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. 

N O V E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 2 2 , # 2 4 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Page 2 

ADVENT SEASON CALENDAR – Page 3 

ADVENT SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS – Page 4 

SPECIAL INSERTS: ADVENT 2012 – WELCOMING 

THE CHILD; HOLIDAY SPIRIT CARDS 

MISSION – Page 5 

MUSIC MINISTRY – Page 5 

CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY – Page 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 

YOUNGER CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 4:00 P.M. 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 

“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Many 

of us know these familiar words spoken by the angel 

Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel of Luke. We know the 

story inside and out and take comfort in hearing it year 

after year. For the youngest among us, however, this 

story is brand new! Having served this congregation 

over the past two years as the Director for Family and 

Younger Children’s Ministry, and now with a young 

son of my own, I am keenly aware and interested in 

how we as a congregation teach our children about the 

story of Christ. As the Pastor for Pastoral Care, I love 

participating in leading worship and am excited to introduce 

you to a new Christmas Eve worship celebration 

we have created this year to help our younger children 

learn the story of Christmas! 

At 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve (please note that this is 

the correct time!) we invite younger children and their 

families to join us in the sanctuary as we tell the story 

of Jesus’ birth. This informal service will have a relaxed 

atmosphere in which the story of Christ’s birth 

will be shared in words and costumed characters. I even 

have it on good authority that Mary and the angel Gabriel 

are planning on stopping by! It will also include 

music offered by our Children’s Choir and Junior Bells; 

congregational singing and Candle Lighting. This worship 

celebration is being planned to connect particularly 

with children in elementary school and younger and their families, 

but all are welcome. 

Many of you have participated in the Christmas Eve worship 

service we have had for a number of years at 4:00 p.m. that 

included a nativity tableaux and the Children’s Choir and Junior 

Bells. While this service is taking place at the same time, 

this year’s service will be less formal and focused much more 

on connecting with the youngest members and friends of our 

faith community and their families. There will be no 

“sermon” at this service since the story will be told through 

the words and characters of the Christmas story throughout the 

service. 

I am grateful for this new opportunity for our children to experience 

the Gospel message in a way that keeps them engaged 

and full of wonder. I am also thankful for this congregation 

which continues to live out its baptismal vows by making intentional 

space for our children to hear the Word proclaimed 

in creative ways. May we be so moved by this Christmas season 

that we too respond to God’s call as Mary did, saying 

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according 

to your word.” 

God be with you, 

Lindsay 

FOR THE FULL CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 

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 

FOOD ON THE FIRST: DECEMBER 2 

Make the abundance of your holiday 

table possible for those in the Lehigh 

Valley who live with hunger every 

day. For December, the Allentown 

Area Ecumenical Food Bank 

(AAEFB) is seeking donations of rice 

(small bags, one to two pounds), canned corn, macaroni 

and cheese, soup, peanut butter and jelly. Any other 

food item would be greatly appreciated. The Food Bank 

needs your continued support in food and monetary donations. 

Your financial donations can be made out to 

the church and the subject line designated for AAEFB 

or you can donate directly to AAEFB at 534 Chew 

Street Allentown, PA 18102. As always, there are baskets 

around the church to collect your food donations. 

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the 

desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the 

darkness and your gloom be as the noonday." 

Isaiah 58:10 

NEWS ABOUT THEOLOGIAN IN RESIDENCE 

JOHN FRANKE 

It is hard to believe that Dr. Franke has been with us 

for almost 28 months. His contributions to our spiritual 

formation and discipleship life have truly been a 

wonderful gift for so many. John's time will "officially" 

come to an end December 31, 2012; according to the 

terms of his contract. John has been recently offered a 

position with a theological school in the United States 

but that information has no officially gone public. 

However, his new position does not require him to 

be "on site" in an immediate fashion. So the good 

news: John will still be our Theologian in Residence at 

least until June 2013 in an unpaid capacity. He will 

keep his office and he will also teach in a regular way 

on Sunday mornings during that time. 

A celebration is being planned for John to mark the end 

of his official time with FPCA on December 11 at 7:00 

p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are asking folks in 

attendance to bring a small dessert tray. The church 

will provide for tea, coffee, and soft drinks. If you have 

been blessed by John's ministry, please do your best to 

be in attendance to offer your thanks and gratitude. 

8:45 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE 

STARTS DECEMBER 2 

A reminder that the 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service 

is moved to 8:45 a.m. effective the First Sunday of 

Advent, December 2, 2012. This will be a full Traditional 

service with choirs each week and a Children’s 

Message. Children are welcome to join their families in 

worship during this hour. Following the Children’s 

Message, kids may be dismissed to Church School. 

REWARDING SERVICE: STEPHEN MINISTRY 

"God of mercy, we give you thanks for the life and ministry 

of your servants in this congregation. We thank 

you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, empowering their 

journey of faith and service. Today we pray for the 

Spirit's guidance as we recruit Stephen Ministers. Open 

the ears and hearts of those you have prepared for a 

ministry of care giving. Raise up those whom you have 

blessed with gifts of mercy, compassion, faith, and encouragement, 

that they may develop their gifts and use 

them to bring your love and forgiveness to people in 

need. We pray in you name and by the power of your 

Spirit. Amen." 

Would you like to be part of a ministry that 

makes a real difference in other's lives 

when they need it most -- and in your own? 

A Stephen Minister walks with someone in 

need, in troubling times such as divorce, 

loss of a loved one, hospitalizations, family 

issues, economic distress, terminal illness 

and many more. If you are interested in becoming a part 

of this rewarding opportunity for service, please contact 

Kathy Mammele at Kathy.Mammele@fpcallentown.org 

or 610-395-3781. 

JOHN S. PIDCOCK SCHOLARSHIP 

Brochures and application forms for the 2013 Pidcock 

Scholarship are available at the church’s welcome centers 

in the narthex and in the hallway behind the sanctuary, 

as well as in the church office lobby and on the 

church’s web site at www.fpcallentown.org. Complete 

details and requirements are outlined in the brochure. 

All applications are due in the church office by January, 

31, 2013. 

MINISTRY WITH OUR ELDERS (SENIOR ADULTS) 

For Clergy, Parish Nurses, Secretaries of Congregations, Pastoral Care Visitors, and Other Caregivers 

Luther Crest (800 Hausman Road, Allentown) will host a Moravian Theological Seminary course on Mondays, January 

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 

more effective in ministry with the senior adults with whom they serve. Participants will have an opportunity to 

improve their skills of communication with older adults, as well as gain an understanding of the life issues that confront 

them. The course will cover the following topics: grief, dynamics and issues of dementia and aging, caring for the caregiver, 

life review, spirituality and faith, visitation and communication skills, effects of aging on family systems, and 

community resources. Cost for this 1.8 CEU course is $60 (payable to Moravian Theological Seminary, 1220 Main 

Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6650); early bird registration is $50 by January 7, 2013. For more information, please contact 

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 

Advent Sermon Series: The Advent Child 

December 2 - First Sunday of Advent - Communion - WONDER COUNSELOR 

8:45 a.m. Traditional; Mike Drake Preaching (Cantate Domino) – Sanctuary 

9:00 a.m. Church School for All Ages 

9:00 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall (FH) 

10:00 a.m. Arabic Language; Moufid Khoury Preaching – Chapel 

10:15 a.m. Traditional; Mike Drake Preaching (Chancel Choir) 

10:30 a.m. Alternative; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall 

December 9 - Second Sunday of Advent - Baptisms - THE POWERFUL ONE 

8:45 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Chancel Choir) – Sanctuary 


9:00 a.m. Alternative; Stephen Emick Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall 


10:15 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Children’s Choir/Cantate Domino) 

10:30 a.m. Alternative; Stephen Emick Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall 

December 16 - Third Sunday of Advent – THE PARENT OF EVERLASTINGNESS 

8:45 a.m. Traditional; Lindsay Harren-Lewis Preaching (The Belles) – Sanctuary 




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 




10:15 a.m. Traditional; Tony Sundermeier Preaching (Youth Choir) 


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 


10:15 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. Alternative; Kenneth Jeffrey Preaching (The 10:10 Band) – Fellowship Hall 


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 4. 

JOIN US FOR 

SPECIAL 

CELEBRATIONS & 

ACTIVITIES 

December 9 

Christmas Joy Concert 

Massed Adult Choir & 

FPCA Youth Choir 

Sanctuary 

3:00 p.m. 

December 10 

The Women’s 

Christmas Dinner 

Fellowship Hall 

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

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 Drop-In 

The Commons 

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 

BETTER PORTION 

We plan to attend the Annual Women’s Christmas Dinner 

as a group on December 10. If you would like to share a 

table with Better Portion, please contact Joyce Gobrecht at 

610-928-0664 or e-mail jegobrecht@gmail.com by December 

6. 

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. 

POINSETTIAS FOR WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE 

Each year, during the Advent season, our congregation enhances the beauty of our worship 

services and over all church environment with beautiful poinsettia plants. The fresh 

plants are then delivered to members of our congregation who are home bound to let 

them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, even though they cannot be with us 

on Sunday mornings. Thank you letters are received from members who are grateful for 

the thoughts represented by the gifted plants. In order to carry on this aspect of our pastoral 

care initiative, we ask the congregation to donate money in any amount to help defray 

the expense of the plants. If you wish, you may designate the donation in memory 

of or in honor of an individual or event. These will be published in the bulletin during 

December. 

POINSETTIAS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS FOR OUR HOMEBOUND 

POINSETTIAS FOR WORSHIP 

To donate funds toward the purchase of poinsettias for worship and delivery, please send your contribution to the 

church office no later than Wednesday, December 5. Please note that the donated poinsettias are delivered to home 

bound members of the congregation and do not "go home" with donors. If you have any questions, contact Marti 

White at 610-966-5998. 

In loving memory of: _________________________________________________________________ 

In honor of: _________________________________________________________________________ 

Given by: __________________________________________________________________________ 

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ 

Telephone: _________________________________________________________________________ 

Please use one form per listing and return to the church office by Wednesday, December 5. Checks should be 

made payable to First Presbyterian Church. 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 

SPIRIT CARDS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS 

Spirit Cards allow you to maximize your gift card shopping this holiday season. If you are planning 

to purchase gift cards, consider using your Giant Spirit Cards to purchase gift cards from the 

kiosk at your local Giant food store. The selection is huge! Plan ahead and purchase Giant, Weis, 

Barnes & Noble, and Kohl’s gift cards in the hallway next to the library every Sunday morning 

from 8:45-10:30 am. Our Summer Youth Ministry earns 5% of every card your purchase from us. 

Thank you for your support! 

“Using a Giant Spirit Card for groceries each week is an easy way to support the wonderful youth 

programs of our church.” Joyce Gobrecht

M I S S I O N P A G E 5 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OUTREACH 

Thank you to the congregation for $820.00 in proceeds for the sale of the “house pins” that benefited Turning Point 

through domestic violence outreach at our church on October 21 and October 28. Plus, a big thank you for the 24 cell 

phones that were donated by church members. The warm hats, scarves and baby blankets that “Knitting Ministry of 

FPCA” provided for shelter residents at Turning Point were delivered (and gladly received) on October 29 despite a “little 

storm” that came through! 

M U S I C M I N I S T R Y 

MUSICAL OFFERINGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

This December, FPCA will host four local ensembles to present musical offerings for our church and community. 

Saturday, December 8 

8:00 PM 

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem 

Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas and 

J.S. Bach’s Magnificat 

Tickets:$35, call 610-866-4382, Ext. 15 

Sunday, December 9 

3:00 PM 

Christmas Joy Concert 

Massed Adult Choir 


Brass, Timpani, Organ 

In the FPCA 

Sanctuary 

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 


7:30 p.m. 

Camerata Singers 


Handel’s Messiah. 

Tickets: $15 - $30, 610-434-7811 

Free-Will Offering to benefit 

El Sistema of the Lehigh Valley 

Sanctuary 

First Presbyterian 

Church of Allentown 

3231 W. Tilghman St. 

Allentown, PA 18104 

www.fpcallentown.org 

DECEMBER 9 at 3:00 PM 

Featuring: 

GLORIA by John Rutter 

with Massed Choir, Full 

Brass, Percussion and Organ 

GODSPELL selections by 


CAROL SINGING by 

Choir and Congregation 

C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y 

NOTICE TO YOUTH CHOIR PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR PARENTS 

Youth Choir rehearsal will be extended to 5:15 p.m. until December 2, to work with Mrs. Fisher on the staging of Godspell. 

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 

December 9 will be at 2:00 p.m. 

TWEEN FIRST FRIDAY 

All 4 th and 5 th graders are invited to the December Tween First Friday taking place on Friday, December 7 from 7:00 p.m. 

to 9:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll be getting ready for Christmas by making gingerbread houses and enjoying 

other Christmas traditions. Please register with Caley Oels in the church office by Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 

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 

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): Albert Attieh (#23), Valence Giuliani; At Phoebe Home Rehab: Larry Kneifel (#8), Donald Fink (#7); 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 at 610-395- 

3781, Ext. 39. 

HOME FROM HOSPITAL: Polly Peters (#7), Stephen Rauch, Deanna Phillips (#28), Leslie Nichols (#11), Barbara Henseler 

(#19), Gene Hass (#9). 

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Brittany Mikolajczyk and King Lanning on the birth of their son, Cyrus Michael Lanning on 

November 16. 

SYMPATHY OF THE PASTORS AND CONGREGATION TO: John and Claudia Norris (#33) on the death of 

Mildred Norris, mother of John on November 13; Robin, Michael , Dan, Ryan, Josh, and Megan Cirocco (#23) on the death 

of Reuel Hodes, father of Robin and grandfather of Dan, Ryan, Josh, and Megan on November 20. 

STAFF PRAYER LIST 

On December 4, 2012 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a portion of 

Parish #10. 

Al and Peggy Gearhart; Jim Goldey; Peggy, Steve, Taylor, Kyle and Kelly Gonoude; Ginny Haddad; Judy Harris; Bette 

Heffner; Ardee Huesz; Suzanne and Lauren Jones; John, Karen, Kristyn, Chris and Kaetie Kalbfell. 

On December 11, 2012 the staff will pray for the following members of our church family who comprise a portion of 

Parish #10. 

Susan, Rob, Emily and Katie Kingston; Sam and Kathy Laposata; William, Diane and Bethany Lowar; Charles 

MacKenzie; Diane and Fran Montuori; Russ Puschak; Bill, Renee, Brittney and Kelsey Schlechter; Edward and Gale 

Schlechter; John, Kathy and CJ Schmied. 

HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY AID 

If you are still seeking ways to financially contribute, and pray for those recovering 

from Hurricane Sandy, please visit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website: 

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 


First Sunday of Advent 

Communion Sunday 

8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 

9:00 a.m. Church School (All Ages) 

Alternative Worship 

10:00 a.m. Arabic Worship 


10:30 a.m. Alternative Worship 

11:00 a.m. Arabic Fellowship Time 

11:30 a.m. New Officer Training 

12:15 p.m. Burmese Worship 

3:00 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal 

3:45 p.m. Common Ground - Common 

Table 

Baptism Class 

Monday, December 3 

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 

Christmas Joy Concert Dress 

Rehearsal 

7:00 p.m. Serenity Al-Anon Group 

7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous 

Tuesday, December 4 

8:00 a.m. LV Crime Victims Council 

Plant Sale 


Pastoral Care Staff 

10:15 a.m. All Staff Meeting 

11:00 a.m. Executive Leadership Team 

12:00 p.m. Shawl Knitting Ministry 

1:30 p.m. Worship Planning Team 

5:30 p.m. ESL Class 

Tuesday Night Together 

7:00 p.m. Presbytery Lead Team 

7:30 p.m. Young Adult Small Group 

Wednesday, December 5 

6:45 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Group 

8:30 a.m. Synod Camp Meeting 

9:00 a.m. Sewing, Quilting & Craft 

Groups 

Weekday Preschool 

Belles Tour 

9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation Staff 

12:00 p.m. Advent Midday Prayer 

Service 

6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Character 

Rehearsal 


7:00 p.m. Depression & Bi-Polar 

Support Alliance 

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 

7:30 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible 

Study 

Thursday, December 6 


4:30 p.m. Jr. Handbell Rehearsal 

5:00 p.m. 10:10 Band Setup & Rehearsal 


6:00 p.m. Mission Committee 

6:30 p.m. Dance Ministry Rehearsal 

Youth Handbell Rehearsal 

7:00 p.m. Peace, Justice & Mission 

Committee 

International Mission Committee 

Mission Committee 

Caron Parent Support Group 

Local Care Team 

Alateen 

Al-Anon 

7:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Rehearsal 




9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 

7:00 p.m. Tween First Friday 


9:00 a.m. Confirmand & Sponsor Service 

Project 

8:00 p.m. Concert Series: Bach Choir 


Second Sunday of Advent 

Baptism Sunday 



Church School (All Ages) 






2:00 p.m. Concert Warm-up 

3:00 p.m. Christmas Joy Concert 

6:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting—Potluck 

Dinner 

7:30 p.m. Prayer Vigil 

Monday, December 10 

11:30 a.m. Weekday Preschool Lunch 

Bunch 

5:30 p.m. Yoga Class 

6:00 p.m. Property and Landscaping 

Women’s Christmas Dinner 


7:00 p.m. Serenity Al-Anon Group 

American League Judge 

Training 


Tuesday, December 11 


Pastoral Care Staff 

10:15 a.m. All Staff Meeting 

11:00 a.m. Executive Leadership Team 

1:30 p.m. Worship Planning Team 

4:30 p.m. Long Range Planning Team 

5:00 p.m. Knitting Ministry 

Tuesday, December 11 (cont.) 


Tuesday Night Together 

Planned Giving Committee 

7:00 p.m. Summer Harmony Christmas 

Concert Dress Rehearsal 

Wednesday, December 12 

6:45 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Group 

9:00 a.m. Sewing, Quilting & Craft 

Groups 

Weekday Preschool 

Belles Tour 

9:30 a.m. Spiritual Formation Staff 

12:00 p.m. Lehigh County Mental 

Retardation 

Advent Midday Prayer Service 

2:00 p.m. Staff Calendar Planning 

5:30 p.m. Web Communications Team 

6:30 p.m. Brownie Troop #6232 

Daisy Troop #671 

7:00 p.m. Depression & Bipolar 

Support Alliance 

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 

7:30 p.m. Wednesday Men’s Bible 

Thursday, December 13 


4:30 p.m. Jr. Handbell Rehearsal 

5:00 p.m. 10:10 Band Setup & 

Rehearsal 

5:30 p.m ESL Class 

6:30 p.m. Youth Handbell Rehearsal 

Dance Ministry Rehearsal 

7:00 p.m. Caron Parent Support Group 

Al-Anon 

Alateen 

Stephen Ministry 

Communications Committee 

7:30 p.m. Adult Handbell Rehearsal 




9:15 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 

7:30 p.m. Summer Harmony and Friends 



7:30 a.m. Saturday Men’s Group 

11:30 a.m. Camerata Singers Dress 

Rehearsal 

7:30 p.m. Concert Series: Camerata 

Singers (Messiah) 


Third Sunday of Advent 


9:00 a.m. Church School (All Ages) 







3:00 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal 

3:45 p.m. Common Ground 

7:30 p.m. Blue Christmas Worship 

The next issue of Tidings will be published on 12/12/2012. Articles must be received in the office by 

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 

PERIODICAL 

POSTAGE PAID 

Allentown, PA 

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP 

December 2, 2012 

First Sunday of Advent, Communion Sunday 

8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services 

Rev. Dr. Michael Drake 

9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services 

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier 

Sermon: “Wonder Counselor” 

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 5:17-26 

8:45 a.m. (T*): Cantate Domino 

10:15 a.m. (T*): Chancel Choir 

9:00 a.m. (A*) & 

10:30 a.m. (A*): 10:10 Worship Band 

NEXT SUNDAY IN WORSHIP 

December 9, 2012 

Second Sunday of Advent, Baptism Sunday 

8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (T*) services 

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier 

9:00 a.m. (A*), 10:30 a.m. (A*) services 

Rev. Stephen Emick 

Sermon: “The Powerful One” 

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Philippians 2:5-11 

8:45 a.m. (T*) Chancel Choir 

10:15 a.m. (T*): Children’s Choir, 

Cantate Domino 

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 2: 

8:45 a.m. Robert Bungerz, Captain: Team 1 

10:15 a.m. Linda Clemens, Captain: Team 1 

Ushers – December 9: 

8:45 a.m. Bob Davenport, Captain: Team 2 

10:15 a.m. Jim Guill, Captain: Team 2 

Audio Room Volunteers 

December 2: Martin Heimann (8:45); Tim Fritz (10:15) 

December 9: Nelson Rabenold (8:45; Bill Richards (10:15) 

Dial-A-Ride Volunteers 

December 2: Kathleen Dent, Alicen Bailey-Silfies 

December 9: George & Sharon Baker 


Alternative Worship Greeters – December 2: 

9:00 a.m. Karen Thompson, Greeter Captain 

10:30 a.m. Amy & Jacob Kimball, Greeter Captains 

Alternative Worship Greeters – December 9: 

9:00 a.m. Bill Holbrook, Greeter Captain 

10:30 a.m. Jenney Henderson & Amy Kimball, Greeter Captains 

Office Volunteers 

December 2: JoAnn Campbell (8:00); Luella Shoemaker (10:00) 

December 9: JoAnn Campbell (8:00); Emily Schneider (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

Text - First Presbyterian Church

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