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Greetings First Church Family and Friends!
I sat down this week with a friend in the communications field who asked, "What is First Church Brooklyn about?" I thought about the many ministries we offer here in Brooklyn and farther afield. I thought about our worship that attracts people from across the street and around the world. I thought about the way we look out for each other, and I said to my friend, "We care for souls."
Our beloved, Ben Smith, died Thursday morning, and we cared for his soul. We ended our half-marathon partnership with Team World Vision because we care for souls. World Vision's discriminatory hiring practice targets LGBTQ persons and, while we believe in their effort to bring clean drinking water to God's people in Africa, we need partners who both do the work of clean water while also celebrating LGBTQ persons. We will find a new partner. And we will run the Brooklyn Rock and Roll half-marathon with integrity. We take an inclusive position at First Church Brooklyn because we care for souls.
On Sunday we will gather, as we always do, to remember and give thanks for the God who cares for all the people. Every soul. Each in its beautiful, complicated, diversity. Come Sunday and get some care for your soul -- in the music, in the hugs, in the holiness of God's house where all the people are God's beloved. I can't wait to see you.
You are loved,
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Sunday, May 7th
Protein Sunday
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 - 10:50 AM
Adult Education in the Thurman Room
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Youth Band
Rose Room
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Sunday School in the Gym
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Submerge
Rose Room
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Fellowship Hour
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, May 11th
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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SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY - LIFEGUARD Looking for a summer job? USA Management is looking to hire fun, energetic, and ready to learn individuals for our summer lifeguard positions in the Brooklyn area. If you're interested, see the flyer above for details about how to apply! CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
We have two slots filled and we are actively seeking one more volunteer to teach Sunday School in 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.
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Update on the 2017 Pledge Drive
As of May 4th, 2017, we have received 119 Pledge Cards for a total of $337,166.
Our goal this year is a commitment of $343,000.
We are less than $10,000 away from that target. Please help us reach or exceed our goal. Pledge today!
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The Brooklyn Bridge CSA Is at FPC
The CSA is at FPC on Wednesdays during the summer with delicious veggies. Join us!
Registration for the 2017 summer CSA season is now open -- but only until May 10th. There are spots available! Sign up on our website today. You can find information about pricing, types of shares, dates, registration and more: www.brooklynbridgecsa.org.
Thank you!
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First Church Cares
First Church's Pastoral Care Team is focused on exploring opportunities to strengthen our individual bonds with one another within our congregation. During Sunday worship, members of First Church's Pastoral Care Team ("Care Ambassadors") will be wearing a white flower boutonniere pin, and will be available to chat with you before or after worship, about how we can improve the care within our church community.
As a community, we are called to accompany each other in our joys and in our sorrow. If you are experiencing a loss, an illness, struggling with grief and questions of faith, or simply want to share a joy or request a companion in prayer, please reach out to our Care Ambassadors directly or send an email to: pastoralcare@firstchurchbrooklyn.org
Peace and love,
The Pastoral Care team
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E-WASTE RECYCLING DAYS
Saturday, May 20th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, May 21st: 10.00 AM – 4:00 PM
CHAPEL OF FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
PIERREPONT ST. BETWEEN CLINTON ST. AND MONROE PL.
Accepting residential waste only
Items accepted include: Laptops, TVs, copiers, TV remotes, CD players, fax machines, batteries, phones, and more.
Sponsored by Brooklyn Heights churches and synagogues and the Brooklyn Heights Association, in cooperation with the Lower East Side Ecology Center.
For more information, call (718) 624-5466
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Adult Education
The Afterlife – beginning Sunday, April 30th
Our 10:00 AM discussions will center around our perceptions of the afterlife and how these beliefs are formulated and shaped through our exposure to Scripture, the world of art, literature, and personal witness. Perhaps our interior sense of the afterlife stands at odds with everything to which we have been exposed. Perhaps we are deeply conflicted about accepted perceptions of "heaven" or "paradise." Our conversations will grow out of Easter and the many "Holy Ghost stories" that attended this singular event, including the story of the Road to Emmaus, along with the many other manifestations of Jesus, following the Crucifixion. Is it therefore inappropriate to suggest that the Resurrection is also a story about grief, trauma, and a pathway to acceptance? What are our personal experiences with the afterlife? And what does that word mean to us? Join Elder Erik Brogger (who is just as confused about all this as you may be) in the Thurman Library on Sunday mornings for this lay discussion of text and self.
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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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A lack of food among pregnant women in developing countries results in one out of every six babies being born with a low birth weight.
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On Thursday, May 4th, our Food Pantry served 115 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 a podcast of our Sermons. Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon below to subscribe.
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Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
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Uda and Ashley at the DC Climate March, April 29th.
Women's Potluck at First Church
Sunday, April 30th, at First Church
Sunday, April 30th, at First Church
Sunday, April 30th, at First Church
Sunday, April 30th, at First Church
Sunday, April 30th, at First Church
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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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
African American Museum
July 15th
Please join First Church on a great adventure to the African American Museum in Washington, DC, on Saturday, July 15th. 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 (insert in Sunday bulletin) with payment by May 1, 2017.
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SAVE THE DATE - CYF FAMILY RETREAT
We have Holmes camp reserved for our 2017 Children Youth and Families (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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Carlos Pavan
Classical Guitar Concert
Traditional music from Argentina With special guest, Ken Thomson (clarinet)
May 12, 7:30 PM in the FPC sanctuary
Tickets $10
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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 Chair, Barbara Cummings.
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Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Join as we discuss the new book by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, "This Fight Is Our Fight," about the disappearing American Middle Class and what can be done about it.
Come join us even if you are not reading the book.
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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 in concert with the Church of Gethsemane.
- Sunday Luncheon: Thanks to Tyler Abernathy and Tobias Wyss of the Holy Mackerals, who prepared or served lunch this past Sunday.
- Prison Visits: Next week, three members of FPC -- Steve deFluiter, Erik Brogger and Dave Ehlke -- will accompany Minister Chibueze Okorie to visit Project Connect members at Green Haven prison on Thursday, May 11th. On Saturday, May 13th, Rev Adriene, along with other members of the FPC team, will be accompanying Rev Diane Lacey to visit Project Connect members at Bedford Hills Women's Prison.
- Administrative Support: Ongoing administrative support has been provided by Jane and Dave Ehlke.
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Ben Cosgrove. Photos by Emily Neustadt, Ashley Renee Thaxton and Christina Adorno.
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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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