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Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 Newsletter
For Sunday
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
(in person in Fellowship Hall)
11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service
(in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)
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IMPORTANT UPDATES:
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There will be no newsletter for next week (dated Friday, Dec. 26). The next newsletter will be dated Friday, Jan. 2.
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This newsletter includes the list of people who donated poinsettias for our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve, as well as the bulletin for this Sunday’s 11:15 a.m. Traditional Service. On Tuesday we will email you the two Christmas Eve bulletins.
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The church office and building will be closed beginning Wednesday, Dec. 24 (the Preschool is already closed). The church office, building and Preschool will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5. See details below about making your 2026 pledge, and end of year donations.
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY:
CHRISTIANITY – BEING MISUSED IN AMERICA
Grace and peace to you,
Pastor Lindsey is in the pulpit this Sunday as we continue our Advent journey exploring hope and fear. I look forward to hearing her message to us.
On another note, I’ve begun to read a book entitled: Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America: A Guide to Reclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace. Written by Ted V. Foote Jr. and P. Alex Thornburg, the book speaks directly to Presbyterians who are disillusioned and confused by how Christianity is being misused in American culture.
| | I first became aware of Ted and Alex’s writing when I read their book: Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt which helped me and a few of the congregations I served then to understand the differences between the theology they might have grown up with or been confronted by, and the reformed theology that we practice in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). It not only helped clarify the differences but also how to talk about them. As one person said to me after reading the book: “I’m not crazy!” | | | |
After a recent conversation on Christian Nationalism and how to talk about our own beliefs and theology, I came across Ted and Alex’s new book referenced in the second paragraph above. Here is a link to an article about the book from the Presbyterian News Service (bit.ly/4j7Bqur).
I haven’t yet finished the book, but plan to and I want to invite you to read the book with me. It would be great for us to read it and then plan a time where we can discuss it. Maybe it is over coffee or a lunch.
We need to be more public about our beliefs as we confront the very real damaging effects of Christian Nationalism and fundamentalist belief that we see every day in news reports and perhaps in our own faith journey stories. Let me know what you think and if you get the book. Let’s explore and journey together.
Blessings,
Pastor Karen
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FOR THIS SUNDAY, DEC. 21
We invite you to stay late – or come early – on Sunday, to enjoy a Hospitality Hour from 10-11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Come for a beverage and treats, as well as fellowship with other members and friends.
And a reminder that we are now collecting donations for a food/personal care items collection, year round – there are collection boxes in the North Link and by the south entrance.
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A SPECIAL TRADITION: OUR CHRISTMAS JOY CONCERT
We are very excited to announce the details of this year’s Christmas Joy Concert, coming on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. in our Sanctuary.
It will feature George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah,” a timeless Christmas tradition. This is also an opportunity for those in the audience to join in for select sing-along choruses.
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Joining our Chancel Choir will be the Concord Chamber Singers and the Touring Choir from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School, all under the direction of David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries here at First Pres. They will be joined by a 16-piece orchestra.
This is a ticketed event; First Pres folks are invited to buy tickets at the door for $20.
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Admission for the general public is $25, with tickets available at ccsingers.org. There is also a student rate of $10.
The concert will be livestreamed on the church Facebook page and website, with an opportunity for viewers to make an online donation.
This is a very special opportunity that we hope you will enjoy!
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FOR SUNDAY, DEC. 28: COMBINED SERVICE
On Sunday, Dec. 28, there will a single service of worship in Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m. This will be an informal celebration in story and song as we hear the Christmas Story in an unexpected way.
If you have leftover Christmas cookies or other goodies, you are invited to bring them to share in a fellowship time at the conclusion of the service.
Cindy Simmons and Steve Simmons will lead the service, with Erica Dickson serving as guest pianist. Please plan to join us for a festive First Sunday After Christmas!
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HEARTS N MINDS: MEETING ON SUNDAY
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday, Dec. 21 at the regular time of 10 a.m. in the Parlor. All are welcome!
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They will be concluding their discussion of The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass.
Betsy Simpson will lead conversation, considering this question: “How might each of us incorporate an attitude of gift economy, of abundance, into our lives?”
The group will not meet on the following two Sundays (Dec. 28 and Jan. 4), and will gather on Jan. 11 to begin a multi-week study of the most important questions of life. (There is no book for this next series.)
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The Body N Soul Intergenerational Faith Formation class will meet this Sunday at
10 a.m. in Room 216. They will not meet on Dec. 28 or Jan. 4; class will resume on
Jan. 11.
During Advent, Body N Soul participants are exploring the topics of hope, peace, joy, and love through bible stories, songs, crafts, and conversation. Each week we will build a new piece of our Advent wreath focusing on how each topic connects to self, family, community, and our world.
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Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Advent devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices (in order to protect their work, please refrain from sharing the link or posting it on social media).
We have print copies of the devotional available for those who need them. Please contact us or 610-867-5865; tell us if you will pick it up or if you need it mailed (along with your name and complete mailing address).
| | | We are also sharing daily “Advent breath prayers” on our Facebook page (@firstpresbethlehem). These are posted by 9 a.m. each morning. | | A WONDERFUL TRADITION: GIVING TREE | | |
Stop by the North Link to peruse the annual Giving Tree, and its opportunities to help our neighbors, both domestically and internationally.
The ornaments represent tools and supplies for people who need a hand up.
Choose an ornament or several, put the ornament in the basket, give your check (made out to PCUSA, not FPCB) or cash to the Mission volunteer and know you have done good in the world.
Rather do it online? On the “FOR THOSE ORDERING ONLINE” form, please put your name and the amount purchased – visit the online catalog to complete the transaction.
| | | MANY THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! | | |
We are grateful to those who offered to donate gifts to Donegan Elementary students and their families, to make their holiday a little brighter. And especially getting them to church in the middle of a snowstorm!
The gifts were delivered last Monday to Donegan principal Rosa Carides-Hof (pictured, left, with Al Philpotts, Deb Philpotts, and Donna Taggart).
| | | We have a number of FPCB members who volunteer weekly at Donegan, located on Bethlehem’s South Side, providing friendship to their students. | | |
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: BES DINNER ON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7
FPCB will be cooking and serving dinner for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on Wednesday, Jan. 7. We depend on volunteers to help cook, serve, clean up during and after the meal, and serve as shower monitor (which is just a simple check-in process).
If you’re interested in volunteering, we’re looking for one more cook; please sign up online here: volunteersignup.org/9F83W. Lindsey will be in touch with additional information a bit closer to the night we’re serving!
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YOU’RE INVITED
The family of John Iverson extends an invitation for friends to attend his memorial service on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Kirkland Village.
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“Appy Hour” - a gathering over appetizers and beverages of our church K Groups, plus anyone interested in joining or forming a K Group - is coming on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2 - 4 p.m. In Fellowship Hall.
Plan to join us for this festive afternoon! For more information, contact Cynthia Simmons at csimmons@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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HAVE YOU MADE YOUR 2026 PLEDGE?
As we come towards the end of the calendar year, we encourage you to submit a financial pledge to support the mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem in 2026, if you have not already done so. We appreciate those of you who have already pledged!
The year 2026 will be an important and impactful one for us as a congregation in so many ways, and your pledge at this time will help make sure we get off to a great start.
You can request a paper pledge card if you need one by contacting us at 610-867-5865 or send an email to info@fpc-bethlehem.org. You can also download a pledge card from our website: fpc-bethlehem.org/give. Thank you for considering!
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END OF YEAR DONATIONS TO FIRST PRES
You may be considering an end of the year donation, to take advantage of tax credits. You can make those donations on our website, fpc-bethlehem.org/give by Wednesday, Dec. 31, or via check.
If paying by check, we ask that you mail your donation so that it is postmarked by Wednesday, Dec. 31. If you wish to drop off your donation:
- Drop it at the Main Office no later than Tuesday, Dec. 23 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to the Main Office
- Drop it in the south entrance door slot by Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Drop it in the collection plate on Sunday, Dec. 21 or Dec. 28
Your payment should be dated no later than Dec. 31, 2025. Thank you for supporting FPCB!
NOTE: If you ordered pledge envelopes, you should be receiving them in the mail in the next couple of weeks. If you do not receive them by Sunday, Jan. 4 and need one, blank envelopes are available in the Narthex and in Fellowship Hall – please be sure to put your name on the envelope.
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THANK YOU FOR DONATING POINSETTIAS TO BEAUTIFY OUR SANCTUARY... we appreciate your generosity!
Those who donated are welcome to take their poinsettia home with them after the Christmas Eve service they attend.
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LOOKING AHEAD…
Sunday, Dec. 21
9 a.m.: Holy Ground worship service, Fellowship Hall
10 a.m.: Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall
10 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor
10:10 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational group, Room 216
11:15 a.m.: Traditional worship service, Sanctuary (and livestreamed)
4 p.m.: Christmas Joy Concert, featuring a "Sing-Along Messiah", in the Sanctuary and livestreamed. THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT - see above article
Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve candlelight services in the Sanctuary and livestreamed
4 p.m. - Intergenerational service
7 p.m. - Candlelight service
Sunday, Dec. 28
10 a.m. – Combined Service in Fellowship Hall and livestreamed
Sunday, Jan. 4
9 a.m.: Holy Ground worship service, Fellowship Hall
11:15 a.m.: Traditional worship service, Sanctuary (and livestreamed)
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Send us your news and photos to share:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for the next newsletter:
THURSDAY at noon**
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And follow us on Facebook: @FirstPresBethlehem
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 "Watch" at the top and then the "Watch the Service" button
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- Captions are 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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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. this Sunday morning; please ask an usher for directions.
Your children are a joy in our worship services, and should the need arise, “kid bags” are available for their use while they are visiting. They are in the Narthex.
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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THIS SUNDAY - SPECIAL SCHEDULE
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground worship service, Fellowship Hall
- 10:00 a.m.: Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall
- 10:00 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor – all are welcome
- 10:10 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Room 216 – all are welcome
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11:15 a.m.: Traditional worship service, Fellowship Hall (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org)
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4 p.m.: Christmas Joy Concert, featuring a "Sing-Along Messiah", in the Sanctuary and livestreamed; THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT (see article, above)
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY: The building and offices will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 24, reopening on Monday, Jan. 5. We will be open for services on Dec. 24, Dec. 28 and Jan. 4. The Preschool is closed and will also reopen on Monday, Jan. 5.
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.
| | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM | |
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Karen Kinney, Transitional Pastor/Head of Staff; KKinney@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries; ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Crook, Director of Church Administration; ext. 210; DCrook@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager; ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Lisa Todd, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; LTodd@fpc-bethlehem.org
Brenda Robinson, Office Manager: ext. 211; BusinessOffice@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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