*Be sure to read to the end - if you see "View entire message" at the bottom,
click that to see the rest of the newsletter.*
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Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 Newsletter
For 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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IMPORTANT UPDATES:
- There will be no newsletter for next week (dated Friday, Dec. 27) but on that date we'll email the Traditional bulletin for Sunday, Dec. 29. The next newsletter will be dated Friday, Jan. 3.
- This newsletter includes the list of people who donated poinsettias for our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve, as well as the bulletin for this Sunday’s 11:15 a.m. Traditional Service. On Monday we will email you the two Christmas Eve bulletins.
- The church office and building will be closed beginning Tuesday,
Dec. 24 (the Preschool is already closed). The church office, building and Preschool will reopen on Monday, Jan. 6. See details below about making your 2025 pledge, and end of year donations.
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON: LOOKING AHEAD
Greetings, all!
Ready or not, we’re coming down the home stretch of our Advent journey. Sunday morning, we’ll gather to hear one final set of Words for the Beginning: Hope is Worth the Risk.
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Then on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. we’ll return for our annual Christmas Joy Concert, which is always a delight (also livestreamed on our Facebook page and website).
On Tuesday, we’ll celebrate Christmas Eve with two worship services: an intergenerational, family-friendly service at 4:00 p.m. and a traditional Lessons & Carols service at 7:00 p.m. (Both will conclude with our candlelight Silent Night ritual.) These are two services filled with the warmth, light, and love which accompany Christ’s birth, so I hope you and yours are able to join us!
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Laura, the pups, and I will hit the road on Christmas Day to make the trip home to North Carolina to spend time with our families. I’ll be back in the office on Monday, Jan. 6. During that time, Suzanne will be on call for any pastoral care needs, and she is leading worship on Sunday, Dec. 29. Then Steve Simmons will lead services to ring in the New Year on Jan. 5.
As we look ahead to 2025, I want to get a couple of important dates on your calendars.
First, on Sunday, Jan. 19 following the 11:15 a.m. service, the Strategic Mission Steering Committee will be offering an update on its work. We’ll gather in Fellowship Hall, and snacks will be provided. Second, on Sunday, Feb. 16, we’ll have one worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary followed by our Annual Congregational Meeting and Boy Scout Pasta Lunch Fundraiser.
Finally, here’s a brief update on the progress of the Transitional Pastor Search Team:
After posting the Transitional Pastor position on Church Leadership Connection (the website for our denomination’s search and call process), we received more than 20 matching candidates. The committee reviewed all the candidate profiles, looking for prior experience both in transitional ministry and as a Head of Staff.
About half of the candidates met those qualifications and were contacted to confirm their mutual interest in our open position. The search team then had initial interview conversations via Zoom with a few top candidates. Subsequent in-person interviews will be scheduled for early January.
Deep gratitude for your prayers and continued support of FPCB!
Peace, friends.
Lindsey
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FOR SUNDAY: HEARTS N MINDS - ADULT ED CLASS
The Hearts N Minds adult education class has planned special experiences for the Sundays in Advent, including for this Sunday – all are welcome:
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Although we have heard the story of Jesus’ birth time and time again, Ginny Smith will be taking us on a deeper journey into this familiar ancient story. She will be guiding us as we take our time to listen to and then reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, allowing space and time for prayer and meditation as it seeps deep into our hearts and spirits. | |
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Join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Parlor for this time of renewing connection with the quiet, profound truth of Christmas that Jesus came to be one of us, to be God with and within us, that God is present in our very lives here and now. Come, enter into the Christmas story with contemplative hearts and minds.
There will be no class on Sunday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Jan. 5.
In January the group will begin a discussion of the book, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World by John Phillip Newell. We encourage you to find your copy at an independent or used bookstore (brick-and-mortar or online).
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FOR SUNDAY: BODY N SOUL IS BACK
Body N Soul, our intergenerational faith formation group, meets this Sunday between services (10:10 – 11 a.m.) in Fellowship Hall. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, they will share seasonal stories, crafts, and conversation. All are welcome!
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ADVENT COLLECTION IS UNDERWAY!
We are collecting items for two local organizations, Turning Point and Northeast Community Center.
Collection boxes are in the North Link, Kirk Center entrance, and by the south entrance.
We can really use donations for Turning Point!
Turning Point: NEW ONLY
mens boxers and basic clothing (sweats, T-shirts, etc.) [all sizes];
boys underwear (4T-14); toddler clothes (boys and girls);
womens underwear, PJ’s and leggings (S-XL) and ankle socks
Northeast Community Center
pancake mixes (using water), syrups, canned soups (pop top lids are best), cereals and oatmeal
PRINT THE FLYER
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OUR GIVING TREE IS UP AND READY FOR YOU
Have you been in the North Link outside Fellowship Hall? Our Giving Tree is decorated with lights and ornaments, with the ornaments representing tools and supplies for people who need a hand up. Choose from among many options like sewing machines, clean water, chickens, and much else – many price points are available.
Choose an ornament or several, put them in the basket, give your check (made out to PCUSA - not FPCB) or cash to the Mission volunteer and know you have done some good in the world.
You can also ‘shop’ online here – peruse the options and make your payment to PCUSA directly. Having a hard time thinking of just the right gift for a relative or friend - how about something from the tree?
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THANK YOU FOR DONATING POINSETTIAS TO BEAUTIFY OUR SANCTUARY... we appreciate your generosity!
Those who donated are welcome to take their poinsettia home with them after the service they attend.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday, Dec. 21: Concord Chamber Singers Concert, 4 p.m., Sanctuary (ticketed event)
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Sunday, Dec. 22: Christmas Joy Concert, 4 p.m., Sanctuary (and livestreamed)
This annual favorite features several ensembles conducted by David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries at First Pres, including the church's Chancel Choir, and the Touring and Treble Choirs of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Arts.
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It will be offered in person and livestreamed on our Facebook page and website (and available to view the video on our website in case you miss it). | |
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Tuesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve services – 4 p.m. Intergenerational and 7 p.m. Traditional, Sanctuary (and livestreamed)
Both of these services are offered in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on our Facebook page andwebsite (and available to view the video on our website in case you miss it)
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Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Friday, Jan. 3: Building/offices/Preschool closed for the Christmas/New Year holiday (reopening on Monday, Jan. 6)
Sunday, Dec. 29: 9 a.m. – Holy Ground service; 11:15 a.m. – Traditional service
Sunday, Jan. 5: 9 a.m. – Holy Ground service; 11:15 a.m. – Traditional service
Sunday, Jan. 19: 12:15 p.m. – Strategic Mission Planning Committee Update, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, Feb. 16: 10 a.m. – Combined Worship Service; 11:30 a.m.: Annual Congregational Meeting; 12:30 p.m.: Boy Scout Pasta Lunch
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AND IN CLOSING...
Donna Taggart (far right) shares this story of folks coming together: Rosa Carides-Hof, Donegan Elementary's Community School Coordinator (left) contacted her to say that there are many families at their school who were struggling with the holidays.
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Donna reached out to Al Philpotts and Deb Philpotts (center), who coordinate the team of mentors from FPCB, who work directly with the students. Donna, Al, Deb and the mentors all contacted friends and family, who came together to support 95 students this holiday season. | |
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:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for the next newsletter:
THURSDAY, JAN. 2 at noon**
* * *
And follow us on Facebook: @FirstPresBethlehem
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 "Watch" at the top and then the "Watch the Service" button
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- Captions are 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
- 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)
- 10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor – all are welcome
- 10:10-11 a.m.: Body N Soul Intergenerational Faith Formation, Fellowship Hall – all are welcomel
- 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) THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. - Chancel Choir rehearsals, Sanctuary; newcomers welcome!
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY: The building and offices will be closed between Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 5 – reopening on Monday, Jan. 6. The Preschool is closed and will also reopen that day.
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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