Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 Newsletter



For Sunday - Communion Sunday



10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship Service in the Sanctuary

(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)

A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON: THE TRAIN IS LEAVING THE STATION…

Dear ones,

Somehow school is back in session and we’re heading toward fall leaves and pumpkin spice everything season!

Session met this past Monday, Aug. 26, and we have a few important updates to share. (This is a longer Pastor’s Message than usual, so please stick with me and read all the way to the end… )

We also have some updates from our Transitional Pastor Search Team - the first draft of the position description has been reviewed by COM (our Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry), who made some suggestions. The team made subsequent revisions, and submitted them to Session for approval.

With those revisions approved on Monday, now it goes back to COM for final approval before being published online in PC(USA)’s search and call system. Once it is “live,” we’ll be sure to let everyone know so that it can be shared widely through our personal and professional networks to attract a strong pool of candidates!

The Strategic Mission Steering Committee has also introduced another possible approach to our Transitional leadership needs. Given the significant cost of a full-time Transitional Pastor, that group received Session approval to gather information on prospective Transitional Ministry Consultants. Our congregation has already begun some of the essential work of Transitional Ministry: clarifying our core values and identity; clarifying a mission and vision for our future; assessing our financial sustainability and staffing needs. 

As a result, this alternative path could enable us to accomplish the remaining goals of Transitional Ministry more quickly and at a much more affordable price point.

The key difference between calling a Transitional Pastor and partnering with a Transitional Ministry Consultant is that our lay leaders and current clergy will be equipped to facilitate the needed congregational discernment and dialogue alongside the Consultant rather than that work being led primarily by a Transitional Pastor. This model hasn’t been used in our Presbytery yet, and it will require COM permission, so there are several next steps in exploring the possibility.  

With Session’s approval, the Steering Committee will begin identifying and reaching out to Transitional Ministry Consultants for preliminary conversations and to receive proposals about their services, process timeline, and costs. Those will be submitted back to Session for consideration, and if Session feels comfortable, then we will take those to COM for their review and approval.

The best metaphor that I have for exploring these two possibilities (Transitional Pastor v. Transitional Ministry Consultant) is that we have two trains running on separate but parallel tracks which left the station at different times. It’s rather like one of those long math word problems I hated as a kid where you have to try to figure out which one arrives first… And the honest answer at this moment is we have no idea, but we’re going to keep working on the solution and trust that we’ll end up exactly where God wants us!

As we seek to find the right balance between what we need and what we can afford, things can feel a bit complicated at times, so I really appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility on all of this! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Session with any questions or concerns.

Chugging right alongside y’all with the help of the Spirit,

Lindsey

P.S.—Just a reminder that I’m out of the office for a Staycation with Laura from Thursday, Aug. 29 (her birthday) through Labor Day. Fingers crossed and prayers up she doesn’t have too many house projects on the docket… Suzanne is leading worship this week, and she will be on call for any pastoral emergencies during this time.

FOR THIS SUNDAY

Phillipians 4:4-9

• Sermon: Just Show Up! by Rev. Suzanne Trump
• We post the video of each week’s services and sermon text on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org

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



Summer Worship Service (4 pages)

This Sunday is Communion Sunday

If you would like to participate at home, you can prepare your own elements: bread or a bread-like item (cracker, pita, bagel, etc.) and grape juice, wine or water.

LOOKING FOR LECTORS

It's that time when we put out a call for volunteers to serve as lectors (readers) in our worship services. This is a great way to become involved in the worship life of our church.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 15, you can choose from the 9 a.m. Holy Ground (contemporary) service or the 11:15 a.m. Traditional service. Use the easy online sign-up, below.

DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?

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.

"I served two terms as Elder but after a one-year rotation off the board, I missed it and was fortunate to be elected again for a new term. I enjoy the discussions with fellow Elders since we all care deeply about our church and want to be sure we've considered every reasonable option in the choices we make. J.C. taught me that the Session needs many different viewpoints, even those of a Virologist like myself. 

"I enjoy learning about all the church's activities and about the many unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes to make our church work. While being an elder is a commitment, it is an honor and a blessing to be able to serve such a wonderful and special congregation and to feel a sense that this work is helping to fulfill God's plan for me."  

The Elders serving alongside Rich are Jan Bickford, Jennifer Cole, Jon Conrad, Linda Filipovits, Jim Halkins, Kari Keyock, Ted Masthay, Kim Miner, Donna Taggart, Jim Tintle, and JoAnne Turcotte.

FOR THIS SUNDAY: JOIN US FOR LEMONADE ON THE LAWN  

Our time of fellowship after the Sunday service is an important part of our congregational ministry! All are welcome to join us for “Lemonade on the Lawn” – although between precipitation and high temp’s, we’ve most frequently been gathering in the North Link. 

Thank you to Jan Bickford and friends, who are hosting for this Sunday (and we have a host for Sept. 8, our last session).

SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL CROP WALK COMING SUNDAY, OCT. 13

SUPPORTING OUR PRESCHOOL FAMILIES

The FPCB is invited to help support the start of the new school year for our Preschool families. As you are able, if you are in a position to donate any of these items (by Sunday, Sept. 15), it will be appreciated!

Donation tubs are located in the Narthex, and near the south entrance and east entrance doors. 

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION OPPORTUNITIES

Earlier this year spiritual direction, an ancient ministry in the Christian church, was introduced to our congregation under the guidance of two of our Parish Associates, Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith and Rev. Dr. Richard Smith, and Ruling Elder Janet Bickford. 

Spiritual directors typically meet with their directees once a month for approximately one hour in a private, comfortable setting, typically at the church. All matters discussed between directees and directors are completely confidential. 

If you would like to know more about spiritual direction, brochures with more information are available on the tables in the Narthex and in the brochure rack across from the Church Office. You can also contact the Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith at SpiritualDirection@fpc-bethlehem.org.

In the spirit of the gospel, FPCB offers spiritual direction as a part of its ministry to the community. If you are able, a thank offering to the First Presbyterian Church – Bethlehem would be gratefully received.

JOIN THE GATE COMMUNITY’S BOOK CLUB

Sixty-five million adults in the U.S. have dropped out of active church attendance and about 2.7 million more are leaving every year. Faith After Doubt is for the millions of people around the world who feel that their faith is falling apart.

The four stages—Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony—offer a path forward that can help sincere and thoughtful people leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify their commitment to what matters most.

The Gate Community Church is offering a Book Study that is open to all. It will run on Wednesdays: Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, and Oct. 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Warming Kitchen (next to the Kirk Center). Use this link to sign up:

A NEW SERIES OF HI NEIGHBORS PROGRAMS: STARTING SEPT. 16

Here’s an early alert that we will kick off the fall series of Hi Neighbors programs on Monday, Sept. 16. Come and learn the fascinating – and tasty – history of Josh Early Candies, a regional favorite for 120 years.

The complete schedule is available here (and if you’re on our mailing list, you’ll soon be receiving that information directly).



All are welcome – no registration fee or sign-up needed. Just come and bring your friends!

CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

The church building (including offices and Preschool) will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.

FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:



• Child care will be available from 9:45-11:15 a.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



• 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website, including a brief Congregational meeting
• 11:00 a.m.: Lemonade on the Lawn – all are welcome!

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:

The church building, office and Preschool will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2. The building and office will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The Preschool will be closed next week and reopen on Monday, Sept. 9.



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.