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
This text is from a Word in Action delivered by John Copeland
during worship services on Sunday, November 9, 2003.
“When I first received a phone call several months ago from Julian
Schroeder asking me to give the Word in Action at this morning’s service,
two thoughts ran through my mind:
First, I wondered, will J.C. edit my remarks, or am I free to talk at length
about wanting a shorter service, more carols at Christmas time, and other
things of ecclesiastical import? (Note to all future Word in Action speakers:
you DO submit your text ahead of time.)
Second, I realized the call came due to our family’s involvement in
the Day School, my recent committee work and most especially my involvement
in the MAPC homeless shelter. Julian and I share a bond having served together
in the shelter–you don’t really know someone until you see them
at 6 am after having spent the night in the Parish Hall.
My involvement in the Shelter Program specifically has been wonderfully
rewarding. And it is a reminder of what active Christianity is all about.
It’s not necessarily enjoyable, but it is rewarding–and that
is what I had wanted.
We all have, at some point in our lives, a revelation of just how fortunate
we are to live in this city, at this time, and have families, and homes,
and a church to support and sustain us. Several years ago, I had my revelation–and
if in some small way I can help another recover that sense of well-being,
then we are both the better for it.
The shelter is not great fun. No one wants to leave their home and children
and evening routine to sleep on a plastic coated mattress downstairs. And
that’s okay, I expected that; otherwise such contributions would be
known as “good play” instead of “good works.” And,
I must admit, most of the late night shelter responsibility involves sleeping–on
most nights, at least, I do that anyway. So there is a “double duty”
quality to simultaneously sleeping and contributing that appeals to that
time management ghost which haunts me constantly.
But it is rewarding, and I have learned a few things:
For me, the shelter program helps me appreciate all the
more the ability to have a family and a church that I can call my own, and
a real home that I return to every night.
I encourage you to find something within MAPC that has personal meaning,
works within your schedule and allows you to express your good thoughts
in good actions. We welcome you at the shelter–and bring your ear
plugs!
I also encourage you to support the church with your pledge over the coming
weeks. There are many ways to contribute, and your financial commitment
is one of the most critical. Sitting in church is important, but Christianity
is not a spectator sport.”
Have you been thinking about making MAPC your church home? Interested in
learning more about the Christian faith in general, the Presbyterian Church,
or MAPC in particular?
These are all good reasons for attending our next Inquirers’ Seminar
on Saturday, January 10, when we will address all those questions and more.
We will begin gathering at 8:30 am for coffee and continental 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 212-288-8920
x241. If you have questions or concerns in general, please call the Rev.
J.C. Austin at the church office 212-288-8920 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.
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.
Understanding the Atonement: What Did Jesus Do?
January 4, 11, and 25 - taught by J.C. Austin
Lectionary Bible Study
January 18 - led by Beverly Bartlett
Raising Children in the Faith
January 25 - led by Laurie Boone Hogen, Head of the Resurrection Episcopal
Day School
There is still room in the new Tai Chi class, beginning
January 6, 2004. This class will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10 to
11:15 am. Because Tai Chi is a progressive practice, with each session building
on what was learned in the previous class, participants need to commit to
being at classes on a regular basis.
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.
The instructor, Sharon Smith, 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.
A reminder to those in the ongoing Wednesday class, that our first class
of the new year will be held on January 7, from 11 am to12:15 pm.
Please call Margaret Williamson at the church office if you would like to
join the new Tuesday class. You can reach her at 212-288-8920, x271.
Traveling in the land of ancient Greece, the early church, the Ottoman Empire, and modern Turkey
J.C. Austin, Associate Pastor, spent a month traveling independently through
Turkey in the summer of 2003. His trip began with several days in Istanbul,
then wandered through the western half of the country with stops at the
ancient ruins of Troy, Pergamum, and Ephesus; a detour to the Greek island
of Patmos to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse where John wrote the book
of Revelation; the underground cities of Cappadocia where Christians hid
from persecutors and invaders, and more. Come hear these engaging stories
and see some photographs from this beautiful land of friendly people and
an intriguing history and present-day life!
Following the presentation there will be time for fellowship and refreshments.
RSVP to Margaret Williamson at 212-288-8920 x271 or e-mail mew@mapc.com.
Beginning in January 2004, UPDATE will be published monthly
on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Deadline for the January 18 Issue is Wednesday, January 7, 2004.
Also, see: