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Greetings First Church Family & Friends!
Most New Yorkers know the agony of a subway door closing in their faces and also the absurd elation when those doors open again. Prayer is like that – closings and openings, disappointment and elation. When a subway door closes, however, we don't give up and think, "That's it! I'm done with the subway forever!" No way…knowing we have to get to work, or home, or church on Sunday morning, we persist with the subway. And if the subway isn't getting us where we need to go, we grab a taxi or hoof it twenty blocks. The point is, New Yorkers don't let closing subway doors stop them from getting where they need to go. Prayer must be like that too. If asking isn't getting you anywhere, try seeking. When seeking doesn't produce results, start knocking. And keep on knocking until those doors open for you.
Ask. Seek. Knock. The point is to get where you're going.
This week we, as a community, have been sitting and listening to Jesus. Some of you have written to share how the 5-minute morning practice I invited you to engage last week has been going. Your e-mails have made me grateful to be your pastor and grateful to share this holy listening experiment with you. Listening is a form of prayer. On Sunday I will share some others. Amy and I have picked beautiful music. We will gather and sing. We will pass God's peace and pray. For the love that is stronger than hate. For the peace that is stronger than fear. For the world that we know is possible because God said so.
Please share this e-newsletter with a friend and please invite your loved ones to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The world needs to know there are places like First Church Brooklyn where we pray until the doors open. See you Sunday at 10. If you are away from us, join the live stream and feel us holding you in our prayers.
You are loved,
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Friday July 22nd
6:30 PM
Peace Garden
Sunday, July 24th
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:
11:15 AM
Wednesday, July 27th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, July 28th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
7:00PM - 8:00 PM
Front Steps
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Congregation and Community News
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Summer Garden Party, Friday, July 22nd, 6:30 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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A message from Stewardship and Finance--Can you help us bridge the gap?
Pledged Giving total to date: $167,386.67
Total due to date, as % of year: $177,146.52
We are so happy to be underway with the new ministry of Rev. Thorne, but our transition also brings extra expenses for Manse repairs and moving costs. Moreover, recent repairs to our historic sanctuary ceiling also put pressure on our cash-flow. If we all work together to keep our giving current this summer, we can close the budget gap we have due to our recent infrastructure expenses. We currently have a cash-flow deficit of over $15,000. If we all bring our pledged giving to date we can bridge this gap. Can you contribute now to help the church out? Here's a link for online giving:
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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 21st, the Food Pantry served 103 clients with 14 volunteers.
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Today, one out of every four American children is on food stamps.
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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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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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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:
Rev Diane Lacey along with Jane Ehlke, Dianne Hutchinson and Gloria Sellers will be visiting Bedford Hills Women's Prison on Saturday July 23.
Letter Writing:
18 members of FPC contributed to the group letter to Project Connect members on Sunday July 10 after worship. Thank you for your active support.
Lunch after Worship
Lunch was prepared and served after the Worship service at Gethsemane on Sunday, July 17 by Dianne Grimes, Simon Boggian, Linda & Willy Norton and Jane & Dave Ehlke.
Potential Family Social work Project
Gloria Sellers, Jane & Dave Ehlke have been meeting with Gethsemane staff on plans for a potential Family social work project in conjunction with the School of Social Work at NYU.
Summer Recess
After the Sunday, July 31 service, the Church of Gethsemane will be closed for the month of August. During the month, we anticipate that a number of Gethsemane members will be attending FPC worship. Let's be prepared to give them a warm welcome.
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 Christina Adorno. Photos taken by Jim Johnson.
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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