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Friday, June 19, 2026 Newsletter

For Sunday


10:00 a.m.: Summer Worship Service

 (in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)

A MESSAGE FROM REV. KAREN KINNEY: 
TELLING – AND RETELLING – THE STORIES


Grace and peace to you,


Have you ever thought of sharing stories as a way of learning? I confess, when I first started thinking about this sermon series about the tools we need to deepen our experience and understanding of being disciples (students/followers) and apostles (messengers of the faith), I wasn’t thinking of stories as the way of learning.

The early Christian church grew through enacting the stories told. Not much was written down until years after Jesus’ death. Yes this early community had Hebrew Scriptures, but the stories of Jesus were passed down and around. The stories of his ministry, of the disciples’ participation, of his death and resurrection were told and retold until they became lived experience.

Diana Butler Bass quotes Justin Martyr in her book, A People’s History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story: “We who formerly … valued above all things the acquisition of wealth and possessions, now bring what we have into a common stock, and communicate to everyone in need; we who hated and destroyed one another, and on account of their different manners would not live with [people] of a different tribe, now, since the coming of Christ, live familiarly with them, and pray for our enemies.

“To Justin, the old ways had passed; a new way opened in Jesus. Far from being divisive, Christianity was an inclusive faith that might bring diverse peoples together. However one interpreted the effects of the new faith, both enemies and defenders of Christianity understood that the new religiontransformed people, giving even women, peasants, and slaves a meaningful ability to reorder their lives.^[1]”

I suspect that as these folks from different walks of life, gender, social status, etc. found commonality through sharing the story of Jesus, but also sharing their stories. They learned about each other through their own stories as well. And all of this started in this new community called The Way – followers of Jesus exploring a new identity through enacting the stories told.

What does that mean for us as we strive to move beyond our physical structure and build relationships? What stories do we want to share about ourselves, the Bible, our congregation? What stories do we need to hear from those who have been harmed by other churches? Or those who are being scapegoated in our country today: immigrants, people of color, women, our siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community? Can we hear those stories without judgment?

Lots of questions to explore this Sunday. Come and see!

Blessings,
Pastor Karen

[1] https://cac.org/daily-meditations/christianity-a-love-song/, accessed 6.18.26

TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper:

Summer Worship Bulletin (4 pages)

FOR THIS SUNDAY: ONE OR BOTH!

For this Sunday (and until further notice), child care during worship service will be offered in room 216 (ask the ushers to direct you).

Thank you to Jan Bickford, Janet Stahl and Jim Stahl for hosting Lemonade on the Lawn this Sunday. Please consider taking a Sunday slot! See more details below. 

NEW! SHARING THE BOUNTY

Anything left over will be donated to New Bethany, along with other produce harvested from the CommUNITY Garden located on our campus.

SUMMER WORSHIP HELP: CHILDREN'S SERMON SIGN-UP 


Do you consider yourself to be young-at-heart? Do you enjoy connecting with our younger members? Do you like playful, intergenerational moments in worship? 


We'd love to have some other voices lead our children's sermons during summer worship. You'll get the scripture readings and theme info in advance, and we can also provide suggestions or ideas, if you'd like! Please see the sign-up list and volunteer for an upcoming Sunday: volunteersignup.org/hj4yy.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE



The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is the highest council of the PCUSA. It is made up of commissioners from presbyteries, with teaching elders and ruling elders represented in equal numbers. Young Adult Advisory Delegates, Theological Student Advisory Delegates, and Partner Advisory Delegates also constitute the assembly. 

The General Assembly as an event occurs every two years. It includes the gathering of committees who recommend actions to plenary sessions, opportunities to break bread through shared meals, educational opportunities, moments of public witness, worship and more. 

The 227th General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is taking place from June 22 - July 2, 2026. The assembly will be conducted in a hybrid format, with committee meetings held online and plenaries, worship, and events held in person at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.

To follow the news from GA, here are some websites:

For general information and to sign up for a newsletter: bit.ly/4a8sP7t

To create an account to follow the work and actions taken at GA: https://myga.pc-biz.org/

CAN YOU HELP?


The Deacons are in search of folks to serve as drivers for those who need assistance getting to medical or other appointments, grocery shopping or other things that come up. 


If you are willing to do so, please email info@fpc-bethlehem.org as we build a list of folks willing to drive. If there are specific times and days you are not available, that would be helpful to know. Thanks for your consideration!

SUNDAY CONNECTION: LEMONADE ON THE LAWN

Basically, you will need to:

• Provide simple treats for about 40-50, such as: grapes, clementines or cut-up fruit; cheese and crackers; easy-to-eat baked treats (homemade or purchased) like cookies, mini muffins, bars, or granola bars.

• There is a bin near the ice maker in the kitchen area marked “Lemonade on the Lawn” that has what you need. There are also coolers in this area. Get the provided beverages (lemonade and iced tea) from the refrigerator (with the Lemonade on the Lawn sign), and ice from the ice machine.

• Return items to the kitchen and clean up (tables will be provided and taken down).

It doesn’t have to be a “formal” group, like a K group, committee, or the choir – it can be a family or group of friends. We thank "the Kitchen Crew" for hosting this week.

Thanks for considering this request! If you have any questions, let us know and we’ll connect you with a ‘veteran.’ You can use this online form to sign up (bit.ly/42TDejr), and we'll have a paper sign-up form at the Sunday service.

THIS WEEKEND: OUR BIG SALE!

We’re gearing up for a big Indoor Yard Sale today (Friday, June 19) and tomorrow (Saturday, June 20) from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. The sale will be held in the Kirk Center (gym).

FOOD DONATIONS: SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS


Most of us know Meals on Wheels for the weekday meals they deliver in our community (with a shout out to the members of our congregation who are, or have been, faithful volunteers!).

These are the items that MOW recommends: instant oatmeal packets; tuna or chicken pouches (no cans); low sodium soup (pull top); pre-packaged crackers; granola or fruit bars; individual fruit or unsweetened applesauce cups; 8 oz. shelf-stable milk boxes; individual cheerios cups; individual mac & cheese cups.



Thank you for considering how you can help! Collection carts are located in the North Link and at the south entrance. Let’s fill those carts! 

PRESCHOOL ANNOUNCES OPENINGS FOR FALL

Contact Lisa Todd at ltodd@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-2956 to schedule a tour.

FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:

Child care will be available from 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. this Sunday; they will meet in room 216.

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.

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.

THIS SUNDAY 


• 9:45– 11:15 a.m. – Child care available in room 216
• 10:00 a.m. – Summer worship service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on website and Facebook page)
• 11:00 a.m. – Lemonade on the Lawn (west lawn) and post-service discussion opportunity (Narthex)

 
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:


The Preschool Summer Splash program will be closed today (Friday, June 19) in observation of Juneteenth.


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.

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, for emergency pastoral concerns, call 610-674-0005.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Send to prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865 and leave a message.