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Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 Newsletter
For Sunday
9:00 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Worship Service
(in person in Fellowship Hall)
11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service
(in person in the Sanctuary, and livestreamed on Facebook and website)
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:
A SEASON OF CHANGE
Dear ones,
Fall is a season where the natural world around us offers a stunning visual reminder that change is inevitable. And for the most part, many of us welcome the crisp, cool mornings and vibrant color alongside the cozy, quaint traditions that fall brings - apple picking, fall festivals, s’mores around an outdoor fire.
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But it’s also a season when we have to let go of the long days of summer and prepare to hold on through the gray, cold winter to come. We dig up our gardens with gratitude and perhaps a bit of grief, and we put them to rest, trusting that spring will return in due time.
In a not too dissimilar way, we are in a season of change, learning yet again how to let go and hold on at the very same time - letting go of the way it has “always” been and holding on to the hope of God’s future for us; letting go of what we thought that future might look like and holding on to the promise that God’s future for us, whatever it might hold, is abundant and full of new life.
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It is a season to lean into the sure and certain promises of God’s steadfastness to God’s people. God provides daily bread, and we will continue to be faithful stewards of what we’re given. We are reminded in this week’s Scripture readings that such a faith takes work - individual and collective spiritual work. If ever there was a time to deepen our discipleship practices of prayer and worship, of fellowship and mission, of discernment and generosity, it is now.
Speaking of discernment, I want to share again what a couple of our Elders shared in worship on Sunday about which transitional leadership path they’ve gotten clarity about taking.
After discussion at both a stated and called meeting, Session has discerned that calling a full-time Transitional Pastor will best serve our leadership needs. The Transitional Pastor will take on all the usual interim ministry roles, working directly with Session (so there will not be any sort of Transition Team formed after all).
While a Transitional Ministry Consultant would have been a more cost-effective path, there were concerns about the demand that such a model would have placed on lay leaders and current clergy, along with a sense that our congregation really needs more on-the-ground leadership and a consistent pastoral presence during this season.
My role will also remain as it is currently configured during the transitional period, and the Session-appointed Strategic Mission Steering Committee will continue its work to discern and present options for our building and campus with input from the Transitional Pastor and in ongoing conversation with the congregation.
The Steering Committee will also continue providing updates at Session and Trustee meetings and presenting its recommendations for Session approval at joint meetings with the Trustees, before bringing those recommendations to the congregation for consideration, discussion, and approval.
For folks who may have forgotten, the Steering Committee is a joint Session/Trustee team made up of:
- Three active Elders: Jim Halkins (Finance); Kim Miner (Personnel); Donna Taggart (Co-chair)
- Three active Trustees: George Bickford (Property); Belle Marks (Endowment); Bud Newton (Property)
- One resting Elder: Don Robertson (Co-chair)
- One resting Trustee: Bob Hunsicker (Property)
Our General Presbyter, Rev. Denise Pass, moderated the stated and called Session meetings where these decisions were made and affirmed this as an appropriate path forward. Now, our Transitional Pastor Search Team is taking one more pass at the position description with this Session-provided clarity in mind, and final changes will be approved by Session and the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM). We are hopeful that the position will be open for applicants in the coming weeks!
The Transitional Pastor Search Team will receive and screen applicants, conduct the interviews, and present their recommended candidate to Session for approval. Since this is a time-bound, contractual pastoral relationship (much like Suzanne’s), it does not require congregational approval. In terms of a timeline, it is likely that the very earliest we could expect a Transitional Pastor to join us would be January, though it may be later than that depending on how and when things unfold.
Friends, there are many moving parts and pieces to keep track of in this season, so please keep your prayers and support for FPCB coming! With the Spirit’s help and guidance, we’ll keep following God’s path as faithfully as we can. Forward together.
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- Sermon: The Kingdom of Heaven by Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton
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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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FOR SUNDAY, OCT. 20
The Bethlehem Running Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20.
It will feature a Half Marathon road race that morning,
through city streets. The route will not utilize Center Street
but will impact streets to the west and south of our campus.
Please plan ahead. CHECK THE MAP.
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FOR SUNDAY: HEARTS N MINDS - ADULT ED CLASS
“The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions?” - Terry Tempest Williams
The Hearts N Minds adult education class is engaging in a series of discussions designed to spark engagement with democracy and democratic values in a non-partisan way. They will examine the principles of democracy and how to put these ideas into concrete action in participants’ personal and community lives.
They will meet in the Parlor at 10 a.m. on Sunday; the discussion will focus on ‘enemies.’ All are welcome to attend.
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FOR SUNDAY: BODY N SOUL - INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION
Intergenerational faith formation builds community across generations, providing a space and structure where persons of all ages can learn from each other.
The Body N Soul class is exploring the curriculum Current: Seeking Peace Together. Divided into four segments, this curriculum explores the topics: Peace with God, Peace Within, Peace with Others, and Peace with Creation. Each week introduces a new story from the Old or New Testament that illustrates God’s shalom.
Body N Soul meets weekly between services (10:10 – 11 a.m.) in Fellowship Hall and continuing through December. All are welcome!
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DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?
LAST CALL: NOMINATIONS DUE SUNDAY, OCT. 13
It’s time to begin the important process of nominating appropriate candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees and members of the Nominating Committee.
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If you have someone you would like to nominate (or yourself), there will be printed nominating forms available in the Narthex (outside the Sanctuary) and on the info table at the 9 a.m. service. You can also use this online form (bit.ly/3zmHPiY). | |
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Please submit your nominations by this Sunday, Oct. 13.
Everyone nominated will be contacted to confirm they are eligible to run and asked if they accept the nomination, before their name appears on the ballot. The elections are held in conjunction with our Annual Meeting in January.
Elders comprise the Session of the Presbyterian Church which is, in essence, the decision-making body of the church. They recommend and approve all program and policy implementation and modifications in the church. Elders serve a three year term and the Session meets monthly; Elders generally serve on one or more committees, which also usually meet on a monthly basis.
Deacons are the caregivers of the church. They minister to the individual members through home communion and visits, hospital and prayer ministries, and providing support to those in difficult situations. Deacons serve a three year term and typically meet monthly.
The Nominating Committee members are charged with identifying candidates for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Nominating Committee itself. This committee usually meets three or four times each year; the term of service is one year, and a member may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds. Trustees will meet monthly and members will also serve on one additional committee, such as the property or finance committee, which also generally meet monthly. The term for Trustees is three years.
Thank you for supporting this important process!
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QUARTERLY GIVING STATEMENTS…
were mailed on Wednesday. If you expected to get one and did not, please contact Brenda Robinson, Bookkeeper, at brobinson@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865. Thank you for supporting our church and its mission in this way!
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LET’S END HUNGER: ONE STEP AT A TIME!
It’s not too late to support this initiative, and help our neighbors!
The 39th annual event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13, with registration at 1:00 p.m. near the Sand Island basketball courts, with a step-off time at 1:30. Bikes, strollers, and canine companions are all welcome, and you can walk (run, jog, skip) one, two, or all 2.7 miles.
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You're invited to join some 300,000 walkers representing more than 700 teams from around the country in supporting hunger initiatives locally and around the world (25% of funds raised are kept for local hunger programs).
First Pres has a long history of ‘stepping up’ with a significant number of walkers and donors, so let's do it again!
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For more information, including a map of the route, and to register for or make a contribution to the walk, use the link, below.
If you would prefer to pay by check, please make it out to “CWS/CROP” and give it to Steve Simmons after Sunday worship or drop it off in the church office during regular office hours (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Let’s end hunger one step at a time!
NOTE: For those walking on Sunday, you can pick up a bagged lunch in Fellowship Hall following the Traditional Worship service.
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HI NEIGHBORS SPEAKERS PROGRAM: JOIN US ON MONDAY! | |
Monday’s audience (another great crowd!) enjoyed learning about the Historic Easton Cemetery from Kay Wolff, of the cemetery’s Friends organization. She shared stories about the cemetery’s creation, its designation on the National Historic Register, the interesting grave markers and features of the grounds, and how the cemetery serves as a learning tool for local 4th graders’ study of Pennsylvania history. | |
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For this Monday we will hear from Matthew Sayre, a physical therapist from St. Luke’s Anderson campus. He’ll share tips and strategies to ensure “Fitness in Your Golden Years” (and no, we will not be doing push-ups!).
We start each session with a 9:30 a.m. Social Time in Fellowship Hall. An hour-long program follows at 10 a.m., focusing on topics like local history and culture, wellness, and technology. The complete schedule is available here.
All are welcome – no registration fee or sign-up needed. Just come and bring your friends!
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SUPPORTING THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANES | |
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The Synod of South Atlantic has extended an invitation to join them in a special, online Worship & Prayer service on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be a time for storytelling and prayer for those who have been lost, those suffering, and those responding.
REGISTER HERE. This gathering is open to anyone thoughout the denomination to attend.
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Representatives from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will participate with updates. If you’d like to make a donation through them: pda.pcusa.org/. | |
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 a.m.: Holy Ground Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
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10-11 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Parlor (see more info, above)
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10:10 – 11 a.m.: Body N Soul intergenerational class, Fellowship Hall (see more info, above)
- NEW TIME - 11:15 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary (in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, fpc-bethlehem.org
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 church office, building and Preschool WILL be open on Monday.
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
Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Acting Head of Staff/Associate Pastor for Justice and Community Impact; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org
Rev. Suzanne Trump, Pastoral Associate for Compassion; STrump@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org
David Crook, Director of Church Administration; ext. 210; DCrook@fpc-bethlehem.org
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Tracy Leszcynski, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; TLeszcynski@fpc-bethlehem.org
Brenda Robinson, Bookkeeper; BusinessOffice@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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