Friday, November 5, 2021 Newsletter
COMMUNION 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: A GREAT JOY
I am pleased to announce that we will be reopening the “physical” Church Office on Monday, November 8.
As you know, we closed the Church Office at the church property in March 2020 in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The church staff was directed to work remotely unless their physical presence onsite was essential to conducting the duties of their position, and our volunteer receptionists stayed home, as well.
|
|
Some staff were onsite more than others because of their responsibilities; obviously, the facilities staff could do very little of their work remotely, and finance staff had an unavoidable presence as well. But for the most part, the staff has worked and met remotely since the physical closure of the office in 2020.
Last spring, before the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, the Session’s Building Reopening Task Force felt that pandemic conditions were such that we could responsibly begin gathering indoors again in small groups with appropriate protocols in place (i.e., masks and physical distancing).
|
|
|
The church staff began making plans to reopen the Church Office onsite. Those plans included some adjustments in light of the wisdom we acquired during the course of the pandemic and, in particular, the question of staff productivity.
Prior to the pandemic, we already had a relatively flexible staffing plan in terms of working remotely vs. onsite. However, when the staff was forced to go remote-only, they found that they were often more productive working from home, especially on larger projects, than they were in the Church Office, because there were far fewer interruptions to their work than sitting in the office with people coming in and out regularly.
At the same time, there was also a loss in terms of informal staff communication and collaboration, as well as the loss of hospitality and service to both members and the larger community by not having the Office open at all.
With all that in mind, we have developed a new staffing plan for the Church Office that would allow us to reap many benefits from flexible time and remote work while also ensuring that the Church Office would be open, welcoming, and fully functional.
Essentially, this plan boils down to the volunteer receptionists returning to staff the Reception Desk from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, which is the same pattern that we had prior to the pandemic. In addition, though, there will now be a designated staff “shepherd” in the office to be a resource for the receptionist who is on duty, to assist with any particular inquiries or requests.
Finally, one of the pastors will be designated as the “on-call” pastor while the Church Office is open, not simply after-hours, to respond to any pastoral needs. Thus, we will have a clear three-tiered staffing plan for any time the Church Office is open, which also allows other staff to be either onsite or working remotely, depending on what is most helpful to their workflow, when not serving a shift as a “shepherd.”
This is the plan we will be implementing this coming Monday, and so you can expect to see the smiling faces of our receptionists and staff members if you are onsite during office hours. Just as before the pandemic, it is always advisable to make an appointment with a member of the church staff if you are wanting to meet with them in particular rather than attempt to just “drop by.”
Some of our staff are part-time, and thus may be off at the time that you come by; but regardless of hours, they may be working remotely when you come by, as well. And, even if they are onsite, our staff keep very busy schedules and may not be available at the time you come by if they are not expecting you.
So, we urge you to make an appointment if you are needing to see a particular staff person so that they can be sure to be available and prepared to meet with you when you come. And, of course, remember that you will need to follow current COVID-19 protocols when you do come, which currently require a mask covering your face and nose at all times while indoors, and a minimum of 3 feet of physical distancing.
It is a great joy to be returning to a physically open Church Office at long last! Your church staff is grateful for your support and looks forward to greeting you at your next visit during the week.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
|
|
Sunday is Communion
If you would like to participate from home, please prepare your elements beforehand:
a bread or bread-like item (pita, cracker, bagel, etc.) and grape juice, wine or water
|
|
FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson
Click the link to read the verses
|
|
-This week’s sermon: On the Way:
We're Going FIshing by The Rev.
Lindsey Altvater Clifton
-We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
|
|
|
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.
|
|
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT!
For Sunday: Contemporary Worship Town Hall
As J.C. shared in last week’s Pastor’s Message, the Worship Committee is planning to explore the dynamics and opportunities of our Contemporary Worship service. Your input is welcomed and encouraged!
One way to secure that feedback is through two Town Hall opportunities, where you will hear more about some of the questions we’re asking, and you can express your own thoughts on the matter.
|
|
The first “Contemporary Worship Town Hall” will be in person in the Kirk Center immediately following the Contemporary Worship service this Sunday, November 7.
The second will be a Zoom meeting on Monday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m. (link will be in next week’s newsletter).
|
|
|
We will also have a short survey to get your input, that we will be sharing with you soon. Thank you for participating in this community effort! |
|
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.
|
|
DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE? NOMINATIONS DUE SUNDAY
The Congregational Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Elders, Trustees, Deacons, and Nominating Committee members.
November 7.
|
|
You can nominate yourself or someone else for any of these important leadership positions (anyone you nominate will be contacted by the Nominating Committee to be sure they are eligible and in agreement to run). |
|
|
-
Elders comprise the Session of the Presbyterian Church which is, in essence, the decision-making body of the church. They recommend and approve all program and policy implementation and modifications in the church. Elders serve a three year term and the Session meets monthly; Elders generally serve on one or more committees, which also usually meet on a monthly basis.
-
Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds. Trustees meet monthly and members also serve on one additional committee, such as the property or finance committee, which also generally meet monthly. The term for Trustees is three years.
-
Deacons are the caregivers of the church. They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations. Deacons serve a three year term and typically meet monthly.
-
The Nominating Committee members are charged with identifying candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Nominating Committee itself. This committee usually meets three or four times each year; the term of service is one year, and a member may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Thank you for participating in this vital aspect of the life of our congregation.
|
|
SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES
Our new Fellowship & Formation Hour offerings will continue through the start of Advent, and include these two options: our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, and a special kid-friendly faith formation session. (NOTE: The kids class will not meet this Sunday but will resume on Sunday, November 14.)
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. Everyone is welcome to join.
We are reading Father Greg Boyle’s incredible book Barking to the Choir. For this Sunday, we will discuss chapters 6 and 7. Everyone is welcome to join.
|
|
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.
|
|
LOOKING AHEAD!
-
Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on Wednesday, November 23 at 7 p.m., both in person and via Facebook Live. You may have heard an announcement that it would be held on Tuesday night, but it will be held on Wednesday.
-
On Sunday, November 28, we will worship at a Combined Service beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an intergenerational Advent Festival beginning at 11 a.m. Watch for details!
|
|
The Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG) has announced plans for “A Service of Thanksgiving,” planned for Sunday, November 14 at 4 p.m. It will be offered in person at Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem. Everyone is welcome to attend.
It will also be available to livestream via YouTube at bit.ly/2Z5M9Aj.
The service will feature contributions from many of the faiths represented, including music, readings, prayer, and interactive responses. Rev. Madelyn Campbell of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley will offer the meditation, and the choir from St. John AME Church, and the Lehigh University Glee Club, are scheduled to provide musical selections.
The Covid-19 protocols of the host church, Central Moravian, will be in place: all attendees must correctly wear a mask, and sign in upon arrival, for contact tracing purposes.
A free will collection will be taken to benefit New Bethany Ministries, an interfaith, non-profit organization with its main location in Southside Bethlehem. Its staff, along with over 900 volunteers, spent more than 20,824 hours serving their neighbors in the past year. They mobilize community partnerships, relying heavily on volunteers, to impact almost 9,000 people annually.
|
|
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)
|
|
All are welcome to attend our next session for Monday, November 8’s presentation, offered by world travelers Sally and Jerry Roe: “Romania 2019.”
For Monday, November 15, Leslie Pohl will make a presentation on ‘The History and Responsibilities of the U.S. House of Representatives.’
|
|
|
The last session in our fall series will be offered on Monday, November 22: ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ by Dick Matthews.
As a reminder, church COVID protocols must be observed at all times: masks must be properly worn, and please keep three feet between household groups. We hope you'll plan to attend these interesting programs.
|
|
JOIN OUR TEAM OF RECEPTIONIST VOLUNTEERS!
Beginning Monday, November 8, the receptionist desk is staffed from Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. We divide each day into two shifts: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. We have two shifts available to anyone interested in helping the church staff on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The main duties are answering the telephone and greeting visitors. Receptionists then communicate messages to staff via email or transfer calls to their desks. Sorting mail and helping staff with small projects during their shifts are some other activities our receptionists do.
Our receptionists are the first smiling faces that our members and visitors meet and this role is so important to our mission. If interested, contact Cristy Mette at cmette@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
|
|
HELPING HANDS PLANS NEXT TRIP
Register by Tuesday
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.
The cost is $200.00 per person and participants must register by this 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.: Contemporary Worship Town Hall in the Kirk Center
-
10 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour – see details above for Hearts N Minds (NOTE: No Kids Formation Class today)
-
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 will re-open on Monday, November 8 for regular office hours of 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
Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
