“More and more, the desire grows in me to simply walk around, greet people, enter into homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice the simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be a part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets.
It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them but truly love them.”
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First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton |
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Fellowship
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)
Opportunities
for fellowship at First Pres
Adult Bible Study Tuesday evenings @7pm, Pastor Tom leads a bible study on the book of Hebrews. We gather in the Session House for a casual discussion study. (Fall - Winter - Spring)
Men
Tuesday morning breakfast Prayer Shawl Ministry There
are two knitting/crocheting groups meeting each week for fellowship
and fun while creating lap robes/shawls for distribution by our
Pastor and Deacons. The
blessing of the Prayer Shawl provides healing and comfort to the
sick, the lonely and the elderly, or shares in the accomplishment of
the graduate, newlywed, and newborn. Like all acts of generosity,
the presentation of a Prayer Shawl enriches the giver as well as the
recipient. Choir The Chancel Choir meets for rehearsal every Thursday evening @7:30pm in the sanctuary. A wonderful time for fellowship and service. All are invited. Coffee Hour A least once a month after our morning worship the deacons host a coffee hour. This is a wonderful time to get to know our church family. Sunday Evenings @Wiborg Beach (Starting July 5th) Starting in early July we gather at Wiborg Beach in East Hampton Sunday evenings @6pm. Everyone brings their dinner and drinks and we sit and chat. We meet until the fall weather comes. Book Club Once or twice a year the committee selects a book to read. Those who are interested read and then meet one evening to discuss the book and get to know each other. Evening Supper Over the winter months different groups in the church sponsor Sunday evening supper. We meet in our session house. |
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