Friday, April 1, 2022 Newsletter
COMMUNION 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:
A NEW LOOK FOR COMMUNION
If I was hard-pressed to name my favorite part of Christian worship, I think I would finally have to say it is the Sacrament of Communion. Communion, of course, has been one of the more challenging aspects of worship to include during the COVID pandemic.
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Sacraments, after all, are tangible “signs and seals” of God’s acts of grace towards us; that is their point. So to celebrate Communion, you have to really have bread and wine (or things that are related in some way to them, such as wafers and juice), and you really have to be in, well, communion with others.
In the Reformed theological tradition from which Presbyterians come, you can never celebrate Communion on your own; that would simply be a snack! Communion requires at least two people, because it is a gift to the church, not to any individuals.
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When we first entered the lockdown phase, then, the question arose: can you celebrate Communion digitally? For our friends in some other Christian traditions, such as Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and most Lutherans, the answer they arrived at was “no.”
That’s because their theology is that the common bread and cup used in the sacrament during worship are literally transformed in their inward substance into the body and blood of Christ, which is how worshippers then commune with Christ.
Reformed theology is different on this, though; it says that we do, in fact, commune with the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, but Christ’s presence is spiritual, not material. In other words, the Holy Spirit transforms us rather than the bread and wine; the Spirit moves in and through the experience of celebrating the sacrament together to lift us up spiritually into the presence of Christ.
And that meant, for us, going to digital-only Communion was possible, because Scripture says that the Spirit, as the Wind of God, blows where it chooses (John 3:8), and Jesus promised to send the Spirit to his disciples to remind us of everything he said (John 14:26), which is part of what happens in Communion.
Given that, saying that the Internet could prevent the Spirit from joining us together in communion with Christ and one another is almost heresy! It’s also why we insisted on doing livestream digital worship rather than prerecording, though, because that way everyone was communing at the same time and in the same movement of the Spirit.
In some ways, returning to an in-person option for worship was a little more complicated for Communion. We adopted a set of protocols to both ensure that the sacrament did not become an opportunity for transmitting COVID, which is why we needed to make the juice “portable” for people to take back to their seats rather than everyone in the Sanctuary removing their masks and potentially exposing the server while they communed.
Now that we have gone to mask-optional worship, however, and given the ongoing low rates of transmission in Northampton County, we have decided to change this policy. You will still have the option of picking up a pre-packaged juice container, if you prefer to continue with Communion that way. However, starting this Sunday, we are returning to the practice of offering an open chalice for people to come forward and commune by “intinction,” or dipping your bread in the juice of the cup, communing on the spot, and then returning to your seat.
While the pre-packaged juice has been a gift in managing risk so far, I am grateful we are in a place to return to our traditional practice of Communion. But whichever way you choose to commune on Sunday, I look forward to being with you in worship and communing with you in Spirit this Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Seeds of Life 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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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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During Lent, we celebrate that God connects with us through Jesus’ resurrection. It connects us with those who have the least. One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is about those who Jesus connected with, the Bible says, those oppressed, in need, have loss or are lacking. |
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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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LENTEN READINGS FOR THIS WEEK
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LENTEN SERIES: THE LENTEN WILDERNESS JOURNEY
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.: April 6
In person and via Zoom
Lent presses us to consider Jesus’s wilderness experience. A wilderness where safety and comfort are taken away. His journey forced a wrestling with God; yes, even a tussling with tempters. For Jesus, it was a place of loneliness: a time of questioning, and self-doubt. As modern-day pilgrims, we too have our own lament, with struggles that leave us vulnerable and exposed.
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For one more Wednesday evening - April 6 - come gather with fellow wanderers who are called to follow Jesus.
This Lenten practice will also express our heart’s own lament of struggle, yet remind us of a God who hears us and never fails to continually seek out and gather us in.
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Join us to appreciate Lenten scriptures and secular readings which serve as guideposts in our larger spiritual journey. We offer a Lenten practice that expresses our hearts to a God who hears our lament out of the fullness of all that we are. Each Lenten session invites quiet contemplation, group discussion and fellowship, seeking new ways to find strength to go where Jesus leads us.
The in person classes will be held in classrooms in the Children’s Center – use the back (east) parking lot to enter through the Kirk Center doors and you will be directed.
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3MnQByz
- To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 817 4968 707, then press # and then # again.
If participating from home: you may want to print these documents:
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IT’S TIME TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS
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 send 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 & SRING 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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Our presentation is “Hinges of American History: Turning Points of the Civil War” by Michael McGovern.
Next 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.
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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. – Sanctuary 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)
*We are in need of volunteers to help us on this day. If you already sent us an email to say you would help: would you kindly fill out the online form so we know specifically what you would like to donate or how you would like to help.
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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.
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CAN YOU HELP? NEW “JOB SHARING” SHIFTS AVAILABLE
We recently began staffing the church office with our dedicated group of volunteer receptionists. We currently have two open shifts available - on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Typically our volunteers sign on for one, every-week shift, but we are putting out the call to see if anyone is interested in taking two shifts a month (every other week). Let us know if this (or an every week shift) interests you – please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865. Thanks for considering this way of serving our church!
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Preschool is currently registering students for the 22-23 school year, but spaces are limited for children ages 2-4.
The program is also in need of an Assistant Extended Care Coordinator for their after school program. Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., and this is a year-round position. A degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education is required.
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For more information on either opportunity, contact Laura Hawk, Preschool Director, at lhawk@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-2956. |
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DEACONS CORNER
The Deacons are the caregivers of the church, ordained lay members of the congregation who are best described as the church’s ‘ministers of mercy.’ They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations.
They would like to remind everyone to contact them if a family member is in the hospital. The current hospital info system has been unreliable since Covid, and they are missing info when congregants are hospitalized. Also, home visits and home communion are now possible again.
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CHURCH OFFICE UPDATE
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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A NOTE ABOUT CLOSURES AND CANCELLATIONS...
Should we need to close the building and/or cancel events or office hours, we will make those announcements on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org), Facebook page, and WFMZ (both on wfmz.com and on their TV announcements). Messages will also be placed on the church phone, 610-867-5865.
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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
- 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.
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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