Text - First Presbyterian Church

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