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Friday, November 11, 2022 Newsletter
COMMUNION 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: FULFILLING GOD’S MISSION
For the last month in worship, we have been exploring the theme of “Fruit That Will Last” in the sermons. Each week, we have considered a different aspect of this theme, both in terms of the seeds that have been planted in the past that are bearing fruit now, and the seeds that we might plant now to bear fruit for the gospel into the future through this church.
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This Sunday we will finish this sermon series by considering how God is calling us to go forward in ministry, that God is calling us to an even greater and more dynamic mission as a congregation, and now is the time to boldly answer that call.
This Sunday will also be our Pledge Dedication Sunday for the 2023 Stewardship Campaign, when we literally come forward in worship to consecrate our intentions to support Christ’s mission for this church through our pledges.
So, between now and Sunday, I’m asking you to do several important things as a member or friend of this congregation.
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First, carefully read the Stewardship Campaign materials that you should have received in the mail already; if you’ve already read them, read them again! (If you did not receive the mailing, you can find it at fpc-bethlehem.org/give).
Second, consider what kind of financial pledge you can make to help us answer God’s call as a church as described in the letter; if you’ve already made your pledge, consider it again!
Third, bring your pledge card to dedicate in one of the worship services on Sunday (if you’ve already made your pledge or forget your card, don’t worry, we’ll have cards in worship that you can use).
And finally, please hold this church and our mission in your prayers every day, so that we may be able to fulfill God’s mission for us with grace and power in all that we do.
I feel extraordinarily blessed to be a part of this congregation at this exciting time in our life together, and grateful to be able to support it. I hope you feel the same way, and that together we will enter the year 2023 with a profound sense of God’s Spirit moving among us and guiding us as we do God’s work.
Thank you for being a part of First Presbyterian!
Grace and peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
John 21:1-13
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Fruit that Will Last: The Net Result 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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FOR SUNDAY MORNING
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The Building Reopening Task Force encourages people to wear masks, especially if they are in a high risk category, as an additional precaution to protect themselves and others.
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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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A MESSAGE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE | |
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It's time to plant more seeds for our future! As you read in J.C.’s message (above), this Sunday is Pledge Dedication Sunday, when we will all pledge our resources for the future.
The leadership of the church met this past weekend to examine what our mission and vision means for the future. It was exciting! We are committed to being a presence in our community and continuing to be the Christ-centered, welcoming church we have dedicated ourselves to be.
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Let me borrow from the last week’s Prayer of Confession: "Teach us to trust in the abundance of your grace so that we may imitate you: sowing bountifully, giving cheerfully, and sharing generously as we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves."
We look forward to receiving your prayerful and generous pledge.
Joanne Kelhart, Stewardship Co-Chair
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BETWEEN SERVICES: HOSPITALITY TIME – AND MORE!
All are welcome to connect at our Hospitality time starting at 10 a.m. (between the two services), in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a beverage and snack, and fellowship with other members, friends and guests.
Creating Faith: Intergenerational Faith Formation
Kids of all ages (including adults who are kids at heart) are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall during the Hospitality time between services for Creating Faith, a simple time together for a story and craft that will nurture our faith and engage our creativity. We’ll begin by 10:15 a.m. and wrap up by 10:45 a.m. Feel free to bring your Hospitality drink and snack over to our tables!
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INQUIRERS SEMINAR UPDATE
We’re scheduling our next Inquirers Seminar, for those interested in learning more about the Presbyterian faith in general, and First Pres in particular (perhaps with an eye to joining our congregation as a member). It will be held on Sunday, November 20 from 2-5 p.m., in person.
If you’re interested and would like to be included, please let Lindsey know (lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org).
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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED: THIS SUNDAY’S CLASS
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Room 178 (on the ground level, below Fellowship Hall).
For this Sunday we will discuss the idea of being a part of a community and also ponder what makes a community. In addition, we’ll discuss the idea of creating a “Committee of Correspondence” as was done during the Revolutionary War period.
Last week we had a great turnout to hear Bob Rapp speak about the unhoused neighbors in our area – currently there is a need for 11,000 housing units for people unable to pay the going rate for rent. In Bethlehem the average monthly rent for a studio apartment is $1,100 (plus the security deposit and first and last month’s rent). That is out of reach for the most vulnerable.
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See first-hand how challenging it can be to pay rent and other expenses,
when we play “The Game of Rent”
this Tuesday, November 15 at 7 p.m. here at church.
Let us know you’re coming: info@fpc-bethlehem.org
or leave a message at the church office, 610-867-5865.
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HI NEIGHBORS MEETS MONDAY
Our popular weekly series – featuring presentations on a wide variety of topics – is open to all interested adults. Come and learn with us! Hospitality time begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m.
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We will be in Fellowship Hall this Monday, November 14 to hear “Funeral Fraud” by David Shallcross, of the Senior Protection Division, Pennsylvania Attorney’s Office. For our last session on Monday, November 21, we will hear “When the West Started Appreciating This World” by Frank Stone (this was the session that was cancelled on October 24). | |
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“VESPERS”: A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL EVENT | |
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The Sanctuary at First Pres will be the setting for “Vespers”, a special musical event featuring the Saint Tikhon Choir, professional soloists, and student vocalists from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts.
It will be offered this Sunday, November 13 at 4 p.m. This concert is the third in a series of three events that weekend, premiering the new work, “Vespers” by the choir’s conductor, Benedict Sheehan.
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Advance purchase of tickets is recommended at their website. Tickets are free for those 18 and under; $20 for seniors 65+ or active military; $30 for general admission; and $45 for premium seating in the first four rows. | |
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‘A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING’
Sponsored by Bethlehem Interfaith Group
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The Bethlehem Interfaith Group (BIG) will sponsor a “Service of Thanksgiving” at Congregation Brith Sholom, 1190 West Macada Street this Sunday, November 13 at 4 p.m.
The service will feature contributions from many of the faiths represented, including music, readings, prayer, and interactive responses. Rev. Nina Patton-Semero of Epworth United Methodist Church will offer the meditation.
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All are welcome to attend; per the Covid protocols at our host venue, masks are required. Donations of non-perishable food items for a local food bank are appreciated; there will also be a free will offering to support New Bethany Ministries’ work in the community. | |
A SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 | |
On Sunday, November 27, we’ll have one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by a soup lunch. Soups will be provided, but if folks could bring either a salad, bread, or dessert to complete the meal, that would be great! (Bringing something is not required to attend, though.) | |
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After the meal, we’ll help deck the church halls for Advent and Christmas! There will also be cookie decorating and a craft for our young ones (or any of you who are young at heart).
We also need a few volunteers to help with lunch set up and clean up. Please let Lindsey know if you’re able to help.
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SUPPORTING OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS
We’ll be preparing and serving dinner at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering three times during this winter’s shelter season. FPCB will be cooking and serving dinner for their guests on Wednesday, November 30.
We need volunteers to help cook and serve dinner, clean up during service and after the meal, and serve as shower monitor (which is just a simple check-in process). If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using this simple online form.
You may also sign up with Pastor Lindsey on Sunday. If you’re not available this time, please save the date for our other two BES dinners later in the shelter season: Wednesday, January 25 and Wednesday, March 29.
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CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR IS COMING! | |
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Plan your shopping for hand-crafted gifts and décor at our Christmas Craft Fair.
It's coming on Saturday, November 19 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and Sunday, November 20 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in Fellowship Hall.
(right: a sampling of the wares created by our clever crafters!)
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On Saturday, you can also visit the Craft Fair at Wesley United Methodist Church (next door at 2540 Center Street) – theirs runs from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make it a real "day out" to #shoplocal! | |
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LOOKING AHEAD…
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Monday, November 21: Our Preschool will offer its Thanksgiving Chapel program in the Sanctuary, beginning at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend this special celebration.
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Wednesday, November 23: Join us at 7:00 p.m. for our Thanksgiving Eve service in the Sanctuary; it will also be available via livestream. This is a Communion service.
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Sunday, November 27: This is the first Sunday in Advent, and we will offer one Worship Service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall (both in person and livestreamed). See the article above for the lunch and activities details. No Hearts N Minds class for today.
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Sunday, December 18: All are welcome - come enjoy our Christmas Joy Concert at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Featuring our Chancel Choir, Concord Chamber Singers, and Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts' Touring Choir.
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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 11 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). No Hearts N Minds for today.
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PRESCHOOL POINSETTIA & WREATH SALE*
The FPCB Preschool is offering its annual Poinsettia & Wreath Sale.
Orders are due on MONDAY AT 9 AM. Use this order form.
* This is not the same as the poinsettias that you can order that will be used
to decorate the church for Christmas (and that you take home on Christmas Eve).
That information will be sent next week!
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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:
**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)
- 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
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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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MONDAYS: 9:30 a.m. - Hi Neighbors informational program, Fellowship Hall (everyone welcome)
TUESDAYS: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Crafters, Room 408 (everyone welcome); 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:
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
Pam Marth, Administrative Coordinator: ext. 228; email: PMarth@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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