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Friday, March 15, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday
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:
A LONG (AND EXCITING) JOURNEY AHEAD
Last week, I attended a gathering in Atlanta of about 30 PC(USA) senior pastors from across the country, facilitated by the Presbyterian Foundation. The point was to gather pastors who fit into either the Gen X or Millennial age groupings, and whose congregations are doing particularly creative or innovative work, so we could learn from and support one another.
I knew about a third of the attendees pretty well, and had at least heard of another third, and then there was a whole group I knew nothing about, so I expected it to be both a wonderful learning opportunity and a chance to make new connections that would be beneficial to our work going forward.
It was all of those things, but it was also interesting to be reminded that what we are doing here with our strategic mission work through adaptive reuse of buildings and new campus development is both known and being followed in the larger denomination as a national model.
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So many congregations of every conceivable denomination and theological persuasion are struggling with the very questions that we have been working on: how to turn property that is underutilized in terms of congregational mission and impact and overwhelming in terms of financial burdens into something that is not simply financially sustainable, but missionally impactful on a scale befitting the opportunity and resources at hand. |
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I wish you all could have been there to see and hear the excitement of so many pastors about what we are exploring and the affirmation that this is such good and faithful and even courageous work to be doing. “If y’all can pull this off,” one of them said to me, “you’re not just doing something good for yourselves, or for Bethlehem, or for the denomination. You’re helping change the story about what Christians really care about, and for most people out there, that’s not a good story right now.”
We have a long journey still ahead of us, with more than a few curves and hills and obstacles, and perhaps even a dead end or two to deal with. But that is to be expected on any great journey, and I am so proud and grateful for how willing this congregation has been to take the steps we have to explore it. I, and our friends in the PC(USA) across the country, are very excited to see where this all leads us!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Wandering Heart, Teach Me by the Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton
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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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INSTALLATION OF NEW LEADERSHIP
On Sunday we will ordain and install our new class of elders, trustees and deacons at the 11 a.m. Traditional worship service.
Let's welcome elders Richard Hjorth, Kari Young Keyock, Kim Morey Miner, and JoAnne Turcotte; deacons Kate Arrington, Jeanette Claessens, Evelyn Kuserk, Jane Masters, and Phyllis Walker; and trustees George Bickford, Rich Gorton, and Cynthia Hahn.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER WORSHIP: GIVE US YOUR INPUT
Our Worship Committee is looking ahead to our summer worship schedule, and would like your input.
We are considering whether to continue to offer two services each Sunday during the summer, or whether to do one Combined Service at 10 a.m. And whether the Combined Service option should include an extended reflection time. You will be asked to rank your choices in order of most preferred, to least preferred.
Please complete this short survey (please limit your response to one per person). Thanks for taking some time to do this by Sunday, March 31.
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A NEW LENTEN PRACTICE: PRAYER SQUARES
Prayer Squares are small pieces of colored paper in baskets in both Fellowship Hall and the Narthex. We suggest you take a moment on Sunday to write a prayer concern or a joy on one of these prayer squares, fold it and place it in the basket. Then please consider taking someone else's folded square from the basket and praying on it throughout the week. In this way, we hope to form a prayer chain to pray for each other.
If you are unable to visit the church building to participate in this ministry, please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865 and we can take your prayer concern and/or send one to you.
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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: THROUGH EASTER SUNDAY
Millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Please consider a gift to this important ministry.
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Special envelopes are available at both worship services, and for those who have pledge envelopes, there is one in your packet. You can also donate online at fpc-bethlehem.org/give – be sure to write “One Great Hour of Sharing” in the notes field (under the payment information), or you can mail a check to the church’s Finance Office (with a note in the memo field).
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BREAD FOR THE WORLD OFFERING OF LETTERS 2024 |
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One of Bread for the World’s most effective tools in advocating for food security is its annual Offering of Letters, which our congregation will receive after worship on the Sundays through March 24 as part of our Lenten discipline. The focus of this year’s offering is the congressional Farm Bill, which was scheduled for its five-year renewal in 2023, but which has yet to be approved. |
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With food insecurity on the rise in many parts of our country, it’s especially important that the Farm Bill be moved through Congress speedily. If it isn’t renewed, some programs will have their funding frozen at 2018 levels or cut further, and others will simply cease to exist.
You can use these links for more information on the Offering of Letters and a sample letter that you can customize with a personal message. We will have a table set up in the Narthex during Lent where you can pick up a printed sample letter, drop off your completed letters, and write handwritten notes (which are particularly effective).
We’ll forward them to our elected officials, as we join the 300,000 people who write, email, and call their members of Congress every year to speak up about hunger through Bread for the World. Thanks to you, it’s working!
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NEW! INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH OFFERING FOR ALL AGES
The intergenerational faith formation group has begun exploring a new curriculum titled Current: Seeking Justice Together!
The curriculum includes materials and activities for ages from Preschool to adult, making this hour welcoming to all. Drop in as you are able, or join for the full series. The group meets in Fellowship Hall between the two services from 10:10 - 10:45 a.m.
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HEARTS N MINDS MEETS THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will meet this Sunday in the Parlor. 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).
The group will discuss Fr. Richard Rohr's Falling Upward, chapter 5: "Chapter 6: “Necessary Suffering on Sunday” (pages 76-86). All are welcome to attend – you do not have to have done the reading to enjoy the discussion.
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FLOWERS ARE ON OUR MINDS… |
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Sanctuary Flowers: We appreciate the donation of flowers for use in our Traditional worship services in the Sanctuary. This is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, or their memory. Please sign up for your requested date using the form in the Narthex (or you can call the church office at 610-867-5865).
We will order the flowers on your behalf. The cost is $75, payable to First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem; send your payment to the Finance Office or use the flower envelope that is with the sign-up form.
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VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! BES DINNER THIS WEDNESDAY |
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FPCB volunteers will be cooking and serving dinner for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on Wednesday, March 20.
We still need volunteers to help cook, clean up during and after the meal, and serve as male shower monitor (which is just a simple check-in process).
If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up online here or call the church office at 610-867-5865.
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HI NEIGHBORS: BACK THIS MONDAY, MARCH 18
We’re finalizing plans for our next series of interesting topics offered by our popular Hi Neighbors speakers program! All are welcome to attend – no registration or fees required.
We’ll be back this Monday, March 18 with a social time at 9:30 a.m. and the program starting at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Kicking things off will be a return visit by Dr. Micah Sadigh, who shared information about “Sleep” in a popular fall session – this time he’ll take a deep dive into “Dreams.”
Click the button for the complete schedule of programs that run through Monday, May 20 (no session on Monday, April 1) - with a special "field trip"!
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TODAY: A SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY TREAT
The O’Grady-Quinlin Irish Dancers will be the guests of the Preschool today (Friday, March 15) – presenting a program in the Kirk Center at 9:30 a.m.
All are welcome to come and enjoy this festive celebration!
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GET YOUR HANDS IN THE SOIL
The Blank Slate Community garden located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem is run and supported by a Penn State Master gardener team and wonderful volunteers from the community including those from FPCB.
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This garden has a long history of early interfaith involvement in which it won state and international awards. The current garden focuses on garden education to answer and help volunteers not only in the community garden but their private gardens as well.
All the produce is donated to local food banks and kitchens to feed food insecure neighbors in the Lehigh Valley.
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Most volunteers help at least once a month from April to September, although some work more often. Gardening skills are not a prerequisite since you will be able to ask questions and learn on site. Volunteers are also needed to deliver produce to local distribution centers (this can be a good job for someone who has access to a vehicle).
For questions, or to sign up, please contact Dr. Bob Yoder at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call the church office at 610-428-9649.
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ANOTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY TO USE YOUR SKILLS
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry of Lehigh Presbytery needs interested laypeople who would like to help in the process of preparing people for ordained ministry in our churches. The committee meets as needed a few times a year. Folks who sit in the pews offer a very valuable perspective.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this signicant contribution to the greater church that you love. If interested, contact Rev. Angie Van Hise at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or the church office, 610-867-5865.
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Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Festival
Saturday, March 23
(rain date: Saturday, March 30)
10-11:30 a.m.
Everyone welcome!
This family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate spring! The event will begin in the Kirk Center and include face painting, temporary tattoos, photo booth, and other hands-on activities.
Then we’ll head outside for age-specific egg hunts (including one for adults!).
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HOLY WEEK: MARCH 24 - 31
All of the following services (except 9 a.m. on Sunday) are offered in person and via livestream on the church Facebook page and website:
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Sunday, March 24: Palm Sunday (two services, at 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary)
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Thursday, March 28: Maundy Thursday (service at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall)
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Friday, March 29: Good Friday Tenebrae (service at 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary)
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Saturday, March 30: Holy Saturday Compline (service at 8 p.m. in Sanctuary)
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Sunday, March 31: Easter Sunday (two services, at 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary)
Save the Date:
You may want to get this date on your calendar – on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. there will be a special Discipleship retreat, “Through the Roof: And Other Moments with God.”
We invite you to participate in a retreat that will encourage spiritual nurturing: a day to refresh, to renew and to seek more clearly the many ways, both large and small, that we encounter God in our daily life. This will require a sign up so mark your calendars and watch for more details.
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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 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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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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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
- 9:45 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor - all are welcome
- 10:10-10:45 a.m.: Current: Seeking Justice Together!, an intergenerational faith formation offering, Fellowship Hall – all ages are welcome
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
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)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
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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