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Dear friends,
This Sunday we welcome Westina Matthews, PhD. back to First Church to lead worship (bio below). She will preach a sermon entitled "The Gift that Cannot Be Re-Gifted" based on Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17. The choir will sing favorites including "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me," "Take Me To the Water," and "Sweet, sweet Spirit, among others in commemoration of the first Sunday of Epiphany. Epiphany (Epifaneia) is a divine manifestation or revelation.
In the Christian tradition, the season of Epiphany marks three events where the divinity of Jesus is made manifest: in the star that led the Magi to the Christ child (Matt 2:1-12), the voice of God and descent of the Spirit at the baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22), and the miracle of Jesus turning the water into wine at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). The season is also seen as the bridge between Advent/Christmastide and Lent. What are you hoping God will make manifest into your 2016?
Blessings and Peace,
Eric
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Westina Matthews, PhD Bio:
 The faith of a tiny mustard seed motivates Westina Matthews, Ph.D., to connect through a series of poignant books, essays, teaching, spiritual direction, and retreats. She is an adjunct professor the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary, and her practice reflects contemplative living through "holy listening." After happily flunking retirement, Westina completed a year-long fellowship at Harvard University before joining the Jackie Robinson Foundation where she currently serves as vice president of new programs. A published author of three books and one audio CD in the Have A Little Faith series, she has contributed to five Forward Movement anthologies including most recently Abiding in God Day by Day (2016). Westina is a long time resident of Brooklyn Heights and considers FPC her church home.
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Friday, January 8th
Youthful Fellowshiop
7:00PM - 8:30 PM
Thurman Room.
Saturday, January 9th
Annual Vision Board Workshop
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Elliott Room
Sunday, January 10th
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Sanctuary
10:00 AM
Adult Education (see info below)
Thurman Room
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
Sermon: "The Gift That Cannot Be Re-Gifted"
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday School (K - 7th Grade)
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Fellowship for All
Elliott Room
NOTE: Confirmation class meets after church in the Thurman Room.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
7:00 PM
Adult Education (infor below)
Rose Room
Thursday, January 14th
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Choir rehearsal
Sanctuary
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Congregation and Community News
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Focus on Hunger: The Mission and Social Action Committee has a goal to educate the entire congregation on the issues around food and hunger in our country and around the world, and why First Presbyterian is involved in alleviating the suffering associated with a lack of food. On Thursday, Dec. 31st, the Food Pantry served 115 clients with 13 volunteers.
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A lack of food among pregnant women in developing countries results in one out of every 6 babies being born with a low birth weight.
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"The Holy Gap beckons, everything's unfolding in divine order."
Please join Colette Foster on January 9th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the Elliott Room for our annual Vision Board workshop. This will be an opportunity for us to let go of what is either complete or no longer serves us, and speak, draw, and create what we wish to experience in the New Year.
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Adult Education
Sundays January 10 and 17 at 10 am, Thurman Room
We will explore the meanings and themes of "Epiphany" and its associations with our Christian faith as well as its representations in literature. We celebrate Christ's being revealed to the Magi on this day, but we will also discuss how epiphanies - large and small - feature in our own lives. Led by Erik Brogger
Wednesday, January 13 at 7pm, Rose Room
Epiphany 2016: What manifestations of God are we seeking in 2016? We will discuss the biblical texts surrounding the season of Epiphany and their meanings for what we hope to manifest in the coming year. A light supper begins at 6:30 followed by the discussion at 7pm. Led by Eric Thomas
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Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King
Ahead of MLK Day 2016, join us for interfaith celebrations of the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King through music, lessons, and readings from the Christian and Jewish traditions. Worship includes choirs and musicians from congregations at both Brooklyn Heights Synagogue and First Presbyterian.
WHEN/WHERE:
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, 11:00 AM, First Presbyterian
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Thank you from the Stewardship Committee!
Our 2016 Pledge campaign is nearing completion, and we want you give you a heartfelt thanks for the many pledges of support to FPC. We have a record number of new pledges this year, and have very nearly met our commitment goal. A few more pledges will push us over our goal and ensure the budget for the important year ahead. Thank you for the commitment and love and offerings you have given to our church.
If you still wish to make a pledge, here's the link: (link)
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Worship services are streamed live over the Internet. On our website we provide the worship bulletin so that you can follow along. Tune in to worship at 11:00 AM Eastern time.
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Like us. Follow us. Visit us.
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Videos featuring some of the music from recent worship services are available on YouTube and on the Church's Facebook page. ("Like" us there, too!)
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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After the Sermon
Each Sunday after worship, you are invited to discuss the sermon and other topics of interest in the Elliott Room after the service. This informal time is an opportunity to explore themes, ask questions, and/or share experiences relevant to the worship service and the practice of our faith. Led by Eric Thomas.
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Interested in knowing more about serving on the Session? For those church members who would like to learn more about serving on the Session - the church's governing board - in 2016, please feel free to speak with any member of the Church-Wide Nominating Committee: Marta Nelson, Paul Austin, Mark Dollar, Evan Fulcher, Dianne Hutchinson, Gladys McNish, Jane Woland.
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This week's e-newsletter was edited by Evan Fulcher. Photos by Susan Schultz
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Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account. To set up an account or to edit an existing gift, go to First Presbyterian Church's website.
Flower Donations. We welcome flower donations of $30 or more in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. Call Annie Solages in the Church office at 718-624-3770 or see Barbara Cummings during fellowship hour on Sundays.
Appointments with Ministry Staff may be arranged by calling the Church at 718-624-3770, or via email.
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