A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON: Focusing on Missional Identity and Community Impact
Friends, I left Sunday’s Annual Meeting for members with a 
great deal of hope about the opportunities ahead for our congregation as we focus on a missional identity and community impact alongside congregational vitality and long-term financial sustainability!
(If you are a church member who wasn’t able to attend the meeting, you can email info@fpc-bethlehem.org to get the link for the video recording. And for those of you who want to see the presentation slides, you can also request those.)
We are certainly not alone in discerning new ways to be God’s people in the world today. In fact, a number of years ago, the PC(USA) began the Matthew 25 movement which invites Presbyterian churches, Presbyteries, Synods, and agencies to focus on three commitments: building congregational vitality; eradicating systemic poverty; and dismantling structural racism.
Together, these commitments offer a path toward public witness, creating change in communities, and renewed energy and growth. To date there are over 1200 Presbyterian entities who are part of this initiative!
For the next two weeks, we’ll explore the foundational Scripture for this denominational movement: Matthew 25:31-46. It calls us to see, welcome, and serve Jesus as we do so for “the least of these.” It is a powerful call to ministry in action!
And on Sunday, February 12, we’ll be invited to support the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors through our Souper Bowl of Caring event which raises awareness about local hunger relief efforts and collects funds for our area nonprofit partners.
That morning, Marc Rittle, the Executive Director of New Bethany Ministries, will join me for a dialogue during worship about the realities facing folks who are experiencing poverty here in Bethlehem.
Jesus needs us. Our neighbors need us. Dear ones, it is a vital time for us to be the church in the world – to put our time and our resources to work for our community’s most pressing needs. May we be willing partners in ministry!
Blessings for the journey, all.
Lindsey