At FPC: The Blessings of a New Year

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:

Main office (718) 624-3770               Email FPC124@aol.com 

 

 

Watchnight Service scheduled for December 31 has been canceled.

 

*************************

 

Greetings from Rev. Phelps!

 

On the point of my sending a New Year greeting to all of you,

came news of the birth of Grace

to Beth and David. 

 

Grace indeed.

 

Little Grace, newest Grace,

has not three pounds in her tiny frame,

yet she comes down with a certain gravity

into a huge pillow of prayer

from all the wide church

and the circle of love surrounding her

and her mother and father and brother.

 

Grace and peace to you all, dear people of First Church

—and especially to Beth and David—

as the new year opens

in the sure enigma of God's ever-opening promise.

 

 

**********************

 

THIS SUNDAY, January 3, 2010:  Holy Communion

Rev. Stephen H. Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will preach a sermon entitled: "The Resolutionary War" (You can find Rev. Phelps' recent sermons online at his Web site, www.shphelps.com, under the sermons link. Printed copies also are available in the Narthex.)

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christina and Patty are excited to welcome your kids.

 

Called Session Meeting - Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Thurman Room.

 

 

Other News:

 

ROOTS of OUR RELIGION

Have you sometimes thought the Old Testament —the Hebrew Bible —too strange to venture into on your own?  Starting January 10, Rev. Phelps will lead an eight week introduction to the Hebrew Bible during the 10 O'clock Hour. Having taught this subject in colleges, universities, and churches throughout his ministry, Rev. Phelps is confident that everyone who attends will gain a strong sense of the terrain and never feel lost again. The eight sessions will take up the books of the Bible in this manner:

 

January 10 and 17: The Roller Coaster Method for learning the Bible; the theology and development of Genesis and the Pentateuch

January 24: Outlaws in the Desert: A People Takes Shape; Into Canaan Land

January 31: The Strange Secret of Deuteronomy

February 7: Kings and Confusion: Saul, David, Solomon and the Divided Monarchy

February 14: he Prophets of Israel and Judah

February 21: Can You Be Blessed When Broken? Wisdom Literature of Psalms, Job, et al.

February 28:  Other Literature from the Late Great Break (400 BCE and later)

 

Meetings will be in the Thurman Room.

 

 

Session Meeting: January 11 at 7:00 p.m., Rose Room.

 

Elders Positions: The Church-wide Nominating Committee is developing a slate of candidates to be elected by the congregation to serve as elders on the Session, the church's governing board. If you are interested in learning more about this responsibility, or if you would like to nominate someone, talk to one of the CWNC members: Nate Dudley, Marta Nelson, Bernice Adorno, Sam Murumba, Kimbirly Mack and Jon Abernethy, chair.

2010 Church-Wide Retreat: Sign up today for the Church-Wide Retreat Jan. 15, 16 and 17 over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at The Grail (Cornwall on Hudson, New York).  Activities, fellowship and spiritual nurture for all ages organized by the Many Mansions Team (Hopefully, snow and sledding too).  For further information call Emily Thomas at 347-262-6466 or email the Church at fpc124@aol.com  to reserve your space. 

 

Mid Week Boost: will resume on January 13, 2010. For information about Mid-Week Boost, please contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com.

Job Bank: Do you have skills or know of employment? Contact Susan Schultz at Schultz.design@yahoo.com  to list your ideas on the FPC Job Bank.  If you are able to help others with writing resumes and cover letters, please also let us know.

 

Piano and Organ Lessons: Customized piano and organ lessons for kids and adults by FPC organist Wil Smith.  Contact him at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or 646-320-0606 for info. 

 

 

 

On the calendar:

 

For more details about calendar events, click on this link. Click again

on the event on the calendar to read a description. http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php

 

Wednesday, January 6:

Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com.

 

Thursday, January 7:

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at janewoland@yahoo.com.

FPC Choir Thursday night rehearsals at 7 p.m.   All are welcome.  For more information about FPC Choir please contact our Music Director Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net

 

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the Site Credits/ Link tab. 
If you are setting up your account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link

 

At FPC: Joy to the World!

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:

Main office (718) 624-3770               Email FPC124@aol.com 

 

 

TONIGHT: Dec. 24

Candlelight Service with Lessons and Carols: Tonight, the bustle of the season will at last arrive at Christmas.  The poverty of the Child in a manger will never nestle comfortably amid the wealthy world of Christmas as we have come to know it. Nevertheless, I hope that all of you may find your way during these holy days to a place of peace and simplicity, giving thanks for the gift of God who is Light coming down in the most unexpected places. 

 

First Church will, as always, celebrate a brightly lit and brightly sung Candlelight Service with Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m.  May the congregation resound and shine with your voice and light, too.

 

THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 27: 

Rev. Stephen Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will preach a sermon entitled: "Dreams Come True" (You can find Rev. Phelps' recent sermons online at his Web site, www.shphelps.com, under the sermons link. Printed copies also are available in the Narthex.)

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christina and Patty are excited to welcome your kids.

 

Sunday School:  There will be no Sunday School. Contact Elizabeth de La Garza at Lizdelag@aol.com with questions or to volunteer.

 

10 o' Clock Hour: Please join David Mullé in the Thurman Room for 10 o'clock hour as Bible study on Isaiah continues. Great discussions every week!

 

 

Other news:

 

Congratulations to us!   First Church is a winner of 2009 Multicultural Church Story Contest sponsored by Presbyterian Church (USA).  We received a prize of $1,000, and our church story will be featured on the Church's Web site. Good job and thanks to: Emily Thomas, who wrote a beautiful essay, and all those who helped tweak, expand, and ready it for the contest, including Rev. Beth, Edna Asknes, James Johnson, Marcia Smith, Taylor Margis-Noguera, and Barbara Palmer.

 

Pancake Breakfast with Santa this past Saturday was a huge success!  Thanks to all the amazing volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and made it happen!  We had about 130 people, fabulous food, great crafts, happy children, and wonderful pictures with the jolly Mr. Claus.  Can't wait till next year!

 

The Food Pantry Christmas Dinner was a festive success.  Our 25 volunteers served 75 guests.  The Rev. Phelps gave the blessing and then concluded with a "Bon Appettit" delivered in Mandarin, which our Chinese guest somehow did not understand!  This is the 2^nd Annual Diner and once again Emily Thomas suggested the menu, brought the food and cooked the dinner, with FPC elves helping her.  Thanks to everyone who volunteered.

 

We grieve with the New York City Presbytery upon the death of our former Executive Presbyter The Rev. Arabella Meadows-Rogers. There will be a memorial service on Saturday January 9 at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.

 

The Church office will be closed on Monday December 28.

 

Elders Positions: The Church-wide Nominating Committee is developing a slate of candidates to be elected by the congregation to serve as elders on the Session, the church's governing board. If you are interested in learning more about this responsibility, or if you would like to nominate someone, talk to one of the CWNC members: Nate Dudley, Marta Nelson, Bernice Adorno, Sam Murumba, Kimbirly Mack and Jon Abernethy, chair.

2010 Church-Wide Retreat: Sign up today for the Church-Wide Retreat Jan. 15, 16 and 17 over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at The Grail (Cornwall on Hudson, New York).  Activities, fellowship and spiritual nurture for all ages organized by the Many Mansions Team (Hopefully, snow and sledding too).  For further information call Emily Thomas at 347-262-6466 or email the Church at fpc124@aol.com  to reserve your space. 

 

Meals for Rev Beth: Rev Beth remains on bedrest. If you are interested in cooking, delivering or ordering a meal for Rev Beth and her family, please contact Edna (eja128@msn.com) or call the church office at (718) 624-3770 to find out which dates are not covered, local restaurant info and dietary specifics.

Mid Week Boost: will resume on January 13, 2010. For information about Mid-Week Boost, please contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com.

Job Bank: Do you have skills or know of employment? Contact Susan Schultz at Schultz.design@yahoo.com  to list your ideas on the FPC Job Bank.  If you are able to help others with writing resumes and cover letters, please also let us know.

 

Piano and Organ Lessons: Customized piano and organ lessons for kids and adults by FPC organist Wil Smith.  Contact him at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or 646-320-0606 for info. 

 

 On the calendar:

 

For more details about calendar events, click on this link. Click again

on the event on the calendar to read a description. http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?

 

Monday, Dec. 28:

Church office closed

 

Wednesday, Dec. 30:

Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com.

 

Thursday, Dec. 31:

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at janewoland@yahoo.com.

Watchnight Service, at 10:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

 

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the Site Credits/ Link tab. 
If you are setting up your account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link

It Was the Week Before Christmas and All Through the House

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:

Main office (718) 624-3770 Email FPC124@aol.com

THIS SATURDAY, Dec. 19

Breakfast With Santa! At 9:30 am in the Elliott Room. All are invited to a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa! We will take pictures, do crafts, and sing. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Call Annie to reserve a ticket at 718-624-3770. This event is open to the community so please invite friends.

THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 20: ADVENT IV

Rev. Stephen Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will preach a sermon entitled: "God's Not" (You can find Rev. Phelps' recent sermons online at his Web site, www.shphelps.com, under the sermons link. Printed copies also are available in the Narthex.)

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christina and Patty are excited to welcome your kids.

Sunday School Topic: The Birth of Jesus.

10 o' Clock Hour: Please join David Mullé in the Thurman Room for 10 o'clock hour as Bible study on Isaiah continues. Great discussions every week!

Christmas Poinsettias: If you wish to provide a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of your loved ones, please fill out the Christmas poinsettia form on Sunday Dec. 20. A list of names received will be published in the Dec. 24 & 27 bulletins.

Other news:

Candlelight Service with Lessons and Carols: Next week, the bustle of the season will at last arrive at Christmas. The poverty of the Child in a manger will never nestle comfortably amid the wealthy world of Christmas as we have come to know it. Nevertheless, I hope that all of you may find your way during these holy days to a place of peace and simplicity, giving thanks for the gift of God who is Light coming down in the most unexpected places.

First Church will, as always, celebrate a brightly lit and brightly sung Candlelight Service with Lessons and Carols at 7:00 PM. May the congregation resound and shine with your voice and light, too.

Christmas Dinner for Food Pantry Guests: Food Pantry volunteers will prepare and serve Christmas dinner for our patrons on Tuesday December 22 at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Room. Members of the congregation are urged to participate by bringing a side dish or by volunteering a few hours to help set up, serve dinner and clean up (anytime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Please contact Linda Kolts at lindakolsts@earthlink.net .

Living with Loss During the Holidays: During the holidays, losses we have experienced often resurface intensely. Come, and allow healing to happen on Tuesday December 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Call Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-510-6964 to confirm attendance.

Meals for Rev Beth: Rev Beth remains on bedrest. If you are interested in cooking, delivering or ordering a meal for Rev Beth and her family, please contact Edna (eja128@msn.com) or call the church office at (718) 624-3770 to find out which dates are not covered, local restaurant info and dietary specifics.

Mid Week Boost: will resume on January 13, 2010. For information about Mid-Week Boost, please contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com.

2010 Church-Wide Retreat: Sign up today for the Church-Wide Retreat Jan. 15, 16 and 17 over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at The Grail (Cornwall on Hudson, New York). Activities, fellowship and spiritual nurture for all ages organized by the Many Mansions Team (Hopefully, snow and sledding too). For further information call Emily Thomas at 347-262-6466 or email the Church at fpc124@aol.com to reserve your space.

Elders Positions: The Church-wide Nominating Committee is developing a slate of new candidates to be elected by the congregation to serve as elders on the Session, the church's governing board. If you are interested in learning more about this responsibility, or if you would like to nominate someone, talk to one of the CWNC members: Nate Dudley, Marta Nelson, Bernice Adorno, Sam Murumba, Kimbirly Mack and Jon Abernethy, chair.

Sunday School: There will be no Sunday School on December 27. Contact Elizabeth de La Garza at Lizdelag@aol.com with questions or to volunteer.

Job Bank: Do you have skills or know of employment? Contact Susan Schultz at Schultz.design@yahoo.com to list your ideas on the FPC Job Bank. If you are able to help others with writing resumes and cover letters, please also let us know.

Piano and Organ Lessons: Customized piano and organ lessons for kids and adults by FPC organist Wil Smith. Contact him at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or 646-320-0606 for info.

On the calendar:

For more details about calendar events, click on this link. Click again

on the event on the calendar to read a description. http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?

Tuesday, Dec. 22:

Christmas Dinner for Food Pantry Guests, at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Room. Contact Linda Kolts at lindakolts@earthlink.net

Life and loss at 6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at imagepark@aol.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 23:

Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com.

Midweek Boost at 7 p.m. in the Elliott Room. Contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com

Thursday, Dec. 24:

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at janewoland@yahoo.com.

Christmas Eve service, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the Site Credits/ Link tab.
If you are setting up your account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link

At FPC: Dedication of our 2010 Stewardship Gifts

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:

Main office (718) 624-3770               Email FPC124@aol.com 

 

 

THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 13:  ADVENT III

 

This Sunday will mark the dedication of our 2010 Stewardship Gifts. During a time of reflection in the service, everyone will be advised to consider how they will make a financial as well as a "Time and Talent" commitment to First Church in the new year. Attached is a Pledge Card.

 

Rev. Stephen Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will preach a sermon entitled: "In the Matrix of Hope." (You can find Rev. Phelps' recent sermons online at his Web site, www.shphelps.com, under the sermons link. Printed copies also are available in the Narthex.)

 

Reception of New Members by the Session: On Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Rose Room Session members will welcome our New Member's Class. The New Members will be received at 11:00 a.m. during the worship celebration.

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christina and Patty are excited to welcome your kids.

 

Sunday School Topic:  The season of Advent

 

10 o' Clock Hour: Please join David Mullé in the Thurman Room for 10 o'clock hour as Bible study on Isaiah continues. Great discussions every week!

 

White Rose Ministry & Many Mansions Committees: There will be a meeting on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. immediately following service in the Elliott Room to inform members of the outcomes of November 2009 Mission Trip, as well as programming by the Many Mansions Committee for Winter 2010.  We will also discuss a possible May 2010 trip to our Sister Church LaFernanda, in Havana.

 

Bell-Ringing for Climate Justice: Sunday marks the height of the talks at United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen. At 2:45 p.m., First Church will sound our bell 350 times, as part of a chain of chimes and prayer stretching in a timeline from the Fiji Islands to Northern Europe and across the globe.

 

Other news:

 

Session Meeting: Dec 14 in the Rose Room at 7 p.m.

 

Elders Positions: The Church-wide Nominating Committee is developing a slate of new candidates to be elected by the congregation to serve as elders on the Session, the church's governing board. If you are interested in learning more about this responsibility, or if you would like to nominate someone, talk to one of the CWNC members: Nate Dudley, Marta Nelson, Bernice Adorno, Sam Murumba, Kimbirly Mack and Jon Abernethy, chair.

2010 Church-Wide Retreat: Sign up today for the Church-Wide Retreat Jan. 15, 16 and 17 over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at The Grail (Cornwall on Hudson, New York).  Activities, fellowship and spiritual nurture for all ages; Hopefully, snow and sledding too!  Organized by the Many Mansions Team, for further information call Emily Thomas at 347-262-6466 or email the Church at fpc124@aol.com  to reserve your space. 

 

Sign up for teaching Sunday School: Elizabeth is in great need of December Sunday school teachers!  We have one teacher scheduled for December, but need two others.  We need a commitment for Sundays -12/13, 12/20.  There will be no Sunday School on December 27. Contact Elizabeth de La Garza at Lizdelag@aol.com with questions or to volunteer.

 

Christmas Poinsettias: If you wish to provide a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of your loved ones, please fill out the Christmas poinsettia form or call the church office at 718-624-3770. A list of names received by Sunday December 20 will be published in the Dec. 24 & 27 bulletins.

 

Living with Loss During the Holidays: During the holidays, losses we have experienced often resurface intensely.  Come, and allow healing to happen.  Attend all sessions or any one: Tuesdays, Dec. 15 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room.  Call Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-510-6964 to confirm attendance.

 

Mid Week Boost: Diana Bell will facilitate reflections on finding the sacred in everyday life by drawing from readings from the book "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor on Dec. 16th. Prior reading is not required. For information about Mid-Week Boost, please contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com.

Meals for Rev Beth: Rev Beth remains on bedrest. If you are interested in cooking, delivering or ordering a meal for Rev Beth and her family, please contact Edna (eja128@msn.com) or call the church office at (718) 624-3770 to find out which dates are not covered, local restaurant info and dietary specifics.

Christmas Caroling & Party: There will be a caroling party on Thursday, Dec. 17th at 7:30 p.m.  Following Caroling we will gather in Elliott Room for fellowship, please bring food or drink to share. There will also be CD gift exchange.  Bring a wrapped NEW CD, put it in the collective gift exchange box....pick one to take home.  Everyone leaves with a gift of some cool, new music to listen to over the holidays....If you want to participate, simply bring the wrapped CD that night. For more information contact Jill Huguet at hughugj@aol.com

 

Breakfast With Santa!  On Saturday, Dec. 19th at 9:30 am, all are invited to a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa!  We will take pictures, do crafts, and sing.  Tickets are $7 and are on sale during coffee hour or during the week in the church office.  Call Annie during the week to reserve a ticket at 718-624-3770.  This event is open to the community so please invite friends!  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Emily Phillips at ephillips72@yahoo.com

 

Can we please borrow . . . .?  Our Breakfast with Santa event needs a few things to run smoothly.  We would love to borrow some warming trays (the kind with a lid if possible), photography umbrella lights, and a photo printer (we have one but want a backup in case of problems).  Contact Emily Phillips at ephillips72@yahoo.com if you have an item to loan.

 

Christmas Dinner for Food Pantry Guests:  Food Pantry volunteers will prepare and serve Christmas dinner for our patrons on Tuesday December 22 at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Room.  Members of the congregation are urged to participate by bringing a side dish or by volunteering a few hours to help set up, serve dinner and clean up (anytime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

 

Job Bank: Do you have skills or know of employment? Contact Susan Schultz at Schultz.design@yahoo.com  to list your ideas on the FPC Job Bank.  If you are able to help others with writing resumes and cover letters, please also let us know.

 

Piano and Organ Lessons: Customized piano and organ lessons for kids and adults by FPC organist Wil Smith.  Contact him at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or 646-320-0606 for info. 

 

 On the calendar:

 

For more details about calendar events, click on this link. Click again

on the event on the calendar to read a description. http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?

 

Monday, Dec. 14:

Session Meeting at 7 p.m. in the Rose Room

 

Tuesday, Dec. 15:

Life and loss at 6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at imagepark@aol.com.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 16:

Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com.

Midweek Boost at 7 p.m. in the Elliott Room. Contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com

 

Thursday, Dec. 17:

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at janewoland@yahoo.com.

Christmas Caroling begin at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary All are welcome.  For more information about FPC Choir please contact our Music Director Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net

 

Saturday, Dec. 19:

Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 a.m. Elliott Room. Contact the Church office at fpc124@aol.com.

 

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the Site Credits/ Link tab. 
If you are setting up your account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link

At FPC: Cookies! Christmas Pageant!

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:

Main office (718) 624-3770               Email FPC124@aol.com 

 

 

THIS SATURDAY, Dec. 5

 

Christmas Pageant Prep II: The second mandatory rehearsal will be on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Pizza will be served after rehearsal. Parents are invited to a Parents Meeting with our new Sunday School Director, Elizabeth, during the children's rehearsal, where she will share her vision for our revamped Sunday school program. 

 

Annual Cookie Decorating Party: Everyone is invited to the annual cookie decorating party Saturday, Dec. 5th from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Elliot Room following the Christmas pageant rehearsal. If you would like to bring cookies for decorating or help with the event, please contact Jill Huguet at hughugj@aol.com. We will sell decorated cookies after church on Sunday, and this year we will also be bagging cookies for the food pantry. Please come and join the holiday fun.

 

 

THIS SUNDAY, Dec. 6:  ADVENT II – CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

 

The Children's Sunday School perform a Christmas Pageant during Worship Service. Rev. Stephen Phelps, our Interim Pastor, also will give a brief meditation entitled: "Forces in the Desert".

 

You can find Rev. Phelps' sermons online at his Web site, www.shphelps.com, under the sermons link. Copies also are available in the Narthex.

 

The nursery will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christina and Patty are excited to welcome your kids.

 

10 o' Clock Hour: Please join David Mullé in the Thurman Room for 10 o'clock hour as Bible study on Isaiah continues. Great discussions every week!

 

Annual Cookie Sale: Please join us immediately after service in the Elliott Room for our Annual Cookie sale come and join the holiday fun.

 

Women's Potluck, 7 p.m. The monthly women's potluck now gathers in the Elliott Room every first Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. Join us on Dec. 6 for something special. For more information contact Gladys McNish through the Church office at 718-624-3770.

 

 

 

Other news:

 

Meals for Rev Beth: Rev Beth remains on bedrest. If you are interested in cooking / delivering / ordering a meal for Rev Beth & family, please contact Edna (eja128@msn.com) or call the church office at 718-624-3770 to find out which dates are not covered, local restaurant info and dietary specifics.

Breakfast with SANTA!

Please come and have breakfast with Santa on Dec. 19th from 9:30 to 11 am in the Elliott Room.  Fund raising sponsor by FPC Children's Committee.  This event would be open to the community and, in addition to the pancake breakfast, little guests will receive a picture with Santa.  Please contact Emily Phillips at ephillips72@yahoo.com if you are interested.

 

Elders Positions: The Church-wide Nominating Committee is developing a slate of new candidates to be elected by the congregation to serve as elders on the Session, the church's governing board. If you are interested in learning more about this responsibility, or if you would like to nominate someone, talk to one of the CWNC members: Nate Dudley, Marta Nelson, Bernice Adorno, Sam Murumba, Kimbirly Mack and Jon Abernethy, chair.

Mid Week Boost: Diana Bell will facilitate reflections on finding the sacred in everyday life by drawing from readings from the book "An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown Taylor on December, 2nd, 9th and 16th. Prior reading is not required. For information about Mid-Week Boost, please contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com .

Living with Loss during the Holidays: During the holidays, losses we have experienced often resurface intensely.  Come, and allow healing to happen.  Attend all three sessions or any one: Tuesdays, Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thurman Room.  Call Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-510-6964 to confirm attendance.

 

Stewardship Campaign: Stewardship is the Christian's desire to give mindful attention to how we use all our resources. Through the upcoming weeks, consider how you and your family will make a financial, as well as a "Time and Talent" commitment to First Church in the new year. On Sunday, Dec.13th, your pledges will be received and dedicated during a special time in the worship celebration.

 

Sign up for teaching Sunday School: Elizabeth is in great need of December Sunday school teachers!  We have one teacher scheduled for December, but need two others.  Since we have the pageant on 12/6, we need a commitment for only three Sundays -- 12/13, 12/20, and 12/27. Contact Elizabeth de La Garza at Lizdelag@aol.com with questions or to volunteer.

 

Christmas Caroling & Party: There will be a caroling party on Thursday Dec. 17th at 7:30 p.m.  Following Caroling we will gather in Elliott Room for fellowship, please bring food or drink to share. For more information contact Jill Huguet at hughugj@aol.com

 

Christmas Dinner for Food Pantry Guests (Note: Date Change):  The Food Pantry volunteers will prepare and serve Christmas dinner for our patrons on Tuesday December 22 at 2 p.m. in the Elliott Room.  Members of the congregation are invited to participate by bringing a side dish or by volunteering a few hours to help set up, serve dinner and clean up (anytime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

 

Job Bank: Do you have skills or know of employment? Contact Susan Schultz at Schultz.design@yahoo.com  to list your ideas on the FPC Job Bank.  If you are able to help others with writing resumes and cover letters, please also let us know.

 

Piano and Organ Lessons: Customized piano and organ lessons for kids and adults by FPC organist Wil Smith.  Contact him at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or 646-320-0606 for info. 

 

 On the calendar:

 

For more details about calendar events, click on this link. Click again

on the event on the calendar to read a description. http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org/phpEventCalendar/index.php?

 

Wednesday, Dec. 9:

Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at the Park Plaza Diner on Cadman Plaza. Contact Jim Palmer at jwpalmer@aol.com.

Midweek Boost at 7 p.m. in the Elliott Room. Contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com

 

Thursday, Dec. 10:

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at janewoland@yahoo.com.

FPC Choir Thursday night rehearsals at 7 p.m.   All are welcome.  For more information about FPC Choir please contact our Music Director Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net

 

 

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, http://www.fpcbrooklyn.org, go to the Site Credits/ Link tab. 
If you are setting up your account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link