Worship
Inspired by our first core value, Christ-Centered,
we offer a number of ways in which to worship.
WORSHIP SERVICES
Led by our pastoral team – The Rev. J.C. Austin, The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, and
The Rev. Sue Bennetch – we offer a number of ways in which to worship.
We are currently offering both worship services in person, and livestreamed on our
Facebook page and the Watch page of this website.
Child care is available between 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Types of services
CONTEMPORARY
SUNDAY AT 9 A.M.
A less formal worship service
featuring contemporary music, liturgy, and prayer.
TRADITIONAL
SUNDAY AT 11:15 A.M.
This classic, liturgical service honors the richness and beauty of our heritage, centers around a Biblical message and features the Chancel Choir and pipe organ.
The first Sunday of each month is Communion Sunday. If you would like to participate while watching our online service, you are invited to prepare your own elements: a bread or bread-like item such as a cracker, bagel, pita, or muffin, and grape juice, wine or water.
SPECIAL SERVICES FOR 2021-2022:
Thanksgiving Eve Service: Wednesday, November 24 at 7 p.m.
Advent Sundays: November 28, December 5, December 12, December 19
Special Christmas Music: TBA
Longest Night Service: TBA – for those who are experiencing any kind of loss during this holiday season
Christmas Eve Services: Friday, December 24 – Schedule TBA
MUSIC
The inclusion of music in our worship life is a long-standing tradition. Under the leadership of David Macbeth, Director of Music Ministries, we celebrate God in a number of ways.
If you are interested in participating in our music ministries, please contact us.
CHANCEL CHOIR
The Chancel Choir is a mixed parts choir that typically provides vocal selections for our Traditional worship services. While we were not worshiping in person, the group continued to meet weekly via Zoom, and offered several ‘virtual’ selections.
HANDBELLS
In the fall of 2018, a Handbell choir was initiated, thanks to the purchase of instruments from Saint Paul’s Lutheran ELCA, Allentown. This is an intergenerational group, and many members have no previous instrumental experience. They typically play at Easter and Christmas services.
CONTEMPORARY BAND
Over the past three years, a group of vocalists and musicians has coalesced as the band that provides music for our Contemporary Worship service. While we were only worshipping digitally, the band met to videotape their musical selections for inclusion in the livestream service.
SPECIAL MUSIC
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem has a long history of including guest musicians in our services, and presentations by a wide variety of performers.
Anytime the Chancel Choir is on hiatus, guest musicians provide music for our worship services; while we were only doing digital worship, they prerecorded their pieces for inclusion in the services.
The church building also typically serves as the site for community performances, such as concerts by the Bach Choir, Concord Chamber Singers, and others.
SACRAMENTS & MEMBERSHIP
If you are interested in information about baptism, marriage, funeral services, or
church membership, please contact us.
Let's Connect!
Mail:
2344 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call Us:
610-867-5865
Media Inquiries:
Carol Burns
Communications Manager
610-867-5865, ext. 238
Email Us:
Senior Pastor/Head of Staff: The Rev. J.C. Austin
Associate Pastor for Formation and Justice:
The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton
Pastoral Associate: The Rev. Sue Bennetch
Director of Music Ministries: David Macbeth
Preschool Director: Laura Hawk
Rentals/Facility Usage: Cristy Mette
Facilities Manager: Rebecca Angione