*Be sure to read to the end - if you see "View entire message" at the bottom,
click that to see the rest of the newsletter.*
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Friday, April 26, 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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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: A 'WELCOMING' CHURCH
Back when I was in conversation with this church’s search committee here about the possibility of serving as your pastor, one of the first and most consistent themes that I heard was that this is a church that is “welcoming.” I heard it from the leadership, read it in descriptive materials, saw it on the church sign.
But I must admit, I was curious about what exactly this church meant by that. After all, I had just spent the last 8+ years in theological education, where I worked with churches and pastors all over the country to discern, articulate, and embrace their mission from God in their particular communities.
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Many described themselves as “welcoming,” but what they often meant was, “if you find your way to us, we won’t turn you away.” In other words, those churches were very passive about how they treated newcomers, both in terms of people coming to them and with what happened once they were there.
So I was pleased to discover that First Pres intended something very different when it talked about being welcoming. In fact we even expanded upon that notion with our recent revision to declare ourselves “expansively” welcoming.
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The first and most obvious dimension is understanding that being welcoming requires intentional and active hospitality. That means neither ignoring nor smothering newcomers when they come, but rather introducing ourselves to them and literally welcoming them to the church and getting to know them a bit.
I am always grateful to watch members walk into worship or a social time or an educational program and see them not simply make a beeline to their friends, but make a point of connecting with the people they don’t know and ensuring that they feel “at home.” They even make sure to introduce the newcomer to others before moving on so that they are not left standing alone or apart. It’s extraordinary how such simple gestures can make such a strong impact on how people experience a church.
And the second dimension is even more intentional and active: understanding that being truly welcoming means being inviting. An “inviting church” is one that takes the initiative to reach out rather than simply respond to those who come. Sometimes being inviting literally means inviting someone to come to a church service or event: a friend, a neighbor, a colleague.
Sometimes it means something as simple as sharing a church Facebook post on your own page, or sending someone a link to a sermon that you think they’d appreciate, or taking a few extra postcards about upcoming events and sharing them with others or posting them on a community bulletin board.
Because as wonderful as our growing communications ministry is, by far the most influential factor in someone responding to it is you saying, “hey, I’m going, would you like to come with me?” And amazing things can happen when we do that, because we are not simply sharing a program, but rather the invitation to “come and see” (John 1:46) who Jesus is and what he is up to in the world here and now.
So thank you for being an ‘expansively welcoming’ and inviting church, and let’s all keep looking for opportunities to be ever more so!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Acts 10 (selected verses)
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- This week’s sermon: The Gospel According to Food 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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THE IMPACT OF OUR ENDOWMENT FUNDING
by Linda Robertson
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At last Sunday’s brunch, eight women from Lafayette College told a gathering of 55 of us about their alternative school breaks, working with people in need in New York City (LBGTQIA+ persons), Washington, DC (Lutheran Services of the Capitol Area), and Costa Rico (indigenous people).
It was wonderful, especially when two of the students said they felt moved to continue in the work following graduation. Another student said, “I learned for the first time that I need to fit into the space of others, not insist that they fit into my space.” Isn’t it amazing that she realized at a young age what many never understand?
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That’s what it’s all about – creating life-changing experiences. Our church’s support of $9,000 meant that several scholarship students were able to participate.
If you are considering a gift to the First Presbyterian Fund, please contact the Fund Committee at info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
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HEARTS N MINDS RETURNS THIS SUNDAY
The Hearts N Minds adult education class will meet this Sunday, gathering from 9:45 - 10:40 a.m. in room 212 (note the new location). If you attend the 9 a.m. Holy Ground service, you are welcome to leave early to attend this class.
The group will discuss Fr. Richard Rohr's Falling Upward, Chapter 10 – “A Bright Sadness” (pages 117-125). All are welcome to attend – you do not have to have done the reading to enjoy the discussion.
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NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING SET FOR THURSDAY, MAY 23 |
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We were aware that our third Community Meeting for our “Building Community” initiative, scheduled for this past Tuesday, was also Primary Election Day (we hope you voted!). |
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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 Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. We hope you’ll plan to participate in this open house-style gathering. |
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THE SPRING CLEANING HAS BEGUN! |
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Thanks for heeding the call for donating boxes (a little larger/smaller than a copier paper box size) – please keep them coming! You can drop in the lobby outside the main office.
Our big Spring Cleaning Sale is coming on Saturday, May 18, in the Kirk Center.
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The clearing of closets, bathrooms-used-for-storage, attics and random nooks and crannies had begun in earnest! It’s a big job and we appreciate the volunteers who have stepped up to help with the initial sorting and tossing.
Have You Donated/Gifted Items to FPCB?
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.
How You Can Help
All of the items identified for selling will be moved to the Kirk Center (gym) by staff 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, from
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sell Your Own Stuff!
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.)
Are you interested in having one of our old hymnals?
We have lots of old hymnals! We’ll put them out in the North Link on Sunday – if you’d like to take one/many, you are welcome.
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.
To volunteer and/or reserve your own space for the sale day:
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HI NEIGHBORS: ANOTHER INTERESTING PROGRAM
All are welcome for our next program on Monday, April 29: get an insider’s look at “The Secret Service” from former agent Joe Petro, who served from 1971-1993, and who was at the side of President Ronald Reagan.
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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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THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT: SHE NAILED IT! FUNDRAISER
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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Thanks to those who are supporting 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 now exceeded our minimum of $1,500 (many thanks!), but we’d love to "hit" $3,000 - donations can be accepted through this Wednesday, May 1. Your support is much appreciated!
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TRIVIA & TACO TUESDAY: COMING THIS TUESDAY, APRIL 30 |
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FPCB folks and friends are invited to meet at The Clubhouse Grill (400 Illick’s Mill Road) this Tuesday, April 30 for dinner (optional – starts at 6:00 p.m.) and trivia (7:00 p.m.).
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.
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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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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 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)
- 9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship service, in-person in Fellowship Hall
- 9:45-10:40 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Room 212 – 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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