Friday, September 24, 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)
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: DIGGING INTO OUR CALLING
This Sunday, we’re continuing both our Adult Education series at 10 a.m. and our sermon series on themes out of the book, Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission.
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This week, the sermon will focus on the idea of how buildings and space relate to the mission of the church. But as I have been preparing that sermon, it occurred to me that the word “mission” is always a tricky one when it comes to church life and ministry. Last June I even preached a whole sermon on that word as part of our “Good Word” sermon series, because several of you had suggested it as a word for consideration in Scripture. |
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In that sermon, I talked about how the word mission was popularized by the Jesuit order within Roman Catholicism to describe their work expanding and defending the Christian faith across the world. They chose that word because it comes from a Latin word that means, “to send,” because they understood themselves to be sent by Christ to do this work.
I also talk about how the church eventually began using the word “mission” in some problematic ways as a result of that. Specifically, “mission” work within the church became entangled in the 17th-20th centuries with Western colonialism in what we might now call the “developing world” or “the Global South,” particularly South America, Africa, and Asia.
Christian individuals who were considered to have an exemplary faith and a zeal for spreading the Christian gospel were sent to those colonies to evangelize the local population in parallel or even partnership with the larger colonial projects of European powers. But even though most Christian churches have repented of such practices and now conduct international mission through a framework of mutual partnership rather than colonial power dynamics, the legacy of “mission” as something that we “ordinary” Christians send “elite” Christians to do and support them in doing it has persisted in unconscious and unhelpful ways, even here in local and national “mission work.”
That is why it’s important to return to the original understanding of mission as something that we are sent to do, not something that we send others to do. Mission, in this sense, is a very helpful and important concept in the Christian church because it reminds us that, in our Baptism, we are each not only claimed as a child of God but also commissioned and sent as a servant of God to help proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and promote the building up of Christ’s kingdom in the world.
That means that we all have a mission, individually and as a congregation. Life in Christ is about following Christ into the world to love and serve others as Christ did, not withdrawing from the world so that we can receive and hold onto Christ’s love for ourselves.
This congregation has a long and rich tradition of mission in this helpful and even holy sense, from international partnerships to our work right here in the Lehigh Valley; from our generosity with funding for others who are doing God’s work to our own service in feeding programs to help people who are enmeshed in poverty or experiencing homelessness, to our tutoring work at Donegan Elementary School, to the produce of our church garden literally helping to feed those who are hungry in our community, and so much more. It is this kind of intentional, generous, outward-focused mission that is at the heart of the Neighborhood Church book and our own congregational mission statement:
As a diverse and joyful community of Christ’s followers, we explore
how God’s gracious love gives meaning to our lives and faith and inspires us
to address the needs of our world. Through our worship, learning, and service,
God fills us with purpose, compassion, courage, and hope.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be in partnership with all of you in this mission; I hope that you’ll be able to dig into this calling and opportunity more deeply as we continue our exploration of it in worship and education offerings!
Grace and Peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson:
Click the link to read the verses
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· This week's sermon: Neighborhood Church: Building Out, Building Up by The Rev. J.C. Austin
· We post each week’s sermon
(audio and text) on our website:
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TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT on 8.5" x 11" paper for Sunday
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FOR SUNDAY’S IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
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Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask.
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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.
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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.
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You’re Invited…
Sunday, October 3 (one week from this Sunday) will be The Rev. Sue Bennetch’s final day in service to our congregation as Pastoral Associate.
Please join us in a celebration in her honor at the conclusion of the Traditional worship service on that day.
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SUNDAY’S FELLOWSHIP & FORMATION HOUR – BETWEEN SERVICES
As mentioned in JC’s Pastor Message (above), we are sharing in a congregation-wide book read of Neighborhood Church: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission.
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The Mission and Discipleship Committees, along with Session, are inviting everyone to join in by reading along and participating in weekly discussion sessions during the Fellowship & Formation Hour on Sundays. We have held two sessions, with two more to come, this Sunday and on October 3. These four weeks of learning together will be structured to include activities for our children and youth, as well!
Please join us in Fellowship Hall (even if you haven’t read any of the book) for an engaging conversation about how we can more fully live out our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
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We’ll gather and enjoy a bit of casual fellowship time around 10:00 a.m. and begin our session by 10:15. Folks who are connecting with us from home can join these sessions using this Zoom link. (We ask for your patience as we try hybrid in-person and virtual faith formation offerings for the first time.)
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The Book of Acts: What’s a Church Like You Doing in a Place Like This
Offered by the Discipleship Committee
October 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Wednesdays)
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
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?
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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. |
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The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons will lead our conversation. |
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SPECIAL OFFERING: PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS
A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. This special offering concludes on World Communion Sunday, October 3.
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Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this offering to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation.
The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.
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If you requested offering envelopes, there is one in your packet; they will also be available at the sign-in tables in the Kirk Center and Narthex for Sunday worship. You may also send a check to the church Business Office (mark “Peace Offering” in the memo) or give a special gift using the church’s online giving portal (fpc-bethlehem.org/give). Please indicate “Peace Offering” in the “notes” box.
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OUR STAFF ADDS ANOTHER MEMBER
We are excited to welcome another new employee to the staff of First Presbyterian Church – Oscar Mendoza began his new duties as Director of Business Administration on Monday.
In this new full-time position, Oscar is responsible for all areas that involve finance, business, human resources, budgeting, security and risk management.
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His most recent position was at Lowe's, where he served as the Professional Service Desk Manager. He has also worked at North Central University as chief financial officer, and at Christ Church USA as executive director.
Oscar's educational background includes an accounting degree from City College in New York, and a M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Regent University.
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He was born in Nicaragua and moved to New York City when he was 15. Since then he has spent time on both coasts, before he and his family moved to Bethlehem in 2013. He and his wife Rosie have two children: daughter Limaris is a graduate student at Lehigh University where she studies educational leadership; she also works as a special education teacher at Centennial School. Their son Caleb is a sophomore at Messiah University, where he studies Mechanical Engineering.
In his free time, Oscar likes to spend time with his family, play soccer, listen to all genres of music (especially jazz), and enjoy ‘anything in nature’ (especially the ocean).
We are glad to have Oscar on board!
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A SPECIAL MUSICAL EVENT: EMMET CAHILL IN CONCERT |
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World-acclaimed Irish Tenor Emmet Cahill is embarking on his 2021 Fall Tour, which includes another stop in Bethlehem. He will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem on Wednesday, September 29, at 7:30 p.m.
All those attending must purchase a ticket at emmetcahill.com. A pre-show “Meet & Greet” with Emmet is offered at 6:30 p.m. for an additional cost.
NEW! We are happy to announce that a livestream option is now available!
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If you are interested in viewing this program via a private link, please email David Macbeth at dmacbeth@fpc-bethlehem.org. He will advise you on how to pay ($20 per device), and email you the link the day of the event (this must be paid for and confirmed prior to September 29).
Emmet has been thrilling audiences across the states for many years with powerful renditions of majestic church hymns, opera arias and widely adored Irish classics, including “How Great Thou Art,” “Ave Maria,” “Danny Boy,” “Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and many more.
Join the star of Celtic Thunder, with special guests, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Touring Choir, directed by David Macbeth, for a night of wonderful music and entertainment.
Help us spread the word: On the church Facebook events page, you should see an “Invite” button – you can use this to send invites to your own friends. If they have already been invited, their name will not be available.
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The 2021 CROP Walk: Ending Hunger One Step at a Time
By Steve Simmons, First Pres Team Leader
The 2021 CROP Hunger Walk is coming up on Sunday, October 10. This annual initiative helps support the growing number of hungry families, both our neighbors and around the globe. One quarter of the receipts is kept for local use in a wide range of hunger-related agencies.
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With the current economic hardship caused by COVID-19 and the expiration of the moratorium on evictions, many families in our area and country are finding their resources stretched to the breaking point, and are in critical need of our help. So far this year, 2113 teams nationwide have already raised more than $1,624,000, and we’re just getting started! |
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On October 10, there will be a combined walk at Louise Moore County Park, stepping off at 1:00 p.m., but, as we did last year, individual teams (K Groups, neighborhood/family teams, etc.) are welcome to participate in whatever way works best for them.
Church World Service will be processing contributions for several weeks after the event, so there's a lot of flexibility if you or your group would like to participate on a different day. One of our K Groups will be walking the D and L Trail from Sand Island to the old lock on Sunday, October 17, for instance, and others from the church are welcome to join us; to participate in a walk, please contact Steve Simmons for further details (info@fpc-bethlehem.org).
Donate or join the team! The link makes it easy to contribute online, or if you wish to make a donation by check, please make it out to CWS/CROP and mail it to the church office. Our congregation has responded generously in the past; in fact, we have been the first-place team in Bethlehem for two consecutive years (thank you!). We’re hoping to reach that mark again this year, as we join our partners around the United States in walking “so that others can live.”
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THIS IS WHAT 500 MUMS LOOKS LIKE!
Many thanks to everyone who ordered mums for the recent Preschool fund raiser – and to the volunteers who helped prep them for pick-up. It’s a big undertaking that raises a significant amount for our programming.
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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
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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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!
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CALENDAR
THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers for directions)
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9:00 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service, in-person in the Kirk Center AND livestreamed
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10-11 a.m.: Fellowship & Formation Hour, Fellowship Hall (also available via Zoom, see above article for link)
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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
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FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
To watch “live”- as it happens:
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Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
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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
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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.
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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, Sancturary
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).
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BETHLEHEM |
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865 | info@fpc-bethlehem.org
Cristy Mette, Administrative Operations Manager: ext. 228;
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