UNION News

Union Mourns the Rev. Charles A. Amstein, M.Div. ′62

Categories: Union News

Union’s Church Relations Advisor 2000 – 2012

After retiring as Associate Pastor of the Madison Ave Presbyterian Church in New York City, Charles Amstein accepted a part-time position in the fall of 2000 as Church Relations Advisor for Union’s Development Office. In this capacity he was involved in expanding the Seminary’s important relationship with the churches, especially those in the tri-state area, until 2012, and he is remembered with admiration and affection by his colleagues.

He was also a Parish Associate at the Rutgers Presbyterian Church, where he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination on June 3, 2012. His sermon was “Born from Above.” John B. Weaver, S.M.M. ’68, served as guest organist and choir director.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 4 pm, at Rutgers Presbyterian Church, which is located at 236 W 73rd Street, with placement of his ashes in the Rutgers Columbarium as part of the service. A reception in the Narthex or Church House will immediately follow the service.

The Amstein Scholarship at Union Theological Seminary was established by members of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church to honor his retirement as associate pastor.

The following obituary was published by the Presbytery of New York City on April 21, 2016:

In Memoriam
Charles A. Amstein
September 14, 1933 – April 7, 2016

Charles Amstein graduated from Manhattan High School (Kansas) in 1951 and Kansas State University in 1955. He served two years in the U.S. Army, before entering Union Theological Seminary. Ordained June 3, 1962, Rev. Amstein served the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, IN and the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, WI before being called to become the Associate Pastor of the Madison Ave Presbyterian Church in New York City in 1977, from which he retired in 1995. In retirement, he served as an active Parish Associate at the Rutgers Presbyterian Church preaching, teaching, singing in the Choir, and staffing the Deacons and Worship Committees until his death.

His activity in the presbytery included the then Board of Directors, Ministerial Relations Committee, Candidates Committee, and moderator of church sessions when asked. He was an active alumnus of Union Seminary where he served on several committees.

He once said “It has always been my belief that we Christians live and know God in the world. That is where we are called to live in obedience to God. It is the quality of life that matters. The list of specific issues which affect the quality of life is endless…we must study these issues, and also find practical ways to become involved, lest the awareness only frustrate.”

A memorial service is being planned for the Rev. Charles Amstein. The details are:

Rutgers Presbyterian Church
Saturday, June 11, 2016
4:00 PM
236 W 73rd St
New York, NY 10023

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