SUNDAY SCHEDULE
**In-person gatherings remain suspended until further notice due to public health concerns**
Please see below for online class
and worship offerings
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
June 7, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Psalm 8:1-9
Matthew 28:16-20
MESSAGE:
"Lower than God"
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Contents
:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
Postponed and Canceled Events
Thank you
Birthdays
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The "Great Commission"
This week in worship we consider our place in relation to God, with special attention to Jesus' parting words for his disciples in Matthew 28 after they met and worshiped him: "Go therefore and make disciples... baptizing... and teaching them..."
Is there a chance we've heard this instruction many times but not fully understood it? Is discipleship more than conversion to a belief? Yes, it is! It implies that one becomes willing to learn and grow in obedience to Jesus' way, something that might put us at odds with worldly systems, in fact. Is it worth the cost? Of course it is. Come and listen.
Click below to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this weekend. Note that the service has been
pre-recorded and can be watched anytime, but I encourage you all to deliberately set aside time on Sunday morning to do so.
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The video will be made public on our
facebook page on Sunday morning as early as 8:00 AM. Please feel free to comment on and share it freely as you wish. I welcome conversation and responses! These online services stand as an opportunity to broaden the reach of our ministry, so I hope you're not shy about passing them along to friends and family who may appreciate our ministry. Thank you!
- Pastor Joel
*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 narthex any weekday. Sermon manuscripts are also available upon request. We hope no one is missing out!
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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
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 is planning to meet on Sunday mornings from
11:00 am
until noon by zoom (video) conference. If you wish to be included and haven't received an email already, please contact Pastor Joel at
pastor@yorkfirst.org
, and he will forward you the link. (We will not share the login info publicly in an effort to prevent hacking). The class will be having "open mic" time this week, allowing for discussion and fellowship among members.
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
pastor@yorkfirst.org
, and he will forward you the link. The class will begin studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, "Many Faces of Wisdom" - this week's lesson based on Proverbs 1.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School is now planned for
10:30 am
each Sunday morning via zoom, with a lesson lasting approximately 20 minutes. Parents may of course participate alongside, but the time will be tailored to children. For the zoom link and to be included, please contact Pastor Joel at
pastor@yorkfirst.org
. Thanks, and we look forward to this special time together!
Click on the video below for a special story in advance of this week's lesson:
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Graduate Celebration!
Although we can’t be together to celebrate our traditional Graduate Recognition we’d like to honor Sara Stoolmaker with a York First Church drive-by
caravan on Saturday,
June 6th at 5:00 PM. A balloon bouquet will already be provided but creative signs and other ideas to wish Sara well on her accomplishments would be welcome. Her address is: 2860 Heavenlight Circle, York, PA, 17402. Shhhh….this is a surprise for Sara!
Anyone interested can plan to meet at the church parking lot at 4:45 PM on June 6 and we'll drive over together. They live in a cul-de-sac so we will all drive past her home very slowly, honking horns, holding signs, and celebrating her accomplishments from a safe distance. Plan on joining us!
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Due to health concerns and restrictions on gatherings, the Church of the Brethren Summer Youth Workcamps have been canceled. Our Youth had planned to attend one during the month of July, so this is sad news for many. Please click on the button to view the cancellation announcement:
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On a brighter note, please check out this new Church of the Brethren resource that provides daily devotions for the youth. "Good News! Youth Devotional" has a new and unique offering each day with scripture, commentary, prayers, and questions to consider.
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For those of you working with our children at church:
After you complete the training please print your certificate and give it to Pastor Joel to keep on file. Thank you so much for helping care for our little ones at church. Thank you!
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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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Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will not be held this summer
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June Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Although in-person worship gatherings and events are largely 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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Upcoming Events
Soup Kitchen - Friday, June 12, 2020
- Sign up
by calling Audrey Ginder, 717-755-6785
to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, June 12, 2020 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Audrey to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect. Thank you!
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The Lehman Center Auction will be held (virtual) this year.
Bidding will begin June 23 and end on June 30th at 9 pm.
Some items will close earlier in the evening.
There will be Themed Baskets, Art/ Jewelry, Gift Cards, Sports Memorabilia, Food and items will be show cased live on the web site through out the evening on June 30th.
Item pick up will be July 2nd 11-1 and 5-8 pm and July 3rd 10-12. At that time food will be available for take out. You do not need to have purchased anything to come and buy food.
We will miss seeing you all in person however this year the auction will look a little different. If you are not able to bid feel and you would like to donate. You can mail a check to CAS and memo TLC Auction Donation.
The Lehman Center is now open and servicing the vulnerable children in our community. Keep them in your prayers as they try to navigate this new norm.
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Until further notice, we will
not gather here at our building on Sundays for worship together, and any other large group events are canceled or postponed until further notice.
Leadership Team is meeting monthly again and has appointed a COVID reopening team to address "when" and "how" we may resume gatherings. Numerous factors will contribute the plans that we decide to enact. When we do resume gatherings, please be prepared for a "soft" openings, as not all things will return to "normal" as we have known them. Nevertheless, our church - we the people of faith - remains strong and committed, and our worship and service to God will always go on.
Master Planning building project progress continuing, as we proceed into the code review stage and bidding process in the near future.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “physical distance” for the safety and well-being of all. 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 has been severely restricted, and until we know just how widely this virus has spread 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. Take time to study, pray, and appreciate this time of rest that is before us.
Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to "flatten the curve." 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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Child Development Center Update
The CDC is now OPEN and providing child care once again (with various safety measures in place)! Over 30 children have returned as of this with more children returning the beginning of July as parents are no longer distance-working.
Special thanks to the CDC Board, Carman Banzaca, Center Director and Lori Bedwell, Financial Administrator for their leadership, and to the staff for supporting families through this challenging time. We also thank John Anderson for his assistance in caring for the facility. A PPP loan was acquired allowing us to remain financially viable and continue to pay our staff during our shutdown with a measured and safe return to work. The staff were in touch with children and parents throughout the stay at home order via social media and ZOOM sessions providing stay at home activities and contact.
Many prayers were answered and will continue to be appreciated as we acclimate ourselves to the new normal in the CDC.
Stay well,
Deb Klinedinst, CDC Board Chairperson
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Message from Camp Eder:
C
AMP EDER (along with Camp Swartara) is so sorry to tell you,
due to COVID-19, we must cancel our traditional summer camp
for 2020. There will however, be other opportunities for you to enjoy our wonderful outdoor experiences. Please look for these as they come available.
We are also sorry that our May Senior Day needed to be cancelled. Look for the milk man in August. Johnny Appleseed will be here in the fall.
Thank you for your amazing support, both financially and with prayers. We ask that they will continue.
We pray that you and your family are well and tolerating the quarantine.
Camp Eder Board and staff
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Postponed and Canceled Events
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REMINDER
Peg Crist's Memorial Service has been rescheduled
from June 7th to August 23rd at 3:00 pm.
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OWLS NEWS
Due to COVID-19 circumstances, the OWLS will NOT meet in June.
The next scheduled meeting may take place in September.
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Vacation Bible School
has been postponed until 2021
Education Team hopes to do something special for children this summer, but it will not be a week-long VBS event.
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Postponed Until 2021
Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community
60th Annual Chicken BBQ, Car Show, & Auction
scheduled for Sat., August 8th
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Brethren Disaster Relief Auction Event in Lebanon scheduled for late
September is canceled over pandemic concerns!
This year's Lebanon Expo Brethren Disaster Relief Auction that has been a tradition since 1977 has been canceled because of the coronavirus crisis. The BDRA association determined the health concerns due to COVID-19 complicated the ongoing planning and volunteer coordination for the two-day event set to begin Sept. 25.
Event if current restrictions were lifted for opening of the Auction, it would be extremely difficult to have complete assurance that all volunteers, vendors and supporters would attend.
While the entire Board of Directors was heartbroken to make the decision, they feel it is a safer and more conscientious decision to take this year to continue fund raiding efforts with the Church of the Brethren (COB) organizations in central Pennsylvania. While this is sad news for the COB denomination and the Brethren Disaster Relief Ministry (the recipient of the Auction proceeds to rebuild disaster damaged areas), the Board of Directors look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
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BDRA Board of Directors
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Thank you very much for all the concern and prayers for me and my family on the passing of my mom. She was a loving, caring, wonderful mom and grandmother. We received so many beautiful cards with caring notes. It was greatly appreciated!
Karen Bowman and family
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If your birthday is in
JUNE
it is not on the below list or
is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
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01 Lauren Poland
02 Ryan Sauder
02 Brian LeGrand
03 Dorothy Lehman
05 Jeffrey Gipe
07 Tanya Dehoff
07 Suzanne Gray
07 Jonathan Soyke
08 Micah Gibbel
10 Becky Wenger
11 Michael Kovacs
12 Shannon (McCracken) Kendig
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12 Michelle Yingling
12 Deb Martin
13 Trey Bradfield
16 Nancy Gipe
19 Helen Lehman-Fay
20 Justin Stehr
21 Dale Campbell
22 Nancy Snyder
22 Benjamin Thomas Miller
28 Roy Rollman
29 Marie Bachman
30 Arden Kile
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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.
If you would like to support this outreach program while we are not meeting as a congregation during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can 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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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.
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"Notes from the Console," Article 46, By Mike Frock
The Cornet Registration and Mutations
The Prelude this week is ‘Aria Prima with Six Variations in D Minor (D Dorian) P. 193’ from “Hexachordum Apollinis” by Johann Pachelbel. Hexachordum Apollinis is a set of six pieces (catalogue numbers P. 193-P. 198). Each piece is written in the theme-and-variations form (or aria-and-variations form) with anywhere from five to eight variations. All the arias/themes are original melodies. The Hexachorum Apollinis collection is considered one of Pachelbel’s greatest works. My interpretation of this piece is that there should be a consistent beat throughout the piece. The aria and each variation last about one minute, for a total duration of about seven minutes.
This week is Trinity Sunday, so the Offertory relates to the concept of the Trinity. The Offertory is an arrangement of the hymn “Come, Thou Almighty King” by Felice de Giardini and arranged by Martin Stellhorn. This hymn references “To thee, great One-in-Three” in the fourth verse and is #41 in the Brethren Hymnal. I will play a verse of the hymn (in three-part harmony) and then the arrangement. During the arrangement, the melody will be played on the Swell (top) manual and the other parts will be played on the Great (middle) manual and the pedals. The Postlude is an arrangement of the hymn “O Spread the Tidings ‘Round” by William J. Kirkpatrick and arranged by John Scriveyner. Sorry for the flubbed note in the Postlude!
I have mentioned the Cornet registration several times, and last week’s article said that the Cornet registration calls for stops of 8”, 4”, 2 2/3”, 2”, and 1 3/5”. Two results of this: 1. When I use the Cornet registration, for every key that I press down, the organ is playing five different notes. So, if I play a four-note chord, the organ plays twenty different notes. 2. When I play one note, e.g. middle C, the organ is playing middle C, the C one octave above, the G one octave and a perfect fifth above, the C two octaves above, and the E two octaves and a major third above. Therefore, when I play middle C, the organ is playing a C Major chord. If I play lower notes on the manual (below middle C), I can actually hear distinct pitches, however, once I start playing notes above middle C, all of those different frequencies become very close, and I primarily just hear one note.
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Scripture Lesson: Acts 2:1-21
Message: "What Does This Mean?"
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Pastor Joel Gibbel can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday - Thursday from 9:00 AM to noon. Afternoons and evenings are often 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
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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