Thursday, September 25, 2008

FPC Weekly E-Newsletter

SPECIAL EVENT FRIDAY, SEPT. 26:

You are invited to a Presidential Debate Potluck Party. We'll gather at the church manse beginning at 8 p.m.; the debate begins at 9 p.m. Everybody is welcome, bring a friend! 128 Henry St.

 

THIS SUNDAY:

On Sept. 28 at 11 a.m., our Interim Pastor Rev. Cari Jackson will preach a sermon titled "Forgiving the Enemy Within."

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Patty and Cristina.  Sunday School and Children's Church takes place in the gym after the Passing of the Peace in the Worship Service. Children's Church this week will be lead by Paul Mowry.  Paul is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, a youth counselor in conflict resolution, a filmmaker, a confirmation teacher, and father to Elliora, age 2.

 

The 10 o'Clock Hour discussion topic is "Meet John Calvin." (Upcoming series topics are "What Do Presbyterians Believe?" A full list of topics can be found on the church bulletin board and the website calendar.)

 

Circle of Wisdom will meet at 1 p.m. to explore questions including how to connect with your spiritual self in school, work, and relationships; how to live with integrity, and how to make healthy choices for yourself.  Last week was so powerful! Don't miss this one. The group, led by Harriette Mandeville, was organized to serve young adults, ages 18-25, but people of all ages are welcome.

 

Communicating with Children will not meet Sunday, Sept. 28 but will resume on Oct. 5 with a session on alternatives to discipline.  Group meets in Thurman Room from 5 to 6:30 p.m.  Childcare share is available.  Volunteers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are welcome. 

 

Other news: 

 

Children's Church invites new volunteers to participate in its worship and classes, especially for the months of December, January, February, March, April, May and June.  We welcome five volunteers each month to shepherd our youngest members in God's love for us and the world.  Please contact Rev. Beth or see our yellow brochure in the narthex.

 

Children's Ministry needs volunteers to help organize the October outreach event.  We will be painting pumpkins and delivering them on our visit to Cobble Hill Health Center.  Please contact Rev. Beth to volunteer.

 

The Life and Loss Group Tuesdays at 7 p.m. There is still space in this group, where you will find support you learn about your own grieving process, how to nurture yourself as you deal with your losses, and how to recover from the disorientation that losses can bring. Participate for the entire series or any number of evenings that you choose. Fee: $20/week, sliding fee. To register, contact group facilitator, Rev. Charles Monaco, (718) 510-6964 or imagepark@aol.com.

 

Calling all book lovers: FPC will be hosting a used book sale on Saturday Oct. 4 from 10 to 3 p.m. and on Sunday Oct. 5 immediately after our Worship Service.  Please contact David MullĂ©, Diana Lee or the Church office if you are interested in volunteering your time.

 

FPC in the World:

 

Disaster aid: Presbyterians are reaching out to help out to storm victims in Texas and the Caribbean through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. You can read about the effort and donated funds at  http://www.pcusa.org/pda. You may also donate by telephone (call 800- 872-3283) or mail checks to: Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. (Write "DR000166=E 2 on memo line.) 

 

For Haiti: You also can provide critically needed emergency assistance to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, by sending donations to: Consortium for Haitian Empowerment, 625 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd Floor, Mail Box #5, Brooklyn, NY 11217.  Please indicate on the memo section of the check:  Haitian Coordination for Hurricane Relief/BP

 

Or, donate through Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, 335 Maple Street, Second Floor, Brooklyn, (718) 735-4660. Items needed: Dry foods (NO canned foods), first aid supplies, personal hygiene goods, new underwear. Drop off hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:30 - 8.30 p.m. (use building rear entrance on Lincoln Road, between Nostrand and New York Avenues.)

 

On the calendar: 

For more details, click on this link to go to church calendar. (Click again on the event on the calendar to read a description.)

http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?month=9&year=2008

 

Tuesday, Sept. 30:

New Parent's Group, 3:30 p.m., Elliott Room.

Life and Loss Group, 7 p.m., Thurman Room.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 1:

Men's Breakfast at 7.30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza

Midweek Boost at 7 p.m., Manse

 

Saturday, Oct. 25:

One-Day Women's Retreat, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Elliott Room

Who/where to connect:

To give online: Contribute to the church through a secure online account. To find it on the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the "Site Credits/ Links" tab and select "First Church Donation Account Setup." Or go to

https://www.egsnetwork.com/pages/donor_create.php?GUID=EBCE79B3-73D8-4D85-957E-A95BD878B25D

 

To become an FPC member:

Contact Peggy Swisher Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com, or see Reeves Carter for information about classes for new members.

 

To share news:

Send church news and announcements to Church Administrator Annie Solages in the church office at (718) 624-3770 or by email at FPC124@aol.com.

 

Who we are:

First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn is home to a growing congregation

energetically committed to serving Christ in the church family, the community

and the world. We are intentionally a racially and culturally mixed congregation

on an enlightened journey of faith.


Friday, September 19, 2008

FPC Weekly E-Newsletter

THIS SUNDAY:

On Sept. 21 at 11 a.m., Associate Pastor Rev. Beth Waltemath will preach a sermon titled "Seen and Heard." The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Patty and Cristina.

 

Sunday School and Children's Church takes place in the gym after the Passing of the Peace in the Worship Service. 

 

The 10 o'Clock Hour discussion topic is "Appreciating Spiritual Gifts." (Upcoming series topics are  "Meet John Calvin" and "What Do Presbyterians Believe?" A full list of topics can be found on the church bulletin board and the website calendar.)

 

Circle of Wisdom will meet at 1 p.m. to explore questions including how to connect with your spiritual self in school, work, and relationships; how to live with integrity, and how to make healthy choices for yourself. The group, led by Harriette Mandeville, was organized to serve young adults, ages 18-25,  but people of all ages are welcome.

 

Confirmation class meets Sunday from 5 to 6:30 in the gym.  This week, the class will explore how we are a community that lives by faith in the promises of God. 

 

Other news:

 

A note from Rev. Cari: I want to thank Diana and Chester Lee and their sons; Mario and Bernice Adorno; David Mulle; and everyone who helped organize our Homecoming Picnic. Thanks to those who brought food, those who ate, and enjoyed themselves. It was a great success – Rev. Cari.

 

Teachers (still) needed: Volunteers are asked to sign up for one month and no experience is necessary. We provide short, at-home teacher training, curriculum helps, and weekly tips about your lessons. (For additional information, see the brochure in the narthex.)

 

The Life and Loss Group resumes Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. Learn about your own grieving process, how to nurture yourself as you deal with your losses, and how to recover from the disorientation that losses can bring. Participate for the entire series or any number of evenings that you choose. Fee: $20/week, sliding fee. To register, contact group facilitator, Rev. Charles Monaco, (718) 510-6964 or imagepark@aol.com.

 

FPC in the World:

 

Disaster Relief for Cuba: If you've been wondering what you can do to aid recovery efforts, please consider donating clothing (particularly children's summer clothing; no shoes), or funds this Sunday. Members of the White Rose Ministry, the Cuban Sister Church Committee of FPC, are traveling this week to meet with members of sister Church of La Fernanda in San Miguel del Padron in Cuba and will deliver donations. Donations to the White Rose Ministry, which supports a meals program for seniors at the church also are welcome. See Emily Thomas, Keiko Delille, or Patrick Dail for more information.

 

Other ways to help:

 

Texas and the CaribbeanDonate through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. For more information, and to send credit card donations on-line, go to (http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/cuba-hurricanes091108.htm). You may also donate by telephone (call 800- 872-3283) or send checks to: Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. (Write "DR000166=E 2 on memo line)

 

Advocate for an end to restrictions that prevent Americans from directly coming to the aid of our Cuban sisters and brothers. See www.lawg.org (Latin America Working Group) for more information. 

 

Haiti:

Donate through Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, 335 Maple Street, Second Floor, Brooklyn, (718) 735-4660. Items needed: Dry foods (NO canned foods), first aid supplies, personal hygiene goods, new underwear. Drop off hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:30 - 8.30 p.m. (use building rear entrance on Lincoln Road, between Nostrand and New York Avenues.

 

On the calendar: 

For more details, click on this link to go to church calendar. (Click again on the event on the calendar to read a description.)

http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?month=9&year=2008

 

Tuesday, Sept 23:

New Parent's Group, 3:30 p.m., Elliot Room.

Life and Loss Group, 7 p.m. in the Thurman Room.

 

Wednesday, Sept 24:

Men's Breakfast at 7.30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza

Midweek Boost at 7 p.m., Manse

 

Who/where to connect:

To give online: Contribute to the church through a secure online account. To find it on the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the "Site Credits/ Links" tab and select "First Church Donation Account Setup." Or go to

https://www.egsnetwork.com/pages/donor_create.php?GUID=EBCE79B3-73D8-4D85-957E-A95BD878B25D

 

To become an FPC member:

Contact Peggy Swisher Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com, or see Reeves Carter for information about classes for new members.

 

To share news:

Send church news and announcements to Church Administrator Annie Solages in the church office at (718) 624-3770 or by email at FPC124@aol.com.


Thursday, September 11, 2008

FPC Weekly E-Newsletter

TODAY

On Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. we will have a Service of Prayer and Remembrance in the sanctuary with music, reflections, and prayers to honor the lives of those who have died and to commit ourselves to finding peaceful solutions to conflict around the world. The choir will provide special music.

 

THIS SUNDAY:

On Sept. 14 at 11 a.m., Homecoming Sunday, Interim Pastor Rev. Cari Jackson will preach a sermon titled "From Community Survival to Thrival."

 

Also at 11 a.m.: Sunday School and Children's Church takes place in the gym after the Passing of the Peace in the Worship Service.  And don't miss the Homecoming Sunday All-Church Picnic following the worship service. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert.

 

The 10 o'Clock Hour resumes this Sunday with a discussion of "Spiritual Gifts," the first in a two-week series.

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Patty and Cristina.

 

Other news:

 

Sunday School and Children's Church got off to a great start last week with 15 children, aged 3-12, registered. In this new worship service-style format, we begin each week with music led by Jami Jackson and a message by Rev. Beth. After celebrating with song, prayer, an offering, and a lesson, children move into three groups (ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11) for a short Bible study. Please register your child and volunteer to help with this exciting way to share in our children's faith lives.

 

Teachers (still) needed: Volunteers are asked to sign up for one month and no experience is necessary. We provide short, at-home teacher training, curriculum helps, and weekly tips about your lessons. (For additional information, see the brochure in the narthex.)

 

"Communicating with Children" Workshop: Join other parents on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room to support each other on the journey and discuss how to communicate better with children ages 3-18 (and possibly the child still living inside you, or the person next to you).  Tanya Hill leads this group, based on the award-winning workshop, "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen (And Listen So Kids Will Talk). Email bethfpc@aol.com if you can attend. Begins Sept. 14th and runs for six sessions (skipping Columbus Day weekend).  Childcare will be provided.

 

The Life and Loss Group resumes Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. Learn about your own grieving process, how to nurture yourself as you deal with your losses, and how to recover from the disorientation that losses can bring. Sessions use music, guided mediation, and group discussion. Participate for the entire series or any number of evenings that you choose. Fee: $20/week, sliding fee. To register, contact group facilitator, Rev. Charles Monaco, (718) 510-6964 or imagepark@aol.com.

 

Macy's "Shop-for-a-Cause" Fundraiser

Purchase your $5 shopping pass to receive 20 percent off your purchases at a one-day only event at Macy's Herald Square on Saturday, Sept. 20. For more information, contact the church office at (718) 624-3770 or email us at fpc124@aol.com.

 

On the calendar:

For more details, click on this link to go to church calendar. (Click again on the event on the calendar to read a description.)

http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?month=9&year=2008

 

Monday, Sept 15:

   Session Meeting at 7 p.m., Manse.

Tuesday, Sept 16:

   New Parent's Group at 3.30 p.m., Elliot Room.

  Tuesday Tea at 4 p.m., Rose Room

Wednesday, Sept 17:

   Men's Breakfast at 7.30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza

   Midweek Boost at 7 p.m., Manse

 

Who/where to connect:

 

To give online: Contribute to the church through a secure online account. To find it on the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the "Site Credits/ Links" tab and select "First Church Donation Account Setup." Or go to

https://www.egsnetwork.com/pages/donor_create.php?GUID=EBCE79B3-73D8-4D85-957E-A95BD878B25D

 

To become an FPC member:

Contact Peggy Swisher Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com, or see Reeves Carter for information about classes for new members.

 

To share news:

Send church news and announcements to Church Administrator Annie Solages in the church office at (718) 624-3770 or by email at FPC124@aol.com.


Friday, September 5, 2008

FPC Weekly E-Newsletter

PLEASE NOTE: Sunday School and Children's Church resume Sunday, Sept. 7, and Worship Service will begin at 11 a.m.

 

THIS SUNDAY:

On Sept. 7 at 11 a.m., Elder Larry Picard will be preaching a sermon titled "Namaste."  Larry is an active FPC Choir member for eight years. Larry is a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee and chairs the Global Arts Festival. An actor as well as vocalist, Larry co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short film Credo, which was filmed in the FPC sanctuary.

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Patty and Cristina.

 

Sunday school and Children's Church starts this week, Sept. 7. Join us in the gym after the Passing of the Peace in the Worship Service for registration, children's worship, and class.

 

Women's Monthly Potluck Dinner is Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Manse at 128 Henry St. For more information, contact Gladys McNish through the church office at (718) 624-3770 or fpc124@aol.com.

 

Other news:

 

Teachers needed: To volunteer to teach and deepen your baptismal covenant to children, please see Rev. Beth at the front desk after the Sept. 7 service or contact her at bethfpc@aol.com.  No experience or Bible knowledge is required, only a heart for children and an openness to their gifts.  We ask volunteers to sign up for one month/four Sundays.  New teachers will co-teach with experienced teachers.  Rev. Beth will provide you with access to a short and at-home teacher training, curriculum helps, and weekly tips about your lessons.  (For additional information, see our brochure in the narthex.)

 

124 Poets' Workshop

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 (10 weeks) 7:30 p.m.

Express your own unique voice through poetry. Fee: $250, scholarships are available, based on need. Advance registration, by Sept 8, is required. See class brochure for a full description and registration or contact the church office at 718-624-3770 or email us at fpc124@aol.com. Class fee: $250. Limited scholarships are available, based on need.

 

Confirmation class begins Saturday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. with bowling and a lock-in.  We will be covering the first three sessions in our confirmation curriculum and participate in  adult and youth mentoring over the weekend. It is a fun and important way to begin our journey together.  Please submit registration forms to the church office by Monday, September 8, so that materials can be ordered for you.

 

A note from the Pastor Nominating Committee:

After a short break in August, the PNC is back in action, reviewing applications, interviewing potential pastors, and listening to sermons. We are making steady progress in the search and are very happy with our results so far. The PNC would like to thank those of you who have provided us with suggestions through our PNC Suggestion/Question Box in the Narthex. We have read and discussed them and have taken appropriate action. If anyone has any questions in regards to our process or status, please place them in the box.

 

Homecoming Sunday:

Sept. 14 marks the kick-off of our church program year with several opportunities. Adults of all ages are invited to join a 10 O'clock Hour discussion of "Spiritual Gifts" (a two-week series). For more information, contact David Mulle through the church office.

 

Also that day: An All-Church Picnic following the worship service. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert. To volunteer at the picnic, contact Diana and Chester Lee or the church office at (718) 624-3770 or fpc124@aol.com.

 

"Communicating with Children" (a six-week program) begins at at 5.30 p.m, Sept. 14. Open to all parents and others who work closely with children. For more information, see the brochure or contact Rev. Beth at bethfpc@aol.com.

 

Macy's "Shop-for-a-Cause" Church Fundraiser

Saturday, Sept. 20

A one-day only event at Macy's Herald Square. Purchase your $5 shopping pass to receive 20 percent off your purchases. For more information, contact the church office at (718/ 624-3770 or email us at fpc124@aol.com.

 

FPC in the world:

 

New York City Blood Drive ALERT

NYC Blood Bank blood supply is low. To donate and for more information, contact www.nybloodcenter.org  or call (800) 688-0900.

 

On the calendar:

 

New Parent's Group

Resumes Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m.

For parents of children less than age one.  A time of fellowship, support, and fun.  Contact Rev. Beth at bethfpc@aol.com

 

Midweek Boost

Resumes on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

Viewing and discussion of the documentary movie What the Bleep Do We Know?, which that looks at the reality and mystery of life through the perspectives of quantum physics. Meets in the Church Manse at 128 Henry Street. Open to all.

 

Men's Breakfast

Every Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. 

The group is continuing its series, "Living a Christ-like Life." For more information, contact Jim Cummings at (917) 416-3018 or jcummings@showfab.com

 

Session Meeting resumes Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Manse.

 

Women's Retreat

Saturday Oct. 25 at FPC

The theme: "Learning to Live with Your Power: Painful or Joy-filled." Facilitated by spiritual director Joy Carol. Contact Gladys McNish through the church office at (718) 624-3770 or email at fpc124@aol.com.

 

Who/where to connect:

 

To give online: Contribute to the church through a secure online account. To find it on the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the "Site Credits/ Links" tab and select "First Church Donation Account Setup." Or go to

https://www.egsnetwork.com/pages/donor_create.php?GUID=EBCE79B3-73D8-4D85-957E-A95BD878B25D

 

To become an FPC member:

Contact Peggy Swisher Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com, or see Reeves Carter for information about classes for new members.

 

To share news:

Send church news and announcements to Church Administrator Annie Solages in the church office at (718) 624-3770 or by email at FPC124@aol.com.