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
January 10, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 1:1-19
MESSAGE:
“From the Top”
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
COB Newsline
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Beginning: Order out of Chaos
This week in worship we will begin a sermon series that will survey the first few chapters of the book of Genesis, beginning with its accounts of creation and proceeding into the drama of humanity's walk with God. I wish to note that from the start, this will not be a science lesson nor a debate with modern skeptics. It is an exploration of theology born from the ancient Hebrew people and the words that God has given us through them. The God presented in their (and our) scriptures, we must recognize, is very different from the gods which were known elsewhere, and that difference can instruct us very well even today.
This week has been troublesome in our nation, to say the least. For many of us, nothing is surprising anymore. For others, it is terrifying. Be assured that none of the violence, falsehoods, and idolatrous reverence for political leaders is condoned by God nor has anything to do with following Jesus. Yet while we are tempted to simply "keep our distance" we must commit to pray for and work for the peace of our land... for goodwill to prevail, for truth to triumph over lies, and for love to prevail over hatred. Our God, from the beginning, desires order rather than chaos.... not through force but by the spoken word, and a recognition of the goodness that surrounds us. Let us find hope in the God who calls us "out of Babylon" and into another kind of kingdom - the one revealed through Christ Jesus.
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. 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. We hope no one is missing out!
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, January 10, 2021
Prelude "Tiento del Segundo Tono"
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn "I sing the mighty power of God"
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory "Love Ye the Lord"
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Genesis 1:1-19
Message: "From the Top"
Hymn of Response "God of the earth, the sky, the sea"
Sending Prayer
Postlude "Lift Up Your Songs of Praise"
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**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains "open" to in-person gathering. However, due to present public health concerns, we encourage remaining at home as the most responsible option if you are willing and able to join in worship via live stream video.
So long as our attendance remains modest, we believe that some of us can gather safely, provided that face coverings are worn and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate risk of disease.**
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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 discuss upcoming lesson plans, choose class officers for this coming year, and share "open mic" time to discuss both church matters and current events. All class members are strongly encouraged to attend this week. Thank you.
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 Luke 5, the call of Jesus to his first disciples - away from their typical labor into a life of following him. Come and join us! Time for catching up and fellowship is always part of this class, in addition to the lesson.
Children's Sunday School Class
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. The Advent series is complete, so the zoom link is the one used pre-Advent. 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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In Memory of Pastor Curtis Dubble
Pastor Curtis W. Dubble passed away on Monday December 28 at the age of 98. Please hold his family in prayer. This congregation was tremendously blessed by his ministry many years ago. Remember Pastor Ralph Moyer as well, who was one of Curtis' closest friends.
His daughter shared the following: I am writing to inform you of the recent death of my father, Rev. Curtis W. Dubble, as a former pastor at York First Church of the Brethren. Dad held special memories of his time as pastor at York First. I was a Freshman in High School when we moved to York and forged many deep friendships within the church and Youth Group, under the leadership of Ralph Moyer. I know Dad continued deep friendships with several in your community up until his death. With deep appreciation and gratefulness, Peentz Dubble
Please click the button to view his obituary.
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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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2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Your box of 2021 Offering envelopes are available for pick up in the church lounge. Please pick yours up at your earliest convenience.
If there are no envelopes with your name and you would like a set, contact the church office. A set will then be provided to you.
Please no longer use your 2020 envelopes. Thank you!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2021
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All the doors in the Fellowship Hall were refinished on both
sides & kick plates installed
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The new stage side curtains
installed on adjust overhead tracks
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New slop sink area Fellowship Hall |
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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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The Southern PA District Office has successfully moved
and has a physical location once again.
Their new information is as follows:
SO PA District Office Church of the Brethren
3375 Carlisle Road Suite A
Gardners, PA 17324
717-778-2264 is the office phone# (you will be prompted to select Carolyn or Bill).
717-778-2254 is Bill’s direct# if you want to by-pass the above.
There is no fax capability.
Email addresses remain the same.
For those not familiar with Gardners, the office building is located along Rt 34 between Biglerville and Mt. Holly Springs, in beautiful orchard country.
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January/February
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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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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The church is helping the Winter family get into an apartment.
They've been living in a hotel room for a year. This is a family of 4 generations the youngest being 4 years old. It looks like they will be in their new apartment the beginning of the new year.
Items still needed are:
6 bed pillows
dinner plates
plastic cups
Bowls (Like for cereal)
Vacuum
bucket
broom
2 sets of towels
Cleaning supplies
If you have items used or new to donate please let Diane Gibble know and place the items in the lounge.
They are so thankful for all we are doing to help them get back on their feet again. The main bread winner in the family injured his hand in 2019 and had to have an operation he was not able to work for a few months which caused them to loose their housing. The church is financially helping with a security deposit and first months rent, furnishings that have been donated to fill the whole house and help from our food bank for a few months until they can be self sufficient. When I contacted the family and told them what the church had to offer they said "you'd do this for us"? In these difficult times this is a great way we can share God's love.
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UPDATE ON THE WINTERS FAMILY
The Winters family is so excited to be in their new apartment. They've spent a little over a year in a local hotel after the head of the family injured his hand, needed surgery and lost his job. Their struggle to survive through the year 2020 has now been lifted thanks to the financial support York First COB was able to give. They spent around $22,000.00 in the year just to stay at the hotel. This was not giving them any hope of saving money to pay the first months rent and 2 months rent as a security deposit required to rent an apartment in York. They want to express their thankfulness for all the church has done for them. When I first approached them letting them know what the church had to offer I don't think they believed me. It took a few weeks until I could convince there were no strings attached. They said, "you'd do this for us?" It was hard for them to understand why anyone would want to help them. We've been able to fill their apartment with everything they need including food from the church food pantry.
Today when I visited I took this photo (the head of the family was at work). They told me they owe us one and I said, "no you don't." This is truly what Christs love looks like helping people get a new start so they can be self sufficient. Thank you everyone for blessing the Winters family. ~ Diane Gibble
If you would like to mail them a welcome to your new home card their address is:
Todd Winters Family
824 Wallace Street
York Pa 17403
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Nigerian Sewing Machine Project
This information is from Cathy Carson. Cathy's Nigerian friends brought to her attention the use of old sewing machines. The following are the make/model/year of sewing machines which can most easily be altered for use in Nigeria.
Singer model machines, 1945 to 1970 and belt driven, can be converted to use a treadle type machine although it involves replacing the hand wheel with one to accommodate a belt on a treadle. *Some of the 1945 to 1970 were also converted to hand cranked for folks who have no use of their legs. These are also belt driven machines originally. Motors are removed and a crank wheel replaces the hand wheel. These replacement wheels can be purchased new. Any machines that are gear driven can not be converted.
"Newer" Singer electric machines, 1945-65, can be converted to no electricity needed function by removing the motor and small belt, wheel replaced for treadle operation and then the new belt is added hooked up to the treadle. Other option for no electricity is an older 1950's portable Singer which is also belt driven. The motor can be removed and the wheel replaced w/hand crank. Hand cranks are still available new; this version also good for the no usable legs crew.
If you have any additional questions or would like to
donate a sewing machine, please contact Cathy Carson at 717-755-0968.
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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 77, By Mike Frock
"Is Music Theory Racist" Part 10
The Prelude this week is "Tiento del Segundo Tono" by Antonio de Cabezón. The Offertory, sung by Barry Hollinger, is “Love Ye the Lord” by George Frederick Handel and arranged by Richard D. Row. The Postlude is "Lift Up Your Songs of Praise" by Camille Saint-Saëns and arranged by Stewart Landon.
At one point, I briefly mentioned the fourth publication in this series of publications: “Canceling Beethoven Is the Latest Woke Madness for the Classical-Music World” by Jonathon Tobin and published in the New York Post. Again, this was in direct response to the third article that had been published and that I addressed in the last article: “How Beethoven’s 5th Symphony Put the Classism in Classical Music,” by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding and published on the Vox website. Tobin’s article was a completely inaccurate interpretation of what was written in the Vox article. Nowhere in the Vox article did it even hint that anyone was trying to “cancel” Beethoven. Tobin’s article was quite an incendiary article in which it seemed that Tobin was adding an unnecessary layer of politics into the discussion. Tobin’s anti-left political beliefs were apparent when he used the words “leftists” and “fascists” in the same sentence. He also brought up the hot-button political issues of the Black Lives Matter protests and support for President Trump. None of these political issues had even been mentioned in any of the previous three publications.
However, I did agree with some of the points that Tobin made. The first point was that we should not impose contemporary narratives on classical music. For instance, we should not say that Beethoven’s music represents white privilege and/or oppression. I do not think that the Vox article, or anyone for that matter, is saying that. I think this is something that Tobin made up to fit his own views, hence contradicting his own point about not imposing narratives. But regardless, I do not think we SHOULD be doing anything like that. I also agreed with Tobin that New York Times music critic Anthony Tommasini went too far when he suggested that there be racial quotas in orchestral hiring. This would increase the number of African American performers, but also limit the number of Asian American performers who are disproportionately overrepresented. (But, this debate over orchestral hiring is a subject for a later time.)
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Matthew 2:1-12
Ephesians 1:3-14
MESSAGE:
"Knowledge and Insight
Made Known"
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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 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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