**IMPORTANT MESSAGE**

We are watching the weather for Sunday, so we will make a decision as soon as possible if our schedule needs to change.

*We will send another email no later than 5 pm on Saturday*

Be sure to check for updates before heading out!

It will also be shared on our website, Facebook, phone message, WFMZ, and we will send an email message.

Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 Newsletter



For Sunday

10:00 a.m.: Combined Worship Service

    (in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)

11:00 a.m.: Annual Meeting of the Congregation

       (in person in the Sanctuary, and via Zoom)

A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:

SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS

Greetings, dear ones!        

We received conflicting reports from our regional groundhog “meteorologists” last week: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, but Staten Island Chuck did not. This week’s active winter weather pattern seems to support Phil’s prediction!  

I also wanted to share a couple of updates on some of the local needs for our organizing and advocacy as a follow-up to my previous announcements related to some of our vulnerable immigrant neighbors -

First, the newly arrived Afghan family impacted by the withdrawal of federal funding for refugees has been connected to the Refugee Community Center of the Church of the Mediator in Allentown for support. The Refugee Community Center exists to welcome refugees and asylees who are living in the Lehigh Valley; to provide accessible English language learning, including child care; all while extending hospitality and friendship as we build community together. (Mursal continues to participate in ESL classes at the RCC, and she takes Ayaz with her to enjoy socializing with the other kiddos in the child care group.)

The RCC is actually coordinating resources for all 15 local refugee families whose wrap-around services and financial support were stopped with immediate effect. To best support this carefully coordinated effort, we’re asking FPCB folks to make donations directly to the Refugee Community Center. Donations can be made online here: https://go.rallyup.com/d69a5c

If you are interested in helping support the newly arrived Afghan family’s other needs (appointment transportation, paperwork help, social/culture connection, etc.), please let me know at lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org, and we’ll work on pulling together a Family Support Team for their non-financial care.

Second, the immigration coalition’s Emergency Response Team continues to be in formation, and I’m still waiting to hear about a training date for anyone interested in the efforts to be in solidarity with neighbors being targeted by ICE. The specific roles are listed below:

• Phone Answerers - Be available to pick up the phone when people call to report ICE activity using the public phone number. The calls are routed to people's personal cell phones. In other cities, people signed up for 12 hour shifts. Spanish and English proficiency is required. 

• Dispatchers - Respond to the above by 1) determining the legitimacy of the call, 2) deciding what type of action is appropriate (public response, interruption, legal observers, specifically clergy presence, etc). 

• Verifiers - Travel to the site of the alleged ICE activity to confirm or deny said activity. 

• Legal Observers - Record ICE activity. Take notes and names. No legal training required. 

• Clergy - Show up for prayer and pastoral support. This might be particularly helpful in the event of family separations. 

• Public Response - People willing to simply show up, bear witness, and follow the instructions of the organizer. 

There will also be other opportunities to connect with and support the work of the immigration coalition as it continues to get organized. Some of the other teams are planning for action around Know Your Rights trainings, public pressure and advocacy, legal support and fundraising, etc. I’ll be sure to share more about these other initiatives and volunteer needs as those become clearer!

Many hands make light work, friends! May we keep being Christ’s hands and feet as best we can…

Gratitude and blessings,

Lindsey

WE WILL SEND THE BULLETIN ON SATURDAY

FOR NEXT SUNDAY: SPECIAL SCHEDULE

We will have a special schedule for this Sunday, Feb. 16.

NOTE: We are watching the weather, which may necessitate a revision. Be sure to check your email, the website, WFMZ-TV69 or our phone message before heading out!

11 a.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation 

At this meeting the congregation will elect its new slate of leaders: elders, deacons, trustees, and the Nominating Committee. Nominees’ information is in the document, linked below.

If you would like the link to the Zoom meeting, contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.

NOTE: Because of the special schedule, Hearts N Minds adult ed class and the Body N Soul intergenerational group will not meet this Sunday. Both will resume on Sunday, Feb. 23.

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Pasta Luncheon Fundraiser offered by Boy Scout Troop 302 in Fellowship Hall

The menu will include three pasta dishes, salad, bread, drinks and dessert. Suggested donation is $12 for adults, and $6 for kids 10 and under. Take out is available.

GET YOUR PAINT BRUSHES READY: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A WORK DAY

All hands on deck for two upcoming Saturday work days: this Saturday, Feb. 15 and March 15. Come anytime between 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; lunch will be provided. We will be focused on interior painting.

**NOTE** Please check our website before heading out, in case we need to revise our plans.

If you can help, please drop us a note at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.

FLOWERS ARE ON OUR MINDS…

The church office and building WILL be open on Monday, Feb. 17;

the Preschool will be closed on Friday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 17.

FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:



• Child care will be available from 9:45 a.m. -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 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 10 a.m.: Combined Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org)
• 11 a.m.: Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Sanctuary (in person and available via Zoom link - request it at info@fpc-bethlehem.org)
• 12:30-2:30 p.m.: Pasta Fundraiser Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

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 office and building WILL be open on Monday, Feb. 17; the Preschool will be closed on Friday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 17. 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.