Strengthening & Supporting Congregations
The Lehigh Presbytery held an all church picnic on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the Wehr’s Dam Covered Bridge Park in Allentown.
On a warm summer’s day approximately 50 members from the Lehigh Presbytery churches gathered for food, fellowship and a fun time in the sun. A special thank you to Sally Heimbach for setting up and food preparation. A job well done!
Everyone had a wonderful time. There were a group of pinochle players who kept playing well into the evening.
The Stated Meeting of Lehigh Presbytery took place on June 27, 2017 at the Presbyterian Parish of Bangor-Roseto. Rev. R. C. Smith, who serves as Moderator of the church, delivered greetings from the Bangor-Roseto congregation of 50 plus members and shared some of the church’s history. Rev. Smith thanked Faith United Pen Argyl Church in Pen Argyl, Zion Presbyterian Church in Wind Gap, and the Presbyterian Parish of Bangor-Roseto for joining together to host the meeting.
Rev. Lindsay Harren-Lewis preached a heart-felt sermon on “Cultural Identity and Cultural Humility” which was followed by communion. During the service Jack Felch and James Ferlino were commissioned as representatives from Lehigh Presbytery to the General Assembly of the Hungarian Reformed Church in the Transylvania District of Romania. The Lehigh Presbytery has had a partnership with that District for 20 years and in 2010 signed a covenant agreement with them.
Rev. Tillie Chase, Chair of the Committee on Ministry, reported that the Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus has entered into an interim contract with the Rev. Bill Schram. The Presbytery approved this contract and the transfer of his membership from Genesee Valley Presbytery to Lehigh Presbytery.
During the Committee on Shared Gifts report, the Rev. Steve Shussett, Rev. Joyce Smothers and Ruling Elder David Dunbar were elected as ordination exam readers for 2017. The Rev. F. Leon Morgan was elected to fill a vacancy on the Committee on Shared Gifts. If anyone is interested in serving on a committee of Lehigh Presbytery, they should either contact Joel Hurley, chair of the Committee on Shared Gifts, or Robin at the Presbytery office.
The chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Rev. Suzanne Brooks-Cope, introduced Adam Demetros and inquirer under care. After examination, the presbytery unanimously approved the recommendation to move him to candidacy.
A special speaker, Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley, Ministry Relations Officer for the Northeast Region of the Presbyterian Foundation, spoke to us about “Composing a Legacy: Live forward, Give forward.” She encouraged us to think about how we will tell the story of God’s grace and love, not just today, but for generations to come. Regardless of our position or rank within the economic strata, we all possess the ability tp ;eave a testament regarding what is truly important in our lives. From wills and bequests to trust establishment, she raised awareness of available resources in order to motivate and facilitate members in crafting their legacy. Rev. Johns-Kelley encouraged us to shift our congregants’ hearts as well as their treasures. She then answered questions and offered solutions to our members.
We look forward to Rev. Johns-Kelley continuing to share information with us at the November 28, 2017 Presbytery Meeting where she will speak about “Making it Easy to Give,” focusing on online giving.
Rev. Sue Pizor Yoder provided an update from The Barn which is celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2017. Rev. Yoder gave the history of the Barn’s origins and how she was called to begin this ministry. She spoke about the blank slate in the beginning as they found their spirituality and created a safe place to come together. She explained that The Barn is not yet the future church, but for those who have committed to being part of this community they are finding their way. Rev. Yoder thanks the Lehigh Presbytery for their support these past 10 years, both financially and spiritually.
On a beautiful spring morning, 80 members of Lehigh Presbytery gathered for morning coffee and sweet treats in the Coop at Kirkwood Camp. Seeing old friends and meeting new, and for most this was the first time they had visited the camp since we partnered with Philadelphia Presbytery. A map was provided so they could find their way around the camp and see the special items brought from Brainerd to Kirkwood. Many were excited to see these familiar treasures. Following registration and welcome, attendees wandered up the path to Bob’s, a large building in the woods for morning worship.
As they walked, they could hear glorious music being performed by the jazz band from the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap. Meaningful worship was led by Rev. Kari Olson (Hope of Christ Presbyterian Church of Summit Hill) and assisted by Rev. R.C. Smith (College Hill Presbyterian Church of Easton). Recent Princeton graduate, Sabrina Slater, preached a powerful sermon announcing…. Birth Hurts, but there is Hope.
After the introduction of Phil Bergey, the consultant working with the Presbytery, the attendees broke out into groups to begin the rounds of discussion. First there were mixed groups and then the attendees came together in their church groups. Rev. Sue Wonderland (Synod of the Trinity), Rev. David Oyler (Lake Erie Presbytery), and Kate Sillman (Huntingdon Presbytery) helped facilitate the discussion groups.
Questions and topics were provided to each group and the information gathered during these discussions will be reviewed by the Expecting Hope Team to help them in their discernment process. The attendees then returned to Bob’s to hear from Phil Bergey (Consultant on this process) about the possibilities before us and how the team will determine our future. Phase 1 is now complete. Phase II will now begin as we test the models and determine what will serve the Presbytery well. This will help lead us into identifying and implementing a new model.
A delicious lunch was provided by Hope of Christ Presbyterian Church in Summit Hill. They served their famous meatball sandwiches along with a salad bar. A large variety of desserts were enjoyed by all.
Following lunch, everyone returned to Bob’s for closing worship which included communion. Attendees were encouraged to continue their time at the camp with a hike, a walk, or just to relax and enjoy the fresh air and surroundings.
A wonderful day of fellowship, inspiration, prayer, and encouragement was shared by all. The Presbytery members provided energy and encouragement to the Expecting Hope Team as they continue their hard work to determine where our future is.
All thirty Lehigh Presbytery churches received a puzzle piece to bring to the retreat. As members arrived at the registration table, they added their piece to the large puzzle. The picture started to emerge……depicting the mountains, valley, and river surrounding Lehigh Presbytery. They saw the dessert for our time of uncertainty and a beautiful sunrise for the hope we have for our future.
We are not complete without all thirty churches.
The installation service, on October 23, 2016, capped a two-year national search headed by First Presbyterian’s 10-member Pastor Nominating Committee, whose decision to issue a formal call to Rev. Haberer was reviewed and approved by Lehigh Presbytery.
Rev. Haberer is well known in the Presbyterian Church (USA), having served on several denomination-wide committees and task forces, most notably the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church from 2001-2006. He previously served PC(USA) pastorates in Houston, Texas, Satellite Beach, FL, and Naples, FL; two of them long-term positions as Lead Pastor. Rev. Haberer was Editor-Publisher of The Presbyterian Outlook for nine years and is the author of three books.
The installation service opened with bagpipes—a reflection of PC(USA)’s historical Scottish roots—and included clergy and leaders from throughout Lehigh Presbytery as well as numerous clergy from other local denominations. Many friends and former colleagues of Rev. Haberer also attended. Music was provided by the Covenant Brass and First Presbyterian’s 10:10 Alternative Band, Chancel Choir and Youth Choir.
After Rev. Keith Brown, Honorably Retired Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, delivered a sermon titled “The Life-Saving Station,” Rev. Haberer was formally presented for installation through a series of statements from the Presbytery, questions to the candidate and questions to the congregation. Dozens of elders and teaching elders came forward to lay hands on Rev. Haberer during the prayer of installation. The service was followed by a reception in First Presbyterian’s Fellowship Hall.
Rev. Haberer was drawn to First Presbyterian Church of Allentown because of its earnest pursuit of being disciples of Jesus Christ and its variety of worship styles. “I want members of this church to cherish their memories of the church they once were, and yet march into a vital new future,” he says. “I look forward to joining a community of people who promote traditional values and fight against traditional injustices. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this congregation and engage in the surrounding communities.”
2015 was the first summer as a joint camping ministry between Lehigh and Philadelphia Presbyteries, and it was an incredible success. They are blessed to have this unique combination of traditions, with both Brainerd and Kirkwood’s respective histories blending into a new, and unique, living community.
As of January 2016, Kirkwood started operating with a new Board of Directors, as well as a new on-site Director, to grow their reach as a ministry. As a part of this, they have built two brand new cabins identical to Carr Cabin, and have updated a ton of key aspects to their facilities and property. Of course, all of this has been made possible by the generous support of the presbyteries they serve, individuals and families who identify with their mission, and a huge assistance from their volunteers.
Folks from Lehigh and Philadelphia Presbyteries were invited to the dedication of the two new cabins. The dedication took place on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Participants were given an opportunity to check out the camp and become acquainted with the facilities by being able to stay overnight for a nominal fee. Then wake up to enjoy a worship service on Sunday morning at the Gorman Roof Chapel.
A small dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, before the unveiling of the new names for the cabins.
Tommy Campbell, Camp Director helps unveil the names of the two new cabins built this year at the camp. In honor and memory of Camp Brainerd, the first cabin was named Brainerd Cabin and the second was named Lehigh.
Many folks from Lehigh and Philadelphia joined in to dedicate these two new cabins. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Ben Hooper of the Catasauqua Presbyterian Church.
Don’t forget the summer camping season is just around the corner. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth to make new friends in a safe, non-judging environment and check out the new cabins and programs. Watch for details after the first of the year.