SUNDAY SCHEDULE
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
December 6, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a
MESSAGE:
“Patience as Salvation”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Thank you
Birthdays
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Advent Season Continues
This week in worship we will encounter the one who served as a "messenger" sent by God in preparation for someone greater who was to come. We'll consider how John (the baptizer) speaks to us this season, showing us what the "beginning of the good news" looked like - repentance and forgiveness made visible through baptism. At the same time, we are reminded of the need to wait for the fullness of God's will to arrive, being at peace as God's patience seems to exceed our own. Please plan to join us for worship this Sunday and throughout this season - awaiting the coming of the Christ child.
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Live Stream Continues!
Once again (and always, we hope) our worship service will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. Click the link below shortly before 10:30 AM on Sunday to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this Sunday.
*Note - some have reported minor glitches such as getting "sound but no video" in the live stream. A "refresh" or "restart" of the video feed generally fixes this problem. Please continue to notify us if such issues persist. Thank you.
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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. We hope no one is missing out!
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, December 6, 2020
Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude “The Cradle”
Welcome And Announcements
Lighting the Second Advent Candle
Hymn “O come, O come, Immanuel”
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Come thou long-expected Jesus”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Prayer in Winter”
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Hymn “They that wait upon the Lord”
Message “Patience as Salvation”
Song of Response “On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry”
Commission and Blessing
Postlude “Song of Christmas”
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ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKS are available to be picked up on weekdays in the Lounge or in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
"Give Light" by James Benedict
Light and darkness are used in the Bible to describe the coming of the Messiah, God's redeeming work through Jesus Christ. These images reveal Jesus as the "true light" that came into the world, shining in us and through us. This light gives hope and brings life.
Please take one and use it this Advent Season
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Virtual Poinsettia Sale
Due to ongoing virus concerns, we have decided not to offer individual poinsettias for sale this advent season. We will continue to offer purchase for five dollars a "virtual Poinsettia" in honor or memory of loved ones. The cost will go to sponsor the chancel decorations already beautifying our sanctuary.
If you choose not to donate online, you may call the office with your information. Payment can be made by mailing a check or dropping cash or check to the church office. Please make your dedication by Wednesday, December 16 so it can be published in time for the Christmas Sunday bulletin and e-newsletter.
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David Diehl Memorial Fund
Our beloved choir director David Diehl passed away November 12th and his family has decided to wait until a later time to hold a memorial service, due to the pandemic. For now, the church is planning gifts in honor and memory of David's 20-plus years of Music Leadership.
Gifts suggested include the following:
- Junior and Youth Symphony Scholarships
- First Church Music Instrumentalists Fund
(David maintained this fund over the years as his contribution to First Church)
- A tree in David's honor as part of the landscaping plans being developed
If you want to show your appreciation for David's service to First Church, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the church. Designate the David Diehl Fund and indicate where you want to direct your contribution. You may mail it to the church office or drop in the church offering plate.
The church has also set up a link to the church’s on-line giving website where contributions can be sent to the church in honor and memory of David. The church will acknowledge the gifts and forward them as a group to the Junior and/or Youth Symphony in David’s memory.
From there you will see the option to donate to David’s fund.
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Photo Directory Update
Thank you to all who had photos taken last month! You should have received your prints by now. A few updates as we move forward with directory design:
- If you were not able to sit for photos last month, there is still a chance to be included in the directory! See below for options:
- You may arrange to have someone take your photo and submit the digital file to the church - we will then forward it to the directory production company for inclusion. It may be professionally done or simply a photo taken in your home. Please try to provide a clean and neutral-color backdrop for the photo. Email the photo to secretary@yorkfirst.org
- You may be able to re-use the photo from our directory produced 6 years ago. Contact the church office and request this if you like.
- The directory design will take weeks or perhaps even months to complete, so there is still time to get in it. If anyone has some quality digital photos of the building, sanctuary, or from recent church events, please send them to secretary@yorkfirst.org and we may be able to include them within the opening pages. Thank you!
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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 meets on Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm 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. This week the class will begin a five session series on Advent Season, "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break" by James Moore and Jacob Armstrong. This will be led by
Patricia Carey.
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 be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, "Call in the New Testament." This week the lesson explores Matthew 1, the genealogy of Jesus, discussing how family "heritage" influences expectations and sense of calling in Jesus' life and ours. Come and join us!
Children's Sunday School Class
ADVENT SERIES CONTINUES! All families with Sunday School age children should have received a postcard with login information last week. We've invited some new people this time as well! Children's Sunday School meets at 12:00 noon each Sunday 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!
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Plans are being made for several youth group gatherings this fall. While we are not planning to resume in-person Sunday School this season, the Education Team is planning for times of both learning and service. Please pay attention to future newsletters for more information! |
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ENTERING CDC AREA DURING THEIR HOURS OF OPERATION
Please do not enter the CDC hallways during their hours of operation (6:30 AM - 5:30 PM weekdays) unless you notify the CDC office first that you would like to enter. This includes the entrance at the kitchen/gym as well as access to the library, food pantry, Sunday School classrooms, etc.
Please ring the doorbell and a CDC employee will let you in and do the necessary requirements such as take your temperature and have your shoes sprayed to help to keep the CDC children and staff safe. This all is due to guidance on daycare operations that the center must maintain during the pandemic.
Thank you for your co-operation.
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2021 DIRECTORY
We need your help to update our 2021 church directory!
If you have any changes, please email them to the church secretary
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Dec. 11, 2020
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Sandi to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect. Due to renovations, the pans are now located in the church lounge. Thank you!
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JOIN US IN
CELEBRATING
THE KING AT
CAMP EDER
● Christmas Lights & Music ● Hay Rides Fri. & Sat. Night 5-9 pm ● Decorated Trees
● Tree Decorating Contest ● Delicious Turkey Dinner & Soup (per donation)
● Luminary Garden (honoring our loved ones) ● Bakes Sale ● Cozy Fires
● Warm Drinks and lots of cookies (free) ● Kid's Activities ● Live Music
GIVING JOYFULLY This time of year can be very difficult for families. Please bring any amount of the following items for local families in need: Small bags of rice, oatmeal, applesauce, and cereals. All donations will go to Fairfield families in need via
Fairfield Mennonite Church Food Pantry.
HONOR A LOVED ONE. DEDICATE A LUMINARY.
On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 & 12, Camp Eder will hold our annual Christmas Tree Festival. In addition to our holiday lights, we will be lighting luminaries to honor our loved ones. Luminaries are $5 each and one dedicated person per luminary. Please print and fill out the form below and return with payment.
DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE
Have some fun decorating a tree at Camp Eder. Everyone is invited to compete in the tree decorating contest. Voting will be during the Christmas Tree Festival December 11-12. The Christmas Tree Festival is a great opportunity to get involved with Camp Eder and our surrounding community. Trees are limited, so you will want to sign up soon.
Please fill out the following information and we will get back to you on your assigned tree. Trees are assigned on first come first serve basis and we must receive your Christmas tree sponsor form to reserve your tree.
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2020
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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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December 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 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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I want to thank everyone for your prayers, calls, and cards.
My treatments are now completed. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. - Barbara Rollman
I want to express my appreciation to my church family for the many cards, notes, phone calls, and other acts of sympathy and kindness that you showed to me at the passing of my son, Craig. It has been a rough time but I know with your continued prayers I will get through this time of grief. Thanks so much! - Carole Bradfield
Thanks to the congregation and staff of lst Church COB for the many expressions of sympathy on the loss of our son, David. We grieve his loss, but celebrate his new phase of life with our Lord. We expressed to him that he would be playing his cello in heaven's symphony, singing and directing the choir to the glory of God. God bless all of you at
lst Church COB. Sincerely, Donald & Norma Diehl and family.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards and well wishes. You have been such a part of my healing process. I have actually felt some of your prayers. I hope to be with you in the not too distant future.
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
02 Melinda Carlson
02 Larry Logue
04 Haley Grace Yingling
04 Paige Noelle Yingling
07 Brynleigh McCracken
08 Todd Plymire
10 Barbara Rollman
12 Bob Stoolmaker
12 Tim Beckwith
14 Peggy Metzger
14 Christina Deitch
14 Kelly Boogher
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If your birthday is in DECEMBER and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
15 Dave Bradfield, Sr
16 Brad Shenk
17 Jon Beuschlein
17 Linda Min
18 Eric Brickner
18 Julie Ilyes
21 Lindsey McCracken
23 Dave McCracken
24 Matthew Klinedinst
26 Emma Stoolmaker
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and despite COVID-19 cases rising in our area, we believe that we can responsibly continue worship gatherings, so long as they are small and well-distanced.
That said, staying home remains the safest option, and we commend doing so to prevent spread of contagious disease. Worship will be recorded and live streamed each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM whether anyone is in attendance or not. We remain a committed body of Christ's faithful disciples whether we gather in person or not. We are simply allowing in-person attendance for those who desire to do so. Thank you all in advance for choosing wisely how and where you will worship.
No Sunday School classes will not resume in person until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as seating arrangements, no passing of offering plates, and restricted singing. Handshake greetings should be avoided and masks must be 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, so please feel free to call or email as you wish. We discourage in-person visits, however. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, and 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. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. 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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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.
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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"Notes from the Console," Article 72, By Mike Frock
"Is Music Theory Racist" Part 9
The Prelude this week is “The Cradle” by Roger C. Wilson. The Offertory, sung by Michele Gibbel, is “Prayer in Winter” by Alice Jordan. The Postlude is “Song of Christmas” by Robert J. Hughes.
Two weeks ago, I briefly mentioned the publications of the third and fourth articles in the “Is Music Theory Racist” debate. The third article was “How Beethoven’s 5th Symphony Put the Classism in Classical Music,” by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding and published on the Vox website. The fourth article, written in response to the third, was “Canceling Beethoven Is the Latest Woke Madness in the Classical-Music World” by Jonathon Tobin and published in the New York Post. The Vox article began by explaining that the experience of going to hear an orchestra changed dramatically between the time Mozart and the time of Beethoven. The music itself changed. Beethoven’s music incorporated more musical intricacies than Mozart’s music and required a more careful listening. Also, symphonies changed from a loose collection of independent movements to movements that were connected by a common theme. As the music changed, the audiences changed. In the day of Mozart, it was common for the audience to cheer in the middle of the music. By the time of Beethoven, the idea of “concert etiquette” was developing. Concert etiquette entailed sitting still and not clapping mid-piece, not coughing, not entering or leaving the room in the middle of a piece, dressing appropriately, etc. Following concert etiquette showed that the listener was engaged in the music and understood what he was listening to. This led to the idea of “polite society” and ultimately a way to show one’s class.
The article later quotes Anthony McGill, the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic. McGill is the first African American to ever hold a principal position within the orchestra. McGill talks about the inescapability of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, and the article writes “‘If you pretend like there’s no other music out there, that Beethoven is the greatest music that ever will matter,’ says McGill, then orchestras will alienate new listeners, since ‘we’re not promoting any of the composers alive today that are trying to become the Beethovens of their day.’” While Tobin interpreted this as “canceling Beethoven,” that is never mentioned. I think McGill meant to suggest that orchestras should program contemporary works and composers in addition to playing the more famous works and composers.
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Scripture Lesson:
Isaiah 64:1-9
Message:
“Tear Open the Heavens”
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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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