SERVE NOW Opportunities to share


your gifts of time, talent, and treasure


GREENING CREATION Care for God’s world through a variety of activities such as planting native plant gardens (see page 6). Contact Denise Jennings at denisejennings@rcn.com.


First Presbyterian Church members are living God’s love in all kinds of ways. One of them is Gloria McGilloway, who helps coordinate our Caring Shelf ministry. Here’s her story, in her own words.


Te Caring Shelf is a quiet ministry. Many in our congregation first learn of it when they receive a call asking if a prepared meal would be welcome. Tis ministry is part of the Pastoral Care Ministry at FPCA under the guidance of Rev. Lindsay Harren-Lewis.


Te Shelf provides meals for members of the church and our community in times of need, such as the birth of a new baby, loss of a loved one, hospitalization, and other circumstances as needed and deemed appropriate.


Te meals for the Caring Shelf are supplied by church members willing to volunteer to help stock the freezer by preparing main dishes, soups, or desserts several times a year. Te group is very conscious of special dietary needs and prepares items that are gluten-free, low sodium, etc., as needed. Volunteers are often asked to assist in delivering the meals. Rev. Lindsay has often delivered them as she makes her pastoral care visits.


Fifteen members currently participate in the Caring Shelf ministry, and there is always room for anyone who feels called to serve in this way.


Participating in the Caring Shelf ministry has given me the opportunity to do as Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-4 about giving in secret. Te meals I prepare and deliver are done “out of the spotlight” and help to keep me humble. In Matthew 25:35- 40, Jesus talks about how providing for another is the same as providing for Him. When I know that I am feeding a family in need, it is like I am feeding Jesus.


During the training sessions for Spiritual Formation, one exercise helped participants to discern the gift they were given by God to be used for His glory. My gift is to nurture. Te Caring Shelf Ministry allows and encourages me to use this gift.


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CARING SHELF Create home- cooked meals for people and families who are in need due to illness, bereavement, childbirth, or other circumstances. Meals are brought directly to recipients or stored in the church’s Caring Shelf, a freezer where meals are kept on hand (see story at left). Contact Kathy Hemphill, ministry coordinator for Pastoral Care and Connections, at kathy. hemphill@fpcallentown.org or call 610-395-3781, ext. 39.


PLANNED GIVING Explore ways to give a lasting gift to support FPCA’s ministries (see page 15). Contact the Planned Giving Team at plannedgiving@ fpcallentown.org.


TRADITIONAL WORSHIP USHERS Greet members and friends at 10:15 a.m. traditional worship (see page 8). Contact Dorrie Graul at ushers@ fpcallentown.org.


ALTERNATIVE WORSHIP GREETERS Greet members and friends at 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. alternative worship (see page 8). Contact Larry Erickson at greeters@fpcallentown.org.


WELCOME TEAM Welcome members and friends at our building’s outside doors on Sunday mornings (see page 8). Contact Eric Staib at welcometeam@fpcallentown.org.


For more information on how you can get involved, please contact the church at office@fpcallentown.org.


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