2008 Christmas Pageant

The Pageant was inspiring!  I've heard many comments on the great job done by all performers!  We laughed, we thought, we were challenged, and we made new connections between the stories of the different Gospel's account of that first Christmas and the events surrounding it.

My fuzzy, blurry pictures are can be found here, but for a lot of really good pictures, check out the ones that Abby and Amalya's dad, Jim, took:

12.14.08FPCPageant-  sunday (1 album)

I also have one short video, taken during the entrance of the pageant participants - while "Passing the Peace" in Worship - "Whom Shall I Fear?" by Bertilla and the Choir:

Cookie Decorating

Another great weekend at First Church!

2008-12-13 Cookie Decorating

Click the picture to see the whole album

The children, assisted by Youth and a few adults, decorated cookies after the final rehearsal of the 2008 Christmas Pageant.  Many cookies were baked so that everyone had a chance to frost and decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, red hots, chocolate chips (regular and mini sized), M&Ms (regular and mini sized), and raisins.  Thank you to Prisca, Katy & Matt, Jill & Mark for the cookies and toppings, and the Neuners for that yummy, buttery frosting.

The sale of the cookies on Sunday brought in ... (drum roll, please) ... $154.27!!  (The Youth and Children will be selecting a deserving use for the funds in the future.)

Great job by all!

and now, this musical interlude brought to you by Caleb...

What the heck is TWLOHA?

In case you've looked at the calendar at the bottom of any Blog page, you may be asking yourself "What the heck is TWLOHA?"  (This Thursday, November 13th)

I received a facebook invitation to this event from a Youth at my former Church in New Jersey.  The letters stand for To Write Love On Her Arms. The event is to raise awareness of teen depression and suicide, and espeically to publicize the resources that are available to reach those that suffer.

"On November 13 write LOVE on your arm in big letters. Be creative, spread the word. This is for all the survivors and all the innocent. All of the people who are hurting and who think that suicide is the only way they can turn. Also, don't forget to donate so all of the kids in need can get the help that they deserve."

So think about it; decide for yourself; get informed; use your creativity if you choose to participate!

Confimation Outreach Project - ecclesia

On Sunday November 9th our Confirmands left worship a little early to travel together to Marble Collegiate Church and meet up with a group that leads an ecclesia worship service in Madison Square Park (BLOG: a minister's life: church without walls).

The worship takes place every week, with the focus on reaching the homeless that may be in or around the park.  Sandwiches are prepared, a Communion worship shared with simple hymns and scripture, and then the bag lunches distributed to any in attendance that desire physical feeding along with the spiritual.

Reports were that James, Rev. Beth's son, was working the crowd like a seasoned politician during - and after - the Passing of the Peace...

We all warmed-up back inside Marble's fellowship hall over Shake Shack burgers and fries to talk about our experiences.

Delivering painted pumpkins

Once again our Youth were involved in delivering pumpkins to the Cobble Hill Health Center.

The kids from Children's Church painted the pumpkins on October 19th, and members of the youth group and Confirmation Class delivered them on the 26th. We made some personal connections, placed pumpkins and hand-made greeting cards on the dining room tables, then headed back to Church for some Cuba cooking.

It was fun, and rarely a dull moment with a broken wheel barrel; large sidewalk gaps with a small-wheeled cart; and the other minor mayhem that accompanies a group of about 12 people walking a dozen city blocks "as a group".

Sept 13, 2008: Bowling outing

Okay, so I'm reeaaalllly late in publishing this set of pictures... but I think I have a pretty good excuse.

Back on September 13th a number of us went bowling before the Confirmation Class overnight lock-in at the Church. We had a good time, as you can see from the photos below, and owe it all to the James' again!

The outing was to Chelsea Piers 300 New York again, and we were provided with all the "eats and drinks" that any of us would like. It was a great time, and an excellent way to start the new school year and kick-off the Confirmation Class.

BAM Afterschool Program

Another great opportunity forwarded from Rev. Cari.  Note that that application deadline is September 18th (this Thursday!) - but call if you are interested, they may be taking applications a bit longer.

Dr. John Foster
Education Manager, Education & Humanities
Brooklyn Academy of Music

In October, BAM will start an afterschool program in Theatre and Visual Arts. It's an excellent program for high school students and I am attaching a description and application.  Students do not need to have prior arts experience.

I am sharing this with you because it is a funded program and students are paid to participate.

These are the types of programs we rarely hear about and I want to try to bring in students that will benefit from it. There is also a scholarship sponsored by Scripps and BAM that students can apply for once they have participated on one of our programs.

If you are not familiar with BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) it is one of the worlds leading arts organizations, and we are right down the street from you. Check it out at www.bam.org

The Coming Generation of Women Leadership

On Friday Sept 19 (at 8:30 pm in NYC) and Sunday Sept 21 (at 11:00 pm) our very own youth Rachel will be included in a PBS documentary-- the NOW series,  the story is "Women, Power, and Politics: A Rising Tide?" The episode shows various women who hold political office in Chile, Rwanda and the US; and they show the up and coming next generation of women leadership as seen at an all girls high school debate workshop at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute in NYC.

We have no idea how much of a part, if any,  Rachel is given in this. We saw a couple pictures of her in the preview. They did give her an hour interview and filmed her team winning the tournament, but one never knows how it will be edited. It looks to be a very interesting show.

To see the preview, click the link below, then click the photo on the lower left that says "sneak preview for Women, Power and Politics".

http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html?titl8-09-19

Free Filmmaking Program For High School Students-Starting Soon

Forwarded from Rev. Cari.  Contact the program director (contact info below) ASAP if you are interested!

Get internship credit and learn how to make a documentary video in

EVC’s Basic Documentary Workshop

September 2008-January 2009

 

What is Doc Workshop?

Doc Workshop is a semester-long video production internship that begins every fall and spring,  Monday through Thursday from 3-6pm. Students from different high schools around the city meet at EVC and learn how to make a documentary. They choose a topic around issues that affect their lives and their communities. They research that topic, interview people about it, and create a 20-minute documentary that tells other people about that issue. Past topics have been hip hop, graffiti, gun violence, race relations, problems in the public school system and youth activism. They also get high school credit for the internship! Who can apply? Students (grades 9-12) enrolled in a New York City public high school.

 

What do you learn?

• Digital video camera operation

• Editing with Final Cut Pro
• Script writing
• Storyboarding for film and video
• Interviewing
• A lot about the issue your group chooses as a topic,  PLUS MORE!

 

Why else should you join?

Doc Workshop is challenging, but it’s also exciting. You’ll leave the program with a 20-minute documentary about something important to you. You’ll learn things that will help you do well in almost any other media field—fields like music production, TV broadcasting, journalism, photography, writing and theater. You’ll meet other young people from around the city and learn what’s on their minds. Plus, if you’re really interested in video production, there are other great opportunities at EVC you can get hooked up with. There’s EVC’s advanced Doc Workshop and, when you finish high school, there’s YO-TV where you work with other young producers to make a professional documentary and get paid for it!

 

How do you sign up?

Talk to your internship coordinator or your guidance counselor. Our next semester begins soon, so, please call the EVC Doc Workshop Manager, Christina Biddle, at 212-465-9366 extension 26 to set up an interview.

Dunton Presbyterian Church invites you to ....

From Janet Pearson, NYC Presbytery Youth Coordinator:

"Be Careful of the Company You Keep"

 

The Ambassador's for Christ

Invite You to Join Us

on Friday, September 26, 2008

at 7:00 pm to our

Annual Joy Youth Nite Fall Revival

at

Dunton Presbyterian Church

109-29 135th Street

South Ozone Park, NY 11434

 

Our Guest Speaker will be

Reverend Darren Butler

of Good News Fellowship, Inc.

 

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!

 

This is not a message just for the youth--

but for anyone who feels that it's time to make a change in their Life!

 

Bring the family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, everyone!!!!!

 

For further information please call:

(718) 322-6534

 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

 

Hymn Sing and Cyclones Baseball!

All: Save the date September 13th ... We are finalizing another bowling trip to Chelsea Piers! We are expecting to bowl from 5:30-7:30, so we'll probably meet at the Church around 4:00PM to try to be there ON TIME for once.

Confirmation Class members, look for a letter coming from Rev. Beth that includes an overnight lock-in at the Church on the night of September 13th.


Last Thursday's (21-August) Hymn Sing was a great time! We sang, we laughed, we made lovely music, we met our new percussionist Matt, we stopped a lot of foot traffic on the sidewalk, and we only had minimal mosquito bite damage!

In addition to the still picture album, above, check out these videos, too!

"The Storm is Passing Over"
"Perfect Praise"

---

2008-08-23 Brooklyn Cyclones

After the rousing success on Thursday, a mostly different group of folks went out to Coney Island on Saturday evening to watch the Cyclones battle the Lowell Spinners. The Cyclones are a Mets "Class A Affiliate" minor league team, and the Spinners are a Boston Red Sox affiliate. (This is baseball, so feel free to ask Jenny about the finer points of the game!)

See who we met at the game in the above photo album, and don't miss the videos to see Christina and Mario shakin' their groove thangs!
Cyclones #1 (Turn your head sideways for this one...)
Cyclones #2
Cyclones #3

The game started quickly with the Cyclones scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning and leaving the bases loaded (at least a couple of other times, as well). It turned out being a very low-scoring game when the only other runs were scored by the Spinners in the top of the 9th inning - 2 runs, both scored on fielding errors by the Cylcones. The home-town Cyclones ended up losing 2-1, but it was a good time to be by the ocean, take in some baseball, eat a few hotdogs, salty popcorn, and sodas, then stop by Williams Candy shop on the way home to console ourselves over the loss.

Summer drum circle

Jill snapped a few pictures of the second drum circle on August 7th.

For those of you that have been around this summer (or last year), I hope you knew about the Summer Music Program, and specifically the FPC Drum Circle. Unfortunately the drum circle had a "limited engagement" and the two weeks of drumming have completed.

You can still get in on a good time of choosing and singing your favorite Church hymns from either the Blue or the Tan hymnal - this Thursday, August 21 at 7:00PM. (Really, it is more fun than it sounds, especially if you even remotely enjoy singing, or listening to great singing!)

Hope you are enjoying your summer. Look for lots of fun kick off events coming in September (or check out the calendar at the bottom of this page for a sneak preview of September 13th Youth events)!

ning Social Network site for NYC Presbytery Youth

I am happy to announce a new webpage that has been designed for Youth of the New York City Presbytery.

The webpage address is: http://www.presbyyouthnyc.ning.com/

On this webpage you can post blogs, notes, photos, videos, start a webpage for youth group, send the presbytery a message, join in forum discussion and Bible Study, and share events that are going on in the Youth Ministries around the Greater New York City area.

We are searching for a logo for our webpage.

The logos that are submitted will be posted on the website for two (2) weeks. During this time everyone can vote on which logo they like. The winning logo will be featured on the webpage. You may want to search the internet for some of the logos of Presbyterian churches in PCUSA or search the PCUSA websites for inspiration and ideas to create your own. HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!!

The Rules:

Your logo MUST BE INCLUSIVE of all our churches.

The theme is: “Joined Together Through Faith, Love, Unity, Hope…and Jesus Christ!”

Only one entry per church may be submitted.

THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2008

Thank you all for your participation. As a “Connective Church” this network will aid in reaching out to everyone as a way of strengthening the bond.

God Bless,
Janet Pearson
NYC Presbytery Youth Coordinator

Liberty Outdoor Classic!

Since no one reads the words and jumps right to the photos, I'll just post them right up front. :-)

2008-07-19 Liberty Outdoor Classic

Sure, the weather was hot and the Liberty lost to the Indiana Fever, BUT we did see V FACTORY, and MENUDO! All in all it was a good time for the 15 of us that were able to make it out to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens last Saturday for the first-ever regular season outdoor game by a professional basketball team! (A portion of the proceeds from the game's ticket sales – as well as various fundraising activities throughout the evening – benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an independent not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer.)

So we got hot, had fun, ate too many hot dogs (Mark!), felt the cool breezes of Queens, and we ALL agree that a great big THANK YOU goes out to Stephanie for bringing up the idea, and providing the tickets and the eats!

Check your email for an upcoming invitation to a Brooklyn Cyclones game in August!

Siyaya "Home" Videos

Here are a few videos from the Siyaya performance. This was the African Dance and Drum group that was at First Church back on June 22, part of the Global Arts program.

Thanks to Taylor for making these videos available!


Siyaya One 062208
Video Length 4:18
Click here to watch


Siyaya Two 062208
Video Length 1:40
Click here to watch


Siyaya Three 062208
Video Length 2:57
Click here to watch

Youth Visitors this past Sunday

I don't recall seeing (m)any of our Youth this past Sunday, but we had a special group of visitors. A group of 16 youth cyclists with 3 adult chaperones.

The group is the 10thGear Christian Youth Cyclists. We had the special honor of them staying in the Church Saturday night, so they could join us for worship Sunday morning.

Get this ... they are riding 600+ miles from Williamsburg, VA back "home" to central Massachusetts. Each carrying their own gear on their bike with no support vehicle. They stay in Churches along the way and ... DIDN'T HAVE A PLACE TO STAY THE DAY BEFORE on both Friday and Saturday night! This is truly a journey of faith! Rev. Cari was contacted about 7:00AM on Saturday, was happy to open our building to them (THAT NIGHT!); they did their ride / tourist thing for the day then found us that evening.

What can I say, living your life through faith, knowing that God will provide! Their "touch stone" scripture?

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

James' First Birthday!

Can you believe it? Rev. Beth's son James is now one year old!

James and his family were out of town for the big event, but Rev. Beth did "check-in" with photographic evidence of James' ability to mash birthday cake in his hands. I'm not quite sure what the story is behind that icing flower in the hair, maybe that is "the new look"?

---

I'm still looking for people that want to go to the Liberty WNBA game outside at the USTA National Tennis Center on July 19. Also, anyone interested in going back to a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball game some Saturday in August? Drop me a note or leave a comment here on the blog.

Teen Challenge Brooklyn 50th Anniversary Community Festival

An invitation to attend the 50th Anniversary of a Brooklyn-started substance abuse program for teens. More below, and check the links for specific information on the Festivities this Saturday.

Philosophy of Teen Challenge
In 1958 David Wilkerson went to New York City to work with young people involved in gangs and drug addiction. Teen Challenge was birthed out of Rev. Wilkerson’s efforts to provide lasting solutions to those who were deeply affected by life-controlling problems. To read more about the keys to the successful approach used by Teen Challenge, click here.

Dear First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn,

As a church in our local neighborhood, it would be an honor if you would attend the Teen Challenge Brooklyn 50th Anniversary Community Festival on Saturday June 28th. Please click the link provided to see what the day is all about - including the schedule for the day.

The event is meant for young and old, as there is a lot of activity going on. It is also a chance for you as a church to see what we do in this neighborhood, helping people overcome addictions and other life-controlling problems through the powerful work of Jesus Christ.

Many Christians know our organization through the book The Cross and the Switchblade, written by our founder David Wilkerson: What started out as a step into the unknown to help seven troubled teens in New York, is now an organization of over 170 centers in the US. Outside the US, there are now more than 260 treatment centers and over 140 evangelistic outreaches.

God Bless,

Bart van Sluijs
Marketing
& Communications Coordinator
Teen Challenge Brooklyn

BLTN: Global Arts 2008

That's Better Late Than Never...

The Global Arts Festival 2008 was held last Sunday in the scorching heat. I didn't do a very good job of getting all the photos I should have (completely missed several musical groups and just about all the vendors, including Brooklyn and Haley selling home baked goods and refreshments!). I'll try to remember my REAL camera next year, and to take a better variety of pictures.


(click on the picture to see the facebook album)

Despite the heat, the turnout was great; there were always a number of people filtering by on the sidewalk, and at least a "couple people deep" for most of the musicians / performers. This, after Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Paul Smith brought in the faithful on his return to our pulpit!

"The Laramie Project" - with our own Emma!

You can't tell it from the pictures (camera phone again, sorry), but one of those white blobs - usually one near the center of the picture - is last year's confirmand, Emma.

2008-05-30 Emma's Play

Jill and Mark went to an AMAZING performance of The Laramie Project at her school last night. It is "verbatim theater", all the words come from transcripts or interviews surrounding the violent death of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Each of the actors played a number of roles; Emma ranged from "the best bartender in town", to a loveable redneck, a Baptist Minister, a newsperson, and even the violence-speaking, anti-gay Fred Phelps (ask Jill about her run-in with Mr. Phelps' followers in Graduate School).

Matthew was a young, gay man who came to Laramie to go to college and was beaten to death when he was 21 years old. From the director's notes:

"The Laramie Project begs us to look at not only who we are and what we believe, but also at what we say and the words we use. This play asks us to think about the terms we throw around as a slur or a joke, and it pleads with us to reconsider how those terms are heard, how they are received, and what they truly mean to the people who hear them."

Powerful, moving stuff; extremely well performed for what turned out was only 5 weeks rehearsal!

There was a "talk-back" after the performance that added another level to the whole experience, and gave us a chance to hear some eloquent, thoughtful words from Emma.

If ANY of you are involved in plays, musicals, sports, concerts, graduations or anything else that the general public can attend, let Mark know and we'll do our best to have a contingent from First Church there to support you. Really. I mean it!

(Future Rev.) Paul - Enrolled as a Candidate!

JUST TONIGHT!! Our very own Confirmation Class teacher, Paul, met with the Presbytery of New York City and was "Enrolled as a Candidate" for Minister of the Word and Sacrament.

2008-05-20 Paul Mowry Candidacy

Congratulations, Paul!

God was Singing (a note from Rev. Cari)

I regret that I was not able to be with you this past Youth Sunday. I heard about how awesome the service was. I am so grateful to God for the amazing youth of our church. As this scripture tells us,

The LORD your God is with you...,
God takes great delight in you,
God calms you with his love,
and rejoices over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)

I believe that God was singing this past Sunday with delight in seeing and hearing you sing, clap, read, preach, play instruments, dance, and just be yourselves. Thanks for worshiping God in just being you.

Much love, Rev. Cari

Youth Sunday

Since all everyone looks at is the pictures, let me just get right to the album:

2008-05-18 Youth Sunday

Good participation; a meaningful, personal message; time to reflect and offer praises; and all done in just about an hour! What more could you ask for?!? ;-)

But seriously, a great job of leading worship by all those who participated, and a special "Thank You" to Rev. Beth and Amy for pulling all the pieces together, to the parents and grandparents for helping the Youth get to Church and for the yummy treats at the coffee fellowship hour, and Jill for her help "herding cats" with the Youth Choir.

Look for more service opportunities to be offered, along with fellowship during the summer and education in the fall!

Bowling, and Youth Sunday reminder

We all had a GREAT time on Saturday, bowling at Chelsea Piers as guests of Marc and Melissa! Thank you again, Marc and Melissa!!

2008-05-10 Youth bowling

Another quick reminder, this coming Sunday (the 18th) is Youth Sunday. Singing youth need to be ready to sing at 10:30am; ushers, greeters, readers, soloists, instrumentalists, and other supporters should be there by 10:45, or earlier if they need to warm up or rehearse.

Magdalene and Rwanda

Below is a note from Rev. Becca Stevens who came to speak to us last September with the women from Magdalene. They are helping other victims of rape and abuse around the world recover and develop their own cottage businesses. They recently sent an envoy group to Rwanda.

Rwanda was amazing and we are home, and the seven of us that traveled from Magdalene are safe and sound. The women we met fell in love with the message and community of Magdalene. We read letters the women from Nashville sent and in response, the women who are part of the sisters of Rwanda started sharing their experiences of surviving incest, violence, addiction and prostitution. Their staff said that they had never heard the women talk so openly. In gratitude and solidarity with the women of Magdalene, the sisters of Rwanda wrote letters and sent video messages to us. The stories are hauntingly similar.

Rwanda is full of people walking around with ghosts, while new life is strapped to the backs of women. Hearty crops are blooming next to people so poor they can't feed their children. It was so much to take in sometimes my legs would shake or my head would throb. Our small group carried you all with us the whole time. It was the right trip and we all think there are many more villages of women who want us to be with them. We found the cousins to the thistles. One of the many lessons I learned in Rwanda was that rape and love are universal actions. Neither get lost in translation and our job is to love the whole world, one person at a time.

Seeing women in traditional African dress with goggles and rubber gloves preparing to make soap is awesome. They were so excited when we started the second morning, they had already started cleaning the equipment. We went to villages where women waited all day to see us. They were stunning, poised, and almost whispered what they needed to tell us about their lives and their need for hope and money to keep going. We went to the market and purchased shovels, seeds, and sewing machines in response to some of their requests. Sometimes its just a fishing pole people need. They already know how to fish. The faith we saw was inspiring and a little intimidating. The singing and dancing were beautiful. The landscape is hilly with mists that come in like sweet blankets. It is strange to think of a million people dying on that land.

We are thankful to be home and I posted a few pictures on the blog beccastevens.org if you want to visit. thank you all for being such a great community to share all of this with.

love and peace, becca

Another weekend, another Confirmand-member walking

Isn't it great that last year's confirmation class members are so concerned about issues?

This coming Saturday Eliza will be walking with her Mother to raise funds for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness). Eliza's "make a pledge" link is https://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS&template=/customsource/Donation/GeneralForm.cfm&Type=WALK&walkerid=56127

A bit of Ellen's note:

As you may already have heard, Eliza and I will be walking together to raise funds for NAMI - the National Alliance for Mental Illness. The walk is NEXT SATURDAY! ... NAMI exists to provide advocacy, education and support in a wide variety of ways to people dealing with mental illness.

Thank you for your support in whatever form in comes - money, prayers, cheers...... it all makes such a difference.

Support one of last year's Confirmands

from Emma:

I have a favor to ask; I'm doing the Revlon walk for breast cancer (which is this Saturday) and would like to raise as much money as possible. I was wondering if you would like to contribute to support my walk? My fund raising page is:

https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/ny/secure/MyWebPage.cfm?CFID=26799&CFToken=ad35af6bd6cc0f6c-923895C9-65B8-E8ED-96A333A84BD3E742

No obligation, of course.

Pictures from Worship - Child Singers and Double Baptism

I ran across some more pictures that I hadn't posted yet... (Okay, so one of the albums is from today.)

First from TODAY, pictures of the Children's Choir singing the "Musical Interlude" during worship.

2008-04-27 Worship

Rebecca and Andrew lead the Choir in song on 16-March-2008.

Rebecca and Andrew singing

and from the double Baptism (one of the two sacraments in the Presbyterian Church, remember the other one; we do it the first week of the month?) two weeks ago.

2008-04-13 Baptism

Enjoy, and we'd love to see more of you in Worship!

The Local Food Issue

The Local Food Issue

As you continue to make small changes to your life (water bottles, reycling, tote-bags, and the food you buy), your realize your shopping cart is filled with products you never would have filled it with one year ago - Seventh Generation, Burt's Bees, Ecover, Earthbound Farms and so on. Fantastic!Another small but crucial change The Brooklyn Green Team is making is toBuy Local foods.With spring on the horizon a trip to your locals farmer's market is a great way to enjoy the tastes of local fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and so on. The tasty local food you purchase travels a shorter distance, thus using less fuel to arrive in your kitchen, while simultaneously supporting your local farmers.

Why Buy Local?

• With each purchase, you ensure that money goes directly to the farmer that grew/raised your food.

• Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances (On average American food travels 1,200 miles to reach your plate).
  

• Produced picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients.

• Local farmers often grow a large assortment of unique varities, providing interesting choices every season.

• Local traditional livestock operations can operate under more sanitary conditions than factory farms without inputs from antibiotics because animals may be raised on grass in less crowded conditions.

• Family Farms are an important part of the American tradition of self-sufficiency. Since 1935, America has lost 4.7 million farms. Fewer than 1 million claim farming as thier primary occupation. Yet corporate agribusiness profits have nearly doubled since 1990.

• Virtually every region in New York State and the country has the capacity to grow basic food products.

• Local food systems can repair the environment. Low input, sustainable farming practices establish restorative systems where every output becomes an input for the next level of production.

REAL LOCAL FARMS


East New York Farms: is a collaborative project that organizes youth and adult residents to address food issues in their community by promoting local and regional sustainable agriculture and community based economic development. East New York Farms also develops economic opportunities for local farmers and gardeners and holds a hands-on youth internship that provides agricultural training and leadership skills. www.eastnewyorkfarms.org

Fact: In 2005 East New York Farms grew over 10,500 pounds of organically -farmed produce.

Farmer's Market: New Lots & Schenck Ave.

New Project: East New York Farms has begun to produce "urban honey" and is training aspiring, neighborhood beekeepers.


Added Value/ Red Hook Farms is a non-profit organization promoting the sustainable development of Red Hook by nurturing a new generation of young leaders in South Brooklyn. www.added-value.org


Fact: Red Hook Community Farm/ Added Value has transformed a once dilapidated playground into vibrant community resource - a 2.75 acre urban farm. Here they host a variety of educational programs during the school year.

New Project: Currently they work with two locally owned business Restaurant 360 and Restaurant ici. The restaurants purchase produce from the farm and a portion of the dollars you spend on an excellent meal goes to support the growth of new generation agricultural youth leaders.


Farmer's Market: Wednesday Market - 6 Wolcott (Intersection of Wolcott and Dwight) 10am - 2pm
Saturday Market - The Red Hook Farm, Columbia and Beard Street 9am - 3pm



WHAT YOU CAN DO. Frequent your farmers market. Request local produce at your grocery store. Join a CSA. Eat at restaurants which feature a Local menu.

Remember, the goal is not to ban long-distance food. The goal is to restore a balance of local and long-distance food for the health of our communities, our farms, our land, and ourselves.

Links

www.foodroutes.org
www.farmaid.org
www.nysawg.org
www.localharvest.org/csa/ -- find out about how to join a CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) and buy produce directly from a farm!
http://www.cenyc.org/greenmarket -- find your local greenmarket, right here in NYC!
www.justfood.org
www.100milediet.org

Related Reading
The Omnivore's Dilemna
Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean, And Fair
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

Brooklyn Green Team
www.brooklyngreenteam.blogspot.com

Forgot to post pictures - Shrove Tuesday

Now that Lent is over, I was just looking back and realize I hadn't posted pictures taken at the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. I was out of town, and lost track, I guess. These pictures were taken on Jill's camera - by Jill, Lilly, and maybe others?!?

Enjoy...

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Reflection for Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008

Romans 15:7-13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -- Romans 15:13

This verse alone speaks volumes to me. I read a few days ago a writers description of the rainbow. "When we look at a rainbow , we see light reflected in many glorious colors. The magnificence of the rainbow is a visual display of the power and the beauty of light."

Thinking of this statement on my way to work this morning and seeing the sunlight piercing through the clouds reminded me of another kind of light, the Christ light which is always shining within me and those who chose to have Christ in their daily lives. Christ light is always a ray of peace and hope in times of conflict in or lives. Christ light is wisdom in times of indecision, energy and hope in times of physical demand. When we know that we are filled with Christ light or divine light this gives us hope for today and better tomorrows. I know for me this light helps keep my focus positive when situations in my life seem out of control and I don't know which path to take. When I recognize the Christ light within, I am more attuned to the wonders of life, the beauty of my surroundings and appreciative for all that I have and can share with others.

It is beautiful to feel this presence and I am sure when each of you experience Christ's light you are calm, filled with peace, hope and strength and you move through the day with ease and confidence. Therefore as we move through this day, this holy week, let's keep our thoughts focused on the divine light of Christ and we will find that our lives will be abundantly blessed.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Monday, Mar 17, 2008

Romans 15:1-6

The part of this passage that stuck with me is the last verse: "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." As Christians we sometimes ignore the teachings of Jesus and fall into the trap of judging others. You sometimes hear debates about who is saved or whether someone is a "saint" or a "sinner". But the message from this passage is beautiful because it emphasizes that our duty as Christians is to act towards each other with the love that Jesus exhibited. The passage is even more specific and says that we need to act with patience and to provide comfort. I, for one, will do well to remember that the next time I reproach someone, even if it is a silent reproach.

by David Mulle

Reflection for Thursday, March 13, 2008

Romans 8:11-14

So I wrote this long reflection and pressed "publish post," then skipped off to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday. When I returned there was an error message saying "blogger" was temporarily inaccessible on line. I came back on before midnight to check if my post was saved somewhere on the site, but it is lost. The passage says, "you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep." This wake-up call really speaks to me, because I feel we are asleep most of the time. Sleep is actually a pleasant image. Most of us enjoy sleep and want more of it. (I know I do right now!). But Paul seems to be saying there is something better than being asleep and that is living honorably. There seems to be three ways to go through life--honorably, sinfully, or asleep. I don't fall under the list of sins Paul gives with drunkenness, debauchery, and licentiousness. But I do fall asleep--taking the path of least resistance, getting stuck in complacency, being caught in complicity from not taking action.

Living honorably each day is a lot more than not sinning, it is waking up and not shying away from the light.

Reflection for Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008

Romans 13:8-10

Two things about this passage are striking. The first is that, in verse 8, our obligation to love one another is presented as a debt. The version of the Our Father that one of us grew up with asks forgiveness of trespasses instead of debts. Both are words that speak of owing something, but the difference between the two - in light of this passage - is striking. A trespass is stepping over boundaries and into space in which one does not belong. Debts are obligations which have not yet been fulfilled, based on a relationship between people. To say that we trespass implies we are all surrounded by fences staking out what is ours and excluding all others; a debt means we've come to agreements with others and have a sense of commitment.

The second phrase that resonates in the passage is verse 10 - that love does no harm and thus fulfills the law. Anyone who's had a crush in middle school could take issue with the idea that love never hurts others. The love that Paul speaks of, though, is a reflection of God's love instead of our more earthly conception of love. Early Christians defined the difference with two separate words - agape for the former and eros for the latter. Agape is unconditional and reflects caring for our fellow man as a fellow child of God; it makes no demands on others. It does, however, require of us the commitment to see the face of God in all people - a debt we owe to all, so to speak.

A practical instance of putting this into action happened during our commute yesterday, when a fellow passenger in the subway started to feel dizzy and sick during the ride. Those around her showed her care and concern, and made sure she reached stop safely. All of us would feel good about ourselves - even a little superior - for having done a good deed for the day; according to this scripture, though, we should actually feel humbled because we were simply doing our duty in helping our neighbor. Agape means we should concentrate on thinking of others before we speak or act, particularly in these passing daily interactions with strangers.

by the Sandifords

Reflection for Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008

Romans 13:1-7 "Submission to the Authorities"

I believe, Romans 13: 1-7 speaks to us about choosing to do what is RIGHT in all the aspects of our lives. There are governing authorities in our lives, for instance, the U.S Constitution, Tax Laws, Criminal Laws etc. Though these laws may be governed by judicial authorities, these laws are also in place to serve God's Law and God's plan. Governing laws often mirror and uphold the morals that God Himself has set for us to live by. That is why we must choose to do the right thing in all the areas of our lives, whether this is a financial area, a spiritual area or an interpersonal area. For those that follow governing laws are pleasing God, because we are upholding his morals as well. When we pay our taxes we are contributing to society, when we treat others with respect we are setting the example for others to be inspired by and follow, when we pay our debts we are demonstrating we are keeping our promises and demonstrating honor.

Both God's Law and governing law are in place to do us good, not to harm us. It is in place to protect us, as God protects us each and every day. Those who choose to do the RIGHT thing on a daily basis are commended by God through his many blessings and should not fear the wrath of God. However, it is important that we choose to do the right thing because of our inner conscience and because it is what our heart and soul tells us to do, not merely because we fear God's punishment. If we do what is right with an open and honest heart, surely God sees this even if others are unable to recognize it.

If we Let Go and Let God direct our steps we would not have to fear God's wrath either. As humans we often want to take charge and make decisions on our own without consulting God through prayer. It is during these times we find ourselves in difficult situations and end up calling on God to see us through.

Have a blessed day.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Saturday, Mar 8, 2008

Romans 12:1-8

I find this whole area of Romans is very inspirational.

I read this as a call for us to try to follow the example of Jesus and to offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice; that is, to place every aspect of our life before God as a worshipful offering. We are fond of saying that Christ redeems us. But what does that mean? It means comforting us in our sorrow and healing the scars Breisen wrote about.

Paul tells us not to conform to this world. Every day we're bombarded with messages about what to buy and tips on how to use people for our own gain. In this letter we're urged to go deeper; to have lives of real meaning; to love God and each other.

(Sorry this is late...Joey and Ellie have been sick and it's taken a lot of my waking hours...)

by Paul Mowry

Reflection for Friday, Mar 7, 2008

Romans 11:25-36

"33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34'For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?'
35'Or who has given a gift to him,
to receive a gift in return?'
36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen. "

I got a call from my mom on Tuesday night that her youngest sister, my aunt, was in the hospital with severe pain in her abdomen, a week after doctors suspected she might have leukemia which thankfully she does not. She was doped up on morphine as tests were being run to find out what the problem was, but the pain only increased but the doctors could not find out what was wrong, and several times tried to release her to go home. Her stomach became distended, swollen, and my Dad, a physician of forty years, who thought she should go into surgery in the event of appendicitis or an infection from a past surgery had to threaten the 20-something resident, "if you don't take her into surgery now, I will call in my own team of surgeons to do it for you." To surgery she went where they discovered scar tissue from years ago that had begun to envelop a section of colon and threatened several other organs. The surgery was successful.

We all live with scar tissue, most of which is unseen, some of which can grow and fetter internally until it begins to hurt other organs causing great pain or worse, takes away our life. The conditions of our unfair planet and our unfair lives brimming with people who do us good and some who do us bad can scratch and tear at our insides and sometimes overwhelm us. Also this week my Uncle Johnny, who is as responsible for my existence as my own grandfather, passed away. In 1938 while teaching English at Charles University in Prague, he befriended my grandfather, his student, and was responsible for among other things, convincing him to return to America with him before the outbreak of the looming war and in the wake of the disappearance of his family to a Nazi concentration camp where they all were exterminated. My grandfather's scar tissue was so great, he never talked about it, it was only the ancient recollections of Uncle Johnny that we could try to understand what was buried there. Uncle Johnny was in his nineties and had lived for years in assisted living, but his loss still looms monumental and tragic for my family.

The wisdom and knowledge of God are like surgical scissors, forceps, and instruments to cut away at the scar tissue that weighs us down, but we often forget to implement these gifts perhaps because we forget that we can individually be both patient and doctor, with God's help. Healing is not a quick and painless process. My other grandfather, a Baptist missionary and preacher for many decades is fond of saying "When you talk to the Lord, no breath is lost, so breathe on. When you walk with the Lord, no strength is lost, so walk on. And when you wait on the Lord, no time is lost, so wait on." Amen.

by Breisen

Reflection for Thursday, March 6, 2008

Romans 11:11-24 reflection by Rev. Beth

"So do not become proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God."

God is kind and severe. This is how a life of faith can feel when I only experience God as my personal lord and savior and lose sight that most of the Bible is talking to the "you (plural)" and not just the singular me. One day is full of blessings, the next, random punishment. A faith journey can be such a pendulum swing when it is experienced alone.

Paul is a Jewish pharisee. He had respect and privilege among the Jewish people. He was blessed. But then he met the resurrected Jesus and he understood God in a new way. The thing was all his old friends didn't see it his way. He had to make new friends in the Gentiles. But he couldn't explain the rejection he felt from his old friends; the ones who first taught him about God and whom he knew God loved dearly. The more excited his new friends the Gentiles got about God and their new blessings, the more Paul understood his first family in his particular community of Jews. Whether you are born to faith or find it later, Paul felt it is all too easy to lose sight of God to pride. It is a much harder thing to keep living in awe--focused on God. Among his old community, Paul had lost that sense of awe, but he felt it again with the Gentiles. Still he worried about keeping awe alive.

He tries to explain this to the Gentiles with a metaphor out of everyday life--the tending to an olive tree. Sometimes, trees were pruned to keep the plant alive and other times branches were grafted back on to bring new life. Olive trees need pruning. Because the branches grow crosswise, they can create a thick canopy and block the sun from reaching the rest of the plant. This means some parts can get sun-burnt and others can wither from no sun. Olive trees also need grafting. Olive trees don't grow from seeds in the ground. Seedlings or other branches must be grafted back to an existing tree. This can bring new life to an old tree or even change the variety of olive growing there.

As a pastor, I can worry like Paul does here as old friends burn out on church and disappear for a while and as new friends come in with great zeal but no knowledge of the old friends and the olives we were growing. But I realize that the pruning and the grafting of the tree are not ultimately up to me. I admit that I worry about who has disappeared because they are experiencing severity and who is not coming because they've turned God's kindness into pride. Or vice versa, who is the fair weather church-goer and who is the devout despairer? Ultimately, I try to enjoy the fruit of the olive tree, which incidentally never bears fruit in the same place. I try to trust the Olive Grower with its pruning sheers and grafting thread. I try to remember that we are not singular seedlings, growing alone in a life of faith, but we are branches on a tree, experiencing together severity and kindness as we are pruned and grafted at different intervals. Although it feels imbalanced as an individual experience, we need pruning and grafting for our greater growth as we learn to live not alone and not by pride but together and in awe of the God who brings us there.

Reflection for Wednesday, Mar 5, 2008

Romans 11:1-10

In the prior verse the Israelites are described as contrary and disobedient, and in Chapter 11 Elijah speaks of their destruction and his own imminent danger. The Lord did not turn His back on his people in their time of trouble; instead, He assured Elijah that His covenant had not been broken, and that faith in Him would still be rewarded.

Although Paul wrote this passage for his own time, his words apply equally today. They remind us that no matter how much we immerse ourselves in prayer and study, we still cannot know perfectly the will of God. What seemed to Elijah to be the end of his people and their covenant was only a troubled time that would be surmounted. In even the greatest tragedy there is a meaning, even if we cannot find it immediately. No matter how bad things may seem, we have not been abandoned to fate. Instead, through the grace of God those who embrace him will be saved. This means that no matter how often we stumble and are drawn away from God by the pleasures of everyday life, we will still be able to turn back to God and be welcomed like the Prodigal Son. There may be times in our lives when we think that God has withdrawn from our lives, but He is always for our return with open arms. What a comforting thought! No matter what we are going through, through his grace we are safe and will eternal life in heaven with Him.

by Katy and Matt Sandiford

Reflection for Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Romans 10:5-21

I believe God is telling us that there is common judicial law that is set up in the world to judge one another's actions. However, we do not live only by this law. We live also and most importantly by the righteousness and law of God. However, God's law does not give us the right to judge one another; to determine who merits going to Heaven, and who merits going to hell. Instead, this law is in place to tell us to believe in the word of God, and to believe in our hearts and to speak the word of God with our mouths. Within God's law, everyone is eligible to be saved by believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he blesses us daily when we place our faith in his hands. Regardless of whether we are Jews or Gentiles.

In addition, I believe God is telling us not only does he want the Israelites to be blessed but all of his people to. And Jesus is the redeemer for us. The flesh is weak but the Holy Spirit is perfectly strong which Jesus is in us. When his chosen people failed and struggled with the law of Moses, they then received a second chance by believing and trusting in Jesus through faith which allowed the blessings to continue toward salvation. By having faith trusting and believing not only will God continue to bless you but love you and save you from the forces of evil and not pay the penalty of death through sin. God's closeness is as close as the very breath we breathe.

Each morning when I journal it is my daily belief that I trust, believe and have faith in God. No matter what challenges I may be faced with for the day or judgmental comments made toward me, for I know through the power of Christ all will work out in divine order. In addition, through the power of morning prayer and going with the winds of change through the course of the day I know that it is my Savior Jesus Christ at the end of the day who brings me through. Hope and trust you all are having a blessed and productive day.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Monday, Mar 3, 2008

Romans 9:30-10:4

I'm not sure if this is cheating but I cannot do the reflection without skipping ahead a few verses.

The beginning of Chapter 10 has Paul praying that the Israelites will be saved. When discussing the Israelites Paul mirrors the criticisms that Jesus had of the pharisees. Namely, that they were too focused on the letter of the law rather than God's righteousness. "they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law".

God had entered into a convenant with the Israelites through Abraham and Jacob and despite any shortcomings, in Chapter 11, verse 1, Paul states "I say then, has God cast away his people? Certainly not!"

Even when the Israelites don't live up to their side of the bargain, God does not cast them away. I find that very comforting because even when I fail, God will not abandon me. I think this is also the reason why I am so comforted by all the mistakes the disciples make in the gospels. I can identify with that and even though Jesus becomes frustrated with them, he still trusts them to go out and proclaim his word. If there is hoe for them even though the fall asleep, are constantly doubting, and miss the point of the parables, then there is also hope for me.

By David Mulle

Reflection for Saturday, Mar 1, 2008

Romans 9:19-29

This can be an extremely difficult passage to interpret. It has led a lot of people throughout the millennia to try and figure out who is saved (that is, receive eternal life) and who is not saved. The thing about Christianity is, if you're in for your salvation, you're missing the boat. Jesus tells us the most important thing is to love God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind; and to love our neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:36-40, Mk 12:28-31, Lk 10:25-37). You can't do that if you're obsessed with whether or not you're going to heaven. And if you love God SO THAT you'll go to heaven, well, that's not the point either.

There are many places in the Bible where God acts in such a way as to make people do what we all see as the wrong thing, like with the Pharaoh when Moses was trying to lead the Jews out of slavery in Egypt, mentioned by Paul earlier in this chapter. God "hardens" Pharaoh's heart. So, does that mean all the bad things we do is because God made us do it? No. Why does God act this way sometimes? We can ponder, but we will never surely know the mind of God.

What then can all this mean to me?

I believe to live in Christ is to live as much as I can in the radical compassion, forgiveness and welcome that Jesus did. I am not too concerned with WHY someone acts badly towards me, themselves, others, or society in general. I can only try to embrace the Holy Spirit and greet that person with compassion, forgiveness and welcome. Perhaps God has hardened someone's heart. Perhaps this was done so that I would have the opportunity to embrace the spirit of the living Christ by showing that person compassion.The next time someone really bugs you, try thinking that in bugging you they are providing you with an opportunity for your own spiritual growth by embracing what Jesus taught us about love, forgiveness, and acceptance.

In peace and love,

Paul Mowry

Reflection for Friday, Feb 29, 2008

Romans 9:1-18

This morning there was an email from our HR director with funeral information for a co-worker's son. He was only three months old. I was thinking about Beth's scary story about James' hospital visit and I thought about the immense loss of losing someone who had a name, thoughts, connected with his parents through scent, touch, and the other ways parents connect with infants but had only a few breaths, never celebrated a first birthday, nor had the chance to do so many wonderful things that we as humans get to do on Earth. As I read the Romans chapter for today I was thinking about the mercy and compassion God shows every day and also of the senselessness and sadness of everday tragedies.

Ultimately we might not have control of everything that happens, life will bring joy and tragedy, but in communication and in faith with God, our journey is made easier, not to say that it is ever easy. The loss of a baby is extraordinary, my ability to empathize is limited because I have never had a child or personally know the loss of someone so young, but this verse reminds me that God's compassion is great and that even in the wake of death, we are not alone.

by Breisen Miller

Belated reflection for Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008

Romans 8:14-30

It is human nature to want what we haven't got. It's hard to not look at the latest gadget or fashion trend and want it for our own, regardless of what our better angels might advise. Or, as Paul put it in this selection, "hope that it is seen is no hope at all." (v. 18) This desire is bad enough when it comes to our material comforts, but can be insufferable when matters of the sprit are concerned. At least we can stare at the latest iPod; what can we look at or touch to make us feel better about our fears and hopes? The iPod won't help - nor will any other tangible thing in the long run.

The answer is that our present wants cannot compare with the glories to be revealed within us (v. 18). No matter what is in front of us - problems at school, with friends, the Knicks - all of these daily frustrations are insignificant compared to the promise of being reunited with Christ in heaven. But being human - and wanting more immediate comfort - what can we turn to?

Sometimes we may not even understand what is causing our frustration or sorrow. The beauty of the Holy Spirit, though, is that we don't even have to know what it is we need from the Lord - "in the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness." (v. 26) We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. How amazing is that! God knows what we need and what we are feeling even before we know ourselves; all we have to do is pray without words and the Lord hears our hearts and responds for our good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (v. 28)

This doesn't mean that we will get everything that we want out of life or that only good will happen to us once we trust in the Lord. I'm sure we have all had times when our parents forbid us from doing something that we wanted to do saying that it's "For your own good" - and most of the time they were right! If our parents, who are human and therefore fallible, move at times for our own good, how much more does God, who loves us with a perfect and holy love, arrange things for our good. Our final act of faith is to understand that what is best for us in God's eyes is not something we can truly grasp, but we put our hope and trust in him regardless of what that might mean for us in the present.

By Katy and Matt

FPC and the ...... Boston Celtics???

'Ubuntu' is also the rallying cry of the Boston Celtics

bostonherald.com — The team adopted the African term "Ubuntu" (which roughly translates to "I am because we are") as a rallying cry for team unity. Doc Rivers had his rookies make a presentation to the team about the term, and the message apparently stuck. The Celtics shout "Ubuntu" as they break their huddle after practice. Coach Doc Rivers says he chose the chant over the typical "1, 2, 3, Celtics!" after reading about Bishop Desmond Tutu over the summer.

-- Spotted and Forwarded by David Mulle

Reflection for Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

(Note, we've missed a few days due to technical confusions, snowdays and the flu, but we've kept reading on our own. See the calendar at the bottom of the page for each day's reading.)

Romans 8:31-39

God in the ER.

Last night, I took James to the ER. At 5:30pm, he started projectile vomiting and everything else and then just went limp after an hour. It is scary for a parent to see her child so listless and vulnerable. This is the part of the atonement that I have never understood, the part about God, a Father that would sacrifice his son. And yet, I know that God feels the pain of parents and children who suffer. In the ER, David and I, although confused about James, felt lucky. There was a toddler with a large head wound, a 5-year old girl with very painful condition similar to kidney stones that required multiple CT scans, a teenager with a sever asthma attack and no parents around, and a 12 week-old with 103 degree fever. The room needed a lot of prayers. When faced with another person’s suffering and with my own helplessness, I often ask, “where is God in this place?” I’ve always loved this passage because it seems to ask the same question I ask in these situations: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” Hardship? That 5-year old had gotten used to all the needles and tests at a young age. Distress? Parents who can’t fix it for their child, live with stress every moment. Famine? James stomach went from jolly to sunken in just 2 hours without nutrition, I can’t imagine not being able to feed my child for days. Nakedness? In different states of undress or just in confusion and at a loss, we were all vulnerable. Peril? War? Do these separate us from God’s love? It feels like it, but (at the risk of sounding like a Huckabee campaign) isn't God's love "more than a feeling."

So I was surprised to open my Bible today and find my favorite passage waiting for me on my day to reflect: Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

James is on the mend. I hope too are the other infant, the toddler, and Leah, the 5-year old and Leah, the 14-year-old, (there was cute moment when the doctors got confused by the Leah’s and for a moment they left their own fear of their condition and identified with the other’s). Mended or not, they are not alone, not alone in their suffering as God as Jesus too has suffered great pain nor parents alone in their distress, for God too has known their vulnerability. I guess God, too, was in the ER.

Cool things that FPCers are up to!

In case you haven't looked at the actual blog for a while, you might not be aware of some additions to the margins here...

1. You can get an email when there are updates posted to the blog. Put your email address into the "Get notified of new blog postings" box and click "Subscribe".

2. Featured blogs:
Gabe and Gwynne each have their own blogs that are featured in the right margin. Gabe's is an exploration of religion in science fiction and popular culture; Gwynne reflects on Religion & Absurdity in pop culture & the Media. Both are quite interesting.

There is a new "FPC Brooklyn-y" blogclip that is a compilation of interesting blogs including:

• Rev. Dr. Paul Smith's blog
  
• Rev. Beth's husband David's blog
  
• The Brooklyn Green Team, all about recycling and ecological education in Brooklyn


• A blog called "The Faith Divide", written by a muslim-american in Chicago, that "explores what drives faiths apart and what brings them together"


• The blog for First Church Families' ministry

Along with some other links and things under the heading "Related (or not) Links". Have you checked out Faith Streams for media content, or RELEVANT Magazine for teen and young adult topics related to Christian living?

3. Featured Bible Verse of the Day - now moved to the top of the page

4. We still have the calendar of Youth birthdays and an inspirational quote of the day at the bottom of each page. In addition, the Mission Statement for the Youth Group is on every page, and the calendar includes the daily readings for our Lenten reflections of Romans.

5. The previously mentioned (in an e-mail) "Clicks for a Cause" section includes many charitable sites, including the vocabulary building FreeRice.com game.

Let us know about your activities and you never know who might show up at your game, play, musical, recital, match, tournament, etc. For example, do you recognize last year's Confimand that is teaching Sunday School in this picture?

You can also keep up with some of us on our Facebook pages, just "friend" Mark and/or connect to others.

Check out these features, and feel free to suggest others.