A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: FULFILLING GOD’S MISSION
For the last month in worship, we have been exploring the theme of “Fruit That Will Last” in the sermons. Each week, we have considered a different aspect of this theme, both in terms of the seeds that have been planted in the past that are bearing fruit now, and the seeds that we might plant now to bear fruit for the gospel into the future through this church.
This Sunday we will finish this sermon series by 
considering how God is calling us to go forward in ministry, that God is calling us to an even greater and more dynamic mission as a congregation, and now is the time to boldly answer that call.
This Sunday will also be our Pledge Dedication Sunday for the 2023 Stewardship Campaign, when we literally come forward in worship to consecrate our intentions to support Christ’s mission for this church through our pledges.
So, between now and Sunday, I’m asking you to do several important things as a member or friend of this congregation. First, carefully read the Stewardship Campaign materials that you should have received in the mail already; if you’ve already read them, read them again! (If you did not receive the mailing, you can find it at fpc-bethlehem.org/give).
Second, consider what kind of financial pledge you can make to help us answer God’s call as a church as described in the letter; if you’ve already made your pledge, consider it again!
Third, bring your pledge card to dedicate in one of the worship services on Sunday (if you’ve already made your pledge or forget your card, don’t worry, we’ll have cards in worship that you can use).
And finally, please hold this church and our mission in your prayers every day, so that we may be able to fulfill God’s mission for us with grace and power in all that we do.
I feel extraordinarily blessed to be a part of this congregation at this exciting time in our life together, and grateful to be able to support it. I hope you feel the same way, and that together we will enter the year 2023 with a profound sense of God’s Spirit moving among us and guiding us as we do God’s work.
Thank you for being a part of First Presbyterian!
Grace and peace,
J.C.