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Sit and Listen
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day.
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Making time each day to sit with Jesus, will change your life. I promise. A simple practice that I learned in the Catholic school of my youth, was to sit facing an empty chair listening for the voice of Jesus. The visual of the empty chair sparked my imagination and helped focus my attention. I commend it to you.
In these challenging times, when "sixty-nine percent of Americans say race relations are generally bad," sitting with Jesus and allowing his voice to guide and inspire our own, is an act of revolutionary love for ourselves and our nation. The USA is experiencing one of the highest levels of discord since the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the Rodney King trial. While many of us feel called to do something, Luke's gospel this week, invites us to sit down. To take the difficult people and situations of our life and this world to Jesus in the empty chair. To tune our ears to the voice of the one who loves all the people and who has come to be God with us. Sit down. Listen.
The gospel invitation to be still challenges our maker society of folks who "get it done" and "make it happen." In a counterintuitive act of revolutionary love, we will gather this Sunday to sit and listen for the voice of Jesus. We will take our place in God's ongoing story of love that does not let us go. The call to sit and listen can be the most difficult call to answer. Join us Sunday at 10:00 AM and let's answer God's call together. Prayers to you if you are traveling. Remember that wherever you are, God is with you.
You are loved,
Pastor Adriene
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Sunday, July 17th
Summer Worship Schedule: Through September 4th, worship begins each Sunday at 10:00 AM.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Nursery is open, on the second floor
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Sanctuary
10:00 AM
Sermon preached by Rev. Adriene Thorne: "Worry 'Bout Yourself"
11:15 AM
Monday, July 18th
6:45 PM
Thurman Room
Wednesday, July 20th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, July 21st
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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, July 14th, the Food Pantry served 119 clients with 21 volunteers.
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Today, one out of every four American children is on food stamps.
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Roof Top Open House, Sunday, July 17th, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE – All are invited to the Annual Roof Top cocktail party (open house) at the home of Marcia and Ken and Ms. Scarlett – 418 Henry St. Apt. 4.
Please RSVP to Marcia at msmith@pasesetter.org or 212-571-2664
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Summer Garden Party, Friday, July 22nd, 7:00 PM
The Summer Garden Parties return, with the first of the season being held Friday evening, July 22nd. Hosts will be the Staff of First Church. Come socialize with members of our faith community, and Brooklyn Heights community, in our lovely Peace Garden.
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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 10:00 AM Eastern time through September 4th.
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Like us. Follow us. Visit us.
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Worship and Fellowship on July 3rd - Welcome Rev Adriene
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Rev Thorne's Mother, in the Congregation on July 3rd
This Photo: Gladys McNish
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Summer Worship Schedule
Don't miss the extra hour of sun on summer Sundays. Through September 4th, worship will begin at 10:00 AM.
Also, during the summer the choir gathers Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM with no Thursday rehearsal. It is a great time for those who would like to sing with the choir in a casual environment!
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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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Music at First: "Concert on the Steps"
July 28, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Blue Vipers of Brooklyn
August 11, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: FPC Choir and Band
August 25 , 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dan Emino and the Podd Brothers
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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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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.
Lunch:
Lunch preparation after 11 AM Worship service at Gethsemane on Sunday, July 17th, will be provided by Linda & Willy Norton and Jane & Dave Ehlke. If anyone else would like to participate with a salad or dessert, please contact Jane Ehlke.
The Church of Gethsemane will be closed during the month of August . Hopefully, we will have a contingent of members of the Church of Gethsemane attend church at FPC during August.
Want to get involved?
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Connect to New York City Presbytery
Stay connected with the latest news and opportunities 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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First Church Music and Videos Online
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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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Caleb Heidebrecht and Mark Elsenheimer. Photos from July 3: Jim Johnson and Gladys McNish (where captioned); photos from July 10: Susan Schultz.
There is an opening for eNewsletter editor! If interested in this one-week-a-month ministry, please contact Mark Elsenheimer.
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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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