It's All in One Sunday

Date: Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 11:24 AM

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

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

 

 

Notice regarding Sunday Parking in the Henry Street Bike Lane

Effective October 10, 2010, parking on Henry Street will be available only between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM.  Church participants who must come early, such as choir members, will find that both sides of Clark Street are opened for legal Sunday morning parking.  The 84th Precinct has been under considerable pressure from some community members to open the bike lane at all times.  We need to support them as they introduce this compromise to the Heights.  Officers will be on hand on October 10 prior to 10:30 AM to guide drivers to the Clark Street spaces.

 

 

THIS SUNDAY October 3, 2010

11:00 a.m. Worship Service:

This Sunday, First Church will joyfully celebrate -- 

            • Reception of new members

                        • Ordination and installation of elders

                                    • Holy Communion

 

Our Interim Pastor, Rev. Stephen H. Phelps will offer a brief meditation called " East/West North/South People"

 

Ten O'Clock Hour: Throughout October, we will continue to explore the parables of Jesus.  Join us for an hour of fellowship, spiritual reflection, education, and thoughtful discussion.  No outside reading is required.  All are welcome.

 

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

 

Kids Worship: Sunday schoolers are welcome to bring in a small monetary offering or a prayer for our first monthly collection of the year. 

 

Other News:

 

Congratulations to Tracy Zamot and John Loscalzo on the birth of their daughter Grace Olivia Loscalzo on September 25 at 1:36pm.

 

PNC Update:  Unanimous decision reached!

With great joy and excitement, the committee is pleased to announce a unanimous decision in identifying a candidate for Senior Pastor.

Since October 2009 the committee has proceeded to move in an expeditious and thoughtful manner with the duty we've been charged with.  Our efforts were greatly aided by the prior PNC and the patience and understanding of the congregation.

            Over the next few weeks we will be communicating process and timing leading up to the congregational vote.  At this point, only limited information can be shared due to procedural events that must occur first. Once this has taken place the committee will reveal the name of the candidate, as well as the decision process.  Our intent is to be as transparent as possible so that the congregation can make an informed decision. 

            As our work continues, we look forward to keeping you updated and will make ourselves available should you have any questions.

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

 

HYMNAL DRIVE: Thanks to you, we not only raised enough funds to purchase our goal of 50 African American Heritage Hymnals, but an additional 25, bringing our total to 75 Hymnals! Make a Joyful Noise! The order is in and soon the Music & Worship Committee will be busy placing name plates in each of the hymnals. Thanks!

  

A Note from Elder Larry Picard: This Saturday I will be running in the Hamptons Marathon with Team in Training. This Sunday, I'll be recovering in my hotel room. Thanks to my First Church Family, I was able to exceed my goal of $3,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Thank you so much!

 

2011 Offering Envelopes: It's that time again for ordering our 2011 offering envelopes.  If you would like to request (or unsubscribe from receiving) offering envelopes please call the Church office at 718-624-3770 or email Annie Solages at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org by October 31, 2010.

 

Gifts of Spirit Meditation Part II: Join us in the Sanctuary on Saturday October 9 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for Sound Healing, Toning and Guided Meditation reflect quietly and "deep listen" to your inner voice and feel balanced and centered.  (Free Admission)

 

Later on, come for an additional workshop in the Sanctuary from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on having a "Creative Power Conversation: Steps to Find Your Center" and Sound Healing Energy Readings. (Register for Sound Healing Readings)  - For more information call 718-344-0140.   Harriette (LotusHawk) Mandeville, Facilitator.

 

An all-First Church cast will offer a dramatic reading of the librettos for two new operas written by Terry Quinn.   You can hear the readings of The Mark of Cain and The Birthmark in the Elliott Room of the church on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m.  The readings take not very much time, when compared with a full opera.  As a consequence,  Larry Picard and Frank Longino will also sing an aria from the work.  The public is invited. 

 
September is National Preparedness MONTH:

New York City needs your help. Emergencies happen every day and sometimes even the finest first responders in the world can use a little community assistance. From joining a Community Emergency Response Team to helping seniors make a disaster plan, check out NYC Service (http://www.nycservice.org/) to find a way to get involved that works for you. 

 

A Phone Directory of First Church members and friends is available. 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 Marta Nelson at mnelson@ceoworks.org.

 

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.

 

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

 

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:

 

Monday, October 4

Worship and Music Committee Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Rose  Room. Contact Elder Larry Picard at larry.picard@citi.com .

 

Tuesday, October 5

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, October 6

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

 

Communication Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Rose Room. Contact Richard Greene at rtgreene2@aol.com .

 

Thursday, October 7

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 Minister Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net for info about the choir.

 

Saturday, October 9

Coping With Job Loss and Job Search now with two sessions on Saturdays, "Job Loss Grief" (9:45-11am) and "Beyond the Grief to Hitting the Pavement" (11am-12:15pm) 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.

 

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.

We Say Farewell to Rev. Beth and her family

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

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

THIS SATURDAY September 25, 2010

Inquirers Class: at 9:00 a.m. in the Manse (128 Henry St.).  If you want to take part in this conversation, hosted especially with newer church participants in mind, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com  or (917) 400-6589. (Church members are also welcome. Please tell Paul, Peggy, or Rev. Phelps if you would like to attend a meeting.)

THIS SUNDAY September 26, 2010

Worship Service, 11 a.m. our Associate Pastor, Rev. Beth Waltemath will preach her last sermon at First Church:  "If You Remember One Thing, Remember This."

Special Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary immediately following the worship celebration.  The main business of the meeting will be to act on Rev. Beth's request to dissolve the pastoral relationship with the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn. An election of nominees to fill vacancies on the Session will also take place.

Farewell Reception in the Elliott Room, immediately following the Congregational Meeting.  An Appreciation Journal is in the Narthex (Henry St. foyer) to receive your notes of thanks, memories, and photographs of Rev. Beth.  If you have not already done so, please make time to put your thoughts or pictures together for her there.

Ten O'Clock Hour: Throughout September and October, we will continue to explore the parables of Jesus.  Join us for an hour of fellowship, spiritual reflection, education, and thoughtful discussion.  No outside reading is required.  All are welcome.

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

Kids Worship: Sunday school continues with whole-group community-building games. 

Other News:

PNC Update:  Unanimous decision reached!

It is with great joy and excitement that the committee is pleased to announce a unanimous decision in identifying a candidate for Senior Pastor.

Since October 2009 the committee has proceeded to move in an expeditious and thoughtful manner with the duty we've been charged with.  Our efforts were greatly aided by the prior PNC and the patience and understanding of the congregation.

            Over the next few weeks we will be communicating process and timing leading up to the congregational vote.  At this point, only limited information can be shared due to procedural events that must occur first. Once this has taken place the committee will reveal the name of the candidate, as well as the decision process.  Our intent is to be as transparent as possible so that the congregation can make an informed decision. 

            As our work continues, we look forward to keeping you updated and will make ourselves available should you have any questions.

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

Hymnal Drive Update: Thank you very much to those early contributors to our First Hymnal Drive Ever! We've received funds to purchase 24 new African American Heritage Hymnals! Our goal is 50.  Imagine how much easier life will be between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sunday when you reach for a hymnal and it's right in front of you in whatever pew you choose.  Place $20 in the envelope provided and let us know who you are and whom you want to honor and we'll do the rest.

  

2011 Offering Envelopes: It's that time again for ordering our 2011 offering envelopes.  If you would like to request (or unsubscribe from receiving) offering envelopes please call the Church office at 718-624-3770 or email Annie Solages at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org by October 31, 2010.

Mid-Week Boost:  Sermon Talk Back with our Interim Pastor Rev. Stephen H. Phelps and Dr. Beth Mount on the themes from the Sept 19 sermon, exploring community with the severely disabled.  Even if you do not have time to read or listen to the sermon "Power Made Perfect in Weakness," www.shphelps.com/sermons.htm , come anyway and let us share our thoughts in the spirit of listening collectively.  A printed copy of the sermon will be provided. Wednesday, September 29^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Thurman Room. 

An all-First Church cast will offer a dramatic reading of the librettos for two new operas written by Terry Quinn.   You can hear the readings of The Mark of Cain and The Birthmark in the Elliott Room of the church on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m.  The readings take not very much time, when compared with a full opera.  As a consequence,  Larry Picard and Frank Longino will also sing an aria from the work.  The public is invited. 

Our Nate Dudley has brought to fruition a years-long passion and labor: the development, construction, and Fall 2010 opening of the New York Harbor School on Governor's Island.  "Our facility is stunning and the setting is gorgeous . . ." writes Nate in a letter describing opening season activities.  Here are two things you can do:

Friday, October 1^st Open House (3:30-5:30 pm): Take a free ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Bldg at 10 South St., Manhattan to tour the facilities with student guides.

View the video Classroom on the Water, which tells the story Nate has been living toward so passionately.  http://nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctvod/html/home/harbor_school.html

Congratulations, Nate.

September is National Preparedness MONTH: Make a Plan: Pick a Meeting Point...

It is much easier to stay calm during an emergency if you have a plan. Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home, and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship - why not at First Church. Visit your meeting place with your family and discuss the alternative routes to reach it in case an emergency shuts down a piece of your neighborhood. Check out the following National Preparedness Month resources that can help you choose a meeting place:

• Use the Get Ready NYC: My Meeting Place application on OEM's Facebook page this week for a chance to win a Go Bag.

A Phone Directory of First Church members and friends is available. 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 Marta Nelson at mnelson@ceoworks.org.

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.

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

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, September 28

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, September 29

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

White Rose Ministry Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Rose Room. Contact Patrick Dail at lpatrickdail@gmail.com.

Mid-Week Boost at 7:00 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Contact Aris Peguero at drarisp@aol.com .

Thursday, September 30

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 Minister Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net for info about the choir.

Saturday, October 2

Coping With Job Loss and Job Search now with two sessions on Saturdays, "Job Loss Grief" (9:45-11am) and "Beyond the Grief to Hitting the Pavement" (11am-12:15pm) 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.

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.

It's Fall --- Let's Rise!

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

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

THIS SATURDAY September 18, 2010

Inquirers Class: at 11:00 a.m. in the Manse (128 Henry St.).  If you want to take part in this conversation, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com  or (917) 400-6589. (Church members are also welcome. Please tell Paul, Peggy, or Rev. Phelps if you would like to attend a meeting.)

THIS SUNDAY September 19, 2010

The Worship Celebration begins at 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "Power Made Perfect in Weakness"

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

Ten O'Clock Hour: Throughout September and October, we will continue to explore the parables of Jesus.  Join us for an hour of fellowship, spiritual reflection, education, and thoughtful discussion.  No outside reading is required.  All are welcome.

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

Kids Worship: Sunday school continues with whole-group community-building games.  Join us right after service for our Family pizza party -- pick up your FPC t-shirt ($20) and tie-dye it! Tie Dye supplies will be provided.  Please note that youth leaders will assist the children with tie dying while the parents meet.

Other News:

About our Associate Pastor Rev. Beth Waltemath

With a mixture of sadness and gladness, we announce that our associate pastor Rev. Beth Waltemath will soon leave her labors in the fellowship of her beloved First Church.  Beth and her husband David have been called as a clergy couple to serve the North Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia, beginning October 1, 2010.

The Session has called a Special Congregational Meeting for Sunday, September 26, 2010, immediately following the worship celebration.  The main business of the meeting will be to act on Rev. Beth's request to dissolve the pastoral relationship with the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn.  A Luncheon will follow in the Elliott Room honoring Rev. Beth's time at FPC Brooklyn.

 Memory Catcher for Rev. Beth: There is a journal in the Narthex, placed there for us to write notes or tuck in photographs for Rev. Beth as we prepare for her departure.

 

Now there's a Baby Changing Table . . . in the MEN's Room.  Of course, we're not the first church to think of such an amenity.  But at last First's men can pamper their little people in peace.

Coping With Job Loss and Job Search now with two sessions on Saturdays, Sept 25th to Oct 30th - "Job Loss Grief" (9:45-11am) and "Beyond the Grief to Hitting the Pavement" (11am-12:15pm) 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.

  

On September 22, at Faith House in Manhattan, Rev. Phelps will lead the first "Living Room" of the fall season.   See http://www.faithhousemanhattan.org/faith_house/

He is going to tell the story of how a small town congregation he served in upstate New York developed into a spiritual community through ministry and fellowship with once-unseen and feared lesbian and gay members of the area.  He will then guide small-group  reflection on the experience of being "other," asking attenders to tether their visions of a horizon far beyond tolerance to action steps.

An all-First Church cast will offer a dramatic reading of the librettos for two new operas written by Terry Quinn.   You can hear the readings of The Mark of Cain and The Birthmark in the Elliott Room of the church on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m.  The readings take not very much time, when compared with a full opera.  As a consequence,  Larry Picard and Frank Longino will also sing an aria from the work.  The public is invited. 

September is National Preparedness MONTH: Make a Plan: Pick a Meeting Point...

It is much easier to stay calm during an emergency if you have a plan. Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home, and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship - why not at First Church. Visit your meeting place with your family and discuss the alternative routes to reach it in case an emergency shuts down a piece of your neighborhood. Check out the following National Preparedness Month resources that can help you choose a meeting place:

• Use the Get Ready NYC: My Meeting Place application on OEM's Facebook page this week for a chance to win a Go Bag.

On September 18 and 19, visit a participating museum and present a completed Ready New York Emergency Reference Card to receive a discounted admission ticket. View the list of participating institutions

A Phone Directory of First Church members and friends is available. 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.

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, September 21

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, September 22

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

Thursday, September 23

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 Minister Amy Neuner at aneuner@verizon.net for info about the choir.

Saturday, September 25

Inquirers Class at 9:00 a.m. in the Manse (128 Henry Street, beside the church). For more detail, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com  or (917) 400-6589.

Coping with Job Loss and Job Search 9:45-12:15 p.m. in the Thurman Room. For more information and details, contact Tonya Deniz at 646 289 0872 or cwjl@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.

It's Homecoming Sunday -- Come Home!

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

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

THIS FRIDAY September 10, 2010

NEW SEASON FOR CONCERT SERIES AT FIRST CHURCH

Please come out and celebrate the opening of the second season of MUSIC AT FIRST exciting new music concert series at First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights.   We have an amazing line-up this season, the first concert of which features the DITHER electric guitar quartet and composer KYLE BOBBY DUNN with his ensemble.  From the upstairs organ loft in the darkened space, Dither will be performing music by composers Ted Hearne, Josh Lopes, Lisa Coons, and Wil Smith, and their beautiful, engulfing, and often gloriously loud sound will provide an awesome complement to the music of Kyle Bobby Dunn, whose ambient and sweeping textures, produced by strings, horns, guitar, piano, and electronic laptop processing, sound like they were written specifically for the cavernous sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church.

Music Starts at 7:30 p.m., and the show should be over around 9:30 p.m. with a short break between sets.  Admission is $10. 

THIS SATURDAY September 11, 2010

Inquirers Class: at 9:00 a.m. in the Manse (128 Henry St.).  If you want to take part in this conversation, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com  or (917) 400-6589. (Church members are also welcome. Please tell Paul, Peggy, or Rev. Phelps if you would like to attend a meeting.)

Gifts of Spirit Meditation: Join us in the Sanctuary from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for Sound Healing and Toning and Guided Meditation.  Our intention is to reflect quietly in "deep listening" to your inner voice and feel balanced and centered.  (Free Admission)

Later on, come for an additional workshop in the Sanctuary from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
on Creative Power Conversation: "Steps to find your Center" and Sound Healing Energy Readings. (Suggested Donation: $10)  -  Harriette (LotusHawk) Mandeville, Facilitator.

THIS SUNDAY September 12, 2010

The Worship Celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. marks HOMECOMING  SUNDAY at First Church.  Everyone is encouraged to invite friends and family for the day.  Consider calling a person you haven't seen at the church in a long while.  There will be two baptisms during worship and our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Paul Smith, will be taking part.  After the service, another of First's feasts will be served by some of our great hosts and cooks.  Come home & drink deep from our spiritual fellowship.

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "Take the Low Seat."

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

Ten O'Clock Hour: On Sunday, September 12 at 10:00, the Ten O'Clock Hour resumes in the Thurman Room with a study of two of Jesus' parables: "new cloth on an old garment/new wine in old skins" (Matthew 9:16-17, Mark 2:19-22, Luke 5:36-39) and "young leaves of the fig tree" (Matthew 24:32-36, Mark 13:28-32, Luke 21:29-33).  Throughout September and October, we will continue to explore the parables of Jesus.  Join us for an hour of fellowship, spiritual reflection, education, and thoughtful discussion.  No outside reading is required.  All are welcome.

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

Kids Worship: Sunday School Registration will begin on September 12th and classes on the 19th.

Other News:

Session Meeting: Monday September 13 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 Tea resumes on Tuesday, September 15, at 4:00 pm.   If you haven't yet partaken of FPC's sweets and tea, please join us this time.   Call Linda Kolts at 917-715-5519, if you have questions. 

Inquirers Classes are happening!
If you have been thinking about learning more about First Church, take part in the September Inquirers Class. We will be gathering three times at the Manse (128 Henry Street, beside the church) to reflect together on the meaning of faith and life and First Church.

This class will likely be the last opportunity to join before the congregation elects a new Senior Pastor some time this fall. (Only members of FPC are eligible to vote when the congregation calls a pastor.) The meetings will take place on the following Saturdays:
Sept. 18 @ 11 a.m., and Sept. 25 @ 9 a.m. Those from the class who decide to join the church will do so on October 3.

To take part, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com or (917) 400-6589.

(Church members are also welcome.  Please tell Paul, Peggy, or Rev. Phelps if you would like to attend the class.)

September is National Preparedness MONTH, with preparedness themes each week here in New York.  Simple tools like a flashlight or a first aid kit become treasures during a disaster. Everyone should pack a Go Bag - a collection of items you may need in case you have to leave your home or business in a hurry. A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. Make sure it is easily accessible in case you have to grab it and go. Check out the following National Preparedness Month resources that can help you gather supplies:

• Enter NYC OEM's Ready New Yorker of the Month contest to win a fully-stocked Go Bag. Enter the contest here.
• During September, the Red Cross will offer a 10-20% discount on emergency supplies. Visit the Red Cross.

Save the Date! Back to Sunday school Family Pizza Party!
Sunday September 19 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. our Sunday school children will pick up their FPC T-shirt and tie dye them, while their parents meet our Sunday School Director Elizabeth to hear highlights of this year's curriculum and upcoming events.  RSVP to Emily Phillips at emilybphillips@gmail.com  FPC Kid T-Shirts will be on sale for $20, Tie Dye supplies will be provided.  Please note that youth leaders will assist the children with tie dying while the parents meet.

On September 22, at Faith House in Manhattan, Rev. Phelps will lead the first "Living Room" of the fall season.   See http://www.faithhousemanhattan.org/faith_house/
He is going to tell the story of how a small town congregation he served in upstate New York developed into a spiritual community through ministry and fellowship with once-unseen and feared lesbian and gay members of the area.  He will then guide small group  reflection on the experience of being "other," asking attenders to tether their visions of a horizon far beyond tolerance to action steps.

A Phone Directory of First Church members and friends is available. 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.

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.

A reading performance of the libretto for a new opera, written by Terry Quinn is in the works.  The Mark of Cain will be read by an all-First Church cast on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Elliott Room of the church.  The program will include additional offerings, too.  The public is invited. 

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:

Monday, September 13

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, September 14

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, September 15

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

Thursday, September 16

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 Minister 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.

"First News of the Fall"

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

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

THIS SUNDAY September 5, 2010

The Worship Celebration begins at 11:00 a.m.  

Rev. Phelps will deliver the sermon "When Words Won't" and we 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: Children Ages 4 and up, are welcome to stay in service.  There will be no Kids Worship.  Sunday School Registration will begin on September 12th and classes on the 19th.

Other News:

Summer Garden Parties
Edna Asknes extends a very special "thank you" to all who participated in the Garden Parties during the summer. Whether you hosted, attended, helped with the set-up/clean-up, it wouldn't have been the same without you.  We had another great summer of community building and look forward to the Garden Parties of 2011!

The Church office will be closed on Monday September 6 in observance of Labor Day.

NEW SEASON FOR CONCERT SERIES AT FIRST CHURCH

Please come out and celebrate the opening of the second season of MUSIC AT FIRST, an exciting new concert series taking place at First Church on Friday, September 10 at 7:30p.m., featuring Dither Electric Guitar Quartet (www.ditherquartet.com) and Kyle Bobby Dunn with string ensemble (www.myspace.com/kbdunn).   Please help us make this series a success—your attendance and support ensures that more concerts of all types take place at First Church in the future.  $10 admission.

Gifts of Spirit Meditation: Join us on Saturday September 11, 2010 in the Sanctuary from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for Sound Healing and Toning and Guided Meditation.  Our intention is to reflect quietly in "deep listening" to your inner voice and feel balanced and centered.  (Free Admission)

Later on, come for an additional workshop in the Sanctuary from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Creative Power Conversation: "Steps to find your Center" and Sound Healing Energy Readings. (Suggested Donation: $10)  - Harriette (LotusHawk) Mandeville, Facilitator.

Inquirers Class starting soon.
If you have been thinking about learning more about First Church, take part in the September Inquirers Class. We will be gathering three times at the Manse (128 Henry Street, beside the church) to reflect together on the meaning of faith and life and First Church.

This class will likely be the last opportunity to join before the congregation elects a new Senior Pastor some time this fall. (Only members of FPC are eligible to vote when the congregation calls a pastor.) The meetings will take place on the following Saturdays:
Sept. 11 @ 9 a.m., Sept. 18 @ 11 a.m., and Sept. 25 @ 9 a.m. Those from the class who decide to join the church will do so on October 3.

To take part, please contact Paul Austin at paustin19@yahoo.com or Peggy Slowik at peggyswisher@gmail.com or (917) 400-6589.

(Church members who want refreshment in matters of faith and church are also welcome. 

Please tell Paul, Peggy, or Rev. Phelps if you would like to attend the class.)

Sunday, September 12 marks HOMECOMING  SUNDAY at First Church.  Everyone is encouraged to invite friends and family for the day.  Consider calling a person you haven't seen at the church in a long while.  There will be two baptisms during worship and our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Paul Smith, will be taking part.  After the service, another of First's feasts will be served by some of our great hosts and cooks.  Come home & drink deep from our spiritual fellowship.

Ten O'Clock Hour: On Sunday, September 12 at 10:00, the Ten O'Clock Hour resumes in the Thurman Room.  During September and October, we will explore some of the parables of Jesus.  Join us for an hour of fellowship, spiritual reflection, education, and thoughtful discussion.  No outside reading is required.  All are welcome.

A Note from Elder Larry Picard.    In May, I signed up for Team In Training, a fundraising arm of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As a team, we are training to run a marathon (yes, a marathon) and individually we are committed to raising thousands of dollars for LLS. On October 2, I will be participating in the Hamptons Marathon. Right now, I am raising $3,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm happy to report that my fundraising has been successful so far. However, I need to continue my efforts in order to reach my goal and so am turning to my church community for support.  Below is a link to my fundraising page. In the link, click on the Donate Now button in the column on the right if you'd like to donate by credit card. I can also accept cash and checks (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/hampton10/larrypicard

A Phone Directory of First Church members and friends is available. 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.

Associate Pastor Rev. Beth Waltemath is on Family/Medical leave to care for her medically fragile daughter Margaret Grace as she transitions home. 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.

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.

A reading performance of the libretto for a new opera, written by Terry Quinn is in the works.  The Mark of Cain will be read by an all-First Church cast on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Elliott Room of the church.  The program will include additional offerings, too.  The public is invited. 

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, September 7

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, September 8

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

Thursday, September 9

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.

Friday, September 10

MUSIC AT FIRST CONCERT, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary; Contact Wil Smith at wmdanielsmith@gmail.com or call the church office at 718-624-3770.

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.