Friday, January 26, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday – in the Sanctuary
10:00 a.m.: Combined Worship Service
11:00 a.m.: Annual Meeting of the Congregation & Corporation
(both offered in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: Your attention, please!
Friends, I have some special and exciting news for you about our Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, which is happening immediately following the Combined Worship Service at 10 a.m. this Sunday, January 28 (both will be offered in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on our Facebook page and website).
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I hope you’re sitting down as you’re reading this! It is my pleasure to tell you that this Sunday, during the Congregational Meeting, we are going to do something that tends to only happen once in years of meetings, and sometimes just once in decades. We are going to… consider some revisions to the Congregational Bylaws!!
Okay, I can see by your expression that this is not as exciting to you as I might have led you to believe it would be. And yes, even though I was once a Professor of Presbyterian Governance, even I don’t find this prospect an adrenaline rush, if I’m being honest.
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And yet it is important that we do so, because our bylaws set certain expectations and requirements that we are required to fulfill, and at this point, there are some revisions that need to happen because they are out of date in a number of ways.
In fact, the Session had recommended some changes to the bylaws back in early 2020 and attempted to deal with them in the same congregational meeting in which we elected the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee that ultimately nominated the Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton to come serve among us.
However, this was in March 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic, and the congregation understandably decided to postpone dealing with the bylaw changes in that meeting due to the overwhelming pressure of those developments. Unfortunately, that has meant that the bylaws have grown even more out of date since then, and we need to act now to bring them into line with our current needs as a congregation.
You can clink on the following links to see the changes that the Session is proposing. There is a “clean” version of how the new bylaws would look if the congregation passes them here [link]; you can see the details of the proposed changes in a redlined copy of the bylaws here [link].
If you glance at the redlined copy, it may seem like this is a significant overhaul. In truth, it isn’t in terms of substance, but the changes do go throughout the bylaws. To try and simplify things, let me explain what these changes are designed to accomplish.
First, for some reason, there are whole chunks of the PC(USA) Book of Order repeated in the bylaws; this is both redundant, since the Book of Order is binding on us as a congregation, and cumbersome, as it makes the bylaws longer and more complicated than necessary. So these revisions delete those repetitions and make clear that the bylaws are neither competing with nor repeating the provisions of the Book of Order.
Second, there are several places that update the bylaws concerning the use of technology in the governance of the church. For example, Zoom or other interactive video technology were not envisioned by the existing bylaws, yet have become a standard means of us meeting in recent years. Email, on the other hand, was envisioned but was inadequately defined in terms of what it could and could not be used for. So there are proposed revisions to clarify those issues.
Third, there is a “shift of minimums” in terms of things like how many Elders on Session or Deacons on the Board of Deacons or members of the Congregational Nominating Committee, or how often the Session has to meet, etc. We currently exceed the proposed minimums, which is as it should be, but the old minimums envisioned a 3000 member church, which we are not and had not been even before the schism. So this brings things into a more realistic spectrum for us.
Finally, there are small miscellaneous changes designed to articulate or clarify minor issues like how to appoint a clerk if the Clerk of Session is unavailable for a Congregational Meeting, giving slightly greater flexibility to when Congregational Meetings have to take place or new officers need to be installed, etc. These are designed to keep the spirit and intention of the original provisions while giving some clarity in process and “grace space” in terms of precise calendar requirements.
Granted, this is not the most exciting work, but it is important, so please do take a few moments to read through these proposals and come prepared to ask questions, discuss recommendations, and vote on the proposed changes this Sunday. See you there!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Rise and Shine: You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet 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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NEW HOURS: Child care will be available from 9:45 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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FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 28: SPECIAL SCHEDULE |
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As J.C. noted in his Pastor Message, we have a special schedule for this Sunday.
NOTE: Both the worship service and Annual Meetings will be held in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on our church Facebook page and website,
so everyone can participate.
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- 10 a.m. Combined Worship Service
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11 a.m. Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation At this meeting the congregation will elect its new slate of leaders: elders, deacons, trustees, and the Nominating Committee. See the nominees' biography information.
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12:30 p.m. (approximately – when the meetings are concluded)
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Pasta Luncheon Fundraiser offered by Boy Scout Troop 302 in Fellowship Hall
The menu will include Baked Ziti, Pasta, Sauce, Meatballs, Salad, Rolls, Iced Tea, Lemonade and Dessert.
Suggested donation is $12 for adults, and $6 for kids 10 and under. Take out is available.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11: SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY & SCOUT SUNDAY
Celebrating our Boy Scout Troop
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On Sunday, February 11, we will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday. Troop 302 has been chartered to First Presbyterian Church for over 100 years.
Ours is the oldest Boy Scout Troop in Bethlehem that has been continuously chartered to the same organization. Scouts and leaders from that Troop are assisting the ushers at the Traditional service.
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If you would like more information about Boy Scouts of America or Troop 302, please contact Randy Stonesifer at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
Souper Bowl of Caring
For Sunday, February 11, following the 11:00 a.m. service, we’ll host a Souper Bowl of Caring soup luncheon to raise awareness about local hunger relief efforts and to collect funds for our area nonprofit partners.
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We’re looking for 12 folks to sign up to bring a crockpot of soup. If you can do that, please drop us a note at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
For dessert, we'll be supporting a Bake Sale offered by Eagle Scout candidate Logan Pierson-Balik, which he's doing to raise funds for the renovation of the Preschool playground that he will be managing.
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If you'd like to donate to Logan's Bake Sale, you are welcome to bring items in a disposable container (please mark if it contains nuts or is gluten-free).
Please make plans to attend whether you make a donation or not - there will be plenty of food. Feel free to show your support for your favorite Super Bowl team,
as well!
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NEW! INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH OFFERING FOR ALL AGES
Starting February 4, the intergenerational faith formation group will be exploring a new curriculum titled Current: Seeking Justice Together!
We will explore stories of justice from the Old and New Testament scriptures. Through story, song, prayer, and activities, we will discover and practice ways to name injustice, speak up and care for the vulnerable, and make things right when injustice or harm occurs.
The curriculum includes materials and activities for ages from preschool to adult, making this hour welcoming to all. Drop in as you are able, or join for the full series. The group meets in Fellowship Hall between the two services from 10:10 - 10:45 a.m.
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NAVIGATING A NEW TERRAIN: SESSION 2
Sunday, February 4
Please join us for the second session of our discussion about the lessons we learned from the COVID pandemic on Sunday, February 4 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in room 400.
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We had a lively discussion in our first session and, based on the responses of those in attendance, the second session will be focusing some of the intangible things that we lost and that we gained as we learned to navigate the “new normal”. All are welcome! |
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HEARTS N MINDS: ON HIATUS UNTIL FEBRUARY 25
The Hearts N Minds adult education class is on hiatus until Sunday, February 25. When it returns they will continue the discussion of Father Richard Rohr’s book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.
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CAN YOU LEND YOUR HELPING HANDS?
The Lehigh Presbytery’s Helping Hands program has scheduled three (possibly four) weekends to work at Camp Lackawanna (in Tunkhannock, a two hour drive) during the month of February. Tasks include painting, fixing and making picnic tables, creating exits in cabins, and repurposing two bathrooms. Minimal skills needed!
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Folks are welcome to come for any or all days (Thursday – Sunday) of any of the first three weekends (the fourth weekend of February is also a possibility). Bunk beds, showers and meals are provided; the only cost for volunteers is their personal transportation (carpooling may be available). Open to high school age and older.
And for your consideration: the next Helping Hands trip to New Bern, NC, the week of April 6 – 13. Work will focus on getting families back into their homes following storm damage. More details will be coming.
(right - Jamie Henry repairs a ceiling on a recent trip)
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SECOND COMMUNITY MEETING HELD
We had over 200 attendees at last Wednesday evening’s second Community Meeting to share concept designs for the campus and to launch our second public survey! The conversations were engaging, and helpful questions and concerns raised.
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We’re eager to continue gathering public feedback through the end of February. If you were unable to attend, you can see the concepts designs and 3D models at our Project Headquarters in the North Link (pictured, right).
You’ll also find a QR code to access the digital survey along with paper copies to share your feedback.
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The survey includes all the needed information about each of the three concepts, and it may be found online here: bit.ly/4b3M8h2
You can also visit the church website to see additional contextual information shared on posters at Wednesday night’s meeting. The survey link is posted there, as well. Responses are being accepted through February 29, so feel free to share with other folks in the Bethlehem community!
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WOULD YOU SERVE AS A LECTOR?
We are recruiting volunteers to serve as lectors for our Holy Ground service at 9 a.m. on Sundays. You will be given a passage of scripture to read, several days before the service so you can prepare.
Dates are available for February and March, including Holy Week, and you can use this easy online sign-up form or contact us at the main office number, 610-867-5865. Thanks for considering!
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TRIVIA & TACO TUESDAY: COMING TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 |
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Would you like to meet a group of FPCB friends who will gather at The Clubhouse Grill (400 Illick’s Mill Road) on Tuesday, January 30 for dinner (which is optional – it starts at 6:00 p.m.) and trivia (7:00 p.m.)? If you’d like to join in, please email us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org to sign up or call 610-867-5865. You’ll need to sign up whether you come to dinner or not.
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Each person pays for their own meal, but it’s also Taco Tuesday with $2.50 tacos if you’re looking for a tasty, affordable option.
Our team has a pretty solid track record, so we hope you’ll join us for some friendly competition and a good time!
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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 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
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NEW HOURS: 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 10:00 a.m.: Combined Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
- 11:00 a.m.: Annual Meeting of the Congregation & Corporation, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
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12:30 p.m.: Pasta Luncheon Fundraiser offered by Boy Scout Troop 302, Fellowship Hall (see details above)
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)
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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