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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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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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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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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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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Missions Fair
Oct
19
11:00 AM11:00
Missions

Missions Fair

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The Missions Committee is hosting a Missions Fair on October 19 in Old Buttonwood Hall. We have invited a number of mission partners to join us for the fellowship hour after both the 9 and 11 AM services. The congregation will have an opportunity to talk with some of our partners about their upcoming projects and ways that the church can get involved. Please join us to check it out!

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A Primer on Immigration
Oct
12
12:40 PM12:40
Christian Education

A Primer on Immigration

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Come to learn about the history of immigration in the United States from Joanna McGill Gardner, an immigration lawyer with HIAS. The program will cover historical immigration laws and trends, modern immigration categories and procedures, and—with input from the Rev. Cindy Jarvis—how the Presbyterian church views immigration. Please note that this is not intended to be a political discussion but rather an educational presentation of facts and the status of our immigration system.

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Night Church with the Christian Association at Penn
Oct
5
5:00 PM17:00
Community, Worship

Night Church with the Christian Association at Penn

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Join us October 5 at 5 PM when First Church hosts Night Church with the Christian Association at Penn. Night Church is a worship service centered around music, Scripture, and quiet reflection, based on the Taize community in France. Their music is simple and easy to learn, but very meaningful. After the service, those who can stay are welcome to join for a simple supper of soup and bread. 

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Adult CE: Reformed Theology and Political Resistance
Oct
5
12:40 PM12:40
Christian Education

Adult CE: Reformed Theology and Political Resistance

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Join the Rev. Ken Ross for a discussion of the Presbyterian Church’s historical call to resistance through, for example, the Theological Declaration of Barmen. This program will be a refresher for those who attended the two-part discussion of “The Continuing Relevance of the Barmen Declaration” in 2020, but no prior knowledge is needed or expected. The Barmen Declaration is available here.

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Parent Coffee
Oct
5
10:00 AM10:00
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, and that the series will foster deeper connection and community among the FPC young families.

On October 5, our topic is "Pragmatic ways to incorporate faith into your family life." Please join us in the MacColl Room.

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CANCELED: Boomers' Cinema: Pandora's Box
Sep
29
4:00 PM16:00

CANCELED: Boomers' Cinema: Pandora's Box

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Because of unforeseen complications, Boomers' Cinema is canceling this event. We offer apologies for any inconvenience and look forward to future film matinees soon!

Pandora’s Box (1929)

In honor of annual Silent Movie Day on September 29th, the Philadelphia Film Society presents one of the greatest achievements of the silent film era from the renowned German cinema master G. W. Pabst. The surprisingly modern epic follows the exploits of an alluring young woman and her intoxicating beauty that draws a string of lovers into her orbit, leading to a tragic chain of betrayal, obsessions, and self-destruction. 
FPC pricing is $3.00 pp. RSVP to boomers@fpcphila.org 

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Twenties & Thirties Brunch with First Unitarian T&Ts
Sep
28
2:00 PM14:00
Fellowship

Twenties & Thirties Brunch with First Unitarian T&Ts

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Join us as our First Pres T&Ts meet with the First Unitarian T&Ts for their monthly brunch. Our T&Ts will gather in Old Buttonwood after our 11 AM service and walk over together to First Unitarian at 22nd & Chestnut. We’ll bring sandwich trays, chips, and drinks for the gathering. You’re welcome to bring other goodies to share as well! If you’d like to join us, please RSVP to Laura, so know to look out for you.

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Sunday School Begins
Sep
28
9:50 AM09:50
Christian Education, Children & Families

Sunday School Begins

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Every Sunday, we invite children ages 2-to-12 years old to join us for Children’s Sunday School after our Celebration Service from 9:50-10:30 am in Old Buttonwood Hall. We will be telling Bible stories, making crafts, and learning about how to share Christ’s love to the world. We will primarily be using curriculum from Godly Play, which explores stories from the Old and New Testament using play-based story-telling.

We invite parents to fill out our 2025-2026 Sunday School Registration Form during the first few weeks of Children’s Sunday School so we can best care for your kids in class.

Here are the stories we’ll be exploring our first few weeks together:

  • September 28 - The Church Calendar and God’s Time Lesson

  • October 5 - World Communion Sunday Lesson

  • October 12 - Creation Lesson/Animals Blessing Lesson

  • October 19 - The Tower of Babel Lesson

  • October 26 - The Great Family

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Sep
21
11:00 AM11:00
Fellowship

Champagne Brunch

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Please join us on Sunday for the last summer worship service at 10 AM in the sanctuary. We will celebrate the return of Dr. Mullis from his sabbatical with a champagne brunch following the service.

The 9:00 AM Celebration! service and the 11:00 AM Traditional Worship service will resume on September 28.

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Women of Wit & Wisdom Lunch
Sep
17
12:00 PM12:00

Women of Wit & Wisdom Lunch

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Please join the Women of Wit & Wisdom for a welcome back lunch on Wednesday, September 17 at noon in the MacColl Room. Lunch and beverages will be provided; you bring the conversation! RSVP at womenwitwisdom@fpcphila.org by Tuesday September 16 or speak to Diane at coffee hour. Bring a friend if you like!

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Twenties & Thirties Kayaking Tour on the Schuylkill
Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00
Fellowship

Twenties & Thirties Kayaking Tour on the Schuylkill

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Join us for a Sunday afternoon kayak tour of the Schuylkill River! We will meet at the Walnut Street docks off the Schuylkill Banks and venture out for a 90 minute tour. We currently have 8 tickets reserved—if you'd like one of them, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org.

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30
Children & Families

Talking with Kids about Grief (Part 2) – A Special Class for Parents & Children

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Join us on Sunday, September 14, for a special Sunday School session designed to help families navigate grief and loss. Children (ages 2-12) will gather with Rev. Laura Colee in the basement Sunday School rooms to read a children's story about loss and then create art projects together. Parents will meet in the MacColl Room with school psychologist, Heather Van Stolk, and our Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Matthew Arlyck, to learn practical tools for discussing death and grief with children. All are welcome—please let Laura know if you are interested in attending so we know how many to expect.

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Band of Boomers: Tour of the Woodlands
Sep
11
1:00 PM13:00
Fellowship

Band of Boomers: Tour of the Woodlands

The Woodlands: Guided Tour

A National Historic Landmark and Philadelphia treasure, The Woodlands is home to the Hamilton mansion and is also notable for its cemetery and beautiful landscape. The guided tour is approximately 1½ hours. FPC pricing is $10.00 pp.

RSVP to boomers@fpcphila.org no later than Thursday, September 4!

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Adult CE: Mindfulness
Sep
7
11:30 AM11:30
Christian Education

Adult CE: Mindfulness

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As the last of the Adult CE series on “rest,” Laura Cohen Romano, retired Director of Spiritual Care and Mindfulness for the Einstein Healthcare Network, will facilitate a one-time session called "Mindfulness Matters." This session is for you if:  you find yourself reacting too quickly to a loved one or co-worker; you sometimes lie awake mind-racing at 3 AM;  you struggle with physical conditions; and/or you have a sense that some of life's peaceful or joyful moments pass you by simply because your mind is elsewhere.  Come hear some helpful information and mindfulness myth-busting, participate in a couple types of guided practices, have the chance to ask questions, and likely even join in some laughter. Join us!

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Casserole Extravaganza II
Aug
31
11:45 AM11:45
Volunteering, Missions

Casserole Extravaganza II

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Our Casserole extravaganza was such a success that we’re doing it again! On Sunday, August 31, we need 15-20 volunteers to help make 30-40 casseroles for our mission partner, University City Hospitality Coalition (UCHC).  We’ll set up after worship and fellowship (11:45 AM) in Old Buttonwood Hall.  Please contact Laura Colee to volunteer.

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Casserole Extravaganza - Volunteers Needed
Aug
10
11:45 AM11:45
Volunteering, Missions

Casserole Extravaganza - Volunteers Needed

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On Sunday, August 10, we need 15-20 volunteers to help make 30-40 casseroles for our mission partner, University City Hospitality Coalition (UCHC).  We’ll set up after worship and fellowship (11:45 AM) in Old Buttonwood Hall.  Please contact Laura Colee to volunteer.

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