Fish are jumping and the cotton is high

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

Main office (718) 624-3770               Email info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

THIS SUNDAY June 27, 2010 - Pride Sunday

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Rev. Stephen H. Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will deliver the sermon "Decision" 

Printed copies of Rev. Phelps' recent sermons are on the table in the Narthex (Henry Street Foyer) and are also posted on-line in text and audio formats at www.shphelps.com.

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

Kids Worship: Join our teacher Laura Koenig and kids ages 4 and up for faith, fun and talking vegetables. We will meet after the passing of the peace in the gym for a special Veggie Tales series about trusting God and discovering our inner gifts.

Ten O'clock Hour

Rev. Phelps and Elder Chris Slowik will conclude the introduction to the New Testament with a class on the Letter of James and the Revelation to John.  In the Thurman Room. 

Social Action Committee: A brief meeting will be held following the worship service.  The Committee would like to solicit advice on benevolences and on continuing work projects over the summer.  Linda Kolts, phone 718-855-1206 or lindakolts@earthlink.net.

Bridges to Understanding: Lora Tucker is inviting you to a check-in meeting this Sunday following worship Service to set a meeting date for July (hopefully 7/11) and August.

Pride March: Presbyterian Welcome will be lining up and 'Flaming for Christ' between 11:30 and 12:30 on 39th Street between 5th Ave and Madison for the PRIDE march. At around 12:30 we will celebrate communion in the street with Patrick Evans leading us in music before stepping off.  First Church Congregation is encouraged to march expressing solidarity with and celebration of LGBT sisters and brothers.  If you would like to join in after the march has begun call 917.776.0292 to find out where we are. Come on out and help fan the flames! And be sure to wear something red!

Photos of New Members

Nineteen people joined First Church in April and May, some young, some who wouldn't call themselves young.  The whole church feels the blessing of their new decision.  Pictures from the days they joined are on display in the office entrance foyer. Take a moment to get (re)acquainted with their faces.

Other News:

Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends: We are about to print a really handy (paper) phone directory of First Church members and friends—a useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and in fellowship. Starting in July, you can get a copy at church. Or call the office and have one mailed to you.

Before we go to print, you have the option to tell us to leave out certain contact info. In the directory, most households will show 1) home address, 2) home phone, and 3) the e-addresses we use to send out the e-newsletter each week. If you want the above information alongside your name, don't do anything. If you want something left out, please email Annie with edits at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or call the office at 718 624-3770. July 1 is the deadline for final changes.

Summer Worship Hours: The Summer Hour for the Worship Celebration moves to 10:00a.m. on July 4. The usual hour will resume in September.

Choir Rehearsals   Starting July 4 and throughout the summer, choir members will join Amy at 9:00 am on Sunday for the one weekly rehearsal.  Rehearsals on Thursday evenings resume on Thursday, September 2.

 Kids Worship this summer: will start on June 27 and run through August 22. Join our teacher Laura Koenig and kids ages 4 and up for faith, fun and talking vegetables. No Kids Worship on July 4, August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

Garden Parties: FPC's Friday evening Summer Garden Parties are a great way to enjoy the beauty of our Peace Garden, make new friends and wind down after a long work week.  This year's Garden Parties will begin on July 9^th and run through August 27^th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the church office.

Baby Shower: Please join us after the 10 am service on July 11 for a welcoming baby shower for Lynn Schnarr Mullé and David Mullé.    We will gather in the Elliot Room for a celebration of the upcoming birth of their first baby.  If you are interested in joining in the group gift please see Marcia or Edna!

Communications Team: If you would like to contribute ideas and energy to web site development/enhancement and other strategies and designs for strengthening our community connections, send an email to Richard Greene (rtgreene2@aol.com) who is organizing a first meeting for this work. 

Coping With Job Loss- "Beyond the Grief to Hitting the Pavement." Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:15p.m. (June 23rd to July 28th) in the Thurman room.  For more information and details, see http://www.meetup.com/Coping-With-Job-Loss/ and/or contact group leader, Tonya Deniz, at cwjl@firstchurchbrooklyn.org.

Shakespeare on the Steps: This summer, from July 19-July 30, First Presbyterian Church and teacher Lauren Mancia will be offering a Shakespeare Summer Theater Camp for 7-12 year olds. Classes incorporating voice, movement, acting, and theater games will allow young actors to become acquainted with the exciting world of theater through the language of Shakespeare. $75/camper.  Registration open till, July 8, 2010.  To register contact Jill Huguet at ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718 624-3770.

Summer Music Series: Hymn Sing on the front steps of the church on Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. Please join us for an evening of great music and fellowship to kick off our Summer series this year.  More details to follow.  Contact our Minister of Music Amy Neuner through the Church office at 718-624-3770.

Flower Donations. We welcome flower donations of $30 or more in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. Call Annie Solages in the Church office at 718-624-3770 or see Barbara Cummings during fellowship hour on Sundays.

Mentoring Youth: If you are interested in mentoring our youth as they continue their faith journey contact Rev. Beth at bwaltemath@firstchurchbrooklyn.org.

Updates on Margaret Grace: Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethwaltemath

Appointments with Ministry Staff

Call Rev. Phelps at the Church or, as needed, at home: 718 928-3797 or email: sphelps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org . Contact Rev. Waltemath at bwaltemath@firstchurchbrooklyn.org. The Church Office number is 718 624-3770.

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:

Tuesday, June 29

Living with Loss at 6:00 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 or email at imagepark@aol.com.

Wednesday, June 30

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

Coping with Job Loss at 5:00-6:15 p.m. in the Thurman  Room. For more information and details, contact Tonya Deniz at 646 289 0872 or cwjl@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

Thursday, July 1

Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at jawol28@gmail.com

     

Who/where to connect:

Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account.
On the church website, www.firstchurchbrooklyn.org, click the DONATE button at the lower left of the page.  To set up an account, click on the "First Church Donation Account Setup" link. To edit an existing gift, choose the "First Church Donation Login" link.