Friday, December 17, 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)
|
|
IMPORTANT MESSAGES
-
Next week’s newsletter will be sent on Wednesday, December 22. It will include the bulletin for the 10 a.m. Combined service on Sunday, December 26 and the services on Sunday, January 2.
- There will be no newsletter dated Friday, December 31. The next newsletter will be dated Friday, January 7.
NOTE: Proof of vaccination is needed for those attending Sunday's Christmas Joy Concert. Masks are also required.
|
|
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS EVE
I am so grateful that we will have the option of being back together in person for worship on Christmas Eve this year! It’s been two years since we’ve been able to do that, and there are a few new elements of our services this year, so I want to take a moment to explain what will happen in each and all of our services that day.
We will have three services on Christmas Eve, all in the Sanctuary and available by livestream: an Intergenerational Candlelight Service at 4 p.m., a Traditional Candlelight Service at 7 p.m., and a Candlelight Communion Service at 11 p.m.
|
|
As you can probably tell from the titles, that means that all three services will have a candlelight liturgy to them while singing “Silent Night,” as is our tradition. The wrinkle this year is in extinguishing those candles at the end of the service; since masks continue to be necessary for worship services, we can’t just blow our candles out! Instead, we will have snuffers available for every two pews at each service to extinguish the candles, and we will remind you about that during the service itself. |
|
|
The Intergenerational Service represents the biggest change from previous years among the three services. The 7 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service will continue to have traditional liturgy and music, with a “lessons and carols” format and a brief sermon followed by the candlelighting service. It will also feature selections from our musical guest ensemble, the Hill to Hill Brass Quintet.
The 11 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service will once again have carols and Luke’s version of the Christmas story, along with the same sermon as at 7 p.m., followed by the sacrament of Communion and candlelighting.
The 4 p.m. service, however, has been intentionally shaped in terms of both music and liturgy to be more accessible for children than in previous years. Most notably, instead of a sermon, there will be interactive storytelling and even a special (and simple!) activity that children can do in their seats as part of the service. This is a great opportunity for families to worship in a meaningful and engaging way together on Christmas Eve, so please spread the word to any neighbors and relatives who might be interested.
Between now and then, though, I encourage you to begin the week leading up to Christmas with the Christmas Joy Concert that will be held at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary this Sunday, December 19. It will also be available to livestream on our Facebook page and website.
Our wonderful Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers (handbells) will be joined by two special guests: the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, and the Grammy-nominated Choir of St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Monastery.
This concert is always a highlight of the Advent/Christmas season, but the addition of the Orthodox choir is a wonderful opportunity that you will not want to miss; I hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
NOTE: Masks are required for all worship services and the concert. For the concert, proof of vaccination must be presented as well.
|
|
FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson
Click the link to read the verses
|
|
-This week’s sermon: Close to Home: Bless this Mess by The Rev. J.C. Austin
-We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
|
|
|
TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
|
|
FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
-
Everyone over the age of 2 is required to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth.
-
Please maintain a minimum of a 3 foot distance between household groups/pods.
-
Child care will be available from 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
-
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.
|
|
SCHEDULE CHANGES
For Sunday, December 26: We will offer one Combined Worship Service at 10 a.m.
The church office and Preschool will be closed the week of December 27,
reopening on Monday, January 3.
|
|
ADVENT SERVICES AND EVENTS |
|
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Christmas Joy Concert
4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
|
|
|
Join us for a selection of Christmas choral and handbell music to prepare your spirit for the coming of Christmas!
The concert will be offered in-person in our beautifully decorated Sanctuary; you may also join us via Facebook Live or on our website.
The concert will feature guest ensembles, the Choir of St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Monastery, and the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. They will join FPCB’s Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers.
The Choir of St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Monastery, based in South Canaan, PA, was formed in 2015 as the first professional vocal ensemble connected with an Orthodox monastery in America. The group has performed in a number of prestigious settings as well as received several Grammy nominations for its choral recordings. Benedict Sheehan serves as the ensemble’s Artistic Director.
The Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts has been a frequent guest at FPCB’s concerts and worship services. The group is directed by David Macbeth, who also serves as Director of Music Ministries at First Pres.
There is no admission fee; there will be a free will collection taken. Those attending in person must be properly masked and present proof of vaccination.
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.
|
|
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
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.
|
|
DUE SUNDAY: POINSETTIA ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Special envelopes are available in the pews, Narthex and Rotunda, to return by this 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.
|
|
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.
Neither class will meet on Sunday, December 26 and January 2.
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:
|
|
Words to LIVE by
The use of poetry, quotes, scripture, and lyrics have had through the ages the power to teach, evoke wisdom, serve as wake up calls, and reveal beauty among other things. This last Sunday of Advent we gather to share and discuss our own treasured passages that reflect some aspect of our human experience, as we anticipate Word become flesh.
|
|
|
Join Gail Watts for this engaging Hearts N Minds class that will explore the beauty of words that have been powerful, truth-telling, and important in her adult life. Please bring along your own favorite poetry, favorite sayings, quotes, lyrics, text from any source that has been meaningful to you. Together we may find common threads of life's joys and struggles that further knit us together this Christmas season.
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).
|
|
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:
-
To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3aeqLLD
-
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.
|
|
A SPECIAL INVITATION...
Our Preschoolers will celebrate the season at a special Christmas Chapel, to be held in the Sanctuary from 9:30 -10:15 a.m. this Monday, December 20.
All are welcome to attend! The children will be singing, and our pastors will share a few words.
At the chapel - and on Sunday outside each worship service - we will be collecting items for those in need.
|
|
|
Thank you for considering this request!
|
|
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.
_________________________________________
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. |
|
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.
|
|
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...
|
|
Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter: TUESDAY at noon**
* * *
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
|
|
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
-
10 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour – see details above for Hearts N Minds and Kids Formation Class
-
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
-
4 p.m.: Christmas Joy Concert in the Sanctuary; audience must be masked and show proof of vaccination - in person and livestreamed on Facebook Live and our website
|
|
FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
-
Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
-
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
|
|
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 AND the 4 p.m. Christmas Joy Concert
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.
|
|
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
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.
The church office and Preschool will be closed the week of December 27.
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).
|
|
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;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
