Friday, December 10, 2021 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary
NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m. Traditional*
(* also available on our website and via phone)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: A WELCOMING CHURCH
Our theme for this Advent has been “Close to Home,” and this Sunday we will be considering what exactly it means to have a “full house,” a church where there is both enough room and enough welcome for any and all to come and be a full part of it. One of the core values that our congregation has identified for ourselves is that we are “Welcoming to All.”
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The focus on that value is usually on the “all,” meaning that we welcome not only those who look or think or live or talk like us, but anyone who comes seeking to learn more about following Jesus and being a part of a community that is trying to do that, too. And that is a wonderful thing to highlight, and something that is all too easy to neglect, even inadvertently, if we are not relentlessly attentive to it. |
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However, in this message I want to stress the actual importance of “welcoming,” too. Welcoming is very different from “warm” or “friendly.” Hopefully, “welcoming” includes both of those things, too, but it is much more than that.
It is possible to be warm or even friendly to someone while not connecting with them in any way: a friendly “hello” in passing, for example. But to welcome someone is to engage them directly as a person, proactively reaching out to them and helping them to feel at home in this community of faith. It is all the more important for us to do this actively and intentionally right now as we continue to find our way through the pandemic, when loneliness and distance and disengagement are at such high levels, and even a friendly smile goes unseen underneath a mask.
So, I want to remind all of us that the practice of hospitality is one of the oldest and most basic Christian ministries. The gospels and the book of Acts are full of stories in which Jesus and/or his followers receive hospitality in ways that are transforming for the hosts themselves, and offer hospitality in ways that open the way for others to experience a transformative encounter with Christ. And the really good news is, this is VERY easy to do in the church!
First, please make sure you fill out and wear a nametag when you come to church. This is a crucial act of hospitality not only for newcomers, but for our members, as well! It can be hard to recognize other people behind a mask, for starters, and a nametag makes things much easier for us to connect with each other as well as be available to newcomers. But beyond that, wearing nametags is an important statement that we’re not assuming everyone knows everyone, because we both expect and welcome new people in our midst.
Just a simple nametag with your preferred name on it (no need for last names), and written largely and clearly enough for others to read, is actually a significant act of hospitality.
Second, when you first come into worship, look around you to see who you do not know. And when you find someone, talk to them before you talk to your friends! If you’re sitting right next to them, you can introduce yourself. DON’T ask, “are you new here?” If they are, it can communicate that you think they look out of place, and if they are not, it can make people feel unseen or create an awkward situation (“no, I’ve been a part of this church since 1956!”).
Instead, simply ask: “how long have you been part of First Pres?” Then, whether they say “50 years” or “this is my first time,” you have a gracious way to begin a conversation. If they are new, a good follow up is, “what brought you here today?” That will give you a sense of what their interest and motives are, and you can respond with relevant parts of your own story or what you know about the church’s ministry in their areas of interest.
Third, if they are new, make sure you introduce them to someone else! It might be a friend standing nearby, or someone who’s active in their area of interest, or simply one of the pastors. This is actually a good time to connect with your friends and bring them into this important ministry of welcome. But in any case, try to connect them with at least one other person before you leave them. That helps them to have a larger sense of the congregation AND a sense that this is truly a welcoming congregation.
So: I look forward to being with you in worship this coming Third Sunday of Advent, and I am grateful to be with you in this ministry of hospitality as a church that is truly “Welcoming to All”!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson
Click the link to read the verses
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-This week’s sermon: Close to Home: A
Full House by The Rev. J.C. Austin
-We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
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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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Everyone over the age of 2 is required to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth.
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Please maintain a minimum of a 3 foot distance between household groups/pods.
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Child care will be available from 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
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We will offer nametags for folks to wear – these are for everyone! You can pick up as you enter the worship space; please clearly write your first name.
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ADVENT SERVICES AND EVENTS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Bethlehem Luminaria Night – beginning at dark
Indoor Advent Walk from 5-7 p.m. in the Kirk Center
NOTE: Our Indoor Advent Walk will be held, ‘rain or shine’ (no matter what the Luminaria Night plans are). Please use the Kirk Center entrance; watch for ‘event’ signs (this is the only entrance that will be open).
Against the backdrop of our city’s annual Luminaria Walk, we offer five stations that call up reflections on specific homecomings, dedicated to the themes of our ancestors, communities, personal guides, earth, silence, and self. These remembrances of past connections, wisdom texts, and supports remind us of those guides that have supported our own call to birth Christ in the world. READ MORE...
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Longest Night Service
6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
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This communion service provides space for those who are grieving a loss in their lives (whether a person, a job, an experience, a dream) to engage the deep truths of Advent and Christmas without feeling forced into experiences of cheer that they are not feeling.
If you are joining us from home and would like to participate in communion you will need: bread or a bread-like item (cracker, pita, bagel, etc.) and grape juice, wine or water.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Christmas Joy Concert
4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
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Join us for a selection of Christmas choral and handbell music to prepare your spirit for the coming of Christmas! Our guest ensembles this year include the Choir of St. Tikhon's Russian Orthodox Monastery and the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, who will join our Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers. A love offering will be collected with a suggested donation. |
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
In person and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org)
4:00 p.m.: Intergenerational Family Service
A service of readings and carols featuring the singers and acoustic instrumentalists of our contemporary ensemble. All are welcome to this family friendly and engaging service.
7:00 p.m.: Traditional Service
A joyous festival service of readings and carols, featuring the Hill to Hill Brass Quintet, the FPCB Chancel Choir, and FPCB Chancel Ringers, including works by George F. Handel, John Tavener, Dale Wood, and Steven Pilkington. The triumphant exclamation of brass and the warm glow of candlelight consecrate this service on the holiest of nights.
11:00 p.m.: Communion Service
A deeply contemplative service of readings and carols, including communion, with music by Johannes Brahms, Herbert Howells, and Charles V. Stanford. A service for those who wish to celebrate Christmas Eve with a final moment of peace and serenity.
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POINSETTIA ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Special envelopes are available in the pews, Narthex and Rotunda, to return by Sunday, December 19. Make any donation and take home a poinsettia after the Christmas Eve service you attend; this is a lovely way to honor a loved one. If you need an envelope call us at 610-867-5865.
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR
Our Fellowship & Formation Hour is offered between our two Sunday morning services, at 10 a.m. There are options for adults and kids, and all are welcome.
HEARTS N MINDS
Hearts N Minds, our adult ed class, meets both in person and via Zoom (video as well as audio-only option). For Advent there will be special programming by guest presenters. For this Sunday:
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“I don’t think we will understand Advent correctly until we understand it as a preparation for a revolution.”
Betsy Simpson will lead our discussion on Sunday, and will reference the forthcoming book, Psalms for the Common Era, by Alex Edwards-Bourdrez.
He is a poet and taught French Literature for many years before working in public relations, fundraising and disability services. In retirement, he is a co-manager of the Ecumenical Lay Council of Northport-East Northport Food Pantry and co-founder of the Long Island Alliance of Braver Angels. He is a lay servant at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Northport, NY, and the author of two other chapbooks of poems, Transformations and Tapestries, published by Local Gems Press.
This is a “stand alone class” and as always, all are welcome in Advent, the season of Hope, Peace, and Anticipation.
Beginning on Sunday, January 9, the class will read the book, The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential, by N.T. Wright (2013, Harper One Imprint, ISBN 978-0-06-223050-8).
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PHYSICAL LOCATION:
We will meet in classrooms E3&4, which are on the second floor of the Kirk Center. Use the elevator that is outside Fellowship Hall (stage end), or if you enter the building via the double doors on the east side of the building (Kirk Center entrance), bear left to the elevator. Take it to the 4th floor. Exit the elevator and proceed through the rotunda. Turn right and continue down the hall to Neighborhood E (rooms 3&4).
ZOOM:
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3aeqLLD
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To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 385 500 4307, then press # and then # again.
KIDS CLASS
The Rev. Cynthia Simmons and Kate Arrington host kid-friendly faith formation on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. They will use the Family Story Bible to create interactive lessons about New Testament stories. To join online, use this Zoom link.
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Our Preschoolers will celebrate the season at two special Christmas Chapels, both to be held in the Sanctuary from 9:30 -10:15 a.m.:
- Thursday, December 16
- Monday, December 20
The children will be singing at both and our pastors will share a few words at each chapel.
Thank you to Norma Ferguson for donating this wonderful nativity scene!
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SHARING SOME BAKED TREATS? |
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The Deacons are planning to assemble ‘goodie bags’ for some of our members who could use a special treat.
If you are interested in donating, please bring to the main church kitchen this Sunday, December 12 or on Monday, December 13 (by 10 a.m.) and mark “for Deacons.”
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Cookies that travel well (about 2 dozen), and brought in a disposable container will be appreciated. If they contain nuts or are gluten-free, please mark.
Some of you asked for the recipe for the rolled sugar cookies at the recent Advent Festival; Jane Masters shares it here. |
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LOOKING FOR SOME HELPERS
The Activity Department at Kirkland Village is currently understaffed and looking for volunteer helpers for our neighbors. Some of the available opportunities include: running bingo, supervising craft activities (materials supplied), musical performers (including leading hymn sings), visiting with your pet, and providing basic tech help (setting up email, Facebook, etc.).
These could be a one-time thing or more regular (weekly or monthly). If you are interested, contact Jen Laury at JLaury@psl.org or 610-691-4543 to discuss how you can help.
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Thank you to those who have answered the call to help staff the receptionist desk in our Church Office. We have one shift still available: Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. If you are interested please contact Cristy Mette. |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE BUILDING RE-OPENING TASK FORCE
Masks will be properly worn for all in-person activities, events, and meetings, by everyone over the age of 2. There is no eating or drinking in any gatherings within the building, except for specially-announced occasions. Outdoor eating and drinking are permitted.
Vaccinations are required for those attending in-person meetings, not including worship, and a virtual option should be provided, if needed. For programs (e.g. Hearts N Minds, Hi Neighbors, Boy Scouts), we require masks and no eating food or drink indoors, unless specifically-announced.
Please maintain a 3-foot distance where possible. Vaccinations are not required but are strongly encouraged and we recommend that individuals who are not vaccinated take advantage of the virtual options that are provided.
For events by outside groups held inside the church, vaccinations are required along with masks and no food or drink.
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IF YOU ARE HOSPITALIZED…
We would like to know when our members are entering the hospital. Please tell the hospital that your church ID is 724 and they will contact us. You can also contact Phil
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for 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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CALENDAR
THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9 a.m.: Contemporary Worship, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website
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10 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour – see details above for Hearts N Minds and Kids Formation Class
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NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online or via phone
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FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
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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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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the 11:15 a.m. Traditional service on Sunday
To listen on the phone (audio only): Call 929-205-6099; when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 848 4170 9518, followed by the # key. You will be asked for the participant ID – press the # key again.
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TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. - Handbell rehearsal, Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. – Chancel Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
ALL OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS AND GATHERINGS ARE CANCELLED AT THIS TIME unless offered online (see listings on our Facebook page under “Events”)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: The church office is open Monday –Thursday, 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.
CARE CONCERNS AND HOSPITAL VISITS: If members of the FPCB congregation are hospitalized and would welcome pastoral and hospital ministrant visitors and/or prayers, please contact: Phil Fair, Prayer Ministrant (prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org).
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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
Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
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