Thursday, December 24, 2009

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 2nd 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

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