in Fellowship Hall (in person only)

Speaking of neighbors, you may have noticed that a few of our neighbors on Center Street have put up signs this week encouraging people to “Oppose High-Density Development at First Presbyterian.” The good news is that nobody needs to oppose us on that basis, nor can they, because we’re not proposing any high-density development!

As we have already repeatedly stated in the Community Meetings and in our information distributed by print and the website, all of the of the concept designs we have considered from the very beginning are light to medium density. The reality is that we have never even considered any high-density project, in part precisely because that would be inappropriate to this neighborhood. 

The residential areas immediately surrounding the church include densities of 3, 5, and 10 units per acre (Rural Residential, Single Family, and Medium Density Residential Zoning), while the density of Kirkland Village is around 20 units per acre (Residential Retirement Complex Zoning). Our three initial concept designs range from 7 to 10 units an acre to remain in keeping with what is already around us.

We will continue to invite our immediate neighbors to participate in the discussion process around these designs, including on May 23. We are grateful to have been able to hear and begin to address the initial concerns of many neighbors at our Community Meetings and thus enable them to be much more open to our goals and ideas as they see us responding in good faith.

But, as these recent opposition signs attest, there also continues to be some misinformation and even disinformation circulating about our project in certain circles that is unfortunately misleading some people. So if you hear anyone repeating this sort of thing, please encourage them to come to the Community Meeting on May 23 to hear the truth in detail, and point people to our website to learn the truth about our overarching goals and commitments for this project in the meantime. And we are putting up our own signs on Center Street to encourage people to do exactly that, too! 

In terms of general concern and even opposition, though, we don’t expect everyone to be on board at this early stage of planning. Many of the concerns that have been raised so far have been both legitimate and understandable, and we have committed to addressing them effectively in any final plan we create (as reflected on the website).

That kind of openness and transparency will continue to be a hallmark of our work, both because it is “the right thing to do and the right way to do it,” and because it can only help us do a more faithful and effective job as we sharpen our plans. Hope to see you at the next Community Meeting on May 23 as we take the next step in this process!

Grace and Peace,

J.C.

Traditional Worship Service (4 pages)

Thirty students gave up ‘fun’ time to help others, creating positive change and fostering passion for civic engagement through alternative break experiences.

You are invited to come to Fellowship Hall this Sunday when the students will present their story. Light refreshments (pastries and beverages) will be served at 10 a.m. following the Holy Ground service. Please use this short online form to let us know that you’ll attend or contact the church office at 610-867-5865.

A Time for Spiritual Renewal

For more information: info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865.

The Hearts N Minds adult education class will NOT meet this Sunday, because of the Lafayette student breakfast (noted above). It will resume on April 28, meeting weekly in Room 212. 

The clearing of closets, bathrooms-used-for-storage, attics and random nooks and crannies had begun in earnest! It’s a big job and we appreciate the volunteers who have stepped up to help with the initial sorting and tossing.

We are also mindful that there are many items that have been gifted to the church over the years. So we are issuing an invitation to any families who have made such donations (e.g. furniture, wall décor, special books, etc.) to contact us if you’d like to pick up those items – you can contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or

Here’s one other way to get involved: We’re offering you an opportunity to bring your own items for sale – you can reserve an outdoor space for $10 (table provided) or $5 (bring your own table). These will be located on the east lawn; you must staff your own table, and remove all unsold items. (The sale date is rain or shine.)

This endeavor is just one part of our larger plan as a church community to embark on our next journey, and your assistance is invaluable! Feel free to reach out with any inquiries at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.

To volunteer and/or reserve your own space for the sale day:

All are welcome for our next program on Monday, April 22, when we return to the tech world with Amanda Clark’s fascinating presentation, “Empower +: Leading Edge Technologies that Improve Independence.” You’ll be amazed by the current technologies which Amanda will have on hand to demonstrate, including a device that will hold a conversation with you!

Thanks to those who are supporting our team – “FPCB Hammering for Housing” - and HabitatLV! You can make a gift online. You can also write a check to the church with "She Nailed It!" on the memo line.

We have now exceeded our minimum of $1,500 (many thanks!), but we’d love to "hit" $3,000 - donations can be accepted through May 1. Your support is much appreciated!  

One of their member’s fathers, who is a rabbi from Portland, OR, will be flying in to lead the celebration, and they would love to have us join them for a wonderful interfaith event. Reserve the evening, as the Seder will run about three hours.

Although this will be an authentic Jewish Seder, for Christians this will be an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the last night Jesus spent with his disciples. For further information, please contact Steve Simmons at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.

Send any prayer requests to prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865 and leave a message.

WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth)

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.