A WEEK

IN THE LIFE OF

UTGERS

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

aS MOnday BeGInS,
ten men in need who have
been provided shelter in
the basement gym
of Rutgers Church House
over the weekend are getting
ready to leave for the day. The
men are screened and brought
to and from the church by the social service agency CAMBA. Dermonte Alleyne (long-time Church
Facilities Manager) and Peter Rinaldi
(our A/V technician) cook and serve a
nourishing full meal for the men, set-up
sleeping accommodations, show movies
and play games, and spend the night in order
to provide a safe environment.

By 9 aM, children aged 3

and 4 arrive with their parents or caregivers and
head for the 2nd floor
classrooms of the Ready,
Set, Go! class, a preschooler play and enrichment program offered
four days a week by
Rutgers Community
Programs - for more
than 20 years, a place
where children can
play, create and express themselves and
parents
can
find
friendship and resources.
Rutgers
Community Programs
are offered as a community service by the
church. All classes and
activities are nonsectarian, and the churchs
open
door
policy
means all are welcome.

Community Programs classes nurture all domains of

learning that help prepare children for school success physical, social and emotional, cognitive
and creative expression in an interrelated,
child- and play- centered approach.
In Ready, Set, Go! activities include
story time, yoga, dance, art, music, and.
The art studio and gym are used, along
with the homeroom.

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 going
to school every
day - what more
can a mom ask
for? Rutgers is so
lucky to have
such dynamic and
dedicated teachers. My son adores
them. Between the
On My Own
playgroup and
Ready, Set, Go
his first introduction
to school has been
an incredibly
positive one.
Keep up the
great work!!!
- Karen, mom to a
4-year-old.

I want tO COnGRatulate all tHe GIRlS On

2

Rutgers is a welcoming community that provides mutual support

and 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 meeting
where prospective members are welcome.

Community Programs has been expanding its

adult class offerings under the theme of Wellness, with
new yoga workshops for stress reduction, better sleep,
and mindful eating.

In the early evening, Girl Scout troop 3464 gathers in the Fellowship
Hall. The church serves as the chartered organization for this new Troop which
includes 6 Brownies, 3 Juniors, and 2 Cadets. Girls of all ages, nationalities and
beliefs are welcome to participate in fun activities that build courage, confidence
and character and teach life skills, promote active participation in service projects, and provide camaraderie. Sponsorship of Scout activities helps members
of the congregation feel that their church is a small town in the big city.

eaRnInG tHeIR BadGeS & PatCHeS.

dawn,
tROOP leadeR

tueSday offers a full line-up

of classes, illustrating how Rutgers Community Programs are
developmentally appropriate
for children as they grow from
infancy to elementary school
age. There are movement
classes called Movin &
Groovin in the gym, a
toddler Playgroup, and a
toddler Panda class where
children learn about Chinese
language and culture all with
parent and caregiver participation encouraged. For those
children ready for a gentle transition to drop-off, there is an
On My Own playgroup.
Tuesday offers another day of
Ready, Set, Go! and Handprints classes as well.

the staff are, without

exception, fabulous!
Liz, parent of
a 4-year-old

this is a small school

with a really big heart!
a parent

Rutgers Presbyterian Church is a

place for mutual support. at midday on tuesdays, a support
group for unemployed persons
meets in the Daniel Russell Room, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Kimball Jones who
is Director of the Rutgers Counseling
Center (the west side office of the Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute).
This group, which is open to all who
wish to attend at no fee, began meeting
in 2011. To date thirty-five people have
attended the group, and more than half of them have
found employment since the group began.

A Feldenkrais class for adults is taught by instructor Lily Zwins who has been with Rutgers Church since
2001. Lilys approach is centered in finding overall
well-being through integration of mind, body and spirit.

yOuR PROGRaMS
4

The Central Park west al-anon group meets on

tuesdays mid-day, and a mens al-anon group
meets in the evening. Like the Monday Al-Anon group,
the Tuesday meetings provide
friends and families of alcoholics a chance to share their
experience, strength, and
hope with each other so that
they may solve their common problems and recover
from the effects of problem
drinking.

& ClaSSeS

aRe tHe BeSt

In the evening, Boy Scout troop and Cub

Scout Pack 664 chartered by the Church
meet. Boys from 1st through 12th grade go camping
and hiking, play soccer and football, kayak on the
Hudson River, and do community service projects
such as a holiday dinner for the men in the church
shelter program.

The church properties including the Sanctuary, the Church House at 236 West 73rd, the
commercial building at 2095 Broadway, and
the Wood-Dolson building at 2091 Broadway date from the 1920s. Now reversing a
long period of deferred maintenance, many
repair projects are underway. On most
tuesday afternoons, the church Treasurer, Facilities Manager and Administrator
meet
with
consulting
architects,
engineers and contractors to coordinate
the work.
On tuesday evenings, a Mens Support
Group meets at the Church House. The group is
open to HIV+ men and men living with AIDS, regardless of race, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.
The group is facilitated by Douglas Rowan, MSW.

KePt SeCRet On tHe uPPeR weSt SIde.

a
PaRent

On wedneSday, various Community Programs

classes meet, including in the art studio on the 4th floor Rutgers Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have staff
of Church House -- a safe and joyful space where members who are knowledgeable, well-trained and
young children can express themselves and learn dedicated to their work. Many have worked for the
through creative play. Young artists 1 3 years old, church for ten years or more some for 20 years. A
with an adult, come to the studio for Handprints weekly meeting of church staff is held on wednesday
classes. In the afternoon the studio hosts Once afternoons, convened by Pastor Andrew who is also
upon an artist, a popular class where children 5 Head of Staff.
8 years old make projects based on a specific artist or
medium, along with plenty of
free studio time.
My daughters have been attending art
class for the last 3 years. we love the art
Classes in the art studio are
taught by Cindy Schaffer and
projects and the environment is always
Lesley Countryman. Lesley
warm and
observes Programs like ours
welcoming.
at Rutgers are an oasis of
sorts. The church has studio
- Krissie,
and classroom space, organizmom of two
ing capacity, and the resources
daughters
to be able to offer programs for
the wider community on a notfor-profit basis. The church
also believes in the value of
nurturing creativity and joy.
Wed love for church members to come visit us on the
4th floor and see what the kids are doing!

I lOve tHe FaCt tHat OuR COnGReGatIOn

6

In the evening, the lambda west aa group

meets in the 5th floor Fellowship Hall. Lambda West is
a special interest group of Alcoholics Anonymous for
gay men and women. The group held its first meeting
in February 1985 at the invitation of Rutgers Church,
and ever since has called the Rutgers
Church House home. Lambda is a safe
and welcoming home for the unique issues that gay men and lesbians address
in facing social and political challenges
while practicing sober principles.

On wednesdays in the basement gym, members of

Front Runners new york gather to stretch and socialize before and after their runs in the park. Front Runners New York has been an active running and
multi-sport club for LGBT and LGBT-friendly athletes for
more than 30 years, and is affiliated with New York Road
Runners (NYRR). FRNY is a supportive community for
athletes of all levels of ability and ages.

Church members, friends and newcomers

get together to socialize at informal
monthly dinner dates. A Restaurant
Rendezvous group meets at a designated
restaurant. The Coop Connoisseurs meet
at a church members apartment.
A third group -- Menu Pour Enfants
welcomes families with young children
for meals in the Church House.

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 in
numerous, rich and diverse forms. Pastor Andrew also leads a meditation
class on many Wednesday evenings.

IS COMPRISed OF a dIveRSe nyC POPulatIOn.

a CHuRCH MeMBeR

ThuRSdAY offers another busy day of Community Programs classes: Ready,Set,Go!,handprints, Toddler Playgroup, Toddler
Pandas,onMyownplaygroup, movement
classes called jumpin&jivin and happy
Feet,ArtPlay and onceuponanArtist.
Children enrolled in Community Programs
classes have an opportunity to participate in
community service projects, including an
annual canned food drive before
Thanksgiving and Operation
Backpack, which
provides backpacks
filled with school supplies to children living
in homeless shelters.

Ready,Set,Go
isseriousfun.
Theirlearning
throughplay
approachallowed
mysontogrow
intellectually,
emotionally,and
sociallywithout
feeling
pressure
toperform.
- Amy and Chris,
parents of a
4 year old

Community Programs also

sponsors many special free
lectures for parents, furthering their goal of being a
resource for parents and the
community. A popular annual
Clara
features
workshop
Hemphill, author of a series of books on New Yorks
best public schools, who speaks on admissions
policies and procedures.

Weloveyourprogramsomuch
weconstantlyrecommenditto
localmoms.Youguysare
amazing.
Meneka,
mother to 4-year-old boy

Other recent workshop topics have included

Myfirstwords:speechandlanguage
milestones and letsTalkToddler,
where parents are invited to support each
other, ask questions, and share advice about
the joys and challenges of raising a toddler in
a safe, confidential space. These lectures
and workshops are free and open to the
public, as a community service of the
church.

YouRedoinG SuchA GReATjob buildinGA

8

in the evening, the 5th floor is transformed into a

place of welcome for about 75 people from the neighborhood who are provided with a hot, home-cooked
meal, fellowship, andon most nightsa movie. The
weekly meal program and movie is offered
every Thursday evening from September through
June. A sensitive, warm and friendly team of volunteers from the neighborhood as well as from the
church cook and serve the meals, under the
direction of Ulla Farmer.

A movie follows, selected by Harris Shultz who continues a long tradition of a monthly theme. The meals
and movies are greatly appreciated and very popular
with our less fortunate and lonelier neighbors. The
Thursday meal and movie program is supported by
the church operating budget and by donations from
church members and friends.

In the basement, a
Tai Chi class is
taught by Sifu Jim
Green in the Blue
Room. Jim has been
a Tai Chi teacher for
25 years.
He
teaches the Yang Family 10-move
form, which was created in China in 1999. This
form is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and
great for physical health and peace of mind.

CommuniTy for famiLies

in The

neighborhood.
Laura, mom of Twin boys

On SOMe FRIdayS, a partnership with the

volunteers of america / Greater new york
brings children from the Bronx Early Learning Center
to Church House for field trips with our Community Programs instructors. The children (many with significant
developmental delays) spend time in the art studio and
the Ready, Set, Go! classroom, then have lunch together with our instructors before returning to their
school. From time to time, our partnership with VOA/GNY also brings
children from family homeless shelters to Church House for similar field
trips. Church and Programs families
also donate books for the library at a
VOA/GNY shelter for formerly homeless military veterans. The partnership has allowed the Church to
extend its helping hand into communities not normally served by its Community Programs.
During the school year, one Friday a
month is reserved for events for our
youth group S.K.a.t.e. Chosen
several years ago during a skating
trip, the name is an acronym for
Sanctuary for Kids of Acceptance,
Trust, and Education. S.K.A.T.E.
comes together in prayer, community,
and fun. Past events have included
volunteer projects, movie viewings,
sleepovers and retreats, trips to
Broadway shows, and, of course, ice
skating. S.K.A.T.E. events include a time of fellowship
and prayer. All youth 13 years old and older are welcome to join.

After a recent visit, the assistant director of the

Bronx 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.

we wORK In twelve COuntRIeS. we aRe

10

aROund 7 P.M., ten men arrive at Church House

by bus for the weekend shelter program. They
are served a three course meal, prepared by Dermonte Alleyne and Peter Rinaldi. After dinner, they
may watch a movie or t.v. program, and then hang out
before going to sleep on cots set up in the basement
gym. For 25 years the weekend shelter program has
been operated by Rutgers in partnership with Christ
& Saint Stephens Episcopal Church, who provide
staff and volunteers for Saturday nights. The expenses of the shelter program are supported by the
church operating budget and by donations at the door
at special church concerts. Church members take
great pride in the shelter program as it illustrates how
the Rutgers congregation demonstrates Gods love
through actions, not just words.

On Many FRIday evenInGS, a Womens

Spirituality Group meets in the first floor Daniel
Russell Room.

The church security guard is

used to folks leaving the building
aFteR 9 PM on most
evenings because on any
weeknight a church Session
(governing board), trustee (property
and finance) or committee meeting could be taking
place in church facilities. The Peace & Social
justice network is the church committee that supports a progressive agenda including campaigns for
fair taxation and an end to income inequality; the National Religious Campaign Against Torture; an end to
the use of solitary confinement in prisons; and Bread
for the Worlds efforts to end hunger, among other issues. The Giving network is the committee with
oversight of the churchs benevolence gifts, determining the local, national and international organizations
to receive monetary gifts from the church. Other committees deal with various aspects of church life
(Christian education, which plans the popular Vacation Bible School offered in August and worship
& Music, which oversees weddings, funerals, and
baptisms, in addition to Sunday worship services), or
administrative matters (Personnel).

deePly GRateFul FOR yOuR PaRtneRSHIP.

- SuSan SayeRS, PaRtneRS In HealtH

On SatuRday MORnInGS Mary Nelson, the

church organist and music director, rehearses in the
sanctuary. In a recent survey of church members and
friends, 75% of respondents specifically mentioned the
music program when asked What attracts you to Rutgers Presbyterian Church and keeps you coming to Sunday 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 the
church, retaining several ranks and the drawknob console shell from the previous Mller organ built in 1926.

On SatuRday MORnInG the men in the shelter

program are served breakfast, then the van arrives to
take them back to CAMBA headquarters in Brooklyn.
The men are enrolled in CAMBA programs that provide
some work and that help put them on the road to supportive housing and services. The Rutgers Facilities
Manager, Dermonte Alleyne, reports that each week 6 of
the 10 men will be familiar faces; the others are new men
who have taken the place of those who have found more
permanent housing.

As word spreads about the Sanctuarys beautiful space

and wonderful acoustics, more and more outside groups
are wanting to use Rutgers as their performance venue.
It is always worth checking the Events Page on the
church website to find out what music is being made at
Rutgers.

In the gym, members of the Front Runners meet and

have breakfast together after they run in the parks.

I KeeP COMInG BaCK FOR tHe StIMulatInG

ClaSSeS & tHe OPPORtunIty tO Be InvOlved
12

SatuRdayS and weekends may also see church

and outside groups using the churchs
excellent facilities and great location for
special events. For example, the NYC Coalition
for Block and Community Leaders has held annual allday workshops for block associations at Rutgers.
United for Action, an environmental coalition, has presented lectures on anti-fracking, held a forum on renewal energy resources for New York City, and
screened a film about the Keystone XL pipeline project. La Leche League International holds regular
workshops to promote and support breastfeeding.
Stimulating programming throughout the
calendar by church and outside groups
helps Rutgers fulfill its commitment to inBLO
tellectual as well as spiritual growth.

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There is a closeness of care and concern for the
extended family of members and friends, yet none of
these activities appear on the church calendar.
rd

th

th

rd

th

On SatuRday evenInG, the lambda west

Mens aa group meets in the 5th floor Fellowship
Hall, and the mens shelter program operates
overnight.

In SOCIal & eCO-juStICe aCtIvISt PROjeCtS.

a FRequent vISItOR

SundayS, before worship service, the church choir rehearses in the

Sanctuary. The church choir is comprised of both professional musicians and
volunteers from the church membership. James Balmer is Choir Director.

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 MORnInGS are a busy time for our children and youth. Under the direction of Ashley Birt, Director of Christian Education, the church offers a variety
of classes for the younger set. While their parents
are in worship, children under 3 years old spend time in
our Nursery on the second floor where they get playtime
and care from our dedicated childcare workers. Older
children start off in worship, participating in the beginning
of the service and hearing a Childrens Message designed with them in
mind. Afterwards,
they are taken upstairs for a brief
prayer circle before
being split into
age-appropriate
Sunday School
Using
classes.
music, movement,
storytelling, videos,
acting, and art,
children gain exposure and knowledge of the Bible
and Gods great
love.

Before that happens, those 13 years old and older come

for our older youth Sunday School called S.K.a.t.e.
Breakfast. Starting a half-hour before service, teens
gather in the Blue Room for bagels, juice, and fellowship.
Current events, personal stories, and faith are all topics
of discussion as life meets Scripture in this class. On
communion Sundays, youth come for breakfast and fellowship and then head up to join the community in worship.

art made by
children in
Community
Programs
classes
hangs
on the
sanctuary
walls for
all to enjoy.

I KeeP COMInG BaCK BeCauSe tHe COMMunIty

14

On a tyPICal Sunday,
about 65 75 people attend
worship service including
church members, friends and
newcomers. They embody the
diversity of New York, representing different income and ethnic
groups and beliefs. Most live
on the Upper West Side, but
some come from Brooklyn,
Queens, the Bronx and New
Jersey. Those who are unable
to attend in person watch and
listen on-line via a streaming
video service. Sermons by
Senior Pastor Ondrej Stehlik,
parish associates and guest
preachers are thought-provoking, and feed the appetite
of a congregation that is inquisitive and wanting to
think for themselves. One
member said You can
bring your brain to
church.
After Worship Service,
church members and
friends gather in the
Daniel Russell Room
for coffee and conversation. Some families
with kids hang out in
the gym afterward, for
a Stay & Play hour.
In tHe aFteRnOOn, the choir rehearses. Again.
(Practice makes perfect.)
In tHe evenInG, the church provides a hot home
cooked meal, entertainment, and bed for the men in
its shelter program.

and aS Sunday endS, another week has passed in the life of Rutgers Presbyterian
Church -- a small, caring community whose dedication to the causes of peace and social
justice in the world grows directly and organically from its progressive Christian faith.

IS SO FRIendly & welCOMInG.

a CHuRCH MeMBeR

15

Rutgers Presbyterian Church

Online 24/7/365
Rutgers Presbyterian Church is always open
online. You can find us on our website (www.rutgerschurch.org), on our church Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/rutgerschurch), on our
Community Programs Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/rutgerscommunityprograms), and on our twitter account (@rutgerschurchny).
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/. Community Programs also prepares biweekly emails to
families enrolled in or interested in classes. To subscribe, email jmoore@rutgerschurch.org. (You may unsubscribe 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://blogandrew.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.