From the Stewardship Committee
|
|
|
First Presbyterian has a long practice of working for social justice. The Antiracism Task Force was initiated in the fall of 2019 after our congregational survey identified combating systemic racism as a priority. The members of the task force have been meeting ever since to educate themselves and other First Pres members on the origins and results of systemic racism. The task force continues to encourage others in their own antiracism exploration as well as our congregation’s collective journey. But we know it will take a strong and sustained effort with uncommon determination, integrity, and humility to turn the tide of systemic racism within our church, our neighborhood, and our community.
What is the connection between our antiracism efforts and our stewardship campaign? Your pledges fund all aspects of this work: eye-opening sermons by our pastors that challenge the status quo; special programs, speakers, and projects; physical and virtual meeting spaces; and antiracism books and other resources for First Pres’s lending library.
Our stewardship campaign’s theme, “Come and See, Together” bids us to put our faith and love into action to bring about an equitable and safe community for people of color in our congregation and community. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). If your heart longs for equity and a safe, supportive community for all our neighbors, then pledge with your heart. Support our 2021 Stewardship Campaign as generously as you can on Consecration Sunday, October 24.
|
|
Looking for some fellowship time?
Join other First Pres members at an outdoor, lower risk gathering!
Below are some opportunities.
Each gathering is outside*.
Chairs are provided.
Numbers limited to groups of 6 to 8.
Reservations required.
Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Porch time at David Hinchen’s in Albany
Thursday, October 14, 5:00-6:30pm
Thursday, October 21, 5:00-6:30pm
Beverages & snacks provided.
You are welcome to bring a snack to share.
RSVP to David via email or 518-489-1854
* * * * * * * * * * *
Patio time at Miriam and Glenn’s in Delmar
Friday, October 29 at 4:00pm
Saturday, October 30 at 4:00pm
Hot and cold beverages provided.
You are welcome to bring a snack to share.
RSVP via church office
* * * * * * * * * * *
* in case of inclement weather, the host will determine
if the event will be cancelled or postponed
If you're interested in hosting a safe outside gathering,
please contact Office Administrator Jamie
to let her know the details.
|
|
A Message from Social
Justice & Peacemaking Committee
|
|
|
Most (plastic) bags of candy in the Halloween aisles contain sweets that are individually-wrapped in plastic. But you can find some Halloween candy that is better for the environment.
- A number of candies come in paper boxes, e.g. Smarties, M&Ms;, Nerds, Dots, Milk Duds, Glossette chocolate-covered raisins or peanuts, Junior Mints, Popeye Candy Sticks, Chewy Lemonhead, Whoppers, and more.
- Pixy Sticks and waxed paper-wrapped toffees, such as Bits-O-Honey, are good options. Some mini chocolate bars come wrapped in paper. You might be able to find Glee Gum or another variety without plastic packaging.
The little things we do to help our earth are just as important as the big things.
|
|
Reviews of Antiracism Resources
|
|
|
Do you have an antiracism book or other resource you want to share?
One First Pres priority is “combating systemic racism both within and outside the church.” Many of you are already reading and discussing books and articles that address this underlying racism, and the Membership Committee invites you to share your insights and thoughts in First Pres eblasts. What did you find enlightening? For whom would you recommend this particular book or article? Reviews of other media addressing racism, such as movies, TV shows, podcasts and children’s resources are welcome. Please email your mini review to: Carol Green. Questions about reviews may be directed to Carol Green at email or call or text 518-331-1447.
Click here for past reviews
|
|
Sunday morning schedule through October 31
9:00–9:45 Virtual Youth Group (Grades 6 thru 12) via zoom
9:00–9:45 Adult Education Class via zoom
9:15–9:45 Children’ Education Class (K thru Gr 5) via zoom
10:30 Worship: in-person and livestreaming on Facebook
11:30 Fellowship Time outside weather permitting
* * * * * * * * * * *
VOCAL-NY calls for the ACCORD pilot program to take place in the urban areas of Albany, NY.
“Join us as we demand lawmakers take concrete steps toward ending the violence in our communities. We believe the Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting (ACCORD) program is vital to creating a more human-centered system. The ACCORD program allows a unit of social workers to be deployed along or without police to handle situations with people suffering from emotional distress or mental illness…. Albany County created this program in response to former Governor Cuomo’s mandate to reimagine policing in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.”
Read the entire OP-Ed here
…the program launched its official pilot program in Berne, N.Y. -- a region where very few People of Color and police brutality victims reside compared to cities like Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and many others. Please stand with us as we demand justice in bringing initiatives like the ACCORD program to communities and areas of the Capital Region struggling due to disproportionately high rates of policy-induced injuries, deaths, and racist policing.
The community is making a big push to get this program to be implemented by the end of November.
Consider also supporting Daniel’s Law: Police Are Not the Answer to Mental Health Crises.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Adult Volunteers NEEDED!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/X34Y26tkqxsQgZg8A
Questions? contact Molly or at (518) 810-3158
* * * * * * * * * * *
Creative Action Unlimited is thrilled to announce the premiere of the FILM of Whitewashed: the racism project at the Madison Theater on October 15, 16, 22 and 23. (Online premiere is October 29.) Tickets go on sale October 1!
Directed by Michael Kennedy , cinematography by Jamel Mosely and featuring Archie, Danielle Colin, Diaka Kaba Hill, Zoë Lewis, Aaron Joshua and Siobhan Shea.
(Trailer by David Quinones Jr )
Follow the link to the trailer
|
|
* * * * * * * * * * *
Youth & Families!
Please respond to the linked doodle poll to reschedule a couple summer events, and start planning for gatherings this fall.
Please mark ALL days that you/your youth would be available for an event.
Some possibilities would be for a service project, an outdoor gathering such as a pool party or fire pit, a weekend retreat, or a day at Soul Fire Farm. The times are not set in stone, but meant to be a general "morning", "afternoon", "evening" time slot. Please use the comments section to make any clarifications or suggestions.
We will ALWAYS be mindful of and follow best practices for safety regarding COVID-19. This is just a planning tool that will help in scheduling (and rescheduling as necessary).
Thank you in advance for your prompt responses! Click here to answer the poll!
|
|
Tuesday, 10/12 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
11:30am Clergy Meeting
12:00pm Endowment Subcommittee Meeting
5:30pm Property Committee Meeting
6:30pm Albany Presbytery Meeting via zoom
Wednes., 10/13 6:30pm Women's Small Group
7:00pm Dads' Small Group
Thursday, 10/14 7:00am Men's Bible Study (Rose Room)
5:00pm Porch time at David Hinchen’s in Albany
7:15pm Soloist/Choir Rehearsal
Saturday, 10/16 1:00pm Service of Witness to the Resurrection for
Hugh Nevin (In-Person and Live Streaming on
Facebook)
Sunday, 10/17 9:00am Adult Education via Zoom
9:00am Virtual Youth Group
9:15am Children’s Education via Zoom
9:45am Soloist/Choir Rehearsal
10:30am In-Person Worship Service and
Live Streaming Worship Service on Facebook
11:30am Outside Fellowship Time
11:30am Offering Counter Training
Tuesday, 10/19 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
7:00pm Session Meeting
Wednes., 10/20 10:00am Women to Women Small Group
6:00pm Member Care Conversation
Thursday, 10/21 7:00am Men's Bible Study (Rose Room)
5:00pm Porch time at David Hinchen’s in Albany
7:15pm Soloist/Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, 10/24 9:00am Adult Education via Zoom
9:00am Virtual Youth Group
9:15am Children’s Education via Zoom
9:45am Soloist/Choir Rehearsal
10:30am In-Person Worship Service and
Live Streaming Worship Service on Facebook
11:30am Outside Fellowship Time
Monday, 10/25 1:00pm Covenant Small Group
Tuesday, 10/26 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
7:00pm FOCUS Board
|
|
|
|
