Over the past month, the Stewardship Committee has invited the congregation to, “Come and See, Together,” all of the good that First Presbyterian Church does in our individual lives, our collective life as a community of faith, and in the wider community.
According to the Gospel of John, Jesus called his first disciples by inviting them to follow him and to “come and see.” Through the life, ministry, and mission of First Presbyterian Church we are continually called to join together as a community to come and see the good things done by First Presbyterian Church to further the kingdom of heaven.
How will you respond to Jesus’ call? The Stewardship Committee invites you to join us on Sunday, October 24th, for Consecration Sunday, to “Come and See, Together,” and to celebrate the gift that is First Presbyterian.
Worship at 10:30 am
in-person or via Facebook livestream
followed by
Celebration Fellowship Time
under a tent in the parking lot
with cider donuts and a chance
for extended conversation!
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Message from the Stewardship Committee
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 Investing in our youth is investing not only in our future, but our now. The Youth of First Presbyterian church participate in community service, spiritual activism, mind-body-spiritual practices, interrogating the scriptures and Christian tradition. Through weekly meetings, trips, study, and fellowship, youth are accompanied in their journey of building their individual belief system amidst the supportive and loving faith community. Coming soon: a new opportunity for youth to explore “Our Whole Lives” through Lifespan Sexuality Education curriculum. Stay tuned for more on this burgeoning program!
We practice trust. We practice being the Beloved Community.
I invite you to invest in Sally, Mason, Aiden, Lauryn, Eli, Chance, Kaylee, Eva, Daniel, Ewan, Cameron, Sanyu, Luke, Pharryll, Allure, Parris, Brianna, Dorothy, Lidia and Lydia, Andrew, Sophia. These young people are already changing the world. Be part of it!
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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!
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Porch time at David Hinchen’s in Albany
Thursday, October 28, 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
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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
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* 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.
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A Message from Social
Justice & Peacemaking Committee
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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.
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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 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 Celebration Fellowship Time under tent
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT IPH
Interested in exploring job opportunities at IPH, formally the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless? Since its establishment in 1984, First Pres has been strongly aligned with this special non-profit organization which addresses the needs of the homeless and low-income community with services that specifically encourage self-sufficiency, empowerment and stability.
Success, of course, depends on the employment of a dedicated, skilled and compassionate staff—from Cook to Clothing Pantry Attendant to Direct Support Staff, to Communications Manager and more.
Listed among the “Best Places to Work” by the Times Union and the Albany Business Review, IPH has much to offer. To learn about current available positions, check their website at https://www.iphny.org/jobs. Additional questions? Feel free to contact FPC member Carol Bullard by phone or e-mail: 518-463-8256 or carol.f.bullard@gmail.com.
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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 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 Ushers Needed THIS Sunday 10/24: Please sign up!
It’s our turn again, middle & high schoolers, to serve as ushers in worship! This is an important way we serve our community in a ministry of hospitality. Please email Molly (mdowellbaum@firstpresalbany.com), or call/text 518-810-3158 to let Molly know if you can serve.
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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, 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)
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 Consecration Sunday
In-Person Worship Service and
Live Streaming Worship Service on Facebook
11:30am Celebration Fellowship Time under tent
Monday, 10/25 1:00pm Covenant Small Group
Tuesday, 10/26 9:00am Men’s Bible Study via zoom
7:00pm FOCUS Board
Wednes., 10/27 6:30pm Women's Small Group
7:00pm Dads' Small Group
Thursday, 10/28 7:00am Men's Bible Study (Rose Room)
5:00pm Porch time at David Hinchen’s in Albany
Friday, 10/29 4:00pm Patio Time with Miriam and Glenn
Satur., 10/30 4:00pm Patio Time with Miriam and Glenn
Sunday, 10/31 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, 11/2 6:00am General Election Day Voting
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 Christian Education Committee Meeting
7:30pm Social Justice & Peacemaking Committee
Meeting
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