Friday, December 23, 2022 Newsletter
COMBINED SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25:
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE
Fellowship Hall - 10:00 a.m.*
(*in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, and audio via phone)
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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 bulletin for the Combined service for Sunday, January 1 will be emailed to you next Friday, December 30 (just the bulletin - not a full newsletter).
- The next regular newsletter will be dated Friday, January 6.
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The church office, building and Preschool will be closed beginning Monday, December 26. The church office and building will reopen on Monday, January 2; the Preschool will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. See details below about sending end of the year donations.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: EMBODYING GOD’S LOVE
At a recent church staff meeting, we began by sharing what Christmas traditions were so important to us that, if we didn’t observe them, it wouldn’t really feel like Christmas.
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One of the most common answers was getting to watch favorite Christmas specials and movies, and several of us (myself included) named It’s a Wonderful Life as one of the must-see choices for Christmas.
As I’ve said before, one of the most distinctive aspects of It’s a Wonderful Life is what a dark film it is in so many ways for much of the movie, full of disappointment and lost dreams and, at the crisis moment of the film, criminal negligence and bankruptcy and profound despair settling upon the main character, George Bailey, even though he himself did nothing wrong.
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As a result, George feels that his life has been such a waste that he wishes that he had never been born at all. His guardian angel, then, shows him what things would be like in his family and town if, in fact, he had never been born.
Among the things he sees are that his brother would have drowned as a child because George would not have been there to save him; the owner of the pharmacy where he worked as a youth had his life destroyed because George wasn’t there to warn him that he accidentally put poison in someone’s medication; and the town as a whole was run-down and seedy because his rickety Building and Loan Company had gone under without him, giving the evil Mr. Potter total economic control of the town.
But none of those things are what finally turned George’s heart. What did it is when he finds out his wife, Mary, has never married since he was never born, and instead is living out her days as a lonely librarian.
This is the one part of the movie I’ve always disliked, because it has always seemed both sexist and, frankly, improbable. The idea that Mary never getting married is a tragedy seems insulting to single people who don’t get married for all kinds of good reasons. And second, are we really supposed to believe that someone whom men are falling over themselves to be with early in the movie couldn’t have found someone to marry?
In the last week, I’ve seen an article online circulating that addresses this very problem, and its answer is in the title: “There Is No Mary Problem in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’” If you love the film, then I commend the whole article to you. But the gist of it is that those objections about Mary are missing the whole point of her character. It’s not that Mary’s life is lesser without George; it’s that she wasn’t willing to make it lesser by settling for someone else.
As the author says, “In the world where George does not exist, she has not married not because she couldn’t, but because she does not want to. There is not a Mary-sized man in town, and Mary Hatch does not do anything just because it’s what might be expected of her.” Mary saw George’s true goodness and even greatness in ways that George himself never saw or understood; she loved him and pursued him because of that.
And it is only when George understands that he has lost that, that he has lost her, that he truly understands how wonderful his life was, and begs that he might live again, even knowing that public shame and punishment are in his immediate future. And the only reason that does not come to pass is because Mary alerts the town to George’s accounting problem, and they rally to donate more than enough to set things right.
It struck me, in reading the article, that perhaps the most Christmas-y part of this quintessential Christmas movie is this overlooked part of Mary’s character. Because she, effectively, is the embodiment of God’s gracious love that is incarnated in Jesus Christ at Christmas: a love that pursues us rather than us having to pursue it; a love that comes to us when we weren’t looking for it; a love that understands us better than we understand ourselves; a love that calls and inspires us to live lives of gratitude for having received it.
So: if watching It’s a Wonderful Life is not one of your Christmas traditions, I encourage you to find some time to watch it this year. And if you do, take the opportunity not simply to reflect on how your own life is wonderful in unexpected or underappreciated ways, but simply because you have received in your own life the good news of God’s gracious love embodied in the birth of the Christ-child.
Grace and peace,
J.C.
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
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There is no child care on Sunday, December 25 and on Sunday, January 1. Child care will return on Sunday, January 8.
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We 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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SCHEDULE CHANGES
The church office, building and Preschool will be closed the week of December 26. The church office and building will reopen on Monday, January 2,
and the Preschool will reopen on Tuesday, January 3.
See details below about submitting end of the year donations.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services in the Sanctuary
4:00 p.m.: Intergenerational Family Service
A service of readings and carols featuring the FPCB Chanel Ringers (handbell choir), the singing of carols and an interactive nativity and story-telling. All are welcome to this family-friendly and engaging service.
7:00 p.m.: Traditional Service
A joyous festival service of readings and music, featuring the Hill to Hill Brass Quintet, the FPCB Chancel Choir, and guest soloist Eric Fennell, including works by George F. Handel and a wide selection of favorite carols. The triumphant exclamation of brass and the warm glow of candlelight consecrate this service on the holiest of nights.
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(click the link above)
If you contributed, please feel free to take home a poinsettia
after you attend Christmas Eve service.
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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 to help you determine when you can end isolation.
In order to reduce contact and possible virus spread, we will mark 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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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED: LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR
The Hearts N Minds class will not meet on December 25 or January 1. Classes resume on Sunday, January 8; they will meet from 9:45 – 10:40 a.m. Look for an announcement on a new room location.
The group will study a new book, Elusive Grace: Loving Your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice by Pastor Scott Black Johnston, senior pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian in Manhattan. It is on sale through the PCUSA bookstore; we also encourage you to check online used book stores.
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The United States is suffering through a season of social and political division unseen since the Civil War. Unrest over long-standing social (especially racial) injustices are confronting new, antidemocratic perspectives and practices. So much is at stake. Will this country fulfill or abandon its historic commitment to equality and civil liberties? Can a nation so divided come together again?
These questions cut to the core of the beliefs articulated by Christian communities. How can we as people of faith reconcile the call to participate in God’s ongoing struggle for justice while not losing our souls to hatred? How can we love our enemies in this time?
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Scott Black Johnston believes that there is a way to pursue this difficult work and that people of faith can light the way. He encourages us to recommit to our highest principles—our virtues—and to turn hearts poisoned by cynicism into instruments of love. |
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OUR GIVING TREE IS UP AND READY FOR YOU – LAST CALL! |
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The Giving Tree (located in the North Link, just outside Fellowship Hall) holds ornaments representing 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 – peruse the options and make your payment to PCUSA directly. This is a thoughtful gift that will mean so much to “all” of the recipients!
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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 Friday, December 30.
Also, If you wish to drop off your donation, you may do so on Tuesday, December 27 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 main office suite (follow the signs). Thank you for supporting FPCB!
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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 the next week newsletter on Friday, January 6:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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CALENDAR: DECEMBER 24 – JANUARY 3
Saturday, December 24
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Christmas Eve Services at 4 p.m. and 7 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 25
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10 a.m.: Combined Worship, in person in Fellowship Hall AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online or via phone (audio only)
Monday, December 26 – Thursday, December 29: BUILDING, OFFICE AND PRESCHOOL CLOSED
The office and building will reopen on Monday, January 2; the Preschool will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. See above for submitting end of year donations
Sunday, January 1
- 10 a.m.: Combined Worship, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website
- There will be no Hearts N Minds or child care today
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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 Christmas Eve and Sunday services
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)
The church office and Preschool will be closed the week of December 26. The office/building will reopen on Monday, January 2, and the Preschool will reopen on Tuesday, January 3.
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: Regular office hours resume January 2: 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.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Look for updates on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org), Facebook page, and WFMZ (channel 69 and wfmz.com).
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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