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Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 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)

A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: GOD IS GUIDING US


Grace and peace to you,


On Jan. 25 - one week from this Sunday - we will hold the Annual Meeting of the congregation and corporation. What happened in our life together in 2025 that was memorable for you? What do you want to celebrate? 


This is how I have always viewed the Annual Meeting – what in our life together do we wish to lift up? Yes, there is business – we will review year-end financial statements and the 2026 budget, and we will do a first read of the new bylaws. But we will also remember through the reports written and slides shown, the many things we have done over the year.

It is hard for me to believe I have been here almost 11 months! I have truly enjoyed the privilege of being your transitional pastor and look forward to these next months as we launch our mission study and gain clarity on where God is guiding us.

Mission Statement

To welcome an inclusive and joyful community of Christ’s followers into actively exploring how God’s gracious love gives meaning to our lives and faith and inspires us to address the needs of our changing world. Through our learning, service, and grateful worship, God fills us with purpose, compassion, courage, and love.

And our four congregational core values:


• Expansively Welcoming

• An Inquiring Faith

• An Active Faith 

• Christ-Centered

So come next Sunday on the 25th – we will have one service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by the meeting and then enjoy the Boy Scouts fundraiser pasta lunch! Let’s celebrate!


Pastor Lindsey is in the pulpit this Sunday! I look forward to hearing from her. 


Blessings,

Pastor Karen

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

Traditional Worship Service (4 pages)

FOR SUNDAY

We’ll offer a social time between the two services in Fellowship Hall -

come and enjoy a beverage, a snack, and good connection.

BYLAWS CHANGES


At its July 2025 meeting, the Session appointed a small team to review the church’s governance structure. The team members are Rich Gorton (current chair of the Trustees and president of the Corporation), Joanne Kelhart (past chair of the Trustees), and Ted Masthay (current member of Session). One of the tasks of the team was to review the bylaws of both the congregation and the corporation. 

The team will do a brief presentation on changes made and the reasoning behind them, but since it is a first read, they will not take questions. Questions and suggested changes can be directed to bylaws@fpc-bethlehem.org. 


A Town Hall has been organized for Sunday, Feb. 22 immediately following the 11:15 a.m. service to answer questions, etc. On Sunday, March 1 immediately following the 11:15 a.m. service, Session has approved another meeting of the congregation and corporation for the specific purpose of a second read and vote on the bylaws. 


Copies of the proposed bylaws will be distributed to those attending the Annual Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 25. If you will not be present that day, contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org, and we will email you a copy of the bylaws or you can call the church office to request a copy be mailed to you (if you leave a message: state your name clearly and repeat your phone number).

LOOKING AHEAD TO SUNDAY, JAN. 25

The menu will include three pasta dishes, salad, bread, drinks and dessert; you can dine in or take out. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children, ten and younger. 

A SPECIAL DAY: SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Sunday, Feb. 8 will include several additional features, along with our two regular services and between-services classes. We will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday; scouts from Troop 302 (which First Pres has sponsored since November, 1916) will serve as ushers and lector for our Traditional worship service.


After the 11:15 a.m. service, we’ll gather in Fellowship Hall for a simple Souper Bowl Sunday luncheon of soup and bread/crackers (and dessert, of course!). We’re looking for some volunteer cooks and those to set up/clean up: use this ONLINE FORM to sign up.

The concert is part of Jim’s course, Master (Certificate) at the Academy for Biblical Storytelling, which is part of the Network of Biblical Storytellers. The program will last about two hours, with a short intermission – all are welcome!

HEARTS N MINDS: EXPLORE TOGETHER

Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will gather at their regular time of 10 a.m. in the Parlor this Sunday, Jan. 18. All are welcome! (Note: They will not meet on Sunday, 
Jan. 25 because of the Combined worship service.)

Continuing through Feb. 8, they will be sharing the book How Then Shall We Live, by Wayne Muller. Participants do not need to purchase the book unless they desire.

BODY N SOUL: JOIN US ON SUNDAY

The Body N Soul Intergenerational Faith Formation class will meet this Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in Room 216. (Note: They will not meet on Sunday, Jan. 25 because of the Combined worship service.)

Our response to God’s greatness can take many forms. Sometimes we marvel at the incredible beauty of creation, or give thanks and celebrate joyfully. Other times we cry out to God to confess our sins. We will explore how our God responds with love and forgiveness.

LECTORS NEEDED!

If you’ve never done it before and would like to get more information, drop us a note at info@fpc-bethlehem.org and we’ll connect you with a veteran!

K GROUP ''APPY HOUR" IS COMING THIS SUNDAY, JAN. 18 

Those who are not part of a K Group but would like to know more about this program and possibly be part of a new group are also invited to attend. 

The church will provide coffee, tea and hot cider and each K Group is asked to contribute a few appetizers (savory or sweet) for this event, which we are calling "Appy Hour." 

If you have any questions, contact Cynthia Simmons.

ICYMI: YALE GLEE CLUB CONCERT

The closing set included the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Concord Chamber Singers, Charter Arts High School Touring Choir, and the FPCB Chancel Choir. More than 250 voices celebrating community through choral singing!

The concert culminated an afternoon of clinics between the Glee Club and Touring Choir. We are grateful to all of the organizers, including David Macbeth, our Director of Music Ministries, who worked to bring together all these talented musicians.

ICYMI (in case you missed it) - or would like to revisit it - you can enjoy the video.

FOOD DONATIONS: A YEAR-ROUND INITIATIVE

Collection carts are located in the North Link and at the south entrance. We can accept non-perishable food items (no glass, please – and pop top cans are welcome) as well as personal care items for all ages. Thanks for your support of these efforts to feed our neighbors!

MEET ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT


In 2021 members of two K Groups, along with some of their FPCB friends, collaborated to contribute $20,000 to establish the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem Endowed Scholarship at Northampton Community College.

Every year since, NCC has awarded a need-based scholarship to one student to fund a significant portion of their tuition. With added contributions in subsequent years and market gains, the current endowment balance exceeds $30,000.

In addition to classes and required design projects, she works two part time jobs: one doing design work for the NCC Theatre Department, and another at a local grocery store.

Sophia shared that she was hesitant to continue at NCC this year, doubting she could meet expenses. But her parents both work and encouraged her to complete her degree and to apply for scholarships. She said our scholarship was an unexpected and most welcome “blessing”.

Anyone can contribute to the FPCB Endowed Scholarship. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be made online at northampton.edu/give26s or by check payable to NCC Foundation (write in the memo line: “FPCB Endowed Scholarship”).

LOOKING AHEAD…

Sunday, Jan. 18

9 a.m. – Holy Ground contemporary service, Fellowship Hall

10 a.m. - Social Hour, Fellowship Hall

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 livestreamed)

Monday, Jan. 19

Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Sunday, Jan. 25

10 a.m. – Combined Worship service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed)

11 a.m. – Congregational meeting (in person and via Zoom)

12-2:30 p.m. – Boy Scout pasta lunch fundraiser (see article above)

Sunday, Feb. 1 

9 a.m. – Holy Ground contemporary service, Fellowship Hall

10 a.m. – Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall

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 livestreamed)

Sunday, Feb. 8 - Souper Bowl Sunday and Boy Scout Sunday

Scouts from Troop 302 will join us at the Traditional Service as ushers and lector

9 a.m. – Holy Ground contemporary service, Fellowship Hall

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 livestreamed)

12:15 p.m. – Souper Bowl Sunday luncheon, Fellowship Hall (see article above)

1:30-3:30 p.m. – Storytelling Concert by Jim Stahl, Fellowship Hall (see article above)


Sunday, Feb. 15

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Combined Worship service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed) – this service will include an update from the Mission Steering Committee

12 – 1:30 p.m. – Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

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.

THIS SUNDAY - SPECIAL SCHEDULE

• 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground worship service, Fellowship Hall
• 10:00 a.m.: Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall
• 10:00 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor
• 10:10 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational faith formation, Room 216
• 11:15 a.m.: Traditional worship service, Fellowship Hall (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org)


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 building (including offices and Preschool) will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 20 for normal business.

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.