Park Avenue Christian Church Catalog 2009

FALL CATALOG OF PROGRAMS 1010 Park Avenue at 85th Street New York, New York

performing arts at

adult learning A Center for Spiritual Inquiry

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faith & service

faith & service

an invitation

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from Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson, Senior Pastor, and the members of The Park Avenue Christian Church

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e have an exciting fall planned at The Park. There's a new concert series and a new adult learning program. There's our 199th Anniversary “Homecoming” with special guests and events – including our first Blessing of the Animals.

Most importantly, there are many opportunities for us to get to know each other – in worship, in class, in work, and in play – as neighbors and as friends.

It is our hope that you will come in and “sample” one of the many facets of life here at The Park. You will discover, like we have, that The Park truly is a place to belong.

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Who We Are The congregation traces its beginning back to 1810 when nine members from the Ebenezer Baptist Church met to discuss their desire for more freedom in practicing their faith.

Today, we are a member congregation of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), part of the Protestant mainstream

tradition in North America.

As one of New York City's most diverse and progressive Christian congregations, we celebrate all of God's people, and embrace the diversity of race, age, culture, economic circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities.

Our theme for this coming year is “www@the Park.” It stands for “wellness and wholeness for the world.” By being faithful in our worship, serious in our study, generous in our giving, and eager in our service, we intend to bring wellness and wholeness to this fragmented world.

A Place To Belong No matter what your family configuration, interests or faith background, you are welcome here.

As we learn about each other, we discover that the differences that divide us are not nearly as great as the community that claims us.

There is so much to explore, experience and enjoy at The Park.

We look forward to sharing it with you.

Pastor Alvin Jackson (top) and members of The Park

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CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

The Park is a place to deepen our faith and explore those questions which give shape and meaning to our lives, whether we are together in worship, in small group study, serving the larger community, or gathered with our children for food and fellowship.

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a place for faith and service Rev. Katherine Kinnamon leads “the children’s moment” during worship.

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sundays at the park A place to celebrate our faith, deepen our friendships, and contribute to our community.

Worship Celebration - 11:00 am The worship of God with music, liturgy, sermon and Holy Communion that embodies the community's participation in the healing, saving, proclaiming work of God, in Jesus Christ, in the world.

Left: Tiffany windows light up our Sanctuary.

Top right: Pastor Jackson at the pulpit.

Below right: some of the newsmakers who have appeared at our Sunday Forum.

Godly Play 2 - 11:00 am Children assemble for the Worship Celebration in the sanctuary. Following the Children’s Moment, children are invited to an age-appropriate Worship Celebration replete with a liturgy that approximates that of the service in sanctuary.

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The Sunday Forum - 10:00 am We present stimulating interviews with a diverse array of individuals – authors, theologians, activists, psychologists, artists, scholars, and other notable personalities.

The Forum provides a glimpse of the wide-ranging possibilities for involvement in contemporary life, and to consider the challenges presented to The Park and to the whole Christian community.

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Godly Play 1 - 10:00 am Children gather to hear the sacred stories and parables of Jesus to learn about our faith traditions as a community of Christians and engage in activities that explore the wonder of God. (See page 4 for more details.)

Coffee & Community - 12:10 pm Refreshments and friendship in the Parlor immediately after worship.

Visitor Orientation & Tour 12:30 pm Learn more about our faith community and landmark sanctuary.

CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

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children’s ministry

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odly Play at The Park begins each Sunday at 10 am and ends with the closing of the Worship Celebration. For Godly Play, Part 1, children (and their families are welcome) gather to hear the sacred stories and parables of Jesus to learn about our faith traditions as a Christian community.

The children are encouraged to reflect, or “wonder,” about the meaning of the stories for their lives. Following a time of silence and preparation for the Feast (a rendition of the Feast of the Eucharist), the children depart to the Worship Celebration in the sanctuary.

A few moments into the Celebration, there is a “Children’s Moment.” Children gather at the Chancel for what is always a joyful moment for children and congregation alike.

After hearing a word from one of the pastors, children are

invited to an age-appropriate worship celebration (Godly Play, Part 2) replete with a liturgy that approximates that of the service in the sanctuary, or they may remain with their families in the sanctuary.

Godly Play ends with the completion of the Worship Celebration(s).

Godly Play was developed by Jerome W. Berry Berryman, an author, teacher, and Episcopal priest.

The approach and accompanying curriculum are utilized throughout the world within diverse denominations.

To learn more, and to watch a short video, visit our website at parkavenuechristian.com/sundayschool.

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Saturday Community Lunch Program For over twenty years, The Park has been the host site for the Saturday Community Lunch Program. Each week, over 200 people show up for a hot meal served by volunteers from The Park and our ecumenical and interfaith partners in this endeavor: Park Avenue Methodist Church, Manhattan Church of Christ, St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, and Congregation Da’at Elohim.

Many of our guests have been coming for years to enjoy a meal and table companionship. Many are homeless. There are the “irregular regulars” who stop by when times get a little tight. And, with the downturn in the economy, we are seeing new faces..

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To volunteer, contact LuisAlfredo Cartagena by email at pastor.luisalfredo@gmail.com Gay Pride The Park has long been a leader in the inclusion of gay and lesbian Christians in the life of The Park, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Church Universal.

Annual participation in June’s Gay Pride Month Celebration is but one way that we commemorate the significant contributions of gay and lesbian people in the life of the Church and the world.

Street Fairs Members of The Park, Congregation Da’at Elohim, and talented members of our music and theatre ministries share a booth to

hand out joy (and brochures!) to our neighbors on the Upper East Side.

Look for us on September 13 at the Third Avenue Street Fair between 66th and 86th Streets, and the 92nd Street Y’s Street Fest on October 18 on Lexington Avenue (where our booth will be between 83rd and 84th Streets.)

Interfaith Partners Every January, The Park and its interfaith partner, Congregation Da’at Elohim, hold an interfaith service and Continued on next page

CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

the temple of universal judaism a reform jewish congregation www.daat-el.org

Advent & Christmas

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hroughout the season, there are many opportunities to prepare our hearts for Christ’s Advent and Nativity.

Join us for these special celebrations and events. Check parkavenuechristian.com for updated information.

Sunday, November 29 First Sunday of Advent / World AIDS Day - 11 am.

Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5 A Christmas Carol. See page 13.

Sunday, December 6 Second Sunday of Advent - 11 am RPM Holiday Concert - 1 pm.

See page 13.

Sunday, December 13 Third Sunday of Advent/ Christmas Offering - 11 am.

Hanging of the Greens - 12:30 pm.

Help decorate our landmark sanctuary with beautiful

greens, poinsettias and holiday decorations. This intergenerational event involves caroling, food, and activities for children.

Sunday, December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent/ Christmas Offering -11 am Bach’s Christmas Oratorio - 3 pm See page13.

Tuesday, December 22 PACC Christmas Concert - 8 pm.

See page 14 Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve Family Service - 5 pm.

Musical Prelude - 7:30 pm.

Service - 8 pm.

Musical Prelude - 10:30 pm.

Service - 11 p.m.

CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

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For 35 years, Congregation Da’at Elohim has been our interfaith partner, sharing our building and joining with us for many special events and programs.

We encourage everyone to visit their website, www.daatel.org, learn about their programs, and enjoy the fruits of our different faiths.

Sunday, September 13 Children’s Sabbath and Installation of Lay leadership Sunday, September 20 Celebration of our Mission and Witness Sunday, September 27 Blessing of the Animals/ Reconciliation Sunday Sunday, October 4 World Communion Sunday and a Celebration of the Great Communion with Rev. Dr. Glenn Carson, President of the Disciples Historical Society Sunday, October 11 199th Anniversary of the founding of the congregation and the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the current church Sanctuary.

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PLEASE VISIT OUR INTERFAITH PARTNER

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he Park was founded on October 10, 1810. Every September and October, we mark our anniversary with special events and celebrations.

Please join our members, alumni from around the country, and special guests from the world of theology and politics for Homecoming.

Visit parkavenuechristian.com for up-to-date schedules.

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Publications We promote the wellness and wholeness of the world on-line and in print.

On line: parkavenuechristian. com is our main website. This Week At The Park is our weekly e-newsletter (You can sign up for it on our website). Divinityof-difference.blogspot.com is our Pastor’s Blog. Park-avenue-youthchorale.blogspot.com is the blog of our Youth Chorale. We also have a Facebook page for our 20s/30s Group.

In print: The Forward is our monthly print newsletter (you can also download a copy from our website). Our Sunday Bulletin serves as a guide to our Worship Celebration.

There are also a number of brochures and pamphlets available in the church lobby that explain our programs in more detail.

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present The Heschel-King Award for Interfaith Activism to a notable person who has continued the important work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

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a place for family and community

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Our programs bring people together and provide the glue that binds them as a community.

Through music and art groups, social clubs, and service programs, you can expand your relationships, self-expression, creativity, and faith.

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he music ministry at The Park plays a vital role in our worship life, helping God's people to offer praise and prayer through hymns, responses, Psalm singing, choral anthems, instrumental music and more!

We are committed to musical diversity and excellence, and welcome the gifts of children, students, volunteers and professional musicians from our congregation and community.

Above all, we seek to provide opportunities for learning and growth and hope that our work together will glorify God, build a community of respect and love, and help each of us realize our greatest potential.

You are warmly invited to join any of the choirs or ensembles described below. For more information, please contact Minister of Music, Paul Vasile, at 212-288-3246 ext. 105.

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Sanctuary Choir Volunteers of all voice parts are welcome to join the Sanctuary Choir which sings at our 11 am Worship Celebration from September through June. We rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, and the first Tuesday evening of the month.

Good music-reading skills are helpful but not required; we are willing and able to provide vocal and musical training for less-experienced singers who are looking for a place to learn and grow.

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Paul Vasile, Minister of Music, gives a drumming lesson to a young student.

Gospel Choir The Park Gospel Choir sings at our 11 am Worship Celebration once a month throughout the year. No audition is necessary; anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join us!

Music will be learned by ear with lots of repetition, energy and movement.

Rehearsals will be periodic, held three or four consecutive Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. before a Sunday service.

Drumming Circle helps to bring energy and vitality to our services.

Simply bring a drum or percussion instrument (we'll have plenty on hand if you don't) and we'll drum, chant, and praise God together.

Recorder Consort The Recorder Consort performs in our 11 am Worship Celebration several times a year. They also keep busy performing in community concerts and events throughout the city. For more information on playing with the group, contact director Estella Pate through the church office .

Park Avenue Youth Chorale This special program provides

free, professional music training for youth in grades 3 through 12 from all faith traditions and denominations.

The program includes weekly rehearsals, concerts and performances in the community, social events, as well as a summer music camp.

Members of the Youth Chorale learn music from diverse styles and cultures, form new and lasting friendships, and gain valuable performance experience.

Drumming Circle.

For those who want to connect to the rhythms of our faith, a monthly

theater ten ten Theater Ten Ten is New York City’s longest continuously operating Equity Off-Off-Broadway theater and an arts program of The Park.

They have been presenting musicals, masterworks, new plays, workshops, and cabaret since 1955.

As an Equity house, their casts include both established professionals and promising young artists.

Which means a great theatrical experience at a great ticket price.

For full information about their upcoming 2009-2010 season, visit theater1010.com.

CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

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PARK AVENUE MEN’S CIRCLE Men Over 40

THURS. OCT 8 - 7:30 pm “Keeping Your Career Going” Chip Conlon, Professional Business Coach with The Five O'Clock Club

THURS. DEC 3 - 7:30 pm “The Four Agreements” A discussion of the principles of Don Miguel Ruiz with Jay Mark, audio engineer.

More information: parkavenuemen.org

Theater parties, trips to Central Park, and luncheons at the Pastor’s brownstone are all activities that the 20s/30s group has enjoyed this past year.

The bulk of our time, of course, is spent just talking to one another, finding common interests, and planning future events.

If you are somewhere in your 20s or 30s, contact kkinnamon@ parkavenuechristian.com to get on the group's contact list.

Or join their Facebook Group (20s/30s at The Park) for ongoing communication.

WOMEN OF THE PARK Women of All Ages Our women’s social group plans monthly outings for shopping, theatre, service (to work the Community Lunch Program, for example) and sharing of their dreams and concerns.

For more information, please send an email to jmwluv@yahoo.com.

THE FLOWER GUILD This dedicated group of members is responsible for keeping our Chancel, Sanctuary, and building beautifully decorated throughout the year – holidays and non-holidays alike.

Join us on Sunday, December 13 for the Hanging of the Greens, when we decorate our building with holiday wreaths, candles, and color.

support & recovery A.R.T.S. is a diverse creative community that supports individuals in overcoming challenges blocking their artistic expression. Through weekly meetings, ArtShares, artistto-artist fellowship, an annual international convention, literature and a 12-Step structure, A.R.T.S. establishes a safe haven in which to explore, take risks and celebrate the many facets of our creativity.

Meetings are held every Saturday from 12 - 1:30 pm and includes readings from “The Artist’s Way.” Visit artsanonymous.org for more information.

CHURCH INFORMATION: 212-288-3246 or parkavenuechristian.com

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THURS. NOV 5 - 7:30 pm “Financial Solvency and Sobriety” George Perlov Advertising Executive

20s/30s AT THE PARK Men and Women in their 20s and 30s

Visit, shop, and learn with us!

Our Parents Association runs many public events during the school year: pancake breakfasts, used clothing sales, new and used book sales, and other fundraisers to support the school’s mission.

Please check the church website for up-to-date information.

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The Park Avenue Men’s Circle meets every month to empower men as fathers, sons, brothers, partners, husbands, and businessmen.

It is a multi-faith men’s club sponsored by The Park and Congregation Da’at Elohim. You do not have to be a member of either group to join the circle.

Each meeting consists of an expert speaker on that evening’s topic, small group discussions and exercises, and a coffee hour and networking. A free will offering is taken.

Upcoming meetings:

The Day School serves 170 children ages 2-5, with almost 30 professional staff. Priority placement for the Day School goes to active participants of the church and siblings of enrolled children.

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Cheering for the home team on our outing to Yankee Stadium

ounded in 1963, our Day School is one of the premier private nursery schools in New York City. The school provides a nurturing, childcentered atmosphere in which children develop a positive selfimage and a love of learning.

We believe that a young child learns and lives best in a wellorganized environment in which he or she is encouraged to verbalize, experiment and move about freely in appropriately equipped and organized classrooms. There is a balance of free-choice and teacher-directed activities.

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small groups

park avenue christian church day school

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a place for adult learning

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Quest is designed to stimulate your thinking about religion – your religion and the religion of others.

We have no interest in converting you to one way of thinking or another. What we hope to do is to create a safe and welcoming environment where your questions will be answered and your doubts respected.

A Center for Spiritual Inquiry

Short Courses Each of these four-week courses meets once a week for two hours. Our instructors are carefully selected for their superior teaching skills combined with their profound knowledge of the subject matter.

INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPELS

INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM

Instructor: Dr. Deirdre Good

Instructor: Hussein Rashid Four Mondays 7:30 - 9:30 pm October 5, 12, 19, 26

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Four Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:30 am Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20

Course Fee: $ 125.

Course Fee: $ 125.

n spite of the presence of 770,000 Muslims in New York, it is virtually impossible to find a short course on Islam. This basic course will cover the main teachings of Islam, the areas of the world where Islam flourishes, and will explain the differences between Sunnis and Shiites. In addition, students will gain an understanding of “political” Islam, and how it impacts on the international community in general, and the United States in particular.

Dr. Deirdre Good is professor of New Testament at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York. She earned her doctorate at Harvard Divinity School, and is the author of numerous books.

Hussein Rashid is completing his doctoral work in religion at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard. He did his undergraduate work at Columbia, and teaches Islam at Hofstra University on Long Island.

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he Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are the essential documents of early Christianity. They depict the life of Jesus from four separate perspectives.

Some of these stories about Jesus are overlapping and some are contradictory. Is it possible to discover the historical Jesus from these documents? What is the setting for these narratives? How much of Jesus’ message is discernable from these books?

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

FOUR GREAT RELIGIOUS THINKERS Instructor: Rabbi Daniel F. Polish

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oren Kierkegaard, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Martin Buber, and Paul Tillich are four of the most significant religious thinkers of the twentieth century. For Jews and Christians alike, their writings captured the turbulence that characterized the century. Rabbi Polish, using his recent book as a jumping off point, will discuss their ideas and the impact they had and still have on contemporary religious thought.

Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, received his Masters of Divinity degree, with honors, from the Duke University School of Divinity, Durham, N.C. in 1973. In 1991 he was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

For almost 20 years, Dr. Jackson was Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church of Memphis, a congregation that

INTRODUCTION TO QUR’AN

Four Mondays from 7:30 - 9:30 pm November 9, 16, 23, 30 Course Fee: $125.

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he Qur’an is a mystery to most western educated people. Originally written in Arabic, it is believed to have been dictated to Mohammed by God. It is not organized the way in Hebrew Bible or the New Testament are. Its

114 chapters or suras are organized by length rather than by narrative. The course will introduce the student to the main ideas of the Qur’an, the use and abuse of Qur’an in Islamic religious life, and the Jewish and Christian figures which appear in the book. (It is not a requirement that Introduction to Islam be taken first, but some previous knowledge of Islam will be helpful.)

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Instructor: Hussein Rashid

Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, director of the newly established Quest program, earned his M.A. degree and rabbinic ordination at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His alma mater awarded him the doctor of divinity degree.

For 18 years, he served as national Director of Program for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now Union for Reform Judaism), and in that capacity directed the program for the biennial national convention. He also served as Director of Regions for UAHC. Rabbi Schoolman was the administrative editor of the first American Torah Commentary published in English. He served as the first director of the Center for Theological Studies at Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral, and was, for ten years, the Director of the Center for Religious Inquiry at St.Bartholomew’s Church in NYC..

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Rabbi Daniel Polish, who earned his Ph.D. in the history of religion at Harvard, is the rabbi of Congregation Shir Chadash of the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie.

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abbi Schoolman and Pastor Jackson have been discussing essential religious ideas, comparing and contrasting Judaism and Christianity. They now share their dialogue with the community, who will have the opportunity to hear their views, and to ask questions about the themes to be discussed.

They will cover, among other topics, “Sin,” “Jesus,” “Is the Bible True?”, and “What is Theology Anyway?”

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Four Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 am October 19, 26, November 2, 9 Course Fee: $ 125.

This course will be offered twice: Four Thursdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am October 8, 15, 22, 29 and Four Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9:30 pm November 3, 10, 17, 24 Course Fee: $125.

experienced phenomenal growth under his leadership. For seven years, he served as Senior Pastor of National City Christian Church and President of the National City Christian Church Foundation of Washington, DC. In September 2006 he became Senior Pastor of New York’s Park Avenue Christian Church.

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PASTOR AND RABBI: An Interfaith Dialogue Pastor Alvin O’Neal Jackson and Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman

Hussein Rashid.

See his biographical note on page 8.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

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Free Public Lectures

BISHOP JOHN SHELBY SPONG “A New Christianity for a New World” Wed. September 16 at 7:30 pm Free tickets through SmartTix.com

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Bishop Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001.

A longtime champion of progressive Christianity, Spong is a visionary voice in the religious community, calling people to step beyond boundaries of tribe, prejudice, gender and even religion to create a new humanity.

His latest book, Jesus for the NonReligious (Harper San Francisco, March 2007), expands his vision for a radically reformed Christianity, peeling away dogma to reveal the essence of Jesus. It is a new, deeper and more powerful exploration of the Jewish Jesus, about which he first wrote in his classic, This Hebrew Lord.

Bishop Spong’s lifelong quest to rescue the church from irrelevancy has led admirers to hail him as champion of inclusive faith, and detractors to vilify him as a heretic.

It is not a desire to destroy faith,

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however, that drives Bishop Spong, but rather the longing of a “Godintoxicated” mystic to enter the mystery that is Jesus Christ.

“Jesus stands not only at the center of my faith, but at the center of all that I am,” he says. “My commitment, however, is to the reality of Jesus as a God experience, not to the reality of the traditional explanations.”

A visiting lecturer at Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide, Bishop Spong delivers more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room only crowds.

His extensive media experience includes a profile on “60 Minutes” and appearances on “Good Morning America,” “Fox News Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” “Larry King Live,” and “The O’Reilly Factor.”

DR. JEANNE SAFER “Can We/Should We Forgive”

RABBI LEONARD A. SCHOOLMAN “Christmas and the Chanukah Bush” Wed. December 2 7:30 p.m.

Free tickets through SmartTix.com For decades American Jews have had to deal with “The December Dilemma.” Each family has had to figure out its own ways of responding to our culture’s December madness.

Rabbi Schoolman, a long-time student on Jungian psychology, will delve into the common themes found in Christmas and Chanukah.

He will suggest ways in which the two holidays, in their common folk origins, are perhaps really one.

Wed. September 23 7:30 pm Free tickets through SmartTix.com

Leonard Schoolman is director of Quest. (See his bio on page 9.)

Most western religions speak of forgiveness as an essential religious tenet. This is especially true of Judaism at this season of the High Holy Days.

Dr. Safer raises the question: “Are there occasions when we should not forgive?” She will explore this theme and others in her lecture.

There will, of course, be a question and answer period.

DR. CHRISTOPH WOLFF “Bach’s Christmas Oratorio”

Dr. Jeanne Safer has been a psychotherapist in New York for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous books, including Forgiving and Not Forgiving, The Normal One, and Death Benefits.

Sun. December 20 2 pm (preceding the concert at 3 p.m.)

Free tickets through SmartTix.com Christoph Wolff, Adams professor of music at Harvard University, is one of leading world experts on Johann Sebastian Bach. He formerly taught at Columbia University. He is the author of numerous, highly praised Bach studies.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

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Arts at The Park’s mission is to entertain, empower, and inspire. The Park’s multiple performance spaces host professional Equity theater, cabaret, orchestral and choral music, political and theological discourse, and family and holiday events.

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ROMANTIC AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FOR FLUTE Sunday, November 1 at 3 pm Eric Lamb, flute Aymeric Dupré, piano $15 through SmartTix.com Belonging to a new generation of young international soloists, flutist Eric Lamb is making a name for himself as an artist who defies definition. He is known for dynamic performances of works of the avantgarde and riveting interpretations of the classical and baroque repertoire.

Enjoy a program of Romantic classics

by Schubert and Brahms in dialogue with engaging contemporary works

by Saariaho and Ingolfsson.

EN THEATER TEN T ia.com or 212-352-

tions: TheaterMan Mainstage Produc only tickets are ecial Events: Cash Sp .

111 1-4 81 686 3101 or d through the servations suggeste Re or. do e th at le ab avail 46 ext. 300. ffice at 212-288-32 O x Bo n Te n Te r te Thea

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

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EST TURES, AND QU CONCERTS, LEC on-line free – are available d an id pa th bo – ts Ticke 44 .com or 212-868-44 through SmartTix

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TICKETS

JAZZ AT THE PARK THE KINAN AZMEH QUARTET Wednesday, October 28 at 8 pm Kinan Azmeh, clarinet, composer Kyle Sana, guitar John Hadfield, percussion Josh Myers, double bass $15 through SmartTix.com Described as “engagingly flamboyant” by the L.A Times and “a virtuosic, unique sound” by the Daily Star, Kinan Azmeh is one of Syria’s rising stars. Combining classical training from Juilliard with a deep understanding of diverse musical traditions, Kinan’s unique compositions bridge Classical, Jazz, Electronica and Arabic genres. Join us for an evening of original compositions and inspiring improvisations.

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TICKETS

VIRTUOSO VOICES AT THE PARK Sunday, October 18 at 3 pm Audrey Snyder, soprano Andrew Cook-Feltz, baritone Alvin Hough, Jr., piano $10 through SmartTix.com Join us for the first in a series of voice recitals featuring the talented professional singers who are part of the music staff at Park Avenue Christian Church.

Audrey has performed principal roles in Cendrillon, The Coronation of Poppea, Company, Elijah, the Messiah, Scenes from Faust, Mozart's Coronation Mass, and Vivaldi's Gloria.

Andrew has performed leading roles in Dialogues des Carmélites, Dido

FAMILY HALLOWEEN HARVEST CELEBRATION Saturday, October 31 at 6 pm $5 donation at the door See box on page 12.

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George Bernard Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN Presented by Theater Ten Ten Thurs Oct. 8 through Sunday Nov 1 $25 through TheatreMania.com See the box on page 12.

And Aeneas, Sweeney Todd, and Amahl And The Night Visitors.

The program will include Richard Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder, songs by Richard Thomas Pearson, Franz Schubert, and duets by Mozart and Irving Berlin.

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PROFESSIONAL THEATRE RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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GEORGE BERNARD SHAW’S

ARMS

AND

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One of G. B. Shaw’s best known pieces, this play is as relevant today as when it was first produced in April 1894.

The play is a delightful comedy, and an exuberant take on love and war that is filled with Shaw’s usual razor sharp wit.

Directed by Leah Bonvissuto, who directed our sold out winter 2009 production of Shaw’s “The Philanderer.”

Visit theater1010.com for performance dates and times. . Credit s $25.00 t e k ic t All ania.com Theaterm ons for t a s rd a c Reservati oor: s at the d cash sale 246 x300 -3 212-288 Image: chocsig.com

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Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, November 1

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Family Halloween & Harvest Party Saturday, October 31

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Arts ‘n Crafts activities: 2-4 pm Singalong: 4-5 pm $5 donation at the door Finally! A fun, safe place for kids in the neighborhood!

Wear your costumes! After special harvest-themed art activities for kids of all ages, we’ll be putting on a show in our landmark Gothic sanctuary. It’ll be a sing-along concert of family favorites (like the Addams Family theme, Casper the Friendly Ghost, SpongeBob SquarePants, etc.) performed on our “ginormous” William Jackson Jarman Memorial Organ by Paul Vasile, with a special appearance by The Park Recorder Consort.

Come in costume for Harvest goodies and fun for all!

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SETH SINGS MORE BISEN-HERSH Presented by Theater Ten Ten Sunday, November 8 at 7 pm All tickets $10.

Credit cards at Theatermania.com Reservations for cash sales at the door: 212-288-3246 x300 Cabaret favorite Seth Bisen-Hersh returns with an evening of new original songs.

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Sunday, November 8 at 3 pm Alan Yueh, piano Free tickets through SmartTix.com Enjoy the first of three free concerts featuring winners of the prestigious New York International Piano Competition, a biennial event open to young pianists of all nationalities. Rather than the traditional competition model where the focus is on winning, the competition provides an opportunity for contestants to perform, network, exchange information and cultivate a support system that will carry them through their pre-professional years.

The program features 18-year old Alan Yueh, first prize winner in the New York Piano Competition and a finalist in several other national and international competitions.

VIRTUOSO VOICES Wednesday, November 18 at 8 pm Cameron Rau, tenor $10 through SmartTix.com Cameron Rau has appeared with One World Symphony in Ariadne auf Naxos and again in Elektra.

Cameron spent the winter season of 2008 as an apprentice artist at Sarasota Opera Company.

His program will include works by Handel, Verdi and Schubert, as well as song cycles by Faure and Vaughan Williams.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

Cantatas in Context: Program I BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S New York Baroque Soloists Mary Greer, Conductor Sunday, December 20 at 3 pm See box on page 14.

ONLY NEW YORK APPEARANCE! Friday, December 4 at 4 pm and 8 pm Saturday, December 5 at 4 pm and 8 pm $25 general admission; $100 preferred seating includes admission to a reception and signing with Mr. Dickens

T

he great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens – Gerald Charles Dickens – continues his family legacy with his acclaimed oneman performance of A Christmas Carol in our landmark sanctuary.

Gerald, an actor and producer hailing from Oxford, England, leaps, sobs, laughs, and entertains – depicting 26 characters of the classic tale with just a table, wing chair, and hat rack accompanying him on stage.

He will transform The Park’s gothic sanctuary into scenes straight out of the classic holiday tale, much as Scrooge was transformed from a dispirited miser to a joyous soul after his Christmas Eve encounter with ghosts from the past, present and future.

Charles Dickens first toured the U.S. in 1867, reading his literary works before spellbound audiences. Gerald began his own performances of A Christmas Carol in 1993 on the 150th anniversary of its publication, and has been delighting audiences around the world with his rendition ever since.

This is Mr. Dickens’ only New York stop on a tour that will take him from New England to the Mid-Atlantic for the first time since 2005.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of literary history! Not recommended for children under the age of 8.

SPECIAL RECEPTION WITH THE ARTIST after every performance ($100 seats only) Join Gerald Charles Dickens after the show for refreshments, a snapshot, and a signature.

Limited availability.

performing arts

HOLIDAY CONCERT With RPM Presented by Theater Ten Ten Sunday, December 6 at 1 pm $20 cash at the door only.

Reservations required: 212-288-3246 x 300.

Popular vocal group RPM returns with their their annual holiday show. Salute the many celebrations of the season with this concert of old and new favorites.

Carol

adult learning

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Performed by Gerald Charles Dickens Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at 4 and 8 pm.

See the box at right.

A

family & community

december

Gerald Charles Dickens

faith & service

JAZZ AT THE PARK Sunday, November 22 at 3 pm Phil Chester, saxophone, composer Bob Quaranta, piano Evan Gregor, bass Ian Froman, drums $15 through SmartTix.com Phil Chester appears frequently at the Rainbow Room with the New Deal Jazz Orchestra and has performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony, and New Jersey Pops. He is joined by his talented quartet in a program featuring his original compositions and classic Jazz standards.

Produced by Byers' Choice Ltd., of Chalfont, PA, makers of the nationally-known Carolers® and Kindles® figurines.

Visit www.byerschoice.com or phone 215-822-6700 for more information on Mr. Dicken’s 2009 tour.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

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faith & service family & community

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT Tuesday, December 22 at 8 pm $25 general admission, $100 for “Angel” preferred seating and reception.

Tickets through SmartTix.com Celebrate Christmas with all of The Park ensembles.

Our Youth Chorale, Gospel Choir, Chancel Choir and Recorder Consort will be joined by guest musicians to help “make the season bright” with festive music celebrating the Advent and Birth of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Thursday, Dec. 24 at 5, 8 and 11 pm Free. No tickets required.

See the box on this page.

adult learning

Cantatas in Context: Program II BAROQUE NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S Thursday, December 31 at 8 pm See the box on this page.

january

performing arts

VIRTUOSO VOICES AT THE PARK Wednesday, January 13 at 8 pm Ann Hoyt, soprano Thomas Wazelle, tenor $10. through SmartTix.com Ann Hoyn is an accomplished recital and oratorio artist and has collaborated with the Rebel Baroque Orchestra, Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis, Venice Baroque Orchestra and Trinity Church Wall Street.

Critically acclaimed in La Bohéme, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and Susannah.

Thomas Wazelle has been featured in Der Zwerg, The Crucible, Don Pasquale, Die Zauberflöte, Showboat and Tommy.

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TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

ROMANTIC CHAMBER MUSIC OF SCHUBERT AND SCHUMANN THE MANHATTAN STRING QUARTET Sunday, February 21 at 3 pm Soyeon Lee, piano $25 general admission, $100 “Angel” preferred seating includes reception with the artists.

Tickets through SmartTix.com Acclaimed “a national treasure” by The Boston Globe, the MSQ offers Franz Schubert’s dazzling Death and The Maiden Quartet and Robert Schumann’s magnificent Piano Quintet, with the internationally renowned pianist Soyeon Lee.

TICKETS & REGISTRATION: 212-868-4444 or SmartTix.com

performing arts

Marc Blitzstein’s THE CRADLE WILL ROCK Presented by Theater Ten Ten Friday, February 12 through Sunday, March 14 All tickets $25.

Credit cards at Theatermania.com Reservations for cash sales at the door: 212-288-3246 x300 This fierce and riveting musical comedy about the fight of the everyman against the power of corruption was written in 1937.

Set in "Steeltown, USA", it follows the efforts of Larry Foreman

VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT Sunday, February 14 at 3 pm Jonathan Coombs, piano Matthew Graybil, piano The Park Avenue Christian Church Sanctuary Choir Paul Vasile, conductor Free tickets through SmartTix.com Celebrate romance with selections from Johannes Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes, imaginative and colorful settings of love poems for choir and piano duo.

Jonathan Coombs and Matthew Graybil, prizewinners in the New York International Piano Competition will accompany The Park Sanctuary Choir and will also perform solo piano transcriptions of love songs by Schumann, Liszt, Gershwin and others.

adult learning

Cantatas in Context: Program III JOYFUL BACH ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S Sunday, January 31 at 3 pm See the box on page 14.

VIRTUOSO VOICES AT THE PARK Wednesday, February 10 at 8 pm Jennifer Greene, soprano Andrew Cummings, bass $10 through SmartTix.com Andrew Cummings was recently hailed as “appealing” by the New York Times for his performance in Shaw Sings! with Encompass New Opera Theater at Symphony Space. His notable list of credits includes roles in Le Nozze di Figaro, Faust, Cosi fan Tutte, Tosca and Susannah.

Jennifer Greene has performed in productions of The Magic Flute and Cendrillon with New York City Opera Education, and has sung in Suor Angelica, The Telephone, L'Elisir d'amore Le Nozze di Figaro among others. She has also been a concert soloist in performances of Carmina Burana, Messiah, Christmas Oratorio, and Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.

Their program will feature art songs by Strauss, Schubert, Debussy, and Vaughan-Williams, as well as operatic selections from Verdi's Rigoletto and Douglas Moore's The Ballad of Baby Doe.

to unionize and otherwise combat wicked businessman Mr. Mister.

Directed by David Fuller, whose productions have been nominated by the Innovative Theater Awards for “Outstanding Production of a Musical” 3 times in the last 4 years!

Visit theater1010.com for full performance dates and times.

family & community

VIRTUOSO VOICES AT THE PARK Wednesday, January 20 at 8 pm Joe Chappel, bass/baritone Paul Vasile, piano $15 from SmartTix.com Bass-baritone Joe Chappel has been recognized for his expressive and versatile singing, ranging from early music to opera and musical theater. He is the principal bass soloist for the Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City and has performed with groups such as Bachworks, NY Collegium, Early Music New York, Les Gouts-Reunis, Vox Vocal Ensemble and The Tiffany Consort.

The program will feature works

by Lee Hoiby, Ned Rorem, Hugo Wolf, and Franz Schubert.

february

faith & service

SPIRITUALS SING WITH ALICE PARKER Sunday, January 17 at 4 pm Free tickets through SmartTix.com Our annual Spirituals SING with Alice Parker, legendary composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, who has championed the singing of spirituals

by Americans of all ethnic backgrounds for nearly five decades.

She will be joined by contralto Pamela Warrick-Smith and Charles Brown, who will read excerpts from Dr. King’s writings.

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For 199 Years, A Place To Belong Inspiring Worship

Uplifting Sermons

Children’s Ministry

The Park Avenue Christian Church has hosted religious services, educational and social activities, and community events since 1810.

But The Park is much more than a building, as inspiring and beautiful as it may be.

It is a family that reaches out and takes care of its members.

It is a place to belong.

• When there is a change in life circumstance, it’s good to have people who will be there when you rejoice, or grieve, or grow.

• When you feel restless, there is nothing better than setting down roots and getting to know people on a deeper level. And letting them know you.

• When you remember happy times growing up – holidays like Christmas and Easter – and want to celebrate them anew.

• When you want to share, or get a dose of, the poetry, music, and love that add so much to life.

At The Park, we believe in celebrating our humanity by tapping into our holiness, and strengthening our inner world in order to better contribute to the outside world.

Visit our website, speak to one of our members, or come to one of our services and events.

Like thousands of others over the past 199 years, you will find new friends and a spiritual home at the Park Avenue Christian Church.

Community Service

PARK AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1010 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Music Ministry

Celebrations

Concerts & Lectures

Small Groups

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