Friday - February 22, 2019

THIS SUNDAY: 9 AM CONTEMPORARY SERVICE in Kirk Center

10:30 AM TRADITIONAL SERVICE in Sanctuary

Children's Sunday School during both services

Join us for Hospitality in Fellowship Hall after each of our services!

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SUE BENNETCH: H.A.L.T.!
Have you ever heard of the acronym H.A.L.T.? Well, it stands for hungry, angry, lonely and tired. Support groups, counselors and others use it to remind people that if they get too hungry, too angry, too lonely or too tired, they should reach out to someone because they are beginning to swim in mucky water. I like H.A.L.T. because it reminds us that keeping a balance in our lives helps us avoid getting ‘too’ anything for too long.
Our Deacon ministry is an important part of our church, and reflects our commitment to provide compassionate care to our congregation. We want to be there to extend our support to all members who find themselves in difficult places (which can mean one thing for one person and another thing for someone else). Simply put: we want to be there for you. Somehow our burdens are lightened when someone is there to listen, to understand, and to be present.
Beginning March 3, and on the first Sunday of every month, we will once again take blood pressure readings after each of our services. A record will be kept that you can take to your physician visit. Look for us in the North Link - we will station ourselves outside Fellowship Hall.

I am also very happy to report that this spring, members of our Stephen Ministry Team will be available to those who are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, finances, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, etc. These trained leaders are known for having a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Watch for more information in future newsletters.

Another goal of 2019 is to increase our visits to those who are in skilled nursing facilities. We are compiling a list of names of members who would benefit from a visit. Please let us know if you have a loved one living in a facility, and include your contact information so we can keep in touch to update you on our visit.

And finally, just a reminder: if you or a loved one are admitted to the hospital, please let the staff know you are a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem. Our code is 724. If you would like a visit or a phone call please contact us by email or
610-867-5865 and let us know.

Friends, please know that each and every one of you is important to us, and you are in our prayers.

So if you find yourself needing to talk to someone, or would like a visit for yourself or a loved one, please contact me at 610-867-5865, ext. 209.

Blessings,
Sue Bennetch
LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT
We will offer an Ash Wednesday service on March 6 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend this special service
As we did last year, we will be offering a Community Lenten Supper series, beginning Wednesday, March 13. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. for a simple meal. This will be followed by a brief reflection, led by one of the pastors in our church, focusing weekly on an African American Spiritual.
We will be offering a general Lenten devotional for an individual or family if they wish, which will be distributed around the church. This is a different topic than the Lenten supper material. 

Watch for more details, including a volunteer sign-up to bring food or assist at a supper.
EVERY MEMBER PROPORTIONAL OFFERING REMINDER
This year’s proportional giving (formerly known as Per Capita) is $36 for each person counted as a member of the PCUSA. Proportional giving supports the PCUSA General Assembly ($8.95), our Synod of the Trinity ($2.30) and Lehigh Presbytery ($24.75). The Presbytery receives the most as they provide direct services to individual churches.

Our church is fortunate to have Lehigh Presbytery as a strong and supportive partner (Lehigh Presbytery assisted us financially and emotionally throughout our two-year struggle to regain the property). This fund also supports national ministries such as Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, leadership training, and global mission.

T his year’s apportionment totals $18,576. Please consider giving – at whatever level you can - to this special offering; maybe you want to ‘pay it forward’ and underwrite the assessment for someone you know may not be able to self-pay. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem but remember to write “Proportional Giving” on your check memo line. Envelopes are in the Sanctuary pew racks and in the Narthex.
2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES AND TAX LETTERS
Our new boxed envelopes for the 2019 offering are available to pick up in Fellowship Hall. The letters documenting your 2018 contributions to the church will be mailed this coming week.
SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR OUR FLORAL MINISTRY
Will you consider providing flowers for our Sanctuary worship services? We are seeking donations for flowers in May. A donation of $75 will pay for the arrangement under the cross in the Sanctuary, and $90 covers two pedestal arrangements.

Contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865. Thank you!
AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP THIS TUESDAY
The second (and last) session for this group will be held this Tuesday, February 26 in the Parlor.

Judy Smullen and Linda Robertson invite you to a discussion of Why Religion? A Personal Story by nationally recognized theologian Elaine Pagels. The group met on February 5; you are welcome to attend even if you have not read this story of the death of Pagels’ young son and then her husband. 
HI NEIGHBORS: New session starts Monday, March 4
On Monday mornings from March 4 – May 13, join other adults who come from all over the Lehigh Valley to learn something new and make new friends.
Our first presentation on March 4 will feature Rev. Sue Bennetch speaking on
“5 Wishes”, followed by former agent Russ D’Entrone sharing about his time with
the FBI.

Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for fellowship time with coffee and light refreshments. At
10 a.m. we offer the first program, with the second at 11 a.m. Hi Neighbors is held in Fellowship Hall.

Everyone is welcome, so please share this information with family and friends! Details are on the First Pres website and our Facebook page, under “Events”. There is no cost or pre-registration required.
HOME VISITS TO OUR MEMBERS
One of our Deacons’ goals is to reach out to FPCB members who reside locally, but who are unable to regularly attend worship.

If you know a member of our Congregation who would appreciate receiving Home Communion and/or a home visit by one of our Deacon representatives, please contact Rev. Sue Bennetch at 610-867-5865, ext. 209. Thank you for helping us by providing contact information for those who could benefit from a visit.
LEHIGH PRESBYTERY ASSEMBLY: Saturday, March 2
All ruling elders, pastors and others from our church are invited to join the first Lehigh Presbytery Assembly, where we will begin to explore ways to rethink how to be the church of Jesus Christ in today’s culture.

It will be held from 9 a.m.-noon at Community Presbyterian Church of Mt. Bethel and Portland. Click here for details.
AARP TAX PREP HELP IS AVAILABLE
On Thursdays through April 11: Drop by Room 400 between 8 a.m. – noon to make an appointment for free assistance with your tax return. This is available for everyone; there are no age or income restrictions.

Bring your 2017 tax returns and 2018 documentation; you may or may not be seen the day that you come.
DEPRESSION GROUP: NEW DAY, TIME
The Depression Support Group is for anyone whose life is affected by depression – whether yourself or someone you care about. Sessions are Tuesdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in Room 206
(PW Room). For more information contact
TIME TO REGISTER FOR FALL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
The First Pres Preschool & Extended Care program is now registering for fall 2019.
If you know someone who might be interested in their hands-on, learning by playing program, please share this information with them!

Those planning to attend are asked to contact Andie Barbehenn by email or at 610-867-2956. Click here for all the details about FPC's Preschool program.
Send us your news and photos to share:
Deadline for newsletter: Wednesday at noon
* * *
And follow us on Facebook : @FirstPresBethlehem
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

THIS SUNDAY:
  • Hospitality in Fellowship Hall after each service; join us for light refreshments and fellowship
  • 9:00 a.m. - Contemporary Service, Kirk Center
  • 9:00 a.m. - Sunday School, Pre-K through Grade 5, Room A4
  • 9:00 a.m. - Adult Education, Hearts N Minds, Room 400
  • 10:30 a.m. - Traditional Service, Sanctuary
  • 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School, Pre-K through Grade 5 (Children attend first part of worship service), Room E3-4
  • Childcare for Infants and Toddlers, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Room A3

MONDAYS: It’s a Start fitness class, 10 a.m., Middle School Step
TUESDAYS: Depression Support Group, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Room 206 (PW Room);
Handbell Choir, 5:30 p.m., Middle School Step
TUESDAY (February 26): Afternoon Book Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Parlor
WEDNESDAYS: Overcomers Outreach, 7 p.m., Room 408
THURSDAYS: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m., Sanctuary; Al-Anon Family Group, 7 p.m.,
Room 212

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS (March 5 & 19): Successful Aging, 10:30 a.m.,
Room 412
THIRD WEDNESDAY (March 20): Dementia Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m.,
Room 206 (PW Room)
THIRD THURSDAY (March 21): Prayers & Squares, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Room 408
(bring your lunch and join us to create quilts and prayer shawls)

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: We are open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. As always, you can leave a voicemail message with the church any time at 610-867-5865 or contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org . I f you have an urgent pastoral need, please call our answering service at 610-778-7003.

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:
    Melody Engel, Hospital Ministrants, phone: 484-695-4905 or email 
    Phil Fair, Prayer Ministrants,  phone: 610-867-8361 or email   

BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS : If members of the FPCB congregation would like to schedule weddings, baptisms or funerals, please contact The Rev. Sue Bennetch at 610-867-5865, ext. 209.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org

The Rev. J.C. Austin , Pastor/Head of Staff: ext. 213, JAustin@fpc-bethlehem.org

The Rev. Sue Bennetch , Pastoral Care Associate: ext. 209;

David Macbeth , Music Director: ext. 202; DMacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org

Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;

Rebecca Angione, Facilities: ext. 210; RAngione@fpc-bethlehem.org

Andréa Wells, Business Manager; ext. 211: AWells@fpc-bethlehem.org

Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org

Andrea Barbehenn , Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956;

Website:   www.fpc-bethlehem.org