Are you interested in learning more about how theology is relevant to public life in divisive times? We will dive into the work of notable theologian James H. Cone to understand how we can work in and around racial and social divides in our present era. We will meet on February 23 at 9:45 AM in the MacColl Room.
Our T&T Book Club will meet after 11 AM worship on Sunday, February 23 in the MacColl Room. We’ll be discussing the pages 59-115 of Rachel Held Evan’s book Inspired together. If you’d like to join us and are in need of copy of the book, please RSVP!
Join us for a fun Mardi Gras Celebration service on Sunday, March 2 at 9 AM. Let the good times roll!
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), women were first ordained as elders in 1930, and they were first ordained as ministers in 1965; today, women serve at every level of the church. In recognition of Women’s History Month, join a discussion of women in the ministry and leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA) with Rev. Cindy Jarvis and Rev. Laura Colee on March 2 @ 9:45 AM in the MacColl Room.
The T&Ts are going to a Flyers game! Join us on Tuesday, March 11 at 7 PM as the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Ottawa Senators at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets will be $20 per person and we only have a few remaining tickets available, so if you’d like to join us for the game, let us know ASAP!
Join us for our regular brunch outing on Sunday, February 16 after the 11 AM service! We’re planning to dine at El Rey at 2013 Chestnut Street. Please RSVP to Laura if you’d like to join so we can make a reservation!
Monthly discussions on Reformed theology are led by seminary intern Robbie Bendelius and Dr. Mullis. The series, which will be held at 10 AM in the MacColl Room, is open to all, including those new to the Reformed tradition and those seeking to deepen their theological understanding.
The February discussion is “Go(o)d and Evil”
Suggested: Ch 6 The Providence of God and the Mystery of Evil & Ch 7 Humanity as Creature, Sinner, and New Being in Christ.
To receive a copy of the book, please register online or email the church office.
Just in time for Valentine's weekend! Join your fellow Boomers at a play about…Boomers! "A couple at the Grand Horizons retirement community decide to divorce, so their adult children convene to fix the problem..." What could possibly go wrong?
We’ll begin the evening at 6 PM with cocktails at the home of Baron Mullis & Lester Morris
At 8 PM we’ll attend the Stagecrafters Theater production of the 2020 Tony-nominated play, Grand Horizons, by Bess Wohl.
FPC special block group (15) price: $20 per person. Ticket cost payable by cash or check to Alan Southergill. Please RSVP with first and last names of attendees by January 31.
For more information about the production, as well as directions and parking, visit thestagecrafters.org.
Redlining is an illegal practice by which lenders avoid providing credit or financial services to communities of color based on their race or national origin. Unfortunately, the practice has a long and enduring history in the United States and has greatly contributed to wealth inequality among its citizens. In particular, it has defined the neighborhoods in Philadelphia from the 1920s to the present day.
The 57+ Blocks Coalition is a group of over 70 organizations around Philadelphia dedicated to reducing gun violence. The premise of the Coalition is that gun violence is most prevalent in the formally redlined areas of Philadelphia: specifically, major portions of North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and lower Germantown. Join a discussion of solutions to reduce that gun violence led by Greg Holston, a social and racial justice activist who previously served as a senior advisor on policy and advocacy at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
The Session has set Sunday, February 9, as the date of our Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary at 10 AM. All members are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be live-streamed for those unable to attend, but members must be present to vote.
The congregation will receive the 2024 Annual Report and hear and act on the recommendations of the Nominating Committee to elect officers and members of the church’s Nominating Committee for 2025, as well as voting on changes to Dr. Mullis’s terms of call.
The annual report and additional materials will be distributed before the meeting to allow time for review. A link to view the information on our website will be emailed a few days prior to the meeting.
A memorial service for Ramon V. Cook will be held at First Church on Saturday, February 8, at 12 noon. On-street parking is available with placard.
FPC T&Ts and Gen-Xers will gather together on Saturday, February 1 at 4:30 PM at Franklin Square (200 N 6th street), where we will enjoy the Lunar New Year Celebration there. We’ll then venture into Chinatown for a meal, desserts, and shopping. We’d love to have you join us! If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP!
Join us as a group of T&Ts volunteer with Books Through Bars on Saturday, January 25 at 11:30 AM. We will be filling requests for reading materials for incarcerated individuals in PA and throughout the tri-state area. If you’d like to join us, please RSPV to Laura Colee!
Our T&T Book Club will meet after worship on Sunday, January 19. We’ll be discussing the first 60 pages of Rachel Held Evan’s book Inspired together. If you’d like to join us and are in need of copy of the book, please RSVP!
The Missions Committee is coordinating a coat drive for the Sunshine House, an outreach center that supports the unhoused community in the Kensington neighborhood. We are asking for new and gently used men and women coats and other winter clothing (hats, gloves, and scarves). The donation drive will run from January 19 through February 9th. Donations can be dropped off at a designated location in the sanctuary. For more information, reach out with any questions or concerns to the Missions Committee. Thank you!
Suit up with your fellow T&Ts as we attempt to crack codes, dodge lasers, and disarm a giant paint bomb within an hour. We’ll meet at Beat the Bomb (1218 Chestnut Street) on Thursday, January 16 at 7 PM for this escape-room activity. If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP!
The deacons will be hosting an Epiphany Brunch on January 12 @ 10 AM with the theme “The Road To Bethlehem.” The brunch will celebrate the journey of the Magi following the star of Bethlehem to visit the baby Jesus and will feature foods that they would have encountered during their journey.
Join congregants from both the 9 AM Celebration! and 11 AM Traditional services as we celebrate Epiphany together in a festive time of fellowship. This brunch is open to all! Please feel free to invite your family, friends, and neighbors.
This Sunday we will celebrate 35 years of MANNA. We will be joined in our 11 AM worship service by Executive Director Sue Daugherty and founding board members. We look forward to celebrating this vital organization founded by members of First Church.
Please join us for a joyous Service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas Eve.
On-street parking is available with placard. This service will be live streamed.
Christmas Eve Family Worship for all ages. Communion will be served.
On-street parking is available with placard.
A Service of the Longest Night will be held in Old Buttonwood Hall. This is a winter service of hope and healing that encourages those going through times of sorrow and grief during the holidays. Inspired by the solstice, winter’s longest night, this service will have special music and liturgy while allowing you space “to be.” We hope you will join us as we worship God during this special time.
On-street parking is available with placard.
Our T&T Book Club will have its first meeting after 11 am worship on Sunday, December 15 in the MacColl Room. We’ll be discussing Rachel Held Evan’s book Inspired together. If you’d like to join us and are in need of copy of the book, please RSVP!
The fpcQ Christmas Party will be held on December 14 from 6:30-8:30 PM LGBTQIA+ friends will gather for a festive potluck dinner and holiday cheer! The venue has limited capacity, so RSVP is required!
Join the Band of Boomers to celebrate the season! Diane and Jon Rogers have once again offered to host us at their home.
The main menu salutes Philly! Everything you love about a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (steak or chicken) will be served with a twist: as cosy casseroles (“WIT or WIT-OUT” fixings, of course). Please bring your favorite appetizer or dessert and choice of beverage.
Please RSVP!
A Sunday morning Advent program will be held from December 8 - 22 @ 9:45 AM, in the Whitefield Room (on the basement level). In this three-week class, the Rev. Barbara Chaapel will lead us in discussing the book Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Episcopal priest and author Barbara Brown Taylor. The book will be available to participants who register for the class, although reading it is not required for participation. Please register here, or contact the church office to register and reserve a copy of the book.
The Chancel Choir, Period Orchestra, led by Dr. Bálint Karosi
with
Kyle Leigh Carney, Soprano
Maren Montalbano, Alto
Matthew Newhouse, Tenor
Brian Chu, Baritone
Concerts@First presents a program of Advent and Christmas music from the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, featuring Bach’s quintessential Advent Cantata Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 61 and the much less famous, but equally breathtaking Christmas cantata In Nativitatem by the French Baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. The concert will also feature hymns by Johann Schein and a Magnificat setting by Charpentier, all played on period instruments. (View the concert program.)
The concert will be followed by a reception in Old Buttonwood Hall. On-street parking is available with placard!
FPC Kids Night is back! On Friday, December 6, from 5-8 PM, we are inviting kids to join us at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for pizza, snacks, crafts, games, and a movie. While your kids hang out with us, parents and guardians are able to have a night to themselves.
Here’s the info for the event:
The event is for children 2 years old and up.
There will be a maximum of 20 children at the event.
We will have 3-4 certified adults leading the event, including Pastor Laura.
This event is free for FPC members and regular attendees.
If you’re interested in having your child/children attend the Kids Night event, please register!
A three-week Bible study will be offered on Wednesdays from 12:15-12:45 PM, on December 4, 11, and 18. This study will be held exclusively online, via zoom. It will be led by Rev. Laura Colee and Dr. Baron Mullis, and will focus on Advent texts. The study is intended to help fit Advent reflection into a busy holiday schedule, so we will start on time and end on time. Please register online to receive the zoom link. You may also register by calling the church office (215-567-0532).
After worship on Sunday, December 1, T&Ts will walk over to the Philly Christmas Village next to city hall. We’ll enjoy some warm festive beverages and do some holiday browsing together. If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP at youngadults@fpcphila.org!
As part of the Advent season, our families with young children will have the opportunity to participate in some fun Christmas-inspired activities and service projects! Children ages 2-to-10 years old are invited to join us from 9:50-10:30 am in the back of Old Buttonwood Hall for our special Advent activities. Here are the activities we have planned in December:
December 1 - Advent Wreath Making and Christmas Tree Decorating
December 8 - Christmas Card Making
December 15 - Christmas Cookie Decorating
December 22 - Christmas Ornament Making
Note: We will be handing out wrapped Christmas books to our kids this day. Please let us know if you cannot attend the Celebration service on 12/22 and we will mail them the books to you.
December 29 — No Sunday School this week
Come explore the spectacular art collection at the Barnes Foundation with other FPC T&Ts. We will be reserving spots on their 1:30 PM “Highlights Tour” that day. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP to Laura!
Come to the MacColl Room to share coffee, tea, and conversation with Matthew, our new Minister for Congregational Care. The small setting will give us an opportunity to get better acquainted with Matthew and for him to get to know us better. I'm sure we'll also want to hear about how Matthew sees his role, and we'll be able to offer our insights as well. Goodies provided! Please RSVP!
On Thursday, November 14, T&Ts will meet at Brooklyn Bowl in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia for 2 hours of bowling. Whether you’re an old bowling pro or you haven’t played in years, come join us for a fun night! If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP!
First Church is holding a new members class on November 10. Our membership class is an opportunity for you to learn more about our history and our values, how our past has shaped us and how we believe God is leading our church in the present. You can attend for information only, and those who wish to join will be received into membership that day. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Rev. Laura Colee.
On Sundays in November, a series on end-of-life issues will address issues of stewardship during that season.
The November 10 session will focus on estate planning, with estate planning attorney Nego Pile.
The November 17 session will address end-of-life heath care decision-making and support for caregivers. This session will be led by Dr. Scott Halpern, the John M. Eisenberg Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Medical Ethics and Health Policy, at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.
The November 24 session will be led by Rev. Matthew Arlyck, our Minister for Congregational Care, and will focus on end-of-life spiritual connections.
Each session will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the MacColl Room.
