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Friday, Jan. 9, 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)
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY:
LIVING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Grace and peace to you,
We have entered the liturgical season of Epiphany which lasts until Ash Wednesday. In this season, God reveals more of Godself through God’s Son, Jesus. How is the light of Christ revealing the love of God for all of creation? How are we living the light of Christ?
This Sunday we explore the baptism of Jesus and hear again those beautiful words: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Baptism marks the start of Jesus’ public ministry. He begins to live out his baptism.
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Baptism is one of two sacraments of the PCUSA. When we baptize someone or renew our own baptismal vows we ask these questions:
- Do you renounce evil and its power in the world, which defies God's righteousness and love?
- Do you renounce the ways of sin that seek to separate you from the love of God?
- Do you turn to Jesus Christ and confess him Lord and Savior?
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- Relying on God's grace, do you promise to live the Christian faith, and to teach that faith to others?
- Do you intend to be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying his word, and showing his love, to our life’s end?
We end with “remember your baptisms and be thankful. The Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.”
How will we live our baptisms?
This Sunday we will also ordain and install elders, deacons and trustees at both services. Let us all remember our baptisms and be thankful!
Blessings,
Pastor Karen
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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.
| | LOOKING AHEAD TO SUNDAY, JAN. 25 | | |
For Sunday, Jan. 25 there will be a Combined worship service in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. (also livestreamed). It will be followed by an Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation – in person and on Zoom.
After the Annual Meeting, we will have the opportunity to support our Boy Scout troop at their Pasta Luncheon fundraiser. It will run from noon – 2:30 p.m.
| | | 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. | | |
HEARTS N MINDS: BACK ON SUNDAY
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will gather again at the regular time of 10 a.m. in the Parlor this Sunday, Jan. 11. All are welcome!
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.
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In these classes the book’s four simple questions that more fully enable us to “find the wise and ready spiritual guide that is alive in all of us” will be explored.
Come join us as we “live the questions now.” (Rilke)
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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.
| | During the winter, BnS will continue the series Seeking God Together with a unit exploring the topic of “God Above Us.” Through bible study, crafts and interactive games, this set of lessons is a reminder of the greatness and mystery of God. | | | 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. | | It’s that time to consider sharing your time and talent as a lector (reader) in our worship services. If this is something that interests you, please use this link for the online sign-up or put your name on the paper sign-up, available at each worship service. | | | 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! | | |
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND…
The family of Sue Farber has extended an invitation to attend her memorial service and reception tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 10): 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.
NOTE: If you are available to help serve and/or clean up for the reception, please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
| | K GROUP ''APPY HOUR" IS COMING ON SUNDAY, JAN. 18 | | |
K Groups have long been an important part of the life of First Presbyterian Church. "K" is short for koinonia (kwah-nah-NEE-ah), a Greek word that denotes close fellowship, and K Groups are small groups that meet for fellowship, support, study, service and whatever else each group chooses to do.
On Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. all K Groups are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy fellowship and share what each group is doing.
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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." So that we will know how many people to expect, please RSVP to the church by Thursday, Jan. 15, at noon (610-867-5865 or info@fpc-bethlehem.org).
If you have any questions, contact Cynthia Simmons.
| | TONIGHT! YALE GLEE CLUB WINTER TOUR | | |
With the December concert season behind us, how about another exciting musical event to start off your new year!
First Pres is hosting the Yale Glee Club tonight (Friday, Jan. 9) at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, for their annual Winter Tour Concert.
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The closing set will be something extra special: joining the Yale forces will be 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 will also be livestreamed on the First Pres website (fpc-bethlehem.org) and Facebook page (@firstpresbethlehem).
Open seating begins at 7 p.m., with a $10 suggested donation at the door. All are welcome.
| | FOOD DONATIONS: A YEAR-ROUND INITIATIVE | | |
With the need so great – and no discernable relief in sight – we are extending our food collection to a year-round initiative.
We will give the donations to a variety of local food pantries throughout the year – for the month of January they will go to the Hispanic Center on Bethlehem’s SouthSide.
Ready to be filled again!
| | | 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! | | |
LOOKING AHEAD…
Friday, Jan. 9
7:30 p.m. – Yale Glee Club Winter Tour Concert, Sanctuary ($10 suggested donation) and livestreamed
Sunday, Jan. 11 and 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)
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 p.m. – Boy Scout pasta lunch fundraiser (see details above)
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Send us your news and photos to share:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for the next newsletter:
WEDNESDAY 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 - 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
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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:
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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