First Presbyterian Church

of Philipstown

(FPCP)

"The Church of the Open Door"

A Message from the Session:

Friends, this has been a doozy of a winter.

And spring is coming! Alleluia!

It is a joy to gather on zoom when we cannot gather in person.

That being said, our church’s lean budget suffers when the collection plates are not passed.

Heating and snow removal tighten things further.

Thank you for considering a special donation, one time or ongoing, to help us as we move forward.

You can mail a check (to FPCP, 10 Academy St, Cold Spring NY 10516), use the QR code below, go on the church website, or put it in the plate when we meet in person, labeled "Extra Winter Donation"

Thanks for whatever you can give.

And if you cannot give, we are always still thrilled to see you! No worries!

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

Join us this Sunday

March 1, 2026

Second Sunday in Lent

worship at 10:30 am

(in person or on zoom)

Rev. Ekama Eni will be in the pulpit,

Tom McCoy at the piano, our choir will be singing,

Kathy Gertson Bogardus will be the reader,

and we will share the communion meal.

Our young people will be in class with Rachel Emig.

All are Welcome!

Click HERE for this Sunday's Bulletin

Sunday Evening Lent Bible Study

with Rev. Ekama @ 5:30 pm continues March 1

Pastor's Page

Happy snow day # one million!

As I sat on the couch and watched the blizzard of 2026 pass, I couldn't help but be thrown back into the feeling of being cooped up and the forced solitude of COVID times. Just as it was then too, it was temporary, as are perhaps all of our experiences of solitude?

This week we'll hear and read from probably one of the most famously quoted verses of scripture. I love this encounter that Jesus has with Nicodemus, it's such a human line of questioning to big, spiritual and kinda practical concerns. I can't help feel the similarities to experiences that I have, as someone who's supposed to have lots of spiritual and practical answers. Are Jesus' answers sufficient?

It's the first Sunday so we'll celebrate the Lord's Supper. We'll finally get to installing and ordaining some church leaders that were elected during our congregational meeting. The final hymn we'll be singing this week was written by bad-ass lady hymn writer Fanny Crosby (who was born and raised in Brewster!). It's such a great gospel song, I love the way Crosby's hymns display her fidelity and belief in God through music. To God Be The Glory is a pretty gendered hymn, I'm in the process of looking for different versions of the hymn that may fit the tune. In the process of worship creation, I think one of the biggest challenges I find is balancing the beauty and importance of old things and traditions and in importance of openness and change that the Holy Spirit and our Reformed tradition invite us to. The hymn, as does our Gospel reading is very clear on Jesus' relationship to God, the Father. I know that doesn't resonate with many folks, so I guess just naming as we look ahead to this week.

If you're praying people, which I know you all are, let's pray for no snow on Sunday, I miss you all!

-Ekama

Click HERE to email Pastor Ekama

PHILIPSTOWN FOOD PANTRY

serving those in need in our local community

845-612-2040

Food Pantry Coordinator, Kiko Lattu

The Food Pantry is now accepting food donations

and doing set-up on Fridays 12:30- 2:00 pm

The Food Pantry is open on Saturdays

8:30 - 10 am

click here to contact the Food Pantry

Public Service Announcement!

Did you know the Philipstown Food Pantry has a community bulletin board? We post local services, free programs, and events that may help our Pantry community.

Currently posted:

• Philipstown Behavioral Hub programs

• Friendship Center events & menu

• Cold Spring Thrift Alliance info

• NYSERDA EmPower+ home energy efficiency info

Coming soon:

• Putnam County free rabies vaccination clinic

Have something to share that could benefit food-insecure Philipstown neighbors? Send it to: ptfp2481f@gmail.com

Also… did anyone lose a glove at the Pantry? It’s patiently waiting to be reunited with its owner

March Book Group Meeting

Friday, March 20, at 7 pm

at the church,

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

All Are Welcome!

Midnight Run Update:

Our next run will be on March 28 -

stay tuned for the food sign up link when it gets closer

Click HERE for our MARCH 2026 CALENDAR

WE DID IT!

Stewardship Campaign for 2026

A few people in our church family, who had already pledged, added a bit to their pledge amount to get us OVER THE TOP! We are over $100,000 which was our goal! Thanks to all - let's keep going!

Use the link to access your Estimate of Giving form

Click HERE for the 2026 Estimate of Giving Form

You can use our QR code to donate to the church

or the Food pantry,

and also make a recurring pledge.

We need your support and appreciate your generosity!

Coming up at the Philipstown Depot Theatre:

We are grateful to Amy Dul and the Depot Theatre for reserving a group of 8 tickets for the Sunday March 15 performance at 3 pm at a $5 discount per ticket. Contact Bev if you'd like to go.

Scenes from last Sunday...

we chose to err on the side of caution and zoom our Adult Study group, Worship Service, Session meeting, and Bible Study!

Email the prayer chain

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!