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Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves… (Genesis 11.4) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a hot topic for more than tech lovers. And there are many hopes as well as fears regarding its coming-of-age. Various predictions claim that AI will equal or surpass human intelligence in the very near future. It is a powerful tool already, able to research in a few seconds what would have taken hours or days by hand. Various versions of AI are being developed by a relatively small handful of people and companies. Fortunes are being made, job opportunities are being both lost and created, and the role of humans in life on this planet is suddenly up for grabs, at least it is being intensely debated. This past week, Pope Leo XIV weighed in on how Christians might address these new circumstances. Of course, he asked, “Where is God in this?” and how can these new technological tools raise up human life rather than diminish it. His encyclical (an open letter to all) runs 43000 words and covers many topics that deserve consideration, such as human dignity, social justice, power and transparency, work, democracy, culture, war, and love. I encourage you to read it here If the whole thing is too daunting, then read the introduction where he outlines his thoughts. These next few years could well be a tipping point for human life. AI is a very powerful tool that can be used or misused in many ways. We will all need to decide how we want it to develop and be utilized. As a teaser for you to read a little of it, the Pope’s comparison of AI to the Tower of Babel is an interesting place to start (found in paragraphs 7-14 of the introduction). I hope we are able to include this topic in our church education plans over the next year. |
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 |
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Friday, May 29th - Sunday May 31st
All Church Retreat
Holmes, NY
Sunday, May 31st
10:00 AM
Power Hour
In person in a back classroom or via Zoom
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
Trinity Sunday
Rev. Danila Noble preaching
Sermon: "Wisdom Speaks"
NOTE: You can find the Bulletin for Sunday's worship
online here.
Men's Fellowship
Grand Canyon Restaurant located at 143 Montague between Henry St. and Clinton St.
For more information, contact Dave Ehlke
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The Power Hour
(Sunday morning adult book & bible study)
We will meet on the 31st, when we plan to continue the “Pocket Books of the New Testament” with another brief letter: the Book of Ephesians. Rev. Danila has suggested that before we do so, we might look up the meaning of “the flesh” and explore its applications in the eyes of Paul – a man who had suffered his own fleshly torments (beatings, sight impairment, imprisonment) to become the architect of the nascent Church.
We expect that these readings and discussions will take us into June and the later conclusion of this year’s 10 AM Bible Study.
Zoom:
Meeting ID: 881 8197 2079
Passcode: 658878
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Celebrate Pride with us! We’re inviting everyone to help provide T-shirts for the Brooklyn Pride Parade and for community events throughout the year. You’re welcome to purchase a shirt for yourself, a friend, or to donate shirts for others.
Please use the link or QR code below to order. If donating shirts, please have them shipped to:
Jarryd Boyd
First Presbyterian Church Brooklyn
124 Henry St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Please order soon so we can have shirts ready for the Brooklyn Pride Parade on Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Thank you for helping us share love, welcome, and Pride with our community!
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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.
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The Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge has moved!!! It is just across the street at 125 Henry Street (in front of the Lutheran Church) There will be a Welcome Home Party/Donation Drive for a family-focused pantry on May 31st from 1 pm to 3 pm. Suggested donations include diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby cereal/oatmeal, and shelf-stable children's snacks Please continue to support it in its new home. |
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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.
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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. |
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 |
THE EDNA AWARDS Background
First Church is expanding its Social Action initiatives by inviting members and supporters to nominate organizations they know or are affiliated with. Selected organizations will be eligible to receive one of four $1,000 grants.
To qualify, nominated organizations must be based in Brooklyn and provide services that benefit the communities we serve. These awards are given in honor of our beloved Edna Asknes. How to Nominate an Organization
- All members of the First Church family are encouraged to submit nominations, including youth (high school age and above) and retirees.
- Nomination forms will be available at the church and online, and will also be included in the church e-newsletter.
- Completed nomination forms must be submitted to the Social Action Committee by June 30.
Selection Criteria and Process
- Nominated organizations must align with First Church’s Mission Statement.
- The Social Action Committee will review all submissions and make final selections in early July.
- Grants will be awarded to four selected organizations in September.
Edna Awards Application
The First Church Social Action Committee welcomes your submission. Completed applications should not exceed two pages in length. Please respond to the following questions by clicking on the link.
EDNA AWARDS APPLICATION First Church's Social Action Committee welcomes your Edna Award submission. To nominate an organization, please click on this LINK and answer the questions below.
- Your name, email address, and phone number
- Please provide the following identifying information about your nominee:
- Name of organization, address, phone contact
- Website (if available)
- Status of organization (emerging, 501(c)(3), affiliate, etc.
- Name of person(s) overseeing organization & title
- Length of time the organization has existed
3. What is your relationship to the organization you propose? 4. State the purpose/goal/mission of the organization. 5. What do you find most appealing about this organization? 6. How would you like to see the award (if received) used? 7. Any general comments regarding your nominee? |
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 28th, our pantry served 80 clients with the help of 13 volunteers, including AHRC. 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 |
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
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Kundalini Yoga Every 2nd Saturday Next event is June 13 
You can communicate with instructor Kim Reynolds at her new email address and register directly by clicking this link or clicking the graphic, above. |
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.
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Around Town - Where Church Members and Friends are Performing |
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.    
  
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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 Sarah Wyss. Photos provided by Maddie Blackett, Persephone Bremer and Jim Johnson. |
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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