November 2010

Volume XVIII Issue 11

Where is June Cleaver When We Need Her? Two articles in the newspaper recently caught my attention. One was the death of Barbara Billingsley, the actress who played June Cleaver, Beaver and Wally’s mother on the television series Leave it to Beaver. June was every white, suburban family’s perfect mom, long before Phylicia Rashad introduced us to June’s savvy counterpart, Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show. June Cleaver dutifully attended PTA meetings, had dinner on the table at 6:00 every night for a family sitdown event, supervised her sons’ homework, and got them out of the jams into which they inevitably got themselves. I always had the impression that June was as honest and straightforward a mother as any boy could have, and while I don’t remember any episodes of the show in which God was discussed or even mentioned, I always had the impression that if I were the Beaver and wanted to ask any questions about God, she would have the answer. The other article was an observation piece by Bruce Feiler, a monthly columnist for the New York Times. Feiler writes about a question his five year old twin daughter asked him after reading a book together one evening. “Daddy, if I speak to God, will he listen?” Having set up the question, Feiler then confesses his mind raced on three thoughts. First, he wondered who told her about God. He confessed he had studiously avoided the subject. Second, he thought he should be able to nail the question, since he had written four books about religion. And finally he was reluctant to say anything to his daughter that he would have to “unteach” later on in life. Feiler notes that “69 percent of Americans are absolutely certain God exists, and another 17 percent are fairly certain. Only 6 percent said they did not believe in God, with another 5 percent saying they didn’t know or were not certain.” He falls in the last category, and he wonders what to tell children about God “in an age of doubt.” In the end he tells his daughter, “Some people talk to God, and it brings them peace.” It seems an answer committed enough to explain why one might eat spinach, but distant enough to betray his reluctance to eat it. Feiler then describes some research he conducted into the question of what to say to children about God. He consulted

three male “experts,” an agnostic, a disillusioned Catholic playwright, and a rabbi who has authored a book on teaching children about God. They offer stray bits of advice such as teach by example, coax out the questions that your children have but don’t offer answers–let them struggle with them, and finally, be totally honest–share your doubts and questions. When Feiler pressed his consultants on the question his daughter asked, “Will God listen if I speak to God?” all but the agnostic said they would say that God listens. The agnostic confessed he would tell his child “Little Jimmy I don’t believe in God, but what do you think?” What I find so telling about this story from life is what it reveals about Feiler and the nature of our religious thinking. Without intending to do so perhaps, Feiler has once again made self-referential a question about God, as if somehow God needs us to believe in things divine for them to be real. June Cleaver would never have answered the way Feiler did, nor would she have needed to talk to anyone but Ward about what to say to Wally and the Beaver about God. My hunch is that if Ward were wavering in his faith, as Feiler is, she would have straightened him out as well. For the late 1950s and early ‘60s there was little question that God was needed in a person’s life and at the core of a family’s identity. Grace at meals, Sunday mornings at church school, youth fellowship, questions and discussion about God… it was more common than not, and not just in the South. Life was much simpler in June’s time than it is today, and raising children in 2010 is more complicated than it was in 1957. Toddlers and kindergartners have “play dates,” something that was unknown to June Cleaver. Kids simply found a neighbor and played outside without much concern for child-napping or registered sex offenders watching from nearby houses. Kids today send text messages to each other and sit at computer keyboards or PlayStations from early ages onward. They learn more, exchange ideas (Continued on page 7)

PAGE 2

FIRST NOTES

NOVEMBER 2010

Viewing the Binding of Isaac October 31 and November 7, 14, and 21 at 9:30 a.m. October 31 Introducing the Story November 7 A Jewish View November 14 A Biblical Literary View November 21 A Philosophical View

The Rev. Davis Dr. Alan Cooper Dr. Phyllis Trible Dr. Merold Westphal

The story of the binding of Isaac in Genesis is one of the most heart-rending narratives imaginable, where a parent is asked to choose between their child and their faith in their God. The tension it describes has captured the imagination of many great thinkers, from poets to artists, from philosophers to literary giants. This series will take participants on a scenic journey through various views of this story while encouraging participants to consider the points at which their own faith bends or breaks. Alan Cooper is the Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and provost of The Jewish Theological Seminary. Phyllis Trible, an internationally known biblical scholar and rhetorical critic, is a professor of biblical studies at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Merold Westphal is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University. The Immigration and New Sanctuary Committee invites you to…

“IMMIGRATION POLICY: WHAT’S CHANGED, WHAT HASN’T” A FORUM ON JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS Sunday, November 7, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Immigration legislation and policy grabbed headlines this year: Arizona’s controversial law; stalled reform proposals in Congress; ICE’s little-discussed but far-reaching “Secure Communities” initiative. How should we at First Presbyterian Church respond to our denomination’s call for justice for our immigrant brothers and sisters? Speakers:

Andrea Callan, Statewide Advocacy Coordinator of the New York Civil Liberties Union Angela Fernandez, Director of the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights

On Earth as it is in Heaven? Sunday, November 14 at 12:30 p.m. Lisa Miller Please join us as we welcome Newsweek’s religion editor, Lisa Miller, who will discuss her recent book, Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife. Ms. Miller approaches this often brushed-over topic with depth and wisdom, bringing together stories from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions as well as pop culture. Treating heaven with both seriousness and humor, Ms. Miller is sure to make you think twice about what you thought you knew about the eternal resting place. Her book will be available for purchase at the program. WEB EXCLUSIVE! Visit http://www.fpcnyc.org/learn-things/book-reviews for the Rev. Barbara E. Davis’s book review of HEAVEN.

Lunch ‘n Learn Journeys through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today Fridays at 12:00 p.m. The Rev. Barbara E. Davis November 19

Seven Letters to Seven Churches: Revelation 2

PAGE 3

FIRST NOTES

NOVEMBER 2010

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MUSIC CALENDAR Handel’s Sacred Oratorio, MESSIAH Sunday, December 5, at 4:00 p.m. The Choir and Soloists and Orchestra of the Church will present Part I of Handel’s well-known sacred oratorio “Messiah.” Dr. Entriken will also present a Handel Organ Concerto with the orchestra. The oratorio is presented in the context of worship with hymns and prayers. For music lovers far and wide, attending this performance of “Messiah” is a longtime tradition. No tickets are required and a free-will offering is received.

CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE Sunday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. The Choir and Soloists will present this annual tradition, one of the first of its kind in the city, when families, friends and neighbors gather in the sanctuary, aglow with candlelight, to hear and sing carols and anthems of the season. At the end of the service, the congregation gathers on the church lawn to sing carols, filling Fifth Avenue with song and candlelight. All of this is followed by hot cider and good fellowship in the Church Parlor.

YOUTH SERVICE & FELLOWSHIP First Friday Shelter Event Friday, November 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. On Friday, November 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., youth in 6th through 12th grades are invited to this Youth Service & Fellowship event.

THE MARIE SIBILLA “AGING WELL” LECTURE SERIES Thursday, November 18 Parlor of the Mellin-Macnab Building “Signs of Dementia” Mark Zilberman, LCSW Director of North Star Care and Guidance, an elder care management agency Light supper at 6:00 p.m. ($5.00 charge) Program from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Sign up after worship on Sundays, November 7 or 14, or call the FPC receptionist by Tuesday, November 16. If you plan to eat supper, please be sure to sign up. People of all ages welcome.

PARENT TALK Sunday, November 14 10:00 a.m. Parents of youth in grades 10 through 12 are invited to a discussion with parent Malcolm Ritter on “The College Application Process: A Parent’s View.”

Worship at the Movies On Sunday, November 21, at 11:15 a.m., youth in grades 8 through 12 are invited to join the Rev. Barbara E. Davis for a special service of “Worship at the Movies” on the topic “Stories of Life and Death.”

THE 60+ WEDNESDAY CIRCLE Lunch at 12:15 p.m. ($5.00) Mezzanine of the South Wing (Access the South Wing through the main doors of the Sanctuary. If you arrive before 12:15 p.m., you will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Entriken play the organ for 15 minutes starting at noon. There will be no access to the Mezzanine until 12:15 p.m.) Sign up by the preceding Monday by phoning the FPC receptionist. NOVEMBER SCHEDULE FOR 60+ WEDNESDAY CIRCLE: November 3: A reading by actors Clara Barton Green and FPC’s own Michael Stephen Clay of The Diary of Adam and Eve by Mark Twain. November 10: FPC member Meg Harper, whose dancing career included working with Merce Cunningham. will speak about “Dancing in and out of the Light: A Physical and Spiritual Journey.” November 17: FPC member Primerose Desroches, originally from Haiti, will speak about her recent trip to Port-au-Prince. Afterwards we will taxi to Affirmation Arts to view an exhibition of Haitian art. November 24: No lunch or program.

First Presbyterian Church Sun

Mon

The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York 12 West 12th Street (at Fifth Avenue) New York, NY 10011

1

ALL SAINTS’ DAY

Tue 2

ELECTION DAY Schools Closed

N.S. League Parents’ Workshop

N.S. League Parents’ Workshop 12:00 3:00 5:45 9:00

Tel: (212) 675-6150 Fax: (212) 675-8674

7

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Daylight Savings Time Ends

9:30 10:00 11:00 11:20 12:00 12:15 12:30 9:00

Exploring Our Faith Youth Music Ministry (Grades 6-12) 10:45 Child Care Worship Communion / Dr. Walton preaching Youth sing in worship / Grades 6-12 remain in worship Church School/Music Time for 3-4 Year Olds and K-1st Grade Children’s Music Ministry (Grades 2-5) Coffee Hour 12:30 Family Ministries Committee Pre-Baptism Meeting/New Sanctuary Forum Homeless Shelter

14

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

9:30 10:00 11:00 11:20 12:00 12:15 12:30 12:30 9:00

Exploring Our Faith 10:00 Parent Talk Youth Music Ministry (Grades 6-12) 10:45 Child Care Worship Baptism / Dr. Walton preaching Church School/Music Time for 3-4 Year Olds and K-1st Grade Children’s Music Ministry (Grades 2-5) Coffee Hour Exploring Our Faith Baby Meet & Greet Homeless Shelter

21 9:30 10:00

Exploring Our Faith Youth Music Ministry (Grades 6-12)

11:00

Worship M4M/Reception of New Members/Dr. Walton preaching Youth & Children Sing in Worship

10:45 Child Care

11:15 11:20 12:00 12:45 9:00

Worship at the Movies (8th-12th Grades) Church School/Music Time for 3-4 Year Olds and K-1st Grade Children’s Music Ministry (Grades 2-5) 12:15 Coffee Hour Advent Wreathmaking 1:30 Literary Group Homeless Shelter

28

First Sunday of Advent

10:45 11:00

Child Care Worship The Rev. Davis preaching

12:15 12:30 9:00

Coffee Hour Tartan Fair Volunteers’ Lunch/Setup Sunday Homeless Shelter

8 12:00

6:00 6:15 9:00

Stewardship Committee A.A. Groups Homeless Shelter

9 Sanctuary Open

5:45 6:30

Qigong Tartan Fair Work Session

9:00

Homeless Shelter

6:15 6:30 9:00

A.A. Groups Personnel Committee Homeless Shelter

First Notes and Calendar Due

15 12:00

16 8:30

N.S. Admissions Tour

5:00 6:15 7:00 9:00

N.S. Pajama Project A.A. Groups House Committee Homeless Shelter

Sanctuary Open

5:45 6:30

Qigong Tartan Fair Work Session

9:00

Homeless Shelter

PRESBYTERY

22

Christ the King/Reign of Christ Stewardship Dedication Sunday

NO Family Music Ministries rehearsals NO Church School

Sanctuary Open BBC TV filming Qi Gong Homeless Shelter

12:00 5:45 6:30 9:00

23 Sanctuary Open

8:30

N.S. Admissions Tour

Qigong

6:15

A.A. Groups

9:00

Homeless Shelter

Tartan Fair Work Session

Homeless Shelter

First Notes Mailing Team

29 10:00 12:00 5:45 9:00

30 Tartan Fair Setup Week Sanctuary Open Qigong Homeless Shelter

8:30 10:00 6:15 9:00

N.S. Admissions Tour Tartan Fair Setup Week A.A. Groups Homeless Shelter

NOVEMBER 2010 Wed 3 9:00 10:30 12:00 12:00 6:30 7:00 9:00

N.S. Parents League Workshop Staff Meeting Organ Meditation 60+ Wednesday Circle Committees Meet N.S. Workshop Homeless Shelter

Planned Giving Staff Meeting Organ Meditation 60+ Wednesday Circle

5:30 6:00

N.S. Admissions Open House Shelter Organization Meeting

6:30

Tartan Fair Meeting

7:00

New Sanctuary Movement

9:00

Homeless Shelter

17

12:15

12:00 6:00

6:00 6:30 6:30 7:00 8:00 9:00

Nominating Committee N.S. Board Meeting Joint Finance Board 60+ Circle Committee NA Solutions Homeless Shelter

VETERANS DAY

12

N.S. Closed

12:15

Al-Anon

12:00

Sanctuary Open

8:00 9:00

NA Solutions Homeless Shelter

8:30

Organ Meditation 60+ Wednesday Circle

6:00

6:30

Deacons/Trustees/Session

6:30

Marie Sibilla “Aging Well” Lecture Series Joint Finance Board

9:00

Homeless Shelter

8:00 9:00

NA Solutions Homeless Shelter

25 Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service Children & Youth Choirs Homeless Shelter

9:00

12:15

9:00

6 11-2

Tartan Fair Work Day

N.S. Admissions Tour

13 8:30 11-2

Inquirers’ Class Tartan Fair Work Day

12:00

Session Lunch with Inquirers Memorial Service Gordon Thoren (Chapel) Wedding Lee/Park The Rev. Davis, officiant

3:00

5:30

20

Al Anon

THANKSGIVING DAY

12:00 12:00 6:15 6:30 9:00

Sanctuary Open Lunch ‘n Learn NA/DA Groups New Member Reception (October/November) Homeless Shelter

26

Staff Holiday 12:30

NA/D.A. Groups Wedding Rehearsal Lee/Park The Rev. Davis, officiant Homeless Shelter

19

12:00 12:00

7:00

6:15 6:30

9:00

Capital Campaign Staff Meeting

N.S. Thanksgiving Lunch Staff Meeting Organ Meditation

6:15 9:00

Sat

Youth Service & Fellowship NA/D.A. Groups Homeless Shelter

11

8:00 10:30

10:00 10:30 12:00

Sanctuary Open

Al-Anon

18

24

Fri 5

4

10 8:00 10:30 12:00 12:00

Thu

11-2

Tartan Fair Work Day

27 Staff Holiday

Dinner at Our Lady of Pompeii Church Homeless Shelter

9:00

Homeless Shelter

All data subject to change without notice. DEACONS FOR NOVEMBER:

Check with Church Receptionist for confirmation and details.

Jason Reade Wendy Williams

(917) 856-3250 (347) 750-5586

DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER 2010 FIRST NOTES:

Indicates Volunteer Opportunities

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

PAGE 6

FIRST NOTES

Volunteer Opportunities Welcome to the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES CALENDAR, published monthly to let you know of events where you can help. COFFEE HOUR HOSTING – Hosts, coffee pourers, and greeters are needed for Coffee Hour after church. To volunteer, contact HEATHER MEE at (212) 366-0341 or [email protected]. USHERS FOR WORSHIP SERVICES – Volunteers are needed to usher for Sunday morning services and special services. To volunteer, call JOAN RYAN at (212) 765-2141. LAY READERS – Those interested in participating as lay readers are asked to call DENISE JACKSON at (212) 675-4366. FIRST NOTES – Volunteers are needed to help assemble and label FIRST NOTES mailings. For the next mailing, volunteers will meet at the Church at 10:00 a.m. and work until about 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22. Call PAULETTE GRIEFEN at (212) 942-0620 to help.

NOVEMBER 2010

CROSS BEARER – To explore the possibility of carrying the processional cross at worship, please contact MEG HARPER at (718) 624-1516 or [email protected], or NADINE STEWART at (212) 206-7725 or [email protected]. HOMELESS SHELTER—Volunteers are needed. Please email [email protected] or call (212) 741-8620 for more information. IN THE KITCHEN – If you can help with Fellowship Suppers after Wednesday Worship, please call JAMES HOLLANDER at (646) 335-2969 or e-mail [email protected]. For all other events call JACKIE FIKE at (914) 793-4017 or email [email protected]. Saturday, November 13—Session Lunch with Inquirers Friday, Nov. 12—11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Prep. Saturday, Nov. 13—9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Prep., Serve, Cleanup Sunday, November 28—Tartan Fair Volunteers’ Lunch Saturday, November 27 — 12:00-3:00 p.m. Prep. Sunday, November 28 — 9:00-11:00 a.m. Prep. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Prep., Serve, Cleanup

Thanksgiving Eve Service: The congregation of First Presbyterian Church, and several other Jewish and Christian congregations in the Greenwich Village community, will worship together in an Inter-Faith Service for Thanksgiving Eve on Wednesday, November 24, at 7:00 p.m. The service will be held in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church. Children’s choirs from other congregations, as well as the Children’s Choirs of First Presbyterian, will participate in the service, which will include prayers, stories from various faith traditions, and hymns of the season. A reception will follow the service in the Esther Morrow Room of the South Wing. SPECIAL GUEST! HAROLD FORD, JR. will be the speaker at the Thanksgiving Service. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee’s 9th congressional district from 1997 to 2007. Now chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, Ford is the author of More Davids than Goliaths: A Political Education.

MISSION SERVICE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS Local Work Project on Saturday, November 13 Eight volunteers needed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to weed both of FPC’s lawns. Sign up by Wednesday, November 10, either by signing the list in the lobby of the Mellin-Macnab Building or by phoning the FPC receptionist.

FPC Mission Service Trips 2011 PERU, February 5-15: Construction and/or home repairs in a community on the outskirts of Lima (sea level) where people moved from the Andes to escape The Terror of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Live in a monastery. Work 5 days; spend last 3 days sightseeing in Cuzco & Machu Picchu. SOUTH CAROLINA, May 7-15: Home building with Sea Island Habitat for Humanity on John’s Island–just over a bridge from Charleston. Live in a Habitat house, do our own cooking. Living conditions on John’s Island are described as some of the worst in the U.S. HAITI, July 9-17: Returning to Cap Haitien to work at Father Bernier’s complex of schools, converting a vacant building into a kitchen and dining room for the school meal program begun by members of FPC after learning last year that most children have only an evening meal. Live in the Anglican rectory.

CUBA, October 8-16: Construction, building repair, and/or maintenance projects at a Presbyterian camp near Santa Clara. The group will travel under a permit granted to religious organizations; no sightseeing is allowed, but visits to churches and the inter-denominational seminary are permitted. The last few days will be spent in Havana making these visits.

KEEP YOUR INFO UP-TO-DATE FOR OUR DATABASE AND DIRECTORIES! The latest membership directory with photos is now available at the Church office. To update your information or to add a picture for the next directory, please email Ian Gibbs, Communications Assistant, at [email protected], or call the Church office at (212) 675-6150.

PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 2010

FIRST NOTES

(Continued from page 1)

faster, are exposed to more visual stimulation at an earlier age, and ask questions that are deeper and more sophisticated than their counterparts in years past. Kids are just more precocious and parenting is that much more difficult. Or so it would seem. But some of the questions are the same, such as, “If I speak to God, will he listen?” I am left wondering what June might have said to the Beaver had he asked if God would listen if he spoke. I think the answer she would have given is, “Of course! What makes you ask that?” June would have shared her faith. And she would have inquired about her son’s thinking and experience. Both it seems to me would be right on target. Bruce Feiler’s concern not to say anything that he would have to “unteach” later seems painfully naive. Part of the process of maturing for a child is learning what about his or her parent’s example and teaching they will “unlearn.” June’s philosophy always seemed to be “Give your child an example to respond to. They will figure out what is true and what is not; what they believe and what they don’t. Share your faith, in other words. If you have doubts, fine. Ponder your doubts, but don’t plant the weeds of doubt among the seedlings of faith if your children are at a sapling stage of inquiry. There can be plenty of discussions over the years as your children are growing, but it seems ethically unfair to thwart a child’s faith by your own inability to move beyond doubt. In a phrase, share your faith as you have promised to do in your baptismal vows (remember those?), and leave the rest to God. —The Rev. Dr. Jon M. Walton

First for the Future News As the cooler weather arrives, the benefits of new windows in the Mellin-Macnab Building are already evident for classrooms and children in the church school, Nursery School, and P.S. 226. When next year’s rezoning of the heating plant takes place, we will see a real and tangible benefit to this “greening” and warming of the building. This past month, the First for the Future campaign applied to the Hyde and Watson Foundation for grant to support construction costs. Last year, this foundation, which is one of a very few who support capital improvements in churches, gave the church $15,000 to supplement the congregation’s gifts. We hope to hear whether our second application is approved for additional funding by early November. In the same way that the Hyde and Watson Foundation supports the First for the Future campaign, if you would like to suggest any foundations or institutions that offer financial grants in the areas of education, autism, religion, building, or historical renovation, please contact David Richardson, Campaign Officer, at [email protected]. In addition, if your employer offers Matching Gifts to employees’ giving, you could help us reach our $15,000,000 goal by directing Matching Gifts to the church. It may also be possible to direct gifts to the First Presbyterian Church Nursery School if your employer’s policy does not allow support of religious institutions.

BABY MEET & GREET Sunday, November 14 12:30 p.m.

Advent Wreath Making Sunday, November 21, at 12:45 p.m.

You and your baby (infants to 18 months old) will have an opportunity to play, meet other families, and enjoy a light lunch. Please bring whatever food your child enjoys as well. Sign up in the MellinMacnab lobby or email [email protected]. Please let us know if you plan to bring older siblings.

The entire FPC community is invited to join the Family Ministries Committee for this annual Advent Wreath Making event. All materials are provided. Please RSVP to [email protected]. A freewill donation will be collected to help cover the cost of materials. Resources for candle-lighting will be provided!

THE FAMILY MUSIC MINISTRIES PROGRAM WELCOMES SARAH McCAFFREY First Presbyterian welcomes Sarah McCaffrey to our Sunday School teaching team. Sarah will be joining us Sunday mornings to teach the 3- and 4-year-old music classes. You will also see her accompanying the older children on guitar or flute. In addition, Sarah will be working with our youth church school teachers as they learn to teach music themselves. Sarah is a flutist and singer-songwriter, originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota. She has been living and performing in New York City since 2005 and teaches music in several public and private schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She holds a Bachelors in Flute Performance from the Eastman School of Music (2005) and a New York State Certification in Music K-12 from Brooklyn College (2010). Sarah not only sings, plays guitar and writes all of the music for her own folk-rock band, Waiting for Jerry, but also plays flute with several different classical groups. Her love of music of all types truly shines through her energetic and upbeat teaching styles.

A Month of Sundays November Worship at FPC SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time The Rev. Dr. Jon M. Walton preaching Sermon: Sacrament: Communion Youth Sing in Worship SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Sermon: The Rev. Dr. Jon M. Walton preaching Sacrament: Baptism SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sermon: The Rev. Dr. Jon M. Walton preaching Reception of New Members Youth & Children Sing in Worship SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 First Sunday of Advent Sermon: The Rev. Barbara E. Davis preaching

CHRISTMAS BEGINS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 with First Church’s “Best Weekend in New York,” A Tartan Christmas, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday the 3rd and concluding with the marvelous Advent Vespers Concert with the First Presbyterian Choir at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5. 300+ volunteers will work to make this extraordinary weekend happen. Here’s how to be a part of the fun and the fellowship: Donate your slightly used housewares to the White Elephant sale ~ Clean off those library shelves for our Book Loft ~ Raid the china closet and jewelry boxes ~ Give us tickets and gift certificates and personal services for the Silent Auction ~ Newlyweds, bring us that gift you really don’t want--someone will! ~ Bake for the Café and Prepared Foods ~ Lend your muscle to Set-Up and Clean-Up ~ Work a shift during the Fair Sign up in the lobby after church every Sunday in November, or contact Joan Ryan at (212)765-2141 or [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE! Advent Family Celebration Friday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. Watch the Sunday bulletin and your December issue of First Notes for more details.

Return Service Requested

The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 Tel: (212) 675-6150 Fax: (212) 675-8674 http://www.fpcnyc.org Jon M. Walton, Pastor Sarah Segal McCaslin, Associate Pastor Barbara E. Davis, Minister of Christian Education Mark D. Hostetter, Associate Pastor William F. Entriken, Organist and Choirmaster Emily Scott, Director of Family Music Ministries Thia Reggio, Seminary Intern

Recycled Paper

Contact information: ___________________________________

Your name (optional):___________________________________

Helpful information and background:

for the office of Elder – Deacon – Trustee (circle one).

I suggest the name of: __________________________________

As you suggest a person, please specify some of the qualities above that lead you to offer this person’s name. Please remember that the Nominating Committee will consider many names. Your suggestion is important, but not all those suggested will actually be nominated, so help the committee with as much information as possible.

Other factors: occupational background and life experience, service in other organizations, interest in particular causes, offices held and quality of performance in them, education and training in the duties and responsibilities of the office.

Personal qualifications: cooperativeness, willingness to listen, readiness to learn, ability to follow through on assignments, organizational ability, creativity, openness to new ideas, maturity of judgment, freedom to express ideas and thoughts.

Christian life: evidence of grace and compassion in common life, evidence of maturity and effectiveness of ministry in the world.

Church involvement: regular attendance at worship, active participation in church activities, offices held and leadership rendered, evidence of commitment to the church and its mission, understanding of and commitment to Presbyterian polity, financial commitment to the church’s Annual Fund commensurate with one’s ability.

Please consider the following general qualifications when suggesting yourself or another person for office:

SOME FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SUGGESTING YOURSELF OR OTHERS’ NAMES

Members of the Nominating Committee: Jim Williams, Chair David Earle Richard Korchak David Garlow Suzanne Mecs Katie Hasty Ryan Tirre Denise Jackson Jon Walton

Please assist your Nominating Committee in this task by suggesting members of the church to be considered for these leadership positions. Members should also feel encouraged to propose themselves for positions in which they would be willing to serve. All officers serve three-year terms and should expect to meet at least once a month and often more frequently. Names should be written on the opposite side and placed in the suggestions box in the Mellin-Macnab Church House lobby, or mailed to: Nominating Committee, The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011. You may also speak to a member of the committee or contact Jim Williams by phone at (212) 414-9000, ext. 604, or by email at [email protected].

Trustees – The Board of Trustees “holds and manages properties and, as authorized, conducts business for the church.”

Deacons – The Board of Deacons has responsibility for ministering to “those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress.”

Elders serve on the Session – the principal decision-making body of the church. Session is responsible for the overall mission and government of the congregation.

The Nominating Committee has begun preparing a slate of new officers to present to the congregation at the Annual Meeting in January. We are soliciting suggestions for elders, deacons, and trustees for the three boards of the church. We need your suggestions by November 7, 2010.

THE 2010 NOMINATING COMMITTEE OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEEDS YOUR HELP