Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26:
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE
10:00 a.m. COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE*
(* also available on our website and via phone)
|
|
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
- The bulletins for the Christmas Eve services are included in this newsletter.
- This newsletter includes the bulletin for this Sunday’s Combined service at 10:00 a.m.
- The bulletins for the two services for Sunday, January 2 will be emailed to you next Friday, December 31 (just the bulletins - not a full newsletter).
- The next newsletter will be dated Friday, January 7.
|
|
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS EVE
As you’re reading this, it is almost Christmas Eve, one of the biggest days of the year in the worship life of this and pretty much any other church! As you have heard already, we are once again having three Candlelight Christmas Eve services: an Intergenerational Service at 4 p.m., a Traditional Service at 7 p.m. with Lessons and Carols and a Christmas homily, and a Candlelight Communion service at 11 p.m. I hope to see you at one of those services, either in person or on the Facebook livestream!
|
|
Some of you have asked about whether COVID protocols will be changing in light of the surge in the Omicron variant of the virus in the last week or so. Our Task Force carefully considered the various data, factors, and current CDC recommendations, along with what our peer churches are doing for Christmas Eve.
After weighing all of that, the Task Force determined that our current protocols are sufficient. As a reminder, that means a mask covering your nose and mouth at all times inside the building, and maintaining at least three feet of distance between your household and anyone else’s while you are seated in worship.
|
|
|
For those who are comfortable shaking hands and such, that remains permissible; the scientific research indicates that the chances of passing the virus by surface contact are exceedingly low. However, those who remain uncomfortable with such contact are more than welcome to indicate that simply by placing a hand over your heart during the Peace, etc. My guess is that about 40% of our Sunday morning congregation falls into the latter camp, so you will certainly not be alone!
Finally, I want to remind you that, on the Christian calendar, Christmas begins on Christmas Day rather than ends there! This year, we will have two Sundays in the Christmas season: December 26 and January 2. Worship on December 26 will be a Combined service in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m., so please note the change in the normal schedule that day.
And finally, we will be observing Epiphany, the visitation of the Magi to Jesus on January 9. This year, we will be doing so with a special new activity: Star Words. You will hear more about this in early January, but it is a practice in many churches to observe Epiphany, which of course corresponds roughly with the start of a new secular calendar year, and is a way to go through the year with thoughtfulness and intentionality in your faith.
So, I am excited about a wonderful new Christmas season, and one that allows us the option once again to come together in person! I look forward to being in worship with you on Christmas Eve, and wish all of you a merry and blessed Christmas.
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
|
|
FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson
Click the link to read the verses
|
|
-This week’s sermon: Close to Home:
Chosen Home 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 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
-
We will offer nametags for folks to wear – these are for everyone! You can pick up as you enter the worship space; please clearly write your first name.
|
|
SCHEDULE CHANGES
The church office, building and Preschool will be closed
the week of December 27, reopening on Monday, January 3.
See details below about dropping off end of the year donations.
|
|
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
In person and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org)
4:00 p.m.: Intergenerational Family Service
A service of readings and carols featuring the singers and acoustic instrumentalists of our contemporary ensemble. All are welcome to this family friendly and engaging service.
7:00 p.m.: Traditional Service
A joyous festival service of readings and carols, featuring the Hill to Hill Brass Quintet, the FPCB Chancel Choir, and FPCB Chancel Ringers, including works by George F. Handel, John Tavener, Dale Wood, and Steven Pilkington. The triumphant exclamation of brass and the warm glow of candlelight consecrate this service on the holiest of nights.
11:00 p.m.: Communion Service
A deeply contemplative service of readings and carols, including communion, with music by Johannes Brahms, Herbert Howells, and Charles V. Stanford. A service for those who wish to celebrate Christmas Eve with a final moment of peace and serenity.
|
|
(click the link above)
If you contributed, please feel free to take home a poinsettia
after you attend Christmas Eve service.
|
|
SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR
Our Fellowship & Formation Hour is offered between our two Sunday morning services, at 10 a.m. There are options for adults and kids, and all are welcome.
Neither class will meet on Sunday, December 26 or January 2.
HEARTS N MINDS, our adult ed class, meets both in person and via Zoom (video as well as audio-only option).
|
|
Beginning on Sunday, January 9, the class will read the book, The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential, by N.T. Wright (2013, Harper One Imprint, ISBN 978-0-06-223050-8).
|
|
END OF YEAR DONATIONS TO FPCB
You may be considering an end of the year donation, to take advantage of tax credits. You can make those donations on our website, fpc-bethlehem.org/give or
via check.
If mailed, your donations must be postmarked as of Wednesday, December 29. Also, If you wish to drop off your donation, you may do so on Wednesday, December 29 between 9 a.m.-noon – The South entrance will be open, and you can drop your donation in the mail slot drop box located on the inner glass door of the administrative office suite. Thank you for supporting FPCB!
|
|
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, except for specially-announced occasions. 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, unless specifically-announced.
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.
|
|
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 the next week newsletter on Friday, January 7:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 at noon**
* * *
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
|
|
CALENDAR: DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 3
Friday, December 24
-
Christmas Eve Services at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the Sanctuary and via livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online or via phone (audio only)
Sunday, December 26
- 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
-
10 a.m.: Combined Worship, in person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online or via phone (audio only)
Monday, December 27 – Thursday, December 30: BUILDING, OFFICE AND PRESCHOOL CLOSED
Reopening on Monday, January 3: See above for dropping of end of year donations
Sunday, January 2 – Communion Sunday
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9 a.m.: Contemporary Worship, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website
-
NEW TIME! 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 or via phone
|
|
TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICES
-
Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
-
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 Christmas Eve and Sunday services (January 2: Traditional service only)
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 (December 21 only)
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
The church office and Preschool will be closed the week of December 27, reopening on Monday, January 3.
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: Regular office hours resume January 3: 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;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
