3rd Annual Brooklyn Cyclones Outing!

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!

2009-08-15 Cyclones Game

The Cyclones pitching had something like 12 strike outs (I remember seeing at least 11xK on the scoreboard), and the score tells you that it was indeed a pitcher's battle; 2-1 in 10 innings. Unfortunately, after coming up big in the 9th inning with a solo homer to tie it, the Cyclones left runners on base and gave up the winning run in the top of the 10th inning.

It was an exciting game, we felt a part of the action and were around like-minded fans. As a matter of fact, the group in front of us offered "free hot dog and a soda" vouchers to us late in the game!

A full compliment of 20 First Pres Brooklynites came out and were not disappointed with the game, just the resulting score.

Some of us stuck around after the game and fireworks to walk on - or play football on - the beach, then strolled down the boardwalk and back to Williams Candy before boarding our train home. We did make it to the stadium in time to get the Pepsi beach towel, and (somehow) Mario got a free Brooklyn Cyclones baseball cap for everyone, too!

Lots of fun, fellowship, and fresh sea air. The perfect outing for an all-too-fast summer of 2009.

Terry Riley's "In C"

This week's Summer Music was a little different, but by no means any less enjoyable!

Wil got together with something like 17 of his friends to perform Terry Riley's "In C". The Wikipedia articles cited describes the piece:

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.

The effect was quite pleasing. I wish I had a better video recorder (or ever remembered to bring my digital camera on a Thursday), but I think you'll get a sense of the sound from the video files, below - or at least for the period when I didn't have my thumb over the microphone...

Video clips:

"In C" (1 of 2) 3:50

"In C" (2 of 2) 1:06

Coffee Hour with (for) The Ford's

It was bitter sweet, but we know we will see them all again. (Click the picture to see the small album of coffee hour pictures)

This past Sunday was the last "official" week for the Mensah-Ford family at First Church. They are moving out of the area, but Rebecca is remaining in the Confirmation Class and Andrew will definitely be back for the winter retreat to hit the toboggan run again! Barry's job is still in New York, so he will worship with us when he can.

Be safe, Mensah-Ford's, and be well! Go with God's protection, and all our blessings.

Just a typical Thursday around the Church?!?

A glimpse into Thursday "The younger-youth day" at First Church...

10AM-11AM: Help in the Food Pantry

11AM-12:30PM: Arts, Crafts, Cards, and ... Balloon Animals?!? No, make that balloon creations! (Who knew you could make a cabin cruiser out of balloons?)

Morning Activities with Caleb, Ellie, Garrick, Olivia, Naya, and Simeon (click the picture to see more photos)

7PM-8PM: Gospel Hymn Sing-along and Ice Cream Social! (click picture for more, and see video links beneath)

Video: Alleluia, Amen (3:03)

Video: How Excellent is Thy Name (1:08)

P.S. The Cyclones tickets are going fast! Only 6 (make that) 5 left as I type this...

Baseball game is set - Aug 15!

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

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Oneonta Tigers

6PM, Saturday August 15

The game starts at 6PM, with a beach towel giveaway for the first 2,500 fans in attendance. I'm thinking we should arrive earlier this year and try to pick up some Cyclone-swag! What do you say to meeting at Church at 4:30PM Saturday afternoon the 15th? If you would rather meet us at KeySpan Park, that's okay too (provided you will be travelling with a parent or other adult).

There are also post-game fireworks on the 15th, so at least some of us will be staying to watch that, as well.

Please reserve your ticket(s) by writing to Mark (or call via the link on the lower right side of the blog) and letting me know how many tickets you want.

Reminder, this Thursday, 6-Aug:

• Foodpantry volunteers meet at 10AM
• Baking, Arts, Games (with special balloon animals, this week!) 11AM-12:30PM
• Summer Music: Gospel Hymn sing-along and Ice Cream Social at 7PM