Friday, October 15, 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: RUNNING THE NEXT RACE
This week we’re starting a new sermon series in worship that will take us through the remaining Sundays of the season, sometimes called “Ordinary Time” in the Christian calendar.
“Ordinary Time” is called that because that’s what it is: the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent in which there are no special Christian seasons or holidays aside from the Sunday before Advent, which celebrates the reign of Christ over all creation (we’ll talk about that another time!). Ordinary Time is, well…ordinary, when nothing special or unusual is happening.
|
|
When we celebrated Pentecost back in May, it looked like Ordinary Time was going to be both extraordinary and a new kind of ordinary: we were headed towards a resumption of in-person worship and ministry for the first time in 15 months, and had a sense that the worst of the pandemic might be behind us. We began gathering for worship in person as well as online in late June with great excitement and relief, and the summer beckoned with new opportunities for community, service, and rest. |
|
|
Sadly, the sudden rise of the Delta variant scrambled many of those hope and plans. One article I read around that time said that it felt like we had all just completed a marathon, but at the finish line, instead of being handed water and blankets, we were handed new numbers and told to start the next race right there.
So far, this race is not quite as arduous in itself as the first one: those who are vaccinated are far less likely to get infected, and far less likely to require hospitalization if they are. But it is still another race to run when we thought we had just finished one. And we are tired, and uncertain of what lies ahead and how long it will take us. But it seems like “ordinary” is going to elude us for a while yet.
With all that in mind, then, our sermon series this fall is entitled, “On the Way.” Before Christianity was called “Christianity,” it was known as “The Way.” This Sunday, October 17, we’ll be exploring what that means and how it is good news for us here and now in this time of uncertainty and fatigue.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be exploring how, even and especially in the midst of our current uncertainty, being “on the way” gives us strength, guidance, energy, and hope, and invites us to help others on the way, as well.
I’m grateful for each and all of you as companions on the way, and look forward to exploring this journey together!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
|
|
FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson:
Click the link to read the verses
|
|
· This week's sermon: On the Way by
The Rev. J.C. Austin
· We post each week’s sermon
(audio and text) on our website:
|
|
|
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 wear a mask.
-
Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – please ask a greeter 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.
|
|
For those interested…
If you have challenges hearing the Traditional service in the Sanctuary, we have a solution: headsets that tap directly into the sound system. Ask an usher for assistance.
|
|
SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES
We had a great start to our new Fellowship & Formation Hour offerings that began last week. Until the start of Advent, it will include these two options: our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, and a special kid-friendly faith formation session.
HEARTS N MINDS
We will return to our regular adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, at a new time and location – both in person and via Zoom (video as well as audio-only option). Details below. We will start at 10 a.m.
We kick off the season with Father Greg Boyle’s incredible book Barking to the Choir (ISBN 978-1-4767-2615-1). For Sunday, we will discuss the first chapter, “Come Dance With Me” and we ask that you watch this short video by Father Greg about practicing love: bit.ly/3mWnExI.
|
|
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
We’ve decided to postpone launching the intergenerational class (for kids and youth) using the Seeking Justice Together curriculum until there’s a vaccine available for kids under 12.
In the meantime, The Rev. Cynthia Simmons and Kate Arrington will 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.
ZOOM:
|
|
HI NEIGHBORS: ANOTHER INTERESTING PRESENTATION
Mondays:
9:30 a.m. Fellowship time outdoors
10:00 a.m.: Presentation in Fellowship Hall (in person only)
|
|
On Monday, October 18, we will hear from Frank Stone at an in-person presentation on Sapiens: including a glance at the history of the universe (right).
The following Monday, October 25, learn about Home Care Services from Amy Pacheco. November 1’s presentation will be by State Rep. Steve Samuelson, “Update on the Census and Redistricting.”
|
|
|
As a reminder, church COVID protocols must be observed at all times (and are subject to change). We hope you'll plan to attend these interesting programs. |
|
The Book of Acts: What’s a Church Like You Doing in a Place Like This
Offered by the Discipleship Committee
October 20 and 27 (Wednesdays)
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
It’s not too late to join this program! Please feel free to join in, whether you attended the first sessions or not. (If you missed them, you can watch it here: bit.ly/3aGqMrT)
When Jesus told his disciples, “I send you out as sheep into the midst of wolves,” he wasn’t kidding. In many ways, the Roman Empire of the first century was an unimaginably hostile place to plant a new faith based on a crucified leader whose followers acclaimed him as “the lamb who was slain” and the Prince of Peace.
Yet the movement Jesus initiated grew to encircle the globe and claim some two and a half billion followers. How did that happen?
|
|
Reading through the New Testament book of Acts, we will see how the seeds of faith planted by the Apostles germinated and grew in the early days of Christianity, laying the foundation for the church and leaving important lessons for what many are calling a new “apostolic age” in our own time. |
|
|
The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons will lead our conversation. |
|
INQUIRERS SEMINAR: BEGINS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
If you are interested in exploring church membership, please contact The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton at lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865.
|
|
More about this very funny show: “When Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path.
"Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind....”
|
|
|
Following current CDC Guidance for Northampton County, the Playhouse is requesting that all audience members wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Their staff and volunteers will also all be wearing masks; the cast is vaccinated and have all chosen to not wear masks while onstage. |
|
PARTICIPATING IN OUR FLOWER MINISTRY
Are you interested in donating the flowers that are placed under the cross in the Sanctuary during a worship service? Some families like to do this in honor of a loved one, or to commemorate a special occasion like a birth, birthday or anniversary. You can give us those details to include in that Sunday’s bulletin. The cost is $75.
NOTE: Sundays from October 31 to the end of December are available.
You can contact us via email (flowers@fpc-bethlehem.org) or phone (610-867-5865); please be sure to include your full name and a way to contact you (phone and/or email).
|
|
CROP WALK CONTINUE
Sunday, October 17
3:30 p.m.
Sand Island – D & L Trail
Many thanks to those who have contributed to this year’s CROP Walk for Hunger; so far, we have raised $1,045 to help provide direct food assistance, agricultural tools and supplies, and other resources to help alleviate hunger at home and around the world (one quarter of the receipts are kept for local use). There is still time to make a gift… and to walk.
|
|
We will be hiking the D &L Trail from the westernmost parking lot at Sand Island to the old lock (when you get to Sand Island, continue south until you reach a dead end. Turn right and proceed to the last parking lot - watch for potholes!). We will meet at 3:15 p.m. and step off promptly at 3:30. |
|
|
To make a donation and/or join the team, please use this link (bit.ly/3o0WKXP) or, if you wish, you can write a check to the church and put “CROP Walk” in the memo line. As always, thanks again for your generosity in walking and giving “so that others may live.”
|
|
HELPING HANDS PLANS NEXT TRIP
The Helping Hands Care Team of Lehigh Presbytery has scheduled a mission work trip to New Bern, North Carolina. The trip will take place from Saturday, December 4 – Saturday, December 11.
|
|
Volunteers are needed to assist with the recovery efforts after hurricanes and flooding caused extensive damage to the churches and homes in that area. It takes years for areas to recover from these storms and every “helping hand” makes a difference in the lives of people who lost so much. |
|
|
There are no specific skills or experience required, other than to be flexible and provide whatever help is needed. There are jobs for every skill level and we have experienced volunteers to help train you. We do, of course, welcome those with plumbing, electrical, roofing, and dry wall installation skills.
As previous volunteer Leslie Pohl writes:
We are looking for folks to join us on the trips. No skills are required, but you will need to try new things and use big person toys. For this you'll be greatly rewarded. Sense of accomplishment and pushing your boundaries will be the reward. Meeting new friends and seeing other parts of our country are a given. The best part is that you'll be helping the folks that really need it.
The cost is $200.00 per person and participants must register by Tuesday,
November 9; there is an orientation on Thursday, November 11. You will need to provide proof that you have received the COVID vaccine. No one can participate unless they are vaccinated due to the close quarters during travel in rented vans and the sleeping arrangements at the church.
If interested, please send an email to Kevin Kehoe at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865.
|
|
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...
|
|
Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter: WEDNESDAY at noon**
* * *
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 Class
-
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 office staff is working remotely and checking email and voicemail daily. 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
Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
