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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
I am away on vacation this week with Colin and Petal, and feeling deep gratitude for Sabbath rest that is vital to our spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.
As is my tendency when I have lots of time on my hands, I am lamenting and dreaming about the kingdom on earth and how we make it better. I lament the second anniversary this week of #Ferguson and the ongoing current political conversation in the USA that fails to register the image of God-ness in opponents. As I rise in the morning for yoga class, I dream of a worldwide Sabbath that makes the rest that God commanded truly possible for everyone, and I give thanks for a church in Brooklyn Heights where people feel safe to bring their whole selves.
I celebrate the fact that First Church offers the world rest and refreshment every Sunday morning. We open our doors and our hearts to folks who bring their cares and burdens to God's sanctuary, and in a small way, our worship, our welcome, and our warmth, make it better. I hope you will be present this Sunday to greet, with love, those who will come to Henry Street needing to know a God who makes it better. Eric is preaching, the choir is lifting their voices, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit will be in the house surprising everyone.
As we pray and listen for God's direction; as we share our gifts of time, talent and treasure; as we live joyfully and expectantly, we proclaim, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, that God is with us. Our affirmation of a present God, makes it better.
Wherever you are in the world this week, God is there. Listen to worship via our live stream at firstchurchbrooklyn.org if you can't be with us in Brooklyn. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest on what we are doing to make it better, and if you have an image or reflection to share about how you are making a difference this week, we would love to receive your post, tweet, or photo. You are in our prayers, and we hope we are in yours too.
You are loved,
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Sunday, August 14th
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. Eric Thomas: "How Shall We Tell the Times".
11:15 AM
Peace Garden
Wednesday, August 17th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, August 18th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Friday, August 19th
7:00 PM
Peace Garden
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Congregation and Community News
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Mostly Mozart, Saturday at 5:00 PM, Lincoln Center
This Saturday, August 13, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart series is presenting a spectacular FREE event -- a performance of composer David Lang's new piece, titled "The Public Domain" for a chorus of 1,000 voices. ... Yes, 1,000, of which our own Terry Quinn will be one.
The venue is the spacious fountain plaza, facing the Metropolitan Opera House. The work has been beautifully choreographed by Annie-B Parson, and will be conducted by Simon Halsey, Director of the London Symphony Chorus. Terry says they've had six massive rehearsals over the summer, in groups of 200 singers gathered in each of New York City's five boroughs, and they're more than ready to entertain you. ... (Please note, the rain date is Sunday 8/14.)
Do come and experience a truly unprecedented choral extravaganza.
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Summer Hymn Sings Come to Plymouth Church
Hymn lovers are invited to raise their voices in song at Plymouth Church, Brooklyn Heights on Tuesday nights in August. Continuing a long-standing summer tradition begun at Grace Church, this year Plymouth Church (through its Worship and Arts Ministry) hosts, with the participation of several local organists. From 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM attendees will have an opportunity to choose their own personal favorites, while exploring the hymn traditions of other Heights congregations and singing works by Brooklyn writers and composers. Come prepared to make a joyful noise!
What: Summer Evening Hymn Sings
When: Tuesdays in August - August 16, 23, and 30 at 7:00 pm
Where: Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights
Enter at 75 Hicks Street at the corner of Orange Street.
Who: All ages are welcome.
Why: Because hymn singing is a great way to pass a summer evening!
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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, August 11th, the Food Pantry served many clients with terrific volunteers.
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It is being projected that approximately 50 percent of all U.S. children will be on food stamps at some point in their lives before they reach the age of 18
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Worship services are streamed live over the Internet. We provide the worship bulletin on the website 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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The Prayer Circle before Worship - join in, each week
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A few views of the our Choir and Band at Thursday night's third "Concert on the Steps". The thunderstorms cleared out just in time for the concert!
Check out Instagram and Vimeo for more being added over the next few days!
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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"
August 25 , 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dan Emino and the Podd Brothers
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Save the Date
The annual First Church Brooklyn fund-raiser will be Saturday October 22, 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Church-wide fundraister, MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY!!! -- Save the date to see the play and guess the murderer!!
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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
First Church continues to be active with the Church of Gethsemane.
Prison Visits:
Rev Diane Lacey along with Jane Ehlke, Dianne Hutchinson and Gloria Sellers visited Taconic Women's Prison on Saturday July 23.
We are looking for more men to make prison visits during weekdays. See Dave Ehlke if you are interested.
Letter Writing:
18 members of First Church 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 provided by Gloria Sellers on Sunday, July 31.
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.
Contact Jane Ehlke if you are interested in proving lunch in late September.
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 and visit to First Church on August 21:
The Church of Gethsemane will be closed for the month of August. During the month, we anticipate that a number of Gethsemane member, including Rev Diane Lacey and Minister Chibueze Okorie will be attending worship at First Church on Sunday Aug 21. Let's be prepared to give them a warm welcome.
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Caleb Heidebrecht and Mark Elsenheimer. Photos taken by Jim Johnson and Mark Elsenheimer.
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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