CONTENTS 2 3 4


Living God’s Love Serve Now


5 6


8 Media Matters


Stephen Ministers Reflect


First Fruits 10 Looking Back on 2016


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. 11, or caley.oels@fpcallentown.org.


Calendar of Events


Calendar of Events Pastoral Reflections


November 2016 4 Daybreak Spaghetti Dinner Tween First Friday


6 Daylight Savings Time begins 11


High School Retreat


12 Milestone event – Souper Saturday 20 Christ the King Sunday 24 Thanksgiving holiday Offices and building closed


25 Confirmation Class Movie Night 27 First Sunday in Advent


December 2016 2


Tween First Friday


4 Second Sunday in Advent 5 Women’s Christmas Dinner 9 Annual Christmas Craft Sale 10 Bach Choir Christmas Concert 11 Third Sunday in Advent 18 Fourth Sunday in Advent Blue Christmas Service


On the cover: Apples fill boxes at Schmidt’s Berry Farm during a Milestone apple-picking event that provided fresh fruit to numerous community organizations and schools.


Back cover: FPCA volunteers lend a hand at a previous event in the Milestone series, which emphasizes hands-on ministry, learning, and relationships.


2


24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas 31 New Year’s Eve


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