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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 />
N O V E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 2 2 , # 2 4<br />
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:<br />
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Page 2<br />
ADVENT SEASON CALENDAR – Page 3<br />
ADVENT SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS – Page 4<br />
SPECIAL INSERTS: ADVENT 2012 – WELCOMING<br />
THE CHILD; HOLIDAY SPIRIT CARDS<br />
MISSION – Page 5<br />
MUSIC MINISTRY – Page 5<br />
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY – Page 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 />
YOUNGER CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 4:00 P.M.<br />
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE<br />
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Many<br />
of us know these familiar words spoken by the angel<br />
Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel of Luke. We know the<br />
story inside and out and take comfort in hearing it year<br />
after year. For the youngest among us, however, this<br />
story is brand new! Having served this congregation<br />
over the past two years as the Director for Family and<br />
Younger Children’s Ministry, and now with a young<br />
son of my own, I am keenly aware and interested in<br />
how we as a congregation teach our children about the<br />
story of Christ. As the Pastor for Pastoral Care, I love<br />
participating in leading worship and am excited to introduce<br />
you to a new Christmas Eve worship celebration<br />
we have created this year to help our younger children<br />
learn the story of Christmas!<br />
At 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve (please note that this is<br />
the correct time!) we invite younger children and their<br />
families to join us in the sanctuary as we tell the story<br />
of Jesus’ birth. This informal service will have a relaxed<br />
atmosphere in which the story of Christ’s birth<br />
will be shared in words and costumed characters. I even<br />
have it on good authority that Mary and the angel Gabriel<br />
are planning on stopping by! It will also include<br />
music offered by our Children’s Choir and Junior Bells;<br />
congregational singing and Candle Lighting. This worship<br />
celebration is being planned to connect particularly<br />
with children in elementary school and younger and their families,<br />
but all are welcome.<br />
Many of you have participated in the Christmas Eve worship<br />
service we have had for a number of years at 4:00 p.m. that<br />
included a nativity tableaux and the Children’s Choir and Junior<br />
Bells. While this service is taking place at the same time,<br />
this year’s service will be less formal and focused much more<br />
on connecting with the youngest members and friends of our<br />
faith community and their families. There will be no<br />
“sermon” at this service since the story will be told through<br />
the words and characters of the Christmas story throughout the<br />
service.<br />
I am grateful for this new opportunity for our children to experience<br />
the Gospel message in a way that keeps them engaged<br />
and full of wonder. I am also thankful for this congregation<br />
which continues to live out its baptismal vows by making intentional<br />
space for our children to hear the Word proclaimed<br />
in creative ways. May we be so moved by this Christmas season<br />
that we too respond to God’s call as Mary did, saying<br />
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according<br />
to your word.”<br />
God be with you,<br />
Lindsay<br />
FOR THE FULL CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE<br />
SCHEDULE—TURN TO PAGE 3
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 />
FOOD ON THE FIRST: DECEMBER 2<br />
Make the abundance of your holiday<br />
table possible for those in the Lehigh<br />
Valley who live with hunger every<br />
day. For December, the Allentown<br />
Area Ecumenical Food Bank<br />
(AAEFB) is seeking donations of rice<br />
(small bags, one to two pounds), canned corn, macaroni<br />
and cheese, soup, peanut butter and jelly. Any other<br />
food item would be greatly appreciated. The Food Bank<br />
needs your continued support in food and monetary donations.<br />
Your financial donations can be made out to<br />
the church and the subject line designated for AAEFB<br />
or you can donate directly to AAEFB at 534 Chew<br />
Street Allentown, PA 18102. As always, there are baskets<br />
around the church to collect your food donations.<br />
"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the<br />
desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the<br />
darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."<br />
Isaiah 58:10<br />
NEWS ABOUT THEOLOGIAN IN RESIDENCE<br />
JOHN FRANKE<br />
It is hard to believe that Dr. Franke has been with us<br />
for almost 28 months. His contributions to our spiritual<br />
formation and discipleship life have truly been a<br />
wonderful gift for so many. John's time will "officially"<br />
come to an end December 31, 2012; according to the<br />
terms of his contract. John has been recently offered a<br />
position with a theological school in the United States<br />
but that information has no officially gone public.<br />
However, his new position does not require him to<br />
be "on site" in an immediate fashion. So the good<br />
news: John will still be our Theologian in Residence at<br />
least until June 2013 in an unpaid capacity. He will<br />
keep his office and he will also teach in a regular way<br />
on Sunday mornings during that time.<br />
A celebration is being planned for John to mark the end<br />
of his official time with FPCA on December 11 at 7:00<br />
p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are asking folks in<br />
attendance to bring a small dessert tray. The church<br />
will provide for tea, coffee, and soft drinks. If you have<br />
been blessed by John's ministry, please do your best to<br />
be in attendance to offer your thanks and gratitude.<br />
8:45 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE<br />
STARTS DECEMBER 2<br />
A reminder that the 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service<br />
is moved to 8:45 a.m. effective the <strong>First</strong> Sunday of<br />
Advent, December 2, 2012. This will be a full Traditional<br />
service with choirs each week and a Children’s<br />
Message. Children are welcome to join their families in<br />
worship during this hour. Following the Children’s<br />
Message, kids may be dismissed to <strong>Church</strong> School.<br />
REWARDING SERVICE: STEPHEN MINISTRY<br />
"God of mercy, we give you thanks for the life and ministry<br />
of your servants in this congregation. We thank<br />
you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, empowering their<br />
journey of faith and service. Today we pray for the<br />
Spirit's guidance as we recruit Stephen Ministers. Open<br />
the ears and hearts of those you have prepared for a<br />
ministry of care giving. Raise up those whom you have<br />
blessed with gifts of mercy, compassion, faith, and encouragement,<br />
that they may develop their gifts and use<br />
them to bring your love and forgiveness to people in<br />
need. We pray in you name and by the power of your<br />
Spirit. Amen."<br />
Would you like to be part of a ministry that<br />
makes a real difference in other's lives<br />
when they need it most -- and in your own?<br />
A Stephen Minister walks with someone in<br />
need, in troubling times such as divorce,<br />
loss of a loved one, hospitalizations, family<br />
issues, economic distress, terminal illness<br />
and many more. If you are interested in becoming a part<br />
of this rewarding opportunity for service, please contact<br />
Kathy Mammele at Kathy.Mammele@fpcallentown.org<br />
or 610-395-3781.<br />
JOHN S. PIDCOCK SCHOLARSHIP<br />
Brochures and application forms for the 2013 Pidcock<br />
Scholarship are available at the church’s welcome centers<br />
in the narthex and in the hallway behind the sanctuary,<br />
as well as in the church office lobby and on the<br />
church’s web site at www.fpcallentown.org. Complete<br />
details and requirements are outlined in the brochure.<br />
All applications are due in the church office by January,<br />
31, 2013.<br />
MINISTRY WITH OUR ELDERS (SENIOR ADULTS)<br />
For Clergy, Parish Nurses, Secretaries of Congregations, Pastoral Care Visitors, and Other Caregivers<br />
Luther Crest (800 Hausman Road, Allentown) will host a Moravian Theological Seminary course on Mondays, January<br />
21 through February 25, 2013, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. This six-week course is designed for clergy and laity who want to become<br />
more effective in ministry with the senior adults with whom they serve. Participants will have an opportunity to<br />
improve their skills of communication with older adults, as well as gain an understanding of the life issues that confront<br />
them. The course will cover the following topics: grief, dynamics and issues of dementia and aging, caring for the caregiver,<br />
life review, spirituality and faith, visitation and communication skills, effects of aging on family systems, and<br />
community resources. Cost for this 1.8 CEU course is $60 (payable to Moravian Theological Seminary, 1220 Main<br />
Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6650); early bird registration is $50 by January 7, 2013. For more information, please contact<br />
Luther Crest’s Chaplain Dianne Kareha, 610-391-8210, or see http://moravianseminary.edu/continuing-ed.html.
A D V E N T S E A S O N C A L E N D A R P A G E 3<br />
Advent Sermon Series: The Advent Child<br />
December 2 - <strong>First</strong> Sunday of Advent - Communion - WONDER COUNSELOR<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional; Mike Drake Preaching (Cantate Domino) – 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 (FH)<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional; Mike Drake Preaching (Chancel Choir)<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
December 9 - Second Sunday of Advent - Baptisms - THE POWERFUL ONE<br />
8:45 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Chancel Choir) – Sanctuary<br />
9:00 a.m. <strong>Church</strong> School for All Ages<br />
9:00 a.m. Alternative; Stephen Emick Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<br />
10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel<br />
10:15 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Children’s Choir/Cantate Domino)<br />
10:30 a.m. Alternative; Stephen Emick Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall<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 of<br />
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 4.<br />
JOIN US FOR<br />
SPECIAL<br />
CELEBRATIONS &<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
December 9<br />
Christmas Joy Concert<br />
Massed Adult Choir &<br />
FPCA Youth Choir<br />
Sanctuary<br />
3:00 p.m.<br />
December 10<br />
The Women’s<br />
Christmas Dinner<br />
Fellowship Hall<br />
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.<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 Drop-In<br />
The Commons<br />
7:00 p.m.
A D V E N T S E A S O N A N N O U N C E M E N T S P A G E 4<br />
BETTER PORTION<br />
We plan to attend the Annual Women’s Christmas Dinner<br />
as a group on December 10. If you would like to share a<br />
table with Better Portion, please contact Joyce Gobrecht at<br />
610-928-0664 or e-mail jegobrecht@gmail.com by December<br />
6.<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.<br />
POINSETTIAS FOR WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE<br />
Each year, during the Advent season, our congregation enhances the beauty of our worship<br />
services and over all church environment with beautiful poinsettia plants. The fresh<br />
plants are then delivered to members of our congregation who are home bound to let<br />
them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, even though they cannot be with us<br />
on Sunday mornings. Thank you letters are received from members who are grateful for<br />
the thoughts represented by the gifted plants. In order to carry on this aspect of our pastoral<br />
care initiative, we ask the congregation to donate money in any amount to help defray<br />
the expense of the plants. If you wish, you may designate the donation in memory<br />
of or in honor of an individual or event. These will be published in the bulletin during<br />
December.<br />
POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS FOR OUR HOMEBOUND<br />
POINSETTIAS FOR WORSHIP<br />
To donate funds toward the purchase of poinsettias for worship and delivery, please send your contribution to the<br />
church office no later than Wednesday, December 5. Please note that the donated poinsettias are delivered to home<br />
bound members of the congregation and do not "go home" with donors. If you have any questions, contact Marti<br />
White at 610-966-5998.<br />
In loving memory of: _________________________________________________________________<br />
In honor of: _________________________________________________________________________<br />
Given by: __________________________________________________________________________<br />
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________<br />
Telephone: _________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please use one form per listing and return to the church office by Wednesday, December 5. Checks should be<br />
made payable to <strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong> <strong>Church</strong>. Thank you for your participation.
S P E C I A L 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
S P E C I A L I N S E R T : H O L I D A Y S P I R I T C A R D S<br />
SPIRIT CARDS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS<br />
Spirit Cards allow you to maximize your gift card shopping this holiday season. If you are planning<br />
to purchase gift cards, consider using your Giant Spirit Cards to purchase gift cards from the<br />
kiosk at your local Giant food store. The selection is huge! Plan ahead and purchase Giant, Weis,<br />
Barnes & Noble, and Kohl’s gift cards in the hallway next to the library every Sunday morning<br />
from 8:45-10:30 am. Our Summer Youth Ministry earns 5% of every card your purchase from us.<br />
Thank you for your support!<br />
“Using a Giant Spirit Card for groceries each week is an easy way to support the wonderful youth<br />
programs of our church.” Joyce Gobrecht
M I S S I O N P A G E 5<br />
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OUTREACH<br />
Thank you to the congregation for $820.00 in proceeds for the sale of the “house pins” that benefited Turning Point<br />
through domestic violence outreach at our church on October 21 and October 28. Plus, a big thank you for the 24 cell<br />
phones that were donated by church members. The warm hats, scarves and baby blankets that “Knitting Ministry of<br />
FPCA” provided for shelter residents at Turning Point were delivered (and gladly received) on October 29 despite a “little<br />
storm” that came through!<br />
M U S I C M I N I S T R Y<br />
MUSICAL OFFERINGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS<br />
This December, FPCA will host four local ensembles to present musical offerings for our church and community.<br />
Saturday, December 8<br />
8:00 PM<br />
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem<br />
Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas and<br />
J.S. Bach’s Magnificat<br />
Tickets:$35, call 610-866-4382, Ext. 15<br />
Sunday, December 9<br />
3:00 PM<br />
Christmas Joy Concert<br />
Massed Adult Choir<br />
FPCA Youth Choir<br />
Brass, Timpani, Organ<br />
In the FPCA<br />
Sanctuary<br />
Friday, December 14<br />
7:30 PM<br />
Summer Harmony and Friends<br />
Christmas Concert<br />
Tickets: $15; contact Laura Rabenold at<br />
laura.rabenold@fpcallentown.org or<br />
610-395-3781, Ext. 17<br />
Saturday, December 15<br />
7:30 p.m.<br />
Camerata Singers<br />
Christmas Concert<br />
Handel’s Messiah.<br />
Tickets: $15 - $30, 610-434-7811<br />
Free-Will Offering to benefit<br />
El Sistema of the Lehigh Valley<br />
Sanctuary<br />
<strong>First</strong> <strong>Presbyterian</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> of Allentown<br />
3231 W. Tilghman St.<br />
Allentown, PA 18104<br />
www.fpcallentown.org<br />
DECEMBER 9 at 3:00 PM<br />
Featuring:<br />
GLORIA by John Rutter<br />
with Massed Choir, Full<br />
Brass, Percussion and Organ<br />
GODSPELL selections by<br />
FPCA Youth Choir<br />
CAROL SINGING by<br />
Choir and Congregation<br />
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y<br />
NOTICE TO YOUTH CHOIR PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR PARENTS<br />
Youth Choir rehearsal will be extended to 5:15 p.m. until December 2, to work with Mrs. Fisher on the staging of Godspell.<br />
Also, dress rehearsal for Godspell will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on December 3 in the Sanctuary. Warm-up on<br />
December 9 will be at 2:00 p.m.<br />
TWEEN FIRST FRIDAY<br />
All 4 th and 5 th graders are invited to the December Tween <strong>First</strong> Friday taking place on Friday, December 7 from 7:00 p.m.<br />
to 9:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll be getting ready for Christmas by making gingerbread houses and enjoying<br />
other Christmas traditions. Please register with Caley Oels in the church office by Sunday, December 2, 2012 at<br />
caley.oels@fpcallentown.org or 610-395-3781. Invite your friends!
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): Albert Attieh (#23), Valence Giuliani; At Phoebe Home Rehab: Larry Kneifel (#8), Donald Fink (#7); At Luther Crest<br />
Health Care Center: Bev Creelman (#19).<br />
If you’d like to send cards or letters to those in the hospital, please contact Kathy Mammele, Director of Pastoral Care at 610-395-<br />
3781, Ext. 39.<br />
HOME FROM HOSPITAL: Polly Peters (#7), Stephen Rauch, Deanna Phillips (#28), Leslie Nichols (#11), Barbara Henseler<br />
(#19), Gene Hass (#9).<br />
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Brittany Mikolajczyk and King Lanning on the birth of their son, Cyrus Michael Lanning on<br />
November 16.<br />
SYMPATHY OF THE PASTORS AND CONGREGATION TO: John and Claudia Norris (#33) on the death of<br />
Mildred Norris, mother of John on November 13; Robin, Michael , Dan, Ryan, Josh, and Megan Cirocco (#23) on the death<br />
of Reuel Hodes, father of Robin and grandfather of Dan, Ryan, Josh, and Megan on November 20.<br />
STAFF PRAYER LIST<br />
On December 4, 2012 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a portion of<br />
Parish #10.<br />
Al and Peggy Gearhart; Jim Goldey; Peggy, Steve, Taylor, Kyle and Kelly Gonoude; Ginny Haddad; Judy Harris; Bette<br />
Heffner; Ardee Huesz; Suzanne and Lauren Jones; John, Karen, Kristyn, Chris and Kaetie Kalbfell.<br />
On December 11, 2012 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a portion of<br />
Parish #10.<br />
Susan, Rob, Emily and Katie Kingston; Sam and Kathy Laposata; William, Diane and Bethany Lowar; Charles<br />
MacKenzie; Diane and Fran Montuori; Russ Puschak; Bill, Renee, Brittney and Kelsey Schlechter; Edward and Gale<br />
Schlechter; John, Kathy and CJ Schmied.<br />
HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY AID<br />
If you are still seeking ways to financially contribute, and pray for those recovering<br />
from Hurricane Sandy, please visit the <strong>Presbyterian</strong> Disaster Assistance website:<br />
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/.
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S : D E C E M B E R 2 — D E C E M B E R 1 6 P A G E 7<br />
Sunday, December 2<br />
<strong>First</strong> Sunday of Advent<br />
Communion Sunday<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 />
11:30 a.m. New Officer Training<br />
12:15 p.m. Burmese Worship<br />
3:00 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal<br />
3:45 p.m. Common Ground - Common<br />
Table<br />
Baptism Class<br />
Monday, December 3<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 />
Christmas Joy Concert Dress<br />
Rehearsal<br />
7:00 p.m. Serenity Al-Anon Group<br />
7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Tuesday, December 4<br />
8:00 a.m. LV Crime Victims Council<br />
Plant Sale<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 />
12:00 p.m. Shawl Knitting Ministry<br />
1:30 p.m. Worship Planning Team<br />
5:30 p.m. ESL Class<br />
Tuesday Night Together<br />
7:00 p.m. Presbytery Lead Team<br />
7:30 p.m. Young Adult Small Group<br />
Wednesday, December 5<br />
6:45 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Group<br />
8:30 a.m. Synod Camp Meeting<br />
9:00 a.m. Sewing, Quilting & Craft<br />
Groups<br />
Weekday Preschool<br />
Belles Tour<br />
9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation Staff<br />
12:00 p.m. Advent Midday Prayer<br />
Service<br />
6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Character<br />
Rehearsal<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 6<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 />
5:30 p.m. ESL Class<br />
6:00 p.m. Mission Committee<br />
6:30 p.m. Dance Ministry Rehearsal<br />
Youth Handbell Rehearsal<br />
7:00 p.m. Peace, Justice & Mission<br />
Committee<br />
International Mission Committee<br />
Mission Committee<br />
Caron Parent Support Group<br />
Local Care Team<br />
Alateen<br />
Al-Anon<br />
7:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Rehearsal<br />
8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Friday, December 7<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study<br />
7:00 p.m. Tween <strong>First</strong> Friday<br />
Saturday, December 8<br />
9:00 a.m. Confirmand & Sponsor Service<br />
Project<br />
8:00 p.m. Concert Series: Bach Choir<br />
Sunday, December 9<br />
Second Sunday of Advent<br />
Baptism Sunday<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 />
2:00 p.m. Concert Warm-up<br />
3:00 p.m. Christmas Joy Concert<br />
6:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting—Potluck<br />
Dinner<br />
7:30 p.m. Prayer Vigil<br />
Monday, December 10<br />
11:30 a.m. Weekday Preschool Lunch<br />
Bunch<br />
5:30 p.m. Yoga Class<br />
6:00 p.m. Property and Landscaping<br />
Women’s Christmas Dinner<br />
6:30 p.m. Jr. Girl Scout Troop #611<br />
7:00 p.m. Serenity Al-Anon Group<br />
American League Judge<br />
Training<br />
7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Tuesday, December 11<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 />
1:30 p.m. Worship Planning Team<br />
4:30 p.m. Long Range Planning Team<br />
5:00 p.m. Knitting Ministry<br />
Tuesday, December 11 (cont.)<br />
5:30 p.m. ESL Class<br />
Tuesday Night Together<br />
Planned Giving Committee<br />
7:00 p.m. Summer Harmony Christmas<br />
Concert Dress Rehearsal<br />
Wednesday, December 12<br />
6:45 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Group<br />
9:00 a.m. Sewing, Quilting & Craft<br />
Groups<br />
Weekday Preschool<br />
Belles Tour<br />
9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation Staff<br />
12:00 p.m. Lehigh County Mental<br />
Retardation<br />
Advent Midday Prayer Service<br />
2:00 p.m. Staff Calendar Planning<br />
5:30 p.m. Web Communications Team<br />
6:30 p.m. Brownie Troop #6232<br />
Daisy Troop #671<br />
7:00 p.m. Depression & Bipolar<br />
Support Alliance<br />
Chancel Choir Rehearsal<br />
7:30 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible<br />
Thursday, December 13<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
4:30 p.m. Jr. Handbell Rehearsal<br />
5:00 p.m. 10:10 Band Setup &<br />
Rehearsal<br />
5:30 p.m ESL Class<br />
6:30 p.m. Youth Handbell Rehearsal<br />
Dance Ministry Rehearsal<br />
7:00 p.m. Caron Parent Support Group<br />
Al-Anon<br />
Alateen<br />
Stephen Ministry<br />
Communications Committee<br />
7:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Rehearsal<br />
8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
Friday, December 14<br />
9:00 a.m. Weekday Preschool<br />
9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study<br />
7:30 p.m. Summer Harmony and Friends<br />
Christmas Concert<br />
Saturday, December 15<br />
7:30 a.m. Saturday Men’s Group<br />
11:30 a.m. Camerata Singers Dress<br />
Rehearsal<br />
7:30 p.m. Concert Series: Camerata<br />
Singers (Messiah)<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 />
3:45 p.m. Common Ground<br />
7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas Worship<br />
The next issue of Tidings will be published on 12/12/2012. Articles must be received in the office by<br />
9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 12/4/2012. 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 2, 2012<br />
<strong>First</strong> Sunday of Advent, Communion Sunday<br />
8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services<br />
Rev. Dr. Michael Drake<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services<br />
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier<br />
Sermon: “Wonder Counselor”<br />
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 5:17-26<br />
8:45 a.m. (T*): Cantate Domino<br />
10:15 a.m. (T*): Chancel Choir<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*) &<br />
10:30 a.m. (A*): 10:10 Worship Band<br />
NEXT SUNDAY IN WORSHIP<br />
December 9, 2012<br />
Second Sunday of Advent, Baptism Sunday<br />
8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services<br />
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier<br />
9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services<br />
Rev. Stephen Emick<br />
Sermon: “The Powerful One”<br />
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Philippians 2:5-11<br />
8:45 a.m. (T*) Chancel Choir<br />
10:15 a.m. (T*): Children’s Choir,<br />
Cantate Domino<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 2:<br />
8:45 a.m. Robert Bungerz, Captain: Team 1<br />
10:15 a.m. Linda Clemens, Captain: Team 1<br />
Ushers – December 9:<br />
8:45 a.m. Bob Davenport, Captain: Team 2<br />
10:15 a.m. Jim Guill, Captain: Team 2<br />
Audio Room Volunteers<br />
December 2: Martin Heimann (8:45); Tim Fritz (10:15)<br />
December 9: Nelson Rabenold (8:45; Bill Richards (10:15)<br />
Dial-A-Ride Volunteers<br />
December 2: Kathleen Dent, Alicen Bailey-Silfies<br />
December 9: George & Sharon Baker<br />
Alternative Worship<br />
Alternative Worship Greeters – December 2:<br />
9:00 a.m. Karen Thompson, Greeter Captain<br />
10:30 a.m. Amy & Jacob Kimball, Greeter Captains<br />
Alternative Worship Greeters – December 9:<br />
9:00 a.m. Bill Holbrook, Greeter Captain<br />
10:30 a.m. Jenney Henderson & Amy Kimball, Greeter Captains<br />
Office Volunteers<br />
December 2: JoAnn Campbell (8:00); Luella Shoemaker (10:00)<br />
December 9: JoAnn Campbell (8:00); Emily Schneider (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