Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Newsletter
SUNDAY SERVICES ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE:
9:00 a.m. Contemporary
11:00 a.m. Traditional (also available on our website and via phone)
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THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER COMING TO YOU EARLY -
BACK ON OUR REGULAR SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK!
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. J.C. AUSTIN: WAITING AND WATCHING
Happy New Year! This Sunday marks the beginning of a new year on the Christian calendar, with the first Sunday of Advent. I’m bringing this up for two reasons. First, I figured any excuse to put this most recent year behind us would be a welcome one, so even if you’re someone who has never really cared about the Christian calendar before, this is a powerful new incentive! Second, though, the importance of beginning the Christian year with Advent is striking me, at least, in a new and powerful way this year.
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Typically, we tend to treat Advent as something to “get through” on the way to Christmas. Many of us have special calendars to literally count down the days of Advent until we reach Christmas, for example. And, of course, we’re not good at waiting; we want to dive right into Christmas itself with the special decorations and carols and food and so on. |
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Which is somewhat ironic, because the main theme of the season of Advent is waiting! Not waiting in the sense of waiting in line at the DMV, though; waiting in the sense of actively looking and preparing for the coming of Christ, not simply in the celebration of Christmas, but in what is sometimes called the “Second Coming” of Christ: Christ’s final redemption of the world.
That attention to Christ’s return is definitely something we tend to downplay or ignore. That’s partly because it makes us uncomfortable, given how it is a favorite subject of fire-and-brimstone preachers and those angry guys with pamphlets wearing sandwich boards that say “THE END IS NEAR.” And we also avoid it because, for most of us in most years, we’re at best ambivalent about how good the news really is about this world ending and Christ’s kingdom being fully established.
This year, though, I wonder if it might be different. There are many folks who are jumping straight to Christmas even earlier this year, hungry for anything that feels warm and life-giving after such a gloomy year that has had far too much conflict and loss and death. And the truth is, I don’t begrudge them that for a moment, and if that’s what you need to do to take the best care of yourself right now, go for it.
Yet I also think that truly attending to Advent this year may have a unique and strong impact on us. Most of us have a very new and different perspective on the key themes of Advent: waiting and preparing for our deliverance and restoration and redemption from Christ, for our liberation from the things that seek to separate us from God and one another and threaten our well-being and even our lives.
That new and different perspective has been hard-earned through the experiences of the last 8-9 months, and the season of Advent speaks to it in particularly powerful and meaningful ways. The actual word “advent” means something that is coming but has not arrived or concluded yet.
So the season of Advent doesn’t actually mean “something important is going to happen soon that will change the world; wait and see!” It means, “something important that will change the world is already happening; do you see it?” And that is very good news for us who are longing for what feels like long-delayed deliverance and peace.
So this Advent, I encourage you to double down on observing the Advent season. That doesn’t mean that you need to push Christmas completely away, especially this year. Sure, bake an early and extra-large batch of Christmas cookies and put on the Christmas music around the house. We’re even having a Zoom Christmas Carol Sing for the church on the third Sunday of Advent, December 13!
But also, get an Advent wreath for your home (or at least some Advent candles) and use it for daily prayers or to light on Sundays along with the wreath we will light in worship online. Come to the church grounds and participate in the Advent Spiral Walk, which you can read more about below (or participate from home with the reflections we provide).
Join the Longest Night Service online on Wednesday, December 16; this service recognizes that Christmas can be particularly difficult when you are struggling with any form of loss, and provides an opportunity to both name that loss and sadness and to share in a service of comfort and hope.
And wait and watch for signs of Christ’s coming, already at work in the world, and embrace the good news of that, as well. Have a blessed and meaningful Advent, everyone.
Grace and peace,
JC
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FOR THIS SUNDAY
Scripture lesson:
Click the link to read online
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· This week's sermon: Preparing a Way
in the Wilderness by 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
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INFORMATION TO ACCESS SUNDAY SERVICES
IS NOW LOCATED IN THE CALENDAR SECTION BELOW
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RECEIVING THE GIFT OF A WELCOMING CHURCH
"A lot of churches like to write fancy statements about their mission and their values, but very few churches live out their mission and their values as fully and as passionately as this church does.
I've had the chance to learn from some amazing teachers. I've had the chance to grow in my faith by wrestling with some challenging questions. And I've had the chance to heed Christ's call and take action in the world during these difficult times."
At last Sunday's Combined Worship Service we heard from Chris Moravek during our Stewardship Message time. Click here to read the entirety of his thoughtful remarks. |
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THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE TONIGHT
All are welcome to join us for our Thanksgiving Eve Service, presented tonight via Zoom at 7 p.m.
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Along with Scripture, prayer, and reflections, we will hear a virtual anthem from the Chancel Choir, and offer Communion.
To participate in Communion, prepare your elements beforehand: a bread or bread-like item (cracker, bagel, pita, muffin, etc.) and grape juice, wine or water.
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Meeting ID: 847 9130 0832
To listen on the phone (audio only): Call 929-205-6099; when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 847 9130 0832, followed by the # key. You will be asked for the participant ID; press the # key again.
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TUESDAY EVENING PRAYER SERVICES: 'WE NEED THIS'
Weather permitting* we will gather next Tuesday evening (December 1) from 6-
6:25 p.m. for our last scheduled Evening Prayer Service. It will include Scripture, prayer, reflection and music.
We’ll gather on the east side of the building. Wear your mask, bring your chair, and bundle up! No RSVP’s required.
* Before venturing out, please check our website, Facebook, and phone for any cancellation messages.
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LOOKING AHEAD: ILLUMINATED ADVENT SPIRAL WALK
As we enter the season of Advent, the Discipleship Committee invites you to join with them in experiencing anew the anticipation of Christ's birth.
For those who are interested and able, an illuminated walk through the Memorial Garden on the church grounds will be offered each Sunday in Advent, beginning this Sunday, November 29, from 4-6 p.m.
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A journal, pen, LED candle (and flashlight if needed) will be available for you, as well as guides for any additional assistance.
Following the liturgical calendar, the first Sunday's focus is HOPE, with Love, Joy, and Peace to follow. (The photo shows an example of an illuminated Advent spiral walk.)
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People may enjoy the respite of the Memorial Garden on their own throughout Advent but it will only be lit each Sunday. In the event of bad weather, the Advent walk will be moved to Mondays from 4-6 p.m. (please check our website, Facebook page or church phone message before venturing out).
We have planned an Advent “Midpoint Connection” Zoom gathering on Wednesday, December 9 from 7-7:30 p.m., as a point of connection during this sacred time. We will send the login information in next week’s newsletter.
Join us, reflect with us, and celebrate the meaning of the birth of Christ.
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PCUSA SPECIAL OFFERING: NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 20
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The Offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. This has been a Presbyterian committment for nearly 140 years.
A Life Changed, But Still Fully Lived
Rev. Dr. Stewart Pattison has been living with multiple sclerosis for years. As his health has recently forced him to retire, gifts from the Christmas Joy Offering have come to have special meaning for him. A portion of gifts received from Presbyterians in congregations like ours go toward supporting church leaders in their times of critical need.
Several years ago, he received a grant from the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and the Presbytery of Chicago. Rev. Pattison used his grant for the purchase of a specialized scooter which he has affectionately nicknamed “DiBlasi” in honor of the manufacturer. A scooter seems like a simple thing; but, in fact, it was a game changer. Di Blasi made it possible for him to continue his ministry as the solo pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church of Lombard, IL, a calling that he answered with love for more than 20 years.
Rev. Pattison offers an important perspective for us to think about in dealing with the many challenges of things like the COVID-19 virus. “For lots of people, the virus was a temporary stay-at-home thing,” he said. “A disability can also be a stay-at-home thing – sometimes a permanent stay-at-home thing if you don’t have anywhere to turn for help. They’ve helped in ways that have opened up my life. I am grateful for those who give to this Offering.”
I’m sure if Rev. Pattison were with us today, he would agree that when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot. Please give generously.
- Leslie Pohl
NOTE: If you receive pledge envelopes, there will be an envelope for this special offering in your box. You can also mail a separate check to the Business Office, FPCB, 2344 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017, or make a secure online donation at
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THIS YEAR’S GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Congregational Life team asks you to consider making donations that will be shared with organizations in our community. Each week will feature a different category; we ask that you help as you are able – you can make one delivery with any of these items, or make them during their designated week.
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The weeks will begin on Sundays, so the first collection will begin this Sunday, November 29. If you are attending the Advent Spiral Walk (see above), there will be collection bins available near the Memorial Garden. You can also deliver to collection bins outside the South Entrance of the building; please do not come into the building.
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For your convenience, we have created a list of the requested items that you can print. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our neighbors!
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MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
The Congregational Life Team offers these opportunities to serve, as you are able. Both of these are outdoors so please dress accordingly; let us know if you plan to help by sending us an email to info@fpc-bethlehem.org or leave us a message at
610-867-5865. Thank you for considering!
- Saturday, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Meet at the front of the church building (west side) to assist with putting lights on decorative trees, in the front portico area. May involve some work on ladders.
- Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4-5 p.m.: Meet at the front entrance to the building grounds to help put out prepared luminarias along the church property, fronting on Center Street. FPCB is participating in the city’s 23rd Annual Luminaria Night.
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HI NEIGHBORS RETURNS THIS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Our popular speakers program returns this Monday, November 30 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. We will explore the topic of “Close to Home – A Human Trafficking Story”, by Emmy-award documentary winner Laura Shelton.
Most people think that sex trafficking is something that happens in big cities or foreign countries. This documentary brings to light the fact that this horrifying crime happens right here in the Lehigh Valley.
NOTE: If you received a postcard mailing for both the October and November programs, the Zoom info is incorrect. Use this information instead:
To listen on the phone (audio only): Call 929-205-6099; when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 889 4647 5793, followed by the # key. You will be asked for the participant ID – press the # key again.
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HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS: BOY SCOUTS “SCOUTING FOR FOOD” |
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On two recent Saturdays, 21 scouts and 20 adults from FPCB’s Boy Scout Troop 302 participated in the annual Scouting for Food project. They worked with Cub Scout Pack 368 in Hanover Township. Altogether they filled 140 boxes with over 4200 pounds of food for our church partner, New Bethany Ministries.
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Many thanks to all who supported this project! |
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SUNDAY SCHOOL: NOT JUST FOR SUNDAYS!
You can make our Sunday School program work for your family’s schedule with our two options: attend a Sunday morning Zoom gathering from 10:15-10:45 a.m. - or - each week we provide a prerecorded series of videos and related resources that you can access when convenient.
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This week's story is from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 11: The Story of the Last Supper - How Jesus took an old habit of saying thank you (the Passover) and made a brand
new habit of saying thank you (the Lord's Supper, or Communion).
Consider joining us for the Sunday morning Zoom session; to access the prerecorded videos look for the Sunday School logo on the homepage. |
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Meeting ID: 928 9221 9682
Password: 369116
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We'll close by sharing a photo of a beautiful quilt crafted by Judy Smullen, as a gift to the church. It is hanging outside of the South Entrance for all to enjoy.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 106:1)
We hope that however - and with 'whomever' - you celebrate this Thanksgiving, you do with a grateful heart.
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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
TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY)
- 7:00 p.m.: Thanksgiving Eve Service via Zoom; includes Communion (see more information above)
THIS SUNDAY
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9:00 a.m.: Contemporary Worship Service - see instructions in blue box, below, to join us online
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10:15 a.m.: Sunday School for K-5, via Zoom (see more information above)
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11:00 a.m.: Traditional Worship Service - see instructions in blue box, below, to join us online, and in the yellow box to join us via phone
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4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Spiral Advent Walk, Memorial Garden (see more information above)
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FOR THIS SUNDAY: : Worship with us “Live” on Facebook
9 a.m. - Contemporary Worship Service
11 a.m. - Traditional Worship Service
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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If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to our website to view the service
- Please check in with a comment so we know you’ve joined us!
- NEW: 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
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IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS – OR PREFER TO “LISTEN IN” ON SUNDAY ON YOUR PHONE.
We will offer the TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE (at 11 a.m. on Sunday) with an ‘audio-only’ option so you can listen to it on your phone.
Call 929-205-6099; when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 955 325 387 followed by the # key. You will be asked for the participant ID – simply press the # key again.
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TUESDAY (DECEMBER 1)
- 6:00-6:25 p.m.: Evening Prayer Service, east side of church building (no sign up; bring your own chairs and wear masks) In-person only; not livestreamed
WEDNESDAYS
- 7 p.m.: Overcomer’s Outreach Christian 12 Step Recovery Group weekly meeting, via Zoom (Meeting # 380 435 9056 / Password: overcomer)
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. NOTE: The office staff will not be working on Thursday, November 26 because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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;
Cindy Matthews, Bookkeeper: email: CMatthews@fpc-bethlehem.org
Andrea Barbehenn, Preschool Director; phone: 610-867-2956;
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