Read About Specific Opportunities to Serve
By Lynn Wishart
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church provides a veritable alphabet soup of opportunities for service and fellowship. From the Archives Committee, which strives to help inform us by preserving artifacts from our rich past, to the Legacy Association, whose members have made a statement of faith about the future of FAPC, to the Women's Association with countless ongoing activities, like the spectacular Christmas Bazaar and volunteer-taught Speaking English classes, there are all sizes and shapes of opportunities at FAPC.
The Opportunities Fair (formerly Time and Talent Fair), scheduled for September 14 in the CEC after the 11:15 a.m. service, is a convenient time to ask questions of almost 40 groups about how you can participate in or support their programs throughout 2008-09. A taste of the offerings that you'll find at the Fair includes the following:
Breathe in God's love by taking a class with the Center for Christian Studies, joining a Focus discussion, participating in a Small Group, attending a program with the Advocates for Peace and Justice – or selecting a book to read from the FAPC Library.
Share God's love by attending a service at the Bowery Mission once a month, spending a week as part of a Mission Trip team to the Hurricane Katrina area, Haiti, or Egypt – or committing to reach out to individuals in need of a caring heart through the Stephen Ministry.
Assist people in their transition from homelessness to housing by getting involved in the Steps Ministry or the Shelter, advocating for Low Income Housing – or joining a Habitat build.
Address hunger issues by supporting the annual Crop Walk, helping cook or deliver a Saturday meal to the elderly with Meals on Heels – or serving lunch one Sunday each month at Project Find.
Teach, help to organize or support the leaders in the Kindership, Sunday School, Junior and Senior High Youth Group – or Employment Advisory classes.
Find joy in helping enrich the FAPC worship experience by singing in one of the choirs (Bicentennial, Children's, or Youth) – or by welcoming people as part of an Usher/Greeter team once every 5 weeks.
Find fellowship in your faith journey by dancing with the Scottish Dancers, being an audience regular, stagehand, or actor for the Theatre Fellowship, experiencing the great outdoors with the Hiking and Outing Club – or enjoying New York's sporting events, cultural activities, or food and drinks with Next's Ministries, Compass (30s/40s), City Club (45+), the Couples Club – or the Fifth Avenue Fellowship Club.
Other Bite-Sized Opportunities, such as being a Gift Shop volunteer or a Loan Ranger, can be identified by checking www.fapc.org or the Sunday bulletin each week. And more can be learned by chatting with representatives at the tables at the Opportunities Fair, reading the Walk the Talk brochure found in the literature racks or on www.fapc.org, or calling Michael McAllister (212.247.0490) to have a conversation about becoming involved with the FAPC family. Find your recipe for service and fellowship in the crazy alphabet mix: Join old friends and make new friends at FAPC during this Bicentennial year!
Advocates for Peace and Justice. Do you have a strong interest in social policy issues – such as the environment, immigration, poverty or homelessness? Here is an opportunity to advocate for, plan, organize and participate in a series of programs and activities. Contact: Dr. Godfrey Roberts (godfrey.roberts@nyu.edu).
Bowery Mission. For over 40 years, FAPC has been providing a worship service at 6:00 pm on the fourth Sunday of the month at this historic mission in lower Manhattan, the third oldest gospel mission in the U.S. Volunteer opportunities include: singing, playing an instrument, reading a lesson, praying aloud or in private or serving an evening mail to the homeless. Contact: Rachel Hocking (rhocking@metopera.org).
CROP Walk. The annual New York City CROP Hunger Walk is held each spring to raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as to fight hunger locally. Join with friends from other congregations for a two-mile walk down Fifth Avenue, from 90th to 55th Streets. Each walker enrolls sponsors to donate dollars to support her/his participation. Contact: Ena Malone (minatoo@aol.com).
Employment Advisory. Founded in 1950, the steering committee develops and presents free programs (twice a month) to assist in job search, resume preparation, career planning, networking, etc. It is the oldest church-sponsored employment assistance group in the city. Contact: Constance Klages (cwklages@yahoo.com).
The Family Center helps children who have a parent with a life
threatening illness by assisting these parents to plan for the future care of their minor children. Volunteer opportunities include: the Buddy Program, which pairs adult mentors with youth; the tutoring program; the Junior Board; and administrative help in the office. Contact: Sarah Goff (sgoff@thefamilycenter.org).
Habitat for Humanity. FAPC volunteers join with Habitat for Humanity New York to build affordable housing in the five boroughs. Any skill level can be useful. Upcoming builds are scheduled to take place in Brooklyn. Contact: Michael McAllister (mmcallister@fapc.org).
Homelessness (Committee on). Early evening or morning volunteers are sought to befriend those who sleep on our Steps. Help with planning or
participating in a one-day resource fair or our annual Christmas, Easter and summer parties is welcome. Connecting with children’s groups and advocating for supportive housing are more of the initiatives you can help support. Contact: Stacey Perkins Rock (perkinsrock@hotmail.com).
Low-lncome Housing Sub-Committee. As part of a coalition of faith-based
organizations, this group advocates to our elected officials for the creation of affordable housing. If you are interested in public policy on housing and
homelessness, we encourage you to become involved. Contact: Debbie Mullins (deborramullins@att.net).
Meals on Heels. For over 20 years Meals on Heels has been preparing and
delivering hot meals to 30 to 40 homebound, elderly neighbors every Saturday morning and on holidays. Caring volunteers are needed whenever time is
available to help with meal preparation and to deliver meals. Contact: Bob Brennan (april24bob@aol.com).
Mission Trips. You can help plan horizon-expanding work/study trips to strengthen Christian discipleship around the world. Upcoming trips are being organized for the Gulf Coast hurricane recovery sites, Haiti and Egypt. Contact: Naomi Kroeger (nkroeger11@yahoo.com).
Operation Exodus-Inner City promotes spiritual growth, academic
achievement and leadership for under-served children (primarily in the Latino community of Washington Heights). Volunteers help provide quality
out-of-school education, caring mentoring relationships or parent workshops and assist with school placement. Contact: Matthew Mahoney
(ExodusTutoring@aol.com).
Project Find. Volunteers serve a hot mid-day meal at the west-side
Coffeehouse on the second Sunday of every month and help serve a
Thanksgiving dinner to 1,400 people. For more than 30 years FAPC has
supported Project Find’s activities to help the friendless, isolated, needy and disabled. Contact: Evelyn DiMaria (dimariafam@aol.com).
Shelter for the Homeless. Each night of the year our Shelter provides a safe, comfortable environment for 12 elderly men who are currently awaiting permanent NYC housing. Volunteers are needed to provide food, serve as early evening hosts or stay overnight. Contact: Joe Vedella (jvedella@fapc.org).
Speaking English. This program offers one-hour tutorials to men and women for whom English is a second language. Volunteer teachers are needed for this program coordinated by the Women’s Association. Contact: Rita Arlen (wassoc@fapc.org or 212.247.0490, ext. 3041).
FELLOWSHIP
City Club. This fellowship group is designed for our members and friends who are in the 45-plus age group. The Club sponsors informational opportunities and community-building social activities; it contributes to service projects. Join and bring your ideas! Contact: Wendy Schildwachter
(wschildwachter@richtravel.com).
Compass (30s/40s). Compass provides an opportunity for those in their 30’s and 40’s to explore their spiritual and social lives through fellowship. Diverse activities, educational programs and outreach opportunities include retreats, museum visits, dinners, Christmas caroling, book clubs, wine tastings and monthly brunches. Volunteers to help plan or host are always welcome. Contact: Gretchen Grant (grantmedia@yahoo.com).
Couples Club. Committed couples of all ages (from just dating to married “forever”) meet to enjoy all that New York has to offer – theater outings, wine tastings, museum tours, dinners, barbeques. Couples may join in volunteering at events, planning events or serving on the steering committee. Contact: Janine & Bob Schindler (janine@jascoaching.com).
Fifth Avenue Fellowship Club. Members of all ages come together for
fellowship at social events, such as Sunday brunches, boat trips, concerts or museum visits throughout the year. Contacts: Tom Crowfis (thomas.crowfis@hunter.cuny.edu) or Jacky Radifera (radifera@worldnet.att.net).
Hiking & Outing Club. Do you love nature, history or art? This club sponsors events to promote fellowship through a variety of outdoor activities: hiking, canoeing, walking tours of historical towns and gardens, exploring the city’s many parks and neighborhoods. Volunteers are needed to help plan or lead. Contacts: Marta Nagy (mcnagy@optonline.net) or Nick DiNapoli (212.600.1180).
Next Ministries (20s/30s). This family of fellowship groups, Bible studies and service projects is targeted at young adults. Contacts: Alexis Tolbert (tolbert.alexis@gmail.com or nextministries@fapc.org); Events: Kent Collier and James Sicks; Focus of Next: Devin Robinson and Becky Hession; Mentors: Tracie Henson; New2NY: Amanda DeMeola; Service/Outreach: Claire Thomason and Neca Parker; Small Group Ministry: Wendy Eilers and Amelia Rose (fapcnextsmallgroups@gmail.com); X-Games: Abigail Johnson and Pete Grayson; and Young Married Couples: Jon Liggett.
Scottish Dancers. The Cameron Scottish Dancers have been a part of Fifth
Avenue since 1992. Dance lessons are held on Friday evenings from
mid-September to mid-June – with two classes, one for beginners and one for more experienced dancers. Beginners are welcome to join at any time. Contact: Jack Cole (cameronscd@aol.com).
Theatre Fellowship. This group allows members and friends to celebrate their creative spirit within a Christian community while offering full-scale
productions, readings of scenes and poetry, cabarets and workshops for the entire congregation and friends to enjoy. Contacts: Janet Luhrs (jaluhrs@aol.com) or Aileen Whiteside (awhiteside@nyc.rr.com).
Women’s Association. The FAPC Women’s Association brings together the women of the church in a year-round program of education, service, prayer and benevolence. Activities include the popular Christmas Bazaar, Christmas Tea, Crafts Group, Tuesday luncheons, exercise class and bridge group. Contact: Rita Arlen (wassoc@fapc.org or 212.247.0490, ext. 3041).
EDUCATION/FAMILY MINISTRIES
Center for Christian Studies. Fifth Avenue’s primary adult education ministry offers a rich and diverse curriculum to strengthen Christian faith. Help is needed with curriculum development, course coordination, registration, teacher liaison and publicity. Contact: Mary Bostic (mbostic@fapc.org).
Children’s & Youth Choirs. The Children’s Choir (grades 1-5) and Youth Choir (grades 6-12) sing periodically throughout the year at worship services and special events. Children who participate discover the fellowship and joy that is shared when learning to work as a group. In addition to helping in the classroom during practice, adults can assist by robing and accompanying children to the sanctuary, preparing snacks and making props. Contact: Eugenia Oi Yan Yau (eyau@fapc.org).
Junior & Senior High Youth Groups. Youth classes meet every Sunday
morning at 9:30 AM for relevant Bible-based discussions. A variety of
fellowship and service opportunities also take place throughout the year.
Volunteers are needed to staff and help organize. Contact: Family Ministries (familyministries@fapc.org).
Kindership. The Kindership program is a ministry committed to providing
fellowship and Christian growth for families with children less than three years of age. Safe, secure nurseries during our worship services are staffed by
reliable, experienced personnel and volunteers. Events for young families help build a supportive Christian community and establish a foundation of faith in children’s lives. Volunteers are needed to staff the nursery and to help
organize Kindership events. Contact: Family Ministries (familyministries@fapc.org).
Library. The FAPC library (first floor gallery) and the library cart (coffee hour) offer a collection of books on religion and spirituality, which may be taken home for temporary use or read on site. Volunteers are needed to staff both the library and the library cart on Sundays after church services. Contact: Ann Brownhill Gubernick (abrownhill@nyc.rr.com).
Sunday School. Employing music, arts, crafts, drama and other enjoyable learning activities, this very special hour affords growth and fellowship for
elementary school age children from age three through fifth grade. Volunteers are needed to teach or assist in the classroom for one week, multiple weeks or the entire season. Contact: Family Ministries (familyministries@fapc.org).
SPECIAL MINISTRIES
Archives Committee. Those with a passion for history, genealogy, photography and audio recordings will enjoy participation in this committee dedicated to maintaining and preserving our church’s 200-year history. Computer skills a strong plus! Contact: Dale W. Hansen (archives@fapc.org).
Bicentennial Choir. This group of singers and musicians prepares and
presents an eclectic array of music for worship and special services. Principally drawn from the FAPC worship community and supplemented by a corps of professional singers, participation is open through regular attendance at Wednesday evening rehearsals. Contact: Dr. Don McManus (dmcmanus@fapc.org).
Hospitality Committee. Coordination of special events such as Homecoming, Thanksgiving Dinner and the annual Congregational luncheon falls to the Hospitality Committee. The group also provides greeters at coffee hour through the Hospitality Host Program. You may volunteer as a greeter at coffee hour or as a server at Homecoming. Contact: Lynn Pitz (rjpitz@bigplanet.com).
Legacy Association. Join a group of members and friends who have made a statement of faith about the future of our church by including it in their estate planning. An annual reception takes place each year in late October. Contact: Rev. Randy Weber (rweber@fapc.org).
New Member Angels. “Angels” provide personal outreach to new members, being side-by-side with them through the activities on the morning they join the church and keeping contact afterward. Volunteer to be an Angel! Contact: Constance Klages (cwklages@yahoo.com).
Small Group Ministries. Please consider one of our Christian fellowship groups of six to twelve people. Small groups meet regularly for Bible study, prayer and mission projects in homes throughout the greater New York area or at the church. All groups are led by trained lay leaders from our congregation. Contact: David Liu (dliu@fapc.org).
Stephen Ministry. Members of our faith community reach out in caring
relationships to others through this ministry. Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in developing listening skills, providing spiritual support and dealing with others in crisis. Following training they make a two-year
commitment to the Stephen Ministry. Contact: Rev. Kate Dunn (kdunn@fapc.org).
Ushers and Greeters. This long-standing FAPC ministry of hospitality is
divided into five rotating teams that assist during worship and special services. Reliable, conscientious, energetic and caring people are always needed.
Contacts: Jacky Radifera (radifera@worldnet.att.net) or Tom Crowfis (thomas.crowfis@hunter.cuny.edu).
BITE-SIZED OPPORTUNITIES
There are many other opportunities to “Walk the Talk” and serve our church and community. You can contribute as little or as much time as you have to offer. Various bite-sized opportunities are posted on the FAPC Website and featured in the printed bulletin.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Join the FAPC family by participating in programs and activities
sponsored by these organizations. Announcements of specific programs are made on the FAPC Website, in the Sunday bulletin, through the VOICE and on signs posted in the church house.
You may also contact Michael McAllister, interim director of outreach (212.247.0490, ext. 3023, or mmcallister@fapc.org).
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Copyright © 1999-2008 Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church,
7 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019,
212.247.0490
