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Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday - World Communion Sunday
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
(in person in Fellowship Hall)
11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service
(in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:
SHARED BREAD AT OUR TABLES
Greetings friends,
This Sunday, we join with congregations from a variety of denominations worldwide in participating in World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with siblings of faith all around the globe.
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In 1933, Rev. Dr. Hugh Kerr began what was then known as World Wide Communion Sunday at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. His son, Rev. Donald Kerr, shared this reflection in an interview: “The concept spread very slowly at the start. People did not give it a whole lot of thought. It was during the Second World War that the spirit caught hold, because we were trying to hold the world together. World Wide Communion symbolized the effort to hold things together, in a spiritual sense. It emphasized that we are one in the Spirit and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” | |
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“The spirit caught hold because we were trying to hold the world together.” I imagine those words could describe both the individual and communal experiences of that era, and they certainly resonate with our present moment, as well.
I wonder how sacred, bread-filled meals have helped you “hold the world together” in a spiritual sense? At the Lord’s Table or more ordinary tables. For me, I remember the love and belonging and ease that I feel whenever I think about my mom’s cornbread (moist and sweet, not dry and salty); my uncle’s hot, fresh yeast rolls at Thanksgiving; or our Afghan friends’ flatbread that accompanies every meal, including breakfast. What connecting, transformative experiences have you had around a table with shared bread?
These days, World Communion Sunday is celebrated with a distinctly collective consciousness about holding the world together. Beyond unity and interconnectedness, its contemporary commitment is to demonstrate that we, the church, are called together to share our God-given resources and gifts with generosity in a world that is increasingly unjust and inequitable, driven more by profit and greed than by global flourishing and the common good. It is a way for us to more fully experience and embody our call to be agents of God’s reconciliation and compassion, both in our communities and across the globe.
I’m grateful for Rev. Cynthia Simmons’ passion for observing World Communion Sunday, and for the thoughtfulness that she and Dave Macbeth have put into our worship planning for this week. I look forward to leading alongside Cindy as she preaches and sharing the Lord’s Supper with all of you!
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- Sermon: Past Pedigree by Rev. Cynthia Leslie Simmons
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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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FOR THIS SUNDAY, OCT. 6
If you’d like to prepare your own elements for home communion:
bread or bread-like item (cracker, pita, bagel, etc.) and grape juice, wine or water.
- 9 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
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10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor (see more info, below)
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10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Fellowship Hall (see more info, below)
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NEW TIME - 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
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FOR SUNDAY: HEARTS N MINDS - ADULT ED CLASS
“The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions?” - Terry Tempest Williams
The Hearts N Minds adult education class is engaging in a series of discussions designed to spark engagement with democracy and democratic values in a non-partisan way. They will examine the principles of democracy and how to put these ideas into concrete action in participants’ personal and community lives.
They will meet in the Parlor at 10 a.m. on Sunday; the discussion will focus on ‘civility.’ All are welcome to attend.
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FOR SUNDAY: BODY N SOUL - INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION
Intergenerational faith formation builds community across generations, providing a space and structure where persons of all ages can learn from each other.
The Body N Soul class is exploring the curriculum Current: Seeking Peace Together. Divided into four segments, this curriculum explores the topics: Peace with God, Peace Within, Peace with Others, and Peace with Creation. Each week introduces a new story from the Old or New Testament that illustrates God’s shalom.
Body N Soul meets weekly between services (10:10 – 11 a.m.) in Fellowship Hall and continuing through December. All are welcome!
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DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?
NOMINATIONS DUE SUNDAY, OCT. 13
It’s time to begin the important process of nominating appropriate candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees and members of the Nominating Committee.
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If you have someone you would like to nominate (or yourself), there will be printed nominating forms available in the Narthex (outside the Sanctuary) and on the info table at the 9 a.m. service. You can also use this online form (bit.ly/3zmHPiY). | |
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Please submit your nominations by Sunday, Oct. 13.
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.
Elders comprise the Session of the Presbyterian Church which is, in essence, the decision-making body of the church. They recommend and approve all program and policy implementation and modifications in the church. Elders serve a three year term and the Session meets monthly; Elders generally serve on one or more committees, which also usually meet on a monthly basis.
Deacons are the caregivers of the church. They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations. Deacons serve a three year term and typically meet monthly.
The Nominating Committee members are charged with identifying candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Nominating Committee itself. This committee usually meets three or four times each year; the term of service is one year, and a member may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds. Trustees will meet monthly and members will also serve on one additional committee, such as the property or finance committee, which also generally meet monthly. The term for Trustees is three years.
Thank you for supporting this important process!
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LET’S END HUNGER: ONE STEP AT A TIME!
Think about your own kitchen cupboards and refrigerator: for most of us they are probably well-stocked and your next meal is not in question. That is not the case for many of our neighbors – and here’s a way to have a positive impact on that situation.
The 39th annual event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13, with registration at 1:00 p.m. near the Sand Island basketball courts, with a step-off time at 1:30. Bikes, strollers, and canine companions are all welcome, and you can walk (run, jog, skip) one, two, or all 2.7 miles.
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You're invited to join some 300,000 walkers representing more than 700 teams from around the country in supporting hunger initiatives locally and around the world (25% of funds raised are kept for local hunger programs).
First Pres has a long history of ‘stepping up’ with a significant number of walkers and donors, so let's do it again!
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For more information, including a map of the route, and to register for or make a contribution to the walk, use the link, below.
If you would prefer to pay by check, please make it out to “CWS/CROP” and give it to Steve Simmons after Sunday worship or drop it off in the church office during regular office hours (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Let’s end hunger one step at a time!
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THIS SUNDAY! ‘BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS’
All are welcome to participate in the 6th annual “Blessing of the Animals” event offered this Sunday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.
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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.
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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 several volunteers for this 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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TRIVIA & TACO TUESDAY: COMING ON TUESDAY, OCT. 8
FPCB folks and friends are invited to meet at The Clubhouse Grill (400 Illick’s Mill Road) on Tuesday, Oct. 8 for dinner (optional – starts at 6:00 p.m.) and trivia (7:00 p.m.).
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If you’d like to join our team, contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865. You’ll need to sign up whether you come to dinner or not.
We always have a good time, and hope you’ll consider coming out on a ‘school night’ for some fun and fellowship!
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HI NEIGHBORS SPEAKERS PROGRAM: JOIN US ON MONDAY! | |
It was another big crowd for our popular Hi Neighbors program – this past Monday, John Gallagher shared the story of Bethlehem Steel exec Archibald Johnston. “Archie” was instrumental in bringing together four boroughs into the modern City of Bethlehem; John also had information about the renovation of the 1920’s Johnston mansion in Bethlehem Township. It’s always fun to learn about the history of our area! | |
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For this Monday, it will be more local history as Kay Wolff brings the story of the Historic Easton Cemetery, established in 1849 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Kay will also share how the 84 acre space is used by its community as a sculpture garden and recreation area, and its mission to maintain the cemetery’s original charm and architecture.
We start each session with a 9:30 a.m. Social Time in Fellowship Hall. An hour-long program follows at 10 a.m., focusing on topics like local history and culture, wellness, and technology. The complete schedule is available here.
All are welcome – no registration fee or sign-up needed. Just come and bring your friends!
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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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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 while they are visiting. 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 - WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
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10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor (see more info, above)
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10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Fellowship Hall (see more info, above)
- NEW TIME - 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (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
Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Acting Head of Staff/Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Suzanne Trump, Pastoral Associate for Compassion; STrump@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Crook, Director of Church Administration; ext. 210; DCrook@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Tracy Leszcynski, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; TLeszcynski@fpc-bethlehem.org
Brenda Robinson, Bookkeeper; BusinessOffice@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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