SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
Classes for All Ages (see below)
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
February 27, 2022
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Exodus 1:1-21
MESSAGE:
“The Bitterness of Slavery”
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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
Birthdays
Save the Date
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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From Top to Bottom, and a Way Forward
A descent into slavery, but not without hope
In Sunday worship this week, having walked through the Joseph saga in recent weeks, we will consider what came next for his people. Following a time of prosperity, a fall. Oppression and forced labor. A condition from which the people of God needed to be delivered.
We will reflect on our own place within the world and its "powers" as well as our personal calling to care for those who surround us and are threatened and vulnerable. There is a provocative example set for us in Exodus 1 by a pair of midwives that may lead us to consider how we react to orders from worldly leaders.
This week we are witnessing the outbreak of war, aggression by an empire against a weaker neighboring people. While this is nothing new, it is grievous and painful to witness. Please pray for peace in this world. Pray in lament for how far humanity remains from the way of Christ Jesus. Pray for those who will suffer and for the courage of those who will refuse to bow to their empire's commands.
This Sunday is also the last Sunday before the season of Lent begins. We'll consider the spirit of reflection and repentance that prepares us for such a season, allowing God to shape us and create us anew amidst our journey of recalling the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Come and join us as we worship together this week.
Update on Gatherings
Rates of covid-19 in York County are the lowest they've been since last August, and we encourage full in-person attendance going forward, for both Sunday School and Worship. We are meant to be together, and we pray that the church would unify and grow this season. Please come and be part of our worship life together each Sunday.
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Live Stream Worship
Although many of us will gather in person, our worship services will be continue to 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, February 27, 2022
Gathering Music “Love Lifted Me”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee”
Unison Invocation Prayer
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joy and Concerns
Prayer Hymn “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem “It Is Well”
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Let All Things Now Living”
Offering Response “We Give Thee But Thine Own”
Unison Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 1:1-21
Message: “The Bitterness of Slavery”
Hymn of Response “Trust and Obey”
Sending Prayer
Choral Benediction “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing”
Music for the Journey “The Lord is my Shepherd”
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A Word from the A/V Team
Our church is seeking several new volunteers to assist with audio/video support during worship services. If you have interest, please reach out to Pastor Joel or John Gibble in the near future. Ideally, one Sunday service per month would be the expected commitment, with the possibility of occasional special events. Thanks in advance for considering!
Listening Assistance Devices are here for those worshiping in person!
Anyone is welcome to visit the AV booth each Sunday and request a hearing-assistance device for use during worship. You may also 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.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP IN THE NARTHEX
2022 CHURCH DIRECTORY
2022 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
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2022 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
"We Wait for Light" by Walt Wiltschek - Sometimes darkness seems to last forever. We gaze toward the horizon for any gleams of light, rays of hope. This Lent, we wander in exile with Isaiah, waiting and scanning the sky for the first hints of Easter brilliance. God assures us that we are not forgotten. A new day is coming. Please pick one up and use it during the season that is before us.
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer |
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Click for Weekly Clendar 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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**Adult Membership Class**
Meeting Sundays at 9:00 AM in Room 154 from now until April
Pastor Joel is be teaching a series that is an invitation into the Christian faith as well as summary of beliefs and practices of the Church of the Brethren. Any new attendees, prospective members, interested learners, 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 pastor@yorkfirst.org, and expect emails from him with more information.
Children's Sunday School Classes
Children's Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM each Sunday 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 8:00 AM to
9:00 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 will meet Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in 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 and Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class will meet Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the multi-purpose room by the sanctuary. The class may be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" lesson material.
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Coming Soon:
*Jr and Sr High Youth Sunday School Class*
This class will begin on March 6, meeting at 9:00 AM in the Youth Room 149
Teachers are David Witkovsky, John and Diane Gibble, and Deb Klinedinst.
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming youth events:
District Youth Retreat the weekend of March 18-20 (see below for more information).
Let an adviser know if you are interested.
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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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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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MESSENGER RENEWAL TIME IS HERE - Please Act Now!
Good News!
A generous donor has offered to fully underwrite the cost of Messenger Magazine subscriptions for anyone in our church who would like to receive it. So there is no need to send a payment, unless you wish to do so, and your current subscription will continue unless you tell us otherwise.
If you don’t presently receive Messenger Magazine (the official magazine of the Church of the Brethren) and you would like to receive it at NO cost, OR if you wish to discontinue your subscription – please contact Carole Bradfield carole513@verizon.net 717-755-1784 by TODAY Friday, Feb. 25th.
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EASTER FLOWERS
Will be sold March 6, 13 and the last day to order will be March 20th.
Tulips assorted varieties, Daffodils, and Mums are $10 each.
Gerbera Daisy Assorted colors are $5.00 each.
Purchases can be made in honor or in memory of. Flower pick up would be after
the Easter service on April 17th. See Jolene Ziegler after church to order.
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Our food pantry has been moved to the garage in the former CDC Infant Center. This was completed in January. The church received a grant of $5000 from the East York Rotary Club thanks to Deb Klinedinst who wrote the grant request. We purchased new shelving, 2 rolling carts, a 3-drawer filing cabinet, bulletin board, floor mats, literature holder and a “sandwich board” portable sign holder with the grant money. These new items will help us fulfill our goal of opening the Food Pantry up for “shopping” to those in need. Our clients will be able to choose the food they want based on the number of members in their family. We plan to open the Food Pantry one or two Saturdays, an evening or two and one afternoon per month depending on volunteers.
We have continued to pack boxes for families on our existing list the past month and will continue until we can put the new plan in place.
We will start ordering food from the York Food Bank. This will greatly reduce the amount we spend on keeping the shelves stocked. We are learning as we go along, and we will probably make changes accordingly. The exact opening date for the shopping Pantry will be announced later.
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We will need volunteers to put the new plan in place. Here are some ways you can help.
We will need Volunteers to:
- Cover the current wooden shelves with contact paper so we meet the Food Bank guidelines.
- Greet families and register them. Once registered, they just need to be greeted.
- Help them shop in the Food Pantry.
- Help them carry food to their vehicle.
- Take inventory of food on hand and recommend items needed.
- Restock shelves when food arrives.
- Provide easy, simple recipes using the items stocked in the Pantry; mainly canned/packaged items (soup, vegetables, meat, sauces, pasta, instant potatoes, cereal, fruit), and ground beef, chicken, potatoes, onions and carrots.
- Keep records of those who use our Food Pantry.
The Witness Team is grateful to all who have volunteered throughout the past years and we look forward to broadening our outreach to the neighborhood. Please reach out to Mary Esther Anderson if you have interest in volunteering. Thank you!
Mary Esther Anderson
Secretary, Witness Team
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Aligning York First Church of the Brethren with God’s Purpose
Dear congregants,
We are sharing an update on where we are in the Aligning York First COB with God’s Purpose initiative and want to thank you for your participation in the development of the timeline and individual interviews. We have received the report from Greg Laszakovits and are in the process of determining next steps. As a broad overview we have identified the following areas that we will be working on from the report:
1. Honing our Congregational Focus and Development of 2-4 Primary Ministry Goals.
2. Reaffirming the relationship between the congregation and Pastor Joel.
3. Have the congregation learn difference-making behaviors for growth and vitality.
4. Clarify the Congregational Relationship and Expectations with the Child Development Center.
Leadership Team and the VITAL Team will work hand in hand to move this process forward through the creation of action steps in the months to come. In the meantime, we share the following words from Greg Laszakovits’ report. Thank you Greg!
Shalom,
Deb Klinedinst
VITAL Team Chair
Summary and Encouragement
The York First Church of the Brethren is a congregation that has much to share with the world. Congregational assets are many:
➢ A highly capable and committed congregational cadre of doers and thinkers.
➢ Strong pastoral leadership.
➢ A sense of congruity of congregational mission focused on service.
➢ Location in a stable, diverse population center.
➢ An excellent physical plant that provides opportunities for service and revenue generation.
➢ A strong and proud history.
➢ A stable financial base.
➢ And much more.
Even taking all of these gifts from God in mind, it is fair to note that 20-some pages and many recommendations later, moving forward may feel overwhelming. Yet I believe this congregation has the will, intelligence, and capacity to do every bit of it and more!
Christ’s Peace and Grace to You, York First!
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UPCOMING EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 18-20 - District Youth Retreat, Camp Eder
April 3 - Congregational Forum
April 17 - Love Feast
April 26 - Lehman Center 31st Annual Auction
July 31 - Aug. 4 - Vacation Bible School
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The Lehman Center is having their March Sandwich/Stromboli sale.
See Diane Gibble February 27 to order
The Lehman Center is having their March sandwich/Stromboli sale. Pick up will be in
the church lounge on Tuesday March 22 from 4 -5:30. If you are not able to pick up your items please let Diane Gibble know so they can be put in the old food pantry refrigerator.
Items are all $6.00 each and include: Stromboli, Cheese Calzone, Ham & Swiss Cheese on pretzel roll, Turkey & Provolone Cheese on pretzel roll, 8" Turkey Sub, and 8" Italian Sub. See Diane Gibble at church on Feb. 27th to order. Payment is appreciated when ordering. Thank you for your support of the Lehman Center.
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Just a reminder to all Ladies that Bible Study will begin Tuesday, March 8 in the Church Lounge at 9:30 am and conclude at 11:30 am with the study of "Faithfulness in the the Book of Joshua". This study will last approximately 6 to 8 weeks. If you are able, please join us each Tuesday as we look into the old testament study of Joshua. If you are unable to make every Tuesday, just come when you can. Our group is open to whatever is convenient to your schedule. Masks are optional and you are welcome to wear in order to feel comfortable.
Books are free. Please see Mary Esther Anderson for a copy if you wish to attend. We will have copies available in the first class. Please share with a friend, as we welcome anyone to attend.
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, March 11, 2022
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, March 11, 2022 (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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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT
Sponsored by The Nurture Commission Southern PA District
Church of the Brethren
Friday, March 18, 2022 7:00 PM THRU Sunday, March 20, 2022 1:00 PM
Location: Camp Eder, 914 Mt. Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2022
All youth who are presently in grades 6-12 are invited to this weekend experience of
enrichment, fun, and friendship. The retreat’s theme is “Caretaker of My World”.
We will learn more about making the most of the world God has created. The Interdistrict Youth Cabinet will be leading this event. They love to work with youth on a deeper level and form connections among those they lead. The retreat will include playing games, making friends, teaching/learning about our walk of faith, and living as Christ’s people with intention and commitment.
Please click on the buttons for the pamphlet and registration form
Brochures area available at the church bulletin board as well
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Southern PA District Church of the Brethren 2022 District Women's Spring Luncheon
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Ave., Hanover, PA 17331
God is Doing a New Thing! Isaiah 43: 18-19
Featured Speaker: Leah J. Hileman
Session One will focus on what God is doing to revitalize, renew, restore, redeem and renovate ME.
Session Two will focus on celebrating the ways God is renewing the CHURCH.
Please click on tab to view full brochure for this event.
Brochures are also posted on the bulletin board in the narthex area.
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The Lehman Center Auxiliary Presents: 31st Annual Auction
Benefiting: Children's Aid Society, The Lehman Center
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Location: New Fairview Church of the Brethren
1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York, Pa
Auction Preview & Food 12:00 pm
Live Auction 5:00 pm includes Art Collectibles, Sports Items, New Merchandise
Silent Auction including Art Collectibles, Theme Baskets, Gift Certificates
Kitchen will be open & serving: Homemade Soup, Bar-B-Que, Homemade Pies
For more information call 717-845-5771 or at www.cassd.org
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have artwork or any items to donate to
the auction please contact Diane Gibble.
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WE'RE BACK!....AND LOOKING AT JUNE 11th
TO HAVE A YARD SALE THIS SUMMER!
We are gearing up for pricing some great items to sell. So start cleaning out those attics, garages and sheds. All items welcome except electronics.
A date will be determined later for the collection of items.
In the meantime, we are looking for a few good people. We will need cashiers, and individuals to man tables, clothing racks, and food.
If interested, and you would like to help in any way, please contact Kathy Kovacs.
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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 - Jan./Feb. 2022
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Thanks for all the well wishes for my birthday. The cards, the calls, the visits made my day! Thanks again, Judy Yingling
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
2 Zoe Grace Miller
5 Edward Sweigard
6 Kevin McCracken
6 Thessa Sollenberger
6 Jackie LeGrand
7 Anita Jacobs
10 Chris Baldwin
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If your birthday is in MARCH
and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
11 Jacob Boogher
13 Gail Rutland
14 James Baldwin
22 Audrey Ginder
24 Anna Boogher
25 Sheldon Markel
28 Seth Brickner
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VBS
Save the Date &
Spread the Word
July 31 – Aug 4, 2022
Sunday – Thursday Evenings
Ages 4 - 5th grade
More info to come in the months ahead
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church Leadership Team's policy on face coverings for our gatherings: following with CDC guidance, masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, however we encourage all attendees to wear face coverings when near others. 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.
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.
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 2022 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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Volunteer Opportunity with Children's Aid Society
The Lehman Center is hosting a parental education group at Dover Elementary School. To ensure parents are able to attend, they would like to offer childcare at the school. They're looking for volunteers interested in providing childcare on site consistently for the next few months.
- 1 volunteer every Monday evening from 3:30 to 5:30pm
- 1 volunteer every Tuesday evening from 4:00 to 6:30pm
Additionally, they would like to restart their Parent Support Group at the Lehman Center and would need to offer childcare, so they are also seeking a volunteer who’s available from 11am-1pm every Thursday.
Contact Samm Worthing the Director of Community Engagement if you are interested. Cell: 814-502-2113 email: sworthing@cassd.org
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“Round Up”
will be collected
through March.
It's an easy way
give money to
the Lehman Center.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 41:37-43,46-49,53-57
Genesis 44:18-34 Genesis 45:1-8
MESSAGE:
“Hope from Afar”
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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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