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Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
(in person in Fellowship Hall)
11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service
(in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACIOUS LOVE
Greetings, friends!
This Sunday, we kick off our four-week Stewardship season focused on A Future with Hope.
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Seasons of leadership transition and congregational change can often feel disorienting and anxiety-producing: the stability and security of what has been and what is now both have to be held a bit more loosely as we explore what’s next. But we are not the first nor last to wander this wilderness, and there’s deep reassurance, peace, and even HOPE to find in the Scripture stories of how God has faithfully guided other communities through seasons of significant change.
Over the next month, we’ll journey with the Israelites through their wilderness wanderings and hear the holy promises which see them through.
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God’s promises are at the core of the witness of Scripture, but often we live in the in-between, liminal space between the anticipation of what might be possible and the inheritance of God’s goodness. These ancient stories call us to live in trust of God’s goodness even when faced with uncertainty about what our future might look like, and they remind us that on the other side of God’s promise, there is always, always enough. More than enough.
We’ll also be invited to reflect on our individual stories of faith and generosity and on our collective mission as a congregation so that we might deepen and expand our stewardship practices in response to God’s gracious love.
It is good to be God’s people together, dear ones!
Gratitude and blessings abound,
Lindsey
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Exodus 35, 36
(selected verses)
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- Sermon: A Future with Hope: Promise of Resources by Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton
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We post the video of each week’s services and sermon text on our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
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FOR SUNDAY: HEARTS N MINDS - ADULT ED CLASS | |
This season, the Hearts N Minds adult education class discusses democracy and democratic values in a non-partisan way. On Sunday we will consider: what is the opposite of democracy? What does effective leadership look like in a democracy? Can our democracy survive in an increasingly diverse United States? | |
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The class meets in the Parlor at 10 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome to attend. | |
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FOR SUNDAY: BODY N SOUL - INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION
Intergenerational faith formation builds community across generations, providing a space and structure where persons of all ages can learn from each other. Through biblically-based storytelling, small group conversations, interactive group activities, and opportunities for individual contemplation, participants encounter God’s word and explore how it is active in today’s world.
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The class is exploring the curriculum Current: Seeking Peace Together. Divided into four segments, this curriculum explores the topics: Peace with God, Peace Within, Peace with Others, and Peace with Creation. | |
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Each week introduces a new story from the Old or New Testament that illustrates God’s shalom. Body N Soul meets weekly between Sunday services (10:10 – 11 a.m.) in Fellowship Hall, continuing through the end of December. All are welcome! | |
ELECTION NIGHT CONTEMPLATION AND PRAYER | |
On Tuesday, Nov. 5 anytime from 7:00-8:30 p.m., you’re invited to stop by the Sanctuary for a time of Election Night contemplation and prayer. Dave and Madison will offer contemplative musical selections, and there will be printed prayers to support your own quiet reflection. | |
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We pray this drop-in time and space will help you hold whatever worries and hopes you may have for our nation during the 2024 General Election. | |
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UPDATE: PER CAPITA FOR 2024
This year, the per capita payment due to the Presbytery is $48 per FPCB member. Of that total contribution, $9.80 goes to the PC(USA) General Assembly, $1.15 to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and $37.05 to Lehigh Presbytery. (continued… )
For those who want to know more, per capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Said another way, it is a Presbyterian Covenant Community Fund — part of the glue that holds Presbyterians together. Because every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC(USA)’s system of government, the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the functions of that system should be shared by everyone as well.
FPCB members are invited to make a separate gift to the church in the amount of $48 to offset the cost of their membership. If you have pledge envelopes, there is a specific envelope for that purpose. If you do not have an envelope, please be sure to write “Per Capita” in the memo line (or note that on your online payment). Many thanks for your consideration and support!
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FELLOWSHIP LUNCH & BIBLICAL STORYTELLING CONCERT
You’re invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for a potluck luncheon following the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 10. Please bring a dish to share! After the luncheon (around 1:00 p.m.), we’ll enjoy a Biblical Storytelling Concert with Jim Stahl in the Sanctuary.
A Concert of Biblical Stories of Dreams and Visions (and the stuff in between)
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Come hear Jim Stahl (right) perform biblical stories of dreams, visions, and the stuff in between. Experience stories of creation, Hagar, Jacob, Joseph, Elisha, Jesus' birth, parables, Acts, and the oracles to the churches.
This concert will last one hour with an intermission and will be recorded. The concert is a fulfillment of the yearlong certificate course from the Academy of Biblical Storytelling.
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HI NEIGHBORS SPEAKERS PROGRAM: JOIN US ON MONDAY! | |
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Last Monday’s Hi Neighbors program took us “down under” when Leslie Pohl shared stories and photos her family’s recent trip to Australia.
For this week’s program: bring your questions! You’ll want to attend this program by Dan Skeldon, WFMZ meteorologist, to Learn About the Weather.
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We start each session with a 9:30 a.m. Social Time in Fellowship Hall. An hour-long program follows at 10 a.m., focusing on topics like local history and culture, wellness, and technology. The complete schedule is available here.
All are welcome – no registration fee or sign-up needed. Just come and bring your friends!
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TRIVIA & TACO TUESDAY: COMING ON TUESDAY, NOV. 12
FPCB folks and friends are invited to meet at The Clubhouse Grill (400 Illick’s Mill Road) on Tuesday, Nov. 12 for dinner (optional – starts at 6:00 p.m.) and trivia (7:00 p.m.).
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If you’d like to join our team, contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865. You’ll need to sign up whether you come to dinner or not.
We always have a good time, and hope you’ll consider coming out on a ‘school night’ for some fun and fellowship!
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LAST CALL: ANNUAL CROP WALK | |
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Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s CROP Hunger Walk, whether as sponsors or walkers (or both!). As of now, we've received more than $2,500 in contributions to this effort, and if you’d like to pitch in, it’s not too late!
We hope to close the books over the next two weeks, so if you’d like to help, use this link.
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Or you can also make out a check to “CWS/CROP” and drop it off in the church office.
Thanks for helping us support our neighbors in this way!
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CARE CONCERNS AND HOSPITAL VISITS
If you are hospitalized, please tell the hospital our church code is 724. Also, please call the church office at 610-867-5865 to let us know as the hospitals do not always collect this information. After hours, leave a message or call our answering service at 610-778-7003.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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**Deadline for the next newsletter:
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE
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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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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m. this Sunday morning; please ask an usher for directions.
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Your children are a joy in our worship services, and should the need arise, “kid bags” are available for their use while they are visiting. They are in the Narthex.
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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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THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
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10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor (see more info, above)
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10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Fellowship Hall (see more info, above)
- 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. - Hand Bell Choir rehearsals, Sanctuary; newcomers welcome!
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth) THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. - Chancel Choir rehearsals, Sanctuary; newcomers welcome!
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
Regular office hours are Monday - Thursday from 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). We will also put the info on our church phone message, 610-867-5865.
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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
Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Acting Head of Staff/Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Suzanne Trump, Pastoral Associate for Compassion; STrump@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Crook, Director of Church Administration; ext. 210; DCrook@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities 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
Brenda Robinson, Bookkeeper; BusinessOffice@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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