Friday, September 29, 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
*Communion Sunday*
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: GETTING THE BASICS
There’s an old story about multiple generations of a family gathered around the Thanksgiving table discussing what they are most thankful for, and one of the adults asks, “What modern convenience are you most thankful for?”
They all think for a few minutes, then begin to answer.
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“Air conditioning,” says one, remembering the heat of the previous summer. “The Internet!” one of the teens says, wondering how people kept up with their friends before texting and social media. “Refrigeration,” one of the older parents says, remembering how their own parents called the fridge “the icebox” because her family received deliveries of huge ice blocks several times a week to keep their food refrigerated in an actual icebox before electric refrigerators were widely available. Everyone around the table nodded at that one, thinking that this was really putting things into perspective. |
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Until the matriarch of the family spoke up, that is: “running water,” she said simply. Nobody else around the table had even considered that as an option, it was so much of a given in their lives. It seemed like the opposite of a luxury; it was both a necessity and such a baseline fact of modern life that it never occurred to anyone to name it.
But running water is very much a luxury, and very much not a given in many parts of the world, even today. It is hard to overestimate the transformative power of having immediate access to clean, running water. In the absence of that, people have to walk miles and miles to a water source, then carry that water back to their homes.
Given that the task is usually assigned to women and girls, the lack of access to clean running water is a major obstacle in their education, who spend hours of the time they should be in school fetching water instead. UNICEF estimates that women and girls spend an aggregate of 200 million hours A DAY just fetching water.
As you may have heard Cindy Simmons or Steve Simmons, our Parish Associates, say in worship last week, the annual CROP Walk is coming up next Sunday, October 8. Walkers will gather at the church for lunch (along with donors)* and then proceed to the walk.
The CROP Walk is an ecumenical event sponsored by Church World Service that raises money for people who do not have access to adequate food or clean water. Between now and then, I want to invite you to try an exercise. Make a note of every time you utilize clean running water at your house over the week: every time you get a drink, wash your hands, take a shower, do the dishes, brush your teeth, etc.
It’s an eye-opening experience, especially when you consider the alternative is to have to walk an average of 4 miles (according to USAID) roundtrip to fetch water if you weren’t lucky enough to have a well nearby, and the return trip would be done with an average of 40-50 pounds of water in a bucket on your head or back.
If you can walk on October 8, it’s a wonderful way to raise both money and awareness about the desperate need that millions of people have for the things we take for granted so easily. And if you cannot walk, I encourage to donate at this link () to support our team’s walk.
And let us continue to be mindful of how we can serve our neighbors, both nearby and around the world, as Jesus calls us to do.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
*See the article below for more information about the lunch on Sunday, October 8.
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- This week’s sermon: An Off-Road Faith: Discerning the Way 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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The Mission Strategy Conversation continued…
last Sunday at two Town Halls:
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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.
Deacons are the caregivers of the church.
The Nominating Committee members are charged with identifying candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Nominating Committee itself.
Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds.
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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A RECOMMENDATION FROM PASTOR AUSTIN |
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Friends, the Presbytery of the Highlands in New Jersey is hosting a Zoom conversation with Mark Elsdon, the author of one of the books we read for our retreat last year, We Aren't Broke.
It will be on Thursday, October 5, at 7 p.m., and anybody in Lehigh Presbytery is welcome to attend.
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You simply need to register by emailing Steve Shussett, the executive Presbyter of Highlands; his email address is steves@highlandspresbyterynj.org. If you can make the time, I highly recommend you join in and hear what Mark has to say; he's an engaging and insightful speaker.
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HEARTS N MINDS RETURNS THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
The Hearts N Minds adult education class – 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.)
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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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** NOTICE FOR NEXT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3**
An important reminder that the church building will be closed
for electrical repairs. This includes the main office and Preschool.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
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AND 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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All are welcome to participate in the 5th annual “Blessing of the Animals” event offered this Sunday at 3 p.m. It will be held on the east lawn of the church campus, and is a ‘rain or shine’ event. In case of bad weather it will be set up as a drive-through.
Blessings will be offered to pets of all kinds; it is requested that dogs be on leashes. There will also be live music, and opportunities to visit with other participants and their pets.
This is a free event. If interested, participants are invited to bring donations of pet food and supplies that will be shared with the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.
We can also use five volunteers for Sunday's event - to assist with set-up, greeting, blessing of the animals, and clean-up. If you can help, please contact us at 610-867-5865 or info@fpc-bethlehem.org. Thanks for considering!
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HI NEIGHBORS – BACK THIS 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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The sessions continue this Monday, October 2. 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, Peter Newman takes us on a visit back to the turbulent 1960’s – the music, the people, and the many important events during that decade. Peter is a long-time professor at Lafayette College.
**NOTE: For 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 or make a reservation to ride our bus (no charge; limited seating; RSVP to info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865).
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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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**UPDATE: This year we’ll be joined by our new friends from the Gate Community Church, starting with a simple lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall following worship 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).
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’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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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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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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SHOPPERS: YOUR INPUT IS REQUESTED! |
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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 until Friday, October 6.
A $5 coupon toward your first purchase is included as a thank you for taking the survey!
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SATURDAY: DEVOTIONAL GATHERING - NEIGHBOR LOVE
As part of its big five-day celebration of dance, music, theatre, art and community, Touchstone Theatre's Festival UnBound presents "Devotional Gathering - Neighbor Love."
It will be offered on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Charles Brown Ice House, 56 River St.
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"Joining with interfaith representatives of those who belong to a faith community (or not), we unite around the mystery of life in gratitude, and in the pursuit of peace, beauty, and justice. Bring a neighbor to this beautiful event featuring music, prayers, poetry, dance, and wisdom stories, followed by refreshments and conversation." |
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This is a free event but reservations are strongly encouraged:
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FAMILY FUN NIGHT WAS A BIG HIT!
We had a great turnout of Preschool and church families on Tuesday night – the swifts, not so much. But there was good food, good fun and good fellowship to be had!
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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 - COMMUNION 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 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult education 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
- 3:00 p.m.: Blessing of the Animals, east lawn - all are welcome
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 THIS 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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