SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP:
December 12, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 1:39-47
MESSAGE:
“Rejoice and Renew”
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Contents:
This Week
Prayer Requests
and Calendar
Sunday School News
Children's Ministry Schedule
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Thank you
Directory Changes
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Encounters with Christ: Leaping for Joy
This week in worship we continue our walk through the season of Advent, lighting the candle of Joy in anticipation of the coming of the Christ child. Our scripture lessons from Zephaniah 3 and Luke 1 tell of joyful declarations made in light of (perhaps in spite of) challenging circumstances.
Wherever Christ dwells, there is joy which is to come. Even within each of us, that of God awaits growth and fulfillment just as God was fully present in Jesus. Please join us this week for worship, as it is the central practice as a church that keeps our attention on God and holds us together as a body of faith.
The worship service will include anthems from our children's (J.A.M.) choir as well as one from the women in our adult choir. We will also hear more about our Christmas Eve offering, New Community Project.
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Live Stream Worship
Although many of us are gathering in person, our worship services will be presented "live stream" through YouTube for those who wish to join that way. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already for simpler access to previous videos. 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.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, December 12, 2021
Third Sunday of Advent
Prelude “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
Welcome And Announcements
Advent Candle Lighting: A Litany of Joy
Unison Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Praise the Lord, sing hallelujah”
J.A.M. Children's Choir “Mary had a Baby”
Children's Time
Moment for Mission: New Community Project
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel”
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem “Breath of Heaven”
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Still, Still, Still”
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 1:39-47
Message: “Rejoice and Renew”
Hymn of Response “My soul proclaims with wonder”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “In the Bleak Midwinter”
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Listening Assistance Devices are here for those worshiping in person!
You may use your own smartphone and download the iPhone app here or the Android app here and bring your own headphones. Please note, you need to be connected to the church wifi (SimplePeace2gether) to listen. You may also see the AV person in the AV booth for a device as well.
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer |
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Click for Weekly Calendar of Events |
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Additions and updates for prayer list or calendar of events are welcome by contacting the church office.
Special note for all Ministry Teams: Please notify the church office with any upcoming meetings or events for your team so we can add these dates to the calendar.
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Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM each Sunday, in-person, in the classrooms just past the nursery. Children grades PreK and up will have class lessons, with singing mid-hour as well. Children ages 3-4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care, which may include a brief lesson in addition to playtime. All children are welcome!
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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, planning to remain holding class remotely for the time being. To be included, contact Mike Martin either by calling 717-840-4184 or by emailing Caretaker@TwinBrookFarm.com, 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 meets Sunday mornings in-person at 9:00 AM in their classroom, Room 145. The class is studying “The Essential Commandment: A Disciple’s Guide to Loving God and Others” by Greg Ogden in collaboration with Compelling Vision. Beth Anne Bahn will be teaching.
Vine & Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM, in-person, in the room near the Gathering Area. The present lesson series engages with Richard Rohr's "The Universal Christ" - exploring a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. Come and join us this season as we work through this exciting material. Pastor Joel will be leading discussion.
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Jr and Sr High Youth Sunday School Class
This class will start Sunday January 9, 2022 at 9:00 AM in the Youth Room
Teachers are David Witkovsky, John and Diane Gibble, and Deb Klinedinst.
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming youth events:
Camp Eder Winter Camp January 28–30. Sign up through Camp Eder campeder.org
District Youth Retreat the weekend of March 18-20.
Let an adviser know if you are interested.
Adult Membership Class - Upcoming
This class will begin Sunday January 9, 2022, lasting for 8 weeks
Pastor Joel will be teaching, and any prospective members or existing members are welcome to attend. Adults of all ages are invited. Please let Pastor Joel know if you plan to be part of this series.
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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Dec. 14 - Bible Study - the last on the study of Esther
Dec 21 & 28 - No Class - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
See you all after the new year.
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Prayer shawl group will not be meeting in December.
Next meeting time will be third Thurs. in Jan. 22 from 1-2 PM in the lounge.
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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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UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 12 - Christmas Caroling Outdoors following Sunday worship
December 12 - Dallastown High School Choral Ensemble - Sunday 3:00 PM, Sanctuary
December 19 - Choir Cantata during Sunday worship
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Friday 7:00 PM
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, December 10, 2021
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, December 10, 2021 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Sandi to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.
The pans are located in the church lounge. Thank you!
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JOIN US IN
CELEBRATING
THE KING
Come and join us for an evening of family festive fun at Camp Eder! The woods will be illuminated with lots and lots of Christmas lights, warm fires, hot cocoa and children activities will be happening each night. This is a beautiful festival you most certainly will not want to miss!
Friday & Saturday, December 10 & 11, 5pm - 9pm
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● Christmas Lights & Music
● Hay Rides Friday & Saturday Night 5-8pm
● Tree Decorating Contest
● Delicious Turkey Dinner & Soup (per donation)
● Luminary Garden (honoring our loved ones)
● Decorated Trees
● Warm Drinks and Lots of Cookies (free)
● Bake Sale
● Kid's Activities
● Cozy Fires
● Live Music
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Click on button below to view
the Sponsorship Form for the
Christmas Tree Festival
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The Food Pantry is Moving
This Saturday, December 11, 2021
The food pantry is moving from the classroom in the church to the garage in the former parsonage. Starting at 9:30 AM this Saturday, 12/11/21, several Rotary Club members will be here to help us move. We can use your help too, because there is plenty to be done.
All the food needs to be moved, as well as two shelving units in our current room, then placed back on the shelves. There is also still a few of the new items to be put together.
All helpers will be welcome.
Hope to see you on Saturday morning. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
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Christmas Caroling - Sunday, December 12, 2021
We will be Christmas Caroling after worship on Dec. 12th on the corner of Kingston and Sundale. All are welcome to join us as we spread Christmas cheer to our neighbors. We will sing for about 15 minutes. Please dress warmly. Afterwards those who would like to sing a few songs outside the windows of Ruthie Bahn (Beth Anne Bahn's mother-in-law) and Nancy Gibble (John Gibble's mother) will drive to Kingston Court. If you have any questions please contact Diane Gibble.
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The Dallastown High School Vocal Ensemble and String Ensemble will present a concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday December 12 at 3:00 PM. All are invited, and we are delighted to have these groups returning!
Please note that masks will be required for all attendees, out of regard for the school policy for participants. We look forward to this afternoon of music and are grateful for their willingness to share their gifts with us.
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Camp Eder Winter Camp 2022 - January 28-30
Winter Camp 2022 is just around the corner!
Join us for an action packed weekend full of camp fun and friends.
Drop off will be 7pm on Friday with pick up at 2pm on Sunday.
The Church will cover 80% of the registration expense!
Winter Camp 2022 is going to be a blast!
Please click on the button for the flier to view information and registration information or visit campeder.org.
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Men's Spiritual Leadership Summit
Saturday - February 19, 2022
Unity and What it Means for the Church
Guest Speaker: David Sollenberger 2022 Church of the Brethren Annual Conf. Moderator
Location:Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Registration Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2022
Click on the button below to view the brochure and information.
This information will be posted on the bulletin board in Narthex area.
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Church of the Brethren Denominational News |
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Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org
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Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest - December 2021
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TRUCK STOP COOKIE UPDATE
THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Carlisle Truck Stop cookie drive. With your help we packed 145 bags of homemade cookies.
Thank you to everyone who baked cookies. There was a nice variety of cookies and we appreciate your generosity. You can pick up your containers in the lounge.
Thank you to the Millers for providing the cardboard boxes and for your time transporting them to Carlisle.
Thank you to the Children’s Sunday School classes and teachers for decorating the cookie bags. You did a great job!!
Thank you to those who decorated bags with greetings and Christmas cards. You know who you are.
And last, but not least, thank you to the Women’s Bible Study for bagging the cookies and packing the boxes. It was fun and gratifying to be able to reach out to the truckers during this busy time of the year. ~ Mary Esther Anderson
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CORRECTION TO THE PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
P. 3 - Jay Crist - Correct phone number is 717-309-0463
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church Leadership Team has approved updated policy on face coverings for our gatherings: following with CDC guidance, masks are now optional for those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. For those not vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask indoors. We are on the honor system and are trusting all attendees to respect this policy. All are welcome, as always, and we hope for further updates moving forward.
Staying home remains the safest option, yet we commend and affirm in-person gatherings as the ideal. Worship will be live streamed on our YouTube channel and recorded each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM indefinitely, but it is not intended to "replace" physical attendance long-term. So long as you are comfortable being near others, please plan to join our services of worship, classes, and other events.
Most Sunday School classes have resumed meeting in person. Check the class information above for weekly updates.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining some “physical distancing” 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is open to home visits as requested.
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.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Please do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease, as a holy expression of loving our neighbors as ourselves. "
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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 2021 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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Brethren Disaster Relief Auction Summary
Net was $453,593
So far:
$50,000 to BDM in Haiti
$100,000 general aid in Haiti
$100,000 to Haiti Medical Project
$35,000 to local disaster aid
Remainder being held in reserve for 2022.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79
MESSAGE:
“Preparing Your Way”
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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 mobile number is (717) 271-4888 . You can also email him at
pastor@yorkfirst.org. 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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