Friday, August 25, 2023 Newsletter
SUMMER WORSHIP in the Sanctuary - for Sunday
9:40 a.m.: Extended Prelude
10:00 a.m.: Worship Service
11:00 a.m.: Congregational Town Hall
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Labor Day Weekend, of course, is the traditional “end of summer” transition in our culture, but for anyone who has children or grandchildren in the Bethlehem area, this weekend is the actual end of summer, because the Bethlehem Area School District schools return to classes on Monday! So I thought I would use this moment to highlight two important transitions in our congregational life, as well.
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First, as you hopefully already know, we are holding a Congregational Town Hall meeting this Sunday, August 27, immediately after the 10 a.m. Summer Worship Service in the Sanctuary. The purpose of the Town Hall meeting is to update you on our 2023 congregational finances and to report on projections and possibilities for the future.
This will include presentations from both the Joint Finance Committee of the Session and Trustees and the Session's Strategic Mission Steering Committee.
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As always, we will have ample opportunity for questions and feedback as a part of this time. If you are unable to physically attend, the meeting will be livestreamed and available both via Facebook and on the church website. |
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Second, with the end of summer comes the end of Summer Worship. We’ve gotten some wonderfully helpful feedback on this second version of Summer Worship, particularly around the Sermon Response time. Some of you are longing for that to continue in the Traditional Service going forward; some of you have been good sports about the experiment but are longing NOT to have it in the Traditional Service going forward!
To that end, we are going to return to two worship services starting Sunday, September 10: the 9 a.m. Holy Ground Coffeehouse Contemporary Service, and the 11 a.m. Traditional Service. The location of the 9 a.m. service may vary in the first month or so depending on the temperature in Fellowship Hall, which is not air-conditioned, so if that is a service to which you are drawn, keep an eye on announcements to that effect.
The Traditional Service will not have a Sermon Response time added to it; doing so would require us to jettison too many other elements that are important to that service. HOWEVER, we are going to encourage people who have enjoyed the sermon response time in the summer to gather in the Narthex and North Link for 10-15 minutes after the service and share in that time and see if that meets the expressed need.
So: I hope it has been a good summer for you all, and that you are as excited about the possibilities before us as a congregation as we enter the fall! I hope to see you on Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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This week’s sermon: Divine Déjà Vu by the Rev. J.C. Austin
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We post the video of each week’s services and sermon text on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
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Child care will be available from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. this Sunday morning; please ask an usher for directions.
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Your children are a joy in our worship services, and should the need arise, “kid bags” are available for their use. They are in the Narthex.
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We offer nametags for folks to wear – these are for everyone! You can pick up as you enter the worship space; please clearly PRINT your first name.
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LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
Our hospitality time, “Lemonade on the Lawn” is on pause for this Sunday, and will return one last time on Sunday, September 3.
Many thanks to all who attended, and to those who took on the hosting responsibilities!
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FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE ON SUNDAY…
Special Extended Prelude
On Sunday we invite you to come to the 10 a.m. service early, to enjoy a special prelude beginning at 9:40 a.m. by soprano Meredith Hoffmann-Thomson (pictured), accompanied by her mother, Dr. Barbara Thomson. She will also sing during the service.
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Ms. Hoffmann-Thomson has been a regular soloist with the Salzburger Landestheater over the past three seasons, performing in a multitude of productions such as Elettra in Idomeneo and Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte as well as modern works and oratorios with conductors Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla and Adrian Kelly.
She has an extensive, international operatic experience. In 2012 she took home the grand prize in the international competition Concours FLAME in Paris, France.
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She has also received awards with the Palm Beach National Competition (Florida) and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
Her musical education began with piano and bassoon lessons, and she received her first vocal education from McGill University (BM) while studying with Lucile and Dr. Robert Evans. Ms. Hoffmann-Thomson completed her Master's Degree in voice performance at The Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and additionally was a member of the international opera studio “Gerard Mortier” at the Salzburger Landestheater.
Tuba Recital
Also for this Sunday, you are welcome to attend a recital of music for tuba, and tuba with piano in the Sanctuary. It will be presented by Bill Nazzaro and Atsuko Hanson at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Bill is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, and performs with the Bethlehem Municipal Band and Allentown Municipal Band. Atsuko is a graduate of the Nuremberg Conservatory and works as a pianist at Kutztown University.
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DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE? |
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Although it seems early to begin the process, as a congregation, we will soon be embarking on the important process of selecting our next group of leaders.
Over the next few weeks we will be introducing you to the various positions that will be available – Elders, Deacons, and Trustees - and meet some of our current leaders.
The Deacons are the caregivers of the church. They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations. Deacons serve a three year term and typically meet monthly.
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We asked current Deacon Doreen Sheppard about her role:
“Being a Deacon at First Presbyterian of Bethlehem is both an honor and responsibility. I have only been a deacon for four months, so I’m just getting started. What I have learned is this: we listen attentively, reassure gently, and love generously. If these are gifts that God has given you, maybe you are being called. Deacons are known for being the hands, feet, and voice of Christ.”
Doreen is pictured (left) with fellow “Rolling Scones” hospitality team members Cynthia Hahn and Jan Bickford
The Deacons serving alongside Doreen are Jeff Csatari, Melody Engel, Phil Fair, Yvonne Green, Jane Mackie, Jane Masters and Marie Rosenthal.
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HI NEIGHBORS – BACK ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 |
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Plans are in full swing for this fall’s session of Hi Neighbors, our popular speakers program!
The organizers have planned a full calendar of ten exciting programs highlighting travel, entertainment, history and a host of other topics of general interest. These programs are free and open to all.
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The sessions will begin on Monday, September 18. We’ll meet in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a social time. The one-hour programs begin at 10 a.m. (although sometimes we go longer if there are a lot of questions for our speakers!).
First up: popular presenter Tom Repasch offers “Banned in Berlin: The Story of the Last Great Performers in Nazi Germany”. Comedian harmonists were one of the most successful musical groups in Europe before World War II – an all-male German close-harmony ensemble that performed from 1928-34. Fun fact: In November a new musical comes to Broadway about this group and its fate in Nazi Germany, with music by Barry Manilow.
We’ve also scheduled a “field trip” for Monday, October 9, so watch for those details as well, in case you’d like to register to ride the provided bus.
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IS OUR CRAFTERS GROUP FOR YOU? |
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Come join the Crafters Group – now preparing items for a November craft show. No special skills or craft ideas are needed – all the materials and instructions are supplied.
We meet on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-noon in Room 408 (no meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3).
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The earnings from the show will go to a local organization; last year, $1000 was donated to Bloom, a local women’s shelter. |
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Be wary of any emails that appear to come from First Pres staff - they should have an "@fpc-bethlehem.org" email address.
Do not respond to it! Contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org if you receive one.
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SOME “HOUSEKEEPING” NOTICES FOR YOU
Space Reservations
We are happy to provide space for church-related meetings and gatherings. We do, however, need to know when and where you would like to meet – whether for a one-time meeting, or a series. This way they can get on our schedule and facilities calendar, and you can be assured of the space and any amenities you may need.
leave a message for her at 610-867-5865. Thank you!
Building Closure
We have scheduled electrical work to be done by PPL for Tuesday, October 3: the entire building (including the Preschool) will be closed all day. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you need to reschedule space for a meeting/gathering, please contact Carol Burns (see above).
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"POP-UP" FOOD DRIVE FOR THIS SUNDAY
Sadly, people are hungry and in need of food all year round - not just at the holidays. To address that, Minsi Trails Council (of which our Boy Scout Troop #302 is a part) is sponsoring a special August food drive to support local pantries.
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As you are able, we will appreciate you bringing donations to the church building on Sunday.
Collection boxes are by the South entrance and in the Narthex, outside the Sanctuary. (This is a one-day only drive.) Please - no glass jars; pop-top cans are helpful.
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Suggested items: cans or packets of tuna, chicken; canned fruit; beans (canned and dry); granola bars; rice; canned meals (spaghetti, ravioli); diapers; pet food; dry cereal; boxed milk; microwaveable foods (not frozen).
Thanks for helping our neighbors in this way!
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CHILD CARE HELP NEEDED
Our Sunday morning Child Care program is hiring! We are looking for workers to provide care during Sunday morning worship services, to kiddos infant to age 5. Knowledge about littles, and experience working with them is a plus.
The summer shifts run from 9:45-11:15 a.m.; from September-May it is from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (in the summer the workers are paid for the full 3.5 hour shift).
Clearances are required (the church will pay for these), and they must be at least 18 years old. The starting pay is $14, and employees cannot be church members.
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PRESCHOOL MUM SALE: PLACE YOUR ORDER!
Time to order these gorgeous, 9" mums - available in 5 fabulous colors.
Only $8 each. Order by Monday, September 11 for pick-up on
Wednesday, September 20.
(forms also available in the Narthex on Sunday morning)
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PRIDE EVENT 2023: A GREAT SUCCESS!
Last Sunday’s collaborative effort among four local Presbyterian churches resulted in “expansively welcoming" interactions with our community. Thanks to all who helped with this effort, and who attended this important community event!
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We were happy to expand this ministry this year to include College Hill Presbyterian in Easton, and Faith Presbyterian in Emmaus.
From left: the Rev. Taylor Hall (FPC-Allentown), the Rev. Suzanne Trump (FPC-Bethlehem), the Rev. Matt Mardis-LaCroy (College Hill Presbyterian), and the Rev. Rebecca Mallozzi (Faith Presbyterian)
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CARE CONCERNS AND HOSPITAL VISITS
If you are hospitalized, please tell the hospital our church code is 724. Also, please call the church office at 610-867-5865 to let us know as the hospitals do not always collect this information. After hours, leave a message or call our answering service at 610-778-7003.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for the next week's newsletter:
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE
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Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
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If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to our website to view the service - click on the "Watch the Service" button
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- Captions will now be available on our livestream, for those who would like to use that feature
To watch a video – available after the services have aired: Visit our website archives
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THIS SUNDAY
- 9:40 a.m.: Extended Prelude before Summer Worship, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestream on Facebook Live and our website
- 9:45-11:15 a.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestream on Facebook Live and our website
- 11:00 a.m.: Congregational Town Hall, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestream on Facebook Live and our website
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (NEW! meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
Regular office hours are Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Many of the office staff are working remotely for some of the time, so please make an appointment if you need to see someone specific. The answering service (610-778-7003) can take your urgent pastoral concerns, 24 hours a day.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Look for updates on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org), Facebook page, and WFMZ (channel 69 and wfmz.com). We will also put the info on our church phone message, 610-867-5865.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM |
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org
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