The Tempest at a T-Stop

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

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

THIS FRIDAY July 30, 2010

Summer Garden Party: Join us for our Garden Party from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.   Then, The Tempest . . .

Shakespeare Camp Performance at 6:30 p.m.  The children will present an abridged version of  "The Tempest" on the front steps of the church.   Please join us for an evening of great play and fellowship by encouraging our young actors. 

THIS SUNDAY August 1, 2010

The Worship Celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. throughout August.

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "Religion's Big Error" and Rev. Waltemath will celebrate the Lord's Supper.

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. After the passing of the peace, the children meet in the gym for a special Veggie Tales series about trusting God and discovering their inner gifts.

The adult education hour, called the Ten O'Clock Hour, will resume in September.

Other News:

Congratulations to David and Lynn Mullé on the birth of their son Henry Burton on July 28, at 2:22 in the morning.  His 20.9 inches weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz.

Associate Pastor Rev. Beth Waltemath will begin a three-month Family/Medical leave on Friday, August 6^th to care for her medically fragile daughter Margaret Grace as she transitions home.   Please come wish her well on her last Sunday, August 1^st, or contact her at bwaltemath@firstchurchbrooklyn.org for a personal meeting during the week.  She will  return to her normal pastoral duties on Friday, October 29th.  Rev. Beth wishes to thank the congregation for your support and prayers this year.

Our Church Administrator Annie Solages will be on vacation from Wednesday August 4 through Tuesday, August 17.  Jenny Vallon will provide office coverage during reduced hours (10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.) while Annie is away.

Choir Rehearsals   Throughout the summer, choir members will join the Music Director at 9:00 am on Sunday for the one weekly rehearsal.  Rehearsals on Thursday evenings resume on Thursday, September 2.

Summer Garden Parties: FPC's Friday evening Garden Parties are held throughout the summer from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

 Kids Worship this summer: will 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 August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

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 the team for this work. 

A Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends is now available---a useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and fellowship. Ask for one at church, or contact the office to have one sent to you.

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 .  The Church Office number is 718 624-3770.

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.

On the calendar:

Tuesday, August 3

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, August 4

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

Thursday, August 5

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

     

Friday, August 6

Garden Parties, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

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.

These are the Dog Days!

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

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

THIS FRIDAY July 23, 2010

Summer Garden Parties: Join us for our Garden Party from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.

THIS SUNDAY July 25, 2010

Our Worship Celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. and will continue at that hour throughout July and August.

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "A Critical Distinction"

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.

Note that there will be no adult education hour preceding the worship celebration this summer.  The Ten O'Clock Hour will resume in September.

Other News:

Rev. Beth Waltemath will begin a three-month Family-Medical leave on Friday, August 6^th to care for her medically fragile daughter Margaret Grace as she transitions home.
Please come wish her well on her last Sunday, August 1^st, or contact her at bwaltemath@firstchurchbrooklyn.org for a personal meeting during the week.  She is scheduled to return to the office, Friday, October 29th. Rev. Beth wishes to thank the congregation for its support and prayers this year.

White Rose Ministry:   Thanks to all First Churchers for your warm welcome to Dania, the wife of Rev. Jose Padin -- pastor of our sister church La Fernanda.   Her visit helped us form closer ties with our sisters and brothers there.  We learned more about some of their activities -- not only the meal program for 12 seniors which we support through our Cuba dinners here at FPC, but more.   They do weekly Bible study -- with 20-25 participants; and we'll be joining them in this -- by email across the miles.  They have economic development projects which include both church and neighborhood: they raise vegetables and medicinal herbs, as well as chickens and rabbits to enhance food budgets.   We heard about their "Saturday school" program (no space for Sunday School) and active youth group and choir. We also heard about their dream of raising their roof -- building a new sanctuary to provide badly needed new worship space on the second floor of their church; turning the first floor into meeting space and an apartment for a new pastor.
We hope to continue to build this connection, to know them better and better, and to share with them through prayer, Bible study, and accompanying them in their journey.

Presbyterian Welcome News: Our New Reality - Wednesday July 28, 2010 at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Come and celebrate our new reality. Join Presbyterian Welcome in worship as we live into the new realities General Assembly offers us, rejoice in the election of Tony De La Rosa as the new Interim Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of New York City, and give thanks for the GLBT Inquirers and Candidates retreat. This will be a communion service, and The Rev. Mieke Vandersall will offer the sermon. We are in a time of wonder­ful change. Let us enter into it together and be grasped in the love that is now and always.

"The message of Christianity is not Christianity but a new reality. A new state of things has appeared, it still appears . . . accept it, enter into it, let it grasp you."  --Paul Tillich

Worship begins at 6:30 at First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan at 12 West 12^th Street.

Please stay and join us for coffee and treats following the service. For more information, email us at presbyterianwelcome@gmail.com or call 917.441.8638.  Visit us on Facebook. http://presbyterianwelcome.org/

Shakespeare Camp Final Performance: on the front steps of the church Friday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for an evening of great play and fellowship by encouraging our young actors.  Contact  Lauren Mancia and Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718-624-3770.

Choir Rehearsals   Throughout the summer, choir members will join the Music Director at 9:00 am on Sunday for the one weekly rehearsal.  Rehearsals on Thursday evenings resume on Thursday, September 2.

Summer Garden Parties: FPC's Friday evening Garden Parties will be held throughout the summer from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office.

 Kids Worship this summer: will 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 August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

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 the team for this work. 

A Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends is now available---a very useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and in fellowship. To get a copy, ask for one at church or visit the church office during the week or call to have one sent to you.

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.

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.

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:

Sunday, July 25

Bridges For Understanding Meeting immediately after Service. Please RSVP by contacting Lora Tucker at inharmony2day@yahoo.com or 646-208-4448 or 219-245-1084 (Work).

Monday, July 26

Shakespeare Camp at 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Gym. Contact Lauren Mancia and Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718-624-3770.

Tuesday, July 27

Shakespeare Camp at 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Gym. Contact Lauren Mancia and Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718-624-3770.

Living with Loss at 4:45-6:15 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 or email at imagepark@aol.com.

Wednesday, July 28

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

Shakespeare Camp at 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Gym. Contact Lauren Mancia and Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718-624-3770.

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 29

Shakespeare Camp at 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Gym. Contact Lauren Mancia and Jill Huguet at Ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718-624-3770.

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

     

Friday, July 30

Garden Parties, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

Shakespeare Camp Final Performance at 6:30 p.m. on the Steps in front of the Church.

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.

At FPC: Music and Shakespeare on the Steps

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

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

 

THIS THURDAY, July 15, 2010

Summer Music Series: Hymn Sing on the front steps of the church at 7 p.m.  Please join us for an evening of great music and fellowship to kick off our Summer series this year. 

FPC and White Rose Ministry welcome Dania Padìn Cardenas to Brooklyn this weekend, July 16-18.  Dania is the wife of Rev. Padin, Pastor of  La Fernanda Reformed Presbyterian Church, and heads up the Children’s Ministry as well as the Childrens' Choir at La Fernanda.  She is in the United States to participate in a Presbyterian Womens' Conference in San Antonio, Texas, through her role as Chairwoman of the Cuban Federation of Presbyterian Women.  All FPCers are invited to meet Dania during her brief stay with us.  She will be attending the Garden Party on Friday evening, will attend a dinner in her honor on Saturday at the lovely home of Diane and Richard Greene in Park Slope, and will participate in worship service on Sunday.  Contact Emily Thomas at 718-875-8255 or Patrick Dail at 347-880-1530 for further details.

 

THIS FRIDAY July 16, 2010

Summer Garden Parties: Join us for the first Garden Party of the summer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.

 

THIS SUNDAY July 18, 2010

Our Worship Celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. and will continue at that hour throughout July and August.

 

Rev. Beth Waltemath will deliver the sermon “In the Midst of Chaos”

 

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.

 

Note that there will be no adult education hour preceding the worship celebration this summer.  The Ten O’Clock Hour will resume in September.

 

 

Other News:

 

A Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends is now available.  This will be a very useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and in fellowship. If you would like to have a copy please visit the church office during the week.  Or call to have one sent to you.

 

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. To register contact Jill Huguet at ssteps@firstchurchbrooklyn.org or 718 624-3770.

Choir Rehearsals   Throughout the summer, choir members will join the Music Director at 9:00 am on Sunday for the one weekly rehearsal.  Rehearsals on Thursday evenings resume on Thursday, September 2.

 

Summer Garden Parties: FPC’s Friday evening Garden Parties will be held throughout the summer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.  If you’re interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office.

 

 Kids Worship this summer: will 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 August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

 

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 volunteers 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

News from Presbyterian Welcome: Our New Reality - Wednesday July 28, 2010 at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Come and celebrate our new reality. Join Presbyterian Welcome in worship as we live into the new realities General Assembly offers us, rejoice in the election of Tony De La Rosa as the new Interim Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of New York City, and give thanks for the GLBT Inquirers and Candidates retreat. This will be a communion service, and The Rev. Mieke Vandersall will offer the sermon. We are in a time of wonderful change, let us enter into it together and be grasped in the love that is now and always.

 

"The message of Christianity is not Christianity but a new reality. A new state of things has appeared, it still appears...accept it, enter into it, let it grasp you."

--Paul Tillich

 

Worship begins at 6:30 at First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York (12 West 12^th Street)

 

Please stay and join us for coffee and treats following the service. And for more information, email us at presbyterianwelcome@gmail.com, call 917.441.8638, or visit us on Facebook. http://www.presbyterianwelcome.org/

 

On the calendar:

Tuesday, July 20

Living with Loss at 4:45-6:15 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 or email at imagepark@aol.com.

 

Wednesday, July 21

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 22

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

     

Friday, July 23

Garden Parties, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  If you’re interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

 

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.

 

"In the Cool of the Evening -- This Friday"

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

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

THIS FRIDAY July 9, 2010

Summer Garden Parties: Join us for the first Garden Party of the summer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.

THIS SUNDAY July 11, 2010

Our Worship Celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. and will continue at that hour throughout July and August.

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "Don't Lose This Key."

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.

Baby Shower: Please join us after 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!

The Personnel Committee will meet in the Thurman Room after worship on July 11.

Note that there will be no adult education hour preceding the worship celebration this summer.  The Ten O'Clock Hour will resume in September.

Other News:

Pastor Samir Selmanovic offered our sermon on July 4. He and his theme of open listening to people of all faiths were received especially warmly, and his book  It's Really All About God (Jossey-Bass, 2009) sold quite a number of copies.  He sent us this note:

What a congregation!  Much gratitude to my friend and mentor Rev. Phelps

for inviting me and to all of you for your hospitality and friendship last

week as we reflected on "God Our Stranger" and broke bread together.

See  www.itsreallyallaboutgod.com

We have 4 more blank copies for sale ($20.00) on a first come, first served basis.  Call the office to reserve one, or look for them on the refreshments table this Sunday.

From Social Action Committee: Thanks to everyone who participated in donating and selling books and flea items on 4 separate HOT weekends in June and July.  The Social Action Committee is happy to report that we collected nearly $700 from the effort.  And we talked to a lot of FPC neighbors in the process.  SAC agreed that Touching Tiny Lives, the Eastern Farmworkers, and the Peace Garden will all be beneficiaries of the funds.  Linda Kolts, Chairperson, SAC

A Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends is now available.  This will be a very useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and in fellowship.  Get a copy in the foyer entrances directly after worship.  Or visit the office during the week.  Or call to have one sent to you.

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.

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.

Choir Rehearsals   Throughout the summer, choir members will join the Music Director at 9:00 am on Sunday for the one weekly rehearsal.  Rehearsals on Thursday evenings resume on Thursday, September 2.

Summer Garden Parties: FPC's Friday evening Garden Parties will be held throughout the summer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office.

 Kids Worship this summer: will 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 August 29 & September 5. Our regular Sunday School Year begins on September 12.

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 volunteers 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.

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 Susanschultzdesign@gmail.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, July 13

Living with Loss at 4:45-6:15 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 or email at imagepark@aol.com.

Wednesday, July 14

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 15

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

Summer Music Series, 7:00 p.m. front steps of the Sanctuary.

     

Friday, July 16

Garden Parties, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org

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.

Summer's not slow here

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

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

 

THIS SUNDAY July 4, 2010

 

Our Worship Celebration BEGINS at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday and will continue at that hour throughout July and August.

 

This Sunday, Rev. Phelps has invited friend and colleague Pastor Samir Selmanovic to deliver the sermon "God Our Stranger."   Pastor Selmanovic is a pastor, activist, and author (www.samirselmanovic.com).  After 12 years of pastoring in New York City and Los Angeles, he began to implement a vision here for FaithHouse, a "living room" in which people of all faiths--including "none of the above"--can gather to learn from one another.  His book, It's Really All About God: Reflections of a Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian, was published by Jossey-Bass last year.

 

Rev. Phelps and Pastor Selmanovic will jointly celebrate the service of Holy Communion with the congregation.  (Rev. Waltemath is on vacation this Sunday.)

 

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

 

No Kids Worship

 

Note that there will be no adult education hour preceding the worship celebration this summer.  The Ten O'Clock Hour will resume in September.

 

 

Other News:

 

We celebrate the arrival of Stella Faye Olson, who entered into this world on May 30, 2010!  She is blessing her parents Diana Kim and Steig Olson and her big sister, Zoe.

 

On June 30, the Presbytery of New York City took two major actions.  Elder Tony de la Rosa of Los Angeles, a seminary classmate of Rev. Phelps, was elected to serve as Interim Executive Presbyter for up to three years. Tony brings many gifts to this work.  On page 12 of this PDF:  http://nycpresbytery.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010-06.pdf  you can read much more about him. 

            The second action the Presbytery took was to downsize staff in the offices at 475 Riverside Drive.  The process the Personnel Committee engaged in, followed by the one that went past midnight on June 30, was exhausting, sad, painful, and necessary.  To cope with vastly reduced income from churches, required annual savings exceeded cuts of 25%, more than $200,000.  All staff positions except Mr. de la Rosa's are restructured, and although it is hoped that current employees will apply for the new positions, there are many fewer positions.  You who have worked with Presbytery staff may wish to send words of thanks before the last day of employment under the old staffing plan, which is July 31.

 

The 219^th General Assembly convenes this Saturday for eight full days.  The term (also "G.A.") refers to the bi-annual legislative assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Every one of the 170 presbyteries covering all the lands of the fifty states will be represented by equal numbers of lay and clergy commissioners as they gather in Minneapolis over the next week.  Some major questions will be addressed.  Along with several other presbyteries, NYC Presbytery is bringing a bill (called an "overture") to rescind the policy that has restricted the rights of gay and lesbian church members to seek ordination.  Especially in the Northeast, churches and presbyteries have met this policy with firm disapproval for many years.  Perhaps it will at last be lifted. Follow proceedings at http://ga219.pcusa.org.

 

The Church office will be closed on Monday July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

 

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

 

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!

 

A Phone Directory of First Church Members and Friends is now available.  This will be a very useful tool for strengthening our connections in work and in fellowship.  Get a copy in the foyer entrances directly after worship or you may visit the office during the week or call to have one sent to you.

 

 Kids Worship this summer: will 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.

 

Summer Garden Parties: Join us for the first Garden Party of the summer: Friday, July 9^th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Peace Garden.  Light refreshments will be served.  FPC's Friday evening Garden Parties will be held throughout the summer.  If you're interested in hosting, please contact Edna Asknes via the Church office.

 

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 volunteers 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 Susanschultzdesign@gmail.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, July 6

Living with Loss at 4:45-6:15 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Rev. Charles Monaco at 718-647-5479 or email at imagepark@aol.com.

 

Wednesday, July 7

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 8

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.