August 2012
A Christian Community that Embraces the Divinity of Difference
Shalom, Rabbi by Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson
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or 37 years, The Park has shared our house of worship with Congregation Da’at Elohim (also known as the Temple of Universal Judaism), a reform Jewish congregation. We have prayed together, broken bread together, and served the needy together. We jointly produce the HeschelKing Interfaith Service every January, and work hand-in-hand each week at the Saturday Community Lunch Program. Da’at Elohim has just engaged a new rabbi, and it is my pleasure to introduce him to you. I am excited to have Rabbi Ari Fridkis as my partner in service to the community of New York City. Rabbi Fridkis has been a Reform rabbi for twenty-five years. Ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary, he holds a BA, BLitt, MA, MSW, Certificate in Jewish Education and Rabbinic Ordination. Rabbi Fridkis is also a psychotherapist in private practice, holding a clinical MSW/LCSW from Yeshiva University. I’ve asked him to share his vision for his congregation and our partnership. Please continue to extend a radical welcome to the rabbi and our friends at Da’at Elohim.
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s the new Rabbi of Congregation Da'at Elohim/The Temple of Universal Judaism, I'd like to introduce myself to you – members and friends of the Park Avenue Christian Church – with the same warmth and openness that Pastor Jackson and the church have welcomed me.
As I look around me at both my new congregation and the church community, I feel doubly blessed. I sense how strongly the church's ideals and ministry – concern for the poor, the outcast, the immigrant – seem parallel to ours.
Vol. 113, No. 8
as fellow members of the House of Israel. Rabbi Dr. Lawrence Hoffman, Professor of Liturgy and Ritual, taught us to understand both Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism (i.e. normative Judaism which found expression in the Roman period) as two parallel paths, two different interpretations of ancient Israelite history and tradition. Rabbi Dr. Martin Cohen, my close friend, mentor and teacher, instructs us to see Judaism and Christianity as “sister faiths.” When I sat with Pastor Jackson a couple of weeks ago, we touched on this idea. Both Jesus and Rabbi Hillel – 1st century contemporaries – proclaimed the same message when asked, “what was the greatest commandment in the Torah?” Without missing a beat, both replied: “to love thy neighbor as thyself.”
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ogether, ours is a mission to reach out to the larger community saying, in the words of Paul, “there is a better way.” There is a path higher than the one we Rabbi Fridkis and Pastor Jackson see proclaimed so boldly in our In the Torah, the first five books of society: to have and acquire rather than Hebrew scripture known to Christians as to love or give. the Old Testament, the single Even six centuries ago some of our commandment repeated most frequently rabbis taught that the “other Gods” is to love and care for the stranger. God referred to in the Ten Commandments says to the children of Israel, “You must were not the idols of Abraham's father, care for the stranger, for you too (the but the idols of the people: wealth and House of Israel) were strangers in the land acquisition, in contrast to the One God of Egypt.” who commanded kindness and compassion, fairness and justice. his synergy between Da'at Elohim and The Park does not surprise me. hese ideas are at the center of my As a student at Hebrew Union ministry. I feel privileged and College, Reform Judaism's rabbinical proud that our congregation long seminary, we were taught over and again ago found a home where that ministry is to view our Christian brothers and sisters shared. – Rabbi Ari Fridkis
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PRAYER TEAM - First Tuesdays at 6 pm NEW ON-LINE PRAYER CHAIN
XY FACTOR/YOUNG ADULTS SUNDAYS AT 12:30 PM
We need your prayers!
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s a community that worships together, we also need to be a community that prays together. So we invite you to join our growing internet prayer chain. Unlike a traditional prayer chain that requires this person to call the next person and so on, we have created a Google group, so that everyone who commits to pray for one another is added. Our Elders and Deacons are added automatically, as are any others who have requested it. To be added to the Google group, please send an email to Pastor Jennifer at jkottler@parkavenuechristian.com.
Our Prayer Team meets regularly on the first Tuesday evening of every month to pray for one another, those on our prayer list, our city, our nation and our world. We are continuing to seek leadership for a Sunday morning prayer team that will meet at 10:30 in the Sanctuary to pray for our church, our worship, our new prayer requests, and our prayer list. If you feel called to this particular ministry, please let one of the Pastors know. Please prayerfully consider joining your heart with others for a word of prayer in community or in private, and make this a praying community that thoughtfully brings its praises and petitions to God.
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“O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is one who takes refuge in God.” – Psalm 34:8
STUDY - FELLOWSHIP - FUN
Dare to be part of the Dangerous Dozen!
XY Update by Lee Grisham
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embers of the XYs volunteered for Habitat for Humanity at the Jacob Riis Queensbridge community center. They spent the day cleaning up glue from a tile floor that was getting replaced. It was a very sticky situation indeed. Thanks to Lee, Aduni, Heather, Miriam and Kachina who participated in this important ministry of service! Additionally, the XYs hosted The Park’s children’s ministry for a game night on July 6th, and we’re not sure who had more fun – the ‘big’ kids or the ‘littler’ kids! We are also starting to look toward the fall and planning some events to get back into the swing of things. We will start meeting for trivia at Biddy’s again towards the middle of August, and we are planning lunch after worship at Pastor Jackson’s home in September. Look for more information on these and future gatherings in the coming weeks. Want to get regular updates on XY activities? Email Alan Dicken at adicken88@gmail.com and ask to be put on the email list. You can also ‘like’ our Facebook page: The XY Factor at The Park.
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eginning in September, as part of our Quest program, small groups will meet twice a month to fellowship, pray and learn together. What is a small group? It’s a group of no more than 6-8 people who commit to gathering for food, fellowship, prayer and study – to deepen their relationships with one another and with God. These small groups will use the book, The Dangerous Dozen: 12 Christians Who Threatened the Status Quo but Taught Us How to Live like Jesus. This book tells the stories of 12 Christians – from the Apostle Paul and Sojourner Truth to Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero – who dared to live like Jesus, regardless of the cost. Will you dare to join this study? Do you feel called to host a group, or serve as a group facilitator? An informational meeting and training for hosts and facilitators will be held on Sunday August 26th
after worship, and again on September 9th. Groups will begin meeting in October.
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f you are interested in hosting or leading a small group, please contact Leslee Sumner (leslee.sumner@ gmail.com) or Pastor Jennifer (jkottler@parkavenuechristian.com). Dare to go deeper!
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The Queensbridge Houses (top) and volunteers at a recent work day
To Marshalee McIntosh and Ryan Jin on their engagement. Marshalee and Ryan are both recent members of The Park. To Myrna Payne on her retirement from Tishman Construction Corporation, effective August 10. She has been with Tishman for 31 years. Myrna plans to continue her active life in New York City.
Airman Torres
CONGRATULATIONS To Airman David M. Torres, son of Nelly Perez-Palombo and Angel Palombo, who graduated from basic military training at San Antonio’s Lackland Air Force Base on July 13. David earned the Expert Marksmanship Ribbon for his qualification on the M-16 rifle. The next chapter in his journey begins at Fort Leonard Wood Army and Air Force Base in Missouri where he will receive tech school training in Civil Engineering. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and excited to see what is in store for his bright future. To Evelyn DeJesus Cartagena, who received a leadership award on June 28, 2012, from the Eleanor Moody-Sheperd Resource Center at New York Theological Seminary. The award recognized "her leadership on the Frontline of Gender Justice." Dr. DeJesus has been called to serve as pastor of LaHermosa Christian Church for the next six months.
Evelyn’s leadership award
To the following friends who are celebrating their birthdays this month: Aug 2: Douglass Anne Cartwright. Aug 3: David Fuller. Aug 5: John Virga. Aug 6: Mackenzie Burch, Mary Searl, Whitney Welshimer, Mary Anne Glover. Aug 9: Claudia Highbaugh. Aug 10: Monte Hillis. Aug 11: Karl Ruppert. Aug 13: Dona Vaughn Raines, Donna Bevensee. Aug 14: Evan Ney, Lauren Nadler, Wade Payne. Aug 18: Onleilove Alston, Rhonda White. Aug 21: Patty Horstmann. Aug 23: Jack Shuler, Nancy Nicalo. Aug 25: Eric Guy. Aug 27: Peter Lynette, Jim Vos. Aug 28: Kenny Preston. Aug 29: Sarah McFarlane, Jennifer Crumpton. Aug 31: Francis English, Jeannie Walden. PRAYERS For Esther Jusino, who is recuperating at home after surgery on July 10. To Mona Martin who underwent outpatient surgery on July 24.
relations. For the Arts at The Park box office, he enrolled, and managed, other CUNY students to work alongside him, always seeking to improve operating efficiency. For our marketing efforts, Evan interviewed church ministers and leaders to help build a marketing plan based on sound marketing principles. He also took on documenting – through video and graphics – current church events. No matter what job we have thrown at him – designing a display, carrying heavy coats to a distant clothing drive drop-off point, videotaping a bus trip – he has taken on the task with maturity and completed it with confidence and skill. We congratulate him on his achievements, express our deep appreciation for his productive years here, and will continue to follow him with our prayers and good wishes. THANK YOU To Iris Burroughs, Esther Jusino, Evelyn deJesus, Carol Griffiths, Sigrid Sunstedt, and Ima Jean Kidd, who met with fifteen international women from the World Day of Prayer organization on June 13. The fifteen women were part of a group of 250 who were in NYC for their quadrennial meeting. The next World Day of Prayer is scheduled for March 1, 2013. The theme: "I Was a Stranger", will focus on migrations around the world. The women of France will take the lead in preparing resource materials. For the following contributions to the mission and ministry of The Park:
SYMPATHY To the family of Rev. Raiford Wheeler, spiritual leader of the Park Avenue Christian Church of East Orange, NJ, who died on July 25. Our condolences to Mrs. Maxine Wheeler and to the congregation he has served for over 25 years. MOVING ON After two years at The Park, staff member Evan Mastronardi, son of Rama Mastronardi, is moving on to concentrate on his internship at the New York State Attorney General’s office and his preparation for law school. Evan has served The Park in multiple roles in archiving, research, marketing, and public
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Flower Fund - Altar Flowers July 1: Given by Mona Lisa Martin in memory of her mother who raised 11 unique and beautiful children. July 8: Given by Bess Terry with her appreciation and thanks for the many expressions of love from The Park family during her illnesses and the passing of her brother, Fred Terry. July 15: In honor of members and staff from Park Avenue Christian Church. July 22: In honor of Richard Kottler, Pastor Jennifer’s father, who celebrated his 81st birthday on July 23. July 29: In appreciation of leaders of The Park who will begin the first Caring Core group discussion about the mission and ministry of this congregation. General Fund In memory of Herbert Elser from Sigrid Sunstedt.
MEET THE STAFF
Children’s Ministry Leaders, Part 1 by Tina Jackson Glenda Flannory and Lauren Duerson have brought their unique talents to our children’s ministry for the past year. Glenda, a native New Yorker, is a Brooklyn College Graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Theater/Film Production. She will pursue a career in theater and/or film production. Glenda has been instrumental in developing creative art to support our curriculum and instruction. Lauren, originally from San Carlos, California, is a Brooklyn College Graduate Student pursuing her Masters in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). She is also working on Special Education Certification. Lauren has been offered a position for the 20122013 school year as an Elementary School Teacher. She is responsible for many of the fascinating children’s messages presented during Sunday morning worship celebrations.
Why We Joined The Park by Hugo and Sandra Monroy he main reason we started to look for another church was our desire to be challenged in areas that we had not been challenged before. We started with Bible study. We learned that Park Avenue Christian Church had a great Bible study so we started attending. Later we decided to stay for the whole service and experience it. We loved what we saw and experienced. We soon started talking about the possibility of joining The Park. We asked ourselves, "Is The Park challenging enough for us?" And the answer was yes! One of the main challenging areas for us was the inclusion of gays and lesbians in all areas of the life of the church, simply because we have not been part of a church that is open about this issue. We feel very comfortable at The Park. We love the preaching, the variety of it. We
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During a recent Lifeline gathering, a young couple put it this way: "Lifeline is our safe place." Others agreed. This weekly recovery ministry is a safe place to bring your need for hope and healing and to be exactly who are you without fear of judgment. For people in recovery from addiction, safe places aren't easy to find. Same for people who don't have a history of addiction, but who do deal with "hurts and hangups," as one put it. Sundays at 6:00 pm could be your "safe place," too.
PARK PRIDE WAS PRESENT during the New York City Pride Parade. Pictured above, from left to right: Eric Reyes’ sister Jenny and her family joined us from Austin, Texas; Wayne Reed getting ready to launch some balloons; and Gavin Meek giving a pep talk to marchers. CHURCH COMPTROLLER ADEL ATTALLA and Pastor Jackson share a birthday, and a birthday cake, during an office celebration last month.
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also love the worship and how the music brings us to God's presence. We delight in the talent displayed by those who lead us in worship. We also like the church's focus on issues of justice and compassion. The main attraction to The Park? We appreciate the welcoming spirit and the fact that the whole church has been on a quest to find out what God wants from us. We feel totally at home here and wonder why we did not find The Park sooner.
Musical Diplomacy by Paul Vasile, Minister of Music
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he Park's music ministry continues to reach beyond the walls of the church, offering hospitality to guests and visitors from around the world. Last month, we welcomed two outstanding choirs from two very different parts of the world: Voices of Namibia, comprised of young adults from this small but diverse African country, and Dekoor Close Harmony, comprised of students from the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands. Each ensemble gave a free concert as part of our first International Choir Week and The Park helped to create a space where these two groups could eat, converse and sing together.
Call it musical diplomacy or musical peacemaking, but I believe that ignorance and fear are dispelled when we encounter music from different countries and cultures. The world grows even smaller and the distance between us shrinks when we sing with them. We may even find that the songs of sisters and brothers around the
world become "our” songs, in that they give voice to something deep within the human spirit.
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his Fall, we will welcome another guest who will help us to continue our encounter with music from around the world. Over the weekend of October 20-21 we will host John Bell, the Scottish composer and song leader, and a passionate advocate for singing music from the Global church. John serves the Iona Community in Scotland, an ecumenical community of progressive Christians based in Glasgow, and is a sort of troubadour, travelling around the world, gathering songs and sharing them with others. John's infectious energy will inspire and delight you and I hope that many members and friends of The Park will join us as he leads a colloquium on Saturday and serves as a worship leader on Sunday morning.
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e continue to celebrate music from many cultures and traditions in worship and beyond, recognizing that there are so many ways to offer our heartfelt prayer and praise to our great and loving God. Join us!
SING WITH US THIS SUMMER
John Bell (top) joins us on the weekend of October 20-21. The Voices of Namibia performed in our Sanctuary on July 16.
PARK AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1010 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Save trees! Get the FORWARD by e-mail only! Send an email to office@parkavenuechristian.com and we will transfer you from the snail-mail list to the e-mail list! THE FORWARD, published continuously since 1899 by the Park Avenue Christian Church, 1010 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028. Phone 212288-3246. parkavenuechristian.com. Rev. Dr. Alvin O. Jackson, Senior Pastor Rev. Jennifer Hope Kottler, Associate Pastor Send notices via mail or email to media@ parkavenuechristian.com. Editorial deadline is the 20th of the month for the following month’s issue.
The Summer Choir is an amateur choir that leads us in worship on select summer Sundays. We rehearse a beautiful, easily-learned piece of music beginning at 10:10 am in the Choir Room. Then we raise our voices – and the spirits of the congregation – during our morning Worship Celebration. Listen, learn, and lead with us!