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
As we all know, many nations of South Asia were devastated by massive tsunamis on the day after Christmas, particularly Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With the death toll continuing to rise beyond 140,000 at this point, the loss of life is on an almost unimaginable scale. Millions more have lost their homes and their access to food, clean water and medical care, and must fight against malnutrition, disease and despair.
Clearly,
this is an event that demands a strong witness of Christian care and compassion
for the pain of a literally broken world. MAPC, of course, has a history
of responding to disasters in the world, and on December 27 we were already
preparing for our response. Fortunately, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has
a very strong and efficient disaster response program: Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance (PDA), which works in conjunction with Church World Service,
a large and highly respected ecumenical disaster relief agency.
What this disaster requires will test the limits of the world’s humanitarian
response and call upon the finest expression of our Christian faith. Here,
in this crisis of “biblical proportion,” is a true opportunity
to put on the robe of Christ and walk in his steps. Here is an opportunity
to help those in need regardless of their religion, while manifesting the
core of our own faith, as we answer Christ’s call to reach out to
“the least of these.” Time is critical. If you have not yet
given, you may send in your gifts to the MAPC Business Office; simply make
your checks out to “Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church” and
indicate “tidal wave” in the memo line of the check. Remember
that 100% of your gift will go directly to those in need; no administrative
costs will be applied to these funds.
As of this writing, PDA has already dispersed $300,000 and hopes to raise
$2.5 million in a special tsunami disaster relief fund. MAPC has begun a
special collection for that fund and will continue that collection through
the month of January. You will hear more about the progress of that effort
from us as it proceeds; you may also read special reports online at www.pcusa.org/pda/response/asia/asia-earthquake1204.htm.
Please give as generously as you are able, and please keep the people of
South Asia and the relief workers in your prayers.
The Congregational Nominating Committee has been at work developing a slate
of nominees for the offices of Elder, Trustee and Deacon, for presentation
to the congregation for election at its annual meeting, Sunday,
January 30, 2005, in the sanctuary, immediately following
the 11:15 am service of worship.
The following are the names of those who have agreed to allow their names
to be placed in nomination:
Elder, Class of 2008, for a second three-year term: Keith
Yagnik, Margaret Mills, and Ronald Fields. For a first three-year term:
Jack Hobson, Elaine Cook and Nickie Christin.
Elder, Class of 2006, to fill a two-year vacancy in the
class of 2006: Katherine Gebhardt
Trustees - Class of 2007, for a second three-year term:
David Johnson, Lauren Logan and Mary Anne Schwalbe. For a first three-year
term: Robert Case and Tana Dye.
Class of 2006 Trustee to fill two-year vacancies in the
class of 2006: Bill Patterson and Yolanda Turocy
Deacons - Class of 2008, for a second three-year term:
James Csonka, Alexander “Sandy” McLanahan, Barbara McLanahan,
Dianne Robbins. For a first three-year term: Questa Anderson, Isobel Case,
Nancy Hauber, Judy Shedden.
Class of 2007, to fulfill a two-year vacancy: Jessica Iwamoto,
Sueyoshi Iwamoto.
Class of 2006, to fulfill a one-year vacancy: Susie Case.
For Adults - Sundays at 10 am
Discovering the Judaism in the Gospels
January 23 & 30
Rabbi Gary M. Bretton-Granatoor, Director, Interfaith Affairs, Anti-Defamation
League
Jesus was very much a part of the Jewish community in which he lived. The
Gospel writers preserve many elements of this rich and diverse community
as they tell the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry. We will examine
several episodes in the Synoptic Gospels and John to understand Jesus’
relationship with his community and those of the gospel writers as well.
Foundations for Understanding Faith
Pastoral Staff
Our study of the biblical foundations of Christian faith focuses on the
New Testament this term. Classes begin with an Introduction to the New Testament
and conclude with the writings of John.
January 9 - Introduction to the New Testament
The Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, Pastor
January 16 - Lectionary Bible Study
The Rev. J.C. Austin, Associate Pastor
January 23 - Introduction to the Gospels - Mr. Austin
January 30 - The Gospel of Mark - Mr. Austin
February 6 - The Gospel of Matthew - Dr. Anderson
February 13 - The Gospel of Luke - Dr. Anderson
Coming Soon...
Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?
J. C. Austin and John Weaver
J.C. Austin and John Weaver will examine the centuries-old tension that
has existed between sacred and secular music, the appropriateness of the
use of secular music in public worship, and the implications for the present
and future.
February 6, 13 & 27
Wednesday Evening Lenten
Series - 7:30 pm
Exploring the Book of Revelation
The Rev. Fred R. Anderson
Few books of the Bible are more fascinating yet misunderstood, and none
is more controversial. Martin Luther, who loved scripture, held the book
in very low esteem. John Calvin, who wrote commentaries on almost every
book of the Bible, did not write on Revelation, confessing that he did not
understand it. Others have found in it the source material to predict events
in their own times, showing that the end of the world is at hand. During
these weeks of Lent, we will read the text together and explore the many
ways it has been interpreted, always asking: “What is the Spirit saying
to us through these texts today?”
Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm
February 16 & 23, March 2, 9 & 16
For Children
Children’s Worship for 2-4
Year Olds: Our new Children’s Worship program for children
ages 2 to 4 in the Youth Library is going strong! Children begin in worship
with their parents in the Sanctuary. Following the children’s lesson,
the leaders take these youngest children to the Youth Library adjacent to
the Church House Lobby. Parents then pick up their children at the Youth
Library following the worship service. This new program is available during
both the 9 and 11:15 am services. If you have questions, please contact
Sarah Lien Finnerty at 212-288-9020 x235. We need you to volunteer to help!
We need one adult per service to assist with this program. Please contact
Elaine Cook or Carolyn Hoogkamp to schedule a time for you to volunteer.
Don’t Forget - Kids’ Club for Young Children: Our new Kids’
Club program for younger children in preschool, age 3-5, will include singing,
Bible stories and playtime from 4 to 6 pm on Wednesdays. The younger children
will then join the older children for dinner from 6 to 6:30. Each family
should send a parent or care giver with the child, as this will be a playgroup
format. Families are encouraged to join us for dinner at 6 pm. If you would
like to help make this program a success, please contact Kimberly Thurston
and we’ll find a job for you!
This seminar is designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about membership at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, the nature of the Presbyterian Church, or the basics of the Christian faith. A continental breakfast is available 8:30-9 am; the seminar begins promptly at 9 am and ends by 4 pm. Dress is casual, and lunch will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please contact Bill Philip at 212-288-8920 x241, or e-mail him at wbp@mapc.com. Professional childcare is available but needs to be arranged in advance.
All-Church
Dinner and Cabaret
Friday, January 28, 2005, 6:30 pm
Make
your reservations now for the annual all-church cabaret sponsored by the
Congregational Nurture Committee. This year the committee presents “Café
des Presbytériens,” an evening of dining
and entertainment at a French bistro (otherwise known as the Parish Hall).
Entertainment will be provided by Joe Kerr and Midge
Woolsey.
 |
 |
| Midge Woolsey is a singer and host on both 96.3 FM WQXR and Channel 13/WNET. |
Joe Kerr is a pianist
and songwriter who has written songs for BBC radio, National Lampoon
and Sesame Street. |
The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with appetizers in the Church House Lobby,
then we will move downstairs for dinner and the evening’s entertainment.
The cost for the evening is a mere $25. Reservations can be made through
Margaret Williamson at 212-288-8920, x271 or mew@mapc.com,
or watch for reservation tables at coffee hour in the Church House Lobby
in January. The deadline for reservations is Monday, January 24.
Please indicate when making reservations if you need child care for the
evening.
The 20s/30s group will be going to the Museum of Modern Art and then to dinner on Friday, January 21. We will meet at 6 pm inside the front entrance of the museum. At 8 pm we will head to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Please contact Camille Cook with questions and to indicate whether you will be able to attend at camille.cook@ptsem.edu.
Come join us for a Valentine’s Day party on Saturday, February 12 from 10 till noon in the Parish Hall. We’ll have special treats and activities in addition to our standard light breakfast, conversation and play. All Families with children ages 5 and under are invited to join in this time of fellowship. Please call or email Margaret Williamson at the church office to let us know if you are coming, 212-288-8920, x271 or mew@mapc.com.
On Valentines Day the Seniors Unlimited will have a social gathering with refreshments and various card and board games to engage in. Come enjoy a game of Scrabble or work on a crossword or jigsaw puzzle together, and enjoy some special refreshments and fellowship. If you have a favorite game, please feel free to bring it with you! RSVP to Margaret Williamson at 212-288-8920, x271 or e-mail her at mew@mapc.com.
The inaugural meeting of the MAPC Knitters will take place on Tuesday, February 15 from 10:30 to noon in the Hood Library. Anyone interested in knitting and/or crocheting is welcome to attend. Come learn to knit or crochet, brush up on your skills, or simply enjoy the fellowship of other knitters! The group will work on personal projects as well as scarves and hats for adults served by the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, or baby items for residents of Inwood House. Please bring your own needles/hooks and yarn, or contact Vera Gordon if you need assistance with these items. This group will continue to meet on the third Tuesday of the month, and you are welcome to attend as you are able. For those who would like to participate, but are not available during the weekdays, a second group will be forming soon to meet in the evening or on the weekend. For more information, please call Margaret Williamson at the church office, 212-288-8920, x271 and she will put you in touch with Vera Gordon or Nancy Hobson.
The National Council on the Aging has set up a first of
its kind web-based service designed to help older Americans and their families,
caregivers and community organizations to determine quickly and easily what
benefits, public or private, they may qualify for and how to claim them.
These programs can give some relief in areas such as health care, drugs,
utilities, food and property taxes. The website is simply www.benefitscheckup.org.
There is no charge for this service. You need to provide some facts about
yourself or the person for whom you are checking, and fill out a simple,
fast and confidential questionnaire. BenefitsCheckUp will then print out
a report listing programs for which that person may be eligible.
If you are 55 or older, this may be helpful for you, a friend or a relative.
However, if you do not have a computer or access to one, Debbie Wong at
the Burden Center for the Aging, 1484 First Avenue (77th St.) will be happy
to assist you (212-879-7400). Or, for more information, please contact Nancy
Ost.
The first of our Sunday evening services of worship was held January 2 at
7:30 pm in the sanctuary. Some twenty people were present, eighteen of them
members of MAPC who otherwise could not have been in worship on that day.
The two visitors were people who had missed us on the radio that morning
and decided to join us for worship.
The service follows the pattern of 9 and 11:15 except that there is no choir
or children’s lesson, and only the pastor who is preacher for the
day is present. The other portions of worship leadership are taken by members
of the congregation. At this first service, Lauren Logan served as lector
and assisted with serving communion.
All agreed that there is a certain beauty and tranquility to the evening
worship service that helps draw the weekend to a suitable close and prepares
people for the coming week. Everyone present announced that it was a success
and that they would be back on those Sundays when they cannot be present
at 9 or 11:15 am.
If you are out of town for the weekend and returning Sunday afternoon, or
find that other responsibilities keep you from worshiping at 9 or 11:15
am, then join us for the 7:30 pm service in the sanctuary.
Library Awareness Sunday is the day when you can seek, search
and find. It’s the day the Hood Library Committee puts out
a special welcome mat to MAPC members and friends.
Just step into the Church House Lobby and discover tables laden with selected
books from the library collection. Signs on tables will tell you the kind
of book: fiction (including mysteries), biographies, history, psychology,
poetry and religion. Then you can step up to a table of your choice and
pick up a book that catches your interest. If that one doesn’t capture
you, try another. Find one to borrow. Volunteer librarians will check out
books for two or three weeks depending on the size.
Recently, an avid reader commented, “I can’t remember when the
library has acquired so many wonderful books. There are so many I would
like to read.”
Those who are on a journey of faith may have theological questions on beliefs
of the church or church doctrines or may want to know more about prayer,
baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Bible translations or an interpretation
of a Scripture passage and much more. These books are ready for loan. The
Hood Library is a wondrous resource. You are invited to seek, search
and find, especially on Library Awareness Sunday, January 23, 2005.
St. Andrew Music Society
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Also, see: