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She Persisted Because We Pushed!
"They can shut me up, but they can't change the truth."
Senator Elizabeth Warren
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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
As we live in the afterglow of Dr. King's birthday a few weeks ago, as we prepare for our own Black History Month worship next week, and as we look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of women in March, it is important to consider in what areas of our lives we will persist and push.
Senator Elizabeth Warren persisted this week and found herself both vilified and celebrated for her effort. And let's be clear, the reason she and many other elected officials persist is because we push. Our elected officials are able to stand against the harmful practices of the current administration because of an electorate that is protesting, calling, and demanding action.
Will we be silent when professed racists aspire to the highest offices in the land? Will we say, "No big deal," when sexual predators ask for our vote? Will we ignore our government's attacks on the poor, on people of other religions, on those from other countries? I pray not. Regardless of difference, all people are God's people. Will we proclaim that truth? Will we persist in the law of God which is love? Will we push for the dignity and safety of all God's children?
The gospel reading for Sunday is focused on the law and right action – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. One thing we know for sure is that being together helps. We reach our highest potential in community with each other – planning, doubting, acting, loving – together. We persist because we push each other to follow Jesus, whose law is love.
Thank you for praying for our choir who is on retreat this weekend. Thank you for praying for our session which recently welcomed new leaders. Thank you for praying for our church and for one another, as we seek to be good stewards of the time and talent God has given us. I look forward to being with you on Sunday.
You are loved,
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Sunday, February 12th
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Nursery is open on the second floor
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
No Choir Rehearsal - on retreat
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Youth Band
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon Title: Oriented Toward Love
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Sunday School in the Gymnasium
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (potluck dinner at 6:30 PM)
Thursday, February 16th
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
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Congregation and Community News
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Update on the 2017 Pledge Drive
As of January 29, 2017, we have received 110 pledge cards for a total of $328,191.
Our goal this year is a total commitment of $343,000.
Please help us reach or exceed our goal. Pledge today!
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The choir will be on retreat this weekend at The Grail. This is an opportunity for us to set new goals for our ministry and strengthen our relationships with one another and with God. We will be worshipping with you Sunday via the livestream.
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Sunday School Volunteers Needed!
It takes a Brooklyn Village to raise our children in the faith. Contact James and Elizabeth to express your interest.
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Adult Education
Sunday Adult Education
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Thurman Room
(Traditional bible study in relation to issues and questions of our times)
Wednesday Adult Education
Black HERStory Month: A celebration of Black women history-makers in the context of current events and concerns. This week features Fannie Lou Hamer. We gather at 6:30 PM for a light potluck dinner, with program from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
Elliott Room
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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.
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The number of Americans that are going to food pantries and soup kitchens has increased by 46% since 2006.
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On Thursday, February 9th, our Food Pantry served many guests with the help of
wonderful volunteers.
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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 11:00 AM Eastern time.
We have an audio podcast of our Sermons. Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon below to subscribe to audio versions of all the sermons since July, 2016.
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Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
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Sunday Morning Worship 05-Feb
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Are you the parent of a teenager? Or are you watching anxiously as your tween moves towards teenage-hood? Whether you are in the stable time that precedes the change-over, or whether you are in it already, this class is for you.
Teens are doing developmentally necessary work to become adults and it can be an arduous experience for the parent(s) too. Come learn how to support your teen's growth and transformation. Come learn how to solve everyday challenges, develop respectful relationships and find solutions that are right for your family.
Positive Discipline classes provide parents with non-punitive methods to encourage and empower children, and to help them develop important life skills.
We'll meet on Sundays after the worship service. Take a few minutes for coffee time and then proceed to the gym. Classes will be held March 5, 12, 19 & 26, and April 2, 23 and 30. There is a $50 materials fee that includes handouts, and the book Positive Discipline for Teenagers - scholarship available, don't let the fee be an obstacle!
Mary Lynn Fiske is a Positive Discipline Parent Educator and a Positive Discipline Classroom Educator.
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Call For Artists
Many people experience the Holy in the beauty of our Sanctuary, the sound of our musicians and choirs, and the poetry of our prayers. If you are interested in helping the First Church Brooklyn community to experience God with movement, puppetry, dramatic presentation, fabric, flowers, writing, set design, and more, please share your interest with Pastor Adriene or call the church office. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
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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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Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Meets Wednesday morning at the Park Plaza Diner, 220 Cadman Plaza West, 7:30-8:30AM. Join the men as they discuss The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. This is a weeklong interview with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
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First Presbyterian Church Social Action Committee
Criminal Justice Activities in Concert With the Church of Gethsemane
Current Needs: Volunteers to prepare and serve lunch for any Sunday between February 5 - February 26. Call Jane Ehlke 781-572-6201.
First Church continues to be active with the Church of Gethsemane.with the following activities:
- Monthly group letter to over 200 Project Connect members incarcerated in NYS Prisons
- Monthly Prison Visits to Project Connect members in Women's prisons in Bedford Hills
- Monthly lunch preparation and serving after worship
- Support for family members having incarcerated members pilot project.
- Administrative support
- Project connect Peer Group participation with formerly incarcerated Project Connect members
- Donation of clothes for formerly incarcerated members
- Re-entry support
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Caleb Heidebrecht; photographs provided by Colin St. Rose and Christina Adorno.
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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