We’ve heard of Brokelyn and Crooklyn, but this is the first we’re hearing of Baroquelyn. And it’s truly something to hear. The baroque-themed concert — complete with violins as well as an oboe, trumpet, cello, bassoon, recorder, and even a countertenor — is the brainchild of our music director, Aleeza Meir; the project’s first concert, on Sunday, November 12, was performed in the Upper Hall […]
Our 2017-18 Sunday School season kicks off today! We have classes for children and adults and all are welcome to join. Contact us to register your child or if you have questions. Recesses are on most public school holiday weekends. The following classes from 10:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m on Sunday mornings: Godly Play for Pre-K and Kindergarten is led by Jessica Stockton Bagnulo and Roxanna Velandria and […]
“There is a rich tradition in the Bible of really questioning God,” says our seminarian intern Jabe Ziino. “I find a lot of value there, knowing that it’s okay to not know everything. I think that’s where our experience in faith can really be very powerful for us.” Jabe recently completed his first year at Princeton Seminary (with two more years to go). He’s heading […]
“The history of God’s chosen people is a history of movement, of saying goodbye to your beloved home at a time of pain and broken hopes, of entering an unknown and dangerous new land, of longing for the true home that God has promised to you.” Seminarian Jabe Ziino, July 24. This Summer, as Pastor Daniel Meeter has been away for his vacation and reading […]
From Pastor Meeter, regarding an amazing historical Old First document which was signed on June 8, 1917 — 100 years ago this month: Count the names! It was a huge and defining moment in American history, our first big overseas war. We now call it World War I (because of World War II!) but back then it was simply The Great War: the war to […]
The Old First Respite Shelter is entering its seventh summer of service and hospitality and we invite everyone to sign up as cooks, evening coordinators, and overnight hosts. This year’s shelter will run 9 weeks from July 3 to September 4. For more information on what’s involved and how to sign up, please visit the 2017 Old First Respite Shelter Sign-Up Genius page. Since 2011, Old First and […]
One of the keys to a successful real estate investment is “location, location, location,” but Old First has that beat. Since 1654, Old First has been located at six different spots. Its first locale was under a tree, then a barn (you have to start somewhere). By 1666, a physical church structure was built in what is now known as Fulton Street. One hundred years later, the original church was […]
I have been asked to speak about why I volunteer at Old First, keeping in mind the theme of Volunteer Sunday: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” Let me start by describing what I do as a volunteer. I am one of the many volunteers that support our summer shelter program. For several years now, Old First has served […]
You may have heard the old story that most native New Yorkers have never been to The Statue of Liberty. The punchline: the most iconic, breathtaking landmarks are often overlooked by the local gentry. Old First — Park Slope’s version of an iconic, breathtaking landmark — is opening its doors to those who may have not yet taken the time to be amazed by its awesomeness. […]
I was asked to serve on the 2nd Mission Committee by Pastor Meeter. That committee, as you may know, is dedicated to creating adult education programs for the congregation and the community. Well, I don’t know if it was kismet or fate or the holy spirit, but I told Pastor Meeter, “You don’t know how perfect I am for this job,” because he didn’t know […]