Friday, November 10, 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: FOUNDATIONAL ACTIONS
Over the past few weeks in worship, as part of our emphasis on stewardship, our sermons have been exploring some of the most foundational and important actions in the ministry and life of Christian congregations and individual disciples.
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The first week, we considered the importance of “going,” using the story of God telling Abram to go from his family’s house and lands to a land that God would show him. Everything else in the Bible depends on Abram going when he was told to go in Genesis 12, and everything else in Christian faith depends on us going when Jesus invites us not to simply believe in him, but to actually follow him.
The second week, which was Reformation Sunday, we reflected on what “reforming” really means, given that we as Presbyterians are not only Protestants, but part of the Reformed theological tradition!
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Through the story of Jesus telling the disciples to fish on the other side of the boat when they had caught nothing all night, we considered how being reformed is not a one-and-done act, but we are always being reformed according to the Word of God, which means according to Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, above all else.
Last week, on All Saints’ Sunday, we addressed “savoring” as an act of faith as we engaged Isaiah’s vision of the ultimate redemption of the world and its peoples on the slopes of Mount Zion as they are invited to a sumptuous feast of rich food and drink. The point is that God delights in us and invites us to delight in our relationship with God and one another, leading up to God’s final plan to restore this world to its originally intended beauty and wholeness, symbolized by this feast to which everyone is invited, including all the saints who have preceded us in faith.
This week, the action that we will be taking up for consideration is “belonging.” That is something we often experience as a passive state of being rather than an action (i.e., we either belong or we don’t), but we are going to explore what it means for belonging to be an act of Christian faith.
Given that, I want to invite you to do something simple in preparation for Sunday. The invitation is to take a few minutes to remember one or more times in your life that you particularly felt like you did or did not belong, whatever that means to you. It could be a particular event or a season of time in your life; the point is to remember and hopefully to re-experience a bit of what that felt like, so that it may help us in unlocking the question of what it means to belong in Christian faith and Christian community. I look forward to exploring this with you on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Belong 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 TRADITIONAL SERVICE: AN EXTENDED POSTLUDE
For this Sunday, vocalist Madison Zahorsky and David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries, will offer an extended postlude: a full performance of Samuel Barber's "Hermit Songs", Op. 29.
This cycle for Solo soprano and piano was written by Samuel Barber (West Chester, Pennsylvania native) in 1953 on a grant from the Elizabeth Coolidge Foundation. Texts for the collection come from anonymous poems written by Irish monks and scholars from the 8th through the 13th centuries. The collection received its premiere performance at the Library of Congress, with soprano Leontyne Price, accompanied by Barber himself.
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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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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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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 Friday, November 24. There will also be print copies available at both Sunday services - check out the informational display in the North Link.
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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HEARTS N MINDS: MEETS THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will meet this Sunday in the Parlor on the second floor of the South wing. We gather at 9:45 a.m. and end 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).
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The group is reading the brand new HEAR US OUT: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief, authored by Sue Pizor Yoder and Co.Lab.Inq.
Don Robertson and Linda Robertson will lead our discussion; you do not have to read the book to participate. If you would like to, please read chapter six starting at “B” on page 144 through the Continuing Conclusion.
The Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith and the Rev. Dr. Richard Smith, FPCB Parish Associates, will also share information about a new ministry here at FPCB, “Spiritual Direction.”
Can't make it to these sessions...?
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ANOTHER 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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The religious landscape of America is changing. People who have no relationship with a faith community are a growing segment of our population, while loneliness, anxiety, and depression are reaching epidemic proportions in a culture where everyone is “connected,” but where many people report having few or no real friends.
On four Monday evenings in October and November, we will discuss these questions using 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. Join the conversation! 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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PASTORS TO 'MEET & GREET' AT KIRKLAND
Our pastoral staff - the Rev. J.C. Austin (right), the Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton (left), and the Rev. Suzanne Trump (center) - will visit Kirkland Village on Wednesday to visit with residents.
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The gathering will be held in Kirkland Village's Auditorium, beginning at 2 p.m.
Kirkland residents are invited to hear updates about the church's activities, including our new Campus Vision initiatives, and Thanksgiving and Advent events.
Bring your questions and comments!
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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.
More details to come, but in case you’d like to start shopping:
Turning Point: NEW ONLY
pillows (standard size), twin sheets, twin comforters, full bath towels,
diapers (newborn to pull-up sizes), casual clothing (for infants, teenagers, women)
Northeast Community Center: FULL SIZE ITEMS
soap/bodywash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, paper towels,
toilet paper, feminine products
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INTERESTED IN VISITATION OPPORTUNITIES?
Date: Wednesday, November 15
Time: 9 a.m. (9-9:30 a.m.: Social Time; 9:30-10 a.m.: Meeting)
Location: Parlor
The Deacons are the caregivers of the church, ordained lay members of the congregation who are best described as the church’s ‘ministers of mercy.’
They have an invitation for all those currently serving as hospital ministrants, and anyone interested in providing new visitation opportunities.
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They are reviewing the current processes, and are looking for creative ways to visit and minister to those who are not able to attend services and events regularly.
Everyone is invited to attend this session, as they discuss and discern the best way to continue their work.
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Coffee and delicious pastries will also be available. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Melody Engel at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
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COMING IN YOUR MAIL...
Information about this year's Stewardship initiative, "Rooted in Faith... Flourishing in Mission," is in the mail!
All household members - as currently listed on our rolls - will receive instructions about submitting pledges for 2024. We ask that you return your pledge commitments on Sunday, November 19 - Giving Sunday.
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ABOLISH HUNGER: A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Monday, November 13
NEW TIME: 10:00 a.m. – noon
Kirk Center
All are welcome
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As part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, representatives from organizations that are involved in food production, distribution, and advocacy/social policy from around the Lehigh Valley - as well as interested members of the public - will meet to exchange information, network, and dream together about what a truly food secure community might look like.
This will be an opportunity for organizations working with issues of food security to compare notes, identify gaps in the food system locally and nationally, and strategize with one another about possibilities for the future.
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This event will be largely discussion-oriented, with participating organizations invited to give a brief word about what they do and to have a space to display literature.
Andrea Faiano, Bread for the World’s State Organizer for Pennsylvania, will be on hand to give an up-to-the-minute report on what's happening with the upcoming Farm Bill, SNAP, the school lunch program, and other legislative initiatives that have considerable local implications.
This event is free and open to the public; it is sponsored by the Lehigh Conference of Churches. For further details, contact Steve Simmons at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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HI NEIGHBORS: MAKE YOUR HOME A SAFE SPACE
Curious to learn about interesting topics? Our popular speakers program, Hi Neighbors, is for you!
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For this Monday (November 13) let’s take a trip through each room in our home (and outside) with AARP’s Jennifer Maloney, who will provide tips and strategies to make those spaces safer, for folks of all ages – AARP’s Home Fit program.
There will be a social time starting at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the program at 10 a.m.
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The fall session of programs concludes on Monday, November 20 with a presentation by David Macbeth’s vocal students from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. |
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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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Member Theresa Kelly, who is a talented fused glass artist, is bringing her wares to a special sale at First Pres.
She will have her stunning works of art available to purchase this Sunday, November 12, and Monday, November 13 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The sale will be located in the North Link.
The items are priced from $12 and up, and Theresa will donate all proceeds from the sale to First Pres.
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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: Mission Strategy 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, Fellowship Hall
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Tuesday, November 28: Community Meeting (regarding building projects), Sanctuary 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
- 9:45-10:40 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor - all are welcome
- 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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