This is the fourth and final session in our four-week Advent series, Words for the Beginning, inspired by resources from A Sanctified Art. Presented by The Rev. Taylor S. Hall, this session explores the theme “Hope Is Worth the Risk” through the lens of Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:46-55.

Drawing on the courage of Mary and Joseph, we examine the vulnerable and risky nature of hope as a spiritual practice. How does hope sustain us in uncertain times? How can we embody hope as an act of justice and mercy in our lives and communities? Rev. Hall also discusses insights from The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis for a womanist perspective of the Magnificat, offering profound reflections for the Advent season.

Class Details:

• Theme: Hope Is Worth the Risk
• Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:46-55
• Facilitator: The Rev. Taylor S. Hall
• Date: December 22, 2024
• Location: Room 115, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown

Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery as we uncover the words we need for this Advent season.

Stay connected with us on social media:

• Instagram: @fpc_allentown
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofallentown/

This is the third class in our four-week Advent series, Words for the Beginning, inspired by resources from A Sanctified Art. Presented by The Rev. Taylor S. Hall, this session explores the theme “Do The Good That Is Yours To Do” through the lens of Luke 3:7-16 & Isaiah 58:9b-12.

In this third session of our Advent faith formation series, we unpack John the Baptist’s call to “bear fruit worthy of repentance” and Isaiah’s vision of restoration through acts of justice and compassion. Together, we reflect on what it means to discern and do the good that is uniquely ours to do, even amidst a world burdened by overwhelming challenges. How can simple, faithful acts create ripples of restoration, touching lives and contributing to a more just and loving community?

Class Details:

• Theme: Do The Good That Is Yours To Do
• Scripture: Luke 3:7-16 & Isaiah 58:9b-12
• Facilitator: The Rev. Taylor S. Hall
• Date: December 15, 2024
• Location: Room 115, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown

Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery as we uncover the words we need for this Advent season.

Stay connected with us on social media:

• Instagram: @fpc_allentown
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofallentown/

This is the second class in our four-week Advent series, Words for the Beginning, inspired by resources from A Sanctified Art. Presented by The Rev. Taylor S. Hall, this session explores the theme “We Can't Go Alone” through the lens of Ruth 1 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

In this session, we dive into Ruth 1 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12—texts that remind us of the power of companionship and the sacred call to cultivate meaningful community. Drawing connections between Ruth and Naomi’s journey and our modern struggles with loneliness, we explore how God invites us to move beyond isolation and into covenant relationships that reflect divine love.

Class Details:

• Theme: We Can't Go Alone
• Scripture: Ruth 1 & Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
• Facilitator: The Rev. Taylor S. Hall
• Date: December 8, 2024
• Location: Room 115, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown

Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery as we uncover the words we need for this Advent season.

Stay connected with us on social media:

• Instagram: @fpc_allentown
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofallentown/

This is the first class in our four-week Advent series, Words for the Beginning, inspired by resources from A Sanctified Art. Presented by The Rev. Taylor S. Hall, this session explores the theme “You Are a Blessing” through the lens of Luke 1:26-38 and Isaiah 43:1-4.

In this session, we reflect on the radical message of belovedness and blessedness that God imparts to us. Just as Mary was called “favored” and chosen to bear Christ, we are reminded that we, too, are blessings claimed and loved by God. Together, we wrestle with the forces in the world that challenge this truth and seek to ground ourselves in God’s promises of hope and new beginnings.

Class Details:

• Theme: You Are a Blessing
• Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 & Isaiah 43:1-4
• Facilitator: The Rev. Taylor S. Hall
• Date: December 1, 2024
• Location: Room 115, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown

Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery as we uncover the words we need for this Advent season.

Stay connected with us on social media:

• Instagram: @fpc_allentown
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofallentown/

Welcome to the conclusion of Pastor Taylor Hall's 3 part series on The Bible, Theology, and LGBTQ+ Community, from November 12th, 2023. Join Taylor as he returns back to last week's topic to tackle a few remaining verses, and then explores our history, traditions, and what Allyship looks like today.

Welcome to part 2 of our 3-part mini-series on The Bible, Theology, and LGBTQ+ Community, from November 5th, 2023. The Rev. Taylor Hall explores and brings clarity to some of the commonly quoted verses in the Old and New Testaments.

Join us next week for the conclusion to this series, when Pastor Taylor talks about History, Tradition, and being an LGBTQ+ Ally in today's society.

Welcome to our 3-part mini-series on The Bible, Theology, and LGBTQ+ Community. In part 1, from October 29th, 2023, the Rev. Taylor Hall starts with a basic introduction, then explores "Why we should care" and "Life & Love Before God: The Question of Biblical Authority".

Join us next week for part 2, when Pastor Taylor explores and brings clarity to some of the passages in the Old and New Testament.