A Note from Our Pastor: The song lyrics in "For Every Mountain" include, "I've got so much to thank God for, so many wonderful blessings, and so many open doors, a brand new mercy, along with each new day, that's why I praise You, and for this I give You praise." Learning to recognize and give thanks for blessings even when everything is not exactly the way we prefer opens us up to life-changing spiritual growth, peace, and joy. While there are some significant things in my life that I wish were different—some that I have control over and most of which I don't—there is so much for which I am grateful to God. As I focus on the blessings, it shifts how I handle the things I wish were different. That is, I have more power, strength, and love as I live my whole life. This Thanksgiving, reflect on the blessings in your life and see the open doors that invite you to a new season of your life. One of things I am most thankful for is the opportunity to serve as your pastor. For what are you thankful?
-- In thanksgiving and love, Rev. Cari
THIS SUNDAY:
At 11 a.m., Interim Pastor Rev. Cari Jackson will preach a sermon titled "Faith Crises and Crashes."
2009 Stewardship Campaign: "Bridging the Gap, Preparing Opportunities for the Future." From now through December 28, make a pledge of your time, talent and treasure. Be a part of this exciting time of new opportunities for fellowship, outreach and engaging community. Learn about the proposed 2009 budget immediately after worship this Sunday.
The 10 o'Clock Hour continues with a discussion of "Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent." This discussion focuses on the weekly Advent Reflections and Vesper Services outlined below.
The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Patty and Cristina. Children's Church will take place in the gym after the Passing of the Peace in the Worship Service.
Circle of Wisdom will meet at 1 p.m. to explore questions including how to reach the power of your spiritual wisdoms to guide you in school, work, and relationships. Especially for adults aged 18-25, but people of all ages are welcome.
Other news:
Advent Vespers Service: "Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem": Wednesday December 3, 10, and 17, gather for a half-hour worship service, starting at 7.00p.m., in the Elliott Room. Join in a time of music, reflection, and prayer that will quiet your mind, strengthen your heart, and boost your soul. This week's focus will be on the meaning of Immanuel, "God is with us." This week, read Isaiah 7:1-14.
Living with Loss during the Holidays. Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 16 and 23 at 6:30 p.m., Thurman Room . During the holidays, losses we have experienced often resurface intensely. Come together with others to nurture yourself during these stressful and challenging times, and allow healing to happen. Attend all 5 sessions or any 1. Call Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 to confirm attendance.
Men's Breakfast: Join the men's breakfast group every Wednesday morning from 7:30--8:30 am at the Cadman Plaza Diner. Until the end of the year, our group will be examining the book of Galatians in a study called "Galatians: The Freedom of a Christian Man". Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com for more information.
Sharing Thanksgiving blessings: The pantry is especially in need of tuna fish and peanut butter, both foods containing protein. Show your thanks to God again this Thanksgiving by donating food to our food pantry.
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, Dec. 2:
New Parent's Group, 3:30 p.m., Elliott Room
Life & Loss Group, 6:30 p.m., Thurman Room
Wednesday, Dec. 3:
Men's Breakfast at 7.30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza
Vespers Service at 7 p.m., Elliott Room
Thursday, Dec. 4:
New Parent's Group, 3:30 p.m., Elliott Room
Sunday, Dec. 14
Christmas Pageant at 11 a.m., Sanctuary
Organ Recital, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Wednesday, Dec. 17:
Christmas Caroling, 7.45 p.m., immediately following Vespers Service
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Lesson and Carols, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Wednesday, Dec. 31
New Year's Eve Watchnight Service, 10.30 p.m., Sanctuary
Friday-Monday, Jan. 16-19, 2009
Church-Wide Retreat, The Grail, Cornwall, NY
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/ Link 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.
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