Friday, November 17, 2023 Newsletter
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
in Fellowship Hall (in person only)
11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
GIVING AS AN ACT OF GRATITUDE
It’s that time of year once again: the time when Thanksgiving has to fight for its place among our holiday celebrations. Stores shift over almost immediately from being defined by Halloween to being defined by Christmas, as soon as November 1 rolls around.
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Much of that is driven by simple economic necessity on behalf of the store owners and managers: Christmas is by far the most important season of the year for most retail stores, and a successful Christmas season literally makes the difference between a profitable year and a disastrous one. That said, since stores are a major part of our public space, Thanksgiving often seems to get trampled from behind by overeager Christmas decorations and celebrations, just as it is standing up to take its own place as the central celebration of November. |
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It’s part of why I always appreciate that we dedicate our stewardship pledges to support the mission of the church in the coming year during November, and usually close to Thanksgiving. In the Christian church, giving is always an act of thanksgiving, of gratitude, of giving thanks in a concrete way for God’s grace and blessings and love that we experience in countless way as individuals and in our congregational life. It is an opportunity to pause and experience the fullness of our gratitude to God for God and one another, and for our common life and purpose as followers of Jesus Christ together.
This Sunday will be when we dedicate our 2024 pledges in both worship services. You should have already received a brochure in the mail with a pledge form. Unfortunately there was a small omission on the form that was mailed out, so we invite you to use this corrected form (if you already submitted the original form you received, no worries!). We will also have extra forms on Sunday for you to use - and if you already submitted your pledge, we will have a small card you can add to the collection plate indicating you've pledged.
And, of course, if you are unable to attend worship on Sunday, we hope that you will mail in or drop off your pledge form as soon as possible. You can also find the stewardship documents at fpc-bethlehem.org/give/.
This act of pledging not only helps the church as we plan for an exciting new year of ministry together, but it will help you get in the Thanksgiving spirit during this special season!
Finally, I just want to say a word of personal thanks for you as a congregation. Thanksgiving is when I began as your pastor in 2017, and so each year giving thanks for you and for this calling is an important part of my own Thanksgiving celebrations. I am profoundly grateful to be your pastor, and I am looking forward to another year of serving with you!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: True Treasure by the Rev. J.C. Austin
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We post the video of each week’s services and sermon text on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. this Sunday morning; please ask an usher for directions.
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Your children are a joy in our worship services, and should the need arise, “kid bags” are available for their use. They are in the Narthex.
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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: MISSION STRATEGY CONVERSATION:
“Missing Middle Housing”
Please join the Strategic Mission Steering Committee this Sunday at 10 a.m. (between services) for project updates and a presentation about “Missing Middle Housing”: the community planning model (and range of housing types) represented in our campus planning survey.
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We hope this will help begin to clarify some of the likely characteristics of the concept plans and final vision that will be developed through our community engagement and planning process! |
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We’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall around 10:00 a.m. as the Holy Ground service concludes, and pastries and muffins will be provided.
Read more about our projects…
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CREATING PARTNERSHIP:
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN BUILDING TRANSFORMATION
Our interior adaptive reuse project now has its own name and logo (to help distinguish it from “Building Community,” our exterior campus planning efforts). Additionally, you can find an updated FAQ page about our Creating Partnership project by clicking here.
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To keep up with the latest information about both projects, you can visit our new Campus Vision webpage on the church website to learn more! Visit
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And if you have not already done so, please complete the quick ten question survey (below) by next Friday, November 24. There are also be print copies available at both Sunday services - check out the informational display in the North Link. Or you can call us at 610-867-5865 and we’ll send you a copy.
We also hope you’ll make plans to attend our Community Meeting on Tuesday, November 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to hear about the results from our partners at Collabo.
This survey is for everyone in the community so feel free to share it with friends and family who live in Bethlehem.
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JOIN US FOR OUR THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
On Wednesday, November 22 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary: please join us for our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. We will hear three special gratitude testimonials and enjoy a selection from the Chancel Choir.
We will also celebrate communion (if you are at home, please prepare your elements in advance: a bread or bread-like item, like a cracker, bagel or pita, and grape juice, wine or water).
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We look forward to worshipping with you, either in person in our Sanctuary or livestreamed on Facebook or on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org).
The Thanksgiving Eve bulletin will be sent on Wednesday morning with next week's newsletter.
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PARTICIPATE IN OUR SUNDAY SERVICES
Do you enjoy reading aloud? Are you interested in reading scripture at either of our two Sunday morning services? You would read approximately every other month and the schedule is very flexible.
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HEARTS N MINDS: NO CLASS THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will not meet this Sunday, nor next Sunday (November 26). The next class will be on Sunday, December 3 at 9:45 a.m., ending at 10:40 a.m. (if you attend the 9 a.m. Holy Ground service, you are welcome to leave early to attend this class). All are welcome to attend!
For the three Sundays in December, the Rev. Dr. Richard Smith, Parish Associate, will do a special Advent presentation inspired by the poetry and writings of Mary Oliver.
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ONE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS BOOK |
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Hear Us Out: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem
Monday: November 20
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
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Join us on Monday as we conclude our discussion about the recent book Hear Us Out: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief, inviting both the religious and non-religious among us to explore them honestly and in depth. Feel free to join us even if you did not attend the first sessions.
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ANNUAL SERVICE OF GIVING THANKS
Make your plans to join Bethlehem Interfaith Group on Sunday, November 19 at
4 p.m. for its annual event: "Building a Bigger Table: An Interfaith Service for Giving Thanks."
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It will be held in Fellowship Hall here at First Pres.
All are welcome to this celebration of community, in word and music. Special activities will be offered for kids, so bring the whole family.
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If you're so inclined, we're accepting non-perishable food donations to New Bethany. First Pres members are also asked to contribute snacks (baked goods, crackers/cheese, etc.) – if you can help in that way, please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or
610-867-5865.
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HELP US WITH THE “HANGING OF THE GREENS”
All are welcome to help on Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – noon to help us decorate the inside of the church building. Please let us know if you’re planning to come: info@fpc-bethlehem.org or
call 610-867-5865.
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ADVENT COLLECTION IS COMING!
Beginning Sunday, November 26, we will begin collecting items for
two local organizations, Turning Point and Northeast Community Center.
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RECAP OF 'ABOLISH HUNGER: A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION'
Last Monday, as part of the Lehigh Conference of Churches’ Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, First Presbyterian hosted “Abolish Hunger,” a community roundtable on food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley.
Representatives from 18 area agencies and concerned citizens formed a kind of “pop-up think tank” to consider ways in which local efforts in food production, distribution, education, and advocacy can be enhanced and coordinated to provide greater food security in our community and country.
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Andrea Faiano, Pennsylvania State Organizer for Bread for the World, brought us up to date on federal anti-hunger programs and the current status of the 2023 Farm Bill.
Small group table talk provided a chance to explore areas of common interest and begin thinking about possibilities for futurecollaboration.
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The general consensus was both that the need is great and that there are many dedicated and creative people in our community (PS: we need more!) working to make hunger a thing of the past.
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HI NEIGHBORS – ENTERTAINMENT FOR OUR LAST PROGRAM!
We have had a wonderful ‘season’ of interesting programs (and a fun field trip!) for Hi Neighbors this fall.
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The fall session of programs concludes this Monday, November 20 with a presentation by David Macbeth’s vocal students from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. There will be a social time starting at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the program at 10 a.m. All are welcome!
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POINSETTIA ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Special envelopes are available in the pews, Narthex and Fellowship Hall,
to return by Sunday, December 3 (there is also a poinsettia envelope
in your pack of pledge envelopes). These are beautiful, “double” poinsettias.
The suggested donation is $20; you can take home a poinsettia after the
Christmas Eve service you attend. This is a lovely way to honor
a loved one. If you need an envelope call us at 610-867-5865.
If you ordered poinsettias and/or wreaths from the Preschool Fundraiser,
those will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, November 28
(later in the day).
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: BES DINNER ON NOVEMBER 29 |
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FPCB volunteers will be cooking and serving dinner for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on Wednesday, November 29.
We need volunteers to help cook, serve, clean up during and after the meal, and serve as shower monitor (which is just a simple check-in process).
If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up online or call the church office at 610-867-5865.
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A MESSAGE FROM THERESA KELLY
On Sunday and Monday, member Theresa Kelly offered a special sale of her beautiful fused glass items, in support of our proposed Campus Vision projects. She writes:
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Thank you, wonderful people of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem. Through our joint efforts and your support of the special glass art sale, over $2,300 was collected and donated to our church.
I would like to thank the Session for approving my idea for a special event and Carol Burns for her support and guidance. Most of all thank you to all of you who stopped by to look or to purchase an item.
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My work will be for sale at: Pearl S. Buck International House Holiday Sale, 520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie, PA on Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 3.
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LOOKING AHEAD
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Friday, November 17: Preschool Thanksgiving Chapel, Sanctuary; 9:30 a.m. – all welcome
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Sunday, November 19: Strategic Mission Steering Committee update, Fellowship Hall; 10 a.m.
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Tuesday, November 21: Preschool Thanksgiving Chapel, Sanctuary; 9:30 a.m. – all welcome
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Wednesday, November 22: Thanksgiving Eve Service, Sanctuary and livestream; 7 p.m.
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Thursday, November 23 – Monday, November 27: Building/offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday
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Tuesday, November 28: Preschool Poinsettia order pick-up
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Tuesday, November 28: Community Meeting (regarding building projects), Fellowship Hall and livestream; 6-8 p.m.
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Saturday, December 2: Hanging of the Greens, Sanctuary; 10 a.m. – noon
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Saturday, December 16: Concord Chamber Singers Concert, Sanctuary; 7 p.m.
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Sunday, December 17: Christmas Joy Concert, Sanctuary; 7 p.m.
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Tuesday, December 19 and Thursday, December 21: Preschool Christmas Chapel, Sanctuary; 9:30 a.m. – all welcome
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Wednesday, December 20: Longest Night service, Fellowship Hall and livestream; 6 p.m.
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Sunday, December 24:
- 10 a.m. Combined Worship Service, Sanctuary and livestream
- 4 p.m. Intergenerational Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary and livestream
- 7 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary and livestream
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Monday, December 25 – Monday, January 1: Building/offices closed for holidays
- Sunday, December 31:
- Holy Ground Worship service, Fellowship Hall; 9 a.m.
- Traditional Worship service, Sanctuary and livestream; 11 a.m.
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CARE CONCERNS AND HOSPITAL VISITS
If you are hospitalized, please tell the hospital our church code is 724. Also, please call the church office at 610-867-5865 to let us know as the hospitals do not always collect this information. After hours, leave a message or call our answering service at 610-778-7003.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for the next week's newsletter:
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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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 the "Watch the Service" button
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- Captions will now be 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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THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship service, in-person in Fellowship Hall
- 10:00 a.m.: Strategic Mission Steering Committee project update, Fellowship Hall
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. – Hand Bell Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary – all are welcome (no experience needed)
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (NEW! meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth)
THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. – Chancel Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary / Choir Room – all are welcome to join in!
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.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM |
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org
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