Friday, November 3, 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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Your reminder for Saturday night - we want to see you in church on time on Sunday! |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: SAVORING OUR SAINTS
On the Christian calendar, All Saints’ Day is celebrated every November 1. In the Reformed theological tradition, from which Presbyterians come, there is not a tradition of saints being particularly virtuous or unusually faithful people.
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Rather, we follow the tradition of the early church which viewed every follower of Jesus Christ as a “saint,” meaning simply that through their Baptism they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit and have done their best to live in the Spirit and share Christ’s love throughout their lives. And so here at First Pres, we celebrate All Saints’ Day by remembering and giving thanks for all of those who are connected to this congregation in one way or another that have died in the previous year and been received by God as one of Christ’s saints. |
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This year, All Saints’ Day comes in the midst of a sermon series focusing on some of the most important actions of faith. So far, we have considered the importance of “Going” and “Reforming.”
This week, we will be reflecting on how “Savoring” can be a significant act of faith. With that in mind, I invite you to spend a few moments savoring the memory of saints who have been a particularly meaningful part of your life and the life of this congregation.
When I think about the saints who have blessed my life, there are many people who come to mind: parents, teachers, pastors, friends, colleagues, family, even a few passing strangers. There are people in each of those groups who have taught me something important about what it means to be human, to be Christian, to be a friend, to be the person whom I strive to be. Each of you have your own stories of people like that.
And so this week, as we observe All Saints’ Day this Sunday, I invite you to consider the saints who have blessed your life, to savor their memory and the gifts they gave to you, and to give thanks for them, their witness, and their ministry, whether they are still alive or have gone ahead to join the “great cloud of witnesses,” as the writer of Hebrews puts it, of all those faithful saints who have gone before us.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Divine Barbecue 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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COMMUNION SUNDAY
If you would like to participate while worshipping online, you are invited
to prepare your own elements:
a bread or bread-like item such as a cracker, bagel, pita, or muffin,
and grape juice, wine or water.
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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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BUILDING COMMUNITY: TAKE THE CAMPUS PLANNING PUBLIC SURVEY
Our public campus planning survey is now live!
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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. |
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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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A GREEN HALLOWEEN TREAT!
On Tuesday, October 31 our Afghan family had a successful green card interview at the US Customs and Immigration office in Philadelphia! They’ve been recommended for approval, so they’ll be eagerly checking their mail for green cards to arrive in just a few weeks. Much gratitude for all your support along their way to permanent residency!
Be on the lookout for information about a church-wide celebration with the family in the coming weeks. Below: The kiddos enjoyed celebrating Halloween!
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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.
Ron Spross will lead our discussion; you do not have to read the book to participate. If you would like to, please read chapter six.
Let’s read the book together and tell each other our own stories. Questions? Contact Judy Smullen or Linda Robertson at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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
Mondays: November 6 and 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.
This raises some deep questions: Where do I belong? What is the story of my life? What legacy will I leave to future generations? How can I live a good life, and what does that even mean? What do I believe, and where can I explore that question with other people in an honest and open way?
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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APPRECIATION FROM ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Two K Groups from First Pres joined to create a perpetual scholarship at Northampton Community College.
At an October campus event, Anne Taylor, Vince Stravino and Evelyn Stravino met our scholarship recipient, Rosanny Perez.
Rosanny is the second student to receive our scholarship; she works fulltime for the Kellyn Foundation while taking a full course load at NCC. She will graduate with a degree in public health and intends to pursue a four-year degree at East Stroudsburg University.
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Here is a message from Rosanny:
I would like to thank you for the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem Endowed Scholarship. I am very grateful to receive your support as this scholarship is very helpful for completing my studies.
From left: Anne Taylor, Rosanny Perez, Vince Stravino and Evelyn Stravino
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I grew up in Bethlehem, PA and went to school in the Bethlehem School District K-12. I did not really know what I wanted to pursue coming into NCC so after following certain paths that I felt were not suited for me, I came across Public Health and fell in love!
I plan on transferring to ESU upon completing my studies at NCC. In the future I hope to work with low-income communities and give back to my community in the best way I can.
Again, I would like to thank you for this scholarship. I deeply appreciate it and it is greatly valued.
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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:
TAKE A TRIP TO GERMANY WITH THE MACBETH FAMILY
Curious to learn about interesting topics? Our popular speakers program, Hi Neighbors, is for you!
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For this Monday (November 6) we will hear from David Macbeth. FPCB’s Director of Music Ministries, about his family’s trip to East and Central Germany this past summer. David will recount their 1500 mile grand tour of castles to cathedrals, and even the occasional race track!
There will be a social time starting at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the program at 10 a.m.
This program highlights travel, entertainment, history and a host of other topics of general interest. These programs are free and open to all and are all listed on our website.
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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 on 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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PRESCHOOL ANNOUNCES POINSETTIA SALE
Even as we’re still enjoying the mums we purchased from their September sale, it’s time to look ahead to Poinsettia and Wreath season!
Here's the order form for you to print and bring/send to church (there will be order forms available at Sunday services). Orders are due by Friday, November 10, with pick-up scheduled for Tuesday, November 28.
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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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