Winter Clothing Drive
Jan
11
to Feb 8
Missions

Winter Clothing Drive

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The Missions Committee is coordinating a winter clothing drive for our unhoused community. We will be collecting clothing to support two of our partners, Sunshine House and PhillyHouse. Donate new and gently used men’s and women’s coats, other winter clothing (hats, gloves, and scarves), and men’s t-shirts, socks, and underwear.

The donation drive will run from January 11 through February 8; donations can be dropped off at a designated locations in the sanctuary and Old Buttonwood Hall. For more information contact the Missions Committee.

Philly House is a program for men that provides temporary housing and comprehensive services to support transitions to long-term housing. Sunshine House is a community outreach center that supports individuals experiencing housing insecurity located in the Kensington neighborhood.

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The Faith and Wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien
Jan
25
to Feb 1
Christian Education

The Faith and Wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien

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Join our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson for a two-week series on the faith and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien. The study will take place on two Sundays, January 25 and February 1 at 12:40 pm in the MacColl room. This series will explore Tolkien’s own faith as well as the faith found within Middle-Earth. We will be asking two important questions: 1) What did faith mean for J.R.R. Tolkien? and 2) What did J.R.R. Tolkien mean for faith? In the process, we will cover such topics as joy and hard hope, courage and despair, pity, power, and Providence. While no previous knowledge is required or expected for this class, there will be plenty of hobbits, dwarves, elves, and dragons for fans of all ages!

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Prayer Vigil for Immigrants
Feb
4
12:00 PM12:00
Missions

Prayer Vigil for Immigrants

  • Immigration & Customs Field Office (map)
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Please join the FPC Peace & Justice Group on Wednesday, February 4, at 12 noon as we gather peacefully in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia Field Office at 8th & Filbert Streets to hold a prayer vigil in support of immigrant respect and safety. This is part of a 40-week series of prayer vigils initiated by the New Sanctuary Movement (NSM) of Philadelphia and sponsored by various Philadelphia faith communities. NSM builds community across faith, ethnicity, and class in their work to end injustices against immigrants regardless of immigration status and to express radical welcome for all.

This vigil will be led by clergy from First Presbyterian Church, and will include words of inspiration taken from Scripture, song, and prayer. It will last approximately 45 minutes.

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Boomers Afternoon at the Theater
Feb
28
2:00 PM14:00
Fellowship

Boomers Afternoon at the Theater

Join the Band of Boomers for an afternoon at the The Arden Theater Company (40 N. 2nd Street) on Saturday, February 28 @ 2 PM to see Good Bones, the Philadelphia premiere of the newest play by James Ijames, 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Fat Ham, about community, change, and the soul of our cities.

Synopsis
A new sports stadium is being built in the middle of a neighborhood. Aisha returns to her hometown to help the developers revitalize the place she grew up in and starts working with a local contractor who has a different vision for its future. 

Special ticket pricing: $17.50
Only 20 tickets are available so please RSVP to boomers@fpcphila.org ASAP, but no later than February 1st!

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January Parent Coffee
Jan
18
10:00 AM10:00

January Parent Coffee

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Join us in the MacColl room on Sunday, January 18 at 10:00 AM after the Celebration! Service for our Monthly Parent Coffee (& Bagel) Chat! For January, we'll debrief and reflect on our experiences from the holiday season, in an informal, adults-only environment (children will be cared for at Sunday School). These peer-led, family-focused fellowship sessions will continue on a regular basis throughout the new year, as we look to touch on topics such as Interfaith Education, Addressing Doubt, and Talking to Your Kids About Suffering. We hope you will be able to join our community, engage in meaningful discussion, and form connections with other parents here at First Pres.

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Epiphany Fellowship!
Jan
11
10:00 AM10:00
Fellowship

Epiphany Fellowship!

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First Church Deacons are looking forward to bringing our congregations from the Celebration! and Traditional services together on Sunday, January 11 at 10 AM at our Epiphany Fellowship Hour. Food will be served in between the services so our entire congregation can mingle and usher in the Epiphany season.

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Family Movie Night
Jan
10
4:00 PM16:00
Children & Families, Fellowship

Family Movie Night

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Young families, both caregivers and children, are invited to join us for a Family Movie Night at First Church on Saturday, January 10th starting at 4:00 pm. We’ll have pizza, popcorn, and drinks, plus a movie, for the family in Old Buttonwood. Come spend time with other families and children at First Church! Please let Laura know if you’re interested in joining, so we know how much pizza to order.

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Twenties & Thirties Christmas Party
Dec
19
6:30 PM18:30
Fellowship

Twenties & Thirties Christmas Party

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Our T&T Christmas Party with White Elephant Gift Exchange will be held on Friday, December 19 starting at 6:30 PM at Sydney Cardy’s house (22nd & Arch). We'll gather together for festive desserts and adult beverages. Everyone is welcome to bring a small wrapped gift to share in our White Elephant gift exchange (we’ll have extras too if you forget!). If you’d like to join us, please RSVP to Laura so we can send you the building info!

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A Service of Light in the Darkness
Dec
17
7:00 PM19:00
Worship

A Service of Light in the Darkness

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A Service of the Longest Night will be held in the church sanctuary.  This is a winter service of hope and healing that encourages those going through times of sorrow and grief during the holidays.  This service will have special music and liturgy while allowing you space “to be.”  We hope you will join us as we worship God during this special time.

On-street parking is available with placard.

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Concerts@First - Advent Concert
Dec
13
4:00 PM16:00
Concerts@First

Concerts@First - Advent Concert

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Celebrate the Advent season with a stirring concert of Baroque masterworks at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia on Saturday, December 13. The First Presbyterian Choir and Period Orchestra, led by Bálint Karosi on harpsichord, present two Advent Cantatas by J. S. Bach—Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 62 and Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, BWV 10—alongside Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Magnificat, H. 73. Also featured is our historic 1783 Peter Iben Cabinet organ in Handel's Organ Concerto Op. 7 No. 2 with Bálint Karosi as soloist. Soloists include Adrienne Lotto (soprano), Robin Bier (alto), Bradley King (tenor), and Andrew Beuninger & Nick Fahrenkrug (bass).

Tickets $20 ($10 for members and students)
Click here for tickets!

  • First Church members: use promo code "FPCMEMBER"

  • Students: use promo code "STUDENT"

On-street parking is available with placard!

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The Church of Shadow and Light—An Advent Offering
Dec
7
to Dec 21
Christian Education

The Church of Shadow and Light—An Advent Offering

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The Reverend Barbara Chaapel will lead a 3-week Advent series from Sundays December 7, 14, and 21, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM in the Whitefield Room.

We will read and consider together Heidi Barr’s small book of small poems, Church of Shadow and Light, which the church will provide to all who register for the class. Shadow—as the days darken toward the winter solstice. Light—as we await the birth of the One who is the Light of the World. Church—the community where we learn to follow that Light together.

If you plan to participate, please register so that a copy of the book Church of Shadow & Light can be ordered for you.

Register
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The Welcoming Center Language Café
Dec
7
3:00 PM15:00
Missions

The Welcoming Center Language Café

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The Welcoming Center, a new mission partner, will be hosting a community event called Language Café: Our Voices in Community in Old Buttonwood Hall on December 7 from 3-5 PM. The Welcoming Center provides services to our immigrant communities in and around the city. Join us to spend time engaging with conversation, eating, and playing games to help others who wish to practice their English-speaking skills. For more information and to register to the event, please register!

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Theology and Music
Dec
7
12:40 PM12:40
Christian Education

Theology and Music

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Join us in the MacColl Room at 12:40 PM, when Music Director Balint Karosi will lead “Preaching the Gospel Through Music: Theology and Music in Cantatas for Advent BWV 10 and 62.” The presentation and discussion will focus on the musical language and theology through these Bach cantatas before the Advent concert on December 13.

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Band of Boomers Christmas Party
Dec
6
5:00 PM17:00
Fellowship

Band of Boomers Christmas Party

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Join the Band of Boomers for our Christmas party at the home of Diane and Jon Rogers.

2026 promises to be a big year for our City of Brotherly Love, so our main menu once again salutes Philly.  Everything you love about a Cheesesteak Sandwich (steak or chicken) will be served, with a twist: as cozy casseroles (WIT or WIT-OUT fixins).

Please plan to bring your favorite appetizer or dessert and choice of beverage. 

Please email your RSVP to boomers@fpcphila.org.

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FPC Kids' Night
Dec
5
5:00 PM17:00
Children & Families

FPC Kids' Night

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You are invited to our winter 2025 FPC Kids’ Night! On Friday, December 5, from 5-8 PM, we are inviting kids to join us at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for pizza, snacks, crafts, games, and a movie. While the kids hang out with us, their grown-ups are able to have a night to themselves.

Here’s the info for the event:

  • The event is for children 2 years old and up.

  • There will be a maximum of 20 children at the event.

  • We will have 3-4 certified adults leading the event, including Pastor Laura.

  • This event is free for FPC members and regular attendees.

If you’re interested in having your child/children attend the Kids Night event, please register!

Register
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Online Advent Study - A Season of Stories
Dec
3
to Dec 23
Christian Education

Online Advent Study - A Season of Stories

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Our seminary intern, Kristofer Stinson, will be leading a four-week Advent study using the new devotional from Westminster John Knox Press, The Advent Tree. This is a mid-week study that will meet on zoom at 7 PM on Wednesdays, December 3 & 10 and Tuesdays, December 16 & 23. This study is open to all who are interested in immersing themselves in this season of stories. Please register if you are interested in joining us and to receive a copy of the book. The study comes with family devotionals for those with young children.

Register


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Family is a Gift: An Evening of Syrian Hospitality
Dec
3
5:00 PM17:00
Missions

Family is a Gift: An Evening of Syrian Hospitality

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Our mission partner Child Houses is hosting an event at First Church on December 3 from 5-7 PM to learn about the latest chapter in Child Houses’ work.

Child Houses invites you to experience the warmth of Syrian hospitality — and to be part of a mission rooted in one simple truth: Every child deserves the love and safety of family.

At Family is a Gift, you’ll step into the heart of a Syrian home: welcomed with tea, mezze, and music, surrounded by stories and traditions that make strangers feel like family.

The event is free; RSVP is required. Learn more here.

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Women of Wit & Wisdom
Nov
20
10:00 AM10:00
Fellowship

Women of Wit & Wisdom

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The Women of Wit & Wisdom will meet on November 20 at 10 AM in the MacColl Room for morning coffee/tea and the opportunity to hear Cindy Jarvis and Laura Colee talk about their trips in Spain, where Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have all been an important part of the country's history.  Cindy went on an interfaith pilgrimage last spring, and Laura took a spiritual pilgrimage on an ancient pilgrimage path, through the different communities and cultures in Spain. Both will have slides to show and it promises to be a fascinating program!

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Galilee Chamber Orchestra at the Kimmel Center
Nov
19
7:30 PM19:30
Fellowship, Music

Galilee Chamber Orchestra at the Kimmel Center

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Join First Church congregants at the Kimmel Center for a performance of the Galilee Chamber Orchestra—the first professional orchestra in Israel comprised of Jewish and Arab musicians. Their orchestra aims to bridge the divide between Arab and Jewish communities in Israel through music and to serve as a worldwide model for cooperation based on cultural exchange, dialogue and partnership. At their Philadelphia performance, you will be able to hear this ensemble’s special harmony in a concert featuring Mendelssohn's “Scottish” Symphony and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488.

First Church has reserved a block of tickets for this event. If you are interested in reserving a ticket, please contact Laura Colee.

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Twenties & Thirties: Spirits & Sorrow Theology on Tap
Nov
13
6:30 PM18:30
Fellowship

Twenties & Thirties: Spirits & Sorrow Theology on Tap

Join First Church T&Ts as we gather on Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM at Village Whiskey (118 S. 20th St) for our Spirits & Sorrow Theology on Tap, where we’ll be discussing loss and grief from a theological perspective. Pastor Laura and seminary graduate Ethan Park will lead our conversation. All are welcome! Please RSVP to Laura (youngadults@fpcphila.org) so we can look out for you!

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Parent Coffee
Nov
9
9:45 AM09:45
Children & Families

Parent Coffee

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Parents of young children are invited to join us for a new series of monthly programs to be held at 10 AM, immediately following the Celebration Service, while the children are at Sunday School or in the nursery.

We hope to provide a space for parents to have informal but meaningful dialogue on a broad range of topics related to parenting in the modern Christian faith.  These sessions may be peer-lead or facilitated, depending on the specific topic.

In November we’ll explore how mainstream media’s portrayal of Christianity differs from our faith practices. This conversation will be facilitated by Cindy Jarvis. Come to share, learn, and spend time with other parents while the children are at Sunday School or in the nursery.

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The People of the Book: What We Believe - A Month of Interfaith Conversation
Nov
2
to Nov 16
Christian Education

The People of the Book: What We Believe - A Month of Interfaith Conversation

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Our adult education program for November is “a month of interfaith conversation” on November 2, 9, and 16.  Our speakers traveled together this past May—a group of 27 Muslims, Jews, and Christians—to Andalusia, Spain.  They explored the history and the myth of Convivencia (Spanish for "living together"), a term used by scholar Américo Castro to describe a period in Spanish history from the Muslim Umayyad conquest of Hispania in the 700s to the expulsion of the Jews in 1492.  It claims that in the different Moorish Iberian kingdoms, the Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in relative peace.  This idea suggests that medieval Spain was a place of religious tolerance and cultural exchange-very different from later periods when only Catholicism was allowed.

  • November 2 - “What Jews Wish Christians Understood about Judaism”
    Our teacher for the morning, Rabbi David Straus, is no stranger to our congregation.  He is the Rabbi Emeritus of Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA, and the chair of the National Council of Synagogues which meets regularly with members of the US Catholic Conference of Bishops, National Council of Churches, and the Evangelical Community.  In Philadelphia, David has been co-convener of the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia and served on the board of Interfaith Philadelphia.  He is a past president of the VAAD:  The Philadelphia Board of Rabbis, and served as chair of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Community Relations Council from 2010-2014.

  • November 9 - “What Muslims Wish Christians Understood about Islam”
    Muhammed Said Selmanlar is the Executive Director of Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania, where he leads peace-building efforts through interfaith and intercultural dialogue, along with educational and youth programs.  A dedicated community builder and organizer, Muhammed fosters collaboration across diverse groups to promote mutual understanding and respect.  Before his current role, he served the Lehigh Valley community through his work at the Lehigh Dialogue Center and as Vice President of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group, where he played a key role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among different faith communities.  His commitment to building bridges between cultures and communities remains central to his mission.

  • November 16 - “What Christians Wish Jews and Muslims Understood about Christianity”
    Cindy Jarvis will lead us in a conversation about the essential tenants of our faith and how we might communicate what our faith means and matters to our Jewish and Muslim friends.  All three of our religions are “people of the book” and share Father Abraham.  Ethics may be the other common thread that connects our faith communities.  The most curious part of our faith are the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity for Jews and Muslims who find these doctrines inimical to Monotheism.  In preparation, think about how you would talk to a Jewish or Muslim friend about your Christian faith and about what you believe about who Jesus is.

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Zia Holiday Donation Drive
Nov
1
to Nov 18
Missions

Zia Holiday Donation Drive

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Zia is holding a donation drive to collect hygiene items for their member families through November 22; donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and lip balm are requested.  You may purchase items on your own, or order them from Zia’s Amazon Wishlist.  The donation box is located by the 21st Street door entrance next to the box to donate grocery bags.

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Nosferatu
Oct
31
8:00 PM20:00
Music, Concerts@First

Nosferatu

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Concerts@First presents Nosferatu

Halloween Silent Movie with Live Accompaniment performed by Kalle Toivio.

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is a 1922 silent German Expressionist vampire film directed by F. W. Murnau from a screenplay by Henrik Galeen. It stars Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire who preys on the wife of his estate agent and brings the plague to their town. Nosferatu was produced by Prana Film and is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. Various names and other details were changed from the novel, including Count Dracula being renamed Count Orlok.

Tickets $20 ($10 for members and students)
Click here for tickets!

  • First Church members: use promo code "FPCMEMBER"

  • Students: use promo code "STUDENT"

On-street parking is available with placard!

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New Members' Class
Oct
26
12:40 PM12:40
Membership

New Members' Class

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First Church is holding a new members class on October 26.  Our membership class is an opportunity for you to learn more about our history and our values, how our past has shaped us and how we believe God is leading our church in the present.  You can attend for information only, and those who wish to join will be received into membership that day.  If you’re interested in attending, please contact Rev. Laura Colee.

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Dinner @ Christian Association at UPENN
Oct
22
6:30 PM18:30
Fellowship, Twenties & Thirties

Dinner @ Christian Association at UPENN

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FPC folks are joining the Christian Association at UPenn (118 S. 37th Street) for dinner on Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM. We’ll be having Thai food take-out and spending time in conversation with UPenn students and with the wonderful Rev. Megan LeCluyse. Everyone is welcome!! Please RSVP to Laura so we know how much food to order.

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T&T/Gen X Quizzo
Oct
21
7:45 PM19:45
Twenties & Thirties, Fellowship

T&T/Gen X Quizzo

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T&Ts and Gen X are teaming up to show off our robust, intergenerational trivia knowledge at Tuesday night Quizzo. We’ll be gathering at Founding Fathers (1612 South Street) at 7:45 pm on Tuesday, October 21st. Everyone 21+ is welcome to attend! Please RSVP to Laura so we can look out for you!

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fpcQ-sponsored Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl
Oct
19
2:00 PM14:00
Fellowship

fpcQ-sponsored Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl

On Sunday, October 19th at 2 pm, everyone is welcome to meet at Brooklyn Bowl (1009 Canal St, Philadelphia, PA 19123) in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia for 2 hours of bowling. The event is sponsored by the fpcQ affinity group and absolutely everyone of all ages is welcome to join. Whether you’re a bowling pro or if you haven’t played in years, come join us for a fun afternoon! If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP to Laura Colee.

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