Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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Dear Friends,
Because it so important for all of us to be connected during this time of uncertainty, we will be increasing the number of communications made to you. We will continue with the Friday morning newsletter, which will remain the most comprehensive message, but there will be other special communications by email and other avenues.
Some may take the form of additional announcements and reminders, others may be video messages - still others may be ideas to share for your additional 'free' time or ways to connect with each other.
For at least the next couple of weeks, we are going to experiment with a “Mid-Week Update” to keep you closely informed of what new things are happening and what is shifting from its usual patterns and practices.
And if you are on
Facebook
and have not already “liked” the church Facebook page, I encourage you to do so now, as it has the advantage of being able to interact with each other and the church through comments and reactions rather than simply receive information.
As with all things, we are experimenting with what is most faithful and effective in how we are loving and serving God, our neighbors, and each other. If you have ideas for a new experiment, please send them to
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
,
especially if you are willing to help lead them! I’m so grateful to be in ministry with all of you during this time.
TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Lenten Suppers: Join us with our new format!
- Did you miss Sunday's service?
- Are you in need of meals, shopping or other assistance?
- Prayer requests
- Can you provide tech help?
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NEW! LENTEN CONVERSATIONS
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays (March 18, 25 & April 1)
We're going ONLINE with our Lenten Conversations! Enjoy your meal at home and join us via your computer, laptop, iPad or phone (does not have to be a smartphone).
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You can participate in the conversation or just 'listen and learn'. Rev. Steve Simmons will be continuing the discussion on
'Having the Mind of Christ':
"While Jesus stands at the center of Christianity, it is not widely known how much he is respected, even revered, by numerous other faith traditions. We’ll explore what this means in an increasingly multifaith culture, and what insights we might gain from seeing Jesus through 'fresh eyes,' with a particular focus on some selections from Thich Nhat Hanh’s
Coming Home: Jesus and the Buddha as Brothers
and Mustafa Akyol’s
The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims."
You may want to print these two handouts:
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INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO JOIN US VIA "ZOOM"
We understand this is new technology for many of you. We encourage you to prepare for the meeting before the 6:30 p.m. start time so you have time to 'work out the bugs'. If you have questions please
contact us
.
ZOOM is made to be a video platform, so you will see everyone in the meeting (unless they do not have their device camera turned on) and everyone can see you! You can also join the meeting on your phone, listening to the audio only.
If you're using:
iPad – download the ZOOM app before meeting; click on app and use the "join the meeting" link at the designated time; type in the Meeting ID
(below)
Smartphone – download the ZOOM app before meeting; click on app and use the "join the meeting" link at designated time; type in the Meeting ID
OR call the phone number listed below and give Meeting ID
(below)
NOTE: you can join the meeting via video or just listen to it on your phone, depending on capabilities
Desktop – click on the link provided and test your mic and speakers (you will be prompted).
NOTE: Some folks find it easier to hear if they use headphones. And remember to speak clearly! (If you're using an iPad or phone, make sure you're charged up.)
Join the ZOOM meeting (click this link):
Meeting ID: 473 035 524
Password: 969376
BY PHONE: call
929-205-6099
INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN US: This is posted as an
"Event" on our
Facebook page. When you click on this link, look for the "Share" button: you can send a direct invite to your own friends (choosing which ones), and/or share it as a post on your own page (write something on your shared post - it will be pushed out to more people).
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DID YOU MISS SUNDAY'S SERVICE?
Or want to revisit it? You can view the entire service (video) or read the text of the sermon by visiting our website,
fpc-bethlehem.org.
As noted above, we will offer two online worship opportunities this Sunday: our Contemporary service at 9:00 a.m. and the Traditional service at a
NEW TIME: 11:00 a.m. The details will be on our
website and
Facebook page.
BY THE NUMBERS:
How many folks we reached with Sunday's service on Facebook: 533
How many people reacted with a like, comment or share: 362
We were also joined by a church in Detroit!
Having our services online is not only a great thing for our own congregation, but a meaningful way to reach out to others. Friday's newsletter will include a link to a Facebook event posting with the worship details - invite your friends and family to join us!
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ARE YOU IN NEED OF MEALS, SHOPPING OR OTHER ASSISTANCE?
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Deacons are delivering meals and groceries to members of our congregation who are in need.
If you or anyone you know could use this help, please contact Rev. Sue Bennetch, Pastoral Associate, at
sbennetch@fpc-bethlehem.org or
610-867-5865, ext. 209, and the Deacon team will respond.
If you would like to help prepare or deliver meals to our friends, or donate to the Deacon Fund for this effort, contact Pastor Bennetch.
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Do you have a prayer request?
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CAN YOU PROVIDE TECH HELP?
As noted above, we are providing you with digital alternatives to our gatherings. For many, this is brand-new territory!
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Please
contact us
if you are willing to share your tech skills with others (e.g. helping people know how to watch Facebook Live or log into ZOOM for a meeting). We could also use some help with video editing and other audio/video tasks.
This is also an opportunity to learn new skills yourself!
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