First Presbyterian Church

of Philipstown

(FPCP)

"The Church of the Open Door"

Knowing that all community is a gift of God,

we affirm there can be no exclusiveness about the body of Christ.

We welcome into our community and membership all people of God, regardless of ethnic heritage, national origin, age, gender,

marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic standing;

and we encourage the full participation of all

in the life of our congregation.

Adopted by the session, March 9, 1995

THIS SUNDAY!

Join us for our Annual Outdoor worship and church picnic on

Sunday August 3, at 10:30 am

(in person only)

again this year at Hubbard Lodge! We'll celebrate communion and it's Pastor Ekama's first Sunday!

Message from the Deacons: Please bring something to share - a salad, sandwiches, main dish, fruit, dessert, etc. in a container that you can bring home. The Deacons will provide plates, cups, utensils, napkins, and cold beverages. Dress casual and comfy!

Click HERE for the Sunday Bulletin

Click HERE for the Communion Insert for this Sunday

Pastor's Page

A Word from Ekama

Hi Church!

I've spent this last week at our denomination's Presbyterian Youth Triennium, which is being held in Louisville. Over 2,000 youth (and about 100 young adults) and their adult leaders have been gathered from all over this country and the world, to worship, fellowship, trade/share colorful regional-themed pins and make lots and lots of noise! This is my favorite event the national church puts on and so while I’m tired it’s such a blessing to be surrounded by teenagers as they explore, have fun, be awkward and share their stories.

Speaking of stories, I’m so very excited for us to begin our adventure and start a new chapter in the story of the life of FPC Philipstown. As Christians, we are a people of stories, we have a whole book of characters and their stories that we believe can help us to understand who we are and where we’ve come from. Over the next 5 weeks I’ll be preaching a series called “Bible Faves” where I’ll (re)introduce you to my fave Bible character and in the Sundays leading up to Labour Day, I’m asking that you share your favorite Bible characters so we can perhaps learn something new about characters that stand out to us, for whatever reasons, and if we’re lucky, learn more about one another.

I can’t think of a better place to share stories than in outdoors worship with a little bit of communion. I’ll see you at 10:30am at Hubbard Lodge, and don’t forget to bring something yummy to share for the picnic immediately following worship!

Blessings,

Ekama

PHILIPSTOWN FOOD PANTRY

serving those in need in our local community

845-612-2040

Food Pantry Coordinator, Kirsti "Kiko" Lattu

WILL YOU HELP THE FOOD PANTRY?

We need drivers to pick up our food from the Regional Food Bank in Montgomery

We'd love to recruit new drivers to help out once a month, or even once every 2-3 months.

The Food Pantry is now accepting food donations and doing set-up on Fridays 9:30-11:30 am

The Food Pantry is open on Saturdays

8:30 - 10 am

Our Community Stands for Democracy!

Every Saturday from 10:30-11:30 am, some of our church family and many from the community gather at the corner of Main Street and 9D in support of Liberty and Justice for All. All are welcome to stand with those gathered or to honk in support if you're driving by!

Here is the Welcome message shared by Rachel and photos from this past Sunday!

God’s Yes to You by Rev. Drew Paton

If you are here to be still: YES

If you’re here to be stirred up: YES

If you’re here to speak your truth and be heard: YES

If you’re here in search of healing, meaning, belonging, beauty, or back up: YES

If you’re driven by a holy impatience to change your life, or the world around you,

and so are seeking collaborators, co-conspirators, companions on the way: YES

If you don’t know why you are here: YES

Whether joyful, reluctant, hungry, mad, or weary--if you are here, and wherever you are,

God says “yes” to you

You are welcome in this space, in this time, in this community that we share.

Click here for Ron's report of the July 26 Midnight Run

Thanks to our Midnight Run Helpers and Crew!

No Run in August, check back for the September date

Our Monthly Book Group

The next meeting will be at the church on Friday, August 29 at 7:00 pm, when we will discuss James by Percival Everett

All are Welcome!

photo from this month's meeting on July 25

Our Session and Deacons 2025

Elders (L. to R.)

Mitch Dul, Lynn Brown, Carolyn Llewellyn, Cathy Carnevale, Laura Reid, Diana Geller, Ana Silverlinck

Deacons (L. to R.)

Dianne Waterman, Ron Sopyla, Rose Inman, Leslie Leonard, Rachel Emig, Bev Taylor, and

Glyn Nixon

Are there interests you would like to see addressed? Topics? Events?Bible Study? Other times and days? Or for more info about the ongoing groups, please contact us, using the link below:

Did you know that we have an email Prayer Chain?

Email your prayer requests and a group of people will be praying for your concern. Also email if you'd like to join the group and add your voice to the prayers!

Email the prayer chain