Friday, September 22, 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:
IMPORTANT CONVERSATION
As we hope you know, the Session and Trustees began an intensive season of mission discernment for our congregation with a joint retreat about ten months ago.
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That retreat focused on examining the kinds of shifts churches in general, and ours in particular, would need to make to be vibrant, faithful, and sustainable in the 21st century, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In considering next steps after that retreat, the Session created a Missional Strategy Steering Committee made up of representatives from both the Session and the Board of Trustees to guide our ongoing discernment, and bring recommendations to the Trustees and Session on how we can pursue those kinds of strategic shifts.
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After spending months learning and exploring a number of insightful resources and potential models, the Steering Committee asked for a special joint meeting of the Trustees and the Session that was held on Monday night so they could share a major report and the leadership could act on their recommendations for next steps.
After several hours of robust listening and conversation, the Session and Trustees voted unanimously to approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations for the next steps in our missional strategy journey.
Specifically, the Session and Trustees unanimously approved undertaking a planning and community engagement process to explore the viability and possibilities of creating a mixed-use/mixed-income project on our available property, and approved retaining two consulting groups to help us walk through that planning process.
In keeping with our relentless commitment to transparency, two identical Congregational Town Hall meetings have been called for this coming Sunday, September 24, so that you can learn more about what this does (and does not!) mean for our future mission and ministry.
So, I urge you to make every effort to be present at one of those Town Hall meetings this Sunday, which will take place in Fellowship Hall following each worship service (at 10 a.m. following the Holy Ground Contemporary Service, and at noon following the Traditional Service). If you are unable to attend in person, recordings will be available on the church website afterwards.
With all that said, I want to stress a couple of things so that there is no misunderstanding. First and foremost, nothing has been decided at all in terms of whether to undertake such a project, much less what it might look like. On the contrary, the decision was to undertake a planning and community engagement process to explore those possibilities.
What that means is a lot more learning and conversation about what and why and how we might do as a project along these lines, which we would do not only internally, but through a vigorous and intentional community engagement process.
This means in addition to our own internal conversations, we would invite our surrounding community to become partners with us from the beginning in discerning what would be the most positive impact in and for our community, and what challenges and obstacles we need to address so that it can fulfill that goal.
In other words, from the very beginning, there will not be an “us and them” dynamic with our neighbors in pursuing this work; there will be only “us,” the congregation and the institutions and people with whom we share this neighborhood.
Second, it is only after this planning and engaging process that we will consider whether to move forward with such a project and how that project would look. It will be months before that happens, so there will be plenty of time for us to do substantial visioning about possibilities and engagement of the full community on what seems the most fruitful possibilities to pursue.
So the decision that has been made is momentous, but it is simultaneously only the very first step in a long journey that could end up in a number of different places. The important thing is to stay in this moment, to participate in this first of many conversations, and to continue to pray for us as we seek to fulfill God’s call and command to love our neighbors as ourselves in everything that we do, and with everything that we have.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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The conversation continues – Sunday Town Hall meetings
The Mission Strategy Committee invites you to attend one of these sessions – after the Holy Ground service, at 10 a.m. OR after the Traditional service,
at noon. Both sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall.
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- This week’s sermon: An Off-Road Faith: Learning Anger's Real Name 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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DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?
NOMINATIONS DUE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
It’s time to begin the important process of nominating appropriate candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees and members of the Nominating Committee.
If you have someone you would like to nominate (or yourself), there will be printed nominating forms available in the Narthex (outside the Sanctuary). You can also use this online form or send an email to info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
Please submit your nominations by Sunday, October 8.
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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. |
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Elders comprise the Session of the Presbyterian Church which is, in essence, the decision-making body of the church. They recommend and approve all program and policy implementation and modifications in the church. Elders serve a three year term and the Session meets monthly; Elders generally serve on one or more committees, which also usually meet on a monthly basis.
Deacons are the caregivers of the church. They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations. Deacons serve a three year term and typically meet monthly.
The Nominating Committee members are charged with identifying candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Nominating Committee itself. This committee usually meets three or four times each year; the term of service is one year, and a member may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds. Trustees will meet monthly and members will also serve on one additional committee, such as the property or finance committee, which also generally meet monthly. The term for Trustees is three years.
Thank you for supporting this important process!
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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 MINDS RETURNS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will not meet this Sunday due to the Mission Strategy Town Meeting. It will meet again next Sunday, October 1.
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The group – which is open to all - meets 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.)
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 two (pp. 37-56).
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.
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CHANCEL CHOIR: STILL TIME TO JOIN! |
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David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries, has put out an invitation for singers to join the Chancel Choir. They will meet on Thursdays beginning at
7 p.m.; meet in the Sanctuary.
New members are welcome! You are invited to join us to see if this vocal group interests you. All parts needed, especially
tenor and bass.
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The Choir sings most Sundays during our Traditional service at 11 a.m., and at occasional other services and concerts. For more information, contact David at dmacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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HI NEIGHBORS – BACK THIS MONDAY
We had a wonderful turnout for our first Hi Neighbors presentation last week! 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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The sessions continue this Monday, September 25. We’ll meet in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a social time.
The one-hour programs begin at 10 a.m. (although sometimes we go longer if there are a lot of questions for our speakers!).
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For this Monday’s program, Larry Oberly shares the interesting history of cement production at the Atlas Portland Cement Co., from its humble beginnings into the largest Portland Cement company in the world.
Oberly serves as the Vice President of the Northampton Area Historical Society and Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the Atlas Cement Co. Memorial Museum Trust.
We’ve also scheduled a “field trip” for Monday, October 9, to visit Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1302 N. Sherman St., Allentown. You can meet up there, or ride a bus from First Pres (leaves at 9:30 a.m.; no charge). You must RSVP to info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865 - seating is limited.
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SAVE THE DATE! Our annual Blessing of the Animals is scheduled for
Sunday, October 1 at 3 p.m. on the east lawn. More details to come!
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CROP WALK COMING ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
It’s fall (almost), and that means that the CROP Hunger Walk is coming up on Sunday, October 8, in Bethlehem and hundreds of other places around the US. During the COVID epidemic, many walks, like other public events, had to be canceled or scaled back; but this year, we plan to be out in force, and we invite you to join us.
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As always, 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.
With food insecurity a pressing issue both in the US and globally, it’s time to hit the pavement!
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This year we’ll be joined by our new friends at the Gate Community Church, starting with a simple lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall following worship for those who are walking that day. 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!
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).
To make this event a success, we need both walkers and sponsors, and we invite you to participate in whatever way works for you. It’s not too early to make a donation! We’ll be accepting cash or checks after worship over the next several weeks, 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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A FUN EVENT FOR YOUR CALENDAR - THIS TUESDAY EVENING
Check the updated dinner plans
All are welcome on Tuesday, September 26 when we gather with Preschool families for a fun community event!
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The Preschool families will kick things off with activities and games. FPCB folks are welcome to come anytime after 5 p.m.
**UPDATED: Two food trucks and an ice cream truck will be on hand to sell food to attendees (cash or credit accepted). We will not need any volunteer help.
At about 7-7:15 p.m. the swifts should make their appearance - we should be able to witness their arrival to the building’s chimneys and rooftops.
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These birds make a beautiful spectacle which will be a privilege to view! |
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NEXT LUNCH BUNCH GATHERING:
Thursday, September 28
Noon
Water Street Park in Hellertown
All are welcome to join! Bring your lunch and enjoy!
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NEXT HELPING HANDS TRIP COMING IN NOVEMBER |
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The Lehigh Presbytery Helping Hands Care Team is reaching out to the church congregations that partner with them for their mission trips to share Christ's love in disaster areas.
The 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).
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They are thankful for their loyal volunteers and always welcome new folks. All levels and types of skills and experience are welcome – these trips primarily focus on cleaning up/repairing homes damaged by storms.
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This is what 750+ mums look like -
before they burst into glorious blooms!
Thanks to the Preschool for offering this wonderful annual fund raiser - and thanks for supporting our kiddos this way.
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UNITED WAY “DAY OF CARING”
We had a great group of volunteers participating in last Thursday’s “Day of Caring” organized by the United Way.
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Our FPCB team took on tasks at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, where they vacuumed and cleaned carpets, did some painting, and tackled other necessary chores to help prepare the shelter to serve our unhoused neighbors.
Thanks to all who supported this important work: Leslie Pohl and George Bickford (right), Tracy Samuelson, Phil Clauser, Dan Magocs, Wendy Magocs, Marie Rosenthal, Melody Engel, Richard Gorton, Deb Philpotts, Al Philpotts, and Pastor Lindsey Altvater Clifton.
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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
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10:00 a.m.: Mission Strategy Town Hall, in-person in Fellowship Hall (same session will be repeated at noon)
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
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Noon: Mission Strategy Town Hall, in-person in Fellowship Hall (a repeat of the same session offered at 10:00 a.m.)
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:
THE BUILDING, OFFICE AND PRESCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 FOR ELECTRIC REPAIRS.
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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