|
|
On my morning walk today I came across this scene outside a local poultry shop. It is a stack of baskets filled with chickens clucking away, unaware of their impending demise. It led me to think that we, too, may sometimes feel caught in situations with no apparent escape. I’m reminded of the apostle Paul in prison, writing to his friends in the Philippian church, telling them how the empire might control where he can be, but his heart rejoiced that even in prison he was preaching the gospel and it was being was believed by the guards. Our feelings may seem to be imposed by circumstances, but if Paul is right, we have a choice, we have agency, even when those circumstances are dismal. If Jesus is to be trusted, then he promises to share our heavy burdens and accompany us on the journey, the whole journey. May we find strength to persevere, and even rejoice, knowing our Lord has been this way before. The peace of Christ be with you today. |
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 |
|
|
|
|
9:45 AM
New Member Class
In the Thurman Room
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
Elder Larry Picard preaching
Sermon: "Dance With a Stranger"
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.
We are meeting through July.
Food Pantry
For information, contact the church office
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Homeless Ministry - New Day!
Meet in the Peace Garden
|
|
|
|
 Larry Picard came to First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn in 2000 as a paid choir soloist. By 2012, Larry became a member, soon an Elder, and served on the first Pastor Nominating Committee to replace Pastor Paul Smith. He and Sam Gindin were married here in 2014, with Rev. Nadine Hundertmark officiating.
In 2017, Larry and Sam left Brooklyn for Western Massachusetts. On Christmas Pageant Sunday, Larry walked into North Hadley Congregational Church, looked into Bartlett Chapel and saw, waiting to enter the sanctuary, an array of shepherds, wise men, and of course, Mary and Joseph. Mostly in their 70's. He thought, "This church gets things done." When the Pastor was retiring, Larry asked if he could preach the following Sunday, "I thought you'd never ask," the Pastor replied. A month later, Larry was leading services. A year later, the congregation voted unanimously for Larry to pastor the church. On Sunday, May 24, Larry was installed as a Lay Minister through the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. |
Peace Garden Volunteers Needed – Sign Up for just a Week! 
Our beautiful Peace Garden is a place of reflection, prayer and natural beauty for all who visit. To keep it healthy and beautiful this summer, we're looking for volunteers to "adopt" the garden for one week (or day) at a time to help with watering.
All that's required is a little time, a caring heart, and attention to the weather forecast! We'll provide clear instructions and everything you need. Let's work together to keep the Peace Garden a vibrant, welcoming space for all!
With gratitude,
The Green Team
|
|
Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC)
The PNC is happy to report that the committee has been hard at work conducting our first round of Zoom interviews. It is truly sacred work to meet each candidate and share our love for this community and our hopes for its future.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and patience as we continue through this important and thoughtful process. We trust that God is present in this season of discernment, guiding our conversations and helping us listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit among us.
We are grateful for the opportunity to do this work on behalf of the congregation and appreciate your continued prayers as we move forward together.
|
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. |
Summer Worship Schedule Worship time will be changing to 10am starting July 5th, 2026 |
Wednesday, June 17th Brooklyn Pride Service at the
First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn 
Friday, June 19th Women's Fellowship Potluck 
Sunday, June 21 Children and Youth Worship Service 
|
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 Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 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? |
The Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge has moved!!! It is just across the street at 125 Henry Street (in front of the Lutheran Church) Please continue to support it in its new home. |
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 June 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, June 25th, our pantry served 92 clients with the help of 20 volunteers including AHRC and 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 |
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.
|
Men's Fellowship 
The Men’s Breakfast Group will continue meeting through the month of July (7/1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.)
In addition to discussing current events we invite you to join us on Wednesday mornings at 8:00am at Grand Canyon Restaurant on Montegue Street.
We will review Timothy Snyder’s book: “On Tyranny.” We look forward to you joining us.
|
Pride is more than one Sunday or one week, celebrate Pride with us year round! We’re inviting everyone to help provide T-shirts 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 to order. If donating shirts, please have them shipped to:
Jarryd Boyd
First Presbyterian Church Brooklyn
124 Henry St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Thank you for helping us share love, welcome, and Pride with our community!
|
Next meeting July 19 
|
Kundalini Yoga 
Saturday Yoga is on hiatus until the Fall. Please join us when we return. Enjoy your Summer. Thank you, Blessings. |
On Summer Hiatus 
See you in the Fall! |
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.
|
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.    
  
|
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 Chi Ling Moy. Photos provided by Rev. Danila Noble and the Tech Team. |
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. |
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment