BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE CHOIR CONCERT - Sunday, March 14, 2020

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend an evening of song and handbell music. First Church will be hosting the Bridgewater College Choir on Saturday evening March 14, at 7:00 PM as part their tour in the area. The Choir will perform a hymn titled "Communion: Peacefully, Simply, Together" that was recently written by Greg Bachman.

**Volunteers are needed** to host students overnight on the 14th following their performance, returning them to the church on Sunday morning March 15th. If you live nearby and have a spare bed to offer, please contact John Gibble or Pastor Joel and let him know how many people you can host. Thank you!

Special Offering: “One Great Hour of Sharing” Sunday, March 15, 2020

Invest in Futures ~ "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." - 1 Corinthians 3:9 When you give to to One Great Hour of Sharing, you support:

•Families rebuilding their homes and lives after disasters

•Farmers who share food and agricultural training with their communities

•Youth who attend faith-forming events like National Junior High Conference

•Volunteers who serve for a week or a year, beginning a lifetime of Christ-like service.

Thank you for investing in futures! Your gifts do great things!

Outreach Opportunity

A family of Ukrainian immigrants has recently been resettled in our neighborhood through Church World Service - refugees fleeing persecution and close relatives to others whom our church has served in the past and who worship with us on occasion. They are in need of beds, clothes, towels, a small desk, and perhaps a used vehicle. Prospects for employment and housing are also need that they will have going forward, as well as transportation to ESL classes in the near future.

If you have interest in helping or can donate items, please talk to John Anderson, Witness Team chairperson, or Pastor Joel. We have committed to helping this family and they deeply appreciate any support we can offer. Thank you.

The following resources are available on the table in the Gathering Area:

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES are available in the Gathering Area –

“Holy Manna" by Paula Bowser, Devotions for Ash Wednesday through Easter. We will all endure a wilderness experience at some point in our lives. Yet, we are never alone. God is always present, feeding us on the way. Partake of this holy manna, spiritual food which nourishes as we follow Jesus into the wilderness and beyond.

 From the author: "My prayer is that each page will nourish, comfort, and inspire as we follow Jesus into the wilderness, and into ministry where he continues to be tested. And from there, to Jerusalem, to the cross, to the grave, and even to the skies! May God bless you on this journey." Please take one this Sunday and begin to use it during the season that is before us. They are yours free of charge, along with Lenten calendars for children.

Click for Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School

Upcoming Events

CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY, Wed., March 18, 2020, 9:30 am

Morning Program: "The History of the Milk Man"

Our own Jay Crist, York County milkman and antique milk delivery vehicle collector will share the history of milk home delivery and the vehicles that made it possible. He has spent the last 20 years collecting and restoring milk trucks and wagons, his most recent project included a 1919 all electric powered milk truck. Join us for this fun program and take as stroll down memory lane. We will also be having a delicious lunch and a fun afternoon activity to wrap the day up!

YARD SALE COLLECTION DATE

YARD SALE ITEMS will be collected starting Monday, April 13. Please remember NO LARGE ITEMS at this time. And we cannot accept TV's, computers or large electronic items. A date will be posted later to drop off large items such as furniture, bicycles, cabinets, etc..

MEAT CANNING PROJECT -Volunteer Today! 5 days - April 13,14,15,16, & 20 Processed at: Christian Aid Ministries, Ephrata, PA

Sponsored by: Southern PA & Mid-Atlantic Districts COB

• Help with canning and labeling, there are 2 shifts each day:

6:45 am to noon and 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

• Sign-up early to secure your preferred day and time.

Volunteers are also needed to provide meals or finances to help cover the cost of meals.

Sign up sheets are located in the lobby. 

If you have any questions, please contact John Anderson. 

Southern PA District COB 2020 District Women's Spring Luncheon

Sat., April 25, 2020, 9:00 am. Held at Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Ave., Hanover, PA 17331. Isiah 43: 18-19 God is Doing a New Thing! ~ 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. Featured Speaker: Leah J. Hileman

Brochure/Registration Form is posted on the bulletin board.

Registration deadline: April 15th

OWLS NEWS 2020

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions -

Well, the decisions have been made, and it was decided that the OWLS will be meeting THE LAST MONTH OF EACH QUARTER, STARTING THIS JUNE.   All gatherings are the second Thursday of the month at noon in the Homebuilder’s classroom unless otherwise announced.

The 2020 schedule (subject to change)

**We will not be meeting in March

June 11 - Indoor Picnic and BINGO.

         Burgers provided. Bring a side dish.

Also bring an inexpensive, wrapped BINGO prize.

September 10 – Gather with the folks at New Fairview.

         We will car-pool from church – The time to be announced later. 

Program to be announced.

December 10 – Christmas Luncheon.

         Bring food dishes to share.

         Program – “Christmas Customs” presented by Andrea Adams.

Sign-up sheets will be posted, and updated announcements made closer to the scheduled gathering dates.

Children's Ministry Schedule

Thank you to all who assist with Children's Ministry. Your time, energy, and dedication are appreciated. If you need to make a schedule change or would like to serve as a teacher or in the nursery, please contact Michele Gibbel (717)318-5442 or mgibbel@yahoo.com     

Nursery Caregivers Needed!

In the recent weeks we have experienced a boom of young ones in the nursery during both Sunday School and Worship. This is so exciting! But to care for these little ones, we need more help. There are between 16-20 volunteer slots to fill each month. How can you help out?  

        Qualifications:  

        * A love for children 

        * A desire to support and encourage parents of young children 

        * An interest in seeing our congregation grow 

         * Background checks are required.  

Please contact Michele Gibbel ( mgibbel@yahoo.com ) to be added to the rotation or with any questions. Thank you. 

J.A.M. Choir News

Children ages 4 to 6th grade J.A.M. (Jesus And Me) Choir is practicing Sundays from 9:50 am to 10:10 am in the basement choir room. For those children in Sunday school you will be escorted to the choir room and return to the Sunday school room to meet your parents after practice each week. J.A.M. Choir is scheduled to sing in worship every 2nd Sunday of the month. We will be singing, moving, using puppets, and playing musical instruments. Join us every Sunday as we make music for our Lord!

Updates!  One Great Hour of Sharing and Meat Canning are available for donating at Online Giving. You can also schedule your pledge payment to the Capital Campaign weekly, monthly or as a one time gift. 

Check out our new Pew Cards . If you have a smart phone, iPhone or IPad, you can scan the bar code, download the app, enter the organization ID 4706 and give a one time donation for any fund. Thank you Karen Bowman for editing the design and printing the cards!

OLG is easy and convenient. Sign up by going to our church website at: www.yorkfirst.org and click on the Online Giving Link or go directly to the Online Giving website at:  www.acionlinegiving.com/4706 .

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!!!!!

Thank you for your prayers and cards for my eye surgery and recovery. ~ Barbara Rollman

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 ($100, $50, $25, $10) by cash or check made out to York First Church. 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.

Call me at (717) 793-9320, send an email  rwenger643@aol.com , or just see me on Sunday morning at church. Thank you for supporting this program.

           Becky Wenger, Cash for Causes representative

Save the Date

2020 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY

Save the dates April 27-28 (Mon-Tues) for professional photography sessions here at the church - all free of charge unless you want to order multiple prints - in preparation for a new photo directory to include all active members and friends of the church. Registration detail s will be coming soon - including a simple online reservation process and ability sign in person.

Several volunteers will be needed to coordinate registration and serve as hosts on the dates of photo sessions. Please reach out to Pastor Joel pastor@yorkfirst.org if you are interested and willing. Thank you!

SUGGESTIONS FROM THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE

“Catch the Spirit, Build for the Future” has been chosen as the theme for our Capital Fund Campaign. Campaign visits are ongoing, and we hope you will prayerfully consider making a pledge to support our church's future.

As the campaign advances, we want to share with you two tax saving options that may be available to you as you consider your pledge to the campaign. These options are qualified charitable distributions and donation of appreciated securities.

Qualified Charitable Distribution

If you are age 70½ or older, IRS rules require you to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year from your tax-deferred IRA’s. This additional taxable income may push you into a higher tax bracket and may also reduce your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions. For example, your taxable income helps determine the amount of your Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes. Keeping your taxable income level lower may also help reduce your potential exposure to higher Medicare premiums. To eliminate or reduce the impact of RMD income, you may want to consider making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity. Amounts distributed as a QCD can be counted toward satisfying your RMD for the year and can also be excluded from your taxable income. This is not the case with a regular withdrawal from an IRA, even if you use the money to make a charitable contribution later on. In this scenario, the withdrawal would be counted as taxable income. You must be at least 70½ years old at the time you request a QCD. If you process a distribution prior to reaching age 70½, the distribution will be treated as taxable income.

Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to the qualified charity. This is accomplished by requesting your IRA custodian issue a check from your IRA payable to the charity. You can then request that the check be mailed to the charity, or forward the check to the charity yourself.

Donation of Appreciated Securities

With the stock market setting all-time record highs, many investors are holding securities in their taxable accounts that have appreciated in value. Appreciated securities are investments that have increased in value from the time they were purchased, and can take the form of publicly traded stock, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closely held stock, or mutual funds. For example, if a stock was purchased for $30 per share and sold for $50 per share, the stock has appreciated by $20 per share. When appreciated stock is sold, the owner generally realizes capital gains equal to the appreciation and may be liable for either short-term or long-term capital gains taxes. With a charitable gift of appreciated securities, the donation you make and the deduction you get are greater than they would be if you were to sell the shares and donate the cash proceeds instead. That is because when you donate shares, you avoid paying the capital gains tax. The church will receive the full market value of the securities donated.

We encourage you to take advantage of these tax saving measures as you consider giving.

Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies Nic Stoltzfus presents “The Nicholas Stoltzfus Family and Homestead” on Thurs., March 12, 7:30 p.m., at Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Today, S oltzfus  is the most common last name among Lancaster County Old Order Amish, all descended from one immigrant family. Find out more about immigrant Nicholas Stoltzfus and his homestead in Reading in this talk by one of his tenth-generation descendants. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events .

"Notes from the Console," Article 33, By Mike Frock

This article is about the piece I played last week in place of the choir anthem. I had been saving that piece for a while now, and its placement in Sunday’s service seemed to be the perfect time and place for the piece. The piece was written by Louis Vierne (1870-1937), who was a French organist and composer. You may remember that I mentioned his name in last week’s article as being one of the major French composers of organ music as well as being one of Dupré’s teachers. Vierne was born with congenital cataracts which left him legally blind. Despite this setback, he excelled at music and studied at the Paris Conservatory. His mentor was César Franck. From 1892-1900 he was the assistant organist to Widor at the church of Saint Sulpice. In 1900 he became the organist at the Notre Dame Cathedral. His most famous students were Marcel Dupré and Nadia Boulanger, followed by Edward Shippen Barnes, and Nadia’s sister Lily Boulanger, as well as others. Vierne died at the Notre Dame organ console giving an organ recital in 1937.

 

After Bach, Vierne was one of the most prolific composers of organ music. He is remembered for his six organ symphonies, 24 Pieces of Fantasy (which includes his most famous piece “Carillon de Westminster”), 24 Pieces in Free Style, organ music for three masses, as well as other organ music, an orchestral symphony, and other instrumental and vocal works. The piece I played was titled “Préambule” and is from the 24 Pièces en Style Libre (24 Pieces in Free Style), Op. 31 (1913-1914). This collection was published in two “livres” (or books/volumes) of twelve pieces each. These 24 pieces were conceived by Vierne as offertories. “Préambule” is the first piece from the first volume published in 1913. The first time I heard it, I didn’t think it was anything special, but it has grown on me, and I really like it now. The piece is very easy, almost sight-readable. I like the sense of “openness” that the piece conveys as well as the registration. The registration calls for what the French would call foundational stops, or what Americans would call principal stops. The entire piece was played using only five stops over three divisions (four stops over two manual divisions and one stop on the pedal division), giving the piece a mellow and pure sound. 

LAST SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

Scripture Lesson:     Matthew 6:24-34

Message:         “Enough Trouble”  

Worship Attendance: 82

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 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.