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F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H OF A L L E N T O W N<br />
We are a diverse body of faith living God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ.<br />
We do this through worship, study, service, and relationships<br />
for the common good of our community and world.<br />
D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 2 2 , # 2 5<br />
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:<br />
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Page 2<br />
INSERT: ADVENT SEASON CALENDAR<br />
INSERT: ADVENT 2012 – WELCOMING THE CHILD<br />
MISSION – Pages 3, 4<br />
MUSIC MINISTRY – Page 4<br />
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY – Pages 4, 5<br />
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE – Page 6<br />
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – Page 7<br />
WORSHIP & SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS –<br />
back cover<br />
P A S T O R A L R E F L E C T I O N S<br />
WELCOME BACK REV. DR. KENNETH JEFFREY<br />
On January 6, 2013, Rev. Dr.<br />
Kenneth Jeffrey, Pastor of the<br />
parish church in Cupar, Scotland<br />
— will be returning to Allentown.<br />
He will be preaching at all four of<br />
our English speaking services. Dr.<br />
Jeffrey holds degrees from Stiriling<br />
and Aberdeen University. He<br />
has served parish churches in<br />
Scotland but has also served in<br />
Malawi, Africa where he taught at Livingstonia Secondary<br />
School. He married Linda in 1993 and they<br />
have four children, Sam [b 2001], Anna Rose [b<br />
2003], Adam [b 2006] and Jack [b2008]. He enjoys<br />
gardening, walking, reading and the music of Bruce<br />
Springsteen, Van Morrison and U2, and is also a fan<br />
of Manchester United Football Club. Unfortunately,<br />
his family is not able to be with him for this trip.<br />
The Sundermeiers will be hosting an Open House for<br />
Dr. Jeffrey on Saturday, January 5, 2013 from 4:00-<br />
7:00 p.m. We are asking folks to come in shifts: 4-5<br />
p.m., 5-6 p.m., or 6-7 p.m. Please R.S.V.P. with Carol<br />
Kelly in the office via phone 610-395-3781 or by<br />
EMAIL, carol.kelly@fpcallentown.org letting her<br />
know how many in your party and which of the three<br />
time slots the Sundermeiers can expect you. Once you<br />
sign-up, Carol will forward on directions and parking<br />
instructions.<br />
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP…INVITE SOMEONE!<br />
Have you thought about inviting someone to worship with<br />
you on Christmas Eve?<br />
Christmas Eve is a perfect time to ask a co-worker, a neighbor,<br />
a friend, or even a family member to join you in experiencing<br />
the fullness of the Christmas story. My hope this<br />
Christmas Eve is that you will not only find a service time<br />
on Monday, December 24th, but that you will find one that<br />
you can attend with someone new.<br />
Do you know someone who is far from God?<br />
Do you know someone who is in desperate need of some<br />
good news?<br />
Do you know someone who feels alone or on the<br />
outside?<br />
Do you know someone who wants to reconnect to God but<br />
just might need an invitation to re-engage their faith?<br />
Christmas is a story of good news for all people and there is<br />
room this Christmas Eve for all people...including anyone<br />
you would like to invite!<br />
See you in worship and the world,<br />
Tony
N E W S A N D A N N O U N C E M E N T S P A G E 2<br />
CHRISTMAS EVE USHERS NEEDED<br />
Looking for experienced ushers for Christmas Eve at<br />
the 4:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. services. Please<br />
contact Dorrie Graul for further information or to volunteer<br />
at 610-439-0810 or dorrievgraul@gmail.com.<br />
BOOK BLAST—<br />
JANUARY 24, 2013<br />
The Book Blast is a year-long<br />
series of school-wide evening<br />
programs designed to foster a<br />
love for reading at home by<br />
equipping parents and children<br />
with practical reading strategies<br />
throughout the Allentown School District. Children<br />
also learn about different values that help people to<br />
become honorable and compassionate citizens of their<br />
communities. The events are supported by more than<br />
30 community volunteers every month and attended by<br />
an average of more than 200 children and parents.<br />
On November 15, 15 volunteers from <strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> joined with 39 others from 6 organizations<br />
for the second Book Blast of the year at Roosevelt<br />
Community School. Thank you, volunteers!<br />
Book Blast is held on certain Thursdays from 5:45 -<br />
7:15 p.m. The next Book Blast is on January 24, 2013.<br />
To volunteer for the next Book Blast through <strong>First</strong><br />
<strong>Presbyterian</strong>'s Local Care Team, contact John Ford at<br />
jhford@ptd.net or 610-366-7254.<br />
APPLY FOR STEPHEN MINISTRY<br />
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved<br />
you.” John 15:12<br />
Compassion: Deeply sharing the suffering of another,<br />
together, with the inclination to give aid or support.<br />
As we look at Jesus’ suffering, death, and<br />
resurrection, we observe the ultimate example<br />
of compassion. He now calls us to<br />
follow his example and to be deeply concerned<br />
for one another. Stephen Ministry<br />
is a ministry filled with compassion. It<br />
provides compassionate Christians with a<br />
place where they can use those gifts in<br />
ministry as a Stephen Minister. It also provides a haven<br />
where those in need of compassion can receive it in a<br />
confidential relationship with a Stephen Minister.<br />
Our Stephen Ministry continues to accept applications<br />
for the 2013 class of Stephen Ministers. Training for<br />
the class will begin in January. Please prayerfully consider<br />
joining this important and rewarding ministry of<br />
caring.<br />
For more information about Stephen Ministry at FPCA,<br />
please contact Kathy Mammele at: 610-395-3781 or<br />
Kathy.mammele@fpcallentown.org.<br />
ADVENT MIDDAY PRAYER SERVICE<br />
For the past several years, some members of our church<br />
staff and the staff of Lehigh Presbytery (their office is<br />
attached to our church building) have gathered for Midday<br />
Prayer Services once each week in the seasons of<br />
Advent and Lent. Both staffs extend an invitation to<br />
anyone who would like to join them for the remaining<br />
Advent Midday Prayer Service on Wednesday, December<br />
19 at 12 noon in our Chapel. The services last<br />
around 20 minutes.<br />
YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI INVITED TO SING<br />
Laura Rabenold extends an<br />
invitation for all collegeage,<br />
Youth Choir alums to<br />
sing with the Youth Choir<br />
on Christmas Eve at the<br />
8:00 p.m. Traditional Service.<br />
If you are available<br />
and interested in adding<br />
your voice to the Youth<br />
Choir for this special service,<br />
please email Laura at<br />
laura.rabenold@fpcallentown.org and let her know to<br />
expect you. You can rehearse with the Youth Choir on<br />
Sunday, December 23, from 4:00-5:15 p.m. and then<br />
sing with them on Christmas Eve.<br />
CHURCH SCHOOL SCHEDULE<br />
As we move through the season of Advent and approach<br />
Christmas, here is the schedule for <strong>Church</strong><br />
School classes on Sunday mornings. Classes will meet<br />
on December 16 and 23. They will not meet on December<br />
30 and will resume meeting on January 6,<br />
2013.<br />
CHILD CARE AND NURSERY HOURS OVER THE<br />
ADVENT SEASON<br />
One of the ways we show Christian hospitality during<br />
the Advent season is to provide child care during each<br />
worship service as well as other special programs. Especially<br />
since we welcome many guests throughout the<br />
season, we want to be sure that we have sufficient coverage<br />
in our nurseries. To this end, we need your help.<br />
We are seeking Safe Sanctuary trained volunteers to<br />
help in the nursery at various times throughout the day<br />
on Christmas Eve. Our nurseries will be available for<br />
infant through Kindergarten-age children on December<br />
24 from 11:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you are able to<br />
serve in this very important way, please contact Pam<br />
Weiss, Interim Director of Children, Tween and Family<br />
Ministry, at pam.weiss@fpcallentown,org, 610-395-<br />
3781, or Anna Galante, Nursery Coordinator, anna.<br />
galante@fpcallentown.org.
I N S E R T : A D V E N T S E A S O N C A L E N D A R<br />
BLUE CHRISTMAS – DECEMBER 16 AT 7:30 PM IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL<br />
Christ tells us in the book of Matthew – “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens,<br />
and I will give you rest.”<br />
The Christmas season is a difficult time of year for many. The death of a family member or friend,<br />
the loss of a job, the pain of a broken relationship or the challenge of illness often make it difficult to<br />
embrace what is, for so many others, a season of joy. Blue Christmas (also often referred to as a service<br />
of the longest night – referring to the winter solstice) is an environment where those who face<br />
these challenges can encounter the living God where they are in this season of life. We seek to embrace<br />
the challenges that many face in this season, offer a place of respite and create an opportunity<br />
for hope and healing. The atmosphere will be candle lit, with music that ranges from soft and contemplative<br />
to strong and enveloping. If this season is difficult for you or a loved one, we invite you<br />
to encounter the loving and healing God in this special gathering.<br />
Advent Sermon Series: The Advent Child<br />
December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent – THE PARENT OF EVERLASTINGNESS<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional; Lindsay Harren-Lewis Preaching (The Belles) – Sanctuary<br />
9:00 a.m. <strong>Church</strong> School for All Ages<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional; Lindsay Harren-Lewis Preaching (Adult Bells/Gospel Choir)<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band/Youth Choir) – FH<br />
7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas - Fellowship Hall<br />
December 23 - Fourth Sunday of Advent – PRINCE OF PEACE<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Chancel Choir) – Sanctuary<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
9:00 a.m. <strong>Church</strong> School for All Ages<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Youth Choir)<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services<br />
12:00 p.m. Communion Service, Lindsay Harren-Lewis Preaching (Soloist) - Chapel<br />
4:00 p.m. Younger Children & Families Service (Children’s Choir and Junior Bells) –<br />
Sanctuary<br />
4:00 p.m. Alternative, Tony Sundermeier Preaching (10:10 Band) - Fellowship Hall<br />
6:00 p.m. Arabic Language, Moufid Khoury Preaching - Chapel<br />
6:00 p.m. Alternative, Tony Sundermeier Preaching - (10:10 Band/Gospel Ch.) - FH<br />
8:00 p.m. Traditional, Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Youth Choir/Youth Bells) - Sanctuary<br />
11:00 p.m. Traditional, Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Chancel Choir, Harp/Flute) - Sanctuary<br />
December 30 - <strong>First</strong> Sunday after Christmas - COMING OF AGE<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative; Mike Drake Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional, Mike Drake Preaching (Michael Bodnyk, soloist) - Sanctuary<br />
No <strong>Church</strong> School – Childcare available for all services<br />
December 31 – New Year’s Eve<br />
4:00 p.m. Service of Healing, Renewal and Lord’s Supper. Greg Palmer Leading - Chapel<br />
January 6, 2013– Day of Epiphany - Communion<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional; Kenneth Jeffrey Preaching (Michael Bodnyk, soloist) – Sanctuary<br />
9:00 a.m. <strong>Church</strong> School for All Ages<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative; Kenneth Jeffrey Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional; Kenneth Jeffrey Preaching (Chancel Choir)<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative; Kenneth Jeffrey Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
<strong>Church</strong> School for all ages – Childcare available for all services<br />
NOTE: We encourage<br />
worshipers to arrive 30<br />
– 45 minutes in advance<br />
of the 4:00 & 8:00 p.m.<br />
services on Christmas<br />
Eve due to the high<br />
attendance. Child care is<br />
provided for worship<br />
services. SEE Child<br />
Care hours on Page 2.<br />
JOIN US FOR<br />
SPECIAL<br />
CELEBRATIONS &<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
December 21<br />
Middle/ High School &<br />
Family Christmas<br />
Caroling<br />
Fellowship Hall South<br />
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.<br />
December 24<br />
Cocoa and Cookies with<br />
Special Christmas Music<br />
Fellowship Hall<br />
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.<br />
College Age Drop-In<br />
The Commons<br />
7:00 p.m.
I N S E R T : A D V E N T 2 0 1 2 — W E L C O M I N G T H E C H I L D
M I S S I O N P A G E 3<br />
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE REFUGEES?<br />
They are becoming American Citizens!!<br />
Two FPC volunteers, Becky Ensley and Ron Lundberg, taught a citizenship class for refugees last spring. The class is<br />
offered to all refugees, regardless of religion or country of origin. Thirteen refugees completed the class and to date,<br />
everyone who took the citizenship test in Philadelphia passed! After one of our refugees completed the exam in 6<br />
minutes, the examiner asked how he could have finished the test so quickly. He told him it was because of “God and the<br />
<strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> <strong>Church</strong> of Allentown”.<br />
FPC support of the Refugee committee allows us to buy the necessary books and study supplies and to offer the class for<br />
free. We have a potential of over 40 refugees for the January class.<br />
Becoming self-sufficient American citizens is the primary goal of the FPC Refugee ministry. The “helping hand” extended<br />
by FPC volunteers allows refugees arriving in Allentown to quickly find jobs and to learn English. One year after<br />
arrival, volunteers help them apply for green cards and after 5 years, they are ready to take the citizenship test.<br />
On behalf of our refugees AND our newest Americans, we thank FPC for its continuing support. It truly makes a difference<br />
in so many lives. As one refugee texted after passing the citizenship test, “It was a peace of cake”.<br />
HOW WILL YOU WELCOME THE CHRIST CHILD?<br />
Please consider giving Alternative Gifts to the children in Malawi as special gifts for the Christ Child. Your gifts can truly<br />
change lives. Think how much your family, friends, teachers and others would appreciate such a meaningful gift!<br />
Gifts are available in the Atrium, including gifts of goats, chickens, fish, bricks for schools, fruit trees and direct hunger<br />
relief. Prices range from 20 cents to any amount -every gift will make a difference!<br />
Want to give a long-term gift and build a relationship with a child in Malawi? Prayerfully consider this very special gift:<br />
a World Vision child sponsorship. Brochures featuring children from Malawi are on the walls near Fellowship Hall and<br />
on tables in the Atrium and Narthex. Take a moment and look closely at the faces of the children. Is there a child who<br />
calls to you?<br />
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I<br />
drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Forest E. Witcraft<br />
MISSIONARY BABY BOOM<br />
During this season of Advent, as we remember the preparation regarding the birth of our Savior,<br />
we also have the opportunity to welcome the births of two little ones to our missionary families.<br />
Welcome Baby Nadia Galetzka! Congratulations to Amy and Johnny Galetkza!<br />
Our PC(USA) Missionary for Burma, Amy Galetzka, delivered a new baby girl on October 17.<br />
She weighed 9 lb. 6 oz. Her first name is Nadia, which is also the first name of our Missionary<br />
for the Roma people in the Ukraine, Nadia Ayoub! Amy was home in the U.S. with her family<br />
for this blessed event. Congratulations to Amy and her husband, Johnny!<br />
Welcome Baby Jordan Smith-Mather! Congratulations to Nancy and Shelvis Smith-Mather!<br />
Jordan’s birth was a miracle event. It would take too long to tell the whole story here. The plan had been for Nancy to<br />
return from South Sudan to Atlanta the last week of October, since the baby wasn’t due to be born until December. However,<br />
on October 20, Nancy went into labor, and she delivered baby Jordan in a country that was recently identified on<br />
International Women’s Day as “the worst place in the world for a woman to give birth.” The very gifted doctor in South<br />
Sudan rigged a breathing machine for the baby, and locals and staff prayed as they surrounded Nancy, Shelvis, and Jordan<br />
during his first few moments of life. They then were able to get a special medical flight to the neighboring country<br />
of Kenya (a trip which involved an unbelievable chain of events), and Nancy and Shelvis and baby Jordan are remaining<br />
in Kenya until Jordan is well enough to travel.<br />
Jordan is currently breathing on his own, has been taken out of the incubator, and has been released from the Intensive<br />
Care Unit. As of November 16, when Shelvis wrote to wish everyone in his sponsoring churches a Happy Thanksgiving<br />
(imagine him, taking the time to think of us!), Jordan was expected to be released soon, so that the family can be in Atlanta<br />
for Christmas. According to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, little “Jordan Eman Smith-Mather” is the first American<br />
born in the new country of South Sudan. There is a Call to Prayer on the PC(USA) website (below).<br />
Nancy is reported to be well, but tired; Shelvis is recovering from a bout of malaria. For more of the story and updates,<br />
please go to: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/global/thanksgiving-and-call-to-prayer-from-shelvis-and-n/.
M I S S I O N P A G E 4<br />
LOOK INTO MY EYES. WHAT DO YOU SEE?<br />
Suddenly, I sat back in my chair staring wide-eyed at the computer. I couldn’t believe what I<br />
saw…<br />
As part of the FPC Malawi Exploratory Team, I was asked to take photographs and document<br />
our journey. I took photos of young and old people living in conditions that I thought were long<br />
since relegated to history books. I documented houses, churches, schools and landscape. I took<br />
photos of children enthusiastically smiling for the camera. We were welcomed into villages<br />
with song and dance, all the while, my shutter was clicking.<br />
When we returned home, I began routinely checking each image on the computer. Enlarging each photo to check for<br />
sharpness, I looked into the people’s eyes--that’s when I saw it! There, in the eyes of a young child…is a perfect reflection<br />
of me. It shook me for a moment. I began to think --I was taking photos of all that we saw, but what did this child see<br />
in me? As representatives of FPC, what did the people of Malawi see in us? …I wonder if they saw hope.<br />
Please prayerfully consider Alternative Gifts and give hope to the children of Malawi. Information is in the Atrium every<br />
Sunday through Advent. - Karen Ensley<br />
M U S I C M I N I S T R Y<br />
FPCA CONCERT SERIES MUSICAL OFFERINGS<br />
There are two more local ensembles yet this month in FPCA’s sanctuary with musical offerings for our church and community.<br />
Friday, December 14 , 7:30 PM<br />
Summer Harmony and Friends — Christmas Concert. Tickets: $15;<br />
Contact Laura Rabenold at laura.rabenold@fpcallentown.org or 610-395-3781, Ext. 17<br />
Saturday, December 15, 7:30 PM<br />
Camerata Singers — Christmas Concert. Handel’s Messiah. Tickets: $15 - $30; 610-434-7811<br />
NOTICE TO YOUTH CHOIR PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR PARENTS<br />
December 16<br />
December 23<br />
December 24<br />
4:00 p.m. Rehearsal in the Choir Room; rehearsal is extended to 5:15 p.m.<br />
4:00 p.m. Rehearsal in the Sanctuary; rehearsal is extended to 5:15 p.m.<br />
7:00 p.m. Warm-up for Christmas Eve service<br />
8:00 p.m. Sing at Christmas Eve Service<br />
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y<br />
THANK YOU KATE MONAGHAN<br />
Our Interim Director of Youth Ministry, Kate Monaghan, will complete her ministry with us on Sunday, December 16.<br />
Kate served as one of our Summer Interns in youth ministry this past summer and then joined our staff as Interim Director<br />
of Youth Ministry in August. She was hired to work through December in the hopes that we would hire a new director by<br />
January 1. We have been actively searching for a new director including bringing two candidates to town for on-site interviews.<br />
However, the search continues. We thank Kate for her leadership these past several months and wish her God’s<br />
continued blessing as she prepares to pursue graduate work.<br />
CHRISTMAS EVE COLLEGE AGE DROP-IN<br />
Again this year, all college age young adults are invited to attend our Christmas Eve College Age Drop-in in the Commons<br />
to reconnect with old friends and enjoy some light refreshments. This year the Drop-in will take place at 7:00 p.m.<br />
in between the 6:00 p.m. alternative and 8:00 p.m. traditional worship services.<br />
YOUTH AND FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROLING PARTY<br />
The annual Middle School, High School & Family Christmas Caroling Party will take place on Friday, December 21. The<br />
group will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. and then head out in small groups to sing to some of our homebound<br />
and older church members. All 6 th -12 th graders and their family members are invited to help us share the joy of Christmas<br />
through carols by registering no later than Sunday, December 16. A flyer with all the details is available on the church<br />
website and in the church office lobby.<br />
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY (Continued on PAGE 5)
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y P A G E 5<br />
GET YOUR SPIRIT CARDS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS!<br />
Shopping for gifts? If you shop at Weis, Giant, Kohl’s and Barnes & Noble, plan ahead and purchase<br />
Spirit Cards for these stores. The Summer Youth Ministry earns 5% of every purchase. Pick up a flyer<br />
at the Spirit Card table in the hallway next to the library for gift suggestions. Spirit Cards are on sale<br />
every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thank you for your support!<br />
YOUTH SKI, SNOWBOARDING, TUBING TRIP<br />
All 6 th -12 th graders are invited to join us for our annual day on the slopes, this year taking place on Saturday, January 19,<br />
at Blue Mountain Ski Area. There are a variety of packages to choose from that include skiing, snowboarding, snow<br />
tubing for the whole day, morning or evening. Brochures with all the details are available on the church website and in<br />
the church office lobby. The registration deadline is Sunday, January 6.<br />
A FRESH START WITH COMMON GROUND IN 2013<br />
This fall we introduced a new spiritual formation and music ministry opportunity for children, tweens, youth and parents<br />
on Sunday afternoons called Common Ground. While it has been well received by many families and individuals, others<br />
have not been able to participate for several reasons.<br />
After soliciting feedback from parents, youth<br />
and children, the Spiritual Formation Coordinating<br />
Team has decided to make some<br />
tweaks and start fresh on January 6, 2013<br />
with “Common Ground - Zero.” We realize<br />
it is not possible to find one day and time that<br />
works for everyone, so we are committing to<br />
narrowing the focus and scope of Common<br />
Ground in response to feedback and our Spiritual<br />
Formation Purpose Statement. In January,<br />
Common Ground will take place on most<br />
Sundays from 4:00-6:15 p.m. A typical Sunday<br />
will look like the table to the left.<br />
One Sunday each month will include an option<br />
for Pre-K and Kindergartners, a parent<br />
seminar, a speaker for all other adults in our<br />
church and community, and a meal for all<br />
ages. Those Sundays will look like the table<br />
below.<br />
Common Table - one Sunday each -<br />
month<br />
4-4:15pm<br />
4:15-<br />
4:30pm<br />
4:30-<br />
4:45pm<br />
4:45-5pm<br />
5-5:15pm<br />
5:15-<br />
5:30pm<br />
5:30-<br />
5:45pm<br />
5:45-6pm<br />
6-6:15pm<br />
Nursery<br />
For infants<br />
and preschoolers<br />
of all participants<br />
and<br />
leaders<br />
Dinner or<br />
stay in the<br />
nursery<br />
Pre-K &<br />
Kindergarten<br />
Children<br />
1st-3rd<br />
Graders<br />
Tweens<br />
4th & 5th<br />
Graders<br />
Middle<br />
School<br />
Youth<br />
6th-8th<br />
Graders<br />
Activity Children's Choir Youth Choir<br />
High<br />
School<br />
Youth<br />
9th-12th<br />
Graders<br />
Dinner - children, tweens, youth, parents, adults<br />
Parents<br />
Parent<br />
Seminar<br />
&<br />
Baptism<br />
Class<br />
Other<br />
Adults<br />
Speaker<br />
Stay tuned for more details and consider giving Common Ground Zero a try for at least the month of January.
C O N G R E G A T I O N A L L I F E P A G E 6<br />
IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY (Parish #)<br />
(as of 12:00 p.m.. Tuesday)<br />
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS are with those who have been hospitalized recently. So that we might keep each other in<br />
prayer, it is the custom of this congregation to publish hospitalizations unless requested not to do so. At Lehigh Valley Hospital<br />
(1-78): Valence Giuliani, Dottie Tielmann (#19), Gene Haas (#9). At Phoebe Home Rehab: Donald Fink (#7), Claire Brown<br />
(#6); At Luther Crest Health Care Center: Bev Creelman (#19). If you’d like to send cards or letters to those in the hospital,<br />
please contact Kathy Mammele, Director of Pastoral Care (610)395-3781, Ext. 39.<br />
If you’d like to send cards or letters to those in the hospital, please contact Kathy Mammele, Director of Pastoral Care<br />
610-395-3781, Ext. 39.<br />
HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL: Albert Attieh (#23), Larry Kneifel (#8), Michael Wasser (#24) was in the hospital in<br />
Asheville, NC., Michael Krasulak (#25).<br />
SYMPATHY OF THE PASTORS AND CONGREGATION TO: Marsha and Martin Heimann (#3) on the death of<br />
Marilyn Tommeraasen, mother of Marsha on December 3, Pat, George, Adrienne and Leslie Nichols (#11) on the death of<br />
Samuel Pellegrino, father of Pat, grandfather of Adrienne and Leslie on December 6, Mike, Pat and Steve Lisetski (#19) on<br />
the death of Mary Lisetski, mother of Mike and grandmother of Steve on December 8.<br />
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT: Olive Stauffer (#6) on November 27.<br />
BAPTIZED IN THE COVENANT: Evan Matthew Ackerman, Destiny Margy Ndolo on December 9.<br />
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Linda and John Kirner (#20) on the marriage of their daughter, Karen to Grégoire de<br />
Chazelles on Saturday, October 27 in France and Saturday, November 24 at <strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> <strong>Church</strong>.<br />
STAFF PRAYER LIST<br />
On December 18, 2012 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a<br />
portion of Parish #10: Ruth and Bob Schuchert; Sharon and Rachel Sechrist; Carol Shoemaker; Craig and Pam<br />
Simpson; Mary Jane Smith; John and Valerie Taylor; Ken and Marie Weiss; Lauren, Sean, Morgan and Sarah Will;<br />
Cliff and Carole Yezefski.<br />
On January 8, 2013 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a portion of<br />
Parish #11: Bruce and Barbara Ahlum; Don, Nancy, Sara, Seth and Trent Bergman; Carol and Ronald Bortz and<br />
Stephen and Scott Kern; Gene and Georgeianna Chomicky; Robert and Elizabeth Cutler; Marilyn and Rex<br />
D’Agostino; Carol and Thomas Emmerth; Lori Forstburg and Ashley Ostrander; Joseph Fortenbaugh; Joe, Carol and<br />
Chad Fortenbaugh.
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S : D E C E M B E R 1 6 — D E C E M B E R 3 0 P A G E 7<br />
Sunday, December 16<br />
Third Sunday of Advent<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship<br />
9:00 a.m. <strong>Church</strong> School (All Ages)<br />
Alternative Worship<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Worship<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative Worship<br />
11:00 a.m. Arabic Fellowship Time<br />
12:15 p.m. Burmese Worship<br />
3:00 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal<br />
4:00 p.m. Common Ground<br />
7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas Worship<br />
Monday, December 17<br />
9:00 a.m Weekday Preschool<br />
11:30 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
Lunch Bunch<br />
5:30 p.m. Yoga Class<br />
6:30 p.m. Jr. Girl Scout Troop #611<br />
7:00 p.m. Serenity Al-Anon Group<br />
7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Tuesday, December 18<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
Pastoral Care Staff<br />
10:15 a.m. All Staff Meeting<br />
11:00 a.m. Executive Leadership Team<br />
1:00 p.m. Needlework & Fellowship<br />
Group<br />
1:30 p.m. Worship Planning Team<br />
5:30 p.m. ESL Class<br />
Tuesday Night Together<br />
6:30 p.m. Eagle Scout Board of<br />
Review<br />
7:00 p.m. Staff Committee<br />
Wednesday, December 19<br />
6:45 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Group<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
Belles Tour<br />
9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation Staff<br />
11:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
12:00 p.m. Advent Midday Prayer<br />
Service<br />
6:30 p.m. Jr. Girl Scout Troop #670<br />
7:00 p.m. Depression & Bi-Polar<br />
Support Alliance<br />
Chancel Choir Rehearsal<br />
7:30 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible<br />
Study<br />
Thursday, December 20<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
4:30 p.m. Jr. Handbell Rehearsal<br />
5:00 p.m. 10:10 Band Setup & Rehearsal<br />
6:30 p.m. Dance Ministry Rehearsal<br />
Youth Handbell Rehearsal<br />
7:00 p.m. Caron Parent Support Group<br />
Alateen<br />
Al-Anon<br />
8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Gospel Choir Rehearsal<br />
Friday, December 21<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
6:00 p.m. Youth and Family Christmas<br />
Caroling Party<br />
Sunday, December 23<br />
Fourth Sunday of Advent<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative Worship<br />
<strong>Church</strong> School (All Ages)<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Worship<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative Worship<br />
11:00 a.m. Arabic Fellowship Time<br />
12:15 p.m. Burmese Worship<br />
3:00 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal<br />
4:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal<br />
Monday, December 24<br />
Christmas Eve<br />
12:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship &<br />
Communion<br />
4:00 p.m. Younger Children & Families<br />
Service<br />
Alternative Christmas Eve<br />
Worship<br />
6:00 p.m. Arabic Christmas Eve Worship<br />
Alternative Christmas Eve<br />
Worship<br />
7:00 p.m. College Age Drop-In<br />
Youth Choir Rehearsal<br />
8:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve<br />
Worship<br />
10:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal<br />
11:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve<br />
Worship<br />
Tuesday, December 25<br />
Christmas Day -<br />
Building & Offices Closed<br />
Wednesday, December 26<br />
Christmas Holiday -<br />
Building & Offices Closed<br />
Thursday, December 27<br />
5:00 p.m. 10:10 Band Setup &<br />
Rehearsal<br />
6:00 p.m Knitting Ministry<br />
7:00 p.m. Caron Parent Support Group<br />
Al-Anon<br />
Alateen<br />
8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Saturday, December 29<br />
7:30 a.m. Saturday Men’s Group<br />
Sunday, December 30<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative Worship<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Worship<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional Worship<br />
11:00 a.m. Arabic Fellowship Time<br />
12:15 p.m. Burmese Worship<br />
The next issue of Tidings will be published on 12/12/2012. Articles for this edition must be received<br />
in the office by Monday, 12/17/2012. Questions? Contact the church office at 610-395-3781.
w w w . f p c a l l e n t o w n . o r g 6 1 0 - 395- 3781<br />
PERIODICAL<br />
POSTAGE PAID<br />
Allentown, PA<br />
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP<br />
December 16, 2012<br />
Third Sunday of Advent<br />
8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services<br />
Rev. Lindsay Harren-Lewis<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services<br />
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier<br />
Sermon: “The Parent of Everlastingness”<br />
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; John 10:22-30<br />
8:45 a.m. (T*): The Belles<br />
10:15 a.m. (T*): Adult Handbells, Gospel Choir<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*) &<br />
10:30 a.m. (A*): 10:10 Worship Band,<br />
Youth Choir<br />
NEXT SUNDAY IN WORSHIP<br />
December 23, 2012<br />
Fourth Sunday of Advent<br />
8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services<br />
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier<br />
Sermon: “Prince of Peace”<br />
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; John 16:16-33<br />
8:45 a.m. (T*) Chancel Choir<br />
10:15 a.m. (T*): Youth Choir<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*) &<br />
10:30 a.m. (A*): 10:10 Worship Band<br />
*Worship: T - Traditional; A - Alternative<br />
SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS<br />
Traditional Worship<br />
Ushers – December 16:<br />
8:45 a.m. Randy Schneider, Captain: Team 3<br />
10:15 a.m. Kevin Boucher, Captain: Team 3<br />
Ushers – December 23:<br />
8:45 a.m. Mark Hoffman, Captain: Team 4<br />
10:15 a.m. Luella Shoemaker, Captain: Team 4<br />
Audio Room Volunteers<br />
December 16: Joe Cavote (8:45); Mark Simmons (10:15)<br />
December 23: Jim Henry (8:45; Dan Shoemaker (10:15)<br />
Dial-A-Ride Volunteers<br />
December 16: Ruth Marcon, Bill & Linda Boyle<br />
December 23: Lisa Weaver, Bill White<br />
Alternative Worship<br />
Alternative Worship Greeters – December 16:<br />
9:00 a.m. Susan Benner, Greeter Captain<br />
10:30 a.m. Jennifer Staib, Greeter Captain<br />
Alternative Worship Greeters – December 23:<br />
9:00 a.m. Karen Thompson, Greeter Captain<br />
10:30 a.m. Bill & Nancy Holbrook, Greeter Captains<br />
Office Volunteers<br />
December 16: Mary Freund (8:00); LuAnn Epstein (10:00)<br />
December 23: Judi Kramer (8:00); Volunteer Needed (10:00)<br />
TIDINGS (USPS 007-713) is published bi-weekly, 27 issues per year, by <strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> <strong>Church</strong>, 3231 W Tilghman St., Allentown PA 18104. Periodical postage<br />
paid at Allentown PA. POSTMASTER: Send any address changes to Tidings, in care of <strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> <strong>Church</strong>, 3231 W Tilghman St., Allentown, PA 18104.<br />
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALLENTOWN, 3231 W. TILGHMAN ST., ALLENTOWN , P A 18104