Friday, August 9, 2019
SUNDAY SERVICES:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary ∙ 10:30 a.m. Traditional
Join us for “Lemonade on the Lawn”, our hospitality time from 10-10:30 a.m.
on the back lawn
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. STEVE SIMMONS:
A Remarkable American Experiment
This past Tuesday marked the 145th birthday of a remarkable American experiment in “out of school vacation learning,” the Chautauqua Institution, which was founded by two Methodist laymen, Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent in 1884.
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Originally created for the training of Sunday School teachers, it has since expanded to encompass a vast array of public lectures and forums, musical, artistic, and dramatic productions, opportunities for interfaith engagement, and other cultural experiences for curious adults and young people.
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My wife Cindy and I, along with more than a few members of First Presbyterian, have been privileged to participate in the Institution’s summer offerings over the years.
Last month we experienced a week on the theme of “Uncommon Ground: Communities Working Toward Solutions” and one on “A Planet in Balance,” the latter presented in partnership with the National Geographic Society. We also heard a variety of presentations on topics ranging from Report for America (which supports young people in helping to revitalize local journalism in small and mid-sized towns), to a “Nat Geo” initiative that is enabling both ranchers and wolves to coexist and thrive in Montana (who knew?), to a cooperative that is removing an enormous amount of plastic from our oceans and recycling it into flip-flops and other useful items to support low-income communities worldwide, to a local high school teacher in Mississippi whose nationally-recognized oral history project is helping his students and the broader community explore and heal the wounds left by slavery and its aftermath. And that’s only a sample.
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Beyond lifting up the unique entity that is Chautauqua*, there’s a bigger point here. It’s tempting, in the face of a 24/7 news cycle that seems to bring nothing but the latest round of bad tidings, to throw up our hands, tune out, and simply say, “What’s the use?” But even now, countless people and organizations (more than a few of them sponsored by the PCUSA and other faith communities) are rolling up their sleeves in creative and effective ways to work for a better future for this generation and those that will follow.
Their work often goes largely unheralded, but they represent a tremendous force for good. May their tribe increase!
Peace,
Steve Simmons
* Recognizing the moral imperative of fostering deeper, more meaningful dialogue among people of different faith traditions, Chautauqua offers programs that engage religious leaders and communities in public and private dialogue. They continue to build upon Chautauqua’s historic convening power and 20-year Abrahamic Program, and its growing role as a lived interfaith community, with perennial work that brings leaders and scholars into conversation — with one another and with the broader community — and challenges us all toward interfaith learning and understanding. More information:
chq.org
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
FIRST LESSON:
Genesis 15:1-6
SECOND LESSON
:
Hebrews 11:1-4, 6-10, 13-14,
29-33, 39-40
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·
This week’s sermon:
Promises That Change Everything
by
the Rev. Dr. Sally A. Brown
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CELEBRATE THE HARVEST: CommUNITY Garden Potluck
Join us for the second annual CommUNITY garden potluck
this
Wednesday,
August 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Kirk Center.
Everyone is welcome!
Three main dishes will be provided, including a vegetarian option; please bring a side dish or dessert to share (if your dish is vegetarian will you please label it as such).
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On that evening we anticipate having guests from the other churches, temples and mosque that are supporting our garden
(pictured, right).
We provide fresh produce for
New Bethany Ministries
in Bethlehem and
Safe Harbor in Easton
– this past week we harvested 56 pounds of fresh produce for them!
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COMING SOON: LEHIGH VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL
The Lehigh Valley Pride Festival is Sunday, August 18 at the Jewish Community Center, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown, from noon to 6 pm. The day includes a variety of activities, including entertainment, artists, drag bingo, and a pride rally. (See the
schedule
;
note this is a paid event
).
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The vendor area will include artists, retailers, and non-profits.
First Presbyterian Church of Allentown has invited FPCB to share space at their information table, and our Deacons will lead our church’s participation by giving out hugs to those wanting one.
The day will begin with a Pre-Pride Christian worship service, offered by Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley, and a Pre-Pride Jewish worship service by Congregation Am Haskalah: The Lehigh Valley’s Reconstructionist Community. Both services will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the JCC.
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CALLING ALL HANDS…
Mission Opportunity
The Helping Hands Care Team of Lehigh Presbytery has scheduled its third mission work trip to Fayetteville, NC
for October 19-26 (Saturday-Saturday)
.
Participants are needed to assist with the recovery efforts after heavy rains 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.
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There are
no specific skills or experience required, other than to be flexible and provide whatever help is needed. Plumbing, electrical, roofing, and dry wall installation skills are always welcome.
The cost is $200 per person and
participants must register by October 1.
Information can be found on the
Lehigh Presbytery website
or call 610-391-9020.
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CAN YOU DONATE?
We currently have two donations-in-progress – look for the bins in the North Link and Kirk Center rotunda.
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·
New socks and underwear
for school-age children (collected through this Sunday, August 11) – part of the “We Got Your Back” program for area children
(see below)
·
Travel-size toiletries
– these will go to folks impacted by natural disasters (collected through Sunday, August 25)
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“WE GOT YOUR BACK” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
In addition to the donations
(see above),
here is an opportunity for adults, teens and kids to volunteer alongside other folks in the Lehigh Valley on Saturday, August 17. That's the day the backpacks will be distributed to area kids in need.
The “We Got Your Back” program was established by Wesley Church to provide filled backpacks and new socks and underwear, as well as haircuts, hearing screenings, vision screenings, a tour of a patrol car, Cops N’ Kids book distribution, and dental screenings.
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AUGUST READING GROUP DATES
The August reading group will meet on the next two Wednesdays – August 14
and 21 – from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Parlor. All are welcome! They will be discussing:
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In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked why America has a schizophrenic personality on the question of race (
Where Do We Go From Here?
).
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More than 50 years later, we are still asking the same question. At these August meetings we will discuss Gates' newest book. Be forewarned, the book contains disturbing photos and cruel caricatures of African-Americans.
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MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT:
HOSPITALITY TEAM
In this new feature we will take a look at the many opportunities to serve and to be involved in the life of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.
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The Hospitality Team provides the baked goods, prepares the beverages and hosts the two hospitality times on Sunday mornings (“Lemonade on the Lawn” in the summer,
pictured right
).
New members are welcome to join our team and volunteer for any of these responsibilities:
Bakers:
Bake at home or join our monthly baking day at the church.
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Sunday volunteers: Assist with set up, hosting and clean up, before and after Sunday services.
Phyllis Walker and Cathy Scharf co-chair this team; if you are interested please contact
Cathy
at 610-442-2586.
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NEW! WEEKLY PRAYER LIST
We will be adding the weekly Prayer List to this email each week.
Click here for a printable copy; you can also pick up print copies in the Narthex, rotunda, Fellowship Hall and brochure racks.
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Send us your news and photos to share:
Deadline for newsletter:
Wednesday at noon
* * *
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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LOOKING AHEAD…
- Weekly
Chancel Choir rehearsals
will begin on Thursday, August 29 from 7-9 p.m.
- We will offer an outdoor
combined service
and picnic at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 8.
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CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
THIS SUNDAY
- 9:00 a.m. - Contemporary Service, Kirk Center
- “Lemonade on the Lawn” between each service; join us for light refreshments and fellowship on the back lawn (inclement weather: Fellowship Hall)
- 10:30 a.m. - Traditional Service, Sanctuary
- Childcare for Infants and Toddlers, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Room A3
TUESDAY:
Crafters,
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Room 408;
WEDNESDAY:
Overcomers Outreach, 7 p.m., Room 408
THURSDAY:
Al-Anon Family Group
, 7 p.m., Room 212
FIRST SUNDAYS (next: September 1):
Blood Pressure Screenings, between services, North Link
SECOND SUNDAYS
(
next: September 15; no meeting in August
):
Bereavement Group
gathering; this is a new date going forward, and there will be a new location.
FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS (next: August 20):
Successful Aging, 10:30 a.m.,
Room 412
THIRD WEDNESDAY (next: August 21):
Dementia Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m.,
Room 206 (PW Room)
THIRD THURSDAY (next: August 15):
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.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM
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First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 |
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
The Rev. Sue Bennetch
, Pastoral Care Associate: ext. 209;
Cristy Mette,
Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
Andrea Barbehenn
, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956;
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