Sunday, September 30, 2007

Annual Blanket Drive

Christina is collecting blankets as part of a Brooklyn effort to help homeless individuals and families during the Thanksgiving-Christmas season. New and old (good condition) blankets will be accepted. Donations are also welcome.

To help meet the needs of more homeless individuals this year, bring blankets and donations to Church now through Sunday, November 11.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

ACTION: Take a stand against hate acts!

In case you haven't seen the news, I've attached a short article at the end of this posting.

The quick story is that there have been hate acts of anti-Semitic graffiti in Brooklyn Heights, in the area around First Church. As a response, the Interfaith Clergy Association of Brooklyn Heights has invited all houses of worship to hang banners on their building that speak out against religious hatred and speak in solidarity with our Jewish sisters and brothers.

A proposal has been made to take some of the funds that YOU have raised (from the Christmas cookie baking and Shrove Tuesday dinner) and put it toward this banner. The money was raised by you, so it is up to your responses how it will be spent.

To voice your stance, vote at a new poll here on the on the blog (right side panel), or send a message to Mark or Beth.

If you choose to spend Youth money as a witness in this way, PLEASE BE AT CHURCH on Sunday and we will take a group picture under the banner (approximately 12:30PM). If you feel strongly enough to write a response, feel free to post it as a comment to this blog entry.

Swastikas Painted On Brooklyn Synagogues, Cars, Homes

NEW YORK -- Vandals painted swastikas and other anti-Semitic messages on the streets of Brooklyn Heights on Monday, defacing two synagogues and shaking up many residents of the typically quiet neighborhood.

New York City Police said the anti-Semitic graffiti was found shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. The Nazi symbols were painted on the top of staircases of the two synagogues. Three homes on Columbia Place were also defaced.

Other anti-Semitic markings were spray painted on two cars in the area.

The NYPD is treating the vandalism as a bias crime.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

22: September 15, 2007 - Presbytery Youth Fair

On Saturday we had the privilege of hosting the Presbytery of New York City Youth Fair. Many of the participants (15-20 youth from across the 5 boroughs, including 3 of our own) attended this summer's Youth Triennium, and those that didn't got treated to some Energizers, small group work, and a closing worship service with music and dance.

Check out the attached photos, or chat with Christina, Eddie, or Liz if you'd like to know more about what happened.

2007-09-15 Youth Fair
Condensed workshops were held on:
“Dealing With the Pressures of a Secular World”
“Creating an Effective Youth Ministry & Maintaining It”
“Is History Being Made in Your Church?”
- Mission work and Youth in the Presbytery of New York City
- Introduction to Polity and the proper representation of Youth
~Liturgical Dance Workshop~
- "Younger Youth" activity on the theme of: HOPE

The price of admission was a can of food and over 2 grocery bags were donated to our own "2 Penny" Pantry.

Both the Moderator and the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery were in attendance, which is great to see support for Presbyterian Youth in our area!

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Peace One Day - 21 September