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Friday, November 18, 2022 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES
9:00 a.m. ‘Holy Ground’ Contemporary Worship in Fellowship Hall
(in person only)
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
(in person and livestreamed on Facebook and our website, and audio via phone)
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NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER WILL COME TO YOU NEXT WEDNESDAY MORNING | |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN:
A THEOLOGICAL AFFIRMATION
This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of the Christian year; a new Christian year begins with the first Sunday of Advent on November 27.
But this Sunday is not simply the last Sunday of the Christian year; on the Christian calendar it is known as “Christ the King” or “Reign of Christ” Sunday. It is part of a collection of Sundays throughout the year that are special observances of important moments in Jesus’ life and ministry outside of the major seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
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There is The Baptism of the Lord, which focuses on the significance of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist; there is Transfiguration Sunday, which recalls Jesus’ miraculous encounter with Moses and Elijah in which he was “transfigured” into a glowing figure of dazzling light; and Ascension Day, which remembers the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry when he ascended into heaven forty days after Easter in order to fulfill his promise to send the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, which we observe on Pentecost Sunday. | |
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You would think the Ascension would be the end, though, since that is the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Yet here we are with Christ the King/Reign of Christ. It’s actually the most recently-developed of all these observances; in fact, it only dates back to the 1920s. But that is part of why it is significant.
Remember what was going on in the 1920s. Yes, the “roaring 20s” was part of it, with its economic prosperity and social and cultural dynamism. But it was also the time of “the Lost Generation,” those who came of age amidst the horrors of World War I, which shook Western civilization to its core not only because of the unprecedented scale of its brutality, but because of its pointlessness.
My son Liam and I just watched the new version of All Quiet on the Western Front, and it is a powerful reminder of how awful and pointless that war really was: 40 million people died to fulfill a series of interlocking military alliances that were activated largely to defend national pride rather than something noble like opposing tyranny. The Lost Generation were those who did most of the fighting and dying in that war, and those who survived came away from it profoundly disillusioned and cynical about politics, faith, and modern life.
Christ the King Sunday was instituted after the war, then, not simply as a conclusion to the Christian year, but as a theological affirmation that it is not the kings of the earth who wield true power and determine true meaning in this world, but Christ alone, at whose name “every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
In more recent years, the language for this Sunday has shifted from “Christ the King” to “Reign of Christ” to continue the emphasis on Christ’s final sovereignty without relying too much on the patriarchal and politically antiquated metaphor of kingship in the modern world.
Yet the point is the same, and the hope it embodies is the same. And so this Sunday we’ll talk about the nature of Christ’s reign in a world where kings, per se, no longer rule, but where powers continue to claim authority while wielding division and destruction. See you in worship!
Grace and peace,
J.C.
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Luke 11:1-13
Click the link to read the verses
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- This week’s sermon: The Art of Pestering God 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
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FOR SUNDAY MORNING
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The Building Reopening Task Force encourages people to wear masks, especially if they are in a high risk category, as an additional precaution to protect themselves and others.
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Child care will be available from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Sunday mornings; please ask an usher for directions.
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We offer nametags for folks to wear; please clearly PRINT your first name.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE | |
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Many thanks to all who have submitted their pledges for the 2023 stewardship drive – your commitment is appreciated!
If you have not yet made a pledge, it’s not too late.
You can go to our website (fpc-bethlehem.org/give) to read Pastor Austin’s letter, and to print out the pledge form. You can also contact us at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or call us at 610-867-5865 to request the materials, and we will send to you.
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With all of us working together, we can continue to plant more seeds for the future! | |
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BETWEEN SERVICES: HOSPITALITY TIME – AND MORE!
All are welcome to connect at our Hospitality time starting at 10 a.m. (between the two services), in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a beverage and snack, and fellowship with other members, friends and guests.
Creating Faith: Intergenerational Faith Formation
Kids of all ages (including adults who are kids at heart) are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall during the Hospitality time between services for Creating Faith, a simple time together for a story and craft that will nurture our faith and engage our creativity. We’ll begin by 10:15 a.m. and wrap up by 10:45 a.m. Feel free to bring your Hospitality drink and snack over to our tables!
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POINSETTIA ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Special envelopes are available in the pews, Narthex and Fellowship Hall,
to return by Sunday, December 4 (there is also a poinsettia envelope
in your pack of pledge envelopes).
The suggested donation is $20; you can take home a poinsettia after the
Christmas Eve service you attend. This is a lovely way to honor
a loved one. If you need an envelope call us at 610-867-5865.
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INQUIRERS SEMINAR THIS SUNDAY
We will offer an Inquirers Seminar, for those interested in learning more about the Presbyterian faith in general, and First Pres in particular (perhaps with an eye to joining our congregation as a member) this Sunday, November 20 from 2-5 p.m., in person. Contact Lindsey (lclifton@fpc-bethlehem.org) if interested.
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HEARTS N MINDS ADULT ED: THIS SUNDAY’S CLASS
Our adult ed class, Hearts N Minds, will meet this Sunday promptly at 9:45 a.m. in Room 178 (on the ground level, below Fellowship Hall). All are welcome to attend.
We will hear from Abby Goldfarb, the executive director of the Lehigh Conference of Churches. The Conference’s mission is to help families and individuals to maximize their independence and reach their full potential. You can find out about the organization's good work at their website: lehighchurches.org/
National Homeless and Hunger Week is November 12-19 and Abby will have much to tell us about the Conference’s activities, such as the full service Conference Kitchen, the Outreach Team, and health and housing services for the thousands of unhoused and shelter-insecure persons in the Lehigh Valley.
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A SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 | |
On Sunday, November 27, we’ll have one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by a soup lunch. Soups will be provided, but if folks could bring either a salad, bread, or dessert to complete the meal, that would be great! (Bringing something is not required to attend, though.) | |
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After the meal, we’ll help deck the church halls for Advent and Christmas! There will also be cookie decorating and a craft for our young ones (or any of you who are young at heart).
We also need a few volunteers to help with lunch set up and clean up. Please let Lindsey know if you’re able to help.
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SUPPORTING OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS
We’ll be preparing and serving dinner at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering three times during this winter’s shelter season. FPCB will be cooking and serving dinner for their guests on Wednesday, November 30.
We need volunteers to help cook and serve dinner, clean up during service and after the meal, and serve as shower monitor (which is just a simple check-in process). If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up using this simple online form.
You may also sign up with Pastor Lindsey on Sunday. If you’re not available this time, please save the date for our other two BES dinners later in the shelter season: Wednesday, January 25 and Wednesday, March 29.
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CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: THIS WEEKEND | |
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Plan your shopping for hand-crafted gifts and décor at our Christmas Craft Fair.
It's coming on Saturday, November 19 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and Sunday, November 20 (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in Fellowship Hall.
(right: a sampling of the wares created by our clever crafters!)
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On Saturday, you can also visit the Craft Fair at Wesley United Methodist Church (next door at 2540 Center Street) – theirs runs from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make it a real "day out" to #shoplocal! | |
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SAVE THE DATE: INTERGENERATIONAL EVENT
On Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., we’re hosting an Intergenerational Spirituality & Creativity Retreat for the FPCB community along with our Preschool families and residents of Kirkland Village.
Together, we’ll explore the Advent practice of waiting—waiting for joy; waiting for love; waiting for peace; and waiting for hope. The day will be full of interactive fun: music, a drum circle, shaker making, art projects, creative movement, and more!
This event is for anyone who is young and everyone who is young at heart. All ages are welcome! This a great opportunity for shared learning and play with children or grandchildren. We hope you’ll come (and consider inviting friends and neighbors)!
Lunch will be provided, so we’d love to have RSVPs by Sunday, December 3 to help us with a headcount for food and supplies: bit.ly/3ggRb60
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LOOKING AHEAD…
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Monday, November 21: Our Preschool will offer its Thanksgiving Chapel program in the Sanctuary, beginning at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend this special celebration.
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Wednesday, November 23: Join us at 7 p.m. for our Thanksgiving Eve service in the Sanctuary; it will also be available via livestream. This is a Communion service.
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Sunday, November 27: This is the first Sunday in Advent, and we will offer one Worship Service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall (both in person and livestreamed). See the article above for the lunch and activities details. No Hearts N Minds class for today.
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Saturday, December 3: Memorial service for Donald Masters at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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Saturday, December 10: All are welcome to join us at an Intergenerational Spirituality & Creativity Retreat, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (see article, above)
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Sunday, December 18: Our Christmas Joy Concert will be offered at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary, featuring the Chancel Choir and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts’ Touring Choir, with special guests the Concord Chamber Singers. Free will donation; in person and livestreamed.
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Wednesday, December 21: The Longest Night Service provides space for those who are grieving a loss in their lives (whether a person, a job, an experience, a dream) to engage the deep truths of Advent and Christmas without feeling forced into experiences of cheer that they are not feeling. Offered both in person and via livestream at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
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Saturday, December 24: We will offer two candlelight Christmas Eve services in the Sanctuary (also livestreamed) – an intergenerational service at 4 p.m., and a Traditional service at 7 p.m.
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Sunday, December 25: On Christmas Day, join us for a 10 a.m. Worship Service in Fellowship Hall (also available via livestream). No Hearts N Minds for today.
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THE PRESCHOOL IS COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS.
IF INTERESTED IN HELPING, YOU CAN BRING TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY
OR TO THEIR PRESCHOOL CHAPEL ON MONDAY.
COLLECTION IS IN THE NARTHEX. THANK YOU!
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HI NEIGHBORS MEETS MONDAY | |
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Our popular weekly series – featuring presentations on a wide variety of topics – is open to all interested adults. Come and learn with us! Hospitality time begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m.
This Monday’s session is the last of our fall schedule.
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We will hear “When the West Started Appreciating This World” by Frank Stone (this was the session that was cancelled on October 24). | |
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A special message from Leslie Pohl, Hi Neighbors Coordinator:
After 45 years, Hi Neighbors may be coming to an end unless someone comes forward to take the leadership for our spring program.
When I retire after next week’s program, there will be no one to coordinate the program. This almost happened seven years ago, so we put together a small team that worked well until Covid - so that’s an option too. It does not need to be one person working alone.
The responsibilities are:
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Contact potential presenters to create the schedule for March – May (approximately 10 programs) – we have many ideas to share so you’re not starting from scratch
- Coordinate with church staff for set-up and tech needs
- Coordinate with church staff to create communications about the program (newsletter articles, mailings, posters, etc.)
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere for our visitors!
If you have enjoyed Hi Neighbors and would like to see it continue, please contact me at info@fpc-bethlehem.org or 610-867-5865.
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UPDATED: 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. We contact the hospitals on weekdays to get that information. If you enter the hospital on Friday-Sunday, you can contact Phil Fair at prayer@fpc-bethlehem.org to keep us up to date.
PRAYER REQUESTS...
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Send us your news and photos to share:
info@fpc-bethlehem.org
**Deadline for next week's newsletter is
TUESDAY at noon**
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And follow us on Facebook: @FirstPresBethlehem
Your likes / comments / shares help us spread the word about First Pres!
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THIS SUNDAY
- 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Child Care (ask ushers to direct you)
- 9:00 a.m.: “Holy Ground” Contemporary service, Fellowship Hall (in person only)
- 9:45 a.m.: Hearts N Minds adult ed class, Room 178 - all are welcome
- 10:00 a.m.: Hospitality Time & Intergenerational Faith Formation, Fellowship Hall; all are welcome
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11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service, in-person in the Sanctuary AND livestream on Facebook Live and our website; below, to join us online
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TO JOIN OUR LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11:00 AM
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Visit our Facebook page and look for the post with our live feed
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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 Traditional Worship 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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MONDAYS: 9:30 a.m. - Hi Neighbors informational program, Fellowship Hall (everyone welcome)
TUESDAYS: 6 p.m. – Handbell Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary (no experience needed; 12 and older)
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, Choir Room behind the Sanctuary (some choral experience; 14 and older)
CHURCH OFFICE AND BUILDING INFO:
THE OFFICE AND PRESCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 FOR THANKSGIVING (Preschool will also be closed Wednesday, Friday and Monday, November 28).
Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The South entrance will be open during these hours, and on Sunday mornings.
Many of the office staff are continuing to work remotely for some of the time, so please make an appointment if you need to see someone specific. 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
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
Kevin Konczyk, Facilities Maintenance Manager; KKonczyk@fpc-bethlehem.org
Pam Marth, Administrative Coordinator: ext. 228; email: PMarth@fpc-bethlehem.org
Carol Burns, Communications Manager: ext. 238; CBurns@fpc-bethlehem.org
Tracy Leszcynski, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956; TLeszcynski@fpc-bethlehem.org
Marianne Zarillo, Finance (interim); ext. 210; MZarillo@fpc-bethlehem.org
Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper; ext. 211; CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org
Website: www.fpc-bethlehem.org
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