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A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF
Dear friends,
Rutgers Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, loving and accepting
community that
embodies the diversity of New York City. Our progressive values
and beliefs find
expression through community programs, extraordinary music,
stimulating sermons
and lectures, and countless opportunities to advance peace and
social justice.
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF RUTGERS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH describes
these many activities.
Perhaps you will find yourself saying as one of our church
friends said recently
Wow, I never knew so much was going on. I wish everyone knew
about Rutgers.
We invite you to learn about our many activities, and to
participate. All are welcome.
Rev. Ondrej (Andrew) Stehlik, Th.D., senior pastor
Rutgers Presbyterian Church 236 W 73 @ Broadway NYC
212-877-8227
UTGERS
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aS MOnday BeGInS, ten men in need who havebeen provided shelter
inthe basement gymof Rutgers Church Houseover the weekend are
gettingready to leave for the day. Themen are screened and
broughtto and from the church by the so-cial service agency CAMBA.
Der-monte Alleyne (long-time ChurchFacilities Manager) and Peter
Rinaldi(our A/V technician) cook and serve anourishing full meal
for the men, set-upsleeping accommodations, show moviesand play
games, and spend the night in orderto provide a safe
environment.
By 9 aM, children aged 3and 4 arrive with their par-ents or
caregivers andhead for the 2nd floorclassrooms of the Ready,Set,
Go! class, a pre-schooler play and enrich-ment program offeredfour
days a week by Rutgers CommunityPrograms - for morethan 20 years, a
placewhere children canplay, create and ex-press themselves
andparents can findfriendship and re-sources. RutgersCommunity
Programsare offered as a com-munity service by thechurch. All
classes andactivities are nonsec-tarian, and the churchsopen door
policymeans all are wel-come.
Community Programs classes nurture all domains oflearning that
help prepare children for school suc-
cess physical, social and emotional, cognitiveand creative
expression in an interrelated,
child- and play- centered approach.
In Ready, Set, Go! activities includestory time, yoga, dance,
art, music, and.The art studio and gym are used, along
with the homeroom.
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COnGRatulate all tHe GIRlS OnI want tO
I couldn't be happier with my sons experience at Ready, Set,
Go.
He is learning and creating
in a loving, nurturing
environment. He looks
forward to goingto school every
day - what morecan a mom ask
for? Rutgers is solucky to have
such dynamic anddedicated teach-
ers. My son adoresthem. Between the
On My Own playgroup and
Ready, Set, Go his first introduction
to school has beenan incredibly positive one. Keep up the
great work!!!
- Karen, mom to a
4-year-old.
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dawn, tROOP leadeReaRnInG tHeIR
Rutgers is a welcoming community that provides mutual supportand
service. at mid-day, the Fellowship Hall is host to a Monday
al-anon group where friends and families of alcoholics come
together. This is a regular, open meetingwhere prospective members
are welcome.
BadGeS & PatCHeS.
In the early evening, Girl Scout troop 3464 gathers in the
FellowshipHall. The church serves as the chartered organization for
this new Troop whichincludes 6 Brownies, 3 Juniors, and 2 Cadets.
Girls of all ages, nationalities andbeliefs are welcome to
participate in fun activities that build courage, confidenceand
character and teach life skills, promote active participation in
service proj-ects, and provide camaraderie. Sponsorship of Scout
activities helps membersof the congregation feel that their church
is a small town in the big city.
Community Programs has been expanding itsadult class offerings
under the theme of Wellness, withnew yoga workshops for stress
reduction, better sleep,and mindful eating.
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tueSday offers a full line-upof classes, illustrating how
Rut-gers Community Programs aredevelopmentally appropriatefor
children as they grow frominfancy to elementary schoolage. There
are movementclasses called Movin &Groovin in the gym, atoddler
Playgroup, and atoddler Panda class wherechildren learn about
Chineselanguage and culture all withparent and caregiver
participa-tion encouraged. For thosechildren ready for a gentle
tran-sition to drop-off, there is anOn My Own playgroup. Tuesday
offers another day ofReady, Set, Go! and Hand-prints classes as
well.
Rutgers Presbyterian Church is aplace for mutual support. at
mid-day on tuesdays, a supportgroup for unemployed personsmeets in
the Daniel Russell Room, fa-cilitated by Rev. Dr. Kimball Jones
whois Director of the Rutgers CounselingCenter (the west side
office of the Psy-chotherapy and Spirituality Institute).This
group, which is open to all whowish to attend at no fee, began
meetingin 2011. To date thirty-five people haveattended the group,
and more than half of them havefound employment since the group
began.
A Feldenkrais class for adults is taught by instruc-tor Lily
Zwins who has been with Rutgers Church since2001. Lilys approach is
centered in finding overallwell-being through integration of mind,
body and spirit.
The Central Park west al-anon group meets on tuesdays mid-day,
and a mens al-anon groupmeets in the evening. Like the Monday
Al-Anon group,the Tuesday meetings providefriends and families of
alco-holics a chance to share theirexperience, strength, andhope
with each other so thatthey may solve their com-mon problems and
recoverfrom the effects of problemdrinking.
& ClaSSeS aRe tHe BeStyOuR PROGRaMS
this is a small schoolwith a really big heart!
a parent
the staff are, without
exception, fabulous!
Liz, parent of
a 4-year-old
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The church properties including the Sanctu-ary, the Church House
at 236 West 73rd, thecommercial building at 2095 Broadway, andthe
Wood-Dolson building at 2091 Broad-way date from the 1920s. Now
reversing along period of deferred maintenance, manyrepair projects
are underway. On mosttuesday afternoons, the church Treas-urer,
Facilities Manager and Administratormeet with consulting
architects, engineers and contractors to coordinatethe work.
In the evening, Boy Scout troop and CubScout Pack 664 chartered
by the Church meet. Boys from 1st through 12th grade go campingand
hiking, play soccer and football, kayak on theHudson River, and do
community service projectssuch as a holiday dinner for the men in
the church
shelter program.
On tuesday evenings, a Mens SupportGroup meets at the Church
House. The group isopen to HIV+ men and men living with AIDS,
regard-less of race, sexual orientation or religious
affiliation.The group is facilitated by Douglas Rowan, MSW.
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uPPeR weSt SIde.KePt SeCRet On tHe a PaRent
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On wedneSday, various Community Programsclasses meet, including
in the art studio on the 4th floorof Church House -- a safe and
joyful space whereyoung children can express themselves and
learnthrough creative play. Young artists 1 3 years old,with an
adult, come to the studio for Handprintsclasses. In the afternoon
the studio hosts Onceupon an artist, a popular class where children
5 8 years old make projects based on a specific artist ormedium,
along with plenty offree studio time.
Classes in the art studio aretaught by Cindy Schaffer andLesley
Countryman. Lesleyobserves Programs like oursat Rutgers are an
oasis ofsorts. The church has studioand classroom space,
organiz-ing capacity, and the resourcesto be able to offer programs
forthe wider community on a not-for-profit basis. The churchalso
believes in the value ofnurturing creativity and joy.Wed love for
church members to come visit us on the4th floor and see what the
kids are doing!
Rutgers Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have staffmembers
who are knowledgeable, well-trained anddedicated to their work.
Many have worked for thechurch for ten years or more some for 20
years. Aweekly meeting of church staff is held on
wednesdayafternoons, convened by Pastor Andrew who is alsoHead of
Staff.
FaCt tHat OuR COnGReGatIOnI lOve tHe
My daughters have been attending art
class for the last 3 years. we love the art
projects and the environment is always
warm and
welcoming.
- Krissie,mom of two daughters
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In the evening, the lambda west aa groupmeets in the 5th floor
Fellowship Hall. Lambda West isa special interest group of
Alcoholics Anonymous forgay men and women. The group held its first
meetingin February 1985 at the invitation of Rutgers Church,and
ever since has called the RutgersChurch House home. Lambda is a
safeand welcoming home for the unique is-sues that gay men and
lesbians addressin facing social and political challengeswhile
practicing sober principles.
On wednesdays in the basement gym, members ofFront Runners new
york gather to stretch and so-cialize before and after their runs
in the park. Front Run-ners New York has been an active running
andmulti-sport club for LGBT and LGBT-friendly athletes formore
than 30 years, and is affiliated with New York RoadRunners (NYRR).
FRNY is a supportive community for
athletes of all levels of ability and ages.
POPulatIOn.IS COMPRISed OF a dIveRSe nyCa CHuRCH MeMBeR
also on wednesday evenings there is often an adult Christian
education class. Recent topics of study have included faith and
science; the life and theology of German martyr Dietrich
Bonhoeffer; and anthropological and religious influences of
childhood and parenthood.
Occasional visiting scholars help explore the spiritual
foundation of faith innumerous, rich and diverse forms. Pastor
Andrew also leads a meditation
class on many Wednesday evenings.
Church members, friends and newcomersget together to socialize
at informalmonthly dinner dates. A Restaurant Rendezvous group
meets at a designatedrestaurant. The Coop Connoisseurs meetat a
church members apartment. A third group -- Menu Pour Enfants
welcomes families with young children for meals in the Church
House.
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ThuRSdAY offers another busy day of Commu-nity Programs classes:
Ready,Set,Go!,hand-prints, Toddler Playgroup,
ToddlerPandas,onMyownplaygroup, movementclasses called
jumpin&jivin and happyFeet,ArtPlay and
onceuponanArtist.Children enrolled in Community Programsclasses
have an opportunity to participate incommunity service projects,
including an annual canned food drive beforeThanksgiving and
OperationBackpack, which provides backpacksfilled with school
sup-plies to children livingin homeless shelters.
Community Programs alsosponsors many special freelectures for
parents, further-ing their goal of being a resource for parents and
thecommunity. A popular annualworkshop features ClaraHemphill,
author of a series of books on New Yorksbest public schools, who
speaks on admissions policies and procedures.
Other recent workshop topics have
includedMyfirstwords:speechandlanguagemilestones and
letsTalkToddler,where parents are invited to support eachother, ask
questions, and share advice aboutthe joys and challenges of raising
a toddler ina safe, confidential space. These lecturesand workshops
are free and open to the public, as a community service of
thechurch.
SuchA GReATjob buildinGAYouRedoinG
Weloveyourprogramsomuch
weconstantlyrecommenditto
localmoms.Youguysare
amazing.
Meneka,
mother to 4-year-old boy
Ready,Set,Go
isseriousfun.
Theirlearning
throughplay
approachallowed
mysontogrow
intellectually,
emotionally,and
sociallywithout
feeling
pressure
toperform.
- Amy and Chris, parents of a
4 year old
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in the evening, the 5th floor is transformed into aplace of
welcome for about 75 people from the neigh-borhood who are provided
with a hot, home-cookedmeal, fellowship, andon most nightsa movie.
Theweekly meal program and movie is offeredevery Thursday evening
from September throughJune. A sensitive, warm and friendly team of
volun-teers from the neighborhood as well as from thechurch cook
and serve the meals, under thedirection of Ulla Farmer.
A movie follows, selected by Harris Shultz who con-tinues a long
tradition of a monthly theme. The mealsand movies are greatly
appreciated and very popularwith our less fortunate and lonelier
neighbors. TheThursday meal and movie program is supported bythe
church operating budget and by donations fromchurch members and
friends.
in The neighborhood.CommuniTy for famiLiesLaura, mom of Twin
boys
In the basement, aTai Chi class istaught by Sifu JimGreen in the
BlueRoom. Jim has beena Tai Chi teacher for25 years. Heteaches the
Yang Family 10-moveform, which was created in China in 1999.
Thisform is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, andgreat for
physical health and peace of mind.
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On SOMe FRIdayS, a partnership with thevolunteers of america /
Greater new yorkbrings children from the Bronx Early Learning
Centerto Church House for field trips with our Community Pro-grams
instructors. The children (many with significantdevelopmental
delays) spend time in the art studio andthe Ready, Set, Go!
classroom, then have lunch to-gether with our instructors before
returning to theirschool. From time to time, our part-nership with
VOA/GNY also bringschildren from family homeless shel-ters to
Church House for similar fieldtrips. Church and Programs
familiesalso donate books for the library at aVOA/GNY shelter for
formerly home-less military veterans. The partner-ship has allowed
the Church toextend its helping hand into commu-nities not normally
served by its Com-munity Programs.
During the school year, one Friday amonth is reserved for events
for ouryouth group S.K.a.t.e. Chosenseveral years ago during a
skatingtrip, the name is an acronym forSanctuary for Kids of
Acceptance,Trust, and Education. S.K.A.T.E.comes together in
prayer, community,and fun. Past events have includedvolunteer
projects, movie viewings,sleepovers and retreats, trips toBroadway
shows, and, of course, iceskating. S.K.A.T.E. events include a time
of fellowshipand prayer. All youth 13 years old and older are
wel-come to join.
twelve COuntRIeS. we aRe we wORK In
After a recent visit, the assistant director of theBronx Early
Learning Center emailed:
Our staff and students returned to
school so enthusiastic about their
wonderful day they had with you.
this is such a great experience,
thank you so much. I would love
to schedule as many classes as
possible for the days that are
available for us to visit.
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aROund 7 P.M., ten men arrive at Church Houseby bus for the
weekend shelter program. Theyare served a three course meal,
prepared by Der-monte Alleyne and Peter Rinaldi. After dinner,
theymay watch a movie or t.v. program, and then hang outbefore
going to sleep on cots set up in the basementgym. For 25 years the
weekend shelter program hasbeen operated by Rutgers in partnership
with Christ& Saint Stephens Episcopal Church, who providestaff
and volunteers for Saturday nights. The ex-penses of the shelter
program are supported by thechurch operating budget and by
donations at the doorat special church concerts. Church members
takegreat pride in the shelter program as it illustrates howthe
Rutgers congregation demonstrates Gods lovethrough actions, not
just words.
The church security guard isused to folks leaving the
buildingaFteR 9 PM on mostevenings because on anyweeknight a church
Session
(governing board), trustee (propertyand finance) or committee
meeting could be takingplace in church facilities. The Peace &
Socialjustice network is the church committee that sup-ports a
progressive agenda including campaigns forfair taxation and an end
to income inequality; the Na-tional Religious Campaign Against
Torture; an end tothe use of solitary confinement in prisons; and
Breadfor the Worlds efforts to end hunger, among other is-sues. The
Giving network is the committee withoversight of the churchs
benevolence gifts, determin-ing the local, national and
international organizationsto receive monetary gifts from the
church. Other com-mittees deal with various aspects of church
life(Christian education, which plans the popular Va-cation Bible
School offered in August and worship& Music, which oversees
weddings, funerals, andbaptisms, in addition to Sunday worship
services), oradministrative matters (Personnel).
yOuR PaRtneRSHIP.deePly- SuSan SayeRS, PaRtneRS In HealtH
GRateFul FOR
On Many FRIday evenInGS, a Womens Spirituality Group meets in
the first floor Daniel Russell Room.
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On SatuRday MORnInG the men in the shelterprogram are served
breakfast, then the van arrives totake them back to CAMBA
headquarters in Brooklyn.The men are enrolled in CAMBA programs
that providesome work and that help put them on the road to
sup-portive housing and services. The Rutgers FacilitiesManager,
Dermonte Alleyne, reports that each week 6 ofthe 10 men will be
familiar faces; the others are new menwho have taken the place of
those who have found morepermanent housing.
In the gym, members of the Front Runners meet andhave breakfast
together after they run in the parks.
On SatuRday MORnInGS Mary Nelson, thechurch organist and music
director, rehearses in thesanctuary. In a recent survey of church
members andfriends, 75% of respondents specifically mentioned
themusic program when asked What attracts you to Rut-gers
Presbyterian Church and keeps you coming to Sun-day worship? The
music was described as incredible;remarkable; fab; stellar,
meaningful and heartwarming;over the top beautiful and
inspirational. In 2003 2005,Southfield Organ Builders built a new
organ for thechurch, retaining several ranks and the drawknob
con-sole shell from the previous Mller organ built in 1926.
As word spreads about the Sanctuarys beautiful spaceand
wonderful acoustics, more and more outside groupsare wanting to use
Rutgers as their performance venue.It is always worth checking the
Events Page on thechurch website to find out what music is being
made atRutgers.
tHe OPPORtunIty tO Be InvOlvedClaSSeS &
I KeeP COMInG BaCK FOR tHe StIMulatInG
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SatuRdayS and weekends may also see churchand outside groups
using the churchs excellent facilities and great location
forspecial events. For example, the NYC Coalitionfor Block and
Community Leaders has held annual all-day workshops for block
associations at Rutgers.United for Action, an environmental
coalition, has pre-sented lectures on anti-fracking, held a forum
on re-newal energy resources for New York City, andscreened a film
about the Keystone XL pipeline proj-ect. La Leche League
International holds regularworkshops to promote and support
breastfeeding.Stimulating programming throughout thecalendar by
church and outside groups helps Rutgers fulfill its commitment to
in-tellectual as well as spiritual growth.
Throughout the week the deacons ofthe church provide help of all
kinds tochurch members and friends in need.With compassion and
thoroughness(but no fanfare whatsoever) the Deacons make visits to
the home-bound, bringing food and cheer.They take sick people to
the doctors office and visit those in thehospital. Groceries are
boughtand delivered. Dogs are taken forwalks. Cards are sent to
thosewho are going through roughpatches, or who have cause for
celebration.There is a closeness of care and concern for the
extended family of members and friends, yet none ofthese activities
appear on the church calendar.
On SatuRday evenInG, the lambda westMens aa group meets in the
5th floor FellowshipHall, and the mens shelter program
operatesovernight.
aCtIvISt PROjeCtS. In SOCIal & eCO-juStICe a FRequent
vISItOR
BBLLOOCCKKSS FFOORR BBLLOOCCKKSS SSYYMMPPOOSSIIUUMM
SATURDAY, April 13th, 2013
Rutgers Community Space, 236 West 73 rd Street
08:45am Sign In & Reception
Info Booths Ground Floor Morning Refreshments Auditorium
09:45am Opening Remarks Location: Auditorium CBCL Leadership
Team Welcome
10:00-11:15am Breakout Sessions 1-3
Session 1: The Business of a Good Organization
Location: 4 th Floor Classroom DeAnna Rieber: West 75 th Street
Block Assn
Gail Dubov: West 83 rd Street Block Assn
Helen Rosenthal: CB 7 Session 2: Getting the Word Out:
Technology & Outreach
Location: Auditorium David Stuart: West 44 th Street Block
Assn
Mel Wymore: CB 7 Session 3: Fundraising Location: Downstairs
Meeting Room
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SundayS MORnInGS are a busy time for our chil-dren and youth.
Under the direction of Ashley Birt, Di-rector of Christian
Education, the church offers a varietyof classes for the younger
set. While their parentsare in worship, children under 3 years old
spend time inour Nursery on the second floor where they get
playtimeand care from our dedicated childcare workers.
Olderchildren start off in worship, participating in the
beginningof the service and hearing a Childrens Message de-signed
with them inmind. Afterwards,they are taken up-stairs for a
briefprayer circle beforebeing split into age-appropriateSunday
Schoolclasses. Usingmusic, movement,storytelling, videos,acting,
and art,children gain expo-sure and knowl-edge of the Bibleand Gods
greatlove.
Before that happens, those 13 years old and older comefor our
older youth Sunday School called S.K.a.t.e.Breakfast. Starting a
half-hour before service, teensgather in the Blue Room for bagels,
juice, and fellowship.Current events, personal stories, and faith
are all topicsof discussion as life meets Scripture in this class.
Oncommunion Sundays, youth come for breakfast and fel-lowship and
then head up to join the community in wor-ship.
art made bychildren inCommunityProgramsclasseshangs on the
sanctuarywalls for all to enjoy.
BeCauSe tHe COMMunItyI KeeP COMInG BaCK
Rutgers is a cornerstone of progressive
Christianity in the neighborhood and city.
I really found God
at Rutgers Church
more than at
other churches,
and it comprises
many things such
as hospitality,
caring people,
worship, music
and concerns
for the world.
- Rutgers parishoners
SundayS, before worship service, the church choir rehearses in
theSanctuary. The church choir is comprised of both professional
musicians and
volunteers from the church membership. James Balmer is Choir
Director.
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On a tyPICal Sunday,about 65 75 people attendworship service
includingchurch members, friends andnewcomers. They embody
thediversity of New York, represent-ing different income and
ethnicgroups and beliefs. Most liveon the Upper West Side, butsome
come from Brooklyn,Queens, the Bronx and NewJersey. Those who are
unableto attend in person watch andlisten on-line via a
streamingvideo service. Sermons bySenior Pastor Ondrej
Stehlik,parish associates and guestpreachers are
thought-pro-voking, and feed the appetiteof a congregation that is
in-quisitive and wanting tothink for themselves. Onemember said You
canbring your brain tochurch.
After Worship Service,church members andfriends gather in
theDaniel Russell Roomfor coffee and conver-sation. Some
familieswith kids hang out inthe gym afterward, fora Stay &
Play hour.
In tHe aFteRnOOn, the choir rehearses. Again.(Practice makes
perfect.)
In tHe evenInG, the church provides a hot homecooked meal,
entertainment, and bed for the men inits shelter program.
& welCOMInG.IS SO FRIendly a CHuRCH MeMBeR
and aS Sunday endS, another week has passed in the life of
Rutgers PresbyterianChurch -- a small, caring community whose
dedication to the causes of peace and socialjustice in the world
grows directly and organically from its progressive Christian
faith.
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Rutgers Presbyterian Church Online 24/7/365
Rutgers Presbyterian Church is always open
online. You can find us on our website (www.rut-
gerschurch.org), on our church Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/rutgerschurch), on our
Community Programs Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/rutgerscommunitypro-
grams), and on our twitter account (@rutger-
schurchny).
The church uses regularly scheduled emails to publicize
events and share information about various activities in
the life of the church. A tuesday Church weekly
email with news and notes about various activities is
sent to about 225 church members and friends. A
Friday Message to the same group previews the
Sunday sermon and has info about music and Sunday
School. You can add your name to the mailing list for
these emails by filling out the box marked Subscribe
at https://www.rutgerschurch.org/welcome/. Commu-
nity Programs also prepares biweekly emails to
families enrolled in or interested in classes. To sub-
scribe, email [email protected]. (You may un-
subscribe from these lists at any time, and we do not
share our lists with others.)
The Rutgers Church yahoo group is a place for posts
about the activities of church members and friends and
sharing of information of interest.
You can follow Pastor andrews blog at http://blog-
andrew.stehlik.org/; it can also be accessed through the
homepage on our website.
We are working to increase our online presence and
would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the
word about our work.
If Rutgers Presbyterian Church plays a role
in your weekly life, please share your thoughts and comments
with our online community. You can
like, share and/or post a comment on our Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/rutgerschurch.
You can tweet us @rutgerschurchny. If you are not on Facebook or
Twitter, you can send us a comment via
our website. https://www.rutgerschurch.org/about/contact/
we look forward to hearing from you.