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Friday, Oct. 24, 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
followed by Annual Meeting of the Congregation
(in person in the Sanctuary and online on Zoom)
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY:
GIVING THANKS IN HARD TIMES
Grace and peace to you,
This week we will explore perseverance as a characteristic of the Saints. Remember, the way we define Saints is any follower of Jesus.
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What do we mean by perseverance? One definition is the steadfastness and endurance in faith and good works, especially through trials and suffering. It means that following Jesus is never an easy path and we will encounter stumbling blocks, hardship and the unexpected accident along the way.
Yet we can still rely on the grace and love of God to help us along the way. We can still express gratitude as we persevere to follow Jesus.
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We can still grow through trials and suffering, grow in our faith, grow in our love, grow in our ability to extend grace to others.
And what might we learn as we persevere about the community that God has gifted us with? What might we learn about our own character as we persevere?
As many of you know, earlier this week I fell, breaking my right clavicle and fracturing some ribs. Not my finest moment! What am I learning about gratitude through suffering about persevering on a path, as I try to be a Jesus follower? I am learning about community and the need to trust that God is there and that God will always be there. So come and see, come and explore this Sunday as we think about perseverance and the reward it might bring.
On another note, after our 11:15 a.m. service we will hold our Congregational Meeting to elect leaders for 2026, as well as approve the terms of call for Pastor Lindsey. This will be in person in the Sanctuary and also available via Zoom (bit.ly/3Wh7pxF). We hope you’ll join us as we express gratitude for those willing to serve.
Blessings,
Pastor Karen
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Please plan to attend a called meeting of the congregation
this Sunday, Oct. 26 immediately following the 11:15 a.m. service. You can attend in person in the Sanctuary or
online via Zoom (bit.ly/3Wh7pxF).
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.
Read the nominees' biographies here:
| | HEARTS N MINDS MEETS THIS SUNDAY: NEW MINI-SERIES BEGINS | | |
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday, Oct. 26 at its regular time from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor. All are welcome.
For the next three classes, Janet Stahl will offer a three part series using Biblical storytelling to explore the topic of reaching out to strangers.
She will also present this same information, “Strangers are Potential Friends” at a free storytelling concert next Saturday, Nov. 1 from
4-7 p.m. at East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Rd. (Click the image to print the flyer)
| | | The Body N Soul Intergenerational Faith Formation class will meet between the two Sunday services from 10:10 - 11:00 in Room 216 in the South Wing (follow the signs). | | The theme for study this fall is “Seeking God Together.” Together we will seek God through bible stories, creative expression, movement, and fellowship. | | | 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: READERS NEEDED!
Our lector sign-up schedule needs you: we’re looking for lectors to serve at our fall worship services, including next Sunday, and all Sundays after Nov. 9!
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! | | |
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND...
The families of Roger Farber and Norma Treichler have extended an invitation to attend the memorial services of their loved ones.
Roger Farber: Friday, Nov. 7: 1-2 p.m. calling hour in the Narthex; 2-3 p.m. memorial service in the Sanctuary; 3-4 p.m. reception in Fellowship Hall
Norma Treichler: Saturday, Nov. 8: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. memorial service in the Sanctuary; 12 – 2 p.m. reception in Fellowship Hall
| THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT! | | |
Last Saturday we welcomed the community to a wonderful event, Trunk or Treat – there were hundreds of folks in attendance.
In addition to the vehicles, with their owners handing out treats, we offered games and activities, food trucks, and live music from our Contemporary ensemble. All in all, a great day!
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Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this day possible!
If you have any photos to share, you can upload them to this online gallery: bit.ly/3WRd7Gu (we’ll share the gallery next week).
| | The Boy Scout troop we sponsor is working on its annual Scouting for Food drive. In addition to picking up donations from homes on Saturday, Nov. 8, they will collect food here in our building (if you get a note at your residence that they’ll be picking up on Nov. 8, you can do that if you prefer). | | | Collection boxes for non-perishable items are by the south entrance and in the Narthex; we will collect through Friday, Nov. 7. Please, no glass containers – and pop-top cans are appreciated! Thanks for considering this opportunity to help our neighbors. | | NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE TO THE CROP WALK
Thank you to all of you who walked and/or have donated to this year’s CROP Hunger Walk - we are well over our $1500 goal but can still accept donations – use this link (bit.ly/46MrtOg), or stop by the registration table in the Narthex after Sunday worship. | | HI NEIGHBORS: START YOUR WEEK! | | |
Our popular speakers series, Hi Neighbors, continues with its interesting presentations.
They are free and open to the public, and feature a wide array of topics such as history, local culture, music, and current events.
The programs begin at 9:30 a.m. with a social time in Fellowship Hall, followed by the hour-long presentation at 10 a.m. A lively question-and-answer period is included.
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For Monday’s program, Jessica Edris shares details about Bethlehem’s plans to celebrate the 2026 semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Our last two programs are especially noteworthy! For Monday, Nov. 3 we welcome storyteller extraordinaire Charles Kiernan, who performs to become famed author and humorist “Mark Twain.”
The last program of the fall series is on Monday, Nov. 10. Ron DeGrandis leads the Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra in a one-hour concert for our musical enjoyment. Their program features a mix of popular music and show tunes, alongside classical pieces. **This gathering will meet in the church’s Kirk Center.
| | ALL ARE WELCOME: SACRED RHYTHMS VIDEO SERIES | | |
Even if you have not attended any of the previous sessions, you are welcome to attend the remaining sessions in the series based on the “Sacred Rhythms” videos by Ruth Haley Barton. Each video session offers a teaching by the author and guidance on specific practices to open us more fully to God’s presence and action in our lives.
Weekly sessions are offered on Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. and continue to Nov. 12, meeting in the Parlor. You can sign up at bit.ly/4mYvy7A
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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
10:10 a.m. - Body N Soul intergenerational class, Room 216
11:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestream)
12:15 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
Sunday, Dec. 21
4 p.m. - Christmas Joy Concert, featuring a "Sing-Along Messiah", in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve candlelight services in the Sanctuary and livestreamed
4 p.m. - Intergenerational service
7 p.m. - Candlelight service
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Send us your news and photos to share:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for the next newsletter:
THURSDAY at noon**
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And follow us on Facebook: @FirstPresBethlehem
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE
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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 "Watch" at the top and then the "Watch the Service" button
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- Captions are 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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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.
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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 (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
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11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org)
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12:15 p.m.: Annual Meeting of the Congregation (in person and online via Zoom)
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.
| | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM | |
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Karen Kinney, Transitional Pastor/Head of Staff; KKinney@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries; ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Crook, Director of Church Administration; ext. 210; DCrook@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager; ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Lisa Todd, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; LTodd@fpc-bethlehem.org
Brenda Robinson, Office Manager: ext. 211; BusinessOffice@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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