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:
September 26, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11-16
MESSAGE:
“A Culture of Calling"
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Contents:
This Week
Prayer Requests
Sunday School News
Children's Ministry Schedule
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Thank you
Directory Changes
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Calling and Equipping Disciples:
Innovative, Adaptable, Fearless
This week in worship we will conclude our series on the Church of the Brethren Compelling Vision Statement and the ideas that it brings to light. This week we consider the need to "call and equip" one another to be disciples of Jesus Christ, which is more than merely "converts" or "believers." Following Jesus is a way of life and requires a process of becoming like him. The vision that is before us calls us toward innovation, adaptability, and fearlessness, which is quite fascinating when we recall that the statement was written before the recent pandemic even began! Let us be encouraged to continue seeking ways to boldly embrace Jesus' call to be his apprentices, building one another up as we are so led.
Rebecca Wolf will be sharing a testimony of faith with us during worship this week, something she wished to offer as a way to both share her own story and to inspire us to persevere in our walk with God. We are grateful for her ministry among us and affirm her courage to share in this way.
A note from Pastor Joel: Once again this week I intend to present the message via video, as I am nearing the end of a period of quarantine to prevent any possible spread of coronavirus. Michele is recovering well and the children and I are in excellent health. We are grateful for the many notes of encouragement and prayers, and we expect to be back in person next week.
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Live Stream Continues
Although many of us are gathering in person, our worship services will be presented "live stream" through for those who wish to join that way. Please subscribe to the channel it 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, September 26, 2021
Prelude “The Power of the Cross with
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Brethren, we have met to worship”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem “Awake My Soul”
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory Variations on “Foundation”
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
Offering Prayer
Testimony
Song: “Truth be Told”
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28:16-20, Ephesians 4:11-16
Message: “A Culture of Calling”
Hymn of Response “I heard the voice of Jesus say”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “What a Friend we have in Jesus”
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
Additions and updates are welcome by contacting the church office
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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 has resumed meeting 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 is 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. This week we will not have an official class lesson due to Pastor Joel's quarantine status. Class members are still invited to gather for fellowship and discussion, as children's classes will be meeting.
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 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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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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GREAT NEWS FOR THE NURSERY!
The Education Team would like to announce that Jen Smart has accepted the position of Nursery Attendant for our church. She will be available for three Sundays for most months. Having a consistent person in the nursery will be wonderful for the children and parents. Please welcome Jen to our church and thank her for serving the children.
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Message to the congregation of York First CoB regarding the order from the PA Acting Secretary of Health requiring face coverings while the Child Development Center is in operation.
The safety and well-being of the children in our care can be a great unifier. For that reason, we are sharing this information with all who may frequent the church during the hours that the Child Development Center is open so that we can, together, provide a safe place of care. These most recent updates to our policy have been put in place so that we can continue to operate the center in a safe manner, remaining open to the children and parents we serve.
● On Tuesday, August 31st PA’s Acting Secretary of Health signed an order requiring face coverings be worn in all school entities, including school districts, brick and mortar and cyber charter schools, private and parochial schools, career and technical centers, intermediate units, and early learning and other childcare settings, effective Tuesday, September 7th, 2021.
● The recent addition of a second set of doors allows the center to operate safely while keeping the first hallway open to those wanting to frequent the library, children’s classrooms, food bank and maintenance shop. Because DHS considers the entrance from the outside into our building, our entrance doors, face coverings will be required upon entrance to those areas while the center is in operation Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Shalom,
Deb Klinedinst
CDC Board Chairperson
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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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CHURCH EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 3 - Love Feast (Following Worship, Fellowship Hall)
October 10 - Congregational Forum (Following Worship, Sanctuary)
October 24 - CDC Recognition Sunday
October 27 - Trick or Trunk
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BRETHREN DISASTER RELIEF AUCTION
September 24 & 25, 2021
The auction is live again!
Come and support Disaster Relief projects, together with Brethren from two districts! Lebanon Area Expo Center, this Friday and Saturday. BDRA pamphlets are located at the gathering place.
Pamphlets contain the auction information, schedule and a few time and/or location changes from previous years. Share a Meal, Country Treasures, Candy Place and 5k run will not be held this year. All Children's activities will be happening!
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FUNDRAISER YARD SALE
SEPT. 24 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM
SEPT. 25 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
New Fairview Church, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York
Bake Sale, Good Food, 1,000 of items
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, October 8, 2021
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, October 8, 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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CONGREGATIONAL FORUM following Worship - October 10, 2021 (Sunday)
The forum booklet and treasurer's reports are available for pick in the Narthex. Expect an email with information packet and feel free to contact the church office if you desire a printed copy.
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PRAYER SHAWL ministry will be meet on Thursday, Oct. 21st in the church lounge from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
Going forward prayer shawl will meet
monthly on every third Thursday.
Anyone with interest is welcome to attend.
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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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Copies of the Annual Conference
Wrap Up are available for pick up
in the Church Lounge
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Southern PA District Announcement: Carolyn Jones has announced that she will be resigning from her position as Office Manager for the District on December 2 of this year. The District would prefer to fill this position with someone who is familiar with the Church of the Brethren but will be advertising the position on job sites as well. If someone from the congregation is interested in applying or wants more info, they may call the district office 717-778-2264. Please share this opportunity with anyone you know who may be interested.
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Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
September 2021
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A special thank you for those who volunteered with hosting District Conference last weekend, especially Diane Gibble,
site coordinator, Dolly Furst, food service coordinator, and
Tim Beckwith, A/V leader. District leadership was very pleased with everything, especially our hospitality and facility, and they were grateful for all that was prepared for the weekend.
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DIRECTORY CHANGES:
P. 12 – Jayne Baldwin – Add cell phone number 717-676-1957
P. 17 – Jack & Elaine Myers – Correct phone numbers are:
Jack 717-916-1595, Elaine 717-916-1620
P. 20 – James Baldwin – Correct zip code is 21204
P. 20 – Joel Baldwin – Address change: 6 Silent Meadow Ct., Cockeysville, MD 21030
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
01 Diane Gibble
02 Christopher Logue
07 Rick Ault
07 Jarret Stehr
08 Winnie Fickes
11 John Anderson
14 Terry Wueschinski
14 Marty Reigle
15 Marcus Carey
15 Michael Carey
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If your birthday is in OCTOBER and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
17 Anna Elise Stoolmaker
19 Helen Stoner
21 Jared Beuschlein
21 Jasmine LeGrand
23 Barry Stehr
24 Benjamin Gennarelli-LeGrand
25 David Gibble
28 Pat Gibble
29 Dylan Sauder
31 Vesta Statler
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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.
Some Sunday School classes will resume meeting in-person this summer, others will not. Check the class information above for weekly updates. Several elements of worship will remain adjusted such as staggered seating, avoiding handshake greetings, and face coverings 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is now fully vaccinated and 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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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Romans 8:18-21
MESSAGE:
“The Peace of Jesus Christ”
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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Friday Evening Worship Service
that was held here at York First Church,
Friday evening, Sept. 17th at 7:00 pm.
The speaker was Pastor Robert DiSalvio.
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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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