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Giovanni da Milano, Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee, 1365, fresco, Rinuccini Chapel, Santa Croce, Florence.
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Dear friends,
I'd rather be at a church barbeque than having dinner at Simon the Pharisee's house. Much rather have burgers flipped over the charcoal by Chester and Mario and some of Bernice's delicious bread pudding than whatever's being dished up in this painting. Look at Simon, uncovering what looks like – chicken? He doesn't look convinced. And while we expect guests of all sorts at this Sunday's barbeque, we probably will not have anyone like the party-crasher with the long red hair who is weeping over Jesus' feet. But she'll be in church Sunday, in the wonderful gospel story from Luke. So will a terrific youth choir from Plano, Texas, joining with our choir, singing "Santo" and "Jesus Is Mine." We'll all sing "Morning Has Broken" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." And after that – time for great food and fellowship.
This Sunday is not my last Sunday at First Church. On the following Sunday, June 19, I'll celebrate communion with you, and on Pride Sunday, June 26, with Eric Thomas preaching, I'll lead the prayers. But Sunday, June 12, will be special. I look forward to seeing you all in worship and afterwards, in a celebration of my shared ministry with you over the past three and a half years.
Faithfully,
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About the Art:
Giovanni da Milano, who, as his name indicates, came from northern Italy, painted in both Florence and Rome. This fresco comes from a chapel in the Franciscan church of Santa Croce in Florence, whose paintings illustrate scenes from the life of Mary Magdalene on one wall and scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary on the opposite wall. Here, Giovanni depicts the feast in the house of Simon the Pharisee, during which a woman washes Jesus' feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Following tradition, Giovanni conflates this woman with Mary Magdalene, whom Luke, immediately after the Simon episode, identifies as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. This explains the seven winged and horned devils who flee above Simon's dining room in the wake of "Mary's" repentance and Jesus' loving forgiveness of her. In his fresco, the solidity of Giovanni's figures and the weightiness of their draperies, as well as the architectural space, clearly show Giotto's influence, while the attention he gives to the details of the meal, the gestures, and the bustling servant show the influence of Sienese artists, especially Simone Martini. He thus aims for both credibility and charm as the means by which he can effect the viewer's imaginative engagement in the Biblical narrative. (Rob Meadows-Rogers)
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Sunday, June 12th
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Nursey is open
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Sanctuary
11:00 AM
Sermon preached by the Pastor Nadine: "Party crasher"
11:15 AM
Sunday School (K-7th Grade)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
All are invited to the Summer Barbecue and Celebration of Pastor Nadine's ministry.
In the Church Garden
Wednesday, June 15th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Park Plaza Diner, on Cadman Plaza West
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Adult Education
The Elliott Room
Thursday, June 16th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
6:30 PM
Personnel Committee
Thurman Room
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary
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Congregation and Community News
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New Planned Giving Initiative at First Church
First Church depends on its members and friends to support everything that happens at church – from facilities upkeep, to payroll, to the Church's dynamic and wide-reaching ministries and programs. Bequests and special gifts can increase or supplement your support. Planned giving creates a legacy that will strengthen First Church for generations.
There are many ways to magnify your gifts to the Church by remembering First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn in your estate plan, with special honor and memorial donations, by donating appreciated assets, or even with corporate matching funds.
We would love to speak with you about planned giving. Call the church office at 718.624.3770, or email stewardship@firstchurchbrooklyn.org to connect with a committee member. Or, find us in church: Committee Co- Chairs Jim Cummings and Patty Watwood, and committee members David Jones, Ken Andrichik, and Gladys McNish. Reach out today to plan your gift to First Church!
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Adult Education, Wednesdays
On Wednesday evenings beginning June 8th we will be discussing Jim Wallis' book, America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and a Bridge to a New America, at FPCB from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Elliot Room.
The book can be found in a variety of formats (electronic, hard cover, audio) at your favorite online or brick and mortar book seller. The community is invited to join us. Led by Eric Thomas.
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Men's Breakfast Meeting, Wednesdays at 7:30 AM
Join us at the Park Plaza Restaurant, 220 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights, for a good breakfast and great fellowship.
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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, June 2nd, the Food Pantry served 95 clients with 16 volunteers.
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50.1 million Americans struggle to put food on the table.
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Message from the Stewardship Committee
Do you have expertise in financial planning, estate planning and/or wills? Stewardship could use your help for a brief outreach project. Please contact Patty Watwood if you are willing to help out, email: patriciawatwood@nyc.rr.com. Thank you!
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Connect to New York City Presbytery
Stay connected with the latest news and opportunities in and around the presbytery by subscribing to Happenings In & Around the Presbytery, the Presbytery's electronic newsletter. Click here and fill out the Contact Information Form to add your email address to the subscribers list. Once completed, return the form to the presbytery office or email it to Yzette Swavy-Lipton.
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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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Last week at First Church!
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Remember: 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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Summer Barbecue and Celebration of Pastor Nadine!
Join us after church on Sunday, June 12th, for the Annual Church Barbecue and a joyous celebration of Pastor Nadine's ministry. For more information, contact Marcia Smith, Myrtle Muir, or Marta Nelson.
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Summer Worship Schedule
Mark your calendars and don't miss the extra hour of sun on summer Sundays. Worship will begin at 10:00 AM starting July 3rd and run through September 4th. During the Summer Worship schedule the choir gathers Sunday morning at 9:00 AM, no Thursday rehearsal. Also a great time for those who would like to sing with the choir in a casual environment!
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Worship Leaders
Interested in taking part as a reader during Sunday service? We welcome volunteers from the congregation to sign up as Worship Leaders. Please contact Annie Solages in the church office at 718.624.3770 or speak to Worship Committee Co-Chairs Edna Asknes or Barbara Cummings.
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First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn Social Action Committee
Criminal Justice Activities in Concert With the Church of Gethsemane
FPC continues to be active with the Church of Gethsemane.
Prison Visits:
On June 4, Gloria Sellers, Dianne Hutchinson, Diane Grimes, Amelia Schonbek and Sandra Turner made prison visits in April, along with Rev. Diane Lacey.
Letter Writing:
Twelve members of FPC wrote words of encouragement in our group letter to over 200 incarcerated Project Connect members on May 29.
Service Provider Meetings:
Dave Ehlke and Minister Chibueze Okorie from Gethsemane attended the Bi-monthly Kings County Re-Entry Task Force meeting on June 1. Dave Ehlke also attended the ReThinking ReEntry conference on June 9 sponsored by the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
Want to get involved?
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact either Jane Ehlke (email), phone 781-572-6201, or Dave Ehlke (email), phone 617-512-5780.
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This week's e-newsletter was edited by Dan Maguire. Photos by Jim Johnson.
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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.
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