Friday, March 25, 2022 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary
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: OF SOFT LIGHT AND YEAST |
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Can I see the buds that are swelling
In the woods on the slopes
On the far side of the valley? I can’t,
Of course, nor can I see
The twinleafs and anemones
That are blooming over there
Bright-scattered above the dead
Leaves. But the swelling buds
And little blossoms make
A new softness in the light
That is visible all the way here.
The trees, the hills that were stark
In the old cold become now
tender, and the light changes.
- Wendell Berry
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This is one of my favorite poems, not only in and of itself, but specifically because of what it tells us about how transformative change happens. I quote it often in my preaching and teaching for that reason.
Wendell Berry is renowned as a poet of nature, and this poem is set during the boundary period between winter and spring, which you can see in the contrast between his mention of swelling buds and little blossoms on the one hand, and dead leaves and “the old cold” on the other. What he’s describing specifically is how the transformation of the world, the literal rebirth of nature, is already happening before it can actually be seen by the naked eye.
He knows that the buds of new life are growing across the valley even though he can’t see them, and the only real hint of them is the change in the light on the hills, the “new softness” that he mentions. It is subtle, almost imperceptible, unless you know to look for it and do so intentionally. And yet it is no less powerful for that: soon the transformation that is at work in such subtle ways will soon begin to burst forth everywhere all around them in an unstoppable riot of color and life.
The Biblical version of this poem is in a brief parable about the kingdom of God that Jesus tells in Luke 13:20-21: “…he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened."
The wonderful thing about yeast is that even a tiny bit of it mixed into a huge pile of flour will leaven the entire mixture, transforming it through chemical reactions to make it rise.
That’s what the kingdom of God is like, Jesus says: even a little bit of its presence can change everything. And, perhaps more importantly, that transformation begins to happen similarly to spring in Berry’s poem: it’s already happening before you notice it, and sometimes you won’t even see it for a while unless you’re looking attentively for it.
I think we are all longing for signs of new life around us after not just the winter that has passed, but the last difficult two years of the pandemic and so much more. So my invitation to you, as we conclude the first official week of spring and continue our Lenten journey towards Holy Week, is to look attentively around you and see where you might find “a new softness in the light” from the yeast of God’s kingdom already at work around you.
It might be in the church, or in your family life, in your neighborhood, in your friendships, or in the larger world. But look and see where the Holy Spirit is bringing forth shoots of love, joy, justice, forgiveness, compassion, and peace where you might not have noticed it before.
And take a moment to savor that discovery with a photo or a journal reflection or just a moment of silent prayer, and see how in turn that experiences helps lift you!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: Again & Again, God
Loves First by The Rev. Lindsey Altvater
Clifton
- We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S WORSHIP: NEW PROTOCOLS
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New building protocols: Anyone not fully vaccinated is requested to properly wear a mask covering the nose and mouth; double masks or N95 are recommended. Masks are optional for all others who are fully vaccinated. Masks are required for everyone for the Preschool & Extended Care program.
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; please ask an usher for directions to that space.
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We will 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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HOSPITALITY TIME ON SUNDAY
You’re invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for coffee and a few refreshments starting at 10:00 a.m. This is simply a time to build relationships and connect with one another… what a gift!
We’ll also have a table for kids of all ages (including grown-ups who are kids at heart) to create faith together while enjoying a story and related craft. Hope you’ll join us!
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR: FOR THIS WEEK
Hearts N Minds, our adult ed class, will meet this Sunday, in person, from 9:45-11 a.m. (note the new start time) in the Children’s Center, room E3/4. Each week during Lent, we will ponder two-three brief articles describing the meaning of Lent.
Newspaper columnists, diarists and other writers often have strong reactions when they reflect on the ‘church practices’ of their childhood; how their personal beliefs cast doubt on the ways of the world; the difficulty believers have when life gets in the way, and what it requires to be a member of a faith family.
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3Iizxry
- To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 842 1225 8913, then press # and then # again.
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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - THROUGH EASTER
The first Presbyterian Special Offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, ends with Easter on April 17.
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During Lent, we celebrate that God connects with us through Jesus’ resurrection. It connects us with those who have the least. One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is about those who Jesus connected with, the Bible says, those oppressed, in need, have loss or are lacking. |
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Each gift to OGHS supports its Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program and its injustice program, Self-Development of People.
Learn more through the pamphlets in the Narthex and Kirk Center. Envelopes are available there. Checks can be made out to: FPCB with One Great Hour of Sharing on the memo line or through our giving link on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org/give).
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LENTEN SERIES: THE LENTEN WILDERNESS JOURNEY
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.: April 6
In person and via Zoom
Lent presses us to consider Jesus’s wilderness experience. A wilderness where safety and comfort are taken away. His journey forced a wrestling with God; yes, even a tussling with tempters. For Jesus, it was a place of loneliness: a time of questioning, and self-doubt. As modern-day pilgrims, we too have our own lament, with struggles that leave us vulnerable and exposed.
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For one more Wednesday evening - April 6 - come gather with fellow wanderers who are called to follow Jesus.
This Lenten practice will also express our heart’s own lament of struggle, yet remind us of a God who hears us and never fails to continually seek out and gather us in.
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Join us to appreciate Lenten scriptures and secular readings which serve as guideposts in our larger spiritual journey. We offer a Lenten practice that expresses our hearts to a God who hears our lament out of the fullness of all that we are. Each Lenten session invites quiet contemplation, group discussion and fellowship, seeking new ways to find strength to go where Jesus leads us.
The in person classes will be held in classrooms in the Children’s Center – use the back (east) parking lot to enter through the Kirk Center doors and you will be directed.
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To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3MnQByz
- To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 817 4968 707, then press # and then # again.
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IT’S TIME TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS
You’re invited to celebrate Easter through the donation of flowers in honor or memory of loved ones, to brighten our worship spaces. You can take your flowers with you after attending service on Easter morning.
This year, we have three options available for the suggested donations listed:
Hydrangea: $20
Tulips: $10
Daffodils: $10
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You can place your order by using one of the flower order envelopes available in the church, or in your pack of envelopes, if you order them. Orders are due Sunday, April 10.
You can also send a check to the Business Office, Attn: Easter Flowers, First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18017.
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Be sure to include what type of flower(s) you would like, the quantity, any names you wish to honor (‘in honor of’ or ‘in memory of’) and your name and contact information. NOTE: Because of all the information needed, we are unable to process orders placed through our online giving portal.
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DEACONS CORNER
The Deacons are the caregivers of the church, ordained lay members of the congregation who are best described as the church’s ‘ministers of mercy.’ They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations.
They would like to remind everyone to contact them if a family member is in the hospital. The current hospital info system has been unreliable since Covid, and they are missing info when congregants are hospitalized. Also, home visits and home communion are now possible again.
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HI NEIGHBORS INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS: ALL WELCOME!
Hi Neighbors is meeting in person this Monday. Everyone is welcome to attend our session in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a hospitality time.
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We will hear from Tom Repasch about the “Barnes Foundation and Museum,” an art collection and educational institution promoting the appreciation of art and horticulture, located in Philadelphia (right).
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On Monday, April 4, the presentation is “Hinges of American History: Turning Points of the Civil War” by Michael McGovern. |
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LOOKING AHEAD…
NOTE: All online services will be offered on Facebook Live and on our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
- Saturday, April 9: Memorial Service and Reception for The Rev. Keith Brown (11 a.m. – Sanctuary and online)*
- Sunday, April 10: Palm Sunday Services - 9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional (in person and online)
- Thursday, April 14: Maundy Thursday Service (7 p.m. – Sanctuary and online)
- Friday, April 15: Good Friday Service (8 p.m. – Sanctuary and online)
- Saturday, April 16: Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Fest (10 a.m. - noon)
- Saturday, April 16: Compline Service (8 p.m. – Sanctuary and online)
- Sunday, April 17: Easter Services - 9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional (in person and online)
*We are in need of volunteers to help us on this day. If you already sent us an email to say you would help: would you kindly fill out the online form so we know specifically what you would like to donate or how you would like to help.
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INTRODUCING OUR NEW ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
We are happy to welcome Pam Marth as our new Administrative Coordinator, working in the church office. A resident of Allentown, she is the parent of an 11-year-old daughter and enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family.
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Pam has a business background and formerly worked as an administrative assistant at Salisbury Township School District. She says, “Everyone is very nice and welcoming, and I’m lookng forward to getting settled in my new role.”
ext. 228.
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CAN YOU HELP? NEW “JOB SHARING” SHIFTS AVAILABLE
We recently began staffing the church office with our dedicated group of volunteer receptionists. We currently have two open shifts available - on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Typically our volunteers sign on for one, every-week shift, but we are putting out the call to see if anyone is interested in taking two shifts a month (every other week). Let us know if this (or an every week shift) interests you – please contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865. Thanks for considering this way of serving our church!
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Preschool is currently registering students for the 22-23 school year, but spaces are limited for children ages 2-4.
The program is also in need of an Assistant Extended Care Coordinator for their after school program. Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., and this is a year-round position. A degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education is required.
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For more information on either opportunity, contact Laura Hawk, Preschool Director, at lhawk@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-2956. |
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CHURCH OFFICE UPDATE
The Building Re-Opening Task Force has reinstated our volunteer receptionists staffing the office. However, please continue to contact the staff person you need to speak with, to set up an appointment – staff are working remotely as much as possible. If you don’t know who to contact, email us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865.
The South entrance door is unlocked between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Thursday, and on Sunday mornings.
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A NOTE ABOUT CLOSURES AND CANCELLATIONS...
Should we need to close the building and/or cancel events or office hours, we will make those announcements on our website (fpc-bethlehem.org), Facebook page, and WFMZ (both on wfmz.com and on their TV announcements). Messages will also be placed on the church phone, 610-867-5865.
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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 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)
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9 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online
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NEW TIME! 9:45 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, in person and via Zoom (details above)
- 10 a.m.: Hospitality Hour, Fellowship Hall
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11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; see below, to join us online
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICES
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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 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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WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
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
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