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Carlie D’Annunzio has served as the Financial Administrator at FPC for 25 years. She retires from this position at the end of September. Please join us this Sunday, September 26, as we show our appreciation for a job well done. We will honor her during the service and at the Fellowship Time to follow.
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Are you Called to Serve?
The Nominating Committee, including representatives from Session, Board of Deacons, and the congregation at large, is beginning to meet to identify members of our church family eligible to fill positions on Session vacated by Elders whose terms are expiring and to select an at-large member for next year’s Nominating Committee.
The beauty of our Presbyterian system of governance is that, as a gathered body of Christ, we are empowered to determine our leadership and how we seek to be in the world and move in that direction, with God’s help. While the Nominating Committee considers all members listed in our FPC Directory, we realize that we are not always aware of individuals’ eagerness to assume leadership roles, or who possess “hidden” talents that support the ever-evolving life of our church family.
The general expectation for individuals desiring to serve as Elders is that they be committed to supporting and promoting the life of the church as demonstrated by frequent attendance, regular stewardship through pledging, and involvement in one or more of the following: committee participation, teaching in CE, and volunteering in mission programs in the greater community. Specifically, this year, we seek nominees with special interests and skills in Outreach and Mission, Christian Ed, and Administration. Your assistance in discerning impassioned leadership is invaluable and greatly appreciated as we seriously and prayerfully work toward filling the vacancies. Near the end of November, a Congregational meeting will be held to elect nominees who have agreed to serve on Session and as the Congregation’s Nominating Committee member at-large for 2022.
Feeling a Call to Serve, or know someone who does? Contact Marian Eaton, Chair, Nominating Committee: (518) 495-6121 or marianeaton@nycap.rr.com. |
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Reviews of Antiracism Resources
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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
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From the Stewardship Committee
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A Message from the Stewardship Committee
“Come and See, Together” is the  theme of this year’s Stewardship campaign here at First Presbyterian. It implies a gathering, either virtually or physically. In order to do that, especially with respect to the latter, we need a space, our church home (aka building) at 362 State Street, Albany, NY.
Any home requires certain essentials to keep it “up and running” to provide for that gathering space; such as fuel for heating, electricity for lights, insurance, periodic repairs, etc. All these essentials require money. As you can understand, the bigger the home, the more these essentials cost. We are blessed with a beautiful church home in which to gather and do the work we are called to do. It requires funds in order to be maintained. Please help us continue to have a space to “Come and See, Together” as you consider your monetary support for the coming year.
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| Vigil for Peace in Colombia |
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We invite you to be in prayer with an international and ecumenical community of people.
On the International Day of Peace, join the Third Annual International Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace in Colombia.
It will be September 21, 2021 streaming at 3pm ET from Chile and Louisville.
The vigil will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
You can also visit PPF's facebook page to view. |
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First Pres, through the Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee, has been working with the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Here are opportunities for education and advocacy:
Tuesday - September 21st, 6:30pm - Capital Region PPC General Organizing Meeting - Join us for our monthly meeting! RSVP here.
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Sunday morning schedule September 26 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
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Are you someone who worships online on Sundays?
 You may have wondered what offering boxes we’re referring to during the service. as you leave the sanctuary.
Here’s a photo of one of them – they are
in the back of the church by the doors
You may have wondered how people are taking communion without coming forward to receive the element and with no one serving them in the pews. Well, here’s a photo of two of the sealed communion elements that worshipers pick up each Sunday as they come into the sanctuary. Worshipers pull back the top film back to reveal a wafer to eat and then pull back the next film to reveal juice to drink.
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Adult Volunteers NEEDED!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/X34Y26tkqxsQgZg8A
Questions? contact Molly or at (518) 810-3158
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Be a witness of support to the Black Lives Matter movement
every Tuesday from noon to 1:00pm.
Join others on State S.t in front of Westminster Presbyterian Church
with your mask (not-optional) and a sign (optional).
This effort is being spear-headed by Elizabeth McMillan at WPC.
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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
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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!
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Tuesday, 9/21 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
7:00pm Session Meeting
Wednes., 9/22 10:00am Women to Women Small Group
5:00pm Women's Small Group
Thursday, 9/23 7:00am Men’s Bible Study (Rose Room)
Saturday, 9/25 12:00pm Committal of Ashes; Fran Kamp
Sunday, 9/26 9:00am Adult Education via Zoom
9:00am Virtual Youth Group
9:15am Children’s Education via Zoom
10:30am In-Person Worship Service and
Live Streaming Worship Service on Facebook
11:30am Outside Fellowship Time and Retirement
Celebration for Carlie D'Annunzio
Monday, 9/27 1:00pm Covenant Small Group
6:00pm Nominating Committee via Zoom
Tuesday, 9/28 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
12:30pm Staff Lunch
7:00pm FOCUS Board
Wednes., 9/29 5:00pm Women’s Small Group
Thursday, 9/30 7:00am Men’s Bible Study (Rose Room)
7:00pm Soloist Rehearsal
Sunday, 10/3 9:00am Adult Education via Zoom
9:00am Virtual Youth Group
9:15am Children’s Education via Zoom
10:30am In-Person Worship Service and
Live Streaming Worship Service on Facebook
11:30am Outside Fellowship Time
Tuesday, 10/5 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
5:30pm Membership Committee Meeting
5:30pm Outreach & Mission Committee Meeting
5:30pm Property Committee Meeting
5:30pm Worship Committee Meeting
7:30pm Social Justice & Peacemaking Committee Meeting
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