Friday, October 6, 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: SHARING YOUR GIFTS
This Sunday, October 8, is the deadline for nominations of people to serve in elected office in the church, starting in early 2024. I want to talk this week about exactly what that means, because the election of leaders for the church is one of the most important things we do as a congregation, and it’s important to understand what we’re asking people to do who serve in these offices.
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First, there are three offices to which we elect leaders: Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. Some people have gifts to potentially serve in more than one of those offices, while others are particularly well-suited to one.
But giftedness is the right way to consider whether someone might be called to serve. We do not elect people to office because they’ve “earned it” through the length of time they’ve been a member, or the amount of work they’ve done in the church, or how much money they give. Elected leadership in the church is for service, not for status. So what gifts are we looking for?
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Elders could be alternatively called, “Ministers of Discernment and Governance.” They are elected to serve together on the Session, which makes almost all of the decisions in the life of a Presbyterian congregation. Their most important work, though, is not those decisions; the Session is called to nothing less than “discerning the will of Christ,” as the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Constitution puts it in the Book of Order.
The Session is not merely a nonprofit board of directors; it is a council of Elders who are called to spiritual leadership in the life of the church, examining every decision before them through the lens of Christ’s will that we learn through Scripture, the historic faith of the church, and our congregation’s current Mission Statement and Core Values.
The Session has delegated a set of responsibilities to the Board of Trustees. Unlike Elders and Deacons (see below), Trustees are not ordained ministries in the life of the church. They are the board of the church’s Corporation, which is the legal entity of the congregation under state law that allows us to own and manage property and invested funds, among other things.
The Session delegates the day-to-day operational authority of the church financial life and the management of its property to the Board of Trustees; the Session is the final authority on all matters, but relies on the Trustees to manage these issues effectively so it can focus on the overall mission strategy of the church and its programmatic and pastoral life.
That said, Trustees are still considered ministers in the life of the church; they go through the same training as Elders and Deacons and swear the same vows before the congregation. This is because it is important to remember that the Trustees are also not simply a nonprofit board managing the assets of the church, but are called to do so through the same lenses of Scripture, the church’s theological heritage, and our Mission Statement and Core Values.
Deacons have a different ministry: they are “Ministers of Compassion and Justice.” The ministry of Deacons goes all the way back to the sixth chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament, when the early church created them to ensure that widows and orphans, the poorest people in their society, were receiving the food they needed, fairly and with dignity.
Ever since, Deacons have focused on attending to the needs of people who are sick, poor, and marginalized, both within the church and in the larger community. Today, our Deacons oversee a prayer ministry for those going through any kind of difficulty, visit people in the hospital, call on people who have difficulty leaving their homes, aid people in economic hardship, and so on.
Finally, members of the Congregational Nominating Committee have to be elected each year, and so we are seeking nominations for that. The Nominating Committee reports directly to the congregation, because who is elected to ministry is one of the few things that the Session does not get to decide in a Presbyterian Church. This is a crucial role because we need people who have a broad knowledge of the congregation’s membership and can help call people who bring a diverse range of life and faith experiences and insights.
So: if you know someone who you think might be well-suited to one or more of these roles, please submit their name to the Congregational Nominating Committee by the end of the day this Sunday, October 8, either by dropping off a paper Nomination form or using the link to do so online.
And if you feel that you yourself might be called, you can self-nominate the same way! Everyone nominated will be contacted to confirm they are eligible to run and asked if they accept the nomination, before their name appears on the ballot. The elections are held in conjunction with our Annual Meeting in January.
Thank you for your consideration of these important decisions, and please keep the Nominating Committee in your prayers as they go about their work.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: An Off-Road Faith: Staying Gritty 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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INQUIRERS CLASS
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 on 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 MIND: NO CLASS THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will not meet this Sunday. The class - which is open to all – will next meet in the Parlor on the second floor of the South wing, on Sunday, October 15. 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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Our first book is the brand new HEAR US OUT: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief, authored by Sue Pizor Yoder and Co.Lab.Inq.
Gail Watts will lead our discussion; you do not have to read the book to participate. If you would like to, please read chapter three.
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 9 and 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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SAVE THE DATE: CONSULTING PARTNERS MEET & GREET |
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We’ll be hosting team members from COLLABO Planning + Design, and Urban Ventures, for a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
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Please join us in Fellowship Hall to meet our consulting partners for the community engagement and campus planning work! This will be an informal opportunity to connect with and start getting to know Adam, Mehvish, Patrick, and Anne. Happy Hour refreshments will be provided.
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JOIN OUR HAND BELL CHOIR
Here is your opportunity to help make a joyful noise – no experience necessary! This ensemble begins rehearsals on Tuesday, October 6 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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HI NEIGHBORS – FIELD TRIP ON MONDAY
It was another great turnout for our Hi Neighbors presentation on Monday! 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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**NOTE: For this Monday, October 9, we have scheduled a field trip to the Meals on Wheels facility on the east edge of Allentown. You can meet us there (1302 N. Sherman St., Allentown) or make a reservation to ride our bus (limited seating; RSVP to info@fpc-bethlehem.org).
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The bus will leave from the front of the church building at 9:30 a.m., and return at approximately 11:30 a.m. There are just a couple of seats left.
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CROP WALK COMING THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
The CROP Hunger Walk is coming up on Sunday, October 8 – thank you to all who are supporting this important event! As of press time we have exceeded our goal of $1500 *however* we are glad to accept additional donations (see below).
Proceeds from the walk will be used for hunger relief and agricultural development locally and worldwide, with 25% being designated for use by agencies in our own community.
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**UPDATE: This year we’ll start with a simple lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall for those who are walking that day, as well as those who have or will be donating.
Please RSVP to info@fpc-bethlehem.org if you plan to attend the lunch (this is a separate registration from the CROP walk sign-up). |
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Then we’ll gather at Sand Island, with registration starting at 1:00 p.m. and the official “step off” at 1:30 p.m. This is a family-friendly event, and kids, bikes, and dogs are definitely encouraged!
To make this event a success, we need both walkers and sponsors, and we invite you to participate in whatever way works for you. We can accept cash or checks after worship on Sunday, or you can donate directly through the link below. However you choose to be a part of this year’s CROP Hunger Walk, thanks!
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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 on Thursday, October 12 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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SHOPPERS: YOUR INPUT IS REQUESTED! DEADLINE TODAY |
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The Bethlehem Food Co-Op (of which First Pres is an organizational member) has put out a call for help to choose what types of products it will carry in its new grocery store.
It is scheduled to open early next year at 250 E. Broad St. Anyone can take the survey through today (Friday, October 6).
A $5 coupon toward your first purchase is included as a thank you for taking the survey!
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FIFTH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Beautiful weather smiled down on our 5th annual Blessing of the Animals, held last Sunday afternoon on the east lawn. With festive music offered by Ted Rewak, the event provided an opportunity for folks to bring their pets to receive a blessing.
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We enjoyed the many connections made! With thanks to those who made donations to the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley. |
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OUR PROPERTY COMMITTEE IN ACTION
Our hard-working Property Committee mixed a little business with pleasure at their meeting earlier this week – chair Bob Hunsicker and his wife Jeanne hosted the group at their home. Standing (from left): Dan Magocs, Wayne Kelly, George Bickford, Kevin Konczyk; seated (from left) are Rich Gorton, Allison Masters, Glenn Rossetti, George Campbell, Kristina Grum, and Bud Newton.
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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
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
- Noon: Lunch for CROP Walk Walkers/Donors, Fellowship Hall
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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