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
The Search Committee is in the final stages of its work, having narrowed
the field of candidates to six exceptionally gifted musicians. Until arriving
at the list of six finalists, all of the work of review–listening
to tapes and CDs of both organ playing and choral conducting, reading curriculum
vitae, especially with regard to formal education, musical training and
work history–took place without the members of the committee knowing
the names of the candidates. Only after reducing the list to six were the
names of the finalists, their gender, marital status and current locations
disclosed. Unfortunately, all are men; no women applied for the position
within the allotted deadline for applications. Four of the candidates live
in or about New York City; one lives in Great Britain and the other in Arkansas.
Five of the six candidates are married; two have grown children, one has
school-aged children, another is father of a newborn; one has no children.
Two of the finalists are former students of John Weaver. The six range in
age from 28 to 56. Again, none of this information was known to the committee
until the six had been selected as finalists in the last week of February.
Final audition/interviews have been taking place since the second week of
March. Candidates begin by leading a Thursday evening choir rehearsal, with
members of the search committee sitting in. Then on Saturday afternoon,
the candidate plays a live audition. In addition to playing several organ
pieces suitable for preludes and postludes, the candidate is asked to compile
a list of favorite hymns from various styles and periods and be prepared
to play these as though leading the congregation in worship. After listening
to several of the hymns, the committee asks the candidate to play a short
improvisation on one of the hymns he has selected; this last request is
a surprise! The audition is then followed by a ninety-minute interview,
which is more often conversation than question/answer and covers a wide
range of topics, including not only musical, liturgical and professional
concerns but also questions about the candidate’s faith, vision for
a church music program, ultimate career objectives and interests beyond
music. Following the audition/interview the committee follows up with references.
The final interview will take place the last week of April (the weeks before
and after Easter put the process on hold). The committee hopes to have a
candidate to bring to Session for approval at its May meeting. In the meantime,
we have secured the services of Dr. Richard Bouchett, a frequent MAPC guest
organist, who has agreed to be available from May 29 through June to assure
Sunday coverage until the new Director of Music and Organist can be in place.
Search Committee members include Co-Chairs Dick Iverson and Maggie Mills,
John Clark, Carol Kechulius, and staff members Fred Anderson and John Weaver
(though John has participated in all of the auditions, he does not participate
in the final interviews nor will he be a part of the committee during its
final selection process). Please remember the committee in your prayers
as they continue their very important work.
Celebrating 35 years |
Sunday, May 22, 2005
|
Members and friends of MAPC who participated in the Lenten encouragement
to Take on Ten (TOT) found a variety of class offerings, one of which was
Beverly Bartlett’s three-part series, “The Theology of Prayer.”
Marjorie Norris’ overview of the three Sundays provides some hint
of the breadth and depth of the class, and looks to its extension next fall.
At 10 o’clock on Sundays this spring the “Foundations for Understanding
Faith” series continues with a focus on New Testament writings. In
April a new series, “Christians Around the World”, looks at
contemporary Christian life in East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Eastern
Europe. Each Sunday’s class will be led by a guest speaker with extensive
knowledge of the area of focus. Beginning May 1, Beverly Bartlett will lead
a four-week discussion of Stephanie Paulsell’s book Honoring the
Body.
Beverly Bartlett’s three-part Adult Education class
in March, entitled “The Theology of Prayer,” was interesting,
inspiring and enlightening. She raised and impressively answered several
of the following vital questions about prayer, quoting from nine incisive
and beautifully written sources: What Is Prayer? How Do We Pray? What Is
The Purpose of Prayer? How Effective Is Prayer? What Is The Theology Behind
Corporate Prayer vs. Private Prayer? How Do We Cope With Unanswered Prayer?
In the first session, Beverly noted that prayer is communication and communion
with God to bring us into an intimate relationship with God, realize God’s
unconditional love for us, recognize God’s presence in our lives,
acknowledge the blessings God has given us, and express our love for and
gratitude to God. She stressed the fact that prayer is not about getting
something, but rather about becoming present to the presence of God. How
we understand God and who God is for each of us influences how we pray.
We need to believe in a personal, caring God, and feel that we can talk
to God about anything at all–even airing negative thoughts and feelings.
But communication is a two-way street that involves talking and listening.
What we sincerely present ourselves as before God is who we really are,
and thus, prayer often leads to self-identity and self-discovery.
Beverly clarified the role of Christ in our prayers. He is the mediator
between humanity and God. Even if we communicate directly with God, which
we certainly can do, Christ is that person of the Trinity through which
we are praying. Both corporate and private prayer are vital aspects of our
prayer life. She pointed out that prayer with, and for, others widens our
horizons, deepens our feelings and concern for others, and prevents us from
being self-centered.
In the second session, Beverly discussed the effectiveness of prayer, how
it can change us and how what we think we want is not always the best thing
for us to receive. Above all she emphasized that prayer is not utilitarian.
It is opening our hearts to God and participating in willing God’s
will. Prayer is not a product; it is a relationship. Humility and self-acceptance,
she noted, are two indispensable components of effective prayer. Quoting
from David Willis in his powerful book, Daring Prayer, Beverly stated that
God loves us just as we are. God wants us to grow, but accepts us as we
are. We can trust in and be assured of God’s love and grace.
In the third session, Beverly talked about the problem
of unanswered prayer. Quoting from David Willis, she stated that unanswered
prayer is a huge obstacle to many, and they despair because they feel a
sense of God’s absence and a prolonged silence. The remedy is patience,
living in hope, and acknowledging that God hears us and has His reasons
for waiting to answer us. God’s kingdom is here, but not yet complete,
so we may have to wait for fulfillment. Also, sometimes there is a lesson
in God’s timing. We should know and bracket our prayers with, “Thy
will be done.” Beverly led a wonderful discussion about hearing God’s
voice, and many of the attendees had interesting and meaningful things to
say about their personal experiences of receiving a message from God while
walking in the street, in dreams, or while praying.
This article is just an overview of the three sessions. There was so much
more that was covered, and so eloquently, with extensive and enlightening
quotes from Beverly’s source material. Thank you, Beverly, for this
gift of enlightenment and inspiration. We hope to have many more sessions
on this topic in the fall, as she has much more to share with us. Those
who missed out on these three sessions will have other opportunities to
“Take On Ten” and attend Adult Christian Education classes as
they continue through June and in the fall.
The 20s/30s will have their final two Bible Studies for the program year on April 17 and May 1 at 1 pm, following the 11:15 worship service and coffee hour. Anyone within this age group is welcome to join in this time of fellowship and engaging discussion.
Making music bridges generations and cultures. For our
May meeting we will welcome back serious young chamber music students from
the Third Street Music School Settlement. Please join us for an enjoyable
hour of music as these young people share their talent and the fruits of
their hard work with us. Those who attended last year’s program were
very enthusiastic about the students’ performances.
Funded in 1894, Third Street Music School Settlement is the oldest continuously
operating music school in the United States and serves about 3,500 students
a year. Third Street accepts students of all ages and abilities–from
pre-schoolers to senior citizens. As a settlement school, Third Street welcomes
those who simply desire to study music and dance for their own satisfaction
as well as those who are highly motivated to pursue a professional career.
A time for fellowship and refreshments will follow the program. Please join
us and bring a friend. RSVP to Margaret Williamson 212-288-8920 x271 or
e-mail her at mew@mapc.com.
Please join us at our monthly gathering for families with children ages 5 and under. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or pre-schooler, Families with Young Children provides an opportunity to get to know other families in the MAPC community. We’ll have toys to play with, the Roof Garden to enjoy, a craft activity, and a story or two. If your child is too young to run around and play, please come anyway and enjoy conversation with other parents. A light breakfast of bagels and fruit, coffee, juice, and kids’ snacks will be available. Please let us know if you’re coming by calling Margaret Williamson at the church offices, 212-288-8920, x271, or by emailing her at mew@mapc.com.
There are two MAPC Knitters groups now meeting on the third Tuesday of the month, one from 10:30 to noon and one from 7 to 8:30 pm. Both groups meet in the Hood Library. The next two knitting dates are April 19 and May 17. 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 or Nancy Hobson if you need assistance with these items. For more information, please call Margaret Williamson at the church office, 212-288-8920, x271 and she will put you in touch with Vera, who is facilitating the morning group, or Nancy for the evening group.
The Mid-Timers will enjoy a special night at the movies on Friday May 20, beginning at 6 pm in the Parish Hall. Academy-award winning director and screenwriter (and good friend of MAPC) Robert Benton will join us to discuss his film Places in the Heart. We’ll begin the evening by watching the movie at 6 pm, with popcorn and beverages available. Afterwards we’ll have dinner and a discussion with Mr. Benton. RSVP to Margaret Williamson at 212-288-8920, x271 or email her at mew@mapc.com.
Have you seen one? Can you describe a Face of Love? Would your face qualify
as a “face of love”?
On Wednesday evening, May 11, Faces of Love will take center stage as the
theme of the annual Hood Library evening of readings and music. The reception
begins in the Church House Lobby at 6 pm. Dinner is in the Parish Hall at
6:45 pm, with the program to follow at 7:30 pm. It promises to be a gathering
of love.
Through five-minute readings from Hood Library books, Faces of Love will
be unveiled. Each excerpt will capture a moment when love shows up. The
readings embrace a variety of faces: “Falling in Love,” “Love
of Family,” “Friendship’s Loving Arms,” “Love
of Enemies,” “Love of Animals,” “Falling out of
Love” and “Searching for God’s Love.” They will
unfold the heights and depths of love.
And where there is love, there must be music. Our MAPC member and concert
pianist Margaret Mills will delight us with music of two French composers,
Maurice Ravel and Emmanuel Chabrier. We’ll also join in singing some
favorite hymns.
This year’s readers are the Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson and Questa Anderson,
the Rev. Beverly Bartlett, Margaret Dawson, Arthur Morris, Nancy Ost, Karen
Stockbridge, Julian Schroeder and Charles Wall.
Dinner is $25, and reservations should be made with Margaret Williamson
at 212-288-8920 or mew@mapc.com no later
than May 2. If you cannot attend dinner, you are invited to come in time
for the program at 7:30 pm.
The Next Inquirers’ Seminar will be conducted by Dr. Fred Anderson on Saturday, April 23. The 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 will be available from 8:30 - 9 am; the seminar begins promptly at 9 am and will end by 1 pm. Dress is casual. 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 when you talk to Bill.
Parish RegisterBaptismOluwademilade David Oni, son
of New Members Marcos Caceres DeathsNancy Barrows |
Ever dream of hitting the game-winning homerun? Ever dream
of playing on a team where, win or lose, everyone is supportive and truly
exemplifies the meaning of TEAM? Well then, the MAPC Softball Team is the
place for you. This summer the MAPC Softball Team is celebrating our third
season. We play on Sunday afternoons in Central Park (the North Meadow).
We are always looking for new players and fans. All skill levels are accepted,
and everyone gets a chance to play in every game. It’s all about the
fun, the great weather (hopefully) and the fellowship. Even if you've never
seen a softball before but just have great team spirit, we would love to
have you come on board!
Our first game is on Sunday April 24, and the season ends
with playoffs and the championship in late August. You do not have to be
available for the entire season in order to play!
If you are interested please e-mail Stephanie Nichols (stephaniep.nichols@nbcuni.com)
or call Bill Phillip at the church office, 212-288-8920, x241 for more information
or to sign up. (Please note that the league requires that all players be
above the age of 13 – fans, however, can be any age!)
Also, see:
