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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
In the aftermath of this tragic and traumatic week, I was fortunate to be in a gathering this week with, Alexia Salvatierra, co-author of Faith Rooted Organizing. Alexia reminded me that our core task of love and justice is the same no matter who is president and that in this age of Trump, we are breathing for a marathon not a sprint. Rage, paralysis, and whining are shallow breaths and not an option. In order to breathe deeply we must do the following:
1. Act out of our reflective and contemplative selves. Yes, the president infuriates and sickens us, and no we can't, like him, go out into the world half-cocked. We need a thoughtful response.
2. Face the truth and the pain. Our country has a white nationalist for its president and it scares the heck out of us. Let's stay close to the pain of that truth and not be surprised when Trump continually shows his colors.
3. Consistently act in ways that are strategic and proactive. While outrageous behavior deserves our public outrage, every member of our community can't address everything. We must build a broad base, watch for the waves that will have the most impact, and be ready to ride them.
4. Cry freely.
5. Celebrate every chance we get.
Finally, Alexia said we must participate in regular actions with a spiritual component, not to change the world, but to keep ourselves strong. For me, that is the purpose of church -- to sing and pray and lament and laugh to give ourselves power and keep us strong. I know it is tempting to pull in and stay home these days, but regular actions with a spiritual component will keep us strong -- ready to catch those waves when they come and ride them with all our might.
I'm praying for Charlottesville, for Heather Heyer's mama, and for us -- our church, our nation, and God's people. Come to church on Sunday at 10 AM and get some strength and power.
You are loved,
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Sunday, August 20th
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
10:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon to be preached by Rev. Adriene Thorne
"People Who Have Come Alive"
Following Worship
Fellowship Hour in the Peace Garden
Monday, August 21st
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Session Metting
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Brooklyn Samaritans (Training)
Wednesday, August 23rd
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, August 24th
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Congregation and Community News
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Interfaith Solidarity Gathering in the Aftermath of Charlottesville
Tuesday, August 22 at 6:30 PM
First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn
119-121 Pierrepon Street
Join us as we gather with members of the Brooklyn interfaith community in
solidarity with the people of Charlottesville and those across the country
who are targets of racial and ethnic violence today. In grief, anger, song,
and prayer, we will share the visions of our faith traditions.
All are welcome.
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ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING
On Thursday, August 24th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, The New Sanctuary Coalition is
offering free ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING, i.e., how to accompany immigrants who have
been identified for possible deportation and have to appear in Immigration
Court or to check-in with ICE or ISAP.
Meet at Saint Peters Church 619 Lexington Avenue, NYC 10022.
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Brooklyn DA Candidate Faith Forum
On Tuesday, August 29th, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Faith in New York is hosting a Brooklyn DA Candidate Faith Forum so that our
community can let candidates know what issues are important to us.
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn
212 Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11216
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Clark Street Subway Station Closure
The Clark Street (2 and 3 trains) subway station will be closed on weekends until Spring 2018. People who normally take the subway to First Church need to walk from Borough Hall or take the B25, B26, B38, B41, B52 or B103 bus.
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Seeking Housing for a Student From Late August
If you have a room to rent or are looking for a roommate beginning in late August, please contact Jenny Gage: "A friend's son is moving to New York to attend the School of Visual Arts and I am trying to help them find housing for Isaiah."
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Are you looking for financial peace?
We are considering offering a small group this fall, but need to gauge interest. Thank you for taking our brief survey. Financial Peace University helps you get out of debt, have better control of your money, and live a more generous life. Cost is $93 per individual or family. Class lasts for 9 weeks. Please select Sundays at 1:00 PM, Sundays at 4:00 PM, or Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Thank you.
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#Closerikers Faith-Based Preach-In
Weekend of August 20
Jesus commanded, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Every man, woman, and youth incarcerated on Rikers Island is a neighbor to
each of us who lives in NYC. First Church Brooklyn is a member of the
nonpartisan #CLOSErikers Campaign, a leading effort of Just Leadership USA.
After worship today, tables will be set up with information about the
conditions at the Rikers Island Jail Complex. Pre-written letters will be
provided for contacting our local and state government officials. Please
consider participating in this important activity.
Letter Writing Instructions
As previously announced, First Church Brooklyn is participating in the #CLOSErikers Faith Based Preach In on Sunday, August 20. Please bring your mobile phone, iPad or laptops to church with you if you want to communicate electronically.
We will be writing letters either electronically or by snail mail after church to the following elected officials:
The state legislators and city councilman are for the district where the church is. You may also elect to write to your own representative if they differ for your location.
Tables will be set up at Fellowship time with copies of the snail mail letters available for signing, along with envelopes and stamps. We ask you to also include your mailing address and your email address in addition to your signature on these letters.
Copies of the electronic letters are included by clicking the above links for each of the recipients. Feel free to alter the content to personalize if you like. If you are not going to be in church on Sunday, Aug. 20, please send your letters electronically and bcc or notify Jane Ehlke jane.ehlke@gmail.com so we can keep track of how many letters we sent out.
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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.
Volunteers needed Wednesday evenings from 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM to receive fresh fruits and vegetables for our food pantry. If you are available to come to First Church Brooklyn and receive donations from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge CSA and Sweet Pea CSA, please call the church office to be connected to pantry coordinator, Jane Woland.
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In the United Sates, 13 percent of households (15.8 million)
are estimated to be food insecure.
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On Thursday, August 17th, our Food Pantry served 124 guests with the
help of 16 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 10:00 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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Sunday, August 13th, Morning Worship and Fellowship
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Brooklyn Rock and Roll Half Marathon Training
Brooklyn Samaritans group runs are Mondays at 7:00 PM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM.
Meet at Grand Army Plaza (park entrance) this Saturday, 8/19, and the church Peace Garden on Monday 8/21 and Saturday 8/26.
You need not run the marathon to train. Walkers encouraged to join the group. All are welcome to train.
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Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Join us as we discuss the book, "A Cloud of Witnesses," edited by Joyce Hollyday and Jim Wallis. A collection of 35 short stories of exceptional people grouped by the 8 Beatitudes.
Come join us even if you are not reading the book.
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Men's Monthly Potluck Dinner at First Church
Starts Friday September 8th at 7:00 PM, Elliott Room at First Church
First Friday of each month, October through June
This has been a popular event with many of our First Church sisters for years, and we hope it will be for the men as well. Questions? Contact Willy Norton by phone or email.
If you can attend, please email Willy so we have an idea of numbers.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, and FAMILIES (CYF)
Sunday School is on hiatus for the summer and will resume Sunday, September 10th. All God's children will worship together throughout the summer. The nursery remains open to provide wee care to children 4 and under. Biblical based books and crayons are available for people of all ages on the bookshelf in the narthex. Help yourself to materials, and thank you for returning them so that others may enjoy them in the future.
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Worship Leaders
Interested in taking part as a reader during Sunday worship? 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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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 Lunch after Worship. We are looking for volunteers
- Administrative Support: Ongoing administrative support has been provided by Jane and Dave Ehlke. The Project Connect database has been expanded to 225 members in 30 different prisons.
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Ben Cosgrove. Photos provided 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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