daily Prayer, 12 pm, Dana Chapel
Kids’ Club, 3:45 pm, Parish Hall, Gym, 5th Floor, Roof Garden, Youth Lounge
Children’s Choirs, 4 pm, Choir Room
Overnight Shelter, 6 pm, Shelter Space
Cocaine Anonymous, 6 pm, 5th Floor
Day School Capital Campaign Committee, 6:15 pm, 8th Floor
Outreach Ministries Committee, 7 pm, LibraryThursday, February 11 – Psalm 97; John 8:21-32
Day School Bake Sale, 8:30 am, Church House Lobby
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, Library
Saint Andrew Chorale Rehearsal, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Church Choir Rehearsal, 8:30 pm, Choir Room
See You in Church!
The Pastoral Staff
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
921 Madison Avenue (at East 73rd Street)
New York, NY 10021
212-288-8920
www.mapc.com
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