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  • 🎶🧀🚔 A Week of Contrasts in Bethlehem: Joyful Vespers, New Charcuterie Shop, and a Legal Resolution

🎶🧀🚔 A Week of Contrasts in Bethlehem: Joyful Vespers, New Charcuterie Shop, and a Legal Resolution

Issue #026 - November 30th, 2023

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Bethlehem Local Buzz
30 Nov

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🦌🎅🏼 A Huge Week of Holiday Events in the Bethlehem Area
🕯️🎶  A Timeless Tradition: Moravian University's Christmas Vespers Illuminate the Advent Season
🧀 🍯 A Taste of Local Delight: 'A Couple Craves' Charcuterie Shop Opening Soon in Bethlehem
🚔🏛️ Former Bethlehem Finance Chief Pleads Guilty, Escapes Jail Time
🏗️🕊️ Transforming Faith into Action: Bethlehem Church's Vision for Mixed-Income Housing
🌤 Bethlehem Area Weather

🤩 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

…And More!

“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”

-Elon Musk

A BIG Week of Holiday Events in Bethlehem Area…

Thurs Nov 30

Fri Dec 1

Sat Dec 2

Sun Dec 3

Have an Event you want us to list?

A Timeless Tradition: Moravian University’s Christmas Vespers Illuminate the Advent Season

The Moravian University Christmas Vespers, a cherished tradition in Bethlehem, embodies over a century of community spirit and historical significance. This annual event, marking the conclusion of the Fall Semester, welcomes the Advent season with a unique blend of solemnity and celebration. The Vespers, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Moravian Church, began in 1895 under the guidance of Dr. Hark at the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies. It was designed as a private adaptation of the Moravian Church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, a tradition that traces its origins back to 1747 in Marienborn, Germany, and was brought to Bethlehem in 1756.

More than just a seasonal gathering, the Christmas Vespers at Moravian University is a vibrant testament to the university's connection with the Moravian Church's traditions. The event combines the Singstunde, or Singing Hour, with a Candlelight Service, fostering an atmosphere of introspection, joy, and community bonding. This service is a unique blend of the historical and contemporary, offering an experience that is both timeless and relevant. The Vespers is a spectacle of choral music and candlelight that attracts not only students and faculty but also the broader Bethlehem community.

Unfortunately, Vespers services are full, starting tomorrow night (Fri 12/1/23) at Moravian University - 8pm. But… you may still register to receive livestream links on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 10th below:

A Taste of Local Delight: ‘A Couple Craves’ Charcuterie Shop Opening Soon in Bethlehem

"A Couple Craves" is a soon-to-be-new charcuterie shop opening January-February 2024 in downtown Bethlehem, co-owned by Jessica Loney and Andrew Kehm. The shop will offer a range of locally sourced meats, cheeses, and honey, with an emphasis on supporting local farms and producers. Customers can enjoy grab-and-go boxes and boards or dine in at the shop, which will also host events like build-your-own charcuterie board. The shop's diverse offerings include popular meats and cheeses, as well as unique seasonal selections, catering to a variety of tastes.

Former Bethlehem Finance Chief Pleads Guilty, Escapes Jail Time 🚔

Mark Sivak, the ex-finance director of Bethlehem, admitted to misappropriating $17,855 in city property, including electronics. Sentenced to a year's probation, he must pay $29,987.45 in restitution and investigation costs. Sivak, with no prior criminal record, cooperated with the police, leading to a reduced sentence. He loses his city pension but keeps his personal pension contributions. The case was a significant issue for the city administration, with the city controller emphasizing the importance of accountability.

Transforming Faith into Action: Bethlehem Church’s Vision for Mixed-Income Housing

The First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem is undertaking a significant community project, "Building Community," to develop mixed-income housing on its large campus. This initiative is in the early planning stages, with church leaders actively seeking community feedback to shape the project. A second project, "Creating Partnership," is also being considered to repurpose church space for a nonprofit organization supporting the homeless. These projects follow a period of reevaluation and change for the church, including a congregation split over social issues, leading to a renewed focus on serving the community's needs.

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