The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn

Greetings First Church Brooklyn Family and Friends, I’m sitting this week with what it means to belong. What are the rules for inclusion in the household of God? Do we throw open the doors and let anybody in or are there some requirements for entry? I’m asking because I’m witnessing a growing ambivalence towards this institution that I love. My own kid says I’m violating their 1st amendment rights by forcing their weekly attendance at church even while they read a daily scrip...ture devotional from grandma. Isn’t it nutty to demand requirements for entry to an institution that fewer and fewer people want to be part of? Does making entry easier devalue the love of Jesus Christ? How do we color outside the lines of tradition to welcome God’s people, in new ways, to the love of God? I don’t have the answers, but I’m going to keep asking the questions. You are loved, Rev. Adriene

BFPC DVTL: As I clasp my hands together and I feel the joyful breath of Spirit, that fills me continually. I do not dwell on the past. I am at this moment only grateful. I feel the lines of my palms as I pray and know that the way is clear and the days to come keep me in pleasant places. I know that God watches over me and shows me the way. Amen

Please make plans to join us as we co-sponsor this important mayoral forum. Save the date, May 2nd at 3 pm. -Pastor Adriene

Remote Service #31 Oct 25, 2020

After today’s service, join RevAdriene Thorne fir her weekly sermon talk back.

We are honored and pleased to welcome Rev. Mahsea Evans, DMin as this weeks guest preacher. Mahsea Evans is an educator, artist, and ordained minister who has dynamically engaged the topics of religious pluralism, leadership development, and social change through writings, lectures, performances, and workshops. He presently serves as the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Roseville, CA with a focus on youth empowerment, community organizing, and interfaith initiatives.... Dr. Evans earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology and his Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion where he instructs as an adjunct faculty member. Based in Northern California, this former PSR Changemaker Fellow connects his passion for the creative arts to the causes of social justice. Originally from Hartford, CT, Mahsea resides in Sacramento, CA with his wife of 16 years, Dr. Kawami Evans, and daughter, Niara (13). Beyond his pastoral and academic work, his claim to fame is his fanaticism for the New York Yankees and his extensive collection of independent comic books and graphic novels.

Greetings First Church Brooklyn Family and Friends, We are 11 days from Election Day, but you can vote early in New York beginning TOMORROW, October 24th and every day through Sunday, November 1st. Of course, you can also vote on Election Day, November 3rd or via mail. If you are voting via mail, walk that ballot over to the Board of Elections or drop it in the mail TODAY. We all must do our part to vote our Christian values values that support the last, the least and the l...eft out as Jesus taught. Just as you are making your plan for voting, we are inviting you to also make your plan for the days after the election. Regardless of winners and losers, we will be psychically wiped out. Consider joining us for: November 3rd :: Election Night Prayer and Poetry Bring a prayer or poem to share and we will keep each other encouraged as the results come in Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 PM. November 6th :: Milwaukee 53206 Watch Party & Discussion A friendraiser and fundraiser with Odyssey Impact looking at the most incarcerated zip code in our nation. Watch trailer here. November 7th :: All-Church Book Conversation part II Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of our Disconnect. 10:00 AM. Watch a conversation with the author here. November 9th :: Norman Vincent Peale Awards for Positive Thinking The Blanton-Peale Institute celebrates mental health champions while communicating the importance of mental healthcare in the midst of these times. Pre-show at 6:30 pm. Learn more and register here. We are in for a treat this Sunday. My dear friend and brother, Rev. Mahsea Evans, DMin., is bringing the Word along with his special spoken word. When I say you haven’t seen anyone like him, I mean it. He will bless us all. See you Saturday in the garden at 4:00 PM and Sunday online. You are loved, RevAdriene Thorne

BFPC DVTL: Good morning, beloved. How will God invite you into the beauty of this world today? How will you work with God in the sacred labor of transformation?

Remote Service #30 Oct 18, 2020

Church-wide book discussion of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson NOTE: Several women have requested joining our discussion. As a result, we have set up a special meeting time on tomorrow, Oct 16th, from 8:00-9:30 AM to discuss "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson. We invite anyone who is interested to join the conversation, even if you haven't read the whole book. Here is the link:... https://zoom.us/j/94422993471 For the zoom information please contact the church office at info.firstchurchBrooklyn.org #youareloved

It’s #spritday! Go purple to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ+ youth. https://www.glaad.org/spiritday #youareloved