Friday, Oct. 17, 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

A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: 
GIVING THANKS IN HARD TIMES


Grace and peace to you,

This week we begin our exploration of the characteristics of saints – how is the ability to express gratitude during times of suffering one of those characteristics? Are we, the saints who are defined as followers of Jesus, able to give thanks for God’s love and presence even in hard times? 

They suffered when they saw the injustice and wrongdoing committed by God’s people. Still, they found a way to express their gratitude to God for being present to them and for the things God did for them. 

One of those prophets is Habakkuk who may not be familiar to you. I would encourage you to read the whole book – it’s only three chapters – to get a sense of what was causing him to suffer and how he found the ability to rejoice in God – to give God thanks even amid those hard times.

We will also look at Luke 17:11-19, the story of the ten with a skin disease who were willing to call on Jesus to have mercy on them as they suffered the impact of their disease. Yet only one, a Samaritan, stopped to say thank you – to express gratitude. Once we are healed of our suffering, do we stop and say thanks?

This community of faith has endured communal suffering. The schism was hard, and we still feel the effects. Yet, so much has happened to be grateful for as well. Do you sense that? What gratitude are you able to express to God now? Let’s explore this Sunday! Come and see!

Blessings,
Pastor Karen

TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper:

Traditional Worship Service (5 pages)

FOR NEXT SUNDAY

Please plan to attend a called meeting of the congregation 
on Sunday, Oct. 26 immediately following the 11:15 a.m. service. 
A zoom link will be provided.



The purpose of the meeting is to elect Ruling Elders, Deacons, Trustees and At-Large Members of the Nominating Committee and to approve

Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton's 2026 Terms of Call. 

SUNDAY: BETHLEHEM RUNNING FESTIVAL TRAFFIC INFO

Beginning this Sunday morning at 8 a.m., the annual Bethlehem Running Festival will kick off its half-marathon from SteelStacks on the south side of the city.

Unlike previous years, the course will not utilize Center Street; however the route does include Illick’s Mill Road and other nearby streets, so you may want to check the map before venturing out.

VOTING FOR NEW LEADERSHIP

Next Sunday the congregation will vote on the nominees for Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Nominating Committee. They are:

Elder: Jon Conrad, Linda Filipovits, Jeanne Hunsicker, Ted Masthay, Aileen Williams

Trustee: Sue Nelson, Glenn Rosetti

Deacon: Debbie Castellano, Marie Rosenthal, Jean Toulouse

Nominating Committee: Becky Gorton, Belle Marks, Bekah Masthay, Pam Phillippe, Froy Thompson

Biographies of each nominee will be shared in next week's newsletter.

HEARTS N MINDS MEETS THIS SUNDAY

Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday, Oct. 19 at its regular time from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor. All are welcome; you do not need to do the reading to participate in the class.

BODY N SOUL: JOIN US!

The curriculum provides age appropriate activities from preschool to adult, with time for connection across generations. Faithful seekers of all ages are welcome to join each week. 

FALL LECTOR SIGN-UP

We’re looking for lectors to serve at our fall worship services! One person is needed for each service: the 9 a.m. Holy Ground service in Fellowship Hall, and 11:15 Traditional worship in the Sanctuary.

This is a great way to participate in the ministry of our church – if you’ve not done it before, we’re glad to provide coaching. You can sign up on the paper form available at the Sunday services, or use this easy online sign-up form: bit.ly/45CoRC8

If you’re interested in checking out our Hand Bell group, 
Chancel Ringers, 
they have begun rehearsals on Tuesdays
at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 
Newbies welcome!

HI NEIGHBORS: START YOUR WEEK!

For Monday’s program, Kay Wolff shares the legacy of George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and how he is deeply intertwined in Lehigh Valley history.

TOMORROW! TRUNK OR TREAT

We’re planning a big community event: a Trunk or Treat celebration tomorrow (Saturday) from noon-4 p.m. (raindate: Saturday, Oct. 25).

We are providing an opportunity for groups and individuals affiliated with FPCB to participate (like K groups) – please consider how you can help make this event a success!

Those interested in participating (both with vintage vehicles and those affiliated with FPCB), please register here: bit.ly/46sPPvl.

We're also looking for a few volunteers to help with hospitality tasks - check out this online sign-up.

FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY: ANNUAL CROP WALK IS COMING

Thank you! As of press time, we are well over our $1500 goal – but the need is great so we hope you’ll consider supporting us! The Bethlehem CROP Hunger Walk will be held this Sunday, Oct. 19.

The route offers a 2.5 mile option, and a one-mile section through downtown Bethlehem, so it’s primarily flat/slight inclines. We’ll begin with a pizza lunch at Central Moravian Church at 1:00 p.m., with the walk itself beginning at 2:00 p.m.

We need both “boots on the ground” and generous sponsors to make this year’s walk a success. You can register to walk or to donate by clicking on this link (below) or by stopping by the registration table in Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship. 

NEXT HELPING HANDS TRIP COMING IN NOVEMBER

Questions? Contact Carol Bennicoff at helpinghands@lehighpresbytery.org.

AWAKENING THE SAGE WITHIN 

Saturday, Oct. 25

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem

Today, most people approaching elderhood can expect to live another 20-30 years. How do you want to live those years? Sage-ing (also known as Spiritual Eldering or Conscious Aging) is a model for engaging the elder years more deliberately, joyfully, and compassionately. 

During this interactive workshop, you will be introduced to Sage-ing concepts including life review, forgiveness work, and issues surrounding mortality. 

Click HERE more information and to register.

LOOKING AHEAD…

Sunday, Oct. 26

9 a.m. - Holy Ground Worship Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)  

10 a.m. – Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor 

  11:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestream)

  12:30 p.m. – Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary and via Zoom

Sunday, Nov. 9

  10 a.m. – Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor    

  11:15 a.m. – Combined Service in the Sanctuary and livestreamed – Pledge Sunday and 150th anniversary celebration (followed by a provided community luncheon)

Wednesday, Nov. 26

7 p.m. – Thanksgiving Eve worship service in the Sanctuary and livestreamed

Sunday, Dec. 14

  9 a.m. – Hearts N Minds adult ed class    

  10 a.m. – Combined Service in Fellowship Hall and livestreamed


Tuesday, Dec. 16

      7 p.m. – Longest Night service in Fellowship Hall and livestreamed

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.

THIS SUNDAY

• 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground contemporary service (in person in 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
• 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org)


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:

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.