Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 Newsletter



For Sunday



10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship Service in the Sanctuary

(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)

A MESSAGE FROM REV. SUZANNE TRUMP: PAYING ATTENTION

Greetings to members and friends,

On Tuesday afternoon, Lindsey’s beloved grandmother passed into eternal life. Lindsey is currently spending time with her family and will return to church on Sunday. Please keep Lindsey and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Reflecting on my sermon last Sunday I continue to think about what it means to “Just show up” for those in need. How do we show up when a funeral is several states away? How do we show up when there is yet another school shooting in Georgia? How do we bear each other’s pain and listen to the stories of those who live so far away? How do we listen to stories of people we do not know? I cannot answer these questions for you. In fact, I am trying to discern the answers for myself.

We can vote to improve our laws, create meaningful mental health initiatives, and work together to create a community that honors the dignity of every single person. 

It is human nature that we do not bring things up if we think it might upset another person. For example, not talking to our students and teachers about school violence because it might upset them. Not talking to people who are grieving because it will make them cry.

We do not make them cry; they cry because they are sad and that is OK. The only way through grief and fear is to walk through it and our calling is to walk with them. Perhaps we cry with them. We acknowledge their grief, their fears, their anxieties. We listen to their stories, we allow them to be heard, to be assured of our comfort and willingness to walk through the pain with them. 

At some point in our lives, whether we want to admit it or not, we need someone to walk with us. To remind us of God’s love and forgiveness. To share our grief, to honor our dignity and worth as a child of God.

I pray that this week we are all listening, paying attention, focusing on what God is calling us to do right at this very time and in this very place. God bless you on your journey.

Blessings,

Suzanne

FOR THIS SUNDAY

I Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 (Common English Bible)

• Sermon: Where Is God in This? by Rev. Dr. Virginia B. Smith
• We post the video of each week’s services and sermon text on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org

TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper:



Summer Worship Service (7 pages)

FOR NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

• 9 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
• 10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor (see more info, below)
• 10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Fellowship Hall (see more info, below)
• NEW TIME - 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org

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. Through biblically-based storytelling, small group conversations, interactive group activities, and opportunities for individual contemplation, participants encounter God’s word and explore how it is active in today’s world.

This fall, the Body N Soul class will be 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 beginning Sunday, Sept. 15 and continuing through the end of the year. All are welcome. Want to learn more about the fall curriculum? Check out sample materials and visit with members of the class during Lemonade on the Lawn this Sunday.

LOOKING FOR LECTORS

It's that time when we put out a call for volunteers to serve as lectors (readers) in our worship services. This is a great way to become involved in the worship life of our church.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 15, you can choose from the 9 a.m. Holy Ground (contemporary) service or the 11:15 a.m. Traditional service. Use the easy online sign-up, below.

DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?

Although it seems early to begin the process, as a congregation, we will soon be embarking on the important process of selecting our next group of leaders. Over the next few weeks we will be introducing you to the various positions that will be available – Elders, Deacons, and Trustees - and meet some of our current leaders.

"We also endeavor to foster a spirit of community by hosting picnic lunches at various local parks as well as other activities throughout the year.”

The Deacons serving alongside Evelyn are Kate Arrington, Jeanette Claessens, Jeff Csatari, Yvonne Green, Jane Mackie, Jane Masters, Marie Rosenthal, Doreen Sheppard, and Phyllis Walker.

FOR THIS SUNDAY: JOIN US FOR LEMONADE ON THE LAWN  

Our time of fellowship after the Sunday service is an important part of our congregational ministry! All are welcome to join us for “Lemonade on the Lawn” – this week will be our last gathering. Thanks to the Arrington family for serving as our hosts this Sunday.

And a special round of gratitude for all the groups who stepped up to support this summer's gatherings: the Trustees, Property Committee, Deacons, Philpotts K Group, the Cookie Crew, and the friends and families of the Rosettis, Jen Cole, Jan Bickford, Cindy King, and Betsy Simpson.

SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL CROP WALK COMING SUNDAY, OCT. 13

SUPPORTING OUR PRESCHOOL

The FPCB is invited to help support the start of the new school year for our Preschool. As you are able, if you are in a position to donate any of these items (by Sunday, Sept. 15), it will be appreciated!

Donation tubs are located in the Narthex, and near the south entrance and east entrance doors. 

JOIN THE GATE COMMUNITY’S BOOK CLUB

Sixty-five million adults in the U.S. have dropped out of active church attendance and about 2.7 million more are leaving every year. Faith After Doubt is for the millions of people around the world who feel that their faith is falling apart.

The four stages—Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony—offer a path forward that can help sincere and thoughtful people leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify their commitment to what matters most.

The Gate Community Church is offering a Book Study that is open to all. It will run on Wednesdays: (NEW) Sept. 11, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, and Oct. 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Warming Kitchen (next to the Kirk Center). Use this link to sign up:

A NEW SERIES OF HI NEIGHBORS PROGRAMS: STARTING SEPT. 16

Here’s an early alert that we will kick off the fall series of Hi Neighbors programs on Monday, Sept. 16. Come and learn the fascinating – and tasty – history of Josh Early Candies, a regional favorite for 120 years.

The complete schedule is available here (and if you’re on our mailing list, you’ll soon be receiving that information directly).



All are welcome – no registration fee or sign-up needed. Just come and bring your friends!

FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:



• Child care will be available from 9:45-11:15 a.m. this Sunday morning; please ask an usher for directions.



• 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.



• 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.

THIS SUNDAY



• 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
• 10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website, including a brief Congregational meeting
• 11:00 a.m.: Lemonade on the Lawn – all are welcome!

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.