Extending the Table — Extending Christ’s Love


One of our church’s significant ministries is striving to stay connected with members and friends unable to join us in worship due to health or physical limitations. Extending the Table does that and more—it brings the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper from our worship service to people in their homes.


On most first Sundays of the month, after we celebrate Holy Communion in all our worship services, teams of elders, deacons, and others literally “extend the table” of our Lord by taking the bread and cup beyond our worship venues to where people live. Teams lead a brief worship service that reminds recipients that they are part of the body of Christ even if they are unable to gather with us on our campus.


Many of the people who are visited express how much it means to be able to receive communion in this way, knowing that it connects them to our worshipping community.


Typically, seven to 10 teams visit 14 to 24 individuals every time we extend the table. Te number we visit is limited only by the number of teams that are available. If you are an elder or deacon (ordained at any time at First Presbyterian or any other Presbyterian church) or would like to accompany an elder or deacon in Extending the Table once or multiple times a year, contact Stephen Emick at the church office, 610-395-3781, or office@fpcallentown.org.


—Stephen Emick


Diakon Team Hosts Christmas Party


On Wednesday, December 11, our Fellowship Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland as the Diakon Mission Team was blessed to host a huge Christmas party. FPCA has a partnership with the Diakon Adoption and Foster Care agency, which provides foster care and adoption services for children in the Lehigh Valley. Over 100 guests— including approximately 60 children ages five months to 17 years and their kinship foster families—attended and participated in holiday festivities.


Te evening included singing Christmas carols and songs led by Pastor Jack Haberer and Laura Rabenold, along with a yummy dinner of pizzas and salad. Each child was presented with their own homemade gingerbread house to decorate; icing, gumdrops, and many candies were on faces as well as on their individual masterpieces! In addition, there was a special visit from Santa, who brought a beautiful sack of gifts for the youngsters in each family.


Te evening concluded with an assortment of Christmas cookies that guests both shared at the party and took home to enjoy. Te Diakon Team extends a huge thank-you to all the bakers who donated their delicious treats!


For more information about how you can be part of this dynamic team, please contact Barbie Haberer at barb@thehaberers.com.


—Beth Sarmir 11


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