Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What First Presbyterian’s big property sale means for Bethlehem worshippers

Be sure to catch Pennsylvania Comics and Cards Festival on the Bethlehem Patch calendar

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Good morning Bethlehem! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What First Presbyterian's big property sale means for Bethlehem worshippers
  • Freedom High's Patriot Marching Band brings Bethlehem spirit to 6abc
  • How Lehigh stayed perfect at home in Bethlehem's Grace Hall

Also on today's calendar: Pennsylvania Comics and Cards Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain, with a high of 62 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and warmer, temps: high: 70, low: 44.
  • Tuesday: Sunshine, with a high of 63 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bethlehem's First Presbyterian Church to sell main building, will auction off accessories (mcall.com) — First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem is selling the main building on its Center Street campus and planning a smaller new facility with future affordable housing on-site. Worship will move temporarily to Christ United Church of Christ on East Market Street in Bethlehem starting January 2027, while church items and furnishings are being auctioned off in phases.
   

2. Freedom High School band featured on 6abc's School Spirit Day (6abc.com) — Freedom High School's Patriot Marching Band from Bethlehem was showcased on 6abc's School Spirit Day, performing live in the station's yard. Led by longtime director Mike Moran, the 87-member band, known for its traditional military style, has represented Bethlehem at events around the world and in major regional parades.
   

3. Lehigh Defeats Holy Cross in Four Sets at Grace Hall (lehighsports.com) — Lehigh volleyball extended its perfect home record at Grace Hall in Bethlehem with a four-set win over Holy Cross, powered by strong performances from Ufuoma Omene and Olivia Lasee. The Mountain Hawks, now 11-3 overall, next travel to face Army and Navy, but their dominance at home gives Bethlehem fans plenty to cheer about.
   

4. Octoberfest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem (mcall.com) — Oktoberfest is in full swing at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, with crowds already enjoying stein-holding contests, wiener dog races, dancing, and plenty of food, music, and drinks. If you missed opening weekend, the 16th annual festival continues Oct. 9-11, giving Bethlehem residents another chance to join the celebration close to home.
   

5. Proposed 2027 Northampton Co. budget includes 43% property tax increase (wfmz.com) — Northampton County's executive is proposing a 43.5% property tax increase for 2027, raising the millage from 10.8 to 15.5 and adding about $470 a year on a $100,000 assessment. The plan, unveiled in Bethlehem Township, aims to shore up funding for pensions, Gracedale, the county jail, and employee pay, and now heads to County Council.
   

📸 Around Bethlehem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Community Voices Clinic Expands to Marvine Elementary School —Steven Infanti Read on Patch
  • Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Celebrates Grand Opening of Journeys Expanding Support for Children and —Tiffany Sondergaard Read on Patch
  • The demolition of First Presbyterian Church on Center Street will be a loss of an important colonial architectural gem.
    The church building could be repurposed for many uses by our community. Concerts, senior events, continued worship and Bethlehem civic events on the… (Nextdoor Woodlawn Ave)
  • Today is National Custodian Day;
    KUDOS to all who keep the schools clean and safe! (Nextdoor Green Pond / Easton)
  • Allied Personnel Services posted a job opening for Production Staging Technician in Bethlehem. Apply here.
  • Pretium Packaging posted a job opening for Mold Setter - A Shift 6:00am - 6:00pm in Bethlehem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bethlehem here.

Ok Bethlehem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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