Friday, May 8, 2026

FPC eNews: Our Daily Bread - May 8, 2026

 

 

May 8, 2026

 

 

 

“Give us this day our daily bread.”


I wonder every time I hear these words recited in worship if they are tripping off our tongues without much consideration. We are so accustomed to identifying ourselves as “breadwinners” and being self-reliant. We believe, in our culture, that we are self-made and independent and lift ourselves up by our own bootstraps. I wonder if we would be able to pray these words out loud, one person at a time, in front of each other-- “Give me my daily bread.” It would be confession as much as supplication. Yet, here we are every Sunday beseeching God for bread, whether physical or spiritual bread, to sustain us- one day, every day, at a time. Despite our best efforts to convince otherwise we are not self-sufficient, self-made, self-sustaining. Our privilege may conceal the reality of our dependence on God as well as our dependence on each other. God is always ready to nourish us if we allow it, and no one around us should live in hunger because we have not acted in God’s name.

 

 

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Give us this day our daily bread.
We are dependent on you, O Lord, and in you alone we find sustenance. Let us be as merciful with those around us.

 

And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.

  

 

Reverend Noble will be out of the office  April 28th - May 12th. Please contact Clerk Barbara Cummings or Director of Operation Anne Solages if you need assistance.

 

Meet this week's guest preacher, Barron M. Flood.

 

Barron (he/him) is a candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has just completed his second year at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he is pursuing a Master of Divinity. Before going to seminary, Barron spent nearly a decade as a commercial litigator, working with a major international law firm. Barron is passionate about cultivating faith communities that make room for curiosity and exploration while remaining deeply committed to loving and supporting neighbors.

 

In addition to his academic work, Barron serves on staff at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he supports the pastoral staff and works with member engagement and the outreach ministries. A lifelong Presbyterian, he a member of The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York. While originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Barron now calls Brooklyn home. He lives with his husband and their rescue dog, Roz. On weekends, they can often be found walking through Prospect Park or experimenting with new recipes in their kitchen. He is also an avid news reader and podcast listener and always welcomes recommendations.

 

 

Support for LGBTQIA+

 

There are good reasons to be angry and afraid now as executive orders have been directed at you, and especially at transgender and gender non-conforming friends. I support you-- and I am available to talk by phone or in person. Don’t agonize alone. We will do better together.

 

Interim Pastor Danila Noble

 

danila.noble@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

 

 

Watch the Sunday Livestream

Join us on Social Media

 

 

The Coming Week

 

Saturday, May 9th

 

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Kundalini Yoga (every second Saturday)

Sanctuary - Enter through main doors on Henry Street

 

Sunday, May 10th 

 

10:00 AM 

Power Hour

In the first-floor classroom behind the gym and on Zoom, join here

 

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship
Barron M. Flood, preaching
Sermon: "Fumbling About."
Scripture: Acts 17:22-29
 

NOTE: You can find the Bulletin for Sunday's worship

online here.

 

Worship with us in person, on our website, or on our Facebook Page.

 

Wednesday, May 13th

 

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Men's Fellowship

Grand Canyon Restaurant located at 143 Montague between Henry St. and Clinton St.

For more information, contact Dave Ehlke

 

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Homeless Street Ministry

Meet in the Peace Garden

 

Thursday, May 14th

 

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Food Pantry

For information, contact the church office

 

Know Before You Go

The Power Hour
(Sunday morning adult book & bible study)
 
Sundays at 10 am
We meet in the little classroom behind the gym and on Zoom.
 
Please join us at the 10 am Power Hour in the rear classroom as we discuss Paul's Letter to the Galatians. What was he trying to accomplish in this letter? What impressions do you have of this brief book in the New Testament? We look forward to seeing you!
 

 
Zoom:
 
Meeting ID: 881 8197 2079
Passcode: 658878

 

 

 

The membership committee has been hard at work to develop a congregational directory that will contain regular attendees, members, elders, staff, and online attenders.  We are looking to have it represent the entire body of the church and those who bring life to this dynamic congregation.  Right now, we have a draft!  We need anyone who would like to be included to review the information with either Kevin Bentley or Patrick Tirino and make any necessary corrections.  If you are not currently listed and would like to be, please fill out an information card or email Patrick Tirino. Please note that we need one picture per household that illustrates all the beautiful homes that make up First Church.  Please forward that photo to the QR code above or click here.  
 

 

 
Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)
 
The PNC is thrilled to announce that we have completed our first task and the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) is posted on our website as well as with Christian Leadership Connection (CLC). Simply stated, the job posting is live!!!
 
Encourage interested parties to apply by going through the CLC.  We are poised to have our hearts and minds align with the call of prospective candidates. If people have questions please forward them to PNC@firstchurchbrooklyn.org. We will continue to be in touch when we can share progress appropriately. May God bless every step in our process.  
 

 

 

 

Hearing Help

 

We have a wireless headphone listening system available for anyone who is hearing impaired. For more information please see any tech operator for assistance.

 

 

 

Recently at First Church

 

 

May 7th - Men's Fellowship (Breakfast)

 


 

 

Session Update

 

Dear Friends,

 

We invite you to check out a summary of the most recent Session meetings for your reference and information. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are grateful for your interest and support. Thank you for being a part of the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn community.

 

Current Ruling Elders:

 

Ben Bray, Reem Bushara, Kevin Bentley, Erik Brogger, Jenny Gage, Richard Greene, Diana Lee, Gladys McNish, Zayn Silva, Kelly Strandemo, Terrance Stroud, Emily Thomas, Marell Thomas, Patrick Tirino, Joyce Waller

 

 

Interim Pastor Danila Noble - Moderator

Elder Barbara Cummings - Clerk

 

Social Action Committee

 

Looking for Food and Fellowship Volunteers

 

First Church Brooklyn serves a Sunday fellowship lunch once each month at the Church of the Gethsemane, our sister Presbyterian church in Park Slope, Brooklyn, whose members are mostly formerly incarcerated.

 

First Church volunteers prepare a meal, either at home or at the church's kitchen, attend worship at 11:00 AM, and serve lunch after service to approximately 15-20 congregants. It's a wonderful opportunity to make good food and even better friends. We are looking for volunteers for May and the rest of 2026, on whatever Sunday works for you.

 

Please contact Marta Nelson if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

 

Food Pantry 

Serving Thursday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

 

On Thursday, May 7th, our pantry served 91 clients with the help of 13 volunteers including the help of YAI.

 

According to the 2023 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, representing an increase of 122 million people compared to 2019.

 

Volunteers are welcome to arrive on Thursdays between 8:00 and 11:00 AM to serve in the pantry. No advanced notice is required. Please contact the church office to inquire about volunteering. We look forward to serving with you.

Congregation and Community News

 

Kundalini Yoga

 

Every 2nd Saturday

Next event is TOMORROW: May 9, 2026

 

 

 

The yoga class is scheduled for this Saturday. God willing, Kim looks forward to being there and serving all that are able to attend after recently tending to family matters.

 

You can communicate with instructor Kim Reynolds at her new email address and register directly by clicking this link or clicking the graphic, above.

 

 

 

Reminder and Details

Communications Workshop for First Church Youth Ages 13-17


Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:30 am – 5:00 pm

 

Breakfast and lunch included. No cost.

 

Goals: To improve communications and public speaking skills, to gain confidence.

 

Practical applications: improved participation in church programs; college, internships, and job interviews. Skills for a lifetime!

 

Instructor: Dr. Janet Dewart Bell, Founder/President; LEAD InterGeneratonal Solutions; Adjunct Professor, Baruch College Marxe School of Public and International Affairs; Emmy and Peabody award winner; Author; NAACP Image Award nominee for Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement. She chairs the Women’s Media Center board and serves on the board of the Authors Guild Foundation. Dr. Bell is a noted communications and management expert.

 

The registration deadline has passed, but for inquiries and further information: Email Dr. Bell or text or call 917 796-8803.

 

Workshop Schedule

 

 

 

FPC All Church Retreat

 

May 29 - 31, 2026

 

FAITH IN ACTION

 

 

 

The all-church retreat is a time to enjoy wonderful worship and fellowship, delicious food, and over 500 acres of NATURE!

 

There will be music, late night bonfires, early morning hikes, worship led by both children and adults, art making and memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

Registration Form for the Retreat is here.

 

 

 
First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn is a Matthew 25 Church
 
The Communication and Marketing committee is proud to share our
"Ask me about Matthew 25" video.
 

 
View it now by clicking the video's image, above, or at https://vimeo.com/1100321955

 

Men's Fellowship

 

The Men's group will be discussing world affairs as well as local news instead of reading a new book.

 

We are meeting at 8:00 AM on Wednesdays at the Grand Canyon restaurant located on Montague between Henry and Clinton.

For more information contact Dave Ehlke

 

 

 

 

 

Sandwich Making

Every Third Sunday

 

 

Mark your calendars for May 17th

 

 

 

 

Around Town - Where Church Members and Friends are Performing

 

 

 

Send your upcoming performances to Pastor Danila or enewsletter@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

 

 

 

Prayer Requests

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 NIV)

Our world is changing daily, and yet we still believe in the power of prayer. We still desire to pray with and for our community. If you have a prayer request – a joy or a concern, please send your prayers to us at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org. We will add prayers to our worship bulletin each week and keep your prayers in our hearts and on our lips for the week to come.

 

Add the Prayer Requests to your calendar! A new prayer will be in your calendar each day, and update automatically. Add the calendar feed https://www.prayermate.net/feeds/f7120f2c8ffc8619be3f9facb5019174cee88/ical

If clicking the link doesn't work directly, instructions for subscribing to a calendar feed for a variety of calendars can be found here.

Worship service video 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.

 

If you have access to a connected screen of any size, try our Video LIVE Stream on our website or our Facebook page.

We're Social

Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us. Watch us.

 

      

 

    

Wednesday Morning Devotional message

 

Signup for our Wednesday morning devotional and receive a verse of scripture, a song from worship, a short video message from our staff or an inspirational quote to meditate on. Give yourself a boost in the middle of the week!

 

To sign up, simply scan the QR code at the right or text the word DEVOTIONAL to 718-689-6171. This number is private to First Church for this ministry and your information will not be sold or distributed in any way.

A full calendar of church events can be found on the church website.

This week's eNewsletter was edited by Mark Elsenheimer

Photo provided by Chester Lee

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 Church Brooklyn's website.

 

Flower Donations: We welcome flower donations of $75 or more in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. Please contact Annie Solages in the Church office via email.

 

Appointments with Ministry Staff may be arranged by calling the Church at 718-624-3770, or via email.

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