A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON:
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
Greetings FPCB Friends,
It’s a bit hard to believe we’re into July already! 2023 is clipping along rather quickly…
In the months since our Annual Congregational Meeting in 
January, the Strategic Mission Steering Committee has been hard at work identifying community needs and exploring opportunities for using our resources to make a difference on those issues, through partnerships and projects that would also deepen our congregational vitality and move us toward greater financial sustainability. The possibilities are numerous and exciting!
Next Sunday, July 16, we’ll host our second monthly educational gathering about the community needs and local nonprofit partners working to address them. Instead of a “Lunch & Learn,” this month will simply be a “Linger & Learn.”
We received feedback last time that the early hour and additional time to get everyone through the potluck line precluded some folks from staying, so we’re trying a slightly different format this month. We’ll simply stay put in the Sanctuary and begin our conversation following the postlude at the close of worship.
Our July conversation partners will share more about transitional housing – housing support for folks moving out of housing insecurity and homelessness to more permanent, stable housing. We’re thrilled to have two fabulous Executive Directors joining us: Lori Sywensky from Turning Point Lehigh Valley and Alisa Baratta from Third Street Alliance.
Next month, we’ll have guests who can offer more context on the challenges and opportunities regarding affordable childcare. Save the date for that session: Sunday, August 13. The Steering Committee will continue to offer monthly opportunities for engagement and updates into and through the fall: September 10, October 8, and November 19.
In September, we’re excited to share some case studies from other faith communities who have undertaken similar community impact/financial sustainability projects to widen our collective imaginations about what’s possible!
By October and November, we expect to be facilitating conversations with the congregation and wider community about possibilities specific to FPCB. Most importantly, we have heard your desire for regular connection and communication as this work moves forward, and we are committed to doing so!
With such critical ministry and work ahead, this Sunday we’ll pause to reflect on the importance of sabbath and real rest to sustain us – individually and together – for the marathon journey of bringing our hopes and visions into reality. To whom much has been given, much is expected. So we need to pace ourselves and remember to take deep breaths along the way.
It is good to be God’s people, friends. I’m so very excited about the possibilities for transformation and renewal ahead of us!
Blessings, dear ones.
Lindsey