News - New Utrecht Reformed Church

George Washington returns to New Utrecht

2012-01-13T12:16:00.001-05:00

One photo is a close-up of Michael Grillo dressed as George Washington. The other shows the Washington portrayer riding a horse in Prospect Park.

BROOKLYN -- George Washington is coming back to Bensonhurst, and Friends of Historic New Utrecht invites you to meet him, in the person of experienced Washington portrayer Michael Grillo, at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House, 18th Ave. and 84th St., on Tuesday, February 7, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Mr. Grillo, Education Director at the Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx, has been appearing as Washington for over 12 years at historic sites and events. Mr. Grillo's presentation about Washington's career will include discussion of the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776, his victorious return to New York in November 1783, his inauguration there in 1789 and his visit to New Utrecht in April 1790, when he had lunch at Barre's tavern (84th St. and 16th Ave.) and greeted students from the village school nearby.

President Washington will have an escort of two Revolutionary War reenactors in the uniform of a New York State militia unit, one of whom will give a brief talk about the life and equipment of a Revolutionary War soldier. A Q&A session with the audience and a reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation. Parking is available in the church lot.

On the morning of Feb.7, Mr. Grillo will portray President Washington before an audience of more than 600 students, 4th and 5th graders from public, parochial and private schools, also sponsored by the Friends of New Utrecht, in the New Utrecht High School auditorium. In the afternoon he is scheduled to perform and respond to questions from intermediate and high school students.

The New Utrecht Parish House stands next to the church's sanctuary building which dates from 1828 and is undergoing extensive repair and restoration. On the front lawn a Liberty Pole, the last of its kind in the nation, is the sixth to be erected at the site. The first was in 1783 by New Utrecht patriots celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War and the withdrawal of the British troops.The church, which today is a member of the mainline Protestant Reformed Church in America (RCA), was founded in 1677.

For more information about the free Washington program or the history of New Utrecht, please contact the Friends of Historic New Utrecht at (718) 256-7173.

The Friends organization's program of historical and cultural events is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

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Living Nativity tradition continues

2011-12-18T02:46:00.000-05:00

The New Utrecht tradition of the annual Living Nativity featuring Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus continues! The 2011 version of the Living Nativity took place Saturday afternoon at the New Utrecht Reformed Church lawn.

Photos by Carol Dickert and Vincent La Marca

The Rev. Terry Troia reading from the Gospel of Luke.

The Living Nativity briefly moved indoors.

The Living Nativity continues a New Utrecht tradition.

Left to right: a shepherd, Mary, the infant Jesus and Joseph.

Many thanks to the volunteers who participated in this annual event!

Christmas in the air at free concert in Bensonhurst

2011-11-17T20:09:00.001-05:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Reformed Church

Photo caption: Brian P. Worsdale conducts the InterSchool Orchestras Symphonic Band in the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House.

BROOKLYN - Christmas music will be in the air as Brian P. Worsdale conducts the InterSchool Orchestras Symphonic Band in a Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church at 7:30 p.m.. The concert is sponsored by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht. The church is at 18th Ave. and 84th St. in Bensonhurst. Admission is free, and light refreshments will follow.

The Band, founded by Mr. Worsdale in Bensonhurst, is in its 16th year. For many years it has been a part of the many community events scheduled by the Friends historical organization, most recently a concert during "Liberty Weekend" in June. The Band made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2004 and for the past four years has given the Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Mr. Worsdale is Artistic Director and conductor at The French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Delaware County, New York. His musical teaching career has included public schools and private academies, most recently Visitation Academy in Bay Ridge.

The New Utrecht free concerts are held in the church's Parish House while the sanctuary next door, built in 1828, undergoes a major renovation. The Parish House is highly acclaimed for its acoustics and historic architecture. The New Utrecht church was established in 1677 and is a member of the Reformed Church in American (RCA), Rev. Terry Troia, pastor.

The Friends organization's community concerts are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development.

Additional information about the Friends historic organization, the church and New Utrecht's many community programs is available by calling (718) 256-7173.

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Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, 2 a.m.

2011-11-05T23:37:00.000-04:00

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6 at 2 a.m. Don't forget to turn back your clocks!

A long Brooklyn tradition: Great prices at New Utrecht thrift sale

2011-10-17T21:41:00.001-04:00

Brooklyn's

New Utrecht Reformed Church

-Since 1677-

Photo by Vincent La Marca

October 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BROOKLYN - The Brooklyn thrift sale known for great prices and a wide assortment of clothing, linens, shoes, books, toys, handbags, jewelry and housewares is being held Saturday, Oct. 22, at the New Utrecht Reformed Church in Bensonhurst from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"When we say great prices, we mean it!" says Rose Giannini Lood, a church leader who remembers when her mother would prepare for the Brooklyn tradition -- and that was more than 70 years ago.

The sale of new and gently used items is in the church Parish House on 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets while the church sanctuary next door, built in 1828, undergoes restoration. "It's all for the benefit of our magnificent church complex," Mrs. Lood says.

Parking is available in the church lot. Bus and subway lines are nearby. A light lunch will be offered for purchase.

History and tradition abound at the site. Outside on the front lawn stands a famous "Liberty Pole," the last of its kind in the nation. The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677. It's now a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), a mainline Protestant denomination.

In the 1600s, congregations of the Dutch Reformed Church in North America spread and expanded, even after the English took control of the region from the Dutch. The Dutch Reformed Church, incorporated in the United States in 1819 as the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, changed its name to the Reformed Church in America in 1867. The pastor of the church is the Rev. Terry Troia of Staten Island.

Information on the history of the town of New Utrecht and the church is available by calling (718) 256-7173 or logging onto www.historicnewutrecht.org and www.newutrechtchurch.org. Information also can be obtained by sending an e-mail to mail@historicnewutrecht.org.

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Readings for October 23

2011-10-16T12:00:00.003-04:00

Readings for October 23

Readings for October 16

2011-10-09T12:00:00.001-04:00

Readings for October 16

The second Battle of Brooklyn: Historian to recount struggle to create Greater New York

2011-10-03T17:04:00.003-04:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

presents free illustrated lecture by Manhattan Borough Historian

the New Utrecht Reformed Church

In this cartoon "Father Knickerbocker" proposes marriage to "Miss Brooklyn" despite the objections of Brooklyn politicians and newspapermen. It's an 1893 cartoon from Puck Magazine, provided by Mr. Michael Miscione, Manhattan Borough Historian.

BROOKLYN -- Was it the "Great Mistake"? That's how many citizens of the City of Brooklyn felt about the Consolidation of 1898 which made their city one of the five boroughs of Greater New York. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Friends of Historic New Utrecht will offer an illustrated presentation by Manhattan Borough Historian Michael Miscione on the fierce political battles that surrounded the Consolidation. His lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. at 84th St., in Bensonhurst. Admission is free, and an audience question-and-answer session with light refreshments will follow.

A native New Yorker, historical activist and professional tour guide, Mr. Miscione has been Manhattan's Borough Historian since 2006. As a senior television producer for NYC-TV his work included an award-winning documentary about the Consolidation of 1898.

Mr. Miscione's historical interests are not limited to Manhattan; in September he conducted a bicycle tour of sites in eastern Brooklyn related to the long-forgotten City of Brooklyn water system.

Friends of Historic New Utrecht was organized in 1997 to promote historic preservation and education in the old Town of New Utrecht (southwest Brooklyn). Founded by Dutch settlers in 1657, the Town of New Utrecht had its own "consolidation" drama in 1894 when it was annexed to the City of Brooklyn. Mr. Miscione's lecture is the first in the Friends organization's 2011-12 program of free public concerts, historical lectures and events.

The New Utrecht Parish House stands next to the church's sanctuary building which dates from 1828 and is undergoing extensive repair and restoration. The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677. It is a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). The pastor is the Rev. Terry Troia.

More information on the many free community programs at the New Utrecht Reformed Church complex, including musical concerts and historical lectures, is available by calling (718) 256-7173.

Financial support for Friends of Historic New Utrecht's educational and cultural activities is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, City Councilman Vincent Gentile, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and the Verizon Foundation.

Readings for October 9

2011-10-02T12:00:00.005-04:00

Readings for October 9

No service Sept. 4

2011-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

New Utrecht Reformed Church will not be holding a service on Sunday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend). Please find another church to attend on that Sunday.

No service Aug. 28 and Sept 4

2011-08-27T02:19:00.000-04:00

New Utrecht Reformed Church will not be holding a service on Sunday, August 28 because of Hurricane Irene; also there will be no service on Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend). Please find another church to attend on these Sundays.

FHNU Board Meeting canceled

2011-07-20T15:57:00.002-04:00

The Friends of Historic New Utrecht Board Meeting for July 26 has been canceled. The next meeting has been fixed as Tuesday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Readings for July 24

2011-07-20T15:55:00.000-04:00

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for July 24

No service July 3

2011-06-29T01:02:00.002-04:00

New Utrecht Reformed Church will not be holding a service on Sunday, July 3; also there will be no service on Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend). Please find another church to attend on these Sundays.

Parish House struck by lighting

2011-06-29T00:44:00.002-04:00

The Parish House tower after the fire.


The Parish House tower at Liberty Weekend (June 4-5).

Lighting struck the tower of the landmark Parish House during a thunderstorm on the evening of Thursday, June 9, causing a small fire and some damage to the tower as well as the loss of "a couple pieces of equipment," according to a post at the Friends of Historic New Utrecht's Facebook page. Fortunately no one was in the building when lightning struck the tower, the first lighting strike at the church complex since 1936 when the fourth Liberty Pole, which was made of wood, was struck by lighting. A fifth pole would replace the damaged pole. In 1946 a sixth pole, a metal pole used in the 1939-40 World's Fair at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, would be erected on the site and still stands today.

The Home Reporter noted that fifteen neighbors called 911 shortly after the tower was on fire and firefighters responded promptly, broke open the gate and put out the fire quickly. Consistory Vice President Susan Hanyen told the Home Reporter, "The response was magnificent...We're so grateful that they went the extra mile [because] we have wonderful stained glass and they did not touch that." After a cleanup on Saturday, June 11, Sunday service was held on June 12 and a concert by the Gravesend Players sponsored by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht was held on Saturday, June 18.

Latest New Utrecht headlines

2011-06-27T16:21:00.001-04:00

Liberty Weekend June 4 and 5th draws hundreds!
Elder Eric Ander and Rev. Troia back from General Synod.
September Synod Update planned for September 18th.
June 25th New Utrecht Community Lunch feeds more than 150 from our neighborhood!

More details on these stories are to come!

Baroque chamber music at New Utrecht June 18

2011-06-02T21:01:00.001-04:00

The final event of the Friends of Historic New Utrecht's 2010-2011 season will be a free concert of 17th and 18th century Baroque chamber music performed here in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church by the Gravesend Players on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will follow. The Gravesend Players take their name from Advent-Gravesend Church on Avenue P and East 12th St., where they were originally organized and often perform. For more information, please call 718-256-7173.

Battle of Brooklyn film, lectures, cannon firing among New Utrecht "Liberty Weekend" highlights

2011-05-16T11:46:00.001-04:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association

New Utrecht Reformed Church

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Film on the Battle of Brooklyn, Lectures and Cannon Firing Among New Utrecht 'Liberty Weekend' Highlights

BROOKLYN - A film on a major figure in the Battle of Brooklyn, historical lectures, Civil and Revolutionary War re-enactor/ historians, an evening band concert and a parade are highlights of "Liberty Weekend 2011" on Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Organized by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht, these free public events will take place on the campus of the historic New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St. in Bensonhurst.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be devoted to history. A highlight will be the showing of the film "The Brave Man" about Gen. William Alexander, a forgotten hero of the Battle of Brooklyn, the largest, but least-known, battle of the War for Independence. The 33-minute movie, produced and directed by Joseph McCarthy in 2001, will be shown in the New Utrecht Church Parish House at 1:45 p.m.

The Parish House also will be the venue for two lectures. The first, presented by National Park Service Ranger Michael Callahan at 12:30 p.m., will discuss "New York and the American Revolution." Historian George Munkenbeck will give an illustrated lecture at 2:45 p.m. on "Four Civil War Lives," the stories of two Union and two Confederate soldiers, providing a special perspective of the Civil War.

Throughout the day, visitors can interact with Civil War re-enactors/historians from the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, Co. H and with several Revolutionary re-enactors. Winslow's Battery D will be demonstrating, and firing, its authentic 1863 Civil War cannon.

Also on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friends of Historic New Utrecht president Dave Elligers will lead a tour of the colonial-era New Utrecht Cemetery on 16th Ave. between 84th and 85th Streets (entrance at 85th St.). This is the only time during the year that the landmark cemetery is open to the public.

At 7 p.m. Saturday on the church lawn, the Interschool Orchestras Symphonic Band, conducted by Brian P. Worsdale, will perform. There will be limited unreserved seating, and audience members may bring their own chairs and blankets. In case of rain, the concert will held in the Parish House.

Sunday ceremonies will honor Liberty Weekend's inspiration, the New Utrecht Liberty Pole, the sixth to be raised at the site of the first pole, erected in 1783 to celebrate the departure of British occupation troops. There will be a parade at 12:30 p.m. from the church grounds to the old cemetery where observances will honor Revolutionary War Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull and all of our community's veterans. Concluding ceremonies at the Liberty Pole at 1:45 p.m. will commemorate the Liberty Pole's 228th anniversary.

Before the parade, all are invited to join the regular Sunday service at 11 a.m. in the New Utrecht Reformed Church.

Persons interested in learning more about Liberty Weekend, New Utrecht's landmarks and the history of the Town of New Utrecht are invited to check the website www.historicnewutrecht.org or inquire at mail@historicnewutrecht.org or (718) 256-7173.

Liberty Weekend is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, City Councilmen Domenic Recchia and Vincent Gentile and funding from the Verizon Foundation.

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Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter

2011-04-27T00:03:00.001-04:00

Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter (May 1)

Free jazz concert May 14 in Bensonhurst by Brooklyn College Jazz Ensemble

2011-04-21T11:02:00.001-04:00

FRIENDS of HISTORIC NEW UTRECHT

Presents Free Jazz Concert at

The New Utrecht Reformed Church

Free Jazz Concert May 14 in Bensonhurst by Brooklyn College Jazz Ensemble

BROOKLYN - Friends of Historic New Utrecht presents a free public concert by the Jazz Ensemble of the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music directed by saxophonist, composer and scholar Salim Washington in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church on Saturday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. This is the latest in a series of free concerts offered for the community in the Parish House in Bensonhurst at 18th Ave. and 84th St. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Students in the college's Jazz Big Band and Jazz Ensemble study the standard repertory of such well-know jazz greats as Mingus, Coltrane, Ellington and Monk, as well as works by lesser known artists and original compositions. The Jazz Ensemble emphasizes the skills necessary to the contemporary jazz musician, including technique, theory, oral instruction, philosophy of improvisation and memorization.

Recent off-campus appearances of the Ensemble include performances at the University of Connecticut and the Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival.

Mr. Washington, a native of Memphis, Tenn., grew up in Detroit. In his teens he mastered the saxophone, the flute, and the oboe and studied piano as well. He received his Ph.D from Harvard in 2000. A faculty member of the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, he was honored with a Fulbright Fellowship to go to South Africa in 2009 to lecture and conduct research on "The Aesthetics and Social Valences of South African Jazz."

The New Utrecht Parish House, site of concerts featuring many types of music, including choral, string ensembles and big bands, is known for its remarkable acoustics. It stands next to the church's sanctuary building, built in 1828 and undergoing repair and restoration. The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677. The pastor is the Rev. Terry Troia.

Throughout the year the Friends historic organization presents cultural and educational activities, including historical events attended by students and teachers from Brooklyn schools. These activities are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Additional information on the free community programs at the New Utrecht Reformed Church complex, including the concert series, is available by calling 1-718-256-7173.

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Public relations services donated by bhpr Especially for Churches April-May 2011

Good Friday Reading: The seven last words of Jesus

2011-04-17T12:01:00.001-04:00

The seven last words of Jesus (NRSV) (NIV)

Readings for Holy Week and Easter

2011-04-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Maundy/Holy Thursday (Apr. 21), Good Friday (Apr. 22) and Easter Sunday (Apr. 24)

Readings for Palm/Passion Sunday

2011-04-10T12:00:00.007-04:00

Readings for Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday (Apr. 17)

Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

2011-04-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent (Apr. 10)

Readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

2011-03-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Apr. 3)

March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-22T00:02:00.001-04:00

Download the March 2011 Newsletter (PDF - Google Docs)

Readings for the Third Sunday in Lent

2011-03-20T12:00:00.003-04:00

Readings for the Third Sunday in Lent (Mar. 27)

Sale items piled high: church extends hours for popular Thrift Sale April 9

2011-03-19T12:40:00.001-04:00

Eds: Photo attached: Bargain-hunters have plenty to choose from at a New Utrecht Reformed Church thrift sale. This picture was taken at a sale last October.

CALENDAR NOTICE: Thrift sale at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets, Bensonhurst, Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brooklyn's New Utrecht Reformed Church

-Since 1677-

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: (718) 236-0678

Popular Thrift Sale at Historic Brooklyn Church Complex April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BROOKLYN - The New Utrecht Reformed Church announces that for the first time its popular thrift sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., instead of ending at 3 p.m. "We've found that some people arrive just before we have to close the doors," Rose Giannini Lood, a longtime church member and leader, explains. "So on Saturday, April 9, we're trying something new."

As always, the sale will feature clothing, linens, jewelry, housewares, toys, handbags and books. The proceeds benefit restoration of the historic church complex.

The sales are conducted in the New Utrecht Parish House while the sanctuary building next door, which dates from 1828, undergoes restoration and repair. A light lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Parking is available in the church lot near 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets, Bensonhurst. Bus and subway lines are nearby.

"We always have quite a following," Mrs. Lood says. "People who come to our thrift sales year after year know our prices are great!" Mrs. Lood remembers when her mother would set aside items for the sale -- more than 75 years ago.

The New Utrecht church was founded in the Town of New Utrecht in 1677 and today is a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Rev. Terry Troia is pastor.

Persons interested in finding out more about the history of the church and the Town of New Utrecht may call the Friends of Historic New Utrecht at 1-718-256-7173 or log onto historicnewutrecht.org and the church website at newutrechtchurch.org.

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New view of the nation's first President April 12 at historic Brooklyn site

2011-03-16T22:39:00.001-04:00

FRIENDS OF HISTORIC NEW UTRECHT

Presents 'George Washington's America'

AT THE NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

Editors: We invite your coverage Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed

Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., in Bensonhurst.

Two photos are attached: Schecter_author and GW's America.

Contacts: mail@historicnewutrecht.org and 718-256-7173.

CALENDAR LISTING: ""George Washington's America: A Biography Through His Maps," a free illustrated lecture by author/historian Barnet Schecter presented by Friends of Historic New Utrecht in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., April 12, 7:30 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Utrecht Historic Organization Presents Author/Historian Barnet Schecter with New View of Washington

BROOKLYN - History buffs and others attending the free illustrated lecture in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church April 12 will get a new view of George Washington, thanks to noted author and historian Barnet Schecter. The program, sponsored by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht, is based on Mr. Schecter's book

George Washington's America: A Biography Through His Maps. It begins at 7:30 p.m. The Parish House is at 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets.

From his early years, maps were always central to the work of Washington. After his death, the most important of the maps he drew and purchased were bound into an atlas which was kept in his family and eventually went to Yale University's Sterling Memorial Library.

These maps inspired Mr. Schecter to create his portrait of Washington from his days as a surveyor and later in the French and Indian War, during the American Revolution, on into his years as the first president.

Among Mr. Schecter's others books are The Devil's Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America and The Battle for New York: The City at the Heart of the American Revolution.

He was an advisor for the New York Historial Society's exhibit, Lincoln and New York. He has been a contributing editor for the Encyclopedia of the American Revolution and Landmarks of the American Revolution. Mr. Schecter also is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of New York City. He is a fellow of the New York Academy of History.

The free April 12 program, with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet with the author to follow, is the second illustrated, historically-based lecture presented by the historic organization in its expanded cultural-educational series. The first was last October 12, the traditional Columbus Day, with a focus on "Columbus, Technologist of the Ocean Sea," as presented by George J. Munkenbeck.

The Parish House where the lectures are given has its own remarkable history as a landmark built in 1892 and known for its magnificent architecture. It stands next to the New Utrecht sanctuary, dating from 1828 and undergoing repair and restoration. The New Utrecht Church was founded in 1677.

The church has on its front lawn a 104-foot-high Liberty Pole, the last of its kind, the sixth erected on the spot since residents of the Town of New Utrecht put up the first one to celebrate the end of the Revolutionary War and the withdrawal of British troops from the 13 colonies on Nov. 25, 1783, "Evacuation Day."

Each year the New Utrecht Church complex in Bensonhurst serves as the base for numerous Friends educational and cultural events, including programs specially prepared for New York City schoolchildren, with an emphasis on the country's early history and the Town of New Utrecht.

Parking is available on the church grounds. Bus and subway lines are nearby.

More information about the lecture series, the Friends organization and the history of the church is available at 718-256-7173 and historicnewutrecht.org.

The lectures are supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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Readings for the Second Sunday in Lent

2011-03-15T22:59:00.001-04:00

Readings for the Second Sunday in Lent (Mar. 20)

Free concert: Spring arrives with the sound of music in Brooklyn

2011-03-04T16:31:00.001-05:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

Presents Concert at

NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

Eds: We invite your coverage Sunday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., in Bensonhurst. Contacts: mail@historicnewutrecht.org and (718) 256-7173.

PHOTO ATTACHED: Cutline could read: Making Music: The Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band led by Irwin Meyer in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church in Bensonhurst.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It's Spring! Free Concert by the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band Salutes the New Season

BROOKLYN - Spring arrives with the sweep of a conductor's baton Sunday, March 20, in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church when the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band returns for another free concert presented by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht. Appropriately titled "Spring Is Here!", the concert begins at 2:30 p.m.

The widely-acclaimed musicians, under the direction of Irwin Meyer, last performed at New Utrecht on the eve of Flag Day in June of last year. The band members come from many walks of life. Some are professional musicians, students, mechanics, teachers, police officers and health care professionals.

In its nearly 80-year history, the band has been made up of musicians from the famous John Philip Sousa Band, the Goldman Band and many other big bands of the 1940s. Conductor Meyer has played in semi-professional symphony orchestras, including the Brooklyn Doctors' Symphony, where he served as president for several years.

The program, at which light refreshments will be served, is one in a series of free concerts offered each year by the New Utrecht historic organization. The Parish House and nearby sanctuary of the church both are historically significant. The church building, undergoing extensive repair and restoration, dates back to 1828. The New Utrecht church was founded in the Town of New Utrecht in 1677.

It has on its front lawn, near 18th Ave. in Bensonhurst, the nation's last remaining Liberty Pole, 104 feet high, the sixth pole to have been placed at the site. The original pole was erected by town residents to celebrate the Evacuation of the British in 1783.

Persons interested in learning more about the March 20 concert, the Friends organization and the history of the church and the old Town of New Utrecht may call (718) 256-7173 or check the website historicnewutrecht.org or inquire at mail@historicnewutrecht.org.

The concert program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the Verizon Foundation.

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Public relations services donated by bhpr Especially for Churches March 2011

Haiti: one year later

2011-01-25T01:01:00.000-05:00

(From rca.org) Media coverage of the first year since the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake is focused on government inaction, the slow pace of recovery and the seeming inability of Haiti to recover.

But the story has another side: Haitians helping Haitians, say Church World Service staff and CWS partners in anticipation of this week's anniversary.

"One year after the earthquake, the situation in Haiti remains extremely grave and extremely serious. Overall reconstruction of the country has been much slower than anyone would have liked," said Aaron Tate, Church World Service's Haiti earthquake response coordinator. "Haitians are frustrated, and I'm frustrated."

In a country with so many problems, Tate said, "it's easy to blame the government, the international humanitarian organizations and even the Haitian people for the problems of the last year."

What is ultimately more useful, he said, is to continue work on "positive things that can multiply and build a new kind of Haiti."

Read more of this story.

Learn More

Preliminary calendar for Jan.-June 2011

2011-01-25T00:33:00.001-05:00

Prelininary calendar for Jan.-June 2011 (PDF) (Google Docs)

Lincoln makes return visit to Brooklyn

2011-01-18T14:10:00.001-05:00

bhpr
especially for churches

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Reformed Church - Since 1677

Eds: The Lincoln program open free to the public begins Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House. The morning program in the auditorium at New Utrecht High School starts at 10 a.m.; the afternoon high school program begins at 1 p.m.

Contact: (718) 256-7173. Photos of James Hayney as President Lincoln are available at lookingforalincoln.com.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More About Lincoln -- He's Coming Back to Brooklyn on Feb. 8, Ready to Answer Questions

BROOKLYN -- When Abraham Lincoln comes back to Brooklyn on Feb. 8 he'll be ready to answer the questions of young and old alike. His first stop with be in New Utrecht High School. And at 7:30 p.m. that Tuesday night, Lincoln portrayer James Hayney presents a free program open to the public at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House, 18th Ave. and 84th St. in Bensonhurst. The last previous visit of the veteran actor to Brooklyn was two years ago.

Hayney always allows time for questions about the 16th president, and his audiences, including elementary school students in a morning program at the high school, always come prepared, as do high school students in the auditorium for Mr. Hayney's afternoon presentation. He ends his presentations by reciting "The Gettysburg Address."

The program and questions from the students often involve the president's early life growing up on the frontier and his views on slavery and other issues that led to the Civil War. Students and teachers prepare many of the questions in advance. In his responses, Hayney says, he "sets the records straight, separating fact from fiction."

In the evening, members of a generally older audience, including Brooklyn residents who have a special interest in American history, attend the program in the Parish House of the church, which has a long history of its own. The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677. It is now within the Reformed Church in America (RCA), a mainline Protestant denomination that formerly was a part of the Dutch Reformed Church. When the sanctuary building next to the Parish House was built in 1828, Lincoln was only 19. The church building currently is undergoing extensive restoration.

Hayney, a life member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, has performed in over 100 stage plays across the country and acted in numerous TV films and commercials. His visits to Brooklyn are sponsored by Friends of Historic New Utrecht as one of many ways the local historic organization provides 'living history lessons' for the Brooklyn community. For many years, the Friends organization has organized programs of an educational nature in schools, libraries and at the church. Hayney's appearances have the assistance of re-enactors from the famous 14th Brooklyn Regiment, Co. H.

More information on the Feb. 8 evening program and on the historic, cultural and educational programs of the Friends of Historic New Utrecht is available at (718) 256-7173 and at historicnewutrecht.org. Hayney's website is lookingforalincoln.com.

The Lincoln program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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pr services donated by bhprEspeciallyForChurches

February 2011

New deacon elected

2011-01-15T13:28:00.004-05:00

Long time NURC family member, Tina Guardina, daughter of beloved NURC member, the late Phyllis Muir, was elected as a new deacon at last Sunday's congregational meeting. Tina has been actively involved in the church's monthly Saturday soup kitchen and an attendee at the church's seasonal retreats and spiritual life program. Tina is the sister of Pat Capuano.

Tina will be ordained and installed on Sunday, January 30 at the 11 AM Service. A special coffee hour will follow.

January Saturday Soup Kitchen is set for January 29 at 1 PM in the church's Parish House.

Volunteers are asked to bring a dish for about 20 people. Set up begins at 11:30 am!
Please join us in serving the hunger needs of Bensonhurst.

Readings for Epiphany

2010-12-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for Epiphany (Jan. 2 or 6)

Readings for the First Sunday after Christmas

2010-12-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for the First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 26)

Readings for Christmas Eve

2010-12-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

Readings for Christmas Eve (Dec. 24-25)

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

2010-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec. 19)

A long tradition - "Living Nativity" - at Brooklyn landmark - Dec. 18

2010-12-05T14:57:00.003-05:00

bhprEspecially for Churches
Brooklyn's New Utrecht Reformed Church

Eds: Your coverage on Saturday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., is invited. Attached is a "Living Nativity" photo taken at New Utrecht in 2009. Please credit Vincent La Marca. Contact: (718) 236-0678.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nativity with Live Animals on Display Again This Year at Brooklyn Landmark - Dec. 18

BROOKLYN -- Again this Christmas season, the New Utrecht Reformed Church offers a "Living Nativity" on the grounds of the historic church complex in Bensonhurst at 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets.

Each year hundreds of residents of Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton and beyond come to see the live animals and the actors in Biblical costumes.

The "Living Nativity" this year will be on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Christmas Eve, a worship service of Lessons and Carols will be held in the church Parish House at 8 p.m.

The first such manger scene was set up on the church's lawn in 1956. In October, the church observed the 333rd anniversary of its founding. "For a third of a millennium, the congregation has served the Lord in the community of New Utrecht, now known as Bensonhurst -- an amazing achievement!," said Susan Hanyen, vice president of New Utrecht's Consistory.

Before Christmas 2003, the nativity scene and Christmas carols attracted visitors to the church's sanctuary building, which now is undergoing extensive repair and restoration. It dates back to 1828.

Additional information about Brooklyn's earliest history around the time the famous Brooklyn landmark was established in 1677 is available by calling the Friends of Historic New Utrecht at (718) 256-7173 and by logging onto historicnewutrecht.org.

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PR services donated. December 2010
bhprEspecially for Churches

Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent

2010-12-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (Dec. 12)

Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent

2010-11-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (Dec. 5)

Readings for the First Sunday of Advent

2010-11-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 28)

Readings for Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Readings for Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25)

Readings for the Reign of Christ

2010-11-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

Readings for the Reign of Christ - Proper 29 (34) (Nov. 21)

Staten Island to Brooklyn: free community band concert

2010-11-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Reformed Church

Contact: (718) 256-7173.

Eds: The photo attached shows the Susan E. Wagner High School Symphonic Band conducted by Paul Corn. Please credit Susan E. Wagner High School.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friends of Historic New Utrecht announces that the Susan E. Wagner High School Symphonic Band conducted by Paul Corn will give a holiday concert Saturday, Dec. 4, in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., in Bensonhurst.

The appearance of the highly-regarded 65-member band from Staten Island will be the second in the historic organization's 2010-2011 free concert series and the first public performance of the Wagner musicians this school year. Over the past several years they have won highest accolades in state and national competitions. This past spring they participated in the National Band Heritage Festival Competition in Washington, D.C.

Corn is assistant principal, arts, at Wagner and an adjunct professor at the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music.

The first New Utrecht concert in the current series of free community musical events is Saturday, Nov. 20, when Brian Worsdale conducts the InterSchool Orchestras Symphonic Band. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Additional information about the concerts, the Friends historic organization and New Utrecht's many other community programs is available by calling (718) 256-7173 and at historicnewutrecht.org.

### November 11, 2010

Readings for Proper 28 (33)

2010-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

Readings for Proper 28 (33) (Nov. 14)

Photos of the Thrift Sale

2010-11-04T23:56:00.002-04:00

The Thrift Sale on Saturday, October 23 at the New Utrecht Reformed Church netted over $3,600 for the Church Restoration Fund. The next Thrift Sale will be in April.

Readings for Proper 27 (32)

2010-10-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 27 (32) (Nov. 7)

Free concert series at Brooklyn church

2010-10-29T21:34:00.003-04:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Reformed Church

　

Eds: Coverage of the New Utrecht Concert Series is invited. Contact: (718) 256-7173.

Photo attached. Possible caption: Brian P. Worsdale conducts the InterSchool Orchestras Symphonic Band at an outdoor concert in June in front of the New Utrecht Reformed Church.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Concert Series at Brooklyn Church

BROOKLYN - Friends of Historic New Utrecht announces that its 2010-11 free concert series begins on Saturday, November 20, in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., in Bensonhurst. Brian P. Worsdale conducts the InterSchool Orchestras Symphonic Band at 7:30 p.m. After the concert light refreshments will be served.

Now in its 15th year, the Band was founded by Mr. Worsdale in Bensonhurst and has for many years been a part of the many community events scheduled by the Friends historical organization, most recently giving an outdoor concert on the church lawn during "Liberty Weekend" in June. It made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2004.

Mr. Worsdale's musical teaching career includes public schools, private academies and most recently Visitation Academy in Bay Ridge, where he serves as director of performing arts. He also is on the faculty of The French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Delaware County, New York, where he is artistic director and conductor. He also is on the faculty of The Third Street Music School Settlement in Manhattan, where he serves as director and conductor of the Wednesday Winds Program directing the wind symphony and jazz ensemble and teaches trombone.

A second concert in the Friends series will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the New Utrecht Parish House, featuring the Concert Band of Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, Paul Corn conducting. The Band will be making its first appearance at New Utrecht. In May, another ensemble from the school's highly-regarded music program, the Jazz Band, performed in the Parish House, also conducted by Mr. Corn.

The concerts are held in the Parish House, highly acclaimed for its acoustics and historic architecture, while the church building in the New Utrecht complex undergoes extensive restoration and repair. It was built in 1828. The New Utrecht church was established in 1677 and is a member of the Reformed Church in American (RCA), Rev. Terry Troia, pastor.

The Friends organization's free community concerts are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development.

Additional information about the Friends historic organization, the church and New Utrecht's many community programs is available by calling (718) 256-7173 and by logging onto historicnewutrecht.org.

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PR services donated by bhpr EspeciallyforChurches October-November 2010

Readings for All Saints Day

2010-10-24T12:01:00.000-04:00

Readings for All Saints Day (Oct. 31 or Nov. 1)

Readings for Proper 26 (31)

2010-10-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 26 (31) (Oct. 31)

Readings for Proper 25 (30)

2010-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 25 (30) (Oct. 24)

Readings for Proper 24 (29)

2010-10-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 24 (29) (Oct. 17)

Readings for Proper 23 (28)

2010-10-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 23 (28) (Oct. 10)

Thrift sale at historic Brooklyn church complex - 'Prices will be right'

2010-10-01T13:43:00.004-04:00

CALENDAR NOTICE: Thrift sale at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets, Bensonhurst, Saturday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brooklyn's New Utrecht Reformed Church
-Since 1677-

Thrift Sale to Benefit Brooklyn Historic Church Complex

October 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BROOKLYN - The New Utrecht Reformed Church announces a thrift sale Saturday, Oct. 23, which will feature toys, jewelry and housewares. "As always," Rose Giannini Lood says, "we'll have great prices, and all proceeds will benefit our historic church complex."

The sale will be held in the church Parish House next to the sanctuary building, dating back to 1828, which is undergoing major restoration. The church itself was founded in the Town of New Utrecht in 1677.

Clothing, handbags, linen, books and shoes also will be on tables and racks as bargain hunters arrive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. "We have quite a following," says Mrs. Lood, a longtime church member and leader. "Many people like to come here year after year because they know the prices will be right." Mrs. Lood remembers when her mother would set aside items for the sale -- more than 75 years ago.

As always, a light lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase. Subway and bus lines are nearby.

Persons interested in finding out more about the New Utrecht historic complex and history of the Town of New Utrecht are invited to call (718) 256-7173 or log onto www.historicnewutrecht.org and the church website at www.newutrechtchurch.org. Information from the Friends of Historic New Utrecht also is available by sending an e-mail to mail@historicnewutrecht.org.

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pr services donated by bhprEspeciallyForChurches October 2010

Readings for Proper 22 (27)

2010-09-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 22 (27) (Oct. 3)

Free lecture on Columbus Oct. 12 in Brooklyn

2010-09-20T13:28:00.003-04:00

EDS: A photo of Mr. Munkenbeck, a native Long Islander residing in West Sayville, is attached.

CALENDAR LISTING: "Columbus, Technologist of the Ocean Sea," a free lecture by George J. Munkenbeck presented by Friends of Historic New Utrecht in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

Expands Its Educational-Cultural Programs

NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: mail@historicnewutrecht.org and 718-256-7173.

New Utrecht Historic Organization Launches Expansion of Education Programs with Columbus Presentation

"In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue . . ."

BROOKLYN - Friends of Historic New Utrecht expands its educational-cultural programs on Tuesday, Oct. 12, the "traditional" Columbus Day, with a lecture by George J. Munkenbeck titled "Columbus, Technologist of the Ocean Sea."

The lecture, the first in a number of new programs planned by the local historic organization, will be held in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Ave. and 84th St. in Bensonhurst, at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Mr. Munkenbeck, a full-time professor for American Public University, says, "We rarely think that there were 'advanced' technologies in use in past centuries, but it was technology that brought Christopher Columbus to the 'New World'." His presentation covers the ships, systems of navigation and what he terms "the secrets" of the voyage of discovery. He asks: "Could you survive on one of the ships of Columbus's fleet? What was a day like? Did they really believe in a flat world?"

The Parish House, where the lecture is being given, has its own famous history, with magnificent architecture. It stands next to the church's sanctuary building, dating from 1828 and undergoing extensive restoration. The New Utrecht Church was founded in 1677.

Each year the church complex serves as the base for numerous Friends educational and cultural events, including programs specially prepared for New York City schoolchildren, with an emphasis on the country's early history and the Town of New Utrecht. The Friends group's popular series of free concerts is scheduled to commence in November.

Participants in some of the programs include re-enactors in authentic uniforms from the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, Co. H, in which Mr. Munkenbeck has been a living historian for more than 15 years and serves as Chaplain.

Additional information on all of the Friends programs for the community is available on the website www.historicnewutrecht.org, at mail@historicnewutrecht.org and by calling 718-256-7173.

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Readings for Proper 21 (26)

2010-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 21 (26) (Sept. 26)

Readings for Proper 20 (25)

2010-09-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 20 (25) (Sept. 19)

Readings for Proper 19 (24)

2010-09-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 19 (24) (Sept. 12)

Readings for Proper 18 (23)

2010-08-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 18 (23) (Sept. 5)

Readings for Proper 17 (22)

2010-08-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 17 (22) (Aug. 29)

Readings for Proper 16 (21)

2010-08-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 16 (21) (Aug. 22)

Readings for Proper 15 (20)

2010-08-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 15 (20) (Aug. 15)

Readings for Proper 14 (19)

2010-08-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 14 (19) (Aug. 8)

Readings for Proper 13 (18)

2010-07-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 13 (18) (Aug. 1)

Readings for Proper 12 (17)

2010-07-19T00:39:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 12 (17) (July 25)

Readings for Proper 9 (14)

2010-06-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

Readings for Proper 9 (14) (July 4)

Church welcomes new members

2010-06-27T03:11:00.001-04:00

On Easter Sunday, Apr. 4, New Utrecht Reformed Church welcomed eight new members. The Rev. Terry Troia (left), minister, and Elder Susan Hanyen (3rd from right), Vice President of the Consistory, received the new members pictured from left to right: Dilia Schack, John Rojas, Nataly Rojas, Kristina Dubinskaya, Pat Capuano, Tina Giardina and Annette Amer. (Photo by Vincent La Marca)

Readings for Proper 8 (13)

2010-06-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 8 (13) (June 27)

Readings for Proper 7 (12)

2010-06-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 7 (12) (June 20)

Readings for Proper 6 (11)

2010-06-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

Readings for Proper 6 (11) (June 13)

Sunday afternoon band concert in Bensonhurst June 13, on eve of Flag Day

2010-06-04T16:57:00.002-04:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

Presents Concert at

NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

Eds: We invite your coverage Sunday, June 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Parish House at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 84th St. and 18th Ave., in Bensonhurst. Contacts: mail@historicnewutrecht.org and 718-256-7173.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Concert by Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band on the Eve of Flag Day

BROOKLYN - Friends of Historic New Utrecht presents the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band in concert in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church on the eve of National Flag Day, Sunday, June 13, at 2:30 p.m. Irwin Meyer conducts. The music program, one in a series offered by the local historic organization, is free.

In its nearly 80-year history, the band has included musicians from the famous John Philip Sousa Band, the Goldman Band and many big bands of the 1940s. Flag Day this year will be celebrated the next day, on Monday. Always on June 14, it commemorates adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

The concert site is historically significant, as a 104-foot flagpole stands nearby on the church lawn at 84th St. and 18th Ave. in Bensonhurst. It is the nation's last remaining Liberty Pole, the sixth to have been placed there. An inscription on the pole reads: "This Liberty Pole marks the spot over which the American flag first waved in the town of New Utrecht. The original pole was erected by our forefathers at the Evacuation of the British, November 1783, amid the firing of cannons and demonstration of joy." The New Utrecht Reformed Church was founded in 1677.

The musicians in the widely-acclaimed American Legion Band come from many walks of life. Some are professional musicians, students, mechanics, teachers, police officers and health care professionals. Conductor Meyer played in semi-professional symphony orchestras, including the Brooklyn Doctors' Symphony, where he served as president for several years.

Persons interested in learning more about the June 13 concert, the Friends organization and the history of the old Town of New Utrecht may call 718-256-7173 or check the website

www.historicnewutrecht.org or inquire at mail@historicnewutrecht.org.

Cultural and historical events presented by Friends of Historic New Utrecht are supported, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.

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Public relations services donated by bhpr Especially for Churches June 2010

Readings for Proper 5 (10)

2010-06-03T01:06:00.000-04:00

Readings for Proper 5 (10) (June 6)

Liberty Weekend marks 66th D-Day anniversary

2010-05-29T13:42:00.004-04:00

Friends of Historic New Utrecht

New Utrecht Liberty Pole Association

NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

Eds: We invite your coverage of "Liberty Weekend," including a "Living History Civil War Encampment" on the lawn of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 84th St. and 18th Ave., in Bensonhurst. Contacts: mail@historicnewutrecht.org and 718-256-7173.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brooklyn 'Liberty Weekend' Saturday and Sunday, 66th D-Day Anniversary

BROOKLYN - Friends of Historic New Utrecht salutes veterans with its annual Liberty Weekend celebration on the grounds of the New Utrecht Reformed Church Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, the 66th anniversary of D-Day.

All events, including a Civil War Encampment with the firing of a cannon, displays of wartime memorabilia, cemetery tours, a band concert, Sunday church service, parade and Liberty Flagpole ceremony, are open to the public free of charge.

The church grounds are at 84th St. and 18th Ave. in Bensonhurst. June 6, 1944, is when 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy. Veterans from Brooklyn and beyond are invited to attend a New Utrecht church service Sunday at 11 a.m. as all American veterans, including today's military personnel, are honored. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Terry Troia, New Utrecht's pastor.

While Friday is set aside for "living history lessons" for hundreds of schoolchildren at the significant site in American history, the Civil War encampment will be opened to the public Saturday at 10 a.m. Re-enactors in authentic uniforms will be from the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, Co. H, along with Revolutionary War soldiers and Winslow Battery 'D', with a cannon to be fired on the church lawn near a 104-foot Liberty Pole, the sixth to be placed on the site since 1783. The first one was put up by the Village of New Utrecht to celebrate the departure of the British. The church was founded in 1677.

Nearby, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the InterSchool Orchestra (ISO) Concert Band, conducted by Brian P. Worsdale, entertains. Bus and subway lines are nearby.

On Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. the Friends of Historic New Utrecht will give tours of the New Utrecht Cemetery, which pre-dates the founding of the church, at 84th St. and 16th Ave. Tours of the old Dutch cemetery with its weather-worn tombstones provide a unique examination of life in the early days of Brooklyn. Also at the cemetery on Sunday, the local historic organization will offer a "Salute to War Veterans and Revolutionary War Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull" at 1:20 p.m. Woodhull died of wounds nearby and is buried on Long Island.

The ceremony at the New Utrecht Woodhull monument will be followed by the conclusion of the Liberty Weekend events at the Liberty Pole, where Boy Scouts and Civil War and American Revolution re-enactors will place wreaths in honor of all those who have served to defend America's freedom.

Persons interested in the history of Brooklyn in the early days of New Utrecht are invited to check the website www.historicnewutrecht.org or inquire at mail@historicnewutrecht.org or 718-256-7173.

Liberty Weekend is supported, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.

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Public relations services donated by bhpr Especially for Churches May-June 2010

Readings for Trinity Sunday

2010-05-21T00:32:00.001-04:00

Readings for Trinity Sunday (May 30)

Readings for Pentecost

2010-05-21T00:31:00.001-04:00

Readings for Pentecost (May 23)

Readings for the Fifth and Sixth Sundays of Easter

2010-05-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

Readings for the Fifth (May 2) and Sixth (May 9) Sundays of Easter

May-June Calendar of Events

2010-04-28T01:04:00.001-04:00

Download the May-June Calendar of Events (PDF)
View in Google Docs

Jazz in Brooklyn - free concert at historic site

2010-04-19T12:24:00.001-04:00

NEW UTRECHT REFORMED CHURCH

AND

FRIENDS OF HISTORIC NEW UTRECHT

EDITORS: Contact: (718)256-7173. Photo attached: Conductor Paul Corn and the Susan E. Wagner High School Jazz Band as they appeared last year in a free concert at the New Utrecht Reformed Church in Bensonhurst. This year's concert is May 8 at 7:30 p.m.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staten Island Jazz Band Returns to Brooklyn -- Free Concert

BROOKLYN -- Friends of Historic New Utrecht will present a concert by the Susan E. Wagner High School Jazz Band on Saturday evening, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 84th Street and 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

The 30-member Wagner group, from Staten Island and conducted by Paul Corn, has had an active spring season. In March, the Jazz Band traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National Band Heritage Festival Competition, and then went to Boston for the High School Jazz Festival at Berklee College. On April 14, they performed at Wagner with the Harlem Arts Ensemble.

Throughout the year the Friends historic organization presents cultural and educational activities, many attended by teachers and students from New York City schools.

The Jazz Band's first appearance at New Utrecht was last March. This concert is being held in the Parish House, known for its remarkable acoustics, while the church's sanctuary building next door undergoes extensive restoration and repair. The sanctuary was built in 1828. Both buildings are historic landmarks. The church, within the Reformed Church in America (RCA), dates from 1677. The pastor is the Rev. Terry Troia, who also is executive director of Project Hospitality on Staten Island.

The concert series is supported, in part, by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Additional information on the free community programs, including the concert series, is available at 718-256-7173 and at historicnewutrecht.org and newutrechtchurch.org.

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Public relations services donated by bhprEspeciallyforChurches

For May 2010

Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter

2010-04-15T18:16:00.003-04:00

Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter (Apr. 18)

April Calendar of Events

2010-04-15T18:14:00.001-04:00

Download the April Calendar of Events (PDF)

Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter

2010-04-07T23:48:00.001-04:00

Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter (Apr. 11)

Good Friday Reading: The seven last words of Jesus

2010-04-02T01:15:00.001-04:00

The seven last words of Jesus

New Utrecht Church remembers Fr. James Mueller

2010-04-02T00:13:00.001-04:00

Photos by Vincent La Marca

New Utrecht Reformed Church remembers Fr. James J. Mueller, pastor of St. Finbar Roman Catholic Church, who died of a sudden heart attack early on the morning of March 31. Viewing will be at the Miraglia Funeral Home, Easter Sunday, April 4, 5-9 PM and Monday, April 5, 2-5 PM; a Mass of Transferral will take place at St. Finbar's on Monday, April 5 at 7:30 PM; a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Finbar's on Tuesday, April 6 at 11 AM.

Readings for Holy Week and Easter

2010-03-29T01:50:00.001-04:00

Readings for Maundy/Holy Thursday (Apr. 1), Good Friday (Apr. 2) and Easter Sunday (Apr. 4)

"It's a tradition:" Brooklyn church thrift sale spans the decades

2010-03-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn's New Utrecht Reformed Church

-Since 1677-

'Great Prices' at Brooklyn Church Thrift Sale

April 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BROOKLYN - "Spring means great prices at our April thrift sale," says Rose Giannini Lood, a leader at the New Utrecht Reformed Church in Bensonhurst who remembers when her mother would prepare for the church sale more than 70 years ago. "It's a tradition," says Mrs. Lood, "and it's all for the benefit of our magnificent church complex."

The sale, featuring new and gently used articles of clothing, as well as linens, handbags, jewelry, housewares, toys and books begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, in the church Parish House between 83rd and 84th Streets. It ends at 3 p.m. Parking is available in the church lot. Bus and subway lines are nearby. A light lunch will be offered for purchase.

The New Utrecht church was founded in 1677. Outside on the front lawn stands a famous "Liberty Pole," the last of its kind in the nation. Currently the historic site is undergoing a $2 million repair and restoration.

The sanctuary building, next to the Parish House, dates from 1828. The church is a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), a mainline denomination. In the 1600s, congregations of the Dutch Reformed Church in North America spread and expanded, even after the English took control of the region from the Dutch. The Dutch Reformed Church, incorporated in the United States in 1819 as the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, changed its name to the Reformed Church in America in 1867.

The pastor of the Brooklyn church is the Rev. Terry Troia.

Information on the history of the town of New Utrecht and the church is available by calling 1-718-256-7173 or logging onto www.historicnewutrecht.org and www.newutrechtchurch.org. Information also can be obtained by sending an e-mail to mail@historicnewutrecht.org.

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21MARCH10

Download the Thrift Sale Flyer English-Espanol (PDF)

RCWS responds to Chile quake and sends additional support for Haiti

2010-03-22T20:53:00.001-04:00

The
Reformed Church World Service (RCWS) is working with Church World
Service to help provide relief to the 1.5 million people affected by
the February 27 Chile earthquake in which hundreds died and 500,000
homes were severely damaged. Also, RCWS contributed $40,000 to Church
World Service February 23. This latest grant from RCWS,
combined with others from Church World Service member communions, will
help ensure that the basic life needs of many in Haiti are met during
this difficult time of crisis and adjustment.

How you can help Haiti today

Pray
for the people of Haiti, especially for those who are injured,
homeless, or have lost loved ones. Pray also for the hundreds of rescue
workers and disaster recovery personnel.

Donate
to provide water, blankets, temporary shelter, and food to the tens of
thousands who are homeless. Send contributions, designated "Haiti
Earthquake," to Reformed Church in America, P.O. Box 19381, Newark, NJ
07195-1938. To donate by credit card, call (800) 968-3943, ext. 247 or
go to the Haiti
Earthquake Donation Page.

More information can be found at http://www.rca.org/haiti.

Readings for Feb. 28

2010-02-21T00:47:00.001-05:00

Readings for the Second Sunday in Lent (Feb. 28)

Readings for Feb. 21

2010-02-21T00:45:00.002-05:00

Readings for the First Sunday in Lent (Feb. 21)

Readings for Feb. 14 and 17

2010-02-21T00:44:00.001-05:00

Readings for Transfiguration Sunday (Feb.14) and Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17)

George Washington Coming Back to Brooklyn - Near Where He Once Stood as First President

2010-02-08T14:33:00.000-05:00

                                     bhprEspeciallyforChurches

EDITORS: Mr. Grillo's public appearance, free of charge, at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 23. We invite your coverage.

Attached a photo of Michael Grillo, George Washington portrayer. Additional information at (718) 256-7173.

Immediate Release

George Washington Coming Back to Brooklyn, Near Where He Once Stood as the First President

BROOKLYN - George Washington is coming back to Brooklyn, standing near the same place he visited in 1790. This time, he'll be meeting with Brooklyn history buffs and others who'll have a chance to ask him about his presidency.

Friends of Historic New Utrecht invites the public to spend an evening with the former president, as portrayed by Michael J. Grillo, Educational Director at the Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx, at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House, 18th Ave. and 84th St. in Bensonhurst, Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

In April 1790, President Washington met students from a village school near the cemetery that the church, now a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), maintains to this day at 16th Ave. and 84th St. According to his diary, he also had lunch in a tavern in the house of William Barre across from the cemetery.

Parts of Mr. Grillo's performance will focus on Washington's connections with Brooklyn and New York City as commander of the American Forces at the Battle of Brooklyn, which started on Aug. 22, 1776, with the landing of 15,000 British troops on the New Utrecht shore of Gravesend Bay (14th to 20th Aves. in Bath Beach). He also will recall his victorious return to New York in Nov. 1783 and his Farewell Address to his officers at Fraunces Tavern on Dec. 4 and his inauguration on April 30, 1789, in New York as the first president under the Constitution.

Until December 2003, the New Utrecht historic organization's cultural-educational programs were held in the church's sanctuary, built in 1828. The building, next to the Parish House, is undergoing extensive restoration and repair. The New Utrecht church itself was founded in 1677.

Mr. Grillo has been active in Revolutionary War re-enacting since 1994. He has developed and taught numerous hands-on history school programs. He also has a reputation as a regimental and gentleman's tailor of Colonial period clothing. He is a member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and has been a member of the Brigade of the American Revolution.

Earlier on Feb. 23, Mr. Grillo will portray President George Washington before a program designed mainly for 4th, 5th and 6th graders from public and parochial schools, also sponsored by the Friends of New Utrecht, at New Utrecht High School. And in the afternoon, he'll perform and respond to questions from intermediate and high school students.

More information on the evening performance in the New Utrecht Parish House is available at (718) 256-7173 and at www.historicnewutrecht.org and www.newutrechtchurch.org. Bus and subways stops are nearby.

The American history presidents program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

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                                       pr services donated by bhprEspeciallyForChurches February 2010

Readings for February 7

2010-01-31T00:10:00.001-05:00

Readings for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Feb. 7)

RCA Responds to Haiti Quake

2010-01-26T01:15:00.001-05:00

How you can help Haiti today

Pray for the people of Haiti, especially for those who are injured, homeless, or have lost loved ones. Pray also for the hundreds of rescue workers and disaster recovery personnel.

Donate to provide water, blankets, temporary shelter, and food to the tens of thousands who are homeless. Send contributions, designated "Haiti Earthquake," to Reformed Church in America, P.O. Box 19381, Newark, NJ 07195-1938. To donate by credit card, call (800) 968-3943, ext. 247 or go to the Haiti Earthquake Donation Page.

More information can be found at http://www.rca.org/haiti.

Readings for Jan. 24 and 31

2010-01-26T00:59:00.001-05:00

Readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Jan. 24) and for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Jan. 31)

Readings for Jan. 10 and 17

2010-01-11T00:59:00.001-05:00

Readings for Baptism of the Lord (Jan. 10) and the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Jan. 17)

Christmas Eve Service at New Utrecht

2009-12-27T00:42:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve at New Utrecht (Photo by Vincent La Marca)

Download the Christmas Eve Bulletin (PDF)
Or view the bulletin in Google Docs

Readings for Epiphany (Jan. 6)

2009-12-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

Readings for Epiphany (Jan. 6)

Living Nativity thrives in snowstorm

2009-12-21T22:56:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eds: A "Living Nativity" photo is attached. Contact: (718) 236-0678.

The Living Nativity took place in front of the historic New Utrecht Reformed Church on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the beginning of a snowstorm that brought over a foot of snow to the city. Residents of Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton and beyond visited its famous outdoor "Living Nativity," more than a half-century after the first such manger scene was placed on the church lawn at 18th Ave. between 83rd and 84th Streets. A worship service of lessons and carols will be held in the church Parish House Christmas Eve at 9 p.m.