Friday, May 2, 2025 Newsletter



For Sunday - Communion

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: WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS?

Grace and peace to you,

When I was in seminary, one of the classes we were required to take was “The History of Christianity.” Taught in two parts – really, how can 2,000 plus years be taught in one 12-to-16-week course! The first part featured a lot of martyrs – the many whose lives were ended because of their faith. Their stories were recorded in early historical documents. I confess I was often moved to tears at their stories, but I also developed a sense of “I am astounded at their willingness to die for their faith!” 

We see stories of martyrdom in Scripture too, and this Sunday we explore the story of Stephen, an early Christian leader in the Jerusalem church tapped to settle a dispute between two branches of the church. He then went on to lead in new and unexpected ways, challenging the viewpoints of other leaders. In the end Stephen was stoned to death. See Acts 6 and 7 for the story.

Come and explore Stephen’s story this Sunday and let’s see where we land.

Blessings,

Pastor Karen

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

Traditional Worship Service (5 pages)

Sunday is Communion Sunday – if joining our livestream, you can prepare your own elements: bread or bread-like item (cracker, pita, bagel) and grape juice, wine or water

HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED CLASS: JOIN US ON SUNDAY

For kindle users, the titles of these sections are: Hope is NOT Cause and Effect, Hope is NOT the opposite of despair, Hope is NOT solace, and Hope is NOT future-proofing. 

Although we long for HOPE to be basically reliable, a straight line from cause to effect, it seldom works that way. Let’s learn how we can cope when life gets out of control.

BODY N SOUL: INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION

FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE  

Standing at the Crossroads: A Conversation about Discernment 

Saturday, May 3 

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

We seek to know what is not clear. Our hope: to step out confidently, moving from darkness to light. Yes, from doubt to clarity. Yes to an understanding of our path. Oh Lord, my anxious soul seek peace. 

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF FPCB PRESCHOOL!

You are invited to the FPC Preschool's 60th anniversary celebration and Spring Fling on Friday, May 9 from 9:45 a.m. - noon.

A hot dog lunch will be provided along with sides and dessert. Raffle tickets will be available for your chance to win a basket, and tickets are cash only. THEY WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY ON SUNDAY, MAY 11 AND YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RAFFLE THEN.

If you would like to donate a basket from your business or would like to donate an additional basket, please contact Tracy Leszcynski at preschool@fpc-bethlehem.org. Hope to see you there!

SHE NAILED IT! TAILGATING & COMPETITION INFO FOR MONDAY

It’s finally time! Habitat for Humanity’s She Nailed It! competition is this coming Monday, May 5 at Dimmick Park in Hellertown. Tailgating will begin shortly after 1:00 p.m. Look for the purple and black RV to find our team’s tailgate spot, and come enjoy some snacks and fellowship while our teams practice one last time.  

We're also excited to say that we have exceeded our fundraising goal - we raised well over $5,000! Many thanks to all who have supported us!

FPCB T-SHIRT PICK-UP

HI NEIGHBORS: ANOTHER GREAT PROGRAM COMING

Monday, May 12, is the last program of our spring speakers schedule. How about a trip down Memory Lane? Local historian Mark Iampietro will share more of his memorable videos: “Bethlehem Time Machine.” After the program, we’ll enjoy a complimentary pizza lunch.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday, May 11: Rev. Keith Brown Memorial Tree Dedication 

You are invited to join us in the Memorial Garden immediately following the 11:15 service on Sunday, May 11, to dedicate a redbud tree and plaque to honor the memory of Rev. Keith Brown. His mission and ministry, spanning 31 years here at FPC, focused on building relationships within and beyond the church. As we honor his memory, may we continue to build those interconnections of all kinds.

Tuesday, May 20: Strategic Mission Update

After you vote in the local Primary Elections on Tuesday, May 20, please make plans to join the Strategic Mission Steering Committee in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. for a potluck meal and a church-wide update.

Sunday, May 25: Summer Worship Schedule Begins 

We will begin our summer schedule of worshipping together at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. See below to sign up to serve as a lector.

Sunday, June 1: Lemonade on the Lawn Begins 

Our popular social time will be offered after our 10 a.m. service, on the front (east) lawn as weather permits – otherwise we’ll meet in the North Link. As we did last year, we will be looking for small groups and families to step forward to host these events. Watch for a sign-up, coming soon.

CAN YOU HELP?

We’re looking for folks to serve as lectors for our 10 a.m. combined worship service, beginning May 25. 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: 

A NOTE…

To those who may have viewed the Maundy Thursday service via livestream – we would like your feedback!

Please send any comments to Pastor Karen at kkinney@fpc-bethlehem.org.

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 - COMMUNION SUNDAY

• 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 9 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service, Fellowship Hall – in person only
• 10 – 11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor – all are welcome
• 10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational faith formation, Fellowship Hall – 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.