APRIL 21, 2021
Congregational Life: The 'glue' in our community

The Congregational Life Committee is a Committee of Session to encourage fellowship among our members. It was established in 2018 to invite the congregation to gather to relax, have fun and spend time with each other.
Since its inception in early 2018, this committed group has met the challenges of providing opportunities for folks of all ages to gather for fun and fellowship. Even when we couldn't meet in person!
They have also stepped up to offer opportunities for us to connect with the larger community, as when they solicited donations for our neighbors. Right: Member Ginny Shunk (right) blesses the Benway family dog at October's 'Blessing of the Animals'
As we begin a new series of 'spotlights' on the various committees and task forces that comprise our church community, here's a look back on some favorite events sponsored by this very active group:
Family Advent activities have been a popular focus.
Game Nights - whether in-person or online - are also favorites!
Collections made in December and February benefited many of our neighbors.
Picnics are another favorite way to gather for fun and fellowship.
Congregational Life has sponsored several outings to area local theatre, including to see Jesus Christ Superstar at Northampton Community Colllege - Rev. Austin offered a 'talk back' session after that show to interested audience members (right).
The recent Easter Egg Hunt was also a big hit with the younger crowd. More than 50 eager participants made fast work of locating the over 700 Easter eggs placed around our campus!

The group also decorated our church building for the Christmas holidays, including placing luminaras for the annual city Luminara Night.
Although they've risen to the challenge of gathering us together when we can't physically meet - also offering virtual pizza parties, game nights, and online cooking demo's - the group is eagerly awaiting the day when we can meet safely in person.

In the meantime, consider joining the group at this Saturday's Earth Day Celebration - details below!

Elder Phyllis Walker chairs the Congregational Life Committee, which is staffed by
The Rev. Sue Bennetch. Ginny Shunk serves as secretary, and other members are Jeanne Hunsicker, Joanne Kelhart, Donna Knepp and Jane Masters.

New members are welcome - whether you'd like to work on one project or many, please contact Phyllis at CongLife@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message for her at 610-867-5865.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION!
Open to everyone – all ages
This Saturday, April 24 - 3 p.m.
Church grounds
No raindate
Let’s celebrate Earth Day by gathering together to:

  • Fly kites on our beautiful campus

  • Bless our CommUNITY Garden, as its stewards begin another season of growing produce for our neighbors in need
Let us know you’re coming by completing this short online form.

Protocols will be in place: masks for everyone two years and older, and physical distancing of at least six feet.