Friday, November 19, 2021 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)
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
BALANCING HOSPITALITY AND SAFETY

This week, I want to inform you about some changes to our building access that the Board of Trustees has approved on a trial basis, and which we will begin next Monday, November 22 and run through at least January 15; the Trustees will evaluate at their January meeting and determine whether to continue them, adjust them, or return to our current practices. 
These changes are in response to some building security concerns that have come to light since we have reopened the building after its closure during the worst of the pandemic, so let me explain those and then what we will be doing to try and address them appropriately and effectively.

As I often like to say, our building is simultaneously one of our greatest congregational assets and our greatest congregational challenges. The sheer size and complexity of the church building is one of the key dynamics in so many ways related to it being both an asset and a challenge. This is true in terms of security, as well. 
On a given weekday when the church is open, there are essentially three main ways to get into the building: the South Entrance right by the Church Office; the accessible entrance on the west side of the North Link between the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall; and what I’ll call the “North Entrance” on the east side that is near the warming kitchen that links to the Kirk Center/Gym and Preschool.

During the day, these entrances are all more or less under observation: Facilities staff are generally around the latter two, and Office Receptionists can see the South Entrance. After 4 p.m., though, the Office Receptionists close the office and go home, and thus the South Entrance is no longer under observation at the precise time when building activity in the South Building tends to be growing low (our evening committees are generally meeting on Zoom these days and thus not gathering in those spaces as they did pre-pandemic). 

From a security standpoint, this is problematic, as it means someone can enter the building without anyone being aware of it and have access to the entire South Building and even beyond, as staff and evening programs are generally in the northern areas of our complex at that point. And, in fact, we have had multiple “visitations” from unknown persons through the South Entrance since we have reopened the building because of this problem. Fortunately, those particular people did not take anything or cause any problems, but the potential risks there are both obvious and significant.

Accordingly, the Trustees have approved, on the trial basis described above, a shift in our building access through the South Entrance. That entrance will be open as usual from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, when the Office Receptionists are on duty. Whenever the Church Office is closed, however, the South Entrance will be closed as well, and anyone wishing to enter the building while it is open after 4 p.m. will need to do so through the North Entrance by the warming kitchen.

Remember there is an elevator there that provides accessibility for people who need to get to Fellowship Hall or elsewhere on that level of the building, so you should plan to park in the back of the church and enter through the North Entrance in any case after 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Finally, please remember that both the Church Office and the South Building are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and so unless there is a specific event happening on one of those days (i.e., a memorial service, a fellowship program, a mission project), the South Entrance will be closed and you will also not be able to enter the South Building from the North Entrance; that entrance is open on Fridays for the Preschool and not at all on Saturdays.

As always, one of the challenges for hospitality is balancing openness with safety, and we feel like these steps will be helpful for getting us back into balance for the use of our buildings. However, we welcome any feedback, questions, or concerns that you have during this trial period; you can send an email with your thoughts to info@fpc-bethlehem.org and it will be passed on to the Board of Trustees for inclusion in their evaluation process. Thank you!

Grace and Peace,
J.C.
FOR THIS SUNDAY

Scripture lesson
                          
Click the link to read the verses
-This week’s sermon: Kingdom and Kindom by The Rev. Cynthia Leslie Simmons

-We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:

  • Everyone over the age of 2 is required to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth.
  • Please maintain a minimum of a 3 foot distance between household groups/pods.
  • Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
  • We will offer nametags for folks to wear – you can pick up as you enter the worship space; please write your first name.
CELEBRATING ADVENT

On Sunday, November 28, we will worship at a Combined Service
in the Kirk Center beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an intergenerational
Advent Festival beginning at 11 a.m. At this time we will also
decorate the church building for the Advent season.
Please join us for this special service of thanksgiving and gratitude. We will hear two gratitude testimonials and enjoy a selection from the Chancel Choir.

We will also celebrate communion (if you are at home, please prepare your elements in advance: a bread or bread-like item, like a cracker, bagel or pita, and grape juice, wine or water).

We look forward to worshipping with you, either in person in our Sanctuary or livestreamed on Facebook or on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org).
SERVICES FOR REV. KEITH BROWN ANNOUNCED

Plans have been announced for a memorial service for Rev. Keith Brown. It is scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church’s Sanctuary. More details will be shared closer to that date.
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Combined Worship Service at 10 a.m. in the Kirk Center
followed by
Advent Festival & Hanging of the Greens at 11 a.m.

Join us for a festive kick-off to the Advent season. We’ll gather first for a combined service in the Kirk Center, and afterwards meet in Fellowship Hall for special activities, including decorating the church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Bethlehem Luminaria Night – beginning at dark
Indoor Advent Walk from 5-7 p.m. in the Kirk Center

Against the backdrop of our city’s annual Luminaria Walk, we offer five stations that call up reflections on specific homecomings, dedicated to the themes of our ancestors, communities, personal guides, earth, silence, and self. These remembrances of past connections, wisdom texts, and supports remind us of those guides that have supported our own call to birth Christ in the world.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Longest Night Service
6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and on our website

This service provides space for those who are grieving a loss in their lives (whether a person, a job, an experience, a dream) to engage the deep truths of Advent and Christmas without feeling forced into experiences of cheer that they are not feeling.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Christmas Joy Concert
4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Also livestreamed on Facebook and on our website

Join us for a selection of Christmas choral and handbell music to prepare your spirit for the coming of Christmas! Our guest ensembles this year include the Choir of St. Tikhon's Russian Orthodox Monastery and the Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, who will join our Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers. A love offering will be collected with a suggested donation.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Services
In person and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
4:00 p.m.: Intergenerational Family Service
7:00 p.m.: Traditional Service
11:00 p.m.: Communion Service
SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES

Our Fellowship & Formation Hour offerings will be held this Sunday, November 21; they will not meet on Sunday, November 28 because of our 10 a.m. Combined Worship Service and 11 a.m. Advent Festival.

HEARTS N MINDS

Hearts N Minds meets both in person and via Zoom (video as well as audio-only option). Details below. We will start at 10 a.m.

We are reading Father Greg Boyle’s incredible book Barking to the Choir (ISBN 978-1-4767-2615-1). For this Sunday, we will discuss chapter 9 and the Epilogue.
PHYSICAL LOCATION:

We will meet in classrooms E3&4, which are on the second floor of the Kirk Center. Use the elevator that is outside Fellowship Hall (stage end), or if you enter the building via the double doors on the east side of the building (Kirk Center entrance), bear left to the elevator. Take it to the 4th floor. Exit the elevator and proceed through the rotunda. Turn right and continue down the hall to Neighborhood E (rooms 3&4). NOTE: Church protocol requires masks to be worn correctly when inside the building.
ZOOM:

  • To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3aeqLLD

  • 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. 

KIDS CLASS

The Rev. Cynthia Simmons and Kate Arrington host kid-friendly faith formation on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. They will use the Family Story Bible to create interactive lessons about New Testament stories. To join online, use this Zoom link.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BUILDING RE-OPENING TASK FORCE

Masks will be properly worn for all in-person activities, events, and meetings, by everyone over the age of 2. There is no eating or drinking in any gatherings within the building. Outdoor eating and drinking are permitted.

Vaccinations are required for those attending in-person meetings, not including worship, and a virtual option should be provided, if needed. For programs (e.g. Hearts N Minds, Hi Neighbors, Boy Scouts), we require masks and no eating food or drink indoors. 

Please maintain a 3-foot distance where possible. Vaccinations are not required but are strongly encouraged and we recommend that individuals who are not vaccinated take advantage of the virtual options that are provided.

For events by outside groups held inside the church, vaccinations are required along with masks and no food or drink.
HI NEIGHBORS:
COMING MONDAY
Mondays:
9:30 a.m. Fellowship time outdoors
(as weather permits)
10:00 a.m.: Presentation in Fellowship Hall (in person only)
The last session in our fall series will be offered on Monday, November 22: ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ by Dick Matthews. We hope you'll plan to attend this interesting program.
LOOKING FOR SOME HELPERS

It will soon be time to decorate our building for Advent! Those interested in helping are asked to come at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, November 20 to begin preparing lighted garlands, trimming wreaths, etc. This will primarily be inside work.

If you have wire snips and/or a step ladder to bring along, that would be helpful. You may also want to bring a lunch you can eat outside, should you continue to help through lunch time.

_________________________________________

Our partner, Northeast Community Center, 1161 Fritz Drive in Bethlehem, is looking for tutors for their Homework Club. The program serves 15 students in elementary and middle school, and runs from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, when school is in session. There is a snack time, then homework until 4:30 p.m. and a craft time until 5 p.m. 

Volunteers need to be fully vaccinated, and fill out an NECC form. The child abuse, state police and other forms will be done at the center at no cost. 

The need is for two volunteers on Monday and Tuesday, and one volunteer on Wednesday and Thursday. Most volunteers come one day per week. Please consider supporting this valuable resource for the Pembroke-Marvine students!

If you are interested please contact Leslie Pohl at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave her a message at 610-867-5865.

_________________________________________

Thank you to those who have answered the call to help staff the receptionist desk in our Church Office. We have one shift still available: Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. If you are interested please contact Cristy Mette.

_________________________________________

We need a few extra hands to support our Preschool’s Poinsettia and Wreath fundraiser! The plants and wreaths will arrive on Wednesday, December 1, and we need some folks to help us organize the orders and assist others with their pick-up. If you’re available (most likely for morning hours) and interested in helping, please contact us.
FLOWER MINISTRY FOR DECEMBER

We are in need of flower donations for the Sanctuary for December 19 and December 26. If you are interested in donating, contact us at flowers@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865. Thank you for considering!
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
Fair at prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org to keep us up to date.

PRAYER REQUESTS...
Send any prayer requests to prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865 and leave a message.
Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter: TUESDAY at noon**
* * *
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
CALENDAR

THIS SUNDAY

  • 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers for directions)
  • 9:00 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestreamed
  • 10 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour – see details above for Hearts N Minds and Kids Formation classes
  • NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m.: Combined Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestreamed - see instructions in blue box, below, to join us online, and in the yellow box to join us via phone
FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
To watch “live”- as it happens:

  • Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
  • NEW! 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
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the 11:15 a.m. 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.
TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. - Handbell rehearsal, Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. – Chancel Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary

ALL OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS AND GATHERINGS ARE CANCELLED AT THIS TIME unless offered online (see listings on our Facebook page under “Events”)

CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: The church office is open Monday –Thursday, 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. 

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).
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org

The Rev. J.C. Austin, Pastor/Head of Staff: ext. 213, JAustin@fpc-bethlehem.org

The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Associate Pastor of Formation and Justice; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org

David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org

Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;

Rebecca Angione, Facilities Director: ext. 210; RAngione@fpc-bethlehem.org

Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Maintenance Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org

Oscar Mendoza, Director of Business Administration: ext. 210; OMendoza@fpc-bethlehem.org

Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper: email: CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org

Carol Burns, Communications Manager; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org

Laura Hawk, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; LHawk@fpc-bethlehem.org

Website:  www.fpc-bethlehem.org