First Presbyterian Church

of Philipstown

(FPCP)

"The Church of the Open Door"

Rev. Ekama Eni, Pastor

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 is World Communion Sunday. In celebration and in hope, this blessing is for you. Every day.

AND THE TABLE WILL BE WIDE

And the table

will be wide.

And the welcome

will be wide.

And the arms

will open wide

to gather us in.

And our hearts

will open wide

to receive.

And we will come

as children who trust

there is enough.

And we will come

unhindered and free.

And our aching

will be met

with bread.

And our sorrow

will be met

with wine.

And we will open our hands

to the feast

without shame.

And we will turn

toward each other

without fear.

And we will give up

our appetite

for despair.

And we will taste

and know

of delight.

And we will become bread

for a hungering world.

And we will become drink

for those who thirst.

And the blessed

will become the blessing.

And everywhere

will be the feast.

—Jan Richardson

A word from our own Mona Smith and an invitation to the reading of her new play "Intent" on October 18

Theater lovers and history buffs: Celebrate the arts, our community, and our revolutionary history for a good cause! On Sunday, October 18, at 2 pm, Mona Smith's new play INTENT will have a staged reading at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill, performed by actors of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare company. 

INTENT weaves a fictional story, inspired by historical events. In September 1780, the British spy Major John André is imprisoned inside a Hudson Valley tavern. André tries to win over his American captors and charm his way to freedom, but he meets his match in Katje, a tavern worker assigned to serve him, when she realizes her gallant guest may hold the secret to the fate of her soldier son. Other characters include George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, and André's famous co-conspirator, the disgruntled American General Benedict Arnold.

INTENT is the featured entertainment at a benefit to support the Paramount's free year-round programs serving local school children, veterans, first responders, and people with developmental disabilities. Benefit event tickets start at $40 -- but if FPCP brings a group, we can make a donation of any size and Mona will reserve tickets for all of us!

Your special FPCP ticket includes a whole afternoon of entertainment:

1 pm: Live fiddle music and cider-tasting

2 pm: INTENT: Staged reading

4 pm: A Tavern Chat with local historians about the play & the history that inspired it! Refreshments served.

Our Worship service, with guests from Interfaith Prison Partnership

Our Sunday School groups:

Is it YOU?

Will you share one Sunday morning with our young people?

Thanks to Elder Carolyn Llewellyn and Pastor Ekama, we have a link to see "Sunday School 101" to see what we're planning. Also, there's a link to sign up and schedule your Sunday.

We're grateful to you for considering this!

GLYNWOOD: CAUGHT DOING A GOOD DEED! 

Glynwood apprentices Giuliana and Noah are putting their farmer expertise into action—helping Pantry Guests learn more about the vegetables they’re taking home. 

Even after their long, hard-working weeks, they make time to lend a hand at the Pantry. We’re so grateful! 

And always grateful for our long-standing partnership with Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, which donates fresh vegetables and greens throughout the growing season, plus occasional organic chicken for soup, extra-large eggs and meat. 

Thank you, Giuliana, Noah & Glynwood!