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Friday, October 21, 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:
EMPATHIZING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS
One of the most popular board games ever created would have to be Monopoly. I’m willing to bet that almost all of you have played it at some point, but let me refresh your memory.
The game involves groups of “properties” that hold increasing amounts of value the further you go in a clockwise direction from the “Start” square.
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The property groups are identified by color, and there are generally three of them to a group. The goal of the game is to acquire as many property groups as you can, which is called a monopoly, because when players land on a property you own, they have to pay you rent, and if you have a monopoly, you can develop the property with houses and hotels and then charge more money for landing there, to the point that you can drive another player into bankruptcy even if they only land on one or two of your properties within a short time. | |
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And that, ultimately, is the goal of the game: to destroy all your opponents economically so that you are the only person left who is solvent. It would be hard to argue that it is a morally commendable game (nor economically, for that matter; destroying the market is a very short-term victory!). However, it is an entertaining one, as its huge and lasting popularity attests.
The irony of that is that the game was created not to glorify such a goal, but to illustrate both the problem of such a goal and a potential solution to it. The game originated in the form of something called The Landlord’s Game, created by a woman named Lizzie Magie in the early 1900s, who wanted to teach people about the devastating consequences of land rental monopolies on renters and the larger economy as a whole.
To do so, she created a game with two rounds: one played more or less under the rules of what we know as Monopoly, and one under rules designed to illustrate the positive effects of more widely shared land ownership. She patented the game and it began to spread in popularity by word of mouth. She tried at one point to sell it to the Parker Brothers game company, but they declined.
As time passed, though, a man named Charles Darrow was introduced to the game, loved it, and began distributing it himself with one major change: the deletion of the second round. He named the shorter game Monopoly, claimed it as his own invention, and sold it to Parker Brothers, receiving both a patent and copyright in the process, and cutting out Lizzie Magie from any credit or royalties.
Despite the injustice done to Magie in this process, her conviction that games could be used as teaching tools was both innovative at the time and created a lasting influence to this day. My generation famously played an early computer game in school called “Oregon Trail,” which illustrated the challenges and difficult decisions facing those who sought to settle in the Oregon Territory.
During the quarantine phase of COVID-19, my son Liam and I played a game on my iPad called Pandemic, based on a board game of the same name, in which you work cooperatively rather than competitively to try and contain a global pandemic and work on a cure. It was a bit shocking how much we learned about epidemiology and virology from that game!
This Sunday, we as a congregation are going to play a game in the spirit of Lizzy Magie called “The Game of Rent.” We’ll be gathering after the 11 a.m. Traditional Service, and the game is designed to show us what it is like to try and manage the rising costs of housing in the Lehigh Valley while attending to other economic needs. The game uses up-to-date demographic data from the Lehigh Valley, so it is a very accurate depiction of the trends and difficulties facing ordinary people who are not able to own property in this moment.
It will be a very engaging and educational experience, and I urge people of all ages to come and participate so we can learn more about what our neighbors are going through and think more clearly about how we can love and serve them in Christ’s name more faithfully and effectively. I hope to see you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
FOR SUNDAY: We will offer a light lunch after the Traditional service (approximately 12:15 p.m.) and then play the game. Gather in Fellowship Hall. Please let us know if you are planning to attend, so we can make arrangements (but if you don’t RSVP you are still welcome to come): register online at bit.ly/3yG2IC6 or call 610-867-5865. Appropriate for middle school and older.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Isaiah 62:1-7, 10-11
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Fruit that Will Last: The One and Future Church 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 te; please clearly PRINT your first name.
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LET'S GATHER: EXPERIENCE 'THE GAME OF RENT'
For an increasing number of Americans, “home sweet home” is not a promise, but a problem. Daily we hear about soaring housing costs, evictions, foreclosures, and other causes of housing insecurity in our communities.
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This Sunday, October 23, following the Traditional service, we invite you to gather in Fellowship Hall for a light lunch and conversation on an issue that confronts countless neighborhoods and families here and across our country. Please let us know if you are planning to attend (appropriate for middle school and older): online sign-up or call 610-867-5865. | |
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We’ll play and discuss The Game of Rent, a board game-style simulation designed to promote productive conversations about affordable housing. In the words of its creators, “using local data (we’ll be using a version specially designed for the Lehigh Valley) and the luck of the draw, the Game helps build empathy and awareness around housing issues.”
We will conclude by considering what we and other concerned citizens can do to help alleviate the current housing crisis in our community.
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BETWEEN SERVICES: HOSPITALITY TIME – AND MORE!
All are welcome to connect at our Hospitality time starting at 10 a.m. (between the two services), in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a beverage and snack, and fellowship with other members, friends and guests.
Creating Faith: Intergenerational Faith Formation
Kids of all ages (including adults who are kids at heart) are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall during the Hospitality time between services for Creating Faith, a simple time together for a story and craft that will nurture our faith and engage our creativity. We’ll begin by 10:15 a.m. and wrap up by 10:45 a.m. Feel free to bring your Hospitality drink and snack over to our tables!
NOTE: For Sunday, October 30, we have planned something special… read on!
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FOR NEXT 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: NEW TIME!
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Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet in person only, in Room 178 (across from the Old Chapel, on the ground level) beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays. It will conclude at 10:40 a.m. (You are welcome to slip out of the Contemporary service early to attend this program, if you would like.) Everyone is welcome to attend!
For this class: we will take another look at Wendell Berry's small book, Blessed Are the Peacemakers. We will discuss his essay: “Burden of the Gospels” (found at the end of our small study book).
We will begin with a list of questions for table talks as we continue to explore how to live as Christians in a world torn apart by war and political division.
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You don’t need to have read the essay to participate in our discussion! | |
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AFGHAN FAMILY UPDATE
We announced on Sunday that there were plans for Mursal and family’s asylum interview this week.
Unfortunately, we got word on Monday that it was cancelled and will be rescheduled. Their attorney is helping us sort this out, and while it’s seemingly a minor delay, it was an emotional setback. We’ll keep the congregation informed when we have a new interview date!
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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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Monday’s program, “When the West Started Appreciating This World” by Frank Stone will be presented at 10 a.m., following our 9:30 a.m. hospitality time.
For next week (Monday, October 31) we are planning a field trip to Lehigh Valley International Airport; we are no longer taking reservations for this trip.
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Those who are signed up to go are reminded to meet in front of the church at 9 a.m. so the bus can leave promptly at 9:15 a.m. | |
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All are welcome to help our Preschool families celebrate by attending their Halloween parades. Two are scheduled: Wednesday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m., and Friday, October 28 at 9:30 am.
Both 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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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)
- 9:45 – 10:40 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Room 178; all are welcome
- 10:00 a.m.: Hospitality & Intergenerational Faith Formation, Fellowship Hall
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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
- 12:15 p.m.: Light luncheon and “Game of Rent”, Fellowship Hall; all are welcome
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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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