Friday, April 8, 2022 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary
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:
EXPERIENCING THE FULLNESS OF THE STORY
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week of the Christian calendar. Palm Sunday is a day of celebration, recalling the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem, when crowds of people lined the streets, waved palms, and laid branches and cloaks on the ground as a sign of honor. So it will be a celebratory day here at First Pres, too, with special music and palms.
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Next Sunday, of course, is Easter, the most important day of the Christian calendar, when we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead, opening the way to the abundant and eternal life he promised. But if you go from Palm Sunday straight to Easter, it’s like watching the first ten minutes of a movie before the main conflict begins, and then fast-forwarding to the end where everyone lives happily ever after. You miss the real depth and power and meaning of the story. So I urge you to make a point of experiencing the fullness of the central story of Christ’s gospel by participating in the special services we will have during the week. |
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The first is Maundy Thursday, at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall*. The word “Maundy” comes from a Latin word for mandate, and refers to Jesus’ new commandment to his disciples that they love one another as he loved them. So the service will center on Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, and will include both communion and an option (not an expectation) to experience the ritual of footwashing, which Jesus did for his disciples that last evening with them.
We celebrate communion on Maundy Thursday because the sacrament was instituted with the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. And the ritual of footwashing is a particularly powerful experience of Jesus’ definition of Lordship: humble, compassionate service. Even if you do not choose to experience it yourself, witnessing it has a deep spiritual impact.
The second service is Good Friday at 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary*, and will be a Tenebrae Service. Again, “Tenebrae” is Latin for “darkness,” and it is a service that walks through the narrative of Jesus’ arrest, torture, crucifixion, and death. A series of Scripture readings laying out the story is read, interspersed with appropriate hymns and music. After each reading, the lights in the Sanctuary are dimmed, until finally there is only candlelight to illumine the final reading.
The Christ candle, symbolizing Christ’s life, is then extinguished, and the service concludes in darkness and silence, symbolizing Christ’s interment in the tomb. I always struggle with choosing a single “favorite” of anything, but the Tenebrae service would certainly be in my top three favorite services of the year because of its simple yet searing power in helping us experience the profundity of Christ’s sacrifice in our hearts, minds, and spirits.
I am certain that your experience of both Palm Sunday and Easter will be much richer if you participate in these Holy Week services, and that your faith will be enhanced by them. I hope you will join in and experience the full blessings of Holy Week. See you in worship!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
*Both of these services – and the Holy Saturday Compline service scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. – will be offered in person and livestreamed on our Facebook page and on our website.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: A King Without a Crown 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 WORSHIP: NEW PROTOCOLS
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New building protocols: Anyone not fully vaccinated is requested to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth; double masks or N95 are recommended. Masks are optional for all others who are fully vaccinated. Masks are required for everyone for the Preschool & Extended Care program.
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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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HOSPITALITY TIME ON SUNDAY
You’re invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for coffee and a few refreshments starting at 10:00 a.m. This is simply a time to build relationships and connect with one another… what a gift!
We’ll also have a table for kids of all ages (including grown-ups who are kids at heart) to create faith together while enjoying a story and related craft. Hope you’ll join us!
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LOOKING AHEAD…
NOTE: All online services will be offered on Facebook Live and on our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
- Saturday, April 9: Memorial Service and Reception for The Rev. Keith Brown (11 a.m. – Sanctuary and online)*
- Sunday, April 10: Palm Sunday Services - 9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional (in person and online)
- Thursday, April 14: Maundy Thursday Service (7 p.m. – Fellowship Hall and online)
- Friday, April 15: Good Friday Service (8 p.m. – Sanctuary and online)
- Saturday, April 16: Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Fest (10 a.m. - noon)
- Saturday, April 16: Compline Service (8 p.m. – Sanctuary and online)
- Sunday, April 17: Easter Services - 9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional (in person and online)
MASK PROTOCOLS FOR KEITH BROWN SERVICE AND EASTER
As we notified you earlier, the FPCB Reopening Task Force has decided that masks would be required when attendance was expected to be over 50% of capacity. So for The Rev. Keith Brown’s memorial and reception on Saturday, April 9, and Easter Sunday (April 17), masks will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
CAN YOU HELP? We still have a few more volunteer slots and food/beverage donations to fill for tomorrow's service and reception:
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR: FOR THIS WEEK
Hearts N Minds, our adult ed class, will meet this Sunday, in person, from 9:45-11 a.m. (note the new start time) in the Children’s Center, room E3/4. Each week during Lent, we will ponder two-three brief articles describing the meaning of Lent.
Newspaper columnists, diarists and other writers often have strong reactions when they reflect on the ‘church practices’ of their childhood; how their personal beliefs cast doubt on the ways of the world; the difficulty believers have when life gets in the way, and what it requires to be a member of a faith family.
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3Iizxry
- 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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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - THROUGH EASTER
The first Presbyterian Special Offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, ends with Easter on April 17.
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Each gift to OGHS supports its Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program and its injustice program, Self-Development of People.
Learn more through the pamphlets in the Narthex and Kirk Center. Envelopes are available there. Checks can be made out to: FPCB with One Great Hour of Sharing on the memo line or through our giving link on our website ( fpc-bethlehem.org/give). |
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LAST CALL: ORDER EASTER FLOWERS BY SUNDAY
You’re invited to celebrate Easter through the donation of flowers in honor or memory of loved ones, to brighten our worship spaces. You can take your flowers with you after attending service on Easter morning.
This year, we have three options available for the suggested donations listed:
Hydrangea: $20
Tulips: $10
Daffodils: $10
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You can place your order by using one of the flower order envelopes available in the church, or in your pack of envelopes, if you order them. Orders are due Sunday, April 10.
You can also drop off a check to the Business Office, Attn: Easter Flowers, First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18017.
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Be sure to include what type of flower(s) you would like, the quantity, any names you wish to honor (‘in honor of’ or ‘in memory of’) and your name and contact information. NOTE: Because of all the information needed, we are unable to process orders placed through our online giving portal.
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EASTER EGG HUNT & SPRING FESTIVAL
We invite kids of all ages to a fun outdoor Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m.-noon.
In addition to the traditional Egg Hunt, we'll offer a variety of other activities, like rock painting, seed planting, and bubbles.
We'll gather on the lawn between the community garden and the Memorial Garden. All welcome!
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HI NEIGHBORS INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS: ALL WELCOME!
Hi Neighbors is meeting in person this Monday. Everyone is welcome to attend our session in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a hospitality time.
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This Monday, April 11, we will hear from Regina Kochmaruk: “See What’s New at the Library,” all about the services and resources at the four branches of the Bethlehem Area Public Library: main, SouthSide, Fountain Hill (Books on the Hill) and Coolidge. |
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Hi Neighbors will NOT meet on Monday, April 18 (First Pres will be closed). A program called “Hear Life’s Story”® by Blaise and Autumn Defino will be offered on Monday, April 25. |
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PRESCHOOL EASTER CHAPELS
All are welcome to attend: Preschool will offer an Easter chapel today at 9:30 a.m., and another on Monday at 9:30 a.m., both in the Sanctuary.
Preschool protocols require everyone to be masked, regardless of vaccination status.
Enjoy this celebration of the season with our Preschool kiddos and their families!
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AN UPDATE ABOUT ‘OUR’ AFGHAN FAMILY
Baz, Mursal, Taib, and Bahar have been acclimating to life in the Lehigh Valley for just over 10 weeks now. It has been a joyful whirlwind of challenges and blessings!
They’ve had more appointments with healthcare providers and caseworkers than I can count and experienced a number of American (or Lehigh Valley) firsts, too: Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, snow in March, the store-wandering robot in Giant, taco night, etc.
But here are the most exciting updates:
- Baz is two weeks into his job at LVHN’s Cedar Crest Hospital in an Environmental Services position. There are some other Afghan refugees who also work there! His shift is very busy, but he’s glad to be working.
- Mursal is expecting! The family is both thrilled and nervous about this because she is diabetic. Her OBGYN care team is wonderful, but she is busy checking her blood sugar six times a day and taking insulin four times a day to keep her and the growing baby healthy. It’s a lot to manage along with the family’s other needs.
- Taib started school as a first grader at the Elementary Newcomer Academy about a month ago. That’s a program specifically for students who are English Language Learners, and it’s walking distance from their home, which is great! He doesn’t like getting up early (school starts at 7:15), but he loves riding his bicycle after school.
- Bahar is silly and playful, learning a few English words and at times in her “terrible twos” as her parents have learned in their weekly ESL lessons.
They’re getting to know their neighbors who have been quick to offer support, connecting with other Afghans in area, and attending prayer services at the Islamic Center of the Lehigh Valley with their friend and US Tie, Kalim, who is a PhD student at Lehigh University.
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And our Refugee Family Support team has received the most generous hospitality in spending time with them:
Green tea served with dried fruit and nuts, halal Afghan meals, traditional Afghan music and dancing; stories about beloved extended family in other parts of the world, their harrowing escape from Afghanistan, and their time at “camp” - Fort Pickett, Virginia where they spent 5 months receiving cultural orientation and having various background checks completed to be granted Temporary Protected Status and get their work authorizations.
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The family has two possible paths to permanent residency, and our team is fortunate enough to have connections to pro-bono resources to support us in walking them through application processes for a Special Immigrant Visa and/or asylum, both of which would given them access to getting a Green Card and eventually becoming American citizens. (As it is, the program through which they were admitted to the U.S. - the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program - only makes them Humanitarian Parolees with just two years of protected status here. More on this soon!) |
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Our team has also helped the family deal with a leaky roof, broken window, and dying refrigerator. We’ve helped make sure their home is comfortably furnished beyond the essentials first provided by Bethany Christian Services through Outreach Depot. And we were able to cover their grocery and medical needs until their county assistance benefits began.
Your generosity is what has made all of that possible! To date, members and friends of our church have donated over $6500 toward our Refugee Family Support fund. And we received another financial gift of $4500 from some Lutheran friends on the Southside of Bethlehem who are also in the Bethlehem Interfaith Group. That $11,000 enables us to make sure that Baz and Mursal don’t have to worry about their family’s financial stability in the short term, and gives us a great start toward being able to help them meet some medium and long terms goals: getting driver’s licenses; finding a reliable, affordable (or free) used vehicle; and relocating to Bethlehem from Allentown when their lease is over next year. We are incredibly grateful!
In the summer months, our team looks forward to hosting a get-together for y’all to meet the whole family! And we’re hoping to work with some other members of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group to host a potluck gathering with and for other Afghan families resettling here, too.
This is the Lord’s work, dear ones. Many, many thanks for your support and encouragement!
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SAVE THE DATE: NEXT FAITH CRAWL ON SUNDAY, MAY 15 |
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The popular Faith Crawl offered in the fall of 2019 by the Bethlehem Interfaith Group is back! The bus tour of four local houses of worship is coming on Sunday, May 15.
The deadline to sign up is Sunday, May 1.
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Check out all the details in our easy online sign-up (you must be registered to attend). |
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CHURCH OFFICE UPDATE
The church building (offices and Preschool) will be closed on Monday, April 18. They will re-open on Tuesday, April 19. The Preschool will also be closed on Friday,
April 15.
The Building Re-Opening Task Force has reinstated our volunteer receptionists staffing the office. However, please continue to 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.
The South entrance door is unlocked between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Thursday, and on Sunday mornings.
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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 - PALM 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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NEW TIME! 9:45 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, in person and via Zoom (details above)
- 10 a.m.: Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall
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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 South entrance will be open during these hours, and on Sunday mornings. The building (offices and Preschool) will be closed on Monday, April 18. The Preschool will also be closed on Friday, April 15. All will re-open on Tuesday, April 19.
Many of the office staff are continuing to work 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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