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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
When I was performing, my goal, and the goal of all my friends, was to make it to Broadway. That was the mark of success, proof that you had "made it." Only, I ran into a friend who made it to Broadway, and he wasn't happy. He was making the money, rubbing shoulders with theatre royalty, and living the life we all longed for, but something was missing. For him, it was the sense of community he felt in summer stock and regional theatre when everyone was striving and struggling together. "Now it feels," he said, "like I punch in, do my show, punch out, and go home. It's actually kind of lonely." We had all bought into this belief that Broadway equaled contentment and many of us missed the contentment we
already had on the way to our own uniquely blessed lives.
There is an impulse in us to desire what others have. It might be their life, their job, their car, or their spouse. In our longing to have what others have, we forget the blessings that are ours and sometimes make a huge mess of our lives. As we close out our series on The Ten Words this Sunday, we are going to look closely at desire and think together about gratitude because thanksgiving for the unique blessings of our lives puts desire to sleep and awakens contentment. See you Sunday at 10:00 am.
You are loved,
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Saturday, July 7th
We Choose Welcome panel discussion on Immigrants and Refugees
Rutgers Presbyterian Church (W 73rd and Broadway)
Sunday, July 8th
Nursery is open, 2nd floor at top of stairs
Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary
10:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Following Worship
A Time for Fellowship, in the Peace Garden
Wednesday, July 11th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
Thursday, July 12th
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Congregation and Community News
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DEADLINE EXTENDED
What are YOU looking for in Christian Education at First Church Brooklyn?
If you have not yet, please complete the brief 10-question survey AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to help us bring you more of the things you want.
Thank you!
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FORUM ON ISSUES FACING IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Presbyterian Men and the Justice Ministries Committee of the Presbytery of New York City call your attention to an upcoming event
We Choose Welcome
A Panel Discussion on Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
Rutgers Presbyterian Church (W. 73rd and Broadway)
Panelists will address the current situation facing immigrants and refugees and ways that individuals and congregations can respond. A representative of the New Sanctuary Coalition will speak to the context in which we live and the work they are doing and how congregations and individuals can support that work. Congregations and other organizations are being invited to speak about how they are responding to provide models and opportunities for engagement.
Confirmed panel members from:
- New Sanctuary Coalition
- Rutgers Presbyterian Church
- Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
- Other organizational names will be added as confirmations are received.
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 Summer Worship Schedule: Worship will begin at 10:00 AM through September 2nd. During the Summer Worship schedule, the choir gathers Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. There is no Thursday rehearsal. Summer Choir is open to all, if you've been considering joining.
The following weekly activities will be on hiatus for the summer:
- Adult Bible Study
- Sunday School
- Youth Choir
- Thursday Choir Rehearsal
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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED ITEMS OR FUNDS FOR PURCHASING ITEMS NEEDED BY OUR EASTERN FARM WORKERS!
If anyone would like to make a financial donation for the purchase of still needed clothing, we will make another online purchase to be sent to the Eastern Farm Workers Association. Please make checks out to FPCB, write "EFWA Donation" in the comment line, and send or take your check to the church office.
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All-Church Summer Book Read
This summer, we are reading Marcus Borg's book, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time. Pick up a copy of this book that addresses the yearnings of those who want a fully contemporary faith that welcomes rather than oppresses our critical intelligence and openness to the best of historical scholarship. Borg shows how a rigorous examination of historical findings can lead to a new faith in Christ, one that is critical, and at the same time, sustaining. Read on your own over the summer, and plan to join us for two book parties on September 5th and 19th at 6:30 PM.
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Window restoration - Double Your Impact
We are seeking offerings specifically to restore one of our glorious, historic Tiffany windows - the fisherman window on the north side of the sanctuary. A generous anonymous donor has offered to match all gifts made for this purpose, so the donor is willing to cover up to half of the estimated $18,000 cost. This restoration will bring out the incomparable beauty of another of our windows, and is necessary to prevent possible permanent harm. Please note "window restoration" on any check or payment made for this purpose, and submit it with the offering or by sending it to the Church office. Contact Annie, Rev. Adriene, or Stewardship co-chairs Odette Perriel and David Jones for more information.
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On Thursday, July 5th, our Food Pantry served 118 guests
with the help of 8 hot and sweaty, but dedicated, 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.
Missed a week, or want to hear a Sermon again? We have a podcast of Sermon audio (and video, when available). Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon below to subscribe.
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Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
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A number of FPC's Womens Prison Visit volunteers, joined by Rev. Adriene, traveled with Church of Gethsemane leaders to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility on June 26th. Each volunteer and pastor spent a meaningful one-on-one visit with an incarcerated Project Connect member. (Questions about this ministry, and our men's prison visiting program, can be addressed with Elder Jane Ehlke.)
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Sunday, July 15th
You are all invited to Marcia, Ken and Ms. Scarlett's Annual Open House on the Roof Deck! 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at 418 Henry St. PH 4, Brooklyn NY 11201.
Please stop by to have a cocktail and enjoy the summer!!
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Sunday, July 22 after Worship - Meet and Greet
Interested in Teaching Sunday School to First Church Youth?
Available to meet our new Education Director?
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The Men's group meet at 7:30 AM in the Park Plaza Restaurant on Cadman Plaza West. The group is currently reading, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community" by Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Clark Street Subway Station - REOPENED!
After many months of shutdown, normal weekend service has resumed to the Clark Street Subway Station (2 and 3 trains) nearest First Church!
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Mark Elsenheimer. Usie photo credit (as in "us" pronounced uss-ee, rhymes with fussy) to Rev Adriene Thorne.
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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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