CONTENTS 2 3 4


Living God’s Love Serve Now


5 6 8


Celebrating the Pidcock Scholarship


Q&A: Jack Haberer Raising Faithful Families 10 FPCA Youth in Action


15 Golf Outing and Yard Sale


Got an Idea for Tidings? Tidings bears witness to the ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, offering stories and perspective on our efforts to live God’s love for the common good of our community and the world.


Got a story idea that illuminates how the Spirit moves in our congregation? Contact Rich Laliberte at tidings@fpcallentown.org.


For other inquiries about Tidings, please contact Caley Oels in the church office, at 610-395-3781, ext. 23, or caley.oels@fpcallentown.org.


On the cover: An FPCA middle schooler takes in God’s creation at Kirkridge Conference Center during work camp at the facility. Back cover: Youths attending this and other events over the summer bolstered their faith through learning, service, and fellowship. See stories beginning on page 10. Cover photos by Kathy Schmied.


2 16


Calendar of Events Pastoral Reflections


Calendar of Events


September 2016 5


7 10


Labor Day Offices and building closed


Financial Peace University begins


Men’s Fall Retreat Youth Choir Lock-In


Confirmation Class Fall Retreat


October 2016 1


9


16 21


30


Confirmation Class S’mores Party CROP Walk


Dedication Sunday Trunk or Treat


All Saints’ Day


IN THIS ISSUE


It was an exciting, active summer for youth—a sign of First Presbyterian’s ongoing commitment to faith formation in young people. This issue focuses on them and the families who face daily challenges in raising children to follow Jesus Christ.


On page 8, you’ll find voices of parents sharing the small and large ways they strive to make faith a priority for their kids. Next, a package of scrapbooks shows our youth in action through a variety of FPCA’s summer ministries. Youth stories on pages 10-13 by Kathy Schmied. VBS story on page 14 by Kate Kareha.


But first, we hear from our new lead pastor, Jack Haberer, who was elected on August 14 after accepting a call from our Pastor Nominating Committee. In a special, extended Q&A, Jack introduces himself by answering a number of questions.


May God be with us as our ministries continue!


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