SUNDAY SCHEDULE
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
January 17, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 1:20-2:4a
MESSAGE:
“Living Creatures”
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
COB Newsline
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Creatures, Image-Bearers, and a Day of Rest
This week in worship we will continue a sermon series that surveys the first few chapters of the book of Genesis, looking closely at its accounts of creation and proceeding into the drama of humanity's walk with God. We will look closely at the latter portions of the account given in Genesis 1 this week, in which God calls forth animals and people, blesses them, and then rests upon finishing.
We will reflect on the wonder of all life, the nature of God revealed in such gifts, and the significance of how we "imitate" God by a lifestyle that reserves time for worship and rest. There is much to be concerned with in our nation and our world this week, yet we must not be consumed with worry. The idea of Sabbath itself is resistance to such a mindset and the desire for control. Come and find rest this Sunday, affirming the goodness of God's creation and our place in it.
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. Click the link below shortly before the service begins at 10:30 AM on Sunday to join with us in worship.
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The video will be available to view after the worship hour in case you miss the 10:30 AM time or wish to watch it again.
*Please note: if anyone is unable to view the videos online, we have DVD copies of the services that can be picked up in the church lounge any weekday. Sermon manuscripts are also available upon request. We hope no one is missing out!
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, January 17, 2021
Prelude “Toccata in E Minor“
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “All creatures of our God and King“
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “God’s Country“
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Genesis 1:20-2:4a
Message: “Living Creatures“
Hymn of Response “God, who stretched“
Sending Prayer
Postlude “I Sing the Mighty Power of God“
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**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains "open" to in-person gathering. However, due to present public health concerns, we encourage remaining at home as the most responsible option if you are willing and able to join in worship via live stream video.
So long as our attendance remains modest, we believe that some of us can gather safely, provided that face coverings are worn and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate risk of disease.**
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Sunday School News
Homebuilders Sunday School Class
The Homebuilders Class is continuing to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am by conference call. All are welcome to join. To be included, contact Mike Martin either by calling 717-840-4184 or by emailing [email protected], leaving the phone number at which you would like to be called. You will receive a phone call in the vicinity of 9:00 am. The class continues to examine lessons from the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum.
Lamplighters Sunday School Class
The Lamplighters Class is meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm by zoom (video) conference. If you wish to be included and haven't received an email already, please contact Pastor Joel at [email protected], and he will forward you the link. This week the lesson remains to be determined.
Vine & Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class is continuing to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am by zoom (video) conference. If you wish to be included, please contact Pastor Joel at [email protected], and he will forward you the link. The class will be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, "Call in the New Testament." This week the lesson comes from Mark 2, in which Jesus accepts the call to heal a person in need. Come and join us! Time for catching up and fellowship is always part of this class, in addition to the lesson.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 12:00 noon each Sunday via zoom, with a lesson lasting approximately 20 minutes. Parents may of course participate alongside, but the time will be tailored to children. The Advent series is complete, so the zoom link is the one used pre-Advent. For the zoom link and to be included, please contact Pastor Joel at [email protected]. Thanks, and we look forward to this special time together!
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Although in-person worship gatherings are small and events are suspended for a time, the church's ministry continues in many important ways. Please continue to give as you are so led, whether by mail or through online giving. Thank you.
For assistance setting up your account, call Donor Support at:
800-348-2886 – Option 2 – Online Giving
Questions? Contact Sheryl Leaman - Thank you for your support!!!!!
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2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Your box of 2021 Offering envelopes are available for pick up in the church lounge. Please pick yours up at your earliest convenience.
If there are no envelopes with your name and you would like a set, contact the church office. A set will then be provided to you.
Please no longer use your 2020 envelopes. Thank you!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF JANUARY 11, 2021
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Audio Video equipment
being installed in new
Sanctuary A-V booth
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Doors being installed on
Multi Purpose Room
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Door install on new
Nursery Room
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Church of the Brethren Denominational News
Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org
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January/February
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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The Southern PA District Office has successfully moved
and has a physical location once again.
Their new information is as follows:
SO PA District Office Church of the Brethren
3375 Carlisle Road Suite A
Gardners, PA 17324
717-778-2264 is the office phone# (you will be prompted to select Carolyn or Bill).
717-778-2254 is Bill’s direct# if you want to by-pass the above.
There is no fax capability.
Email addresses remain the same.
For those not familiar with Gardners, the office building is located along Rt 34 between Biglerville and Mt. Holly Springs, in beautiful orchard country.
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2021 DIRECTORY
We need your help to update our 2021 church directory!
If you have any changes, please email them to the church secretary
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Update on the Winters Family
The Winters family is so excited to be in their new apartment. They've spent a little over a year in a local hotel after the head of the family injured his hand, needed surgery and lost his job. Their struggle to survive through the year 2020 has now been lifted thanks to the financial support York First COB was able to give. They spent around $22,000.00 in the year just to stay at the hotel. This was not giving them any hope of saving money to pay the first months rent and 2 months rent as a security deposit required to rent an apartment in York. They want to express their thankfulness for all the church has done for them. When I first approached them letting them know what the church had to offer I don't think they believed me. It took a few weeks until I could convince there were no strings attached. They said, "you'd do this for us?" It was hard for them to understand why anyone would want to help them. We've been able to fill their apartment with everything they need including food from the church food pantry.
Today when I visited I took this photo (the head of the family was at work). They told me they owe us one and I said, "no you don't." This is truly what Christs love looks like helping people get a new start so they can be self sufficient. Thank you everyone for blessing the Winters family. ~ Diane Gibble
If you would like to mail them a welcome to your new home card their address is:
Todd Winters Family
824 Wallace Street
York Pa 17403
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Expansion of Prayer Shawl Ministry
For anyone interested in crafting, we'll continue "manufacture" of prayer shawls with additional production of scarves, hats, crib blankets and squares or strips for assembly into larger size blankets. Donated yarn is available for all projects. Do you have leftover fabrics? Pre-made pieces for quilt tops will also be useful. I hope you are still interested in continuing this ministry. Contact Cathy Carson at 717-755-0968 or [email protected] All completed items will be donated to one of several local non-profits or safe houses.
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and despite COVID-19 cases rising in our area, we believe that we can responsibly continue worship gatherings, so long as they are small and well-distanced.
That said, staying home remains the safest option, and we commend doing so to prevent spread of contagious disease. Worship will be recorded and live streamed each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM whether anyone is in attendance or not. We remain a committed body of Christ's faithful disciples whether we gather in person or not. We are simply allowing in-person attendance for those who desire to do so. Thank you all in advance for choosing wisely how and where you will worship.
No Sunday School classes will not resume in person until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as seating arrangements, no passing of offering plates, and restricted singing. Handshake greetings should be avoided and masks must be worn within the building. Please know that all of these measures are for our collective wellness.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “physical distance” for the safety and well-being of the vulnerable among us. The pastor and secretary continue to be available and in the office most of the week, so please feel free to call or email as you wish. We discourage in-person visits, however. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, and pastoral visits will be minimal.
Please recognize that your church will require funds to continue basic operation of property and facility, fulfill pledged outreach giving, and maintain staff who will continue to minister whether in-person gatherings happen or not. Online giving is a simple and easy way to support your church and those it serves during this time, and it is accessible through our church website www.yorkfirst.org. Mailing your gifts and offerings to the church office is also welcome. Thank you to all who have given generously! We have been able to maintain our many outreach commitments thus far this year, and for that we give thanks!
Look for other announcements on our website and facebook page, and as always you may read current and/or recent newsletters through our website for other updates (and past sermons if you have spare time). **Note that you do not even need a facebook account of you own to view the church's page there. If you do have a facebook account, please "like" our church's page to view updates there. The more you "like" and "comment" and "share" our content, the better it "travels" and will be seen by others. Do your part to freely spread our messages of ministry during this time. Thank you!!**
Concerning the spread of COVID-19, here is a good resource with helpful links to other sites as well: https://covid19.brethren.org/ Be careful to pay attention to public health experts, rather than every news headline or comment from your neighbors. We must act responsibly for the well-being of all, not merely ourselves. This disease is real and a genuine threat to the lives of many.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Stay apart from each other in body but close together in spirit. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God's comfort and peace be with you.
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Since 2011 our Witness Team has sponsored the Cash for Causes program by selling Giant & Weis gift cards. The church receives 5% of sales to support various ministries. For 2020 the gift card sales will support The Lehman Center (Children’s Aid Society), New Community Project, Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry, and LifePath Christian Ministries (formerly York Rescue Mission). You may purchase the cards in amounts of $100, $50, $25, or $10. The cards make great gifts, especially at holidays. Consider donating cards to the Food Pantry or using them yourself any time you shop at Giant or Weis.
I plan to attend our in-person worship services and will have the gift cards available for your purchase before or after the service. However, if you will not be attending our in-person worship services, I will continue to send cards in the mail if you want to support this outreach ministry. Send your check to Becky Wenger, 3011 Bedford Pl, York, PA 17408. The Giant or Weis cards will be mailed to you. Make your check out to York First Church.
Thank you for supporting this program - Becky Wenger, Cash for Causes representative
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"Notes from the Console," Article 78, By Mike Frock
"Is Music Theory Racist" Part 11
The Prelude this week is “Toccata in E Minor P. 462” by Johann Pachelbel. The Offertory, sung by John Gibble, is “God’s Country” by Beasley Smith. The Postlude is an arrangement of the traditional American folk hymn tune DETROIT by Benton Price. The title in the book out of which I am playing this piece is “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” but it is in the Brethren Hymnal as #137 “Forgive our sins as we forgive,” which is the more common title.
In last week’s article I briefly mentioned another debate that arose in 2020 concurrent to the debate as to whether music theory was racist or not. This debate was sparked by an article titled “To Make Orchestras More Diverse, End Blind Auditions” by Anthony Tommasini and published in The New York Times on July 16th. Tommasini wants to see orchestras reflect the communities in which they exist. In the early 1970s, orchestras began doing blind auditions. This increased the percentage of women in the New York Philharmonic from about 6% in the 1960s to about 50% today. Blind auditions also resulted in the elimination of the practice of hiring the students of veteran players. While it was successful at creating gender equality (at least in the hiring process), it failed to create racial equality. Of modern orchestral players, only about 1.8% are African American, and only about 2.5% are Latinx.
Therefore, Tommasini wants to get rid of the system of meritocracy that exists and implement racial quotas in orchestra. He believes that this will make the orchestras more relevant to their communities by reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve. However, he does recognize that the problem may start earlier than the auditions. In a sense this is the very end of the process starting with learning an instrument, attending summer programs, studying at a conservatory, going to graduate school, and then ultimately auditioning for an elite job. So Tommasini would be masking the symptoms, but not solving the underlying problem of racial disparity in the rest of the process leading up to auditions. He states further that even Anthony McGill, the New York Philharmonic’s principal clarinetist and only full-time African American member does not advocate getting rid of the screen (i.e. blind auditions). Tommasini’s article sparked the debate, and the next article will look at how various people in the music industry responded.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 1:1-19
MESSAGE:
“From the Top”
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Pastor Joel Gibbel can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to noon, and usually well into the afternoon as well. Afternoons and evenings may be set aside for visiting those in need, for meetings, and for other pastoral duties. Pastor Joel is also available for pastoral counseling by appointment. |
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If you need to reach the pastor outside of office hours, his home phone number is
(717)318-5442, and his cell number is (717)271-4888 . You can also email him at
[email protected]. Note that laws prevent hospitals from contacting a pastor without your permission when you are admitted, so you will need to let hospital staff know that you would like the hospital to contact your pastor.
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Our Mission Statement:
“People dedicated to Spiritual Growth, Loving Relationship, and Sacrificial Service”
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Our Vision Statement:
“To become a community of committed Christians who Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World”
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