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

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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

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.

55

uPPeR weSt SIde.KePt SeCRet On tHe a PaRent

6

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 jmoore@rutgerschurch.org. (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.