Friday, October 20, 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:
IN THE SPIRIT OF ABUNDANCE
This Sunday marks the beginning of our congregation’s Stewardship season.
Now, if that news doesn’t inspire you to leap with joy, don’t worry: you’re not alone.
In fact, when I was going through the ordination process in the Presbyterian Church (USA), there were a battery of tests that you were required to take to help determine your mental, emotional, and vocational fitness to be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
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One of them was called “Motivations for Ministry,” and it helped highlight the things that were most and least motivating you at the prospect of service as a pastor. There were at least a dozen categories, and they were all things that you would think of: preaching, teaching, pastoral care, administration, spiritual formation, etc.
Well, my second-lowest motivation was evangelism, but the one I scored dead last on was… stewardship!
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In fact, I was so ambivalent about it that I wasn’t sure I could really serve as a pastor. So, I decided I needed to focus on this whole idea of stewardship and money and giving in my studies, and I even wrote an optional senior thesis on the subject! Now, the irony of all this is that when I came back from a year in South Africa and was searching for a pastoral call, the one I finally accepted was at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, and my title was “Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Stewardship”!
Part of the reason that happened, I’m convinced, is that God has a good sense of humor. But the real reason I went from being completely unmotivated around stewardship (and evangelism) was not because I had a problem with the theological and Biblical substance of those ideas; it was because of how the church tends to actually think and talk about them.
Far too many churches approach stewardship through a theology of scarcity and obligation: “we don’t have enough money, so you need to give us what you can or we’ll have to cut the budget.” That, of course, is a terrible way to ask people to give, both practically and theologically.
Practically, nobody wants to give to help an institution balance its budget; even if you are deeply committed to the institution, what really gets you excited is not balancing the budget, but the difference they are making in the world. And theologically, God comes to us over and over in a spirit and ethic of abundance, not scarcity.
One of the main themes of Jesus’ ministry was about the abundance of God’s grace and of the life God intends for us, which he illustrated in everything from the parable of the sower who cast his seeds over every type of soil, just in case something might be able to grow, to the miracle of feeding the five thousand, in which Jesus saw hungry people and instead of sending them away to fend for themselves, multiplied a few loaves of fish and some bread into not only enough for everyone to eat their fill, but have twelve baskets of leftovers to carry away.
It is that kind of abundance that we are meant to hold up when we think about the resources that we have to support God’s mission through this church: an abundance of joy, of hope, of opportunity and possibility to serve God in remarkable ways in our church and in our community.
So that is what we will be talking about in this stewardship season, including through a sermon series I will be giving on some of the most important actions that we can take as Christians in our journeys of faith (this Sunday begins with the action of “Going”).
I am excited about this season to explore and celebrate what God is up to among us, and I hope you will be too!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Going, Going... 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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TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SUNDAY
The Bethlehem Running Festival will be held this coming weekend. There are races on Saturday and Sunday; the Half Marathon course will be run on Sunday.
You may want to check the race course map to know what streets will be closed during the race, which begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. (streets may be closed before and after the race).
NOTE: The course does not go on Center Street but will go through adjacent neighborhoods.
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INQUIRERS CLASS - SUNDAY AFTERNOON
If you are interested in learning more about the Presbyterian faith, and First Pres specifically - perhaps with an eye toward becoming a member - you are invited to participate in our next Inquirers Class.
This in-person session will be offered this Sunday, October 22 from 2-5 p.m. Those interested are asked to contact Lindsey at lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org. |
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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.
Ginny Smith will lead our discussion; you do not have to read the book to participate. If you would like to, please read chapter four (pages 77-98).
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: October 23, 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!
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JOIN OUR HAND BELL CHOIR
Here is your opportunity to help make a joyful noise – no experience necessary! This ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Not sure if you’re interested? David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries, says to come check it out – all are welcome!
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THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING! |
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Tuesday's Listening Sessions and Meet & Greet were an excellent “soft launch” of our community engagement and campus planning efforts with our partners from Collabo!
We hosted three Listening Sessions which included seven church members, three residential neighbors, and 13 leaders from our institutional neighbors (right).
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We also had about 40-50 folks attend the Meet & Greet session later that afternoon.
If you weren't able to attend, please take a look at this two-page Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document which we shared at the Meet & Greet. Please reach out to a Steering Committee member with any questions (you can send to info@fpc-bethlehem.org and we’ll pass them along).
We hope to have a community survey ready early in November, so stay tuned for more information about that!
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JOIN OUR SATURDAY WORK CREWS |
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October 21 and October 28
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.*
Rain or shine
The planned work includes painting several outside and interior doors, and yard work, including cutting of several trees and clean up of the same.
Please bring work gloves, loping shears, a chain saw if you have one (with necessary fuel and oil), and safety glasses.
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*Come when you can and stay as long as you can. If you'll be here for lunchtime, please bring a lunch, and everyone should bring drinks to stay hydrated. |
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HI NEIGHBORS – ALL ABOUT SLEEP AND DREAMS
Curious to learn about interesting topics? Our popular speakers program, Hi Neighbors, is for you!
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For this Monday (October 23) we will hear from Dr. Micah Sadigh, a psychology professor at Cedar Crest College, who will offer a fascinating peek into the world of sleep and dreams.
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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Our popular speakers program includes ten exciting programs highlighting 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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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. Orders are due by Friday, November 10, with pick-up scheduled for Tuesday, November 28.
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CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN IMPACT A CHILD’S LIFE |
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Would you like to make a difference in an elementary school student's life? Join us on Thursday mornings at Donegan Elementary School on Bethlehem's South Side for an hour of fun, relationship-building and activities.
The new school year's sessions begin next week; the program starts at 8 a.m.
You are welcome to visit and check out the program our church has hosted for more than ten years.
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Please contact Deb Philpotts or Al Philpotts if you're curious and want to know more ( info@fpc-bethlehem.org). |
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NEXT HELPING HANDS TRIP COMING IN NOVEMBER |
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There’s still time to register! The Helping Hands group will be traveling again to New Bern, N.C. at the Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church. This trip will be November 4-11 (Saturday – Saturday).
They always welcome new folks. All levels and types of skills and experience are welcome – the primary focus is on cleaning up/repairing homes damaged by storms.
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Do you like ice that is big and smooth? Do you like seeing guys in orange and black? Well, then you are in luck. Join us on Friday, November 3 at 7:05 p.m. for FPC-Bethlehem’s night at the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. |
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Meet at the PPL Center in Allentown and watch the Phantoms take on the Hartford Wolf Pack. We have seats secured for $18 each on the second level. Invite your friends and family and let’s have a bit of fun cheering on our Phantoms.
Reservations are needed so please email Lindsey at lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org with the number of tickets you want to purchase. Last day to reserve your seats is Monday, October 23. Make checks payable to FPC-Bethlehem with a note that they are for Phantom tickets. |
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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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