Dear FPCA Friends:
As we journey together through our Fruits of the Spirit sermon series, this week’s focus invites us to dwell on the gift of hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, we’re reminded, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hospitality, at its heart, is the practice of making space for others—whether friends, family, or those we’ve never met before. It’s about opening doors, offering warmth, and creating a sense of belonging for everyone who enters our lives.
This week in worship, we’ll explore how we can embody hospitality, not just in our homes but as a community of faith committed to living out God’s love in practical and welcoming ways. As we do so, here are a few ways you can join us in practicing this fruit of the Spirit this week:
Trunk or Treat – Saturday, October 26, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Our annual Trunk or Treat event is this Saturday in the parking lot near the playground! There will be games, music, fellowship, and, of course, trunks full of candy for our kids. If you’d like to host a trunk, there’s still time! Please contact me or Errika Gonzalez to sign up. This event is free and open to the public, so invite your neighbors, grandkids, friends—everyone is welcome!
Noisy Houses Offering and FaithFULL Housing Dedication – Sunday, October 27
This Sunday, our children will take part in the first Noisy Houses collection during worship as part of our FaithFULL Housing mission initiative. Don’t forget to bring your loose coins (or other financial offerings) to support building shelters for those in need, both locally and globally. During worship, our children and families will also be dedicating the beautiful model houses they created, now on display in our art gallery. Also, as part of FaithFULL Housing, we’ll begin a special adult faith formation 4-week series titled “Homelessness: People, Theology, and Mission,” with Riley Kreuzer from the Lehigh Conference of Churches leading this week’s discussion. Please join us in Room 115 at the Faith Formation hour for this important conversation.
Advent Small Group Sign-ups
Looking ahead to Advent, sign-ups for our seasonal small groups are now open! These low-commitment but deeply meaningful groups of 8 to 12 people are a wonderful way to grow in faith and fellowship over four weeks. We’ll be diving into our Advent theme together, and we’d love for you to join us. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, November 10, and you can find more information in our Fall 2024 Faith Formation Catalogue or on our website: https://fpcallentown.org/advent2024
I look forward to seeing you all this weekend as we celebrate community, generosity, and the transformative power of hospitality. May we continue to open our hearts to each other and to all who seek a place to belong in God’s home.
God’s Peace,
P.S. If you haven’t yet turned in your pledge for 2025, there’s still time! Your financial pledges are vital to shaping our budget and ministry plans for the coming year. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for your continued generosity!
