From the Stewardship Committee
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A Message from the Stewardship Committee
When First Pres reopened its doors on Willett Street on June 20th, it was an invitation to Come and See, Together. We asked the congregation two questions: Why are you grateful to be back at First Pres in person? and What did you miss about not being at First Pres? It was an opportunity to learn what our members saw at the moment they came together for the first time in 15 months.
Overwhelmingly, they saw a community and a family. One member responded, “Because I love this vital community which seems even more so in person!” We treasured the time of fellowship and appreciated the presence of God that exists when God’s followers gather together. We were thankful for the opportunity to listen to the gospel and the Pastors in person, to sing hymns (in our hearts for the time being), greet each other (even with 6 feet between us), and catch up with old friends over coffee.
Members were grateful for the building itself. We missed the sanctuary, a place dedicated to practicing faith, where you can be fully present as you sit peacefully and reflect. Celebrating God through music can be more impactful when you feel the vibrations of the organ in your pew. Others missed worshiping under the Sea of Galilee window which inspires a sense of peace as we reflect on Sunday mornings.
The Stewardship Committee invites once again to Come and See, Together on October 24th for Consecration Sunday. Please take the opportunity to reflect on the joy, relief, and gratitude we felt when the doors of First Presbyterian’s sanctuary reopened. |
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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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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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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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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
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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, 9/28 9:00am Men's Bible Study via Zoom
12:30pm Staff Lunch
6:30pm FOCUS Board Meeting
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
Wednes., 10/6 11:00am Staff Meeting
Thursday, 10/7 7:00am Men's Bible Study (Rose Room)
7:30pm Soloist & Choir Rehearsal
Monday, 10/11 1:00pm Covenant Small Group
Tuesday, 10/12 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
11:30am Clergy Meeting
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