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