Eccentric Existence
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston
Wednesdays, January 11 & 25, February 8 & 22
7:07 am, Romeyn Room
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in New York City? How can faith inform my decisions—my path through life? Where can I nurture my spirit before heading to a demanding day? If these are your questions, check out Eccentric Existence—a group of people who meet with Senior Pastor Scott Black Johnston every other Wednesday morning (early) to talk about a faith that matters and prayer that sustains.
Celtic Chant and Prayer: Part 2
The Rev. Randy Weber | Sundays, January 15, 22, 29 • 9:45 am - Boardroom
This three-week course is inspired by Rev. Weber’s pilgrimages to the Iona community in Scotland and based on John Philip Newell’s text, Celtic Prayers from Iona. Each session involves Scripture, meditative chant and prayer. Although this is a continuation of Rev. Weber’s fall course, newcomers are welcome! The January course will explore the following themes: pilgrimage and worship at the Abbey at Iona, commitment to Christ, communion of saints, merging of heaven and earth, and hospitality.
Economy and Ethics: A Panel Event
The Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Dean Glenn Hubbard & John Weisel
Sunday, January 22 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
The headlines forecast a dismal future for the world economy. Unemployment remains stubbornly high. Amidst continuing economic uncertainty, activistsfrom across the political spectrum, from the Tea Party to the Occupy Wall Street movement, are demanding to know, “Who is to blame?” To what extent did ethical failures produce the global recession? To what extent do Christian social values inform our economic policy, and our politics? Join economic experts (and FAPC members) Glenn Hubbard and John Weisel and our special guest, Auburn Seminary president Katharine Henderson, for a fascinating discussion at the intersection of economics and ethics.
Women’s Winter Sabbath
The Rev. Kate Dunn
Friday & Saturday, January 27-28 • 6 pm Friday through 4 pm Saturday
House of the Redeemer, 7 East 95th Street
Our annual retreat offers women a Sabbath experience of rest and renewal. Our theme this year is “Created in God’s Image.” We will explore what it means to be created in the image of a Creator God, and discern ways that we can use our creative gifts to serve and love God. Bible study, worship, conversation, exercises and times for personal meditation will all be part of our retreat experience. Participants who would like to stay overnight are encouraged to register early; the cost of the retreat will vary accordingly. For more information, contact Diana Kypar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Life After Life
The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein & Imam Al-Hajj Talib W. ‘Abdur-Rashid | Thursday, January 26 • 7 pm - Bonnell Hall
Resurrection is a core tenet of Christian faith. But what else do Christians affirm about the afterlife? How are our beliefs similar to, or different from, what Jews and Muslims believe? Join members of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Central Synagogue and the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood as we ponder the afterlife. Members from each faith community are invited to Bonnell Hall for a dialogue session, followed by a panel discussion moderated by the Rev. Charlene Han Powell. Space is limited; RSVP to Carole White ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) by January 22.
Rhythms of Prayer
Linda Jiménez | Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 29 • 6:30 PM - Corning Logan Room
Do you struggle to pray? Would you like prayer to have a greater presence in your spiritual life? Do you want to go deeper in your relationship with God? Linda Jiménez, our Lilly Resident in Ministry, leads a series that will help you discover and experience different rhythms of prayer in the Christian tradition. Participants will explore the depths of who God is using these ancient and sacred practices.
The Future of Faith: A Film Series
Church attendance and membership are falling—fast. The fastest-growing religious demographic in the U.S. are the “nones”—people who claim no religious affiliation at all. What is the future of faith? This monthly series features provocative films about religion—from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives—followed by discussions with the filmmakers themselves.
Tuesday, February 7 at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church • 7 pm
Author and filmmaker Irshad Manji speaks about her Muslim faith and efforts throughout the world to promote Muslim reform and moral courage. Manji will share a selected clip from her PBS film, Faith Without Fear and discuss her new book Allah, Liberty and Love.
Tuesday, March 13 at Brick Presbyterian Church • 7 pm
Media contributor Ari Wallach is an organizer at the intersection of business, politics and technology. He will speak about upcoming trends in identifying as religious versus spiritual. Wallach was the co-founder of The Great Schlep with Sarah Silverman, organizing young adult Jews to persuade their grandparents to vote for Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential campaign.
Tuesday, April 17 at First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York • 7 pm
Filmmaker Macky Alston will show a portion of his new film, Love Free or Die, that follows the story of openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson. Love Free or Die is about a man whose two defining passions -- his love for God and for his husband Mark -- once appeared to be in direct conflict. Robinson has been a leading figure in the Church's growing embrace of LGBT clergy. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and will be broadcast nationally on PBS in the fall.
The Undertaking
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Long | Sunday, February 12 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
We may not like to think about it, but death is as much a part of our existence as birth. Members and friends of FAPC are invited to read two books—The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade (1997) by Thomas Lynch, and Accompany Them With Singing: The Christian Funeral (2009) by the noted theologian Dr. Thomas Long. Small groups will meet to read and discuss The Undertaking in January. The book project culminates on February 12, when Dr. Long comes to FAPC to discuss the theology of the Christian funeral, and how contemporary Christians (and their churches) have gone astray when it comes to saying farewell to the faithful departed.
A Historical and Architectural Tour of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
Gail Crane and Derek Maddalena
Sundays, February 19 & April 15 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
Although Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church was founded in 1808, we didn’t call 55th Street and Fifth Avenue home until 1875. The land we purchased at the intersection of two dirt roads has since become the crossroads of one of the most affluent, bustling neighborhoods in the world. Join Gail Crane, a member of the church for almost 50 years, and Derek Maddalena, director of facilities, for an inside look at the history and architecture of our remarkable church.
What We Believe: Considering Membership at FAPC
The Rev. Randy Weber
1st Class - Sunday, February 26 (12:15 pm) & Thursday, March 8 (6:30 pm)
2nd Class - Sunday, May 6 (12:15 pm) and Thursday, May 17 (6:30 pm)
Locations to be announced.
Designed for persons interested in exploring the nature of Christian faith and possible membership in Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, this class (offered twice this term) includes a review of core Christian doctrine, key tenets of Reformed faith, as well as an overview of worship and the sacraments. The course also offers the opportunity to meet the pastors. New members will meet with the Session and be welcomed by the congregation on Sunday, March 11 and Sunday, May 20.
The Many Faces of Job
Dr. Choon-Leong Seow
Sundays, February 26, March 25 & April 22 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
The story of Job has puzzled, fascinated and inspired interpreters and preachers throughout the ages. Christians, Jews and Muslims all have grappled with Job in theology and culture. Dr. Seow, Princeton Theological Seminary professor of the Old Testament, leads a three-part series that will explore the multifaceted perceptions of Job, particularly in the visual arts and in literature.
Hot-Button Issues in the Presbyterian Church
The Rev. J.C. Austin | Sundays, March 4 & 11 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
The Presbyterian Church (USA) recently made some momentous decisions that generated immediate controversy. In this two-week course, the Rev. J.C. Austin examines several of the most volatile issues in the national church—and ponders what the future may hold for our denomination, and for congregations across the country. The first session will focus on changes to the Presbyterian Form of Government, particularly those that have opened the door to the ordination of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) clergy. The second session will take up the question of the PCUSA’s engagement in the Middle East, specifically its controversial policy of “phased, selective investment” from certain American corporations operating in Israel.
Go Behind the Curtain: Secrets of the FAPC Archives
Dale Hansen | Sunday, March 18 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
Behind the rich history of our church lie relics, artifacts and memorabilia that chronicle our brightest and darkest days. From its treasure of items from the past two centuries, the FAPC Archives tell a fascinating, often surprising story about our church and congregation. Go behind the curtain and uncover the secrets of this collection with our archivist, Dale Hansen. You will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of how FAPC became the church it is today.
Back at Home: A Report on the Philippines Mission Trip
The FAPC Mission Trip Committee
Sunday, March 25 • 9:30 am - Corning Logan Room
In February, a group of parishioners will embark on a 17-day mission and study trip to the Philippines, where they will travel the islands to learn more about the religioushistory and culture of this diverse nation, and participate in social service projects. The trip will include visits to a number of congregations, hospitals, universities and other church-related institutions. Fresh from their return, members of the mission trip will describe their impressions of the challenges and blessings that the Filipino Christian community experiences every day. (Expect surprises.)
Sometimes We Wear T-Shirts: Getting to Know Your Pastors
The Pastors of FAPC and Tim Palmer | April 29 • 12:30 pm - Jones Auditorium
Have you ever wondered what your pastors were like outside the church? Have you ever wanted to ask them a question that wasn’t related to their sermon? Here’s your chance. One of Adult Education’s most popular events is back for a second round, as Tim Palmer, director of communications, leads another entertaining, possibly irreverent, discussion with your five pastors. Join us—you never know what you’ll hear!
Creative Writing
Emily Dunlap | 2nd and 4th Tuesdays • 4 pm - Location to be announced
This class provides students with an opportunity to explore their creative gifts through writing. Aspects of creative writing such as description, use of metaphor, style and voice are explored. The emphasis is on listening to your own creative voice. Students are encouraged to enroll in the class and continue throughout the year. Please contact Carole White ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to enroll.