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MAPC UPDATE

Vol. XXIX, No. 1

January 5, 2003

How to Respond to a Homeless Person in a Way That Helps

At a recent gathering of Upper East Side ministers, rabbis, priests and social workers the conversation turned to the increase of homeless people appearing on our streets asking for handouts and what we could do that would be helpful. We thought you would like to see the guidelines which were distributed, as they may be a help to you when someone approaches you for a handout.

• Give the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS) resource list instead of money. The money will almost always go for alcohol or drugs rather than food, shelter, or clothing. The resource list includes places where free meals are available daily, including the times and locations. It also includes a list of other resources available. These resource lists are available for you at the receptionist desk in the Church House (they fold up conveniently for carrying in purse or briefcase, and you can easily have one or two on hand to give away).
• Call 911 if a person is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency (a psychiatric emergency is defined as when a person is an immediate physical danger to self or others). Do not try to intervene.
• Call Project Help (238-7777) if a mentally ill person is getting worse.
• To refer someone to the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Homeless Outreach Project call (744-5022, ext 1221.)
• Homeless Outreach workers are also available at Yorkville Common Pantry on East 109th Street (call 410-2264) and at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church on 74th Street (call 288-6743).
• If the person is housed, but in need of food, refer them to the meal programs listed in the NCS resource list or to the Yorkville Common Pantry (410-2264) — soon to be open 24 hours a day.
• If you become aware of an elderly person who is precariously housed, call Anne Rose or Jennifer Jones of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Outreach for Older Adults (744-5022)

These community organizations are partners with MAPC, other churches and synagogues on the Upper East Side to minister to those who are homeless and in need. Taking the time to make the referral, to hand them the resource list, or to make a phone call, is truly caring. Dropping change or a dollar in their paper cup is simply assuring that they will continue to try to live on the street.

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Fellowship Dinner

January 17 at 6:30 pm

Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, food, and fabulous entertainment! The Congregational Nurture Committee is hosting “Stars in My Eyes,” a fellowship event designed to conquer the winter blues. Questa Anderson, accompanied by pianist David Carleton, will entertain us with her favorite Broadway songs. Cocktails will begin at 6:30 pm followed by dinner, dessert, and Questa’s cabaret. The cost is $20.00 per person (children free). You can make reservations at the table in the church lobby during coffee hour on January 5 and 12, or by calling Margaret Williamson at (212) 288-8920, ext. 271.

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Saint Andrew Music Society 2003
31st Annual Chamber Music Series

Sundays at 4 pm

• January 5: Peggy Pruett, Soprano with Kenneth Merrill, piano. Songs and arias by Handel, Debussy, Mompou, Granados, Mozart, Schubert, Wolf, Strauss and Lehár
• January 12: The Herrick Trio: Marilyn Gibson, violin; Daryl Goldberg, cello; Joan Stein, piano. Arthur Foote: Trio No. 2; Helmuth Dusedau: Elegy from Suite for Piano, Violin and Cello; Paine: Trio, Op. 37; Mendelssohn: Trio in D Minor

The Series continues through April 6. View the entire series.

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One-Day Inquirers Seminar

Saturday, January 11

Are you interested in exploring the basics of the Christian faith? How about learning more about the character of the Presbyterian Church or the opportunities for fellowship, service, and spiritual growth at MAPC? Have you been thinking about making MAPC your church home?

These are all good reasons for attending our next Inquirers Seminar, Saturday, January 11, where we will address all those questions and more. We will begin gathering at 8:30 am for coffee and breakfast in the Phillips Lounge next to Dana Chapel in the Church House. The seminar itself begins promptly at 9 am and concludes around 4 pm. Dress is casual, and lunch will be provided. Professional child care is available but needs to be arranged in advance by calling Mary Walling at the church office (288-8920, x241). If you have questions or concerns in general, please call the Rev. J.C. Austin at the church office (288-8920, x242). He will be pleased to speak with you about the seminars or other questions you might have about membership or the church. E-mail: jca@mapc.com

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Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, February 2, 2003

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2003 at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers (the Congregational Nominating Committe’'s slate of nominees will appear in a future UPDATE as it is available), receive the Session’s reports on 2002 and the operating budget for 2003, and vote on recommended changes in the terms of call for the Pastors. The Building Campaign Committee will also make a report.

The meeting will be convened immediately following the Benediction at the 11:15 am service. There will be no coffee hour that day. Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting, though only Active Members are eligible to vote. The meeting, which is docketed to last 45 minutes, will be followed by refreshments in the Church House Lobby.

Please mark your calendars now for this important meeting.

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Shelter Dinner Volunteers Needed

Table-setting, salad-tossing and pie-plating help is needed for the Thursday evening Shelter Dinner program in the Parish Hall. Four teams serve one Thursday each month for two to three hours. The 20/30’s group serves whenever there is a fifth Thursday in a month. Call Dawn Ravella, Director of Outreach Ministries for more information on how you can help (288-8920, x240).

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Families with Young Children

January 11, 2003; 10 - 12 noon

Please join us for our next Families with Young Children (ages 5 and under) gathering on Saturday, January 11 from 10 am to noon. During these winter months we are meeting on the 5th floor. Come play with the new toys! These gatherings provide parents and young children who are part of the MAPC family a chance to talk, play, and get to know one another. Please let Margaret Williamson know if you will be joining us. You can reach Margaret at (212) 288-8920, ext. 271 or mew@mapc.com.

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Seniors’ Ministries
In the Bleak Midwinter

Healing Stories with Joy Carol
January 13, 2003; 3 - 4:30pm

“In the Bleak Midwinter,” come hear and share stories of healing. Joy Carol is an author, spiritual director, speaker, and leader of workshops and retreats. For our January gathering, Joy will lead us in sharing the fun, joy, and hope of healing stories. Joy is the author of Finding Courage and Towers of Hope: Stories to Help Us Heal. She will bring stories of healing to share with us, and lead us in a participatory process of sharing our own stories. Please come with a healing story in mind–whether from a time of grief, confusion, or a difficult transition in life, or a physical condition. Sharing our stories of healing can brighten the darkness and warm the chill of January–whether you tell your own story or simply listen to others. We will close with a time of refreshments and conversation. Please call Margaret Williamson at (212) 288-8920, ext. 271, to let us know if you and a guest will be coming.

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Additional Information

Also, see:

• MAPC Home Page
• Worship Services
• Christian Education Programs
• MAPC Calendar
• St. Andrew Music Society Concerts

 

 

 

 

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