Annual Report 2021
2020 - 2021
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
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The Reverend J.C. Austin Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian,
The Reverend J.C. Austin Senior Pastor/Head of Staff
If this report simply said, “this church survived 2021!” that would still be pretty good news. It was another very challenging year for the entire planet as we journeyed through year two of the global Covid pandemic.
With the arrival of the vaccines in early 2021, there was hope that the end of the pandemic might be on the horizon, and certainly there were many positive shifts, including our own congregation restarting indoor inperson worship in June 2021 for the first time in 15 months. But by July 2021, the Delta variant had arrived, making clear that the pandemic was still far from over, and with the Omicron variant’s appearance in late December 2021, the world was forced to heighten our protective protocols once more, though thankfully we have been able to continue in-person worship, including for a wonderful Christmas Eve together. Many churches, along with many businesses that previously relied on gathering in-person (like restaurants, for example), have closed down all across the United States as a result of the pandemic, so we are already beating the odds there.
Yet we have a much better story to tell than that! This church did not simply survive 2021, but we found new vision and energy and impact in our life and ministry together. Our livestream worship now engages national and even international participation, with regular worshippers joining us not just from places like Georgia and Florida and Michigan and California, but also from Canada, the UK, and even Uganda and Rwanda! We launched a new and truly Intergenerational Christmas Eve Service that nearly tripled our projected attendance for the first year. We found new ways to serve our neighbors who are poor or unhoused through a ministry of food. We welcomed new members, baptized new babies, and built stronger relationships between the Preschool and the larger church. We called The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton as our Associate Pastor for Formation and Justice, the first full-time associate pastor for this church in six years. We also called our first full-time Director of Business Administration, Oscar Mendoza, and expanded our Facilities staff to meet the growing demands of operating and maintaining our church facilities. And we did all that while continuing to hold multiple worship services in different styles every week, to offer stimulating faith formation activities for people of all ages, to care for one another and our neighbors with compassion and grace and love and hope. Those stories and so many more can be found in this annual report, and I encourage you to spend time reading it, savoring it, and being inspired by it. And I want to thank each and every one of you for your support of this church and our mission through the generosity of your time, your spirit, your financial gifts, your kind words, your patience, and your partnership. I look forward to a new year of life and ministry with you in 2022! Grace and Peace,
Christ-Centered · An Inquiring Faith · An Active Faith · Welcoming to All
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Worship This has been another year of challenge and opportunity for the worship life of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.
A highlight is that we were able to gradually move towards worship enhancements and in-person worship. At the beginning of 2021, we were all virtual with pre-recorded musicians and ‘live’ staff and tech crew. In February, we moved to weekly pre-recorded liturgists. They were recruited by Lindsey Chadbourn and Marie Rosenthal, and their enthusiastic response to record themselves during the week, was appreciated. Cindy Simmons resumed her faithful work of providing prayers and scripture introductions.
Rich Hjorth Chair Lindsey Chadbourn Co-chair Members: J.C. Austin (staff) Lindsey Altvater Clifton (staff) David Macbeth (staff) Tina Duhigg Beth Peters Cindy Simmons Judy Smullen Mike Stasak
On March 14, we marked one year of virtual services with bell ringing and remembrances of those who had passed during the pandemic. After many years of faithful service, Jack Walker passed the communion preparation duties to Glenn and Darla Rossetti. Our last two outdoor combined services were April 18 and May 7.
June 20 was a joyous day when we offered Contemporary and Traditional indoor services. We were all masked and physically-distanced, which enabled us to sing hymns and to do responsive prayers. It was an emotional day.
As we returned to in-person worship, many of us were reminded of how important our worshiping community is to us. We decided to use name tags for both new and long-time members to foster connections. In addition, working with the Building Reopening Task Force, we decided to use donation boxes to avoid passing collection plates and to maintain physical distancing. The greeter and usher functions were combined, and here’s a shout out to all those people who volunteered to help greet/usher and to give everyone a warm welcome. In July, we resumed in-person communion. It was fortunate that we could purchase juice cups which included a wafer so that we could reduce Covid risk.
In August, Deb Philpotts retired from this committee after years of capable, energetic service, to share her talents with other committees. Tina Duhigg graciously picked up Deb’s duties as flower chair. Mike Stasak resigned in December after two years of loyal service.
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September brought a resumption of our fall schedule by moving the Traditional service start time from 11:00 to 11:15 a.m. This allowed a full hour for formation activities such as combined Sunday School and Hearts N Minds classes.
The change also gave transition time for the tech crew as well as time for the Chancel Choir to warm up properly; the choir members were delighted to be singing in person again.
Online and in-person surveys were provided in November to consider the possibility of moving Contemporary worship from the Kirk Center to Fellowship Hall. In general, respondents were pleased with the thought of returning the Kirk Center to its original function as a gym. The survey also showed support for exploring different types of music (including the current type of music) at the Contemporary service, the 9:00 a.m. service time (most important), and the informality of the service. There was also affirmation that the service is a means of outreach to agediverse groups. Indeed, many newcomers decide to attend the Contemporary service as their first exposure to FPCB.
The committee decided to start a Sanctuary Guild to formalize and extend the work of Dan and Wendy Magocs, who for years have been faithfully cleaning the Sanctuary after the Traditional service. Froy Thompson and Fran Spicer will be working with Dan and Wendy to be sure everything is set for the services by, for example, making sure there is oil in the candles.
A Combined Worship service on November 28 kicked off the Advent season with decorating the sanctuary afterwards, and activities for all ages. November also marked the beginning of optional hand shaking for the passing of the peace. Again, this was a welcomed way to connect our community. The Building Reopening Task Force had determined that the scientific data did not support significant spread of the virus by contact; the virus travels through the air. So, for the Christmas Eve services, we began in-person collection plates again for Traditional services. We were pleased to be able to continue with all the special services that we value such as the Longest Night service, the Easter week services, and the Thanksgiving Eve service. And we were very pleased that on Christmas Eve, we saw a total attendance of all services in person and online of 441. New this year was the Christmas Eve family service that reached many families and was a huge success. Thanks to Lindsey Altvater Clifton for spearheading this service (above, left). Above all we greatly appreciate the time, energy, and thoughtfulness that our pastors give us in preaching great sermons that inspire us and help us get through the week. We are blessed to have them with us. Please enjoy these beautiful photos by Morning Call photographer Amy Shortell that appeared in the December 25 issue of the newspaper.
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Music Music is one of the primary forms of worship, and stands as a vital element of our congregational life and community outreach. The Presbyterian (PCUSA) Directory for Worship states the following: “Artistic expressions should evoke, edify, enhance, and expand worshipers’ consciousness of the reality and grace of God”. Whether it be through hymn, psalm, anthem, exuberant song of praise, ringing bell, thundering organ, or intimate strum of guitar, may we continually strive to raise our hearts with one voice… Soli Deo Gloria! (Glory to God alone!)
David Macbeth Director of Music
Even in these uncertain times, I am incredibly proud of our congregation’s sense of commitment to rich worship arts programming! The following paragraphs outline the highlights of the program for 2021: Our Congregation’s Digital Voice
As a congregation we have made the bold choice to maintain our voice in the community regardless of the distance which separates us. Developing “digital worship fluency” has allowed that voice to be heard far beyond our beautiful campus, reaching guests from the community, our region, and indeed the world. They are listening! Without the incredibly dedicated and creative work of our technology team, Kyle Steele and Aaron Kapes, and our communications team of Carol Burns and Cristy Mette, none of this would be possible. Facebook Live provides an excellent platform for hybrid live and pre-recorded worship as well as archiving, while the Zoom platform provides a space for interactive worship and the work of staff and committees.
Most recently we’ve experimented with live, short-range FM radio transmission. The new year brings with it creative upgrades to our audio/video technology which will provide a refreshed look and more reliable transmission of our content. Traditional Worship and Chancel Choir “Alright everyone, let’s get rehearsal started….turn on your cameras and microphones...” I must admit those are words that I never imagined I would have to say! There are few words sufficient to share my gratitude for the dedication and fearlessness of our Chancel Choir. They have willingly joined me in the “virtual choir” experiment, all the while supporting each other from afar. It was a joy to begin singing together in-person for several outdoor services over the summer, and ultimately in live worship from the chancel beginning in the fall.
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Providing anthems for both worship services and our active concert season, the Chancel Choir continues to thrive under the most challenging circumstances!
In addition to our regular complement of participating members and roster of staff musicians, our Chancel Choir was again host to seven high school students from Charter Arts seeking to fulfill their community service requirement in an environment which supports their artistic goals.
Beyond our regular Sunday morning worship services there have been numerous opportunities this year for worship focusing on reflection, healing, and quiet contemplation of faith. Our Longest Night Service, the 11 p.m. service of communion on Christmas Eve, the Lenten Compline service, and our service for national hope and healing are just a few examples.
One unexpected “ministry” of our worship arts program throughout the past two years has been one of providing a venue for professional musicians to share their gifts in safety. All artists have suffered greatly in recent months, and in providing a means of sharing we have also fed their need to be heard. Guests from the professional music community during 2021:
The St. Tikhon’s Choir, St. Tikhon’s Russian Orthodox Monastery, Waymart, PA Emmet Cahill, Irish Tenor, Lead singer of Celtic Thunder The Touring Choir of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Dr. Kelsey Kish, Soprano, faculty at Charter Arts Dr. Christopher Jackson, Baritone, faculty at Muhlenberg College Dr. Aaron Patterson, Saxophone, faculty at Charter Arts Madison Zahorsky, Soprano (pursuing M.M Vocal Performance, The New School) Bryan McClary, Baritone (pursuing M. M Vocal Performance, Jacobs School of Music) Rebecca Erhardt, Soprano Hannah Steele, Soprano Emily McManaman, Soprano Bridget Warner, Soprano Amy Chryst, Violin Donald Hughes, Trumpet Luke DiGiacinto, Organ Johanna Pearson, Organ The Hill to Hill Brass Quintet
Contemporary Worship
Whether “plugged in”, “unplugged”, online, within the walls of the Kirk, or outside on one of the church’s greenways, our contemporary ensemble continues to enliven our worship experience. The band has matured greatly this year, and continues to exercise amazing resilience as the nature of our worship has evolved in recent months. 6
In July we appreciated an invitation to participate in a “Concert on the Lawn” event sponsored by the Congregational Life committee; unfortunately the extreme heat moved us indoors but everyone enjoyed the live music experience. Chancel Ringers
Our Handbell ensemble ministry definitely receives the “most improved” award this year! The ensemble has experienced considerable growth in participation and ability, providing exciting and engaging performances for both the Easter and Christmas seasons. Church Music Major Intern
From October through December 2021, FPCB’s music program hosted a church music major intern from Moravian University, Johanna Pearson. During her time with us Johanna was able to experience both participation and leadership within every division of our music program. I am deeply grateful for her time with us, and we send Johanna on to the next chapter of her professional music education with enthusiasm and thanks. Having graduated from Moravian in December of 2021, she is now pursuing her M.Ed. in Music Education at West Chester University. Concluding Thoughts
I would like to take this opportunity to very enthusiastically thank all those who continue to support our worship arts ministry! Tune in, invite others to share in the experience, continue to support those around you, and in all things rejoice! For in sharing we lift to God the very hearts of all whom our notes and words touch.
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Discipleship The Discipleship Committee is focused on the spiritual development and growth of our members, deepening our faith and equipping us to be like Christ in the world. We understand this as a lifelong process, guided by the Holy Spirit and supported by Christian community, or Koinonia. We offer experiential and educational opportunities for all ages that support FPCB’s core values. Faith Formation for Children, Youth, and Families
Members: Jan Bickford Jennifer Cole Lindsey Altvater Clifton (staff) Don Robertson Steve Simmons Anne Taylor JoAnne Turcotte
Faith Formation for children was offered in a Zoom format from January through Memorial Day using Orange, a non-denominational curriculum. JoAnne Turcotte, Kate Arrington, Al Philpotts, Deb Philpotts, and The Rev. Cynthia Simmons were the primary teachers during these months.
During the summer months, children, youth, and families enjoyed outdoor opportunities for fellowship and fun together with The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton and several of our adult volunteers. We had an ice cream social and went strawberry picking!
The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton also conducted a survey of families who have participated in the life of the church to find out what would be most helpful to them in terms of Christian Formation. The results indicated that families are looking for a safe place to ask questions, learn and incorporate faith practices and integrate faith values. This information will help guide future educational choices and activities designed to support our families.
After a summer break, Faith Formation for Children resumed on Zoom in the fall, led by Kate Arrington and Cynthia Simmons, with curriculum created by Rev. Simmons based on the The Family Story Bible. Kate Arrington graciously hosted the Zoom sessions every week. Faith Formation for Adults
The year 2021 offered numerous opportunities for learning, relationship building, and faith development, using Zoom as one of our primary tools for connecting due to the ongoing pandemic; in-person gatherings were held when we could. In addition to the Hearts N Minds Sunday adult education studies, other offerings included the five week Lenten Supper series, ‘Praising and Enjoying God Together.’ Presenters included The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons and The Rev. Cynthia Simmons, Janet Stahl and Jim Stahl, The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, and The Rev. J.C. Austin. Another highlight featured an additional threeweek series, ‘Pray Without Ceasing,’ that concluded with an outdoor contemplative walk in the Memorial Garden. A representative, Catherine Hernandez from Turning Point, the Lehigh Valley's local domestic abuse shelter, advocacy, and resource center provided information on signs and trends of domestic abuse, particularly during the pandemic, and how those interested might support the organization as well as those affected by abuse.
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Cristy Mette, creator of Joyful Self Wellness, facilitated a session, "Honoring Yourself," that addressed the importance and value of self-awareness and self-care. Cristy presented a number of concrete and practical steps to improve one's outlook and health for a more joyful life. This offered a good foundation for loving one's neighbor in an authentic way.
The fall season began with a series on the book of Acts, led by The Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons. In addition, The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton facilitated a church-wide reading of Neighborhood Church, to help us understand the concept of Outreach more fully, and begin the discernment process regarding creative opportunities of connection in our community.
Advent was recognized through the use of materials from Sanctified Arts, with the theme of ‘Close to Home.’ The second annual candlelit Advent Spiral walk was held indoors this December, referencing a related focus on Homecomings.
Hearts N Minds Here’s what the Hearts N Minds class read and discussed this year:
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans - Loving is seeing the full person; love is an act of will, not an emotion. Seeing what they are most deeply. The child before they took on the 'world face'. The person who wants to connect. Held Evans constantly urges the reader to ask questions about God and the bible. Wrestling daily with our faith eventually leads to greater understanding. Peter Enns’ The Bible Tells Me So reflects Held Evans’ position that we Christians need to be open to interpretation when we wrestle with seemingly confusing biblical text. The class decided that looking at every verse through a loving lens of Jesus Christ takes us to the right conclusion.
In Jim Wallis’ Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus, the author urges America to return to the tenets of Jesus once again as the means to save us from the polarizing bitterness and anger of our tribal nation. Wallis addresses eight questions that he identifies as central to Jesus’s teachings, starting with the mandate to expand our definition of neighbor. Racial bigotry is “not only an ugly political appeal to racialized anxiety, fear, and hatred, but a brutal assault on the image of God.” It is also, along with the parallel ideology of White nationalism, nothing short of sin. Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship by Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Home Boy Industries. Father Greg urges us to practice a gospel of ‘inclusion’. Forget ‘judging’ others which serves only to separate us from God. Stop competing and comparing and focus on widening the circle of Christian community. For the Advent study, Steve Simmons discussed “angels.” Betsy Simpson encouraged us to do something outside our comfort zone while thinking of Mary as a model to be on fire as we strive to grow into our wholeness. Gail Watts had us share the beauty of words that have been powerful, truth-telling, and important in our lives.
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Deacons Deacons are ordained lay members of the congregation who are best described as the church’s ‘ministers of mercy.’ They worked in concert with The Rev. Sue Bennetch, Pastoral Care Associate, until her retirement in October 2021, and now work with The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton. They are under the supervision and authority of the Session. In March of 2020 the Deacons went ‘virtual’ due to Covid and continued through the balance of 2021, impacting some of our in-person activities like home communion, blood pressure readings, and visitations. We continued our regular check-in phone calls with members, to see what needs they might have that we could help address. These are some of our activities for 2021:
Jeanne Hunsicker Moderator Rich Gorton, Secretary Deacons: Lindsey Altvater Clifton (staff) Melody Engle Elena Helmuth Barbara Hjorth Jane Masters Pam Swank Jeff Csateri Phil Fair
continued our Meal Ministry by providing meals to those needing them, including our beloved retired Pastor, Keith Brown and his wife, Carole assisted a member of our church who needed funds for rent provided a non-member with gas and grocery cards who was leaving a shelter and moving into an apartment with her young daughter continued with our “Prayer List Ministry” led by Deacon Phil Fair sent cards and thoughtful notes to members and non-members of our congregation as requested; this was done by volunteers Kate Arrington and Lizzie Arrington initiated social gatherings in the spring and summer, held outdoors at Illick’s Mill by Deacon Melody Engle participated in “The Food Donation Connection”; Deacon Jeff Csatari led this initiative which included picking up food items from the Wawa on Broad Street, and delivering them to Turning Point and New Bethany Ministries once a week provided ‘goodie bags’ at Easter and Christmas for 35-40 members of our church family, some of whom live at home and others in long-term care facilities (above, communion rolls homebaked for the Easter goodie bags)
A highlight for us was being able to meet outdoors for lunch meetings during nice weather, a welcome alternative from Zoom meetings. We look forward to resuming some of our ‘in person’ activities in the future. 10
Mission The purpose of our commitment to Mission is to provide ongoing opportunities within our own congregation, our local community, and with and through our national and global partnerships to gain a personal understanding of how too many people must live their lives every day; help those in need; and be a resource for those struggling to change their lives. In 2021, the Mission Committee began discerning what it might look like to narrow our missional focus and deepen our ministry partnerships so that we can be part of creating sustained change in our community. It is a new vision of relational missional living that is well aligned with the church’s four core values.
Members: Jackie Byrnes Lindsey Altvater Clifton Norma Ferguson Jane Mackie Deb Philpotts Leslie Pohl Steve Simmons Froy Thompson
We began exploring what is might look like for mission to be the center of our church’s shared life, and one significant step toward moving in that direction was the CongregationWide Book Read of Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission. In addition to weekly discipleship sessions to discuss the book and its themes, we spent five weeks in worship delving into these principles, as well. It was energizing for the whole church! Over the course of the year, the Mission Committee offered financial support to Northeast Community Center, the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering program at Christ UCC, the Hispanic Center food pantry, and New Bethany Ministries’ annual Luminaria Night fundraiser.
We also learned more about possible partnerships with POWER Interfaith - a grassroots organization of over 50 Pennsylvania congregations committed to racial and economic justice on a livable planet—and Bethany Christian Services, a global nonprofit offering refugee support services in the Lehigh Valley. Toward the end of the year, the Mission Committee requested and received Session approval to partner with BCS and serve as a cosponsor to an Afghan refugee family.
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Finally, our Giving Tree allowed us to support the Presbyterian Mission Agency with gifts for: 5 sewing machines 2 kitchen kits 5 families of chickens 6 fishing nets 4 sets of farming tools 90 saplings 1 refugee food basket 3 piglets 1 bag of Moringa tree seeds Supplies for 6 refugee students Educating a child Disaster relief work
Congregational Life The Congregational Life Committee is a Committee of Session to encourage fellowship among our members. It was established in 2018 to invite the congregation to gather to relax, have fun and spend time with each other. Our committee continued to focus on creative ways to connect and engage our membership in 2021.
We offered virtual game nights early in the year, including trivia and Scattergories, hosted by Pastors Sue and Lindsey. In March we also held a virtual Hospitality Time to introduce Pastor Lindsey to the congregation.
Phyllis Walker Chair Ginny Shunk, Secretary Members: Sue Bennetch (staff) Jennifer Cole Jean Hunsicker Joanne Kelhart Jane Masters
Our neighbors who utilize the services of Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering benefited from a collection of items held in February; additional items were shared with other community partners who could use them. As we entered the Easter season, our committee made mini loaves of bread that were provided before Holy Week communion services. We also held an Easter Egg hunt for the children of our congregation, inviting our FPCB Preschool families to join in. It was a great event, with fun had by all – although the egg hunt only lasted about 15 minutes! April also brought an Earth Day celebration with the children from the church and Preschool learning about the community garden, and flying kites. On Mother’s Day at an outdoor service, we honored the women of the congregation with roses.
As the warmer weather approached in June - and with the reintroduction of in-person worship services – our social time, Lemonade on the Lawn, was back. We also utilized our outdoor spaces for another round of Parking Lot Trivia, and a reception for Andie Barbehenn’s retirement as Preschool Director. Plans for July’s outdoor Concert on the Lawn were pivoted to an indoor event, due to excessive heat – and everyone enjoyed the entertainment by our Contemporary band. In September we celebrated Pastor Lindsey’s installation with an outdoor event, and October brought another retirement celebration for Pastor Sue. It was a full day as she then led the annual Blessing of the Animals, as her final official act.
We wrapped up the year by helping with Advent and Christmas decorating on the exterior of our building, and hosting an Advent Festival, complete with cookie decorating, an Advent Calender craft and hanging of the greens. Another busy and productive year in the life of our church!
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Preschool & Extended Care The goals of our program are:
Laura Hawk Director
To provide a safe, loving place for children to explore, play, and learn. To encourage each child in social skills, large and small motor skills, verbal and communication skills, and cognitive growth in age-appropriate ways. To encourage and support families in parenting and other life issues. To have each child know that he or she is a special child of God and loved by him.
This past year challenged us in more ways than one, but through those challenges memories were made, adventures were taken in learning, and bonds built to last a lifetime. Here’s a peek at what happened in 2021: •
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We began our 2021 year with about 75-80 children which was such a blessing considering we were still in a pandemic. The staff continued to embrace a new norm keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible. While we were not able to have our Easter Chapel the way we had in the past, we found a new way to hold our annual art show. As the regular school year came to a close, we celebrated with families all the growth and learning that took place this past school year, and began to move into our Summer Splash Program filled with children ready to join us in our summer fun. The teachers held their final staff meeting for the school year which was bittersweet as we experienced the sudden loss of a staff member on May 30. It was in that time that our Preschool and church communities really came together to commemorate Ginny Dagnall (right). Her passion for working with young children, her creativity, and infectious smile is missed by all, but her memory lives on in all the lives of those that she has touched both in and outside of the Preschool. We also had some retirements including that of Andrea Barbehenn, our director, who served the Preschool for over 35 years. She saw the Preschool through so much change and growth during her time of service. We wished her nothing but the best as she began this next chapter of her life. As we said good bye to Andie we welcomed Laura Hawk as the new director of the Preschool, in addition to three new and enthusiastic teachers.
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We kicked off our new school year with Parents’ Night and Family Fun Night, and while they may not have looked exactly like they did in the past it was so nice to see the Preschool community be together again, celebrating the learning of our little ones. We celebrated our Halloween Parades outdoors and offered both our Thanksgiving and Christmas Chapels (above, right). It was so great to hear the voices of the children singing their hearts out for everyone. Their love of life filled the Sanctuary and warmed the hearts of all who were there. Together the church and Preschool collected donations for New Bethany at Thanksgiving and the Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering at Christmas. The number of items donated was incredible and greatly appreciated by those who received them. We were also fortunate to have an in person professional development in November, hosted by Dr. Pat Pinciotti. We never stop learning and this was so true of our time with Pat. The teachers enjoyed being the students and participating in activities they would normally have their students be doing. Despite the challenges that Covid presented us with we have done our best to keep everyone safe, healthy, and embracing all those spontaneous learning moments.
Our goal is to continue to stay the course recognizing how important this time of growth, development, and socialization is for the children.
We’ve been blessed to have so many support systems around us: it takes a village to run a Preschool, especially during a pandemic, and we would not be where we are today without that village. Thank you to all those who have helped us keep our doors open, and the children learning.
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Staff Members:
Board Members:
Andrea Barbehenn – Preschool Director (retired June 30) Becky Beller Ginny Dagnall (passed away May 30) Laurie Fatebene Susan Givone Kristina Grum Laura Hawk - Preschool Director (effective July 1) Heather Kraihanzel Marcy Liddick Penny Luse (retired June 1) Danette Michalgyk Lauren O’Keefe-Burian Joann Reed Bernice Slowitsky Marcy Sporka Ellyn Wertman Diane Willans
Sarah Baer – President Jennifer Black Elizabeth Conard Kendahl DeFelice Becky Gorton Amy Keeler Brian Kephart Peter McGeary Jenna Zsilavecz Andrea Barbehenn – Preschool Director (retired June 30) Laura Hawk – Preschool Director
Personnel The Personnel Committee is a standing committee of the Session that serves as the human resource department for our church’s paid staff. This includes oversight of employment processes; talent management; compensation; benefits, and the policies and procedures that guide and direct our paid staff and that ensure our church and campus is a safe space for all ministries conducted here. The current committee includes members with backgrounds in: • • • • •
Alvin Philpotts Chair Members: Jon Conrad Kim Miner Don Robertson J.C. Austin (ex officio)
Tech-based economic development and Human Resources (HR) roles following a full military career Senior HR positions with major US corporations and deep HR expertise Strong knowledge of current best practices as Vice President of HR at Moravian University A career in leadership and management development theory and practice Deep experience in pastor coaching, learning communities and spiritual practice to take our staff to the next level of effectiveness
In 2021 we said farewell to three long-serving staff members: • Andie Barbehenn, who retired at the end of June after a long tenure as a teacher and Director of our church’s much-admired Preschool. • The Rev. Sue Bennetch, retiring in early October after serving faithfully as our Pastoral Care Associate • Rebecca Angione, who retired at the end of December as Facilities Manager, having worked with care and diligence to keep our large and aging facility operating during a year that can only be charitably described as challenging.
New staff members who began key positions in 2021 include: The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton as our church’s first-ever Associate Pastor for Formation and Justice. Laura Hawk as the Director of our church’s Preschool and Extended Care. Oscar Mendoza as Director of Business Administration, working for the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff and with the Trustees and Session to provide integral leadership of all church finances and human resources. Kevin Konczyk as Facilities Maintenance Manager, who brings a strong knowledge of systems operations, maintenance, and repair to a campus that is showing its age. For 2022, we continue offering all employees a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option. A FSA gives participating employees the ability to set aside pre-tax salary dollars for health expenses not otherwise covered by a health plan or for dependent care expenses. And we continue to offer the option to enroll in employee-paid dental and vision plans. New for 2022 is giving employees at all levels the option to set aside a portion of their pay in a 403(b)-retirement fund. All benefits are made available to our employees through the Presbyterian Board of Pensions.
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Property The Property Committee strives to maintain the integrity and functionality of our church facilities and grounds, exercising faithful stewardship of one of our primary assets and resources for mission. This past year has been a challenging one for our committee. Ongoing issues with storm water management, as well as a closed building due to Covid 19, contributed to a significant mold problem in many parts of the building. Thanks to our staff and several FPC volunteers, we have a temporary fix on it.
Bob Hunsicker* Chair Members: Rebecca Angione (staff) Chips Arend George Bickford * Rich Gorton Wayne Kelly Kevin Konczyk (staff) Don Masters Harold “Bud” Newton*
Our dedicated and savvy Facilities Manager, Rebecca Angione, began her well-deserved retirement on December 31, 2021. We’ve been very fortunate to hire Kevin Konczyk as our new *Trustees full-time Facilities Maintenance Manager. Brandon Bereznak has been added to the staff, with a second hire in the wings. Kyle Willans and new hire Edward Ortiz round out the part-time staff. The Memorial Garden has been nicely upgraded by our new landscaping contractor, Parkland Nurseries. The garden has been improved with new tree and perennial bulb plantings, mulch reconfiguration, and much needed paver repairs.
Engagement The Engagement Committee is a Committee of Session that was formed in 2020. Its purpose is to focus on attracting and connecting new families to FPCB, and providing opportunities for engagement with the various ministries of our church. The church launched a new website in August 2021 with new branding, updated functionality, and easy navigation.
Kari Keyock, Chair Gail Watts, Co-Chair Polly Beste Carol Burns (staff) Lindsey Altvater Clifton (staff) Kathy Csatari
We identified Preschool families and Kirkland residents as our primary audiences to continue building relationships and offering opportunities with FPC. This included communicating information about events and programs directly to these groups, via email and direct contact. We also met with Kirkland’s Chaplain and Director of Community Life to coordinate future collaborations and communication. Easter and Advent events and services were communicated across multiple platforms including postcards, flyers, email blasts, newsletters, social media, and advertising in local outlets. In addition, FPCB was featured in a beautiful photo spread on the front page of the Morning Call on Christmas Day (see the Worship report on page 4). 17
Trustees The Trustees oversee financial and property matters of the church including budgets, property maintenance and improvements, stewardship and planned giving, and endowment funds and investments. Trustees meet monthly and members also serve on at least one committee, which also meet monthly or quarterly, and may also be part of Task Forces which are created for limited duration as needed to address specific issues.
Mark Swank, President Belle Marks, Vice-President Members: George Bickford Bob Hunsicker Maurice Kasmiroski Susan Mower-Benda Bud Newton Melinda Stitt
Standing Committees that are under the purview of Trustees include: Property*, Endowment*, Investment, Stewardship and Finance*, a joint committee with Session. (* these committee reports are included in this Annual Report) The Technology Task Force successfully completed its mission of evaluating and updating Phyllis Walker our informational technology capabilities and contracts, including computers, servers, and Sue Farber internet and phone services, with resulting improvements in function and service, and reductions in cost. The Building Reopening Task Force has provided recommendations and policy regarding the pandemic for the staff, congregation, and groups using the facility, on a continuous and frequently updated basis.
The Facility Usage Task Force secured rental agreements with the Bach Choir and Bel Canto Youth Chorus for rehearsals and concerts, the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley for office space, and Bethlehem Township Youth Sports for outdoor soccer practices. Trustees also created and adopted a Project Planning & Purchasing Management Policy which defines how projects not funded in the Annual Operating Budget are to be planned and approved.
Nominating
The Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending candidates for all leadership positions in the church, with the exception of paid staff. The committee presents nominations to the congregation for members of the Session, the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees, and the Nominating Committee, itself. In addition, the committee presents nominations for pastoral search committees, when needed. Members of the congregation have an opportunity to submit names for consideration for all positions, as well, and all recommendations have to be approved by the congregation at a congregational meeting.
Joanne Kelhart* Chair JoAnne Turcotte* J.C. Austin (ex officio) At Large Members: Nancy Cramer Linda Filipovits Judy Smullen Wendy Magocs *Session representative
In 2021 the Nominating Committee was faced with many challenges identifying people to take on leadership positions within the church.
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Endowment The Endowment Committee was established by Session in April, 2018, for several purposes: 1) to review and revise the existing endowment governing document to make it more streamlined; 2) to review and amend (as appropriate) guidelines on use of the endowment funds; 3) to accept, acknowledge and encourage bequests and other planned gifts; and 4) to use the endowment funds more creatively to further the Kingdom for exciting and unique mission and ministry opportunities, locally, nationally, and globally.
Susan Mowrer Benda Chair Members: Phil Clauser Jim Halkins Belle Marks Linda Robertson Melinda Stitt
In support of these established purposes, Janet Stahl and Jim Stahl received a grant from the McKnight Fund for photographic equipment to use in the mission field. Together, they facilitated a second grant from the McKnight Fund on behalf of a colleague in the mission field to secure a laptop and software in order to "teach the teachers" about storytelling for both adult and child audiences. The following grants were recommended from endowment funds to Session for approval:
From the Mission Fund: Upgraded technology for the livestreaming of worship and music, particularly in Fellowship Hall From the Dimmick International Scholarship Fund: Continues support of a pre-med student in Colombia, SA From the Barry Brandt Scholarship Fund: Continued support of a student studying at Susquehanna University
Several unrestricted, permanent endowed funds (the Better Fund, the Permanent General Fund and the Endow Your Pledge Fund) continue to provide operating funds for the FPCB general operating budget.
Upon her passing, Ruth Rusling bequeathed over $28,000, representing the remainder of a personal IRA account to the church.. These funds, and all of our endowment funds, were established by thoughtful, committed and generous members of our congregation whose Christian witness is alive and well and helping to grow the Kingdom and will continue to do so for years to come. Expended in 2021 from Endowment Fund earnings for the above stated purposes: $159,836 Total market value of the FPBC Endowment Fund as of 12/31/19: Total market value of the FPBC Endowment Fund as of 12/31/20: Total market value of the FPCB Endowment Fund as of 12/31/21:
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$4.727 million $4.845 million $5.392 million
Finance The Finance Committee oversees the financial transactions of the church’s budget. The year 2021 was an extremely busy one for the Finance Committee. Faced with many challenges as a result of the continued impact of Covid on our congregation and finances, many adjustments have had to be made to accommodate cash flow.
Joanne Kelhart, Chair George Campbell, Treasurer George Bickford Phil Clausser Sue Farber James Halkins Bob Ross Mark Swank Phyllis Walker
The committee has been diligent in monitoring this throughout the year. In the beginning of 2021, our church applied for, and received a second PPP loan for $142,000 that has now been forgiven. In addition to the monies received from this loan, the Preschool also received Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Care grants which helped to offset their costs.
During 2021 the Finance Committee examined and revised financial guidelines regarding the Memorial Garden, as well as put more stringent guidelines regarding expenditures and deposits in place.
Last year also saw the resignation of the part-time Business Manager along with a transition into a full-time position, the Director of Business Administration. Oscar Mendoza was hired in September 2021 and has taken on all the responsibilities as the director of the finance office, as well as transitioning into handling human relations matters. The finance office continues to work on completion of the audits for last year.
Working in tandem with representatives from the Trustees, the Finance Committee reviewed and established guidelines and lease payments from organizations that have entered into lease space agreements. The finance team also monitored the payment of insurance claims due to water damage. This year also saw record growth in endowments, with more available funds from the interest on those endowments for utilization in the operation budget.
The budget process for the 2022 budget was started in August with the Finance Committee gathering information, meeting, and reviewing numbers with members of the Trustees. The completed budget will be presented at the Annual Meeting on January 30, 2022. The coming year will see more of our policy changes within the fiscal and personnel divisions of the church.
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2021 B udg et
2021 A ctual
2022 B udg et
R ev enue
Cash Balance Forward
$70,000
$98,129
$120,000
Member Pledge Member Non-Pledge Loose Plate Designated Giving Pass Through Offerings Connectional Church Support Flowers Deacon Fund In Memoriam Event Contributions Deposits for Memorial Garden Other One Great Hour of Sharing Souper Bowl Pastor's Fund Holiday Giving Peace and Global Witness Crop Walk Foundation Gifts Facility Usage Fees Miscellaneous Income Kirkland Income Interest Income Endowment Draw/Income Line of Credit
690,000 50,000 $5,500
$683,094 $300 $1,079
$600,000 $50,000 $5,000
($1,349) $6,590 $1,360 $150 $8,506 $850 $7,401
$1,500 $6,500 $900 $100 $7,900
$4,250 $632 $84,216 $2,352 $845 $775
$5,325 $635 $104,205 $4,250 $900
$12,000 $6,000 $40,800 $26,250 $350 $137,000 -
$25,006 $70,211 $19,226 $74 $159,836 -
$62,250 $128,624 $30,416
1,106,700
$1,075,404
$1,195,998
$597,180 $380,506 $41,381 $27,150
$678,263 $326,943 $67,836 $30,987 $412 $461 $2,854 $946 $14,234 $36 $1,064 $19,900 $16,435 $0 $5,806
$640,995 $405,615 $52,364 $26,500
$1,166,175
$ 1,195,954
Total R ev enue
$5,800
$33,000 $100,000
$187,492 -
Expenses
Church Staff Property Administrative Operations Worship & Music Ministry Support Mission Discipleship Congregational Life Engagement Pastoral Care Board of Deacons Scholarships Connectional Church Support Audit Fees Legal Fees Bank Fees Misc. Total Expenses
NET INCOME
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$1,667 $4,000 $1,550 $20,475 $3,500
$10,000 $1,500 $2,400 $17,430 $1,108,739 ($2,039) *
($90,772) *
$6,000 $8,000 $1,550 $20,000 $3,500 $0 $17,430 $10,000 $4,000
$
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* Loss is offset by Cash Balance brought forward Note: Church financial performance reporting includes beginning bank cash balances as part of revenue available to offset annual expenses.
Statistics Baptisms
Jacob Bear Kennedy Gene Burgess McKenzie Anne Pierce Daytin McKenzie Pierce Adalyn Nicole Snyder Grayson Robert Stimpfle
Necrology
The Rev. Keith Brown William Christie Corinne Crook Virgina Dagnall Mary Ellen Fisher Mabel ‘Mibs’ Follett Mary Ford Joanne Green Frederick Henderson John Howell Carol Kopenhaver C. William Liedlich Lars Luther Barbara McDowell Erna McGaughey William Norton Donald Olson Mary ‘Beth’ Palmer Jannie Pearson Eugenia Robson Ruth Rusling Jill Rust Shirley Stewart Joyce Thomas Gayle Tintle
Daytin McKenzie Pierce McKenzie Anne Pierce
Pastors Lindsey, JC, and Sue, and the Pierce family
New Members
Jennifer Cole Deborah Drake Marsha Heimann Martin Heimann Chris Moravek Susan Nelson Rich Peterson
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Session Members
Susan Farber, Clerk of Session The Rev. J.C. Austin, Moderator
First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem 2344 Center Street Bethlehem, PA 18017
Class of 2021: Lindsey Chadbourn, Phil Clauser, Joanne Kelhart, Phyllis Walker Class of 2022: Richard Hjorth, Gail Watts Class of 2023: Kari Keyock, Kim Miner, Alvin Philpotts, Steve Samuelson, JoAnne Turcott
Trustees
Mark Swank ’22, President Class of 2021: Belle Marks, Melinda Stitt Class of 2022: Susan Mowrer-Benda, Bud Newton Class of 2023: George Bickford, Robert Hunsicker, Maurice Kasmiroski
Staff
The Rev. J.C. Austin Senior Pastor/Head of Staff The Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton Associate Pastor of Faith & Formation David Macbeth Director of Music/Choirmaster Rebecca Angione - Facilities Manager Kevin Konczyk Facilities Maintenance Manager Cristy Mette Administrative Operations Manager Oscar Mendoza Director of Business Administration Cindy Matthews – Bookkeeper
2344 Center Street Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-867-5865
Carol Burns - Communications Manager
fpc-bethlehem.org
Laura Hawk - Preschool Director
info@fpc-bethlehem.org