Friday, March 8, 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: CELEBRATING BAPTISM
This Sunday, we are celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism during the 11 a.m. worship service, which is always a special occasion. Given that, I want to follow up on the discussion about Communion last week to review why Baptism is so central to our worship and our faith, through some of the most common questions raised about it.
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Q: Why are we baptized?
In the Reformed theological tradition (of which Presbyterians are a part), we don’t believe that our salvation is contingent on being baptized. We believe we are baptized because we are saved, not saved because we are baptized.
Our tradition is relentless in its emphasis on the sovereignty and grace of God, which essentially means that God has both the first and final say on things.
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That, in turn, means that baptism is a response to God’s grace, not an acquisition of it. Instead, we talk about baptism as a sign and a seal of God’s saving grace. In baptism, we recognize and respond to that saving grace with gratitude and a commitment to a life of following Christ in our words, actions, and spirit.
And so baptism is both our formal inclusion in the church, the body of Christ, and our commissioning as Christ’s disciples and ministers; every Christian is called to ministry through their baptism. That is what is “different” about us after baptism. Those who are called to ordained ministries have specific responsibilities in the church, but those are in addition to the baptismal call that we all have.
Q: Is the water holy?
Yes and no; it depends on what you mean by that. Our understanding of the water is similar to our understanding of bread and wine (or juice!) in Communion: it is not made holy in itself, but the Holy Spirit works through it to be really present and active in the sacrament itself.
So it is holy in the actual act of baptism because of the presence of God’s Spirit in that moment, but it doesn’t stay that way afterwards. Think of the water more like a doorway that the Spirit moves through, rather than a room in which the Spirit lives.
Q: What’s the difference between baptism for infants and adults?
Because of our emphasis on God’s grace, we don’t believe baptism is a conscious “decision for Christ” like Baptists or some other traditions do. So we baptize infants because we believe that God’s grace is already at work before we are even aware of it or capable of any understanding of it. So there’s nothing different about baptism, per se, between infants and adults.
What’s different is that adults being baptized are also able to declare their faith in Christ and intention to follow Christ as a disciple and a member of the church. Those who are baptized as infants have to do that when they are old enough to do so in order to be full members of the church. That’s where the tradition of Confirmation came from, for example, but that’s a different article!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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- This week’s sermon: Come As You Are (But Don’t Stay That Way) by the Rev. J.C. Austin
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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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Don’t be early to our Sunday services! For this Saturday night,
set your clocks ahead one hour to “Spring Ahead”!
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THANK YOU TO THESE OUTGOING LEADERS
In anticipation of the ordination of new elders, trustees and deacons on Sunday, March 17, we will take some time in this Sunday’s Traditional service to acknowledge the service of our outgoing leaders.
We invite you to stay after the service for a short reception in Fellowship Hall, at which time you can express your personal thanks to elders Al Philpotts and Steve Samuelson, deacons Alecia Dietrich, Melody Engel, and Phil Fair, and trustees Bob Hunsicker, Maurice Kasmiroski, and Mark Swank. And there might be cake!
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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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LENTEN SUPPER SERIES: EXPLORING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Wednesday: March 13: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
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We have been exploring this extraordinary and world-changing kingdom as it is depicted in Matthew’s gospel, using a variety of activities including discussion, storytelling, and visual art (no talent required!).
Jim Stahl, Janet Stahl (right), Ginny Smith, Richard Smith, and Steve Simmons are our tour guides as we deepen our journey into Lent and look forward to Holy Week and Easter.
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NOTE: We're looking for folks to bring salads and desserts, and to help with set up / clean up. Use this easy online sign-up.
610-867-5865.
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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
Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6: 9, CEB)
Bread for the World is a Christian citizens’ advocacy organization celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded by the Rev. Art Simon in 1974, Bread has been instrumental in successfully pushing for legislation to provide food security in the US and worldwide. Well-respected on both sides of the aisle, Bread staffers work closely with our elected representatives to draft and pass legislation on agricultural policy and food assistance.
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One of Bread’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 (Palm Sunday) 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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Major provisions of the bill include disaster assistance for farmers, rural development, conservation and environmental stewardship (think organic farming and biofuels), forestry management, and a wide range of nutrition assistance programs for food-insecure households, including SNAP, Meals on Wheels, and WIC (you may be surprised to know that at present 53% of the nation’s infants are WIC recipients).
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: "Stumbling Over the Stumbling Stone" (pp. 65-72). 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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Easter Flowers - ORDERS DUE THURSDAY: We are taking orders for flowers for use in our Easter services – you will have your choice of a hydrangea ($22), tulip ($11) and daffodil ($11). Special envelopes are available at the worship services, or you can use the one in your pack of envelopes (or call the church office).
You can take home the flowers you order. Orders are due by next Thursday, March 14.
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MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK…
We are looking for a few extra hands to stay after the Traditional worship service on Sunday to help stuff goodie bags for the Easter Egg Hunt (coming on Saturday, March 23).
You can attend the reception after the service in Fellowship Hall, and then join us in the big kitchen – thank you!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! BES DINNER ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 |
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FPCB volunteers will be cooking and serving dinner for the guests at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering on Wednesday, March 20.
We 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 ON 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 on 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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BAKERS AND HELPERS NEEDED
We are looking for assistance for Sally Campbell's memorial service and reception for tomorrow (Saturday, March 9). The service is at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
If you can help with the donation of 2 dozen easy-to-eat cookies or bars, or can assist with set up or clean up, please use this online sign up form. |
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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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A SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY TREAT
The O’Grady-Quinlin Irish Dancers will be the guests of the Preschool next 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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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
- 12:00 p.m.: Leadership Transition Reception, Fellowship Hall
- 12:15 p.m.: Volunteers stuffing goodie bags for Easter Egg Hunt, Big Kitchen
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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