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Friday, April 12, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
in Fellowship Hall (in person only)
11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website)
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PREPARING FOR OUR NEXT ADVENTURE AS A CHURCH COMMUNITY
By Carol Burns, Communications Manager
Kirkland Village is holding a Community Sale on Saturday, May 18, and we are taking advantage of the shoppers coming to their site by planning our own “Spring Cleaning Sale” for the same day.
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To that end, we have mobilized a small team that is planning our preparation for the sale. The immediate focus is on spaces in the South Wing only.
The first thing we want to clarify is that we will not be touching these rooms at this time (just the closets in these rooms): the Parlor, room 400, room 212, the library, and the Presbyterian Womens room (room 206).
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We are also mindful that there are many items that have been gifted to the church over the years. So we are issuing an invitation to any families who have made such donations (e.g. furniture, wall décor, special books, etc.) to contact us if you’d like to pick up those items – you can contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or
610-867-5865. (Unfortunately we can’t provide transport but can help you get items to your vehicle.) Otherwise those items will be made available to sell.
Other points for your consideration:
This purge is a huge undertaking! (You would not believe how many sofas, vases, pieces of old computer equipment, and empty binders we’ve amassed.) So we will be looking for volunteer help to support this effort – see the link to the online sign-up form, below.
The initial ask is for donation of sturdy cardboard boxes – ideally about the size of copier paper boxes. Those can be dropped by the south entrance starting on Monday.
The first volunteer call is for folks to clear out identified closets the week of Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26. You’ll be supplied with boxes (identified as “Sell” and “Keep”) and garbage bags; you will not need to move any of the filled bags or boxes. And there will be staff available to help with any questions you have.
All of the items identified for selling will be moved to the Kirk Center (gym) by staff, volunters, and helpers from our Boy Scout troop. We’ll be looking for additional volunteer help for Wednesday evening, May 15, and Thursday, May 16 to help us ‘stage’ the selling area (putting items out for display, and tagging them for sale).
On Friday, May 17 we’ll offer a “Preview Sale” for church members, Preschool families, and volunteers, and then on Saturday we’ll be asking for help at the sale itself.
Here’s one other way to get involved: We’re offering you an opportunity to bring your own items for sale – you can reserve an outdoor space for $10 (table provided) or $5 (bring your own table). These will be located on the east lawn; you must staff your own table, and remove all unsold items. (The sale date is rain or shine.)
This endeavor is just one part of our larger plan as a church community to embark on our next journey, and your assistance is invaluable! Feel free to reach out with any inquiries at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
ONLINE SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER AND/OR RESERVE YOUR OWN SPACE
FOR THE DAY OF THE SALE
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- This week’s sermon: Calling All Witnesses by the Rev. J.C. Austin
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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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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper:
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COMING ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21: Special 'Between Services' Program |
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The Lafayette College student group known as ‘Alternative School Break’ (or ‘ASB’), received grants from two funds in our church’s endowment – The McKnight Fund and the Louise W. Dimick International Scholarship Fund.
With First Presbyterian support, the students participated in three trips during their January and Spring study breaks.
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Thirty students gave up ‘fun’ time to help others, creating positive change and fostering passion for civic engagement through alternative break experiences.
You are invited to come to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 21 when the students will present their story. Light refreshments (pastries and beverages) will be served at 10 a.m. following the Holy Ground service. Please use this short online form to let us know that you’ll attend or contact the church office at 610-867-5865.
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A SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU
Through the Roof – And Other Moments with God:
A Time for Spiritual Renewal
Saturday, May 4: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Parlor
You are invited to join us for a time of refreshment, renewal and spiritual nurturing as we seek to identify ways we encounter God in events and relationships in our daily lives.
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Long time spiritual retreat leaders, Jan Bickford, Gail Watts, the Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith, and the Rev. Dr. Richard Smith will facilitate our time together.
Registration is due by Saturday, April 20. Use this simple online sign-up form or call the church office (610-867-5865).
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Lunch will be served. There is a suggested donation of $10, payable by check and made out to First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, or pay at the door the morning of the retreat.
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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED FOR THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will meet this Sunday, gathering from 9:45 - 10:40 a.m. in the Parlor (if you attend the 9 a.m. Holy Ground service, you are welcome to leave early to attend this class).
NOTE: The class will not meet next Sunday (April 21) because of the Lafayette student breakfast (above). When the class resumes on April 28, it will begin meeting weekly in Room 212.
For this Sunday, the group will discuss Fr. Richard Rohr's Falling Upward, Chapter 9, “A Second Simplicity.” All are welcome to attend – you do not have to have done the reading to enjoy the discussion.
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INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH OFFERING FOR ALL AGES
The intergenerational faith formation group has begun exploring a new curriculum titled Current: Seeking Justice Together!
The curriculum includes materials and activities for ages from Preschool to adult, making this hour welcoming to all. Drop in as you are able, or join for the full series. The group meets in Fellowship Hall between the two services from 10:10 - 10:45 a.m.
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NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING TO BE RESCHEDULED
We were aware that our third Community Meeting for our “Building Community” initiative, scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, is also Primary Election Day.
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Given the Open House-style floating nature of our meeting, and that polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., we felt there was ample opportunity for engagement in both activities. |
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However, a few folks have reached out to share their concern about this overlap, so in a spirit of being expansively welcoming (one of our core values), we’ve made the decision to move the meeting to another date sometime in May.
As soon as a new date has been set, we’ll communicate that with a Save the Date email. Many thanks for your patience and flexibility; we look forward to sharing our preferred concept design with you next month!
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HI NEIGHBORS: ANOTHER INTERESTING PROGRAM
All are welcome for our next program on Monday, April 15: popular presenter Tom Repasch is back with “When You Care Enough: A Short History of Greeting Cards” – he will explore the evolution of this favorite custom (which dates back to the 1850’s), including Hallmark’s role.
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A social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Hi Neighbors is always free to attend.
Here’s the full schedule of programs that run through Monday, May 20. The field trip to SteelStacks on May 13 is now full.
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NEW EVENT: SHE NAILED IT!
She Nailed It! is an all women, nail-hammering, relay competition and one of Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley's signature fundraising events! For the first time, our church has a team of women raising funds and competing - Donna Taggart, Kari Keyock, Tracy Samuelson, and Lindsey Clifton.
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The nail-hammering competition will be held on Monday, May 6 at Dimmick Park in Hellertown. It is a fun community event with food trucks, beer tents, and raffles!
We hope lots of FPCB folks will show up to enjoy it and cheer on our team! Tailgating for the event starts at 1 p.m., and the competition begins at 4 p.m.
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To support our team - FPCB Hammering for Housing - and HabitatLV, you can make a gift online. You can also write a check to the church with "She Nailed It!" on the memo line.
We have to raise a minimum of $1,500 by Monday, April 15, but we’d love to hit $3,000 by the competition date. (Gifts beyond the initial $1,500 goal can be accepted through May 1.) Any support is much appreciated!
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WELCOME TO BRENDA ROBINSON
Let’s say hello to Brenda Robinson, our new Bookkeeper!
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She writes: “I am a devoted mother of five and proud grandmother of 17. For the past eight years, I have called Bethlehem home. I generously volunteer my time at The Center Lehigh Valley and the Sanctuary of Hope Counseling Center in Bethlehem. I firmly believe in God's divine purpose for all people and I advocate for love and understanding among humanity.” |
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WE'RE INVITED TO A JEWISH SEDER
Our friends from the Gate Community Church, who are currently meeting in our building, have invited us to join them for a Passover Seder on Saturday, April 27, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 146.
One of their member’s fathers, who is a rabbi from Portland, OR, will be flying in to lead the celebration, and they would love to have us join them for a wonderful interfaith event. Reserve the evening, as the Seder will run about three hours.
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It’s a potluck; here’s the online sign-up so that they can know who’s bringing what; their only request is that you list the ingredients in the dish you bring, so that those who keep Kosher can be observant. Please sign up by Tuesday, April 23 – space is limited so we need your RSVP.
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Although this will be an authentic Jewish Seder, for Christians this will be an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the last night Jesus spent with his disciples. For further information, please contact Steve Simmons at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
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FOR YOUR CALENDAR…
Concord Chamber Singers Concert:
Echoes of Bernstein’s Baton
Sunday, April 28
4 p.m.
FPCB Sanctuary
or at the door
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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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Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for the next newsletter:
WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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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. 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)
- 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship service, in-person in Fellowship Hall
- 9:45-10:40 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor - all are welcome
- 10:10-10:45 a.m.: Current: Seeking Justice Together!, an intergenerational faith formation offering, Fellowship Hall – all ages are welcome
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship service, in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed on Facebook and on our website
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom.com (meeting #: 868 2214 2960; passcode: OO-Beth)
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
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