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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
This has been a powerful week of action with our partners at Faith in New York. If we have doubted for a moment that showing up at rallies and marches, writing letters and meeting with our elected officials, praying and being in faith community matters to the lives of God's people, this week should have dispelled any doubt. At the fake funeral highlighting the death of affordable housing this week, we lamented the predatory lending practices of REBNY along with increased luxury housing that is decimating communities and making it nearly impossible for regular people to live in our beloved city.
Thank you for joining me at City Hall for the Faith Over Fear press conference. Thank you for coming out in the bitter cold to sing and march when we demanded that our mayor and city council make our city a TRUE sanctuary city – where people are not hiding at home for fear of ICE raids in their communities. Thank you for taking exquisite care of yourselves so that you were healthy and strong and able to witness to God's love this week at the offices of our elected officials. I am tremendously honored to serve the God we know in Jesus Christ with you.
This Sunday, the third Sunday in Lent, we will center on the story of the Woman at the Well. We will celebrate the racial/ethnic diversity in early Christian communities that it highlights. We will celebrate the witness to women disciples that it highlights. We will look to this woman who shared the good news of God's love in the wider world and ask how we can be more like her. This is a story of inclusivity that draws the circle wide for women and for folks outside the dominant narrative. The story at the well is the right now story of First Church Brooklyn and it is a story of who we hope to become – a community that better welcomes and loves people from every tribe and nation. Drawing circles that include all the people is what we learn from Jesus, and his teachings motivate our actions. I am looking forward to seeing you, Sunday, and drawing circles that make room for everyone.
You are loved,
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Sunday, March 19th
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Nursery is open on the second floor
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
9:45 AM - 10:50 AM
New Members Class in the Woodman Room (gym)
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Youth Band in the Rose Room
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "Take Me to the Water"
11:15 AM
Sunday School in the Gymnasium
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Pastoral Care meeting in the Thurman Room
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
6:15 PM - 7:30 PM (special time!)
Adult Education talk and book signing at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, 131 Remsen St
Thursday, March 23rd
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary
Friday, March 24th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Holy Mackerels in the Rose Room
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Congregation and Community News
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Update on the 2017 Pledge Drive
As of March 1st, 2017, we have received 117 pledge cards for a total of $$334,141.
Our goal this year is a commitment of $343,000.
We're now less than $10,000 away from that target. Please help us reach or exceed our goal. Pledge today!
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Online Lenten Devotional
Out of the friendship and trust in the Women's Ministry comes this offering to one another and to the First Church congregation.
We hope all who read it will experience that "Joyful Is The Dark."
The Lenten Devotional can be found online at lentatfirst.tumblr.com. A new reading will appear each day online, or you can choose to have the text of the reading sent to your email by clicking the 'Subscribe via Email' link at the top of that page. (If you choose to receive by email, be sure to reply to the message confirming that you want to subscribe.)
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New Members Classes will be held on Sunday, March 19 and on Sunday, March 26, both at 9:45 in the Woodman Room (gym). Those who wish to become new members will be installed April 23, 2017. Attendance at both classes is preferred, and we look forward to seeing you here.
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The next meeting of the Holy Mackerels will be Friday March 24th for Open Mic Night 2.0 in the Youth Room at church. Start thinking about what you want to share and feel free to invite your friends. **This event will be from 6:30-8:30pm.**
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FIRST PREZ CABARET III
Please plan to come to the Elliott Room on Sunday, March 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and enjoy the third edition of FIRST PREZ CABARET. As in the past two years, this is a FREE event, open to the congregation and the surrounding community, so do bring friends. Jane Quinn will be making a return engagement as emcee ... a dozen members of our choir will perform solos, duets and four-part ensemble numbers, conducted by Amy Neuner and accompanied by Matt Podd ... guest actors will present two one-act comedy readings as well as light verse by Terry Quinn ... child care will be made available downstairs ... and wine, provided by Marcia and Ken, will flow freely. Not an evening to miss !!!
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"The Spirit of Sanctuary in the Time of Lent"
Every Sunday in Lent, 10:00 AM
How do we find sanctuary? How do we become a sanctuary? The word derives from the Latin "sanctus" meaning "holy," but has political ramifications that echo in our daily headlines during this time of emergency. (And we can't live in the comfort of metaphor when sanctuary is real and urgent.) Join Elder Erik Brogger for a discussion about how Lent may speak to the fugitive in each of us, using Psalm 51 and other poetry. Join us at 10:00 AM in the gym, this Sunday, March 5th, and every Sunday in Lent, for what may be the only journey where the suggested preparation is that we UN-pack!
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CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
We are actively seeking volunteers to teach Sunday School for April and May. If you haven't had a chance to work with our young people and experience the new curriculum we're using this year, or if you've worked with our youth and want to dig deeper this is a perfect opportunity! If you are interested and available please reach out to us at cyfdirector@firstchurchbrooklyn.org.
NEW "SUBMERGE" CURRICULUM FOR 7th-12th GRADE
After the huge success of the Parables Project, we're incorporating a regular program for the 7th-12th Graders of FPC! "Submerge" is the curriculum for 7th-12th graders produced by Deep Blue Kids. This new offering is picking up from where the Parables Project left off. Led by Eric Thomas, they will be meeting every Sunday following the passing of the peace during the regular Sunday School hour. Read more about the scope and sequence of the program here.
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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
Eric Thomas will lead a group to a talk and book signing at our interfaith partner, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. The First Love Story: Adam, Eve, and Us by Bruce Feiler catalogues a journey across four continents exploring how Adam and Eve introduced the idea of love into the world. Join Eric on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:15pm at BHS, 131 Remsen St.
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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 poorest 50% of all Americans collectively own just 2.5% of all the wealth in the United States. Statistically, there are more children in poor households than in wealthy ones.
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On Thursday, March 16th, our Food Pantry served 71 guests with the
help of 13 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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Worship on March 12, Lent II
Make NYC a True Sanctuary - Rally and March for Immigrant Rights and Against the Ban
Washington Square Park, Thursday March 16
Members of the First Church Choir join Rev Adriene Thorne on the Rally stage
Members of First Church show their support!
Trained volunteers perform an act of Civil Disobedience, blocking traffic outside the ICE Detention Center at 201 Varick St @ W Houston St
Rev Adriene (center, in white hat) takes part in the civil disobedience and is placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Postive Discipline for Teens
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; 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 19 & 26, and April 2, 23 and 30. There is a $50 materials fee that includes handouts, and the book Positive Discipline for Teenagers - scholarships available, don't let the fee be an obstacle!
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Elder Jim Johnson Running for Governor of New Jersey
Our beloved Elder Jim Johnson has been called into public service and is running for Governor of New Jersey. The campaign is in full swing. If you are interested in joining Elder Jim Johnson and others to improve our schools, give all families a leg up and rebuild an economy that has crumbled along with its roads, bridges, water system and mass transit, please contact Amanda Clarke at amanda@jimjohnson4governor.com to find out about helping with the campaign.
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SAVE THE DATE
First Church's White Rose Ministry will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dick & Dottie Turmail's home. (Before his passing, Dick expressed that he wanted us to have it there.)
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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SAVE THE DATE
Please join First Church on a great adventure to the African American Museum, in Washington DC on Saturday July 15, 2017. The trip will be facilitated by Amazing Destinations Deluxe motor coach transportation:
Enjoy an all you can eat lunch buffet a the Golden Coral $89/Per person. Seats are limited. If you want to RSVP, please call or email the Church office.
Please RSVP and return the form with payment by May 1, 2017.
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SAVE THE DATE - CYF FAMILY RETREAT
We have Holmes camp reserved for our 2017 CYF Family Retreat Friday June 9th-Sunday June 11th. Further details will be coming soon. We hope to see you there!
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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 and Emily Neustadt.
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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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