Friday, September 17, 2021 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES IN-PERSON AND
ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary
NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m. Traditional*
(* also available on our website and via phone)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
EMBODYING THE MEANING OF ‘CARE’
The English word “care” has deep roots in multiple languages all the way back to Latin, but all of them hold the same two basic meanings. The first relates to burdens, difficulties, griefs, or worries; this was more common once than it is now, but you’ll still find people described in poetry or novels as “weighed down by many cares” or the like. The second meaning is how we tend to use it most commonly: providing for the welfare of another, as in describing someone attentively meeting the needs of a sick friend or relative as “providing loving care.”
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In 2017, the Session called The Rev. Sue Bennetch to be our Pastoral Associate for Congregational Care, while our congregation was deep in the midst of a major split, or “schism,” over the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the church. |
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Sue stepped in at that moment and has fulfilled her call ever since with unceasing dedication, abundant grace, light-hearted humor, and deep love for this church and all its members, but especially those who are carrying many “cares.”
At the end of August, Sue came to me and said that she felt it was finally time for her to retire from pastoral ministry, and that she would like her last Sunday to be October 3, the date when we are holding our “Blessing of the Animals” service that she helped create. Because of the Labor Day holiday and other scheduling issues, the Session was only able to meet and act on that request earlier this week, so we wanted notify you as soon as possible so you can make every effort to be present that day.
We will have a special celebration of Sue’s ministry after the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, October 3, and the Blessing of the Animals service will take place at 3 p.m. that afternoon, which will be her final act as one of our pastors.
In addition, the Session has authorized the collection of a retirement gift to show our thanks for Sue and the powerful ministry she has had among us; I encourage you to contribute to that gift by sending in a check or making an electronic payment that says “Bennetch retirement” in the memo section so that it can be properly credited to her gift.
Please make any such gifts by Wednesday, September 29 if at all possible; gifts will be accepted through the end of 2021 and passed on to her, but it will be easier and more impactful if we can give them to her in one collection on October 3, and we need to receive them by September 29 to ensure we can process them for the coming Sunday.
I will say more on October 3 about Sue, but I do want to take this opportunity in writing to remember just a few dimensions of her ministry and how important it has been to us as a congregation in embodying both the meanings of the word “care.”
First, there is her own ministry of caring. She has been a constant presence, counsel, and prayer partner for anyone suffering an illness, going to the hospital, struggling with how best to care for a loved one who is ill, or walking the long road of grief.
But perhaps even more important than that, she has also provided key leadership in developing our congregation’s ability to care for one another. She has been a catalyst and support for special programs and groups dedicated to helping us care for one another in the midst of challenges like depression or grief. She has been invaluable in the development of the Board of Deacons, which have both broadened and deepened their ministry during the time of her service, both in caring for individuals in a season of particular difficulty and for the congregation as a whole.
One of the most important new ministries of the church during the pandemic has been the Deacons stepping up to check in periodically on as many members of the congregation as possible, just to see how people were doing during the quarantine phase and to assure them that the church loves them and stands ready to help. And she volunteered to work with the Congregational Life Committee of the Session when it formed a few years ago, rightly seeing its work to nurture relationships and community across the congregation as another important form of care.
Given all that and so much more, please make every effort to be present on October 3 as we thank Sue for her good and faithful service and send her into retirement with a wonderful celebration. I look forward to seeing you there!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson:
Click the link to read the verses
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· This week's sermon: Neighborhood Church: Faith, Family-Style by The Rev. J.C. Austin
· We post each week’s sermon
(audio and text) on our website:
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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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Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask.
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – please ask a greeter for directions to that space.
- We will offer nametags for folks to wear – you can pick up as you enter the worship space; please write your first name.
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For those interested…
If you have challenges hearing the Traditional service in the Sanctuary, we have a solution: headsets that tap directly into the sound system. Ask an usher for assistance.
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES
As we begin the fall, we’re excited to be sharing in a congregation-wide book read of Neighborhood Church: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission.
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The Mission and Discipleship Committees, along with Session, are inviting everyone to join in by reading along and participating in weekly discussion sessions during the Fellowship & Formation Hour on Sundays. The first was this past Sunday, and they’ll continue through October 3. These four weeks of learning together will be structured to include activities for our children and youth, as well!
Please join us in Fellowship Hall (even if you haven’t read any of the book) for an engaging conversation about how we can more fully live out our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
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We’ll gather and enjoy a bit of casual fellowship time around 10:00 a.m. and begin our session by 10:15. Folks who are connecting with us from home can join these sessions using this Zoom link. (We ask for your patience as we try hybrid in-person and virtual faith formation offerings for the first time.)
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SPECIAL OFFERING: PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS
A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. This special offering concludes on World Communion Sunday, October 3.
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Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this offering to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation.
The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.
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If you requested offering envelopes, there is one in your packet; they will also be available at the sign-in tables in the Kirk Center and Narthex for Sunday worship. You may also send a check to the church Business Office (mark “Peace Offering” in the memo) or give a special gift using the church’s online giving portal (fpc-bethlehem.org/give). Please indicate “Peace Offering” in the “notes” box.
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INQUIRERS’ SEMINAR: UPDATE!
If you are interested in the Inquirers Seminar we announced for September (that was set to begin this Sunday, September 19), please contact Lindsey for scheduling options. Because of the response, we are offering one-on-one sessions or looking ahead to a date in October for another group session.
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HI NEIGHBORS STARTS MONDAY! |
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Our popular speakers program, Hi Neighbors, will be starting back up again this Monday, September 20, with programs in Fellowship Hall.
All are welcome to attend these interesting and informative presentations. The programs begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Fellowship Time, followed by a program at 10 a.m.
The first one will be Traveling with Betsy, presented by Betsy Simpson.
The following week, September 27, a field trip is planned, to nearby Monocacy Farm Project to visit with farmer Eli Stogsdill. Meet at the church to carpool; the tour is designed to be accessible for all abilities. We will meet, rain or shine.
On Monday, October 4, we are scheduled to hear from U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) with an update on Washington, DC. This presentation will be offered both in person and via Zoom.
As a reminder, church COVID protocols must be observed at all times (and are subject to change); this includes correctly wearing a mask at all times while inside the church building, and keeping three feet distance between household groups.
We hope you'll plan to attend these interesting programs!
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A SPECIAL MUSICAL EVENT: EMMET CAHILL IN CONCERT |
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World-acclaimed Irish Tenor Emmet Cahill is embarking on his 2021 Fall Tour, which includes another stop in Bethlehem. He will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem on Wednesday, September 29, at 7:30 p.m.
All those attending must purchase a ticket at emmetcahill.com. A pre-show “Meet & Greet” with Emmet is offered at 6:30 p.m. for an additional cost.
NEW! We are happy to announce that a livestream option is now available!
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If you are interested in viewing this program via a private link, please email David Macbeth at dmacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org. He will advise you on how to pay ($20 per device), and email you the link the day of the event (this must be paid for and confirmed prior to September 29).
Emmet has been thrilling audiences across the states for many years with powerful renditions of majestic church hymns, opera arias and widely adored Irish classics, including “How Great Thou Art,” “Ave Maria,” “Danny Boy,” “Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and many more.
Join the star of Celtic Thunder, with special guests, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Touring Choir, directed by David Macbeth, for a night of wonderful music and entertainment.
Help us spread the word: On the church Facebook page, go to the “Events” section – click on this event. You should see an “Invite” button – you can use this to send invites to your own friends. If they have already been invited, their name will not be available.
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WELCOME TO A NEW STAFF MEMBER |
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We are very excited to welcome Kevin Konczyk to our staff as the new full time Facilities Maintenance Manager. He officially began his responsibilities on Monday.
Originally from New Jersey, Kevin has lived in the Lehigh Valley for about 35 years. Most recently he moved to Bethlehem four years ago, to a home he is renovating.
Kevin brings 40 years’ experience in construction, along with 15 years as a manager at Lowes. For many years he has owned his own carpentry business.
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He is the parent to three grown daughters: one lives in the Philly area and is a professional water color artist. Another recently started her first year law studies at Temple, and the third lives locally and works at Moravian University.
In addition to working on his renovation projects, Kevin enjoys reading and movies, and caring for his one-eyed cat, Elsa (named for the lion in Born Free, not the Elsa in Frozen).
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IT'S CROP WALK TIME AGAIN
By Steve Simmons, First Pres Team Leader
The 2021 CROP Hunger Walk is coming up on Sunday, October 10. This annual inititive helps support the growing number of hungry families, both our neighbors and around the globe.
There will be a combined walk at Louise Moore County Park, stepping off at 1:00 p.m., but, as we did last year, individual teams (K Groups, neighborhood/family teams, etc.) are welcome to participate in whatever way works best for them. Church World Service will be processing contributions for several weeks after the event, so there's a lot of flexibility if you or your group would like to participate on a different day.
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Last year, an intrepid group of walkers from First Pres did a route at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, and those in our congregation who weren't able to walk supported us generously (we were, in fact, the top Bethlehem team for the second year running!), and we might do something similar again this time.
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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 next week's newsletter: WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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CALENDAR
THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers for directions)
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9:00 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestreamed
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10-11 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour, Fellowship Hall (also available via Zoom, see above article for link)
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NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m.: Combined Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestreamed - see instructions in blue box, below, to join us online, and in the yellow box to join us via phone
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FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
To watch “live”- as it happens:
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Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
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NEW! If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to our website to view the service - click on the "Watch" button (midway down the homepage) and then click "Watch the Service"
- 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
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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the 11:15 a.m. Traditional 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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TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. - Handbell rehearsal, Sanctuary
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
ALL OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS AND GATHERINGS ARE CANCELLED AT THIS TIME unless offered online (see listings on our Facebook page under “Events”)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: The office staff is working remotely and checking email and voicemail daily. 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
Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
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