A MESSAGE FROM REV. SUE BENNETCH: The Spirit of Giving
Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col. 3:15
Dear friends,
I would like to thank you for your generosity, creativity and support of our outreach ministries this year. The Salvation Army, New Bethany Ministries, Northeast Community Center (formerly Northeast Ministry), and Meals on Wheels were the grateful recipients of your spirit of giving.
As the pandemic spread throughout the Lehigh Valley, these agencies saw an increase in people and needs. In order to keep the virus from spreading, many of our shelters closed. This left our homeless community without basic needs of toiletries, personal items and clothing, etc.
The Congregational Life team began collecting these items, and each time we asked for your support, it was there. You gave in abundance, all the while following the CDC guidelines in place.
We will continue these drives throughout the new year, as the needs are not going away. Requested items to donate will be listed in our weekly newsletter.
Phyllis Walker and Jane Masters delivered the many bags and boxes to the agencies, and each time were greeted with appreciation and gratitude. On one stop, as Phyllis lifted the rear door of her SUV, a gentleman offered to help carry the packages in. He looked into the back of her car and asked, “which of these are ours?” Phyllis and Jane both described the look on his face when they told him that the entire trunkload was for their agency.
Our Deacons began a meal ministry, and we are delivering two to three meals a week to our members who are homebound, or unable to shop. Thank you to all who made or delivered a meal. Those who receive these meals were very grateful.
This need continues. If you would like to prepare a meal for someone – or would like to request this service for yourself or another – please let us know. You can send an email to info@fpc-bethlehem.org.
The week before Christmas, the Deacons prepared goody bags for members who live alone, were ill, or homebound. They too shared how incredibly happy the recipients were.
Jeanne Hunsicker, our Deacon Moderator, describes it with a quote from her husband, Bob: “The true beauty of life is to plant a tree under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Jeanne said, “I think all the donations from our congregation this Advent Season depict that life’s lesson.”
Further in Colossians it says, “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters,[since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.” (Col. 3:23-24)
Well done, dear friends, well done!!
Blessings,
Rev. Sue Bennetch