Friday, October 22, 2021 Newsletter

SUNDAY SERVICES IN-PERSON AND
ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:

9:00 a.m. Contemporary 
NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m. Traditional*

 (* also available on our website and via phone)
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: LOST OR BEWILDERED?      

As you know, we’re in the middle of a sermon series in worship called “On the Way,” that is exploring different aspects of what it means to be followers of the Way of Jesus Christ, which is what Christianity was called in its earliest stages, as we can see in different places in the book of Acts.

The image of “the way” is a rich metaphor, as I mentioned last Sunday, and so it’s not surprising that there are multiple paths and side-trails that can’t all be explored in a single sermon, so I thought I would pick up one of those from last Sunday in this article before we continue down the path of the series. 
One of the things we were exploring is the surprising reality that a dead-end on the way or path we are following can be a good thing.

It forces us to take stock of where we are, where we’ve come from, and where we are trying to go, and to figure out if we are lost or if there is a new direction, a new development on our way, that can lead us forward. 
Because of both the Scripture and the main point of the sermon, we focused on finding that new direction that can help us get back on the way, and I talked about how I think that’s one of the most important roles of the Christian Church: to be a waystation where people can find sustenance and community and insight that will help them on their journey of faith.

But what about when you really do feel like you might be lost? It can be very hard to tell the difference between not yet having found the new direction to lead you on your way, and actually being lost. Some of that difference is philosophical. I’ve always loved the reflection that Daniel Boone gave about whether he’d ever been lost; Boone was a literal trailblazer in the late 1700s who created the Wilderness Road for English-speaking settlers to cross the Appalachian Mountains through the Cumberland Gap, so he knew quite a bit about finding his way and creating a path. Boone said, “I can’t say as ever I was lost, but I was bewildered once for three days.” 

That is actually the most important distinction: are you lost, or are you bewildered? I think it’s relatively rare in our life and faith that we truly get lost, literally and utterly unable to orient ourselves and get back on the way. Most of the time we are “bewildered:” there is a way forward, even multiple ways, but we haven’t recognized it or aren’t confident enough in it or in ourselves to follow it.
           
This is why I’ve always found John 14 to be one of the most important passages in Scripture, and why it’s especially always my personal preference for a text at a funeral or a memorial service. Jesus is having the Last Supper with his disciples; he tells them not to be troubled, that he is going to prepare a place for them in God’s house and will come back and take them there with him, and that they know the way to where he’s going.

A “bewildered” Thomas protests that they don’t know that, and Jesus replies, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” That’s an extraordinary promise, so much so that it is thought to be one of the main sources for Christianity first being known as “The Way,” because Jesus is the Way that Christians follow. And it is so extraordinary because it means that we don’t find the way to God, but in Jesus Christ, the way finds us, no matter how bewildered we may be.

And that, in turn, is the very essence of God’s grace: that we are saved not through our own efforts to get to God, but because God comes to us in Jesus, and takes us to God simply because God loves us so much. That is not just good news; it is the good news, and as we continue our journey on the way of Jesus, let it always guide our steps and strengthen our bodies and spirits!

Grace and Peace,
J.C.
FOR THIS SUNDAY

Scripture lesson:
                          
Click the link to read the verses
-This week’s sermon: On the Way:
Being a Voyager Church by The Rev.
J.C. Austin
-We post the video of each week’s
services and sermon text and audio on
our website: fpc-bethlehem.org
TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday

FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:

  • Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask.

  • Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – please ask a greeter for directions to that space.

  • We will offer nametags for folks to wear – you can pick up as you enter the worship space; please write your first name.
For those interested…

If you have challenges hearing the Traditional service in the Sanctuary, we have a solution: headsets that tap directly into the sound system. Ask an usher for assistance.
DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE? NOMINATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 7

The Congregational Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Elders, Trustees, Deacons, and Nominating Committee members. 

You can use this easy online form to submit your nominations or use the cards available at worship services. Or send us an email. They are due by Sunday,
November 7.  
You can nominate yourself or someone else for any of these important leadership positions (anyone you nominate will be contacted by the Nominating Committee to be sure they are eligible and in agreement to run). 
  • 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.

  • Trustees oversee all financial and property matters in the church including the budget, building renovations and repairs, planned giving, and investment funds. Trustees meet monthly and members 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.

  • 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. 

Thank you for participating in this vital aspect of the life of our congregation. 
SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES

Our new Fellowship & Formation Hour offerings will continue through the start of Advent, and include these two options: our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, and a special kid-friendly faith formation session.

HEARTS N MINDS

Hearts N Minds meets both in person and via Zoom (video as well as audio-only option). Details below. We will start at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join.

We are reading Father Greg Boyle’s incredible book Barking to the Choir. For this Sunday, we will discuss chapters two and three, and ask that you practice being non-judgmental for one day. Everyone is welcome to join.
PHYSICAL LOCATION:

We will meet in classrooms E3&4, which are on the second floor of the Kirk Center. Use the elevator that is outside Fellowship Hall (stage end), or if you enter the building via the double doors on the east side of the building (Kirk Center entrance), bear left to the elevator. Take it to the 4th floor. Exit the elevator and proceed through the rotunda. Turn right and continue down the hall to Neighborhood E (rooms 3&4). NOTE: Church protocol requires masks to be worn correctly when inside the building.
ZOOM:

  • To join online for the video class, use this Zoom link: bit.ly/3aeqLLD

  • To join on the phone for audio only, call 929-205-6099, then enter the meeting ID: 385 500 4307, then press # and then # again. 

KIDS CLASS

The Rev. Cynthia Simmons and Kate Arrington are hosting kid-friendly faith formation sessions on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. They will use the Family Story Bible to create interactive lessons about New Testament stories.  

ZOOM: 

HI NEIGHBORS: COMING MONDAY

Mondays:
9:30 a.m. Fellowship time outdoors (as weather permits)
10:00 a.m.: Presentation in Fellowship Hall (in person only)
All are welcome to attend our next session on Monday, October 25, to learn about Home Care Services from Amy Pacheco.

November 1’s presentation will be offered by State Rep. Steve Samuelson, “Update on the Census and Redistricting.
As a reminder, church COVID protocols must be observed at all times (and are subject to change). We hope you'll plan to attend these interesting programs.
The Book of Acts: What’s a Church Like You Doing in a Place Like This
Offered by the Discipleship Committee

Wednesday, October 27
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

It’s not too late to join this program! Please feel free to join in, whether you attended the first sessions or not. (If you missed them, you can watch them here: bit.ly/3aGqMrT; NOTE: unfortunately we experienced technical difficulties and do not have the recording from October 20.)

When Jesus told his disciples, “I send you out as sheep into the midst of wolves,” he wasn’t kidding. In many ways, the Roman Empire of the first century was an unimaginably hostile place to plant a new faith based on a crucified leader whose followers acclaimed him as “the lamb who was slain” and the Prince of Peace. 

Yet the movement Jesus initiated grew to encircle the globe and claim some two and a half billion followers. How did that happen?
Reading through the New Testament book of Acts, we will see how the seeds of faith planted by the Apostles germinated and grew in the early days of Christianity, laying the foundation for the church and leaving important lessons for what many are calling a new “apostolic age” in our own time.  
The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons will lead our conversation.
LOOKING FOR THURSDAY MORNING FRIENDS!

If you are available on Thursday mornings from 8 – 8:50 a.m. and are willing to spend some time connecting with a K-5 student, we have a volunteer opportunity for you!
Donegan Elementary School, 1210 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, will begin its mentoring program on Thursday, October 28. The adults and students will gather in the school’s cafeteria for one-on-one social time, before the students’ school day begins.

The goal is to help the children self-assess their emotional wellness – an important step for those who may have emotionally- and/or economically-challenging lives away from school.
To participate, mentors must be vaccinated; masks are worn at all times. You won’t be expected to help with 5th grade math homework – but we do ask that you make a commitment to be there consistently, to build a trusting relationship with your student.

Interested – or have questions? Please contact Deb Philpotts at info@fpc-bethelhem.org.
NOT ENOUGH COOKS IN THE KITCHEN! 

We’re looking for a few good cooks.  We’d even take a few bad cooks who want to get better with practice!  
We’re the First Presbyterian Church Meal Ministry, and have we got a recipe for you!  

Make a meal for one of our homebound congregation members, folks who are sick or had a recent hospital stay, or someone in the community who’s hungry.
We guarantee your effort will be appreciated and you’ll enjoy a warm feeling inside from knowing you helped someone in need. 

Interested in helping out? Give us a shout. And if you or someone you know is in need of a hot meal served with a smile, let us know.  Contact Jeff Csatari and Jeanne Hunsicker at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message for them at 610-867-5865.
LET’S SEE A MUSICAL - THIS SUNDAY

The Congregational Life Committee has planned an outing to see the musical, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love & Murder, at the Pennsylvania Playhouse for this Sunday, October 24 at 3 p.m. We have a few seats available.

If interested in attending with our group, please send an email to info@fpc-bethlehem.org. Tickets are $22 each; we’ll have instructions later about paying.
More about this very funny show: “When Monty Navarro finds out that he's eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path.

"Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn't the only thing on Monty's mind....”
Following current CDC Guidance for Northampton County, the Playhouse is requesting that all audience members wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Their staff and volunteers will also all be wearing masks; the cast is vaccinated and have all chosen to not wear masks while onstage.  
HELPING HANDS PLANS NEXT TRIP

The Helping Hands Care Team of Lehigh Presbytery has scheduled a mission work trip to New Bern, North Carolina. The trip will take place from Saturday, December 4 – Saturday, December 11.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the recovery efforts after hurricanes and flooding caused extensive damage to the churches and homes in that area. It takes years for areas to recover from these storms and every “helping hand” makes a difference in the lives of people who lost so much.
There are no specific skills or experience required, other than to be flexible and provide whatever help is needed. There are jobs for every skill level and we have experienced volunteers to help train you. We do, of course, welcome those with plumbing, electrical, roofing, and dry wall installation skills.
 
The cost is $200.00 per person and participants must register by Tuesday,
November 9; there is an orientation on Thursday, November 11. You will need to provide proof that you have received the COVID vaccine. No one can participate unless they are vaccinated due to the close quarters during travel in rented vans and the sleeping arrangements at the church.
 
If interested, please send an email to Kevin Kehoe at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave a message at 610-867-5865. 
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
Fair at prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org to keep us up to date.

PRAYER REQUESTS...
Send any prayer requests to prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org or call 610-867-5865 and leave a message.
Send us your news and photos to share:
**Deadline for next week's newsletter: WEDNESDAY at noon**
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Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
CALENDAR

THIS SUNDAY

  • 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers for directions)
  • 9:00 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestreamed
  • 10 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour – see details above for Hearts N Minds and Kids Formation Class
  • NEW TIME! 11:15 a.m.: Combined Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestreamed - see instructions in blue box, below, to join us online, and in the yellow box to join us via phone
FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
To watch “live”- as it happens:

  • Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
  • NEW! 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
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS: You can participate on your phone to listen to the 11:15 a.m. 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.
TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. - Handbell rehearsal, Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS: 7 p.m. - Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
THURSDAYS: 7 p.m. – Chancel Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary

ALL OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS AND GATHERINGS ARE CANCELLED AT THIS TIME unless offered online (see listings on our Facebook page under “Events”)

CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO: The office staff is working remotely and checking email and voicemail daily. 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).
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. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, Associate Pastor of Formation and Justice; LClifton@fpc-bethlehem.org

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

Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;

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

Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Maintenance Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org

Oscar Mendoza, Director of Business Administration: ext. 210; OMendoza@fpc-bethlehem.org

Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper: email: CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org

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

Laura Hawk, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; LHawk@fpc-bethlehem.org

Website:  www.fpc-bethlehem.org