What’s Going On: Triangle Park

What’s it like to help with NYAPC’s daily lunch program in Triangle Park?  So far there’s been great volunteer turnout, says Sam Obermyer, one of our Deacons. “We’ve also gotten a handful of volunteers from outside of church, which has been great to see.”

Setting Up: Sam Obermyer and Phil Telfeyan

Each week, the number of guests increases. “There is typically a line 15-20 people deep by 10:50 am,” Sam says, and keeping a 6-foot distance is sometimes tricky. Still, last week, more than half the guests had masks. (Want to help make masks? Contact revbeth.braxton@gmail.com.) Guests seem grateful and are mostly calm. Once they get their food, they leave to keep the number of people gathering down.

Monday through Saturday, Business Improvement District “red coats” hand out the meals, helped by five volunteers. A driver picks up lunches from José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen at Nats stadium, while another heats up food from the previous day in the fifth floor kitchen. The remaining volunteers act as greeters and bathroom escorts. One stays near the front desk, while others monitor bathrooms (one person at a time), run food to Triangle Park, or handle odd jobs. Last Monday, they collected trash cans from around the church for power washing later in the week. Sundays require additional volunteers to prepare and serve the food.

What might surprise you? The no-big-deal-ness of it. “It might not be the most exciting two hours of your week,” Sam said, but volunteers are both needed and appreciated! You can sign up here.

Guests begin to line up on a recent weekday morning.

“Unraveled: Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart”

Dear Members and Friends,

Join us this Sunday for online worship at 10:00am. We’re beginning a new preaching series titled “Unraveled: Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart.” This Sunday, I’m using Jeremiah 29:1-7, where the prophet encourages the Israelites in exile to plant gardens and build houses. My sermon will explore what happens when dreams unravel.

This will be our seventh Zoom Sunday worship service. Now that we’ve gotten through the initial challenge of moving worship completely online, the worship committee is starting to process what we’re learning and reflect on what that means for future services. If you have feedback to share about the past seven weeks, please send it to me (heather.shortlidge@nyapc.org). We’re also still in need of two virtual ushers every Sunday, whose responsibilities include admitting participants from the waiting room, responding to the chat box, and scanning screens for any nefarious imagery or behavior. If you are familiar with Zoom (or willing to learn) and can serve on Sunday morning, please reach out to Don Campbell, Chair of the Worship Committee. (donald.campbell.esq@gmail.com).

Finally, a portion of a prayer written by Rev. Meg Peery McLaughlin, Co-Pastor of University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to sustain you this week:

God, we are looking at you.
Seeking, knocking, asking for permission to grieve. 
That is what we need O God.
We need freedom to grieve the losses of this pandemic—
the loss of life and health,
loss of jobs and security,
loss of routine and sanity,
loss of touch and travel. 
Pretending everything is fine isn’t working.
Help us see it’s okay to tell the truth about our grief,
the grief we already had
and the grief that this new reality brings. 

Balm for the anxiety. 
Will you grant it to us, O God?
Please show up like you are prone to do, God,
speaking your peace,
binding up the brokenhearted,
comforting those who mourn,
befriending the friendless,
hiding us scared chicks
under the shelter of your wings. 

Willingness to admit what we are seeing. 
Might it be that you’d give us courage to speak aloud what we are witnessing: 
that this pandemic is showing
the sinful seams in society—
our systemic racism, and economic inequity,
our refusal to let the earth rest,
our stubborn partisanship.
We’d rather pull the covers over our eyes
to hide us from this brokenness or perhaps just rush back to the way it’s always been
so we don’t have deal with it,
but God, stop us, make us willing to admit
what we are seeing…

Peace and Grace,
Heather

From Rev. Heather Shortlidge

Dear Members and Friends,

Join us for online worship this Sunday, April 19, 2020. I’m preaching from John 20:19-29, the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples and Thomas’ need for more proof, when he misses the initial encounter.

Worship link https://zoom.us/j/150620342

Worship is now “produced” by a fantastic team of volunteers. A special thank you to Will Timmons, Joe Thierry, Jessica Tate, John Moran, and Don Campbell for their dedication over the past 4 weeks. We’re still looking for people to serve as virtual ushers, liturgists, and as part of our technical team—if you are interested in helping with Sunday worship, please let us know (donald.campbell.esq@gmail.com).

The Rev. Billy Kluttz, Minister of Congregational Life and Connection, started this week. As Billy finishes up another call in the Presbytery, he will be working 20 hours a week with NYAPC, primarily on our online programming efforts during this time of suspended in person activities. Hired by the Personnel Committee, Billy is serving a 3-month contract, that can potentially be renewed. He is creative, energetic, and an excellent theologian. I’m excited for you to meet him and delighted to call him a colleague.

The church mourns with the Neill family (Rob, Meg, and Sam) at the death of Rob’s mother, Anne Neill. An online memorial service will be held next Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00am. Although we cannot gather in person, I invite you to attend virtually to show the Neill family that they are not alone in their grief by using this link.

Finally, here is the Praise Song for a Pandemic, the video prayer used on Easter. May the words, music, and images continue to nourish you.

Praise Song for the Pandemic

Peace and Grace,
Heather

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Upcoming Events and Announcements

Sunday Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Join by video here. Join by phone at 1-929-436-2866 and use meeting ID 150 620 342.

Neighbors in Need. NYAPC continues to care for neighbors experiencing homelessness, now providing food seven days a week. Lunch is served in Triangle Park from 12:00-1:00pm, Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is served on Sundays from 8:00-9:00am. 175 hot meals and fresh fruit are generously being provided by Jose Andres’ organization, World Central Kitchen. Support is also being provided by BID. We are in need of volunteers to sustain this important ministry. Please spread the word and sign up at www.nyapc.org.

Clothing Donations. The Radcliffe Room requests clothing donations to support the homeless community. The most-needed items right now: new packs of men’s boxers. Guests also need toiletries and used clothing (men and women), particularly pants and jackets. Donations may be dropped off at the front desk of the church every day of the week from 11:00am to 1:00pm during COVID closures. Or, you may ship items directly to Dara Satterfield. Please contact Dara at dara.satterfield@gmail.com or Phil Telfeyan at ptelfeyan@post.harvard.edu if you have questions.

Join the (Virtual) Choir!
There’s never been a better time to join in singing: No need to search for parking on Thursday nights, no need to arrive early for church. Sing one song a week, or all; sing occasionally, or regularly … all from the comfort of your home. If you’d like to add to the voices heard at our online services, contact Meg Neill at megneill99@gmail.com.

Gathered in Prayer. Sunday April 19 at 9:15 a.m.
Join others in a time of prayer for our community, the world, neighbors in need, and our own members and friends on our Care/Prayer list. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/226396834

Morning Prayer. Tuesday April 21 at 8:00 a.m.
Led by Rev. Billy Kluttz. ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/229424538

Children’s Story Time. Tuesday April 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Led by Rev. Billy Kluttz and Karen Dunlap. ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/354589220

Morning Prayer. Thursday April 23 at 8:00 a.m.
Led by Rev. Heather Shortlidge. ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/553049565

Community Book Study. Thursday April 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of the New Spiritual Awakening. Led by Rev. Billy Kluttz and Tom Dunlap, join the discussion of Diana Butler Bass’ bookthat outlines the shift in culture and the church.  Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/134791118

Children’s Story Time. Thursday April 23 at 2:00 p.m. **New Time**
Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Led by Rev. Heather Shortlidge. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/633801772

Compassion, Peace & Justice Training Day. Friday April 24 12:00 p.m.
A Virtual Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on April 24, a Friday, featuring several of the panelists who were originally scheduled to appear in person at The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. Click here for more details and information on how to register to attend via Zoom.

Friday Concert. Friday April 24 (Pre-recorded)
Stan Engebretson, Director of Music, and others join together for a short recital to bring beauty and music into the midst of your week. This concert will be pre-recorded. Link: https://www.nyapc.org/events/friday-concert/

Parents Gathering. Friday April 24 at 8:15 p.m.
All parents are invited to join us as Kristin Ford will facilitate a time of sharing about how you are coping during this pandemic, as well as the tips, joys, and surprises you are discovering along the way.  Parents click here.

DC History with Melissa Jane Taylor. Saturday April 25 at 4:00p p.m. Join us here.

Young Adult Faith on Tap. Monday April 27 at 6:30 p.m.
All Young Adults are invited to our first Zoom Faith on Tap on Monday, April 27 at 6:30pm! Grab your favorite drink and snacks, and join in on the discussion with Len Shabman. If you are new to New York Avenue and the Young Adult group you are especially invited to join us virtually! Please RSVP to Helen Anthony (shanthon@ncsu.edu) for the Zoom details!

Rev. Billy E. Kluttz Joins NYAPC Staff

Easter blessings to all!

We are pleased to announce that Rev. Billy E. Kluttz will be joining us this week as Minister of Congregational Life and Connection. This is a temporary position, filled by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Finance Committee, after last month’s Session vote to hire a temporary minister to support our church and Transitional Minister Rev. Dr. Heather Shortlidge.

Rev. Kluttz will start on Tuesday, April 14, and his first week will be a busy one. He will participate in our current online offerings (this week’s online schedule is below). He will also meet with the Session, Christian Learning Cluster, Nurture Committee and Diaconal Ministers.

He comes to NYAPC having served the wider church in several part-time positions, including Associate Pastor for Community Music and Arts at Church of the Covenant (PCUSA) in Arlington, Virginia, and Evening Service Coordinator and Social Media Manager at Immanuel Presbyterian Church (USA) in McLean, Virginia. Prior to these roles, he was Director of Music at Church of the Pilgrims (PCUSA) from July 2016 to June 2018.

Rev. Kluttz holds a Master of Divinity degree with honors from Wesley Theological Seminary. He also has a master’s degree in public affairs with honors from Syracuse University where he concentrated on nonprofit management including fundraising. His Bachelor of Arts degree is from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with highest honors. Billy and his husband, who is completing medical school, live in Washington, DC.

Says Rev. Kluttz: “I believe God is calling me to a ministry setting seeking creative engagement with its community.” In his work with NYAPC, he hopes to continue “to use music as a tool to build relationships,” but also to further his development beyond music ministry through regular preaching, pastoral care, educational leadership, communications work, and community outreach. “I hope to continue to grow as a well-rounded pastor beyond my existing strengths in liturgy and worship leadership.”

Rev. Kluttz will spend 20 hours a week for the first five weeks of his engagement with us, and then 30 hours a week after that. Billy is in the process of leaving his role at Covenant, which will further enable his work with us from May 11 on. Our agreement with Rev. Kluttz runs through July 12 and can then be renewed on a month-to-month basis.

Rev. Kluttz’s duties include maintaining existing and cultivating new ways for Church members and friends to connect, thrive, and grow in their relationship with God and one another. Specifically, he will help maintain and develop NYAPC’s online presence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rev. Kluttz will evaluate our current online programs and use that feedback to develop new offerings. While he won’t be responsible for leading every program, Billy will recruit, schedule, and train leaders and will publicize these events, inviting participation. He will also work with and “staff” the Christian Learning Cluster, Nurture Committee, and Diaconal Ministers, in addition to providing administrative support for Rev. Shortlidge. He is scheduled to preach on Sunday, May 17.

On behalf of the Personnel Committee, we are excited to welcome Billy to NYAPC and know you will join us in making him part of this community of faith.

– Edith Snyder
Trustee and Chair, Personnel Committee

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Upcoming Events and Announcements

Children’s Story Time, Tuesday April 14, 11 am – Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/354589220

Morning Prayer, Thursday April 16, 8 am – Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/553049565

Community Book Study, Thursday April 16, 10 am – join the discussion of Diana Butler Bass’ book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of the New Spiritual Awakening, which outlines the shift in culture and the church. Led by Tom Dunlap,. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/134791118

Children’s Story Time, Thursday April 16, 11 am – Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/633801772

Neighbors in Need – NYAPC continues to care for neighbors experiencing homelessness, now providing food seven days a week. Lunch is served in Triangle Park from 12 – 1 pm, Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is served on Sundays from 8 – 9 am. 125 hot meals and fresh fruit are generously being provided by Jose Andres’ organization, World Central Kitchen. Support is also being provided by BID. We are in need of volunteers to sustain this important ministry. Please spread the word and sign up at www.nyapc.org.

One Great Hour of Sharing – We continue this collection online this week. Go to www.nyapc.org/give-now/ to access our online giving site and choose One Great Hour of Sharing. One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Easter Sunday (from Rev. Heather Shortlidge)

On Sunday morning, we will celebrate an empty tomb and all the terror and amazement the disciples experienced in Mark’s resurrection story. As I said during the benediction in our Maundy Thursday service—just when Jesus’ plan seems to be falling apart, God’s plan is just getting started.

Easter Worship will be at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom, including beautiful singing from our choir, breathtaking prayers, and a sermon to keep you grounded in the midst of the terror and uncertainty of this pandemic. Although it is through a screen and not in person, I look forward to seeing you and your family on Sunday morning.

Worship link https://zoom.us/j/150620342

And James Broughton’s poem, Easter Exultet, to nourish you this week…

Shake out your qualms. 
Shake up your dreams. 
Deepen your roots. 
Extend your branches. 
Trust deep water 
and head for the open, 
even if your vision 
shipwrecks you. 
Quit your addiction 
to sneer and complain. 
Open a lookout. 
Dance on a brink. 
Run with your wildfire. 
You are closer to glory 
leaping an abyss 
than upholstering a rut. 
Not dawdling. 
Not doubting. 
Intrepid all the way 
walk toward clarity. 
At every crossroad 
be prepared 
to bump into wonder. 
Only love prevails. 
En route to disaster 
insist on canticles. 
Lift your ineffable 
out of the mundane. 
Nothing perishes; 
nothing survives; 
everything transforms! 
Honeymoon with Big Joy! 

Peace and Grace,
Heather

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Events and and Announcements

Easter Sunday Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom
Join by video here: https://zoom.us/j/150620342
Join by phone at 1-929-436-2866 and use meeting ID 150 620 342.

Neighbors in Need
NYAPC continues to care for neighbors experiencing homelessness, now providing food seven days a week. Lunch is served in Triangle Park from 12:00-1:00pm, Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is served on Sundays from 8:00-9:00am. 125 hot meals and fresh fruit are generously being provided by Jose Andres’ organization, World Central Kitchen. Support is also being provided by BID. We are in need of volunteers to sustain this important ministry. Please spread the word and sign up at www.nyapc.org.

Easter Memorial Flowers
In lieu of Easter flowers this year, we invite you to make memorial contributions to the church general fund. These contributions will help us continue to pay our staff through the duration of the pandemic.

If you would like to support an external charity, we encourage you to support Jose Andres’ organization, World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org) which has been providing the church 125 daily hot lunches that are distributed in Triangle Park to neighbors in need.

Children’s Story Time
Tuesday April 14 at 11:00 a.m. Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Led by Rev. Heather Shortlidge. ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/354589220

Morning Prayer
Thursday April 16 at 8:00 a.m. Led by Clerk of Session, Miriam Dewhurst. ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/553049565

Community Book Study
Thursday April 16 at 10:00 a.m. Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of the New Spiritual Awakening. Led by Tom Dunlap, join the discussion of Diana Butler Bass’ book that outlines the shift in culture and the church. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/134791118

Children’s Story Time
Thursday April 16 at 11:00 a.m. Join us for wiggles, singing, a story, and a fun chance to connect with church friends. Led by beloved adult leaders, Karen Dunlap, Morgan Brown, and Cathleen Lauer. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/633801772

Losses, Learnings, Staying Connected

What’s one thing you’ve had to let go of during this pandemic? What’s one you have gained?

At last Friday’s Session meeting, we shared our answers. Some of our losses were similar – flexibility, routine, focus, plans. Our gains? Time with family, and intentional connections with others by computer or phone.

As a church, we too have losses and gains. In many ways, NYAPC is thriving:

• We are worshiping online, supported by a wonderful technology team. Thank you to Jessica Tate, Will Timmons, Joe Thierry and John Moran. See below for our Holy Week Worship schedule.
• We are serving lunch seven days a week to people experiencing homelessness. Special thanks to Phil Telfeyan, who has come every day. Sign up here if you can help.
• We are meeting for prayer, study and community online. See below for a schedule.

But we all have losses, and staying connected isn’t easy.

If you or someone you know needs a conversation, or if you would like to be part of reaching out, please contact Gwenn Gebhard of the Diaconal Ministers, 202-213-1657, gwenn.gebhard@gmail.com. And if you are feeling anxious or lonely, Rev. Heather Shortidge is available for pastoral care.

This is Holy Week, a time when we focus on how our faith points a way through our current fears and anxieties, from death to life, from desperation to hope. As we move through this time, together, what might we learn about ourselves as a church? What might we let go of? What might we gain?

We pray for good health and peace to all,

– Your Session

Adlai Amor, Brenton Ling, Brian Dewhurst, David Gillies, Donald Campbell, Erica Morgan, Rev. Heather Shortlidge, Kristin Ford, Laura Brouse-Long, Marie Noel Meka, Meg Hanna House, Meg Neill, Melissa Jane Taylor, Miriam Dewhurst, Paul Dornan, Taylor Allison, Tyler Feret, Will Ashworth

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THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

(Links go to church event website, which includes Zoom information)

Tuesday, 4/7

• Morning Prayer, 8 – 8:30 am
• Children’s Storytime, 11 am

Thursday, 4/9

• Morning Prayer, 8 – 8:30 am
• Community Book Study, 10 – 11 am
• Children’s Storytime, 11 am
• Maundy Thursday Service, 7 pm (Provide your own communion elements)

Friday. 4/10

• Good Friday Service, 12:30 pm

Sunday, 4/11

• Gathered in Prayer, 9:15 am
• Easter Service, 10 am

Note: Many groups that were in place before the pandemic have been meeting online as well. Email Meg House, meghouse8@gmail.com or Paul Dornan, pbdornanp@aol.com to find out more about how you might get connected.

If you need help connecting via Zoom, contact Karin Lohman,

knlohman@gmail.com, 202-276-6580

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Virtual Communion – Weekly Letter from Rev. Heather Shortlidge

Dear Members and Friends,

Join us for Palm Sunday worship this Sunday at 10:00am via Zoom. Here’s the link, which is also always available at www.nyapc.org. Don’t forget your communion elements.

Worship link https://zoom.us/j/150620342

The PC (USA) has authorized congregations to share communion online during the pandemic. This Sunday, we will gather virtually around God’s table to share the bread and the cup. Please have communion elements on hand in order to celebrate the sacrament. Pull together a slice of sandwich bread, a few crackers, a tortilla, an English muffin—whatever you have on hand. Use grape juice or wine or your closest equivalent to fruit of the vine. God will be present no matter the elements.

This week we’ve had unfortunate, but not unexpected, hackers interrupt some of our Zoom gatherings. These intrusions have been offensive, and we apologize for the language and images that have no place in a faith community. Know that we are working diligently to make our online gatherings as safe as possible. Hackers also continue to send emails and texts claiming that I am urgently trying to reach you or am in need of a gift card, often using names of other staff or church members. Please report these hackers to your email provider and be assured that I would never make such requests.

Please reach out if you would like prayer or pastoral care. I have been meeting virtually this week with people who are working through loss—lost dreams, employment, health, and security, just to name a few. As your pastor, I want to be present for whatever the pandemic is bringing your way. Please keep in touch, remembering there is no lockdown on God’s blessing or quarantine on God’s grace.

And a prayer from Ted Loder to nourish your heart:

How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers
or groans
or sighs
or curses?

Can trembling hands be lifted to you
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back,
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
           
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers
rooted in the muck and mud of my life,
and not just my pretty, cut flower, gracefully arranged bouquet of words?
           
Will you accept me, Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?

Lord, help me!
Help me to trust that you accept me as I am,
that I may be done with self-condemnation
and self-pity
and accept myself.
Help me to accept you as you are, Lord:
mysterious,
hidden,
strange,
unknowable;
 
And yet to trust
that your madness is wiser
than my timid, self-seeking sanities,
and that nothing you’ve ever done
has really been possible
so I may dare to be a little mad, too.

Peace be with you,

Heather