Friday, February 11, 2022 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)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
ANNOUNCING NEW PROTOCOLS
Friends, I have some good news for you from the Session’s Building Reopening Task Force. As you know, this Task Force has been guiding us throughout the pandemic in terms of our responses to the risk levels of church activities in terms of Covid transmissibility. Its members include people with a range of relevant professional expertise, with particular representation in terms of virology, public health, and medical science and practice.
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Most recently, in early January, the Task Force recommended a series of additional protective protocols for us to follow for any onsite ministries of the church, in response to the startling breadth and speed at which the Omicron variant was spreading at that time.
These additional protocols included: physical distancing of 6 feet in the building between households; closing off every other pew in the Sanctuary, limiting pews to one household, and an end to the choir singing in the Traditional Worship service; and limiting the Contemporary Band to one singer.
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At its meeting earlier this week, the Task Force noted that new case rates in Northampton County have fallen almost 90% from the high of the Omricon wave about a month ago. Additionally, most models are predicting a prolonged lull in new infections, given how far and fast Omicron spread among the unvaccinated, unless a new variant arises that changes those dynamics. As a result, the Task Force has decided that circumstances no longer require the additional protocols put in place for Omicron. Therefore, we are rolling most of those additional protocols back, effective immediately.
I want to stress that a properly fitting mask is still required for all persons, two years old and older, at all times when inside the church buildings. This change is about the additional protocols that were added on top of that in order to protect against the increased risk from Omicron. So, aside from a mask, the only remaining protective protocol from that increased protection is skipping every other pew in the Sanctuary, which the Task Force felt provides a moderate level of decreased risk without any real imposition on worshippers.
In fact, the Task Force has taken the additional step of greenlighting the serving and consuming of food and drink indoors for Hospitality Hour. The requirement will be that, once the Hospitality Hour is reinstituted, people will still wear their masks unless they are actively eating or drinking; at those times, they may remove their mask in order to do so, and replace it when they are done. The Congregational Life Committee is now considering when and how to reinstitute the Hospitality Hour, and once they have had a chance to do so, more information will be forthcoming about that.
I want to thank the members of the Task Force for their ongoing faithfulness and wisdom in doing this hard and sometimes confusing work of helping us navigate the challenges of the pandemic. And I want to thank all of you, the members and friends of this congregation, for your prayers and support as we continue to get through this pandemic together. In the meantime, I look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Planted by the Water by The Rev. J.C. Austin
- We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP: UPDATED PROTOCOLS
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Everyone over the age of 2 is required to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth; double masks or N95 are recommended.
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Everyone eligible is expected to be fully vaccinated, which now means the initial course of vaccination plus a booster, if you are attending any in-person events at the church.
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
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We will 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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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: THIS SUNDAY
Souper Bowl of Caring was established in 1990 by Rev. Dr. Brad Smith from Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC to empower youth and unite communities to tackle hunger using the energy of the Big Game.
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For many years it has been a tradition of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem to participate in collecting for our local ministry partners in helping those less fortunate. In years past this included a soup luncheon to help raise funds. |
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For this year we are asking for the usual monetary offering and also request nonperishable foods to be given to the food banks. The money that is collected will go to pay for dinners that we will be doing at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering over this year. Donations will be collected at both services on Sunday, or you can make a gift using our online giving portal at fpc-bethlehem.org/give (put "Souper Bowl" in the memo box).
Both New Bethany and Turning Point have indicated that they really can use the canned goods, especially protein items like tuna and chicken.
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CELEBRATING SCOUT SUNDAY
The 112th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America will be celebrated on Sunday. Our sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 302 since November, 1917, is the longest continuous sponsoring relationship of a Boy Scout troop in Bethlehem.
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On Sunday, scouts and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 302 are assisting the usher team at the Traditional worship service. The troop greatly appreciates our support.
Despite COVID disruptions, our troop has remained strong and currently has 33 scouts. When available, our troop has met in the Kirk Center on Monday evenings, but due to COVID, they have also met off campus at Bicentennial Park and on Zoom. During 2021, five of our scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
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For more information about our troop or Boy Scouts of America in general, contact Scoutmaster Scott Munro at 908-216-0057 or Troop Committee Chair Randy Stonesifer at 610-691-6376. |
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“Bethlehem Is No Home for Hate”
Recently, not only nationwide but in the Lehigh Valley, we have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of hate speech and literature being circulated by the “Patriotic Front” and other white supremacist groups and individuals. Our Jewish friends, in particular (and the list could also include our Black, Muslim, and Hispanic neighbors, among others) fear not only verbal abuse but actual violence from others who claim to be the only “true Americans.”
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In response to this development, the local chapter of the NAACP and the Mayor’s Community Advisory Board, with the endorsement of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group, have launched a “Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley Are No Home for Hate” campaign, and have asked residents of the Lehigh Valley to weigh in by signing a petition to this effect. |
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We invite you to show your support for this effort by signing the petition, either online (https://chng.it/DpnLJ95q) or in person following Sunday worship. Let’s show our community that Bethlehem is, indeed, “no home for hate.”
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR –
New Time! Via Zoom only!
Hearts N Minds, our adult ed class, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom only. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be no class next Sunday, February 20.
There is nothing to read in advance of this Sunday’s gathering; the topic to be discussed is “Is America for Everyone? Who Decides?”
We will examine the ‘Preachers of Piety’ and the businessmen in the 1940s and 50s who worked purposely to ‘christianize’ the country. They backed legislation to add ‘in God we Trust’ to currency and ‘one nation under God’ to the Pledge of Allegiance. The Gideons, who were Christian traveling salesmen, put millions of their version of the bible in hotels, but did you know they distributed more than two million books to public school children, with the blessing of school boards? The class welcomes everyone with an inquiring mind.
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/34pMHUZ
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To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 842 1225 8913, then press # and then # again.
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DISCIPLESHIP OFFERING: THREE-PART SERIES
Wednesday: Feburary 23
7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom
The Discipleship Committee will conclude its three-part series, What Does It Mean to Confess the Faith Today? on Wednesday, February 23 – there is no class this coming Wednesday. If you would like to view the two previous sessions: bit.ly/3HLeYDU
“Jesus is Lord.” That was the first creed of the church, but it was hardly the last. From that simple affirmation, a large (and sometimes bewildering) assortment of confessions has unfolded over the centuries, from the Nicene and Apostles Creeds through the Presbyterian “Brief Statement of Faith” to the 2020 “Reclaiming Jesus” affirmation. Our Book of Confessions alone has a dozen of them.
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Why so many? How do they come to be? Why do we use them in worship? Why have confessions and creeds at all? You’re invited to join Lindsey Altvater Clifton and Steve Simmons as we consider what confessions are, what they do, and what they can mean for us today. |
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom ling: bit.ly/3aeqLLD
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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.
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HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT “OUR” FAMILY
We’d be incredibly grateful for monetary donations to help us meet the ongoing needs of our Afghan refugee family - Baz, Mursal, Taib, and Bahar. If you are willing and able to make a contribution, you can do so online through the church’s “Give” page (fpc-bethlehem.org/give) or with a gift on an upcoming Sunday.
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However you make your gift, please label it “Refugee Family Support” so that it can be accounted for and allocated correctly.
It would also help our finance office if your designated gift is made separately from any regular offerings.
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CHURCH FRIENDS FEED OUR NEIGHBORS
Fourteen “willing and wonderful” FPCB volunteers – in the words of their dedicated leader, Ginny Shunk – prepared and served turkey chili, rice, coleslaw, bread and assorted desserts for 59 neighbors and three staff at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering. They also prepared 60 bags of breakfast items for the following morning.
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BES Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering is a faith-based partnership that provides a network of care and hospitality for our unhoused neighborsr community. Overnight sheltering is provided during the coldest months of the year - November to April.
There are opportunities for individuals to assist with these meals; check their website sign-up at bit.ly/3HUrPmY.
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A NOTE ABOUT THE ANNUAL REPORT
or contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865 to request a copy and we will mail it to you next week.
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HELP US FILL THESE OPEN POSITIONS
A growing church means growing our staff – if you know of anyone who might be interested in any of these positions, please have them contact us at HR@fpc-bethlehem.org. These are summaries of the job descriptions.
Administrative Coordinator (new title): to run an effective, smoothly working administrative operations office. 20-25 hours per week. These are a few of the responsibilities: manage/coordinate church calendar of activities and facility use with sensitivity to multiple stakeholders; coordinate facility use requests with Facilities Maintenance Team to ensure all stakeholder needs are met; and maintain an accurate and current church member database.
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Sunday Child Care: an additional hourly childcare worker for the church's childcare room on Sunday mornings from 8:30-12:00 each week. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have (or obtain) current clearances (criminal background check, child abuse clearance, FBI fingerprint certification).
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Facilities Associate II: to care for church facilities, equipment and grounds. The Facilities Associate II cleans building areas, configures facility for events and assists event participants when needed. Maintains grounds and performs routine mechanical maintenance. Reports breakdowns or major problems. Average hours per week = 25. Three to six month’s related experience or training required.
Preschool Administrative Assistant: to support the Director of our Preschool and Extended Care. The position requires 25 hours per week, with some core and some flexible hours. Because we offer summer learning programs, the position requires availability year-round. HS diploma required, but Associate’s Degree in business, education or related field preferred.
Some of this position’s responsibilities include helping the Director to: prepare and organize enrollment paperwork, answer phones, take messages; maintain substitute teacher list and contact them when needed; collect tuition and enter all receipts/expenditures and deposits into the church’s financial system.
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HI NEIGHBORS: COMING SOON!
Hi Neighbors - our popular weekly speakers' program - is back and in person beginning on Monday, March 7.
For our opening program we’ll enjoy some wonderful animal photographs by John Cordes, the chaplain at Kirkland Village. We’ve also scheduled presentations to help you avoid scams, as well as more of our popular “armchair travelogues.” And the Bethlehem Mounted Police will visit our Preschool in the spring, which we’ll participate in.
Watch for more details to come!
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CHURCH OFFICE UPDATE
The Building Re-Opening Task Force has decided to suspend our volunteer receptionists staffing the office, for the time being. Please contact the staff person you need to speak with, to set up an appointment – staff are working remotely as much as possible. If you don’t know who to contact, email us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to Covid restrictions the building's South entrance is only open for Sunday morning worship; it is locked at all other times. You will need to enter the building using the Kirk Center (northeast) entrance (or the person you are meeting with can let you in the South entrance).
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A NOTE ABOUT CLOSURES AND CANCELLATIONS...
Should we need to close the building and/or cancel events or office hours, we will make those announcements on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org), Facebook page, and WFMZ (both on wfmz.com and on their TV announcements). Messages will also be placed on the church phone, 610-867-5865.
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LOOKING AHEAD... more details to come
Wednesday, March 2: Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 - Wednesday, April 6: Lenten Sessions
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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...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter is
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
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9 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online
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9:30 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class via Zoom only, details above
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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
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICES
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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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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the Traditional Service
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.
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WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday,
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The office is not currently staffed with a receptionist. The building's South entrance is locked during the week so you will need to use the Kirk Center (northeast) entrance (or the person you are meeting with can let you in the South entrance).
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.
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).
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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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