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Limited Testing Availability
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Greetings First Church Family and Friends,
We, like you, have spent this past week adjusting to a new way of being. We are profoundly aware that our individual decisions have communal consequences. For that reason, our church leadership made the difficult and painful decision to close our food pantry which serves mostly guests in their 70s and 80s with the support of volunteers mostly in their 70s and 80s. I wrestled all week with whether we made the right decision only to learn that two of our members, both in their 30s, have contracted coronavirus. There is no such thing as a low risk person. We are all vulnerable and must take the call to social solidarity (caring for each other while keeping each other safe) seriously.
Please know that I am working with a team of committed church members to make sure we all stay safe and connected. Please help us by filling out our form. Even if you think we have your information, please fill out the form TODAY. We don't want anyone to fall through the cracks.
We are putting several opportunities in place to keep us connected virtually. Check them out below and join us as you feel led. There are daily check-ins, a weekly music ministry, a weekly text devotional and of course, Sunday morning worship.
This week, our seminary intern, Ekama Eni, is learning A LOT about leading in times of change. She will preach her final sermon with us on the topic of God's great commandment to love. Join us this Sunday morning at 11:00 AM at FPC.CHURCH or on the church's Facebook page for prayers, preaching and healing music. Financial offerings can be made at FPC.CHURCH using PayPal or credit cards. We have included the worship bulletin (link) in this newsletter so that you have it in advance of Sunday morning worship.
We miss seeing each one of you in person, and we hold each one of you in our hearts.
You are loved,
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We recognize that a lot of information is circulating about Coronavirus on social media and that some reports are not based on facts. Please closely monitor your child's use of social media and utilize available resources to engage in conversations and answer your child's questions at home. The ChildMind Institute has a helpful resource, Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus which UNICEF recently adapted.
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March 22, 2020 | First Church Brooklyn Care & Connection
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Sunday, March 22nd
9:45 AM Sunday Morning New Member Gathering (part 2) - join us via Zoom
Rev. Adriene, leading
10:00 AM Power Hour – join us via Zoom
Elder Marta Nelson, leading
10:00 AM Elementary School Chat with Rev. April – join us via Zoom
Rev. April, leading
Ekama Eni, Seminary Intern, preaching
Rev. Adriene and Rev. April, leading
12:30 PM Church Thing with Rev. April – join us via Zoom
Rev. April, leading
1:00 PM Youthful Fellowship Lenten Bible Study (John 13:1-20) – join us via Zoom
Rev. Adriene, leading
Thursday, March 26th
Food Pantry – We are practicing social solidarity and on HIATUS until further notice.
7:00 PM Music Ministry – join us every Thursday at FPC.CHURCH for sounds to heal your spirit.
8:30 PM Thursday Evening New Member Gathering (part 3)
Rev. Adriene, leading
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SPIRIT WITH THESE FIRST CHURCH BROOKLYN RESOURCES:
1. Bring your lunch and join us for a daily check-in and prayer from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM. Zoom Meeting ID # 798 607 3225.
3. Text the word DEVOTIONAL to 66599 to sign up for the First Church Brooklyn weekly FLASH text devotionals. These go out every Wednesday.
4. Music Ministry offered every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. Join us at FPC.CHURCH
FREE RESOURCES OFFERED FOR ALL PEOPLE:
1. You can watch FREE performances streamed by the Metropolitan Opera every night of the week.
2. Travel + Leisure has compiled virtual visits to 12 Museums from Around the World.
3. Scribd is giving away 1 month of unlimited access for free to its library of over one million
ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more.
4. Famed dancer and instructor Debbie Allen is offering a free dance class every Wednesday at 4:00 PM via Instagram live. Download the app on your phone and join Ms. Allen for a great workout.
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If you begin to feel sick, call your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider, or it is after hours and you develop symptoms of COVID-19 and were in close contact with a person who spent time in an area known to have widespread community spread of COVID19, please stay home and call 311 to be connected to a provider.
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Daily
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Check-in and Prayer
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Sunday, March 22nd
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
New Members Gathering
10:00 AM
Power Hour, Adult Christian Education
10:00 AM
Elementary School Chat with Rev. April
11:00 AM
Worship - Online!
Ekama Eni, seminary intern, preaching
Sermon Title: "Limited Testing Availability"
12:30 PM
Church Thing with Rev. April
1:00 PM
Youthful Fellowship Lenten Bible Study
Thursday, March 26th
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Music Ministry
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
New Members Gathering
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Congregation and Community News
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In this time of pandemic, we are compelled by Christ's charge to love our neighbors, First Church Brooklyn. We are also mindful of our denomination's commitment to Matthew 25, and we urge compassion for others by not purchasing more supplies than we need, and by speaking out against the racism being directed at some of our Asian siblings. Jesus makes it clear that how we respond to our neighbor is of paramount importance to him. These tough times call for the best of Christian character and action.
We've all heard how important it is to implement social distancing measures *before* things get bad; in the same way, it's important to organize systems of support and identify vulnerabilities in our church community as early as we can, so that no one is forgotten and we are ready and have the means to help when help is needed. WE NEED EVERYONE TO FILL OUT THE FORM TODAY SO THAT WE HAVE ACCURATE RECORDS OF OUR COMMUNITY!!!
Fill out the form if you are a member of the community.
The form will ask you to make sure we have your updated contact information and for your permission to add you to a phone tree and/or a neighborhood-based "care pod." The second part of the form asks about any needs you might have or any resources you could offer.
Fill out the form if you are a member of the community.
This note comes with our prayers for your continued health and peace, and with joy to be in service with you.
Ray Chen, Jenny Gage, Ashley Thaxton-Stevenson, and Pastor Adriene
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April's Corner
Are you feeling a little unmoored this week? A little lost at sea?
Join the club - I certainly am.
If you're looking to connect more deeply with yourself, with others, and with the story of God, I hope you'll consider joining me in one of our Explore groups. These are classes that integrate biblical stories, insights from theologians, and examples from the arts. Here they are:
Wednesdays at 10 am: The Still Small Voice: The Voice of God in the Bible and in Your Life Story
Wednesdays at 8 pm: In The Wilderness: Finding God Around the Edges.
Hunkering down and getting through with you all -
Rev. April
The Rev. April Stace, Ph.D.
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We Are in This Together
In response to COVID-19, we want to keep each other safe and healthy, both physically and spiritually, so we need to hear from each and every one of you! We are mobilizing to collect community needs and offers of service. If you are interested in living your faith by caring for your neighbor or if you need care, this is the moment.
Those interested should follow instructions at the link below to request support or offer support.
We can't promise that every need will be met, but your responses are necessary to ensure we understand what the needs are and what each person can contribute. We are currently only able to assist members and regular participants in the First Church Brooklyn community. Eventually, we hope our efforts will expand to support those outside our church community. Find the form here.
If you know of a member in need or a member desiring to serve who does not have access to a computer, please call them, get their information, and fill the form out on their behalf.
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Letter to Men & Women who are Currently Incarcerated
Men and women in prisons can go for years, even decades without any contact from the outside. Through Project Connect they can reach out to request letters and visits. This program is run by the Church of Gethsemane and we are their partners. We had been scheduled to write a letter on March 15. Since we did not meet, I would like to move this to online. Therefore I am asking you to write a couple of lines of hope and encouragement and email them to me. I will paste them into a letter that will be sent to many people. Anything is appreciated, a couple of lines of poetry, a bible verse, or simply some words of hope and encouragement. Our letters mean a lot to people and particularly now when other contact with the outside world is limited.
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New Member Gatherings
Membership Matters
One of the most counter-cultural things you can do is become an engaged member of a faithful local church. In this world, and especially in this city, the last thing people are thinking about is planting roots and making long term commitments for the good of other people. We want to keep our options open! We want to preserve our freedom!
But what if you did something different? What if you joined the rebellion, and pledged your loyalty and engagement to a gospel-believing, good news-loving local church? What if you got more deeply connected with that church's mission and more deeply rooted in a life of faith?
First Church Brooklyn is good soil. You can put down roots here. You can grow and expand with the support of a diverse garden of God's people.
How to Join
Our next new member gatherings begin in March and are a series of three one-hour long experiences.
How Did I Get Here?
What is your faith story? How was your spiritual background shaped? How did you get to this place? Our first gathering is an opportunity to share spiritual journeys and hear from fellow travelers on the road.
What Am I Getting Myself Into?
What does it mean to be Presbyterian? Who is First Church Brooklyn? What can I expect, and what is expected of me as a member of the church? Our second gathering will take a quick dash through church history and Christian theology. You'll learn about the roots grounding our church and the wings taking us into God's preferred future.
What Lies Ahead?
In our final gathering, you will join the Session leadership team for breakfast and conversation about the mission and vision of our church. Meet some of the people who will help you deepen your connections and grow your faith at First Church Brooklyn. After breakfast, you will be received into membership during Sunday worship.
Want to Talk?
It is no small decision to join a church. We understand. If you'd like to have a conversation first, we would like to meet you. Contact the church office to arrange a meeting with a member of our membership committee or our pastor.
New Member Gatherings 2020
Sunday March 22, 2020 | 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or phone (929.205.6099) enter Meeting ID # 798 607 3225
Joining Sunday is To Be Determined
~ OR ~
Thursday March 26, 2020 | 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting via computer or phone (929.205.6099) enter Meeting ID # 798 607 3225
Joining Sunday is To Be Determined
Same content on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings.
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To the First Church Brooklyn Community,
Our names are Thomas Killian and Emma Fredrick, and we are Assistant Professors of Psychology at Marist College. We are recruiting participants for a research study on LGBTQ+ ally development within religious and spiritual contexts. The purpose of this study is to survey individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ allies, religious, and spiritual in order to uncover the complexity of this intersectional identity integration process and the effects of religion and spirituality on ally development. We define LGBTQ+ ally as any person (including those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community) who actively supports or advocates for those who hold similar or differing sexual/affectional or gender variant identities. The survey is online, anonymous, and estimated to take about 20-30 minutes to complete.
Sincerely,
Thomas Killian, PhD
Emma Fredrick, PhD
Katherine Shelton
Emma Moloney
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On Thursday, March 19th, our pantry began practicing social solidarity and is on HIATUS. Our clients and volunteers will be back as soon as it is possible.
If you need food assistance
Our food pantry, located at the church entrance, is not currently open on a regular schedule. Volunteers are ready to support you. Please reach out if you need food assistance.
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Baptism Dates
Baptism is a sacred event in the life of your child, your family, and your congregation. The sacrament is celebrated in the context of public worship as an act of the entire church and is a sign of everything God has promised us. In baptism, the congregation promises to nurture the child in faith, and the parents or guardians promise to be active participants in the church community.
The sole requirements for infant baptism are that one parent or guardian be an active member of the congregation and that they attend an Understanding Baptism class. Baptisms occur on Sundays determined by Session Upcoming dates for classes and baptisms are below. Please contact the church office to inquire about baptism for yourself or your child.
Sunday, April 12 (Easter) | Baptism class April 5th after worship
Sunday, May 31 (Pentecost) | Baptism class May 10th after worship
Sunday, August 2 | Baptism class TBD
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Worship service audio is 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 (10:00 AM from July 4th through Labor Day).
If you have access to a screen of any size, try our beta Video LIVE Stream on fpc.church (.church NOT .com). The video is live just before the service starts and features sound system audio for clarity.
Want to hear a Sermon again? We have a podcast of Sermon audio! Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon, below, to subscribe.
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We're Social: Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us. Watch us.
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Recently at First Church Brooklyn
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Youthful Fellowship | Lent 2020
More Community | More Bible | More Service | More Vulnerability | More Accountability
Sunday, March 22nd
Come Follow Me Bible Study
1:00 PMZoom Meeting ID # 798 607 3225Rev. Adriene, leading
Sunday, March 29th
Service Project
following worship TBD
Sunday, April 5th
Community Meal Preparation & Evaluation
5:00 PM
Akornefa Akyea, leading
If you are a young adult looking for community, friendship and a spiritual home, we invite you to join our regular gathering of people in their 20s and 30s who are interested in intentional discussions about life, faith, justice and yes … JESUS!
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Justice Ministries Committee
Two opportunities for engagement with the New Sanctuary Coalition
Pro Se Clinic - New York City
Every Wednesday NSC holds a pro se clinic to assist Friends with their immigration forms. There is always a need for volunteers, both lawyers and non-lawyers.
Jericho Walk Silent Solidarity Action: Every Thursday at 26 Federal Plaza at 11:00 AM
Every Thursday, faith leaders, immigration activists, and community members march in silence and pray outside 26 Federal Plaza in solidarity with individuals and families whose basic humanity is being denied by our unjust and immoral immigration system. Though we walk in silence, our actions speak to the injustices that our communities face.
Becoming a Matthew 25 Church
Matthew 25:31–46 calls us to engage actively in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor. The church responded to these actions by casting the Matthew 25 vision. Congregations are invited to commit to the vision. This is not a matter of new programs but of understanding what we are already doing through the lens of Matthew 25 and growing in how we live out that biblical call. It helps the whole church see how our faith unites Presbyterians for a common and holy purpose: our common identity to do mission. In addition to a Frequently Asked Questions resource, the Matthew 25 Welcome Kit includes a Bible study, worship resources, and more. Contact Mark Koenig for more information about how your congregation might make the Matthew 25 commitment.
Advocacy Training Weekend, April 24 – 27
Imagine! God's Earth and People Restored
Washington, DC
Apr. 24: Presbyterian Day; Apr. 24 evening; Apr. 27: Ecumenical Advocacy Days
The Advocacy Training Weekend will explore the intersection of climate change and economic injustice. This will galvanize our advocacy on behalf of policies and programs to chip away at the systems of oppression that keep people in poverty and push all life on earth to the brink of destruction. Learn more and register now. The Justice Ministries Committee has a limited number of partial scholarships available for first-time participants. Contact Mark Koenig for more information.
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Wednesday "Flash" Text Devotionals
Sometimes the weeks are long, right? Our new Wednesday morning "flash" text devotional is meant to help give you a boost in the middle of the week. Simply Text the word DEVOTIONAL to 66599 to sign up. Every Wednesday, a super-short, thought-provoking piece will be texted to you - written by a different First Church member each week!
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Men's Fellowship Breakfast and Discussion
TIGHTROPE: Americans Reaching for Hope
by Nicholas D Kristof & Cheryl WuDunn
In March we began discussing Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope by Nicholas D Kristof & Cheryl WuDunn. New York Times Book Reviewer Sarah Smarsh says: "Tightrope catches what many analyses miss about struggling communities across color lines: an undercurrent of self-hatred, in which people blame themselves for bad outcomes and are loath to ask for a 'handout'. . . [The authors'] analysis of our country's class problem reads as lived understanding. . . Tightrope's greatest strength is its exaltation of the common person's voice, bearing expert witness to troubles that selfish power has wrought."
Breakfsat will return once we are able to venture out to dine in restaurants again. Join us then and enjoy a lively conversation about a range of important issues.
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A full calendar of church events can be found on the church website.
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Mark Elsenheimer. Screenshots are from the fpc.church livestream.
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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. A simple one-time gift can be made on fpc.church.
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.
Appointments with Ministry Staff may be arranged by calling the Church at 718-624-3770, or via email.
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