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Friday, September 26, 2025 Newsletter
For Sunday – NEW SCHEDULE!
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. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:
THE POWER OF WORDS
Greetings friends,
As we conclude our series on mystics and the spiritual practices they offer for connecting us more deeply with the Divine, it is probably no surprise that I picked the poets and writers. The former English teacher in me couldn’t help it!
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I may have said this before, but I feel like I really learned to read and write in the 11th grade. Obviously, I could read and write before that, but Mrs. Little’s AP English class my junior year was when I experienced reading and writing for the first time—when they took on a new power and meaning, when I was moved in heart and spirit by what I read and began to learn that I might do the same with my own writing.
While words can, at times, limit our capacity to express what might otherwise only be experienced, they also have tremendous capacity for capturing what can feel indescribable.
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This week, we hear from the prophet Isaiah about the ways in which the written word can capture and cast vision of God’s beloved community for this and future generations. We’ll also engage the writings of Howard Thurman and Andrea Gibson as more contemporary mystics and conversation partners for the journey.
I look forward to hearing whose written work sounds a bit like God’s voice to you!
Blessings,
Lindsey
| | THE TRADITIONAL BULLETIN WILL BE SENT ON SATURDAY
AND POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE | | |
As a safety precaution, we have installed large blue barrels that block the entrance to the south parking lot.
You can still access that parking lot by using the next entrance to that lot. We apologize for any inconvenience – again, this is being done for everyone’s safety!
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We also want to remind you that the space immediately in front of the west doors (by the portico) marked with yellow lines is a fire lane, and no parking is ever allowed.
There are no parking spaces in front of the church building except the marked handicapped spaces – to use, you must display proper registration to use those spaces. Look for our new signs - thank you!
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HEARTS N MINDS MEETS THIS SUNDAY
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. in the Parlor. All are welcome; you do not need to do the reading to participate in the class.
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The book is entitled The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Father Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries in CA. For this Sunday, please read chapter three.
Gail Watts, who will lead the discussion, writes: “Father Boyle shares numerous anecdotes of gang members coming to know and love themselves as they encounter ongoing experiences of being seen ‘as God sees’ at Homeboy Industries. Transformation occurs as judgment is set aside, and the whole person is accepted through a welcoming embrace.
“Similarly, understanding our own wound in the context of mercy becomes the map to our own connection with others.”
| | | The Body N Soul Intergenerational Faith Formation class will meet between the two Sunday services, from 10:10 - 11:00 a.m. in Room 216 in the South Wing. | | | 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
We’re looking for lectors to serve at our fall worship services! 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
| | THROUGH OCT. 5: PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS SPECIAL OFFERING | | The Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. Through this special offering, congregations are encouraged and equipped to find and address the anxiety and discord that is prevalent throughout this broken and sinful world. The funding is used in this way: | |
- 25% retained by congregations to support peacemaking efforts in their local communities.
- 25% retained by mid councils to support peacemaking efforts at the regional level.
- 50% supports peacemaking, reconciliation and global witness.
| | | If you receive a packet of pledge envelopes, there is a special envelope for this offering. Envelopes are also available on the info tables at each worship service. | | HI NEIGHBORS: START YOUR WEEK! | | |
Our popular speakers series, Hi Neighbors, enjoyed a program on Monday about the National Canal Museum and the history of this long-ago way of transportation.
The presentations are free and open to the public, and feature an interesting array of topics such as history, local culture, music, and current events.
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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.
Monday’s program will feature Neil Henann, who will take us back to the origin of the “diner” – do you have a favorite of these popular eateries?
Click the link for the one-page schedule.
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KIRKLAND VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL & BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Kirkland Village has invited us to join them for a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. As part of the festival, we'll be partnering with their Chaplain, John Cordes, to host a Blessing of the Animals.
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All are invited to bring their pets (or a photo) to receive a special blessing and certificate!
We need some helpers to offer blessings to the pets who stop by our tent during the festival! Words for the blessing and a certificate will be provided; we just need people who love animals to greet them with lots of affection, offer the blessing, and fill out the certificate.
If you’re willing to volunteer, please sign-up for a one-hour shift using this link: volunteersignup.org/HJP4K
| | | We’ll be located under a tent outside at Kirkland Village, which is just to the east of our church property; you can enter our campus via the Center Street drive and follow the signs. | | FOR YOUR CALENDAR: “Sacred Rhythms” Series | | |
All are welcome to attend a new six-week 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. Participants will not need to order or read the book, but will need to order their own Sacred Rhythms Participant’s Guide through their favorite source, prior to the first session.
Weekly sessions will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. and continue to Nov. 12. The group will meet in the Parlor. You can sign up at bit.ly/4mYvy7A
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SAVE THE DATE: TRUNK OR TREAT COMING ON OCT. 18
We’re planning a big community event: a Trunk or Treat celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon-4 p.m. (raindate: Saturday, Oct. 25).
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This event is free and open to the public, and will feature decorated vehicles with treats to hand out to the kiddos, along with games and activities.
We’ll also offer food trucks and live music by FPCB’s contemporary ensemble (from noon-1 p.m.).
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We’re asking owners of vintage vehicles to participate – we are also providing an opportunity for groups and individuals affiliated with FPCB to participate (like K groups); you do not need to have a vintage vehicle if you are affiliated with FPCB.
Those interested in participating (both with vintage vehicles and those affiliated with FPCB), please register here: bit.ly/46sPPvl. Contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865 for more information.
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FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY: ANNUAL CROP WALK IS COMING
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bethlehem CROP Hunger Walk, as we join teams from around the United States in combating hunger both locally and globally.
This year's walk will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19.
| | For the first time, our churches will also be joined by members of other members of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group and teams from local colleges and universities, making this a truly community-wide event. We’ll begin with a pizza lunch at Central Moravian Church at 1:00 p.m., with the walk itself beginning at 2:00 p.m. | | | |
With hunger both nationally and globally on the increase, we need both “boots on the ground” and generous sponsors to make this year’s walk a success.
READ MORE...
| | NEXT HELPING HANDS TRIP COMING IN NOVEMBER | | |
The Helping Hands group from our Presbytery will be traveling again to New Bern, N.C. This trip will be Nov. 1-8 (Saturday – Saturday).
They always welcome new folks to help. All levels and types of skills and experience are welcome – the primary focus is on cleaning up/repairing homes damaged by storms.
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AWAKENING THE SAGE WITHIN
Saturday, Oct. 25
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem
Today, most people approaching elderhood can expect to live another 20-30 years. How do you want to live those years? Sage-ing (also known as Spiritual Eldering or Conscious Aging) is a model for engaging the elder years more deliberately, joyfully, and compassionately.
During this interactive workshop, you will be introduced to Sage-ing concepts including life review, forgiveness work, and issues surrounding mortality.
Click HERE more information and to register.
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LOOKING AHEAD…
Sunday, Oct. 5 - World Communion Sunday
9 a.m. - Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor
10 a.m. – Combined Worship Service, Fellowship Hall
11 a.m. – Community Potluck, Fellowship Hall (bring a favorite family heritage dish to share!)
3 p.m. – Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG) Faith Crawl (BethlehemInterfaith.org)
Sunday, Oct. 26
9 a.m. – Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor
10 a.m. – Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor
11:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestream)
12:30 p.m. – Congregational Meeting, Sanctuary and via Zoom
We will also do one Combined Service on these two Sundays:
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary – Pledge Sunday and 150th anniversary
celebration (followed by provided community luncheon)
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
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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
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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
- 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (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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