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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
I took some time off this week to be with family and to rest. I'm sleeping late, swimming every day, and spending a lot of time in stillness and silence thinking about my family and the human family. I hope you too are taking exquisite care because our ongoing work for love and justice is taking shape.
Elder Nate Dudley kicked off our Indivisible small group last Sunday with plans to gather again this Sunday after worship. The 30 people who participated got to know each other better, wrote one letter each to our elected officials, and made plans for a First Church Calendar of action events. Join us this Sunday, January 26th, for love and justice, First Church-style.
Our amazing, holy-spirit filled, teens are leading worship this Sunday with an assist from Eric and me. Over the last several months, participants in The Parables Project have written their own parable that explains the God in Jesus Christ of their collective understanding. This post confirmation group has attracted teens from our community and a few kids from beyond our walls – I know, exciting! I think you will want to be present for this worship celebration that Session and I have been anticipating for some weeks and that our youth have worked on with great dedication. Eric will preach.
That's it – self-care, love, justice, and young people. If that doesn't sum up the gospel, I'm not sure what does! Looking forward to seeing you Sunday. I am praying with you and for you in the meantime.
You are loved,
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Friday, February 24th
6:30 PM
Sunday, February 26th
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Nursery is open on the second floor
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Youth Band in the Rose Room
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "Parable of the Cafeteria", preached by Eric Thomas. Scripture Texts: Psalm 99, Exodus 24:12-18, and the Parable of the Cafeteria (a creation of the Parables Project)
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Sunday School in the Gymnasium
Monday, February 27th
6:45 PM - 8:15 PM
Session meeting in the Thurman Room
Wednesday, March 1st
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service
Sanctuary
Thursday, March 2nd
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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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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Women's Potluck Dinner and Meeting
Tonight, February 24th at 6:30PM in the Elliott Room. Discussion of the Lenten Devotional and plans to support the Church of Gethsemane ministry.
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Welcome to Worship!
This Sunday our Choir will be joined by the talented choir from Alma College, the only New York City stop on their Winter Tour.
Alma is a 1,400 student liberal arts College located in the "Middle of the Mitten," the lower peninsula of Michigan. Founded in 1886 by the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan, Alma College was dedicated to the pursuit of learning that reflected the Judeo-Christian heritage of its founders joined with the continually relevant aims of the liberal arts. Alma College's mission is to prepare graduates who think critically, serve generously, lead purposefully, and live responsibly as stewards of the world they bequeath to future generations.
The choir's reputation for excellence, its many traditions and its ambitious performing, touring and recording schedule attract a group of talented students for whom choral singing is an important part of their lives.
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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
In celebration of Ash Wednesday there will be no Adult Ed program on March 1. Join us in worship at 7pm in the sanctuary to mark the beginning of Lent.
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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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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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On Thursday, February 23rd, our Food Pantry served 121 guests with the
help of 14 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.
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Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
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Choir Retreat (Feb 10-12)
Click this picture for a short "montage" video
Other Scenes from the Choir Retreat...
Youth Retreat (Feb 17-18)
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Youth Retreat at Holmes Report - Including Statements of Faith
 The youth from Long Island, New Jersey, and Brooklyn!
On Friday and Saturday of last week some members of the youth of our church braved the journey north to Holmes Presbyterian camp, under the watchful eyes of James, Simon Bogigian (whom you may all remember from his role in stage managing the Christmas Pageant), and Jennifer Petersen (whom we are extremely happy to have on board).
Our amazing volunteers Simon Bogigian and Jennifer Petersen dressed in matching blue! In the middle we have "The Sermonator" herself, Rev. Janice Moore-Caputo aka PJ! (Pastor Janice)
Led by Rev. Janice Moore-Caputo, we spent time expressing our faith through DANCING:
Through LISTENING:
Through STUDYING:
And through PLAYING:
At the end of the weekend our Youth had searched within their core values and principles, and were able to come up with the following individual Statements of Faith/Mission Statements/Statements of Purpose:
I affirm, devise, and resonate kindness to anyone I can help.
I brighten, deliver, and progress with respect, balance and knowledge for those who cannot take care of themselves.
I manifest, bestow, and consider love to animals.
I pursue, create, and sustain friendship for my friends.
I amplify, imagine, and resonate happiness, determination, and loyalty for people who show care.
I accomplish, complete, and defend adventure and challenge for kids without many friends.
I value and empower understanding and openness for contributing to people with financial issues.
The trip really brought to life some burgeoning friendships, and as demonstrated above, showed the amazing hearts and minds of our young people...
This would not been possible without support from Rev. Adriene, Holmes Presbyterian Camp, our wonderful CYF parents and youth, and in particular our two volunteers. We offer up our thanks again to Simon Bogigian and Jennifer Petersen for their incredible contribution to our community!
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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 week-long 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
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 Mark Elsenheimer. Photos from Mark Elsenheimer, Molly Podd, Jill Huguet, Chris Neuner, and James Allison-Booth & Elizabeth Nestlerode.
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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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