Thursday, June 24, 2010

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 9th and run through August 27th, 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.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

A weekly e-newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn:
Main office (718) 624-3770               Email info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org


THIS SUNDAY June 20, 2010 is Father's Day

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Rev.  Stephen H. Phelps, our Interim Pastor, will deliver the sermon "How Can I Keep From Singing?" 

The New Press, publisher of Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow, has asked Rev. Phelps to adapt his sermon of May 9, called Every Mother's Son, for a Father's Day audience.  The New Press has placed the adapted sermon with Alternet (www.alternet.org) where, we are told, it be online beginning Friday, June 18.

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

No Sunday School this coming Sunday. Summer Kids Worship will Start on June 27.

Fellowship hour this coming Sunday will be hosted in the Peace Garden by the Men's Fellowship Breakfast Group. Please join us immediately after worship Service.

Ten O'clock Hour
Rev. Phelps and Elder Chris Slowik continue their introduction to the New Testament with a class on the "pastoral epistles," including Colossians, Ephesians, and HebrewsIn the Thurman Room at 10:00 a.m.  The last class on June 27 will consider Revelation.

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.


Other News:

Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, a dear friend of Rev. Paul Smith, was visiting on June 6, when Dr. Paul returned and preached here. Her comments in her blog about her experience that day will give you a thrill: http://telling-secrets.blogspot.com/2010/06/walking-sacrament.html

2010 Global Arts Festival: Many thanks to those who gave not only of their time and talents, but went beyond the call to create an outstanding Global Arts Festival (in alphabetical order): 84th Precinct, Bernice & Mario Adorno, Edna Asknes, Uda Bradford, Millie Clements, Matt Crawford, Caleb Cummings, Jim Cummings, Mark Elsenheimer & Jill Huguet, Eliza Epstein, Jeremy Epstein, FPC Choir, Naya Fisher, Victor Ford, Thomas Heigle, Linda Kolts, Keren Murumba, Garrick, Olivia, Amy & Chris Neuner, NYCreates, Performers, Larry Picard, Lilly Pisano, Rev. Phelps, Deborah Silvestri, Wil Smith, Annie Solages and Lilian Tavares.

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

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. We meet after the passing of the peace in the gym for a special Veggie Tales series about trusting God and discovering our inner gifts. No Kids Worship on July 4, August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

 Mid-Week Boost: As a follow-up to last month's screening of Pray the Devil Back to Hell, we will discuss how we might apply what the women did in Liberia to the challenges we face in this country. (Don't worry, we'll give a brief summary of the film if you haven't seen it.)
We will also introduce a discussion of Katherine Bushnell's book, God's Word to Women, published in 1923.  Her book has a fascinating history: she was a pioneer to free women in ministry.  A Greek and Hebrew scholar, she explains some of the confusing Biblical verses regarding women, such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-37. Wednesday June 23, Thurman Room, 7:00 p.m.  For more details please contact Sheila Hill at 718-548-4420.

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 9th and run through August 27th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the church office.

Social Action Committee: A brief meeting will be held on Sunday, June 27, 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.

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.  Best times for the meeting are being sought as this e-newsletter "goes to press."

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.

Housing request: Jenny Gage's niece Meredith, currently a junior at the University of Chicago, has a 10-week internship this summer beginning in mid-June at a women's health organization in Midtown. Since her budget is tight and ours is a 1-bedroom apartment, she is prepared to shuttle back and forth every day from Westchester County, where we have extended family--but I would love to have her closer by! Please contact Jenny at 651-245-9456 or jennifer.gage@gmail.com if you have any room for Meredith, perhaps in exchange for some babysitting or the like. Thanks!



On the calendar:

Monday, June 21
White Rose Ministry to meet - FPC's Cuban sister-church committee will meet on Monday evening, 6:30-8:00pm, in the Rose Room. Committee members will receive a report from members of the recent delegation, discuss activities underway at LaFernanda Reformed Presbyterian Church in Havana, and plan fundraising activities for the coming months.  Feel free to join us, or contact Patrick Dail (email:LPatrickDail@gmail.com, cell: 347.880.1530) with any questions.

Tuesday, June 22
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 23
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

Mid-week Boost at 7:00 p.m. in the Thurman Room.  For more details please contact Sheila Hill at 718-548-4420.

Thursday, June 24
Food Pantry, 10 to 11 a.m. To volunteer, contact Jane Woland at jawol28@gmail.com

     Choir Rehearsals resume on Thursday September 2.

     
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.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

At FPC: Global Arts Festival

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

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

 

THIS FRIDAY June 11, 2010

 

Young Adults Ministry Dinner: For opportunities to gather in fellowship over bocce and other events, contact Breisen Miller at breisen@gmail.com.   Interested in playing bocce, mentoring or teaching our youth? RSVP  to Jill Huguet @ hughugj@aol.com or Rev. Beth @ bwaltemath@firstchurchbrooklyn.org.

 

THIS SATURDAY, June 12, 2010

Haiti Disaster Relief: How can you help? Helping Hands Bring Sunshine (HHBS) is hosting its Second Annual Fundraiser Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 7 pm – Midnight. You can purchase your tickets ($60 in advance and $75 at the door) online though their website www.helpinghandsbringsunshine.org. Ticket includes: drinks, hot and cold appetizers, live entertainment, raffles, and silent auction.

 

HHBS' purpose is to lend a helping hand to Haitians to improve their living standards.  The program focuses on providing daily essentials, implementing health awareness programs, and partnering with others in community development.  For additional information you can contact Fran Juste at (917) 868-8669 or visit HHBS' website.

 

THIS SUNDAY June 13, 2010

 

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

 

Rev.  Stephen H. Phelps, our Interim Pastor will deliver the sermon "Worship That  Matters."

 

Celebration of Sunday School Kids and Teachers: Children will be recognized in service for their participation in Sunday School this year.   They will receive a gift and certificate.  Their teachers will also be honored.  Following the ceremony, children will join Elizabeth in the gym for an end-of-the-year celebration.  We hope all the families and teachers can join us for this special, and last, day of Sunday School.  

 

The FPC Global Arts Festival immediately following worship service - Four hours (12:00 - 4:00) of great entertainment and fine handcrafts presented by NYCreates.  To volunteer, contact Annie Solages at 718-624-3770 or email info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org .

 

Thanks to everyone who brought books for Global Arts Fair Day.  At this time, FPC has no room to accept more book donations.  From time to time, we will have other flea market sales and we will notify you then.   -- Linda Kolts, SAC Chair

 

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

 

Ten O'clock Hour

Rev. Phelps will continue the introduction to the New Testament with a class on Gospel of John and the Letters of John.  In the Thurman Room at 10:00 a.m.  (See below for more detail on the subject matter of further sessions.)

 

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.

 

 

Other News:

 

PNC Committee Report: We continue to make positive strides toward identifying a nominee for Senior Pastor.

Since April 2010 we have been able to accomplish the following:

·         Members of the committee met with Rev. Phelps in an effort to bring more transparency and context to our search process

·         We have asked Rev. Phelps to communicate in a letter on frequently asked questions that arise in the search process

·         In an effort to engage increased participation the committee has established a question/suggestion box to elicit feedback from the congregation; the box will be located in the Narthex

·         We have received and reviewed over 100 applications from a very diverse group of outstanding candidates representing gender, ethnic, and geographic diversity

·         The committee continues to listen to moving sermons and identify distinguished candidates to interview

·         We have nearly completed first round telephone and in-person interviews with a very select group

·         The committee held an introductory meeting with the Presbytery Committee on Ministry in late-May

Next steps:

·         We will hear prospective candidates preach in-person in June

In the weeks ahead the committee will continue to review applications and conduct outreach efforts. We believe this approach will identify the right nominee for our congregation. We look forward to keeping you updated will make ourselves available should you have any questions. 

 

— David Mullé, and Taylor Margis-Noguera PNC Co-Chairs, Paul Austin, Erick Brogger, Lukus Hasenstab, Harriette Mandeville, Aris Peguero, Susan Schultz,  Emily Thomas.

 

The First Words of the Church

An introduction to the New Testament is underway at the Ten O'Clock Hour.  You may have learned the order of these books of the Bible in Sunday School —Matthew, Mark, Luke and so forth—but the story behind their composition offers a very different kind of order and meaning.   Who wrote?  What were their sources?  Whom did they write for?  The classes are presented so that each session stands by itself, so you may come to one, or come to all.  This introduction to the New Testament r will consider remaining books of the New Testament in this manner:

June 20     Pastoral epistles: Colossians, Ephesians, Hebrews

June 27     Revelation

 

Social Action Committee: A brief meeting will be held on Sunday, June 27, 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.

 

Summer CSA:  We partner with First Unitarian Universalist in their weekly Community Supported Agriculture Shares.  Sign up for your share today and consider helping with the delivery of extra shares to our food pantry to provide fresh produce to our clients every Thursday in the warm months!  Contact LynnSchnarr@gmail.com to learn more.

 

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 7-10 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, June 13, 2010.  To register contact Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 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.

 

Housing request: Jenny Gage's niece Meredith, currently a junior at the University of Chicago, has a 10-week internship this summer beginning in mid-June at a women's health organization in Midtown. Since her budget is tight and ours is a 1-bedroom apartment, she is prepared to shuttle back and forth every day from Westchester County, where we have extended family--but I would love to have her closer by! Please contact Jenny at 651-245-9456 or jennifer.gage@gmail.com if you have any room for Meredith, perhaps in exchange for some babysitting or the like. Thanks!

 

On the calendar:

 

 Monday, June 14

   Session Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Rose Room. Session meetings are open to members of the Congregation.  Please contact the Clerk of Session Edna Asknes at eja128@msn.com  to confirm your attendance.

 

Tuesday, June 15

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 16

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

 

Thursday, June 17

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

 

FPC Choir Rehearsal, Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Music Director Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net for info about the choir.

     

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.