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Friday, December 16, 2022 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
9:00 a.m. ‘Holy Ground’ Contemporary Worship in Fellowship Hall
(in person only)
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, and audio via phone)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: We hope you will join us!
Christmas is almost here! The busyness of the season is in full swing, I know, and that is certainly the case here at First Pres over the next few days.
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But in the midst of that busyness, I hope that you will both seek and find time for reflection, celebration, and simply “being” with others rather than being swallowed by all the “doing” that tends to happen at this time of year.
To that end, there are several special opportunities to do just that in the life of the church over the next few days, and I want to encourage you to take advantage of those as Advent comes to a close and the Christmas celebrations begin.
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This Sunday is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, of course, and we will be observing that in the regular worship services Sunday morning. And I don’t want to move too quickly past that, which is tempting throughout Advent, but particularly as Christmas draws so close.
After worship services on Sunday morning, though, we begin moving into Christmas. That begins on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. with the Christmas Joy Concert offered by the Chancel Choir. They will be joined by the Touring Choir of Lehigh High Charter Arts High School and the Concord Chamber Singers.
This is a festive and beautiful offering for which our choir has worked long and hard in preparation; it will be a wonderful way to pivot towards Christmas, and I hope you will make a special effort to join me in attending.
On Wednesday, December 21 at 7 p.m., we will have our annual counterpoint to the Christmas Joy Concert, which is the Longest Night Worship Service. It is literally on the “longest night” this year, but the title is also metaphorical in the sense of the challenges of the Christmas season for anyone who is experiencing any kind of loss or grief, whether that is a new development or an ongoing reality.
It is a contemplative service, held in Fellowship Hall, and creates space for both mourning and hope in the context of Christmas. It is a particularly meaningful service and I encourage you to make space and time for it if you are at all able.
And finally, I want to remind you that our Christmas Eve schedule is a bit different this year: we are having two services, not three. The Intergenerational Service is at 4 p.m., and the Traditional Christmas Eve Service is at 7 p.m. Both take place in the Sanctuary and include candlelighting and a brief sermon.
And since Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year, we will be having a special Christmas Celebration Service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. This is very much a “come-as-you-are” service, and that includes Christmas pajamas!
It will be an intentionally intergenerational service with Christmas carols and stories, and even a visit from a special guest who plans to join us; we are grateful that he’s willing to come after what will have been a long and VERY busy night of important work for him…
I look forward to being in worship with you during this special time if you are in town (or can participate digitally*); if you are traveling, know that you are in our prayers as you do so, and I hope it is a merry and blessed Christmas for you wherever you may be!
Grace and peace,
J.C.
*NOTE: The Christmas Joy Concert, Longest Night Service, Christmas Eve services, and Christmas Day service will all be offered as livestreams on our Facebook page and website.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Luke 1:39-55
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: On the Threshold by
The Rev. J.C. Austin
- We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
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AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM
THE BUILDING REOPENING TASK FORCE:
The Task Force is reminding you that there is a “triple-demic” of three dangerous viruses in the Lehigh Valley: Covid, influenza, and RSV.
There are rising case numbers for all three of these viruses both in the community and among our own church congregation and staff. We strongly encourage people to wear masks. Most importantly, if you are not feeling well, even if you have a “cold,” please attend digitally. What seems like a mild cold could be the predecessor to one of these serious viral infections. We need to protect those members and their families who are immune-compromised or vaccine ineligible.
If you have not been boosted with the bivalent Covid vaccine or have not had your flu shot, please consider attending digitally. Flu is raging now in the community. If you get it, you should ask your doctor for one of the flu drugs such as Tamiflu that, if taken early, moderate your illness.
For Covid, the Pfizer drug, Paxlovid, is prescribed for high risk people. If you get Covid, we recommend that you consult the CDC website (use this link: bit.ly/3FRqT3l) to help you determine when you can end isolation.
Starting this Sunday, in order to reduce contact and possible virus spread, we will be marking every other pew in the Sanctuary with a yellow post it note. Please don’t sit in these rows. If we all work together we can reduce the impact of these viruses on our vulnerable members and ourselves.
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FOR SUNDAY MORNING
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Sunday mornings; please ask an usher for directions.
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We offer nametags for folks to wear; please clearly PRINT your first name.
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Through the Christmas Joy Offering, we reflect God’s perfect gift to us, Jesus Christ, with generous support of church leaders among us – past, present and future – who have pointed us to God. We honor and celebrate leaders like retired pastors, church workers and their families, who now find themselves in critical financial need. We also honor emerging leaders like students in schools and colleges equipping communities of color who prepare to bring their gifts in service to the world. | |
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Please consider donating. Envelopes are available in the narthex, Fellowship Hall, and in your pledge envelope box. | |
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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED: ADVENT SERIES CONTINUES
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday from 9:45-10:40 a.m. in room 178 (on the ground floor, beneath Fellowship Hall). All are welcome to join in!
As we anticipate the time of year that celebrates the birth of Christ, to enrich your faith during this Advent season, you are invited to join the Hearts N Minds class to consider the themes of Waiting, Making Room, and Waking Up as interwoven spiritual practices.
Scripture and other sacred texts, poetry, video, and group discussion, will connect us with our sense of wonder and our heart for God as well as ground us in our call to work for justice. Come be a part of this engaging experience. The Advent series will conclude this Sunday; the class will not meet on December 25 or January 1.
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Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Advent devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices.
If you would like us to email the link to you, please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
If you do not have access to a device and would like a printed copy, please contact Lindsey at lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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OUR GIVING TREE IS UP AND READY FOR YOU | |
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Have you been in the North Link outside Fellowship Hall? Our Giving Tree is decorated with lights and ornaments. The ornaments represent tools and supplies for people who need a hand up. Choose from among many options like sewing machines, clean water, chickens, and much else – many price points are available.
Choose an ornament or several, put them in the basket, give your check (made out to PCUSA - not FPCB) or cash to the Mission volunteer and know you have done some good in the world.
You can also ‘shop’ online here – peruse the options and make your payment to PCUSA directly. Having a hard time thinking of just the right gift for a relative or friend - how about something from the tree?
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FOR MONDAY: PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHAPEL
All are welcome to join us for the Preschool program’s annual Christmas Chapel on Monday at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Your presence is encouraged, to help them celebrate this special time of year.
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If this interests you, they are collecting these items for Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering: long johns (for anyone 18 and older), men’s and women’s underwear, hats, gators, hand warmers and gloves (well insulated gloves, no knitted ones at this time). | |
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They are also collecting these items for The Kindness Project, a local organization that supports foster families: Cantu products for natural hair; Spice, Axe and Bath & Body Works products for teens; $5-10 gift cards for Starbucks, Wawa or Dunkin'; new underwear and undershirts for teens; new journals/sketchbooks and fun art pencils and specialty pens; new PJ’s for all sizes above 2T; and new bed pillows.
There will be baskets placed in the Narthex for these collections (you can also bring to church on Sunday). Thank you!
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LOOKING AHEAD…
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Sunday, December 18: Our Christmas Joy Concert will be offered at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary, featuring the Chancel Choir and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts’ Touring Choir, with special guests the Concord Chamber Singers. Free will donation; in person and livestreamed.
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Wednesday, December 21: The Longest Night 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. Offered both in person and via livestream at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This is a communion service.
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Saturday, December 24: We will offer two candlelight Christmas Eve services in the Sanctuary (also livestreamed) – an intergenerational service at 4 p.m., and a Traditional service at 7 p.m.
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Sunday, December 25: On Christmas Day, join us for a 10 a.m. Worship Service in Fellowship Hall (also available via livestream). This is an informal, 'come as you like' service. No Hearts N Minds adult ed class for today.
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Sunday, January 1: For New Year's Day we will offer a 10 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary (also available via livestream). No Hearts N Minds adult ed class for today.
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HELP US FILL THESE POSITIONS
We are looking to fill these two part-time positions – please help us spread the word! As a reminder, we do not employ First Pres church members. For additional information or to submit an application, contact us at HR@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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Hourly childcare worker, at a rate of $13.00/hour, to work in the church's childcare room on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m. each week. Must be at least 18 years of age and must have (or obtain) current clearances (criminal background check, child abuse clearance, FBI fingerprint certification); CPR certificate/first aid training is desirable but not required. We will provide CPR/AED training to new employees in the fall, and reimburse for clearance expenses. Some benefits available, including paid time off.
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Pastoral Care Associate to represent the church and offer pastoral care in home or health institution visitations and other contacts involving care and support. This ordained individual works with the Deacons and coordinates their pastoral care for at-home members and those in need of material or spiritual support. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week). Click here for more information (including a printable flyer).
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Can you help?
If anyone has an 8x10 rug they are willing to give to a neighbor in need, please reach out to Melody Engel or contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
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UPDATED: 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. We contact the hospitals on weekdays to get that information. If you enter the hospital on Friday-Sunday, you can contact Phil Fair at prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org to keep us up to date.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for next week's newsletter is
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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And follow us on Facebook: @FirstPresBethlehem
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)
- 9:00 a.m.: “Holy Ground” Contemporary service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
- 9:45 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Room 178 - all are welcome
- 10:00 a.m.: Hospitality Time & Intergenerational Faith Formation, Fellowship Hall; all are welcome
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; below, to join us online
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11:00 AM
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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 Worship 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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TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. – Handbell Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary (no experience needed; 12 and older)
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, Choir Room behind the Sanctuary (some choral experience; 14 and older)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Look for updates on our website, Facebook page, and WFMZ (channel 69 and wfmz.com).
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
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
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Maintenance Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Tracy Leszcynski, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; TLeszcynski@fpc-bethlehem.org
Marianne Zarillo, Finance (interim); ext. 210; MZarillo@fpc-bethlehem.org
Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper; ext. 211; CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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