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Friday, October 28, 2022 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
9:00 a.m. ‘Holy Ground’ Contemporary Worship in Fellowship Hall
(in person only)
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, and audio via phone)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: Celebrating the season
There are several special events coming up in the life of our church in the coming weeks that I want to highlight for you. The first is this Sunday, October 30; we will be having a special Waffle Breakfast at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, so regardless of which worship service you attend, you can enjoy this festive time of wonderful food, fellowship, and conversation with one another. Harvest festivals are one of the oldest human celebrations, giving thanks for the blessings of sustenance and community, and it is in that spirit that we will gather on Sunday.
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On November 6, we will observe All Saints’ Day as a congregation. All Saints’ Day is actually on November 1 every year, and goes back centuries as a Christian observance that remembers, honors, and celebrates all those who have died in the faith, and particularly over the last year. In the Reformed theological tradition, of which Presbyterians are a part, “saints” are not a small group of particularly laudable spiritual heroes, as in some other Christian traditions. | |
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Rather, a saint is any baptized Christian who has completed their baptism and been joined to Christ from death to eternal life. It is, in a sense, a corollary to the idea of the priesthood of all believers through our baptisms. So we will have a special observance during Communion as part of both worship services that day.
And later in November, we will have two distinct opportunities for services of thanksgiving. The first will be on Sunday, November 13, at 4 p.m., with the Bethlehem Interfaith Group’s annual multifaith Thanksgiving Service. This year, it will be held at Congregation Brith Sholom, on the corner of Macada and Jacksonville Roads.
In a time of so much division and polarization in our society, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together with our neighbors of different faiths and focus on giving thanks for all the things that we hold in common which unite us: gratitude for the blessings we have received, and concern for those who are vulnerable or in need.
Then, on Wednesday, November 23 at 7 p.m., we will hold our own Thanksgiving Eve Service in the Sanctuary. This service is a delightful time to come together as a church community and give thanks for the good things in our individual lives, in our church, and in our community and world. One of the highlights is the messages of gratitude that are offered by several church members, who reflect on what they are thankful to God for in their lives in particular. It is a highlight of the church year in many ways, so if you have not yet been a part of it, I encourage you to do so.
As you can see, there are a wonderful set of opportunities to worship God and be in community with one another between now and the beginning of Advent. I look forward to being together with you this fall!
Grace and peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Luke 8:4-8, 11-15
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Fruit that Will Last: Just Throwing it Out There by The Rev. J.C. Austin
- We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
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FOR SUNDAY MORNING
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The Building Reopening Task Force encourages people to wear masks, especially if they are in a high risk category, as an additional precaution to protect themselves and others.
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Sunday mornings; please ask an usher for directions.
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We offer nametags for folks to wear; please clearly PRINT your first name.
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FOR SUNDAY: A SPECIAL ‘APPLE FUN’ BREAKFAST BUFFET
Let’s celebrate fall – and the kick-off of our annual Stewardship Campaign – with a special gathering!
All are welcome to join us for an “APPLE Fun Waffle Breakfast Buffet” on Sunday, October 30 starting at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Our Stewardship Committee Co-Chairs, Joanne Kelhart and Melinda Stitt, have planned a tasty breakfast for the hour between services. We hope you will join us!
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INQUIRERS SEMINAR UPDATE
We’re scheduling our next Inquirers Seminar, for those interested in learning more about the Presbyterian faith in general, and First Pres in particular (perhaps with an eye to joining our congregation as a member). It will be held on Sunday, November 20 from 2-5 p.m., in person.
If you’re interested and would like to be included on that scheduling email, please let Lindsey know (lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org).
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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED: NO MEETING THIS SUNDAY
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will NOT meet this Sunday so everyone can attend the special breakfast (see above). We encourage everyone to attend this special gathering.
For Sunday, November 6, the class will hear from Rev. Bob Rapp, executive director of Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering. All are welcome to attend.
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HI NEIGHBORS MEETS MONDAY
Our popular weekly series – featuring presentations on a wide variety of topics – is open to all interested adults. Come and learn with us!
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For this week (Monday, October 31) we are planning a field trip to Lehigh Valley International Airport; we are no longer taking reservations for this trip.
Those who are signed up to go are reminded to meet in front of the church at 9:00 am. so the bus can leave promptly at 9:15 a.m.
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We will be back in Fellowship Hall on Monday, November 7 to hear “Keeping Your Wings Level” by Korry Frank, United Airlines pilot. Hospitality time begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m. | |
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All are welcome to help our Preschool families celebrate by attending their Halloween parade today.
It is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
It will be held outdoors on the east side of the building – if weather is an issue, they will parade in the Kirk Center.
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COMING ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 – TWO BIG EVENTS!
There are two events coming on Sunday, November 13 at 4 p.m. that may be of interest to you:
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The Sanctuary at First Pres will be the setting for “Vespers”, a special musical event featuring the Saint Tikhon Choir, and vocalists from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. Click here for ticket information.
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The Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG) will sponsor a “Service of Thanksgiving” at Congregation Brith Sholom, 1190 West Macada Street. This will be a special celebration featuring music, readings, and messages. Watch for more details.
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SAVE THE DATES!
We’ll be preparing and serving dinner at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering three times during this winter’s shelter season. After the Volunteer Coordinator training in a couple of weeks, we’ll share more about what help is needed and start asking for volunteers to sign up.
In the meantime, if you are interested in helping our church meet the needs of our unhoused neighbors, please mark your calendars with the following dates: Wednesday, November 30; Wednesday, January 25 and Wednesday, March 29.
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LAST CALL: STILL TIME TO SUPPORT THE CROP WALK
Thank you to all who have supported this year’s CROP Walk Against Hunger. We can still accept donations through Monday, October 31.
To give online, go to bit.ly/3BCIQjR, click on “Donate,” and type in “First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem”; we’ll also gladly accept payment by cash or check, payable to “CWS/CROP,” by mail or during hospitality hour between worship services.
We’re grateful for your participation, whether it has been in person, purse, or spirit, as we work together with friends and neighbors to end hunger “one step at a time.”
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Chancel Choir has begun – they meet on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Choir Room behind the Sanctuary (use the South entrance). Those with some choral experience are welcome (age 14 and older).
Our Handbell Choir has started their weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays from
6-7 p.m. Those 12 and older are welcome – no musical experience needed, and it is not too late to get involved.
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UPDATED: IF YOU ARE HOSPITALIZED…
We would like to know when our members are entering the hospital. Please tell the hospital that your church ID is 724. We contact the hospitals on weekdays to get that information. If you enter the hospital on Friday-Sunday, you can contact Phil Fair at prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org to keep us up to date.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter is
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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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, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
- 10:00 a.m.: Apple FUN Waffle Breakfast Buffet, Fellowship Hall; all are welcome
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11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; below, to join us online
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11:00 AM
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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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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the Traditional Worship Service
To listen on the phone (audio only): Call 929-205-6099; when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 848 4170 9518, followed by the # key. You will be asked for the participant ID – press the # key again.
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MONDAYS: 9:30 a.m. - Hi Neighbors informational program, Fellowship Hall (everyone welcome)
TUESDAYS: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Crafters, Room 408 (everyone welcome)
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The South entrance will be open during these hours, and on Sunday mornings.
Many of the office staff are continuing to work 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.
CARE CONCERNS AND HOSPITAL VISITS: If members of the FPCB congregation are hospitalized and would welcome pastoral and hospital ministrant visitors and/or prayers, please contact: Phil Fair, Prayer Ministrant (prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org).
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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
The Rev. J.C. Austin, Pastor/Head of Staff: ext. 213, JAustin@fpc-bethlehem.org
The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Associate Pastor of Formation and Justice; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Maintenance Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Pam Marth, Administrative Coordinator: ext. 228; email: PMarth@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Tracy Leszcynski, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; TLeszcynski@fpc-bethlehem.org
Marianne Zarillo, Finance (interim); ext. 210; MZarillo@fpc-bethlehem.org
Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper; ext. 211; CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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