Click HERE to download article appearing in the January/February 2008 VOICE.

2008 kicks off an exciting year for Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. The senior pastor search is well underway; a three-year strategic plan has been developed; the new vision statement was approved by Session last fall; and the “Created to Serve” stewardship campaign and bicentennial celebration of the church’s founding are in full swing.

The new plan and vision statement give members and friends of Fifth Avenue a unique opportunity to re-examine service and servant leadership though FAPC’s outreach programs and activities this year.

The vision statement says, “We of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church will be a relevant servant church that makes a difference for Christ in the lives of people of this city and around the world by utilizing our
strategic location at the crossroads of the world in New York City.”

So, what does this mean to the members and friends of Fifth Avenue, and how can the congregation practically apply such a statement? How can we as a faith community “Walk the Talk?” It might be helpful to start by referring to a biblical reference which supports this concept and advocates service and stewardship, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
(1 Peter 4:10)

“One of the hopes of the new vision statement and strategic plan is to encourage members to use their professional or avocational skills – like Web design, singing, music, etc. – to help both inside FAPC and beyond the church’s walls,” said Jeanne Pape, coordinator of the “Walk the Talk: Serve!” campaign.

Susan McCauley, a FAPC member, has drawn from her experiences growing up around the globe to serve as the New2NY chair, which helps those in their 20s and 30s acclimate themselves to the Big Apple. She was constantly the “new kid” at school, attending three different high schools in three different countries in four years.

“I know what it is like to be intimidated and overwhelmed in a new place, so giving back in service to people who are in a similar situation is a very rewarding experience to me,” says Sue. “I think it is key is to serve in a way that highlights your personal talents.”

Karen Johnson, FAPC’s chair of outreach, used her profession as a designer to serve outside the walls of Fifth Avenue. She and some friends from the church led a sewing class at Fountain House, a program for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. They shared their skills of sewing with women in the class and watched one woman in particular blossom as she discovered her ability to create clothing she liked.

Karen recalls, “Eventually, we put together a fashion show. This was an amazing, empowering moment for all of the class members. Needless to say, this experience both taught and gave me so much.”

“We all have talents, either avocations or vocations to share,” says Sally Harwood, chair of the benevolence committee. “In order to get the most out of this Christian community, it is vital for individuals to serve based on their specific talents, so that at the end of the day, they feel truly enriched and fulfilled.”

As part of the “two centuries of service” bicentennial celebration, members and friends of Fifth Avenue will have the chance on Palm Sunday to participate in a “service pledge drive” and make a personal
commitment of service for 2008, whether through the church or the larger outside community.

As you think about all the exciting service projects and opportunities available this year, take a moment to think about what excites you…what are you passionate about? What inspires you? Find a way to incorporate those aspects (whether it is a personal hobby / skill or particular topic) into your service commitments. The time has come to walk the talk, folks! We ask that you think and pray about what you will do and then make the commitment to serve together!

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7 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212.247.0490