Just to make sure you didn't miss the picture links in the earlier post, and to include one more, here are the online albums of the Christmas Pageant:
Another year and another great interpretation of the Christmas story!
We were dancing in the streets ... literally!
On October 10th our Confirmation Class visited the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue on the evening of Simchat Torah, the celebration of the new year with the Torah. The first 5 books of our Bible are read each year, so there is a day when the Torah - typically a scroll - is rolled back from Deuteronomy to Genesis.
After the regular (or perhaps a shortened) liturgy, we all rose, took all the Torah scrolls out and danced with them! It turned out that I (Mark) was holding a Torah when the procession went out from the Sanctuary onto Remsen Street. What a thrill to lead the procession, and what a heavy thing a Torah can be!
Lisa M, Paul, Connor, Lisa G, Katy, Mark and Liz (Jill was taking the picture)
Passing along a link that might interest some of you...
Students in grades 3-12 are invited to
submit a poem on: "Ways We Make Peace" at home,
in school or in the world.
Poems should be in English and
no more than 20 lines.
Submit entries from September 1 — October 1, 2009
To view contest rules and submit entries visit:
http://www.creducation.org/cre/crday/poetrycontest/submit_entry/
I had another commitment on the night of the final evening for the Summer Music Series. As luck would it, there was another blogger present (yeah for the internet)!
mcbrooklyn: Final Music Concert at First Presbyterian Marks End of Summer
Another August and another Brooklyn Cyclones game for us. Thanks again to Mario for providing tickets and getting our name on the scoreboard between innings! (Although none of us had our camera ready to get a picture of it, we know it was there!) You will see in the album below (click on the picture of Naya with Sandy the Seagull to see all the pictures) that we DID get a lot of other pictures, especially of the post-game fireworks show!
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| 2009-08-15 Cyclones Game |
This week's Summer Music was a little different, but by no means any less enjoyable!
In C consists of 53 short, numbered musical phrases, lasting from half a beat to 32 beats; each phrase may be repeated an arbitrary number of times. Each musician has control over which phrase he or she plays: players are encouraged to play the phrases starting at different times, even if they are playing the same phrase. The phrases must be played in order, although some may be skipped.
A glimpse into Thursday "The younger-youth day" at First Church...
Brother Mario has acquired tickets for us again this year (thank you, Mario!) and we have 15 seats available between home plate and 1st base for the
Well, it was acoustic guitar, but they were plugged in to some microphones so they could be heard better...
Hello everyone,I hope your summers' have been enjoyable and relaxing. I can't believe August is this weekend. Where did the summer go? Thank God, it's not over! I have a few youth activities planned for the end of July and beginning of August.July 30, Thursday @ 11-12:30: games, baking, artsAug. 6, Thursday @ 11-12:30: baking, artsAug. 8 or 15 Saturday @ 6 pm: Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball Game. TBA for the dateAug. 13, Thursday @ 11-12:30: games, arts and bakingSunday, Aug. 9th after church, Beth and I will be hosting a gathering for the Mensah-Ford family. Sadly they (Barry, Lisa, Rebecca, and Andrew) are moving to DC Aug. 14. Games are being planned for the youth. Please email me if you are able to come and if you can bring a dish to pass.I know that many of you will be away on family trips and summer camps, but if you are available, please email me and let me know which event you would like to attend; of course friends are welcome.A reminder that on Thursday mornings from 10 - 11 the food pantry is open and extra helping hands are always needed. I will be there the mornings of July 30, Aug 6, & Aug. 13.Don't forget Thursday Night Summer Music series at 7 pm in the front of the church. Check the youth blog calendar for details, http://fpcbrooklynyouth.blogspot.com/2009/07/summer-music-series-2009.htmlI will have other youth events planned for the fall starting in September with a fall kick-off.Enjoy the summer and I hope to see you soon.Peace,Jill
July 16th we had the New York Brass Choir playing in the garden. Very nice... Some new neighbors, and several people stopped on the sidewalk for a while.
Not to be outdone, another of our Youth workers, Salisha, is directing a short play through this Thursday. One of the actors she is directing is Chad (our resident hearing impaired signer), from the First Church choir.
We have a NUMBER of talented people affiliated with our youth program, and one of them is our own pancake-making, Confirmand mentor, Lisa. She is a book editor by day, and a much-in-demand children's author and speaker on "her" time.
Who is that guy ... 3rd row, 2nd from the right? Wait, I think that is Connor!
Nice writeup in New York magazine (and nymag.com web site), with a picture and everything!
Late addition from Lynn, the soon-to-be-married Holy Roller and "gal about Church":
Go Connor!! So cool.
As a side note, last week NPR had a great on-air segment on Grizzly Bear, the band that Connor and the youth choir sang with on their new album.
Another internship tip forwarded by Janet Pearson, NYC Prebytery's Youth Coordinator:From: U.S. Department of State [mailto:careers@state.gov]
Sent: Thu 5/14/2009 10:23 AM
Subject: U.S. Department of State: 2010 Spring Student Internship ProgramHello:We are pleased to inform you that we are accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's 2010 Spring Student Internship Program.Click here (http://careers.state.gov/You must be a U.S. Citizen and a student (a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student - including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school) to be eligible. Please read the program description and vacancy announcement for more information.We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.
We Can't Wait!A Young Adult Experience at the Big Tent, June 11-13.The Big Tent, a first-of-its-kind event to be held in Atlanta, Ga., also offers a unique opportunity for young adults (ages 18-35) to gather for inspiration, discipleship and service to the community, including a special Young Adult Mission Experience on Saturday, June 13. Young adults who are not registered for the Big Tent may participate in the Young Adult Mission Experience for a $25 Saturday-only fee. Register for Big Tent now!Questions? Email Martha Miller.
You are receiving this email from the Office of Christian Vocation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Yet another forward of information provided by Janet Pearson, the Presbytery of New York City's Youth Coordinator...
Download the complete flyer, with registration form...
Forwarded information, provided by Janet Pearson, the Presbytery of New York City's Youth Coordinator...
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) –a nonprofit organization– and The New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is now accepting applications for the fifteenth cycle of The "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training Program. This FREE skills training and job placement program aims to promote diversity in NYC's production industry and create new career opportunities for young adults who are unemployed or low-income. For more information about this free program visit our website http://www.bwiny.org/pages/patraining.html
The next cycle of the "Made in NY" PA Training Program is planned to begin in early July 2009! We offer:
· 4 weeks of full-time hands-on skills training, taught by industry professionals
· Two years of job placement assistance in entry-level commercial, music video, TV and film production jobs (e.g. 'production assistant' jobs)
· Career counseling and support as you work your way up
· Certification as a "Made in NY" Production Assistant through a partnership with the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.
Learn more about the work of a Production Assistant http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patraininga.html
"Made in NY" PAs are now working throughout NYC's production sector, on everything from feature films to commercials to reality TV, episodic TV, music videos, film festivals, and more. Our participants come from every borough; most had never worked on set before joining the program.
Find out who is hiring our graduates http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patrainingp.html
There is no fee for the training. However you must be able to cover your personal expenses during the training and job search. The training is full-time Monday-Friday, with homework and occasional evening and/or weekend sessions, followed by a two year job placement & career development program. Please do not apply if you are employed full-time or enrolled in school, or plan to enroll in school in the next two years.
Who Should Apply?
To apply for this program, you must:
- Have a valid driver's license (No Exceptions – you will be driving during job placement)
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be New York City Resident (you must currently live in one of the five boroughs) and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Demonstrate need for this opportunity (e.g. unemployed, low income or receiving public assistance, low-income background or lack of career choices due to personal obstacles)
*In order to apply you must meet all of the above requirements*
Please visit our website before applying to learn more about our eligibility requirement: http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patraininga.html
No previous production experience or knowledge is required. There is no educational requirement.
Individuals who are on parole, probation or who have past criminal convictions are welcome to apply.
How to Apply?
Attend an Open House
Open House Schedule for New Applicants
Tuesday, May 19th at 1pm
Tuesday, May 26th at 1pm
Tuesday, June 2nd at 1pm
Tuesday, June 9th at 1pm
Friday, June 12th at 10am
Tuesday, June 16th at 1pm
Monday, June 22nd at 1pm
Friday, June 26th at 10am
Tuesday, June 30th at 1pm
*Arrive 10 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted.*
(Open to all those who qualify: NO APPT. NEEDED)A limited number of training spots are available. Apply ASAP to guarantee consideration. Applications are accepted year round. (Training cycles are normally held in February, April, June and September).
*Because we have the resources to train and place a limited number of people, individuals are not eligible for this program if any of the following is true:
• They have more than 2 years of paid production experience* (International or Domestic)
• They have supervised production assistants (paid or unpaid)*
• They have ever been enrolled in any type of Master's or Doctorate programs
*If you are not eligible for this program for one of these reasons, please visit our website to learn more about other opportunities for free or low-cost training in TV & Film Production http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patrainingr.htmlDIRECTIONS:
BWI is located at 621 DeGraw Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Brooklyn. Take the M or R train to Union Street, walk two blocks towards the Hess gas station and make a left onto DeGraw Street. Or Take 2/3/4/5/D/M/N/Q to Atlantic Ave. and transfer to The Brooklyn-bound R Train.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
621 DeGraw Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenue)
Park Slope/Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY 11217
*VISIT BWI'S WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR OTHER JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS & SERVICES! http://www.bwiny.org/
& GreenEdge Collaborative NYCPresent
No Take-Out Challenge!*3 months. 3 meals a day.
Do it for your wallet! Do it for the planet!
PACKAGING STATISTICS: What are we doing?Almost 1/3 of the waste generated in the US is from packaging! Plastic takes 1,000 years to decompose (and really it just keeps getting smaller and smaller).
The US population tosses out enough paper and plastic cups, forks and spoons every year to circle the equator 300 times. Read that again.Paper comes from trees. Plastic comes from oil. To obtain either one, worldwide forests are being contaminated and destroyed.(source: treehugger.com)RESOURCES: Can I?
This article from Planet Green proposes a bunch of ways to reduce plastic, including take-out, in your kitchen.
This cute video with a nifty take on plastic was done by eco-to-go.org.
This site is also an excellent resource for statistics describing take-out containers on the environment.
This article from Treehugger.com gives helpful tips on what to do with the glut of take-out containers piling up in your cabinets. It also describes an initiative by the New York based group, The Eco-Agents, in which customers can request to use their own take-out containers from Restaurants.
This article from The Daily Green lists the ten most (and least) green containers. It contains the pluses and minuses on take-out containers from Styrofoam (Least Green) to Cardboard Boxes (Not As Green As You Might Think) to Edible/Inedible Containers Made From Food (Cha-Ching!).
This article from Diamondback Online describes an initiative at the University of Maryland to reduce take-out container uses and discusses the difficulties and successes they had in attaining their goals.
SOLUTIONS: Sure You Can!
Breakfast at Home. Pack Your Lunch. Stay at the Restaurant.
Visit our website for a list of restaurants that use eco-friendly take-out packaging.
If you must take something to go, get a sandwich or burrito wrapped only in foil (and reuse it) and put in your own bag or tote.Check our blog for suggestions on restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging.
email brooklyngreen@gmail.com and write "I Take No More!" (Include first & last name and zip)ONE MORE REMINDER:
In case you didn't yet do your three hours of volunteer service, Volunteer with Brooklyn Green Team and GreenEdge as part of It's My Park! Day.
Date: Saturday, May 16thTime: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Meeting Place: Grand Army Plaza Entrance to Prospect Park, near the Eagle ColumnThis event may include weeding, raking, sweeping, path edging, lake-shore clean-up, litter patrol, etc. We can take up to 20 people so PLEASE RSVP by replying to this email with your name and how many you are bringing. We will check in with you closer to the event.
*We define take-out as either delivery or going into a restaurant and having it wrapped up "to-go." We're not in this case referring to taking your left-overs with you - although we encourage you to try brining your own tupperware.
POW. YOU'VE BEEN GREENED!Join our Group Groupies of Brooklyn Green Team on GreenEdge Collaborative!
A Poem based on Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
She makes me lie down in green grass when I need grounding.
She leads me beside still waters when I am too busy to drink.
She reminds me I am Spirit as well as Child.
She leads me in God’s Path—(especially to church on Mother’s Day).
Even though I walk the line between the past and the future,
where I feel uncertain, and my life hangs in the balance,
I am not afraid,
for She is with me, prodding and providing.
I take comfort in her guidance.
She spreads a table before me, so I may sit safely even in danger.
She baths my head with oil. She fills my cup.
Surely, I shall know goodness and loving kindness for her hands have held me.
She waits for me, like a mother half-awake at night, and I shall dwell again in Her house.
by B.Waltemath
Ticking off the seconds of his 15 minutes of fame, Rev. Beth's Husband made an Easter morning appearance on local Channel 7 (ABC) Sunday morning news/talk show.
Or, as Rev. David described it himself, "tried to explain Easter in 10 seconds or less."
Note: We hug at First Pres Brooklyn, also!
Forwarded from Janet Pearson, Presbytery of New York City's Youth Coordinator --
Greetings in the Name of Christ:
I am forwarding to you an email from Elder Adolfo Griffith, Chair of the [New York City Presbytery's] Committee on Representation. Please circulate this information among the youth and young adults of your congregations. We desperately need representation within the Presbytery.
Also, please remind those that are in high school and entering college that this can count as community service and they will be given a recommendation upon request.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Elder Griffith or myself.
Be Blessed,
Janet Pearson (pearsonj8@aol.com)
Youth Coordinator
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Adolfo Griffith
To: Janet Pearson
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:49:27 -0700 (PDT)
Dear Elder Janet Pearson:
The Committee on Representation is currently seeking youth and young adults to become members of their committee, as described in G-9.0105 of the Book of Order.
We realize how busy our youth and young adults are regarding their daily schedules. However, it is important that their voice be heard in order to provide vital and meaningful ministry to our youth and young adults as well as allowing them to provide ministry to others.
We are asking for names of persons who are eligible and willing to serve as committee members. When submitting names, please inform us if any of these persons serve as elders, deacons, or members-at-large.
The nominees should be prepared to serve full terms (3 years) and vacancies (unexpired terms - 1 or 2 years) that are currently open.
These names will be forwarded to the General Council Nominating Committee for review. If these persons are interested in serving on other committees as well, please indicate that to us so that we may forward the names to the Committee on Nominations for consideration.
Thank you very much for your assistance to encourage our youth and young adults to serve.
Sincerely, Elder Adolfo Griffith (adolfogriffith@yahoo.com)
Chair, Committee on Representation
Sunday, March 8th, our confirmands, youth leaders, and a few parents and siblings participated in this weekly communion service for the homeless living in Madison Square Park.
Tuesday February 24th was Mardi Gras this year. That means it was time to pull out the beads and cook up the pancakes!
Sunday February 22 was the 15th (or 16th, depending on the source you believe) appreciation Sunday for the local Brooklyn Heights 84th Precinct of the NYPD. We had a great turnout of uniformed officers, and a few local politicians even participated in the worship service.
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| 2009-02-22 Police Appreciation |
Did I mention before that there was sledding and a toboggan? The field in front of the Phoenix house made for a good place for snowy fun!
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