MADISON AVENUE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
921 Madison Avenue
(at East 73rd Street)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212- 288-8920
Fax: 212-249-1466
(at East 73rd Street)
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212- 288-8920
Fax: 212-249-1466
Arthur Honegger (1892-1955) was born at Le Havre, France, of Swiss parents.
He began composing in 1910 and in 1918 became associated with a group of
musical “rebels” in Paris who were looking for a way to break
free of the influence of Wagner’s romanticism and Debussy’s
impressionism. By 1920 this group, which included Francis Poulenc and Darius
Milhaud, had become famous as “The Six.” Under the influence
of Erik Satie, they composed music of lightweight simplicity and witty satire.
Honegger seems to have broken ranks with the group by writing in 1921 this
profound and powerful oratorio, a masterpiece which has become one of the
most popular such works of the 20th century.
In the Swiss village of Mézières, the poet, René Morax,
had written a biblical drama on the life of King David for the reopening,
following the war, of the local concert theater. He invited Honegger to
compose music for it, working closely with the composer from February 25,
1921 until April 28, when it was completed. The original scoring, which
will be used in this performance, is for wind and percussion instruments
only, the only exceptions being the string bass and piano, yielding an Old
Testament/Middle Eastern sound reminiscent of Stravinsky. It is this work
which brought international fame and respect to the young composer.
Honegger calls King David a “Symphonic Poem in Three Parts.”
The first part presents the young David as the shepherd boy designated by
God through the prophet Samuel to succeed the tragic figure of Israel’s
first king, Saul. It takes us through the biblical story to the death of
Saul and his son, Jonathan. Part Two begins with the crowning of David and
the festive “Dance before the Ark,” the longest single movement
of the whole piece. Part Three tells of David’s reign, his sinful
taking of Bathsheba as his queen, his repentance, the rebellion of his son,
Absalom, David’s pride, God’s wrath, the crowning of Solomon
as his successor, and finally David’s last words and peaceful death.
Along with the majestic “Alleluias” of the last movement we
hear first the angel and then the men of the chorus announcing that from
his seed shall come the Messiah.
We are delighted and grateful that Skitch Henderson will be our narrator
for this performance. John Weaver will be the conductor and the soloists
will be Lori Engle, soprano; Desirée Baxter, alto; and Forbes Woods
and Sorab Wadia, tenors.
The suggested donation is $15 ($10 for students and seniors). The doors
will open at 3:30 pm; the concert will begin at 4 pm.
Thanksgiving Day Service
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During Advent, the pastoral staff will lead a three-part Bible study on
the annunciation and miraculous birth stories of the Old and New Testaments.
When angels appear in scripture, it is often with the words, “Do Not
Be Afraid,” which is a pretty good indication that something fearsome,
or at least awesome, is going to transpire! When Sarah laughs at the idea
of bearing a child at her age, the Lord replies, “Is anything too
wonderful for the Lord?” (Gen. 18:14)
Come and explore these stories that teach us that, indeed, there is nothing
“too wonderful for the Lord.” On December 3, J.C. Austin will
lead a study on the Old Testament stories: the annunciations to Abraham,
Sarah, and the parents of Samson, and the gift of a son to Hannah. On December
10, Beverly Bartlett will focus on the annunciation to Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Fred Anderson will conclude the series on December 17 with a study of the
annunciations to Mary and Joseph.
The Advent studies will begin at 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall. On December
3, there will be a Healing and Wholeness Service at 6 pm. On December 10
and 17, a Taizé service at 7 pm will precede the Bible study. Coffee,
tea, and cookies will be available.
The following word in action was given in MAPC Worship Services on Sunday,
November 2, 2003 by Joyce Kadzakumanja.
“I am glad to stand here this morning and share with you how blessed
I feel to be a member of this church. MAPC has been there for me and my
family in times of great need, and I greatly appreciate this.
I joined Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in October 1999. I decided to
make MAPC my home church the first Sunday I attended service here. The greeting
and warm welcome from the smiling ushers touched me, especially after an
unsubstantiated racial remark by a friend who said to me, “The church
you’re going to is in a white neighborhood and you’ll not be
welcome.” I still decided to come and I am glad I did, because not
long after, it became my family. I also knew that MAPC’s various ministries
would give me an opportunity to enrich my spiritual life by serving God
in a special way and to thank Him for all His blessings.
Two years ago I started teaching children’s Sunday school, and I enjoy
doing this. The environment is friendly, and we have a lot of pastoral support
and cooperation of colleagues and parents that makes this ministry easy
and more fulfilling.
Another ministry I am involved in is the Overnight Shelter, where I volunteer
two hours some Monday evenings to prepare snacks for 12 men who will spend
a night in the Parish Hall. After a long day at work I still find the energy
to come and volunteer for this noble cause. I leave the place more energized
and satisfied that I have contributed to providing a much needed service.
Our guests appreciate the church’s hospitality and they say so. Before
MAPC started this ministry, I never appreciated the challenges of homelessness.
I am grateful for how these experiences have deepened my faith in God, and
that is why I am pleased to be supporting this church’s mission with
my stewardship pledge. I urge you to do the same. Thank you.”
Christmas
LuncheonThe annual Seniors’ Ministries Christmas Luncheon will be held on December 8 in the Parish Hall beginning at 1 pm. Come enjoy some yuletide cheer—good food, fellowship, a Christmas story, and carol singing, with Dr. John Weaver at the piano. The cost of the luncheon is $5. RSVP by December 3 to Margaret Williamson at 212/288-8920 x271, or e-mail her at mew@mapc.com.
Our popular Tai Chi class will continue in January, and
we will be offering an additional class for those who are new to Tai Chi.
Since Tai Chi is a progressive practice, where each class builds on the
previous classes, you must have attended the fall classes to attend the
ongoing Wednesday class. The first Wednesday class after the holidays will
be held on January 7, 2004 from 11 am till 12:15 pm.
The participants in the fall Tai Chi class have found it so valuable, that
we are offering a second class for those who were not able to join the fall
class and would like to begin learning Tai Chi. This second class will be
held on Tuesday mornings from 10 till 11:15 am in the Parish Hall, beginning
January 6, 2004. The minimum donation for each class is $5 for seniors and
those on limited or fixed incomes. Non-seniors are welcome to join this
new class as well, but since this is a subsidized class, we ask non-seniors
to contribute the full cost of $15 per class.
Sharon Smith, who has been teaching the fall class, will teach both classes
in the spring. Sharon has been practicing Qigong, Tai Chi, and other Taoist
arts for 24 years and teaching them for 19. Sharon is the recipient of a
Balm Foundation grant for her work with senior citizens.
Tai Chi is both a physical and mental practice, exercising not only our
bodies, but our ability to concentrate and focus. Tai Chi is especially
valuable for seniors because it strengthens the legs, improves balance and
can help prevent falls.
Please call Margaret Williamson at the church office at 212/288-8920 x271
if you would like to join the new Tuesday class.
Families with Young Children will meet on December 13, from 10 am till noon on the 5th floor. If it is warm enough, we will have some play-time on the Roof Garden as well. Families with children ages 5 and under are encouraged to attend. Please join us for a light breakfast, play, and fellowship. RSVP to Margaret Williamson, 212/288-8920 x271, or e-mail her at mew@mapc.com.
Within the membership of MAPC there are numerous musicians, both professional and amateur, adults and children. I am making a survey of this talent with the idea that we may be able to create an ensemble from the congregation that could play on certain occasions. I do not envision this as a group that would meet on a regular basis, but one that could come together from time to time. I have contacted a number of players, but I certainly don’t know all of the musicians who might be interested in being a part of this project. I invite any of those whom I have not contacted to call me at the church, 212/288-8920 x267, or e-mail jbw@mapc.com.
John Weaver
Mark your calendars now for our annual January fellowship event sponsored by the Congregational Nurture Committee. We are looking forward to an evening of good food, fellowship, and laughter. Attorney, Pastor, and Stand-up Comedian Susan Sparks will enlighten, engage, and entertain us with “Humor and the Sacred.” Watch for reservation information in UPDATE.
Because of our recent relocation within the Church House, and the necessary reorganization of the new space, the thrift shop will not reopen until 2004. Please watch UPDATE for particulars.
Come once and give it a try. If you like it, you can commit to every other Saturday or every third Saturday from 10 am to noon. Please call Dawn Ravella if you are interested (212) 288-8920 or e-mail dmr@mapc.com.
WORSHIP SERVICES |
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