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
November 29, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Isaiah 64:1-9
MESSAGE:
“Tear Open the Heavens”
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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 Begins
This week in worship we will begin the "new year" with a message of hope, anticipating the work of God among us as we hold together both faith and disappointment - just as our scripture lesson recalls were present in ancient times. Isaiah's prayerful words of begging God to intervene as well as confessing what the people had done wrong go hand in hand, and we would do well to pray likewise. Ultimately, however, our posture toward God ought to be one of willing cooperation, an offering of ourselves to God's service and formation, accepting with joy a place among God's people. 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 problems 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, November 29, 2020
First Sunday of Advent
Prelude “Heavenly Gift”
Welcome And Announcements
Lighting the First Advent Candle
Hymn “O come, O come, Immanuel”
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “With happy voices singing”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring”
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 64:1-9
Message “Tear Open the Heavens”
Song of Response “Fling wide the door, unbar the gate!”
Commission and Blessing
Postlude ‘Preparation for the King’ from
“Concerto Grosso in D Major”
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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
Advent Decorating Note:
Volunteers are no longer needed for Saturday, November 28 to assist with decorations. Due to construction progress, decorating will be staggered and sufficient volunteers are already scheduled. Thank you to all who are serving us behind the scenes!
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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 [email protected]
- 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected], and he will forward you the link. This week the class will have "open mic" discussion and prepare for future class series.
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 [email protected], and he will forward you the link. The class will begin studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, entitled "Impartial Love." This week the lesson explores James 2, in which we confront the frequent temptation to show favoritism to some people while ignoring others, as James had witnessed among the early church. How can we reverse this tendency, treating each of our neighbors with equal shares of love? Come and join us!
Children's Sunday School Class
ADVENT SERIES BEGINS! 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 [email protected]. 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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COOKIE BAKERS NEEDED - The Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry
REMINDER - Homemade Cookies Needed
Bring your homemade cookies to the lounge on Sunday morning, November 29, and place on the table. If needed, John Anderson is willing to pick up your cookies. Please contact John at (717) 848-1065 or (717) 880-9980.
Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with others.
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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 23, 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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November 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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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 resume 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 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. Sanctuary windows and doors will be open, so expect warm and humid conditions. 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 71, By Mike Frock
This Sunday, November 29th, begins the first week in Advent. Therefore, all the music for the next month will be Advent-/Christmas-related. The Prelude is “Heavenly Gift” by Juliet Calkins. The Offertory, sung by Barry Hollinger, is “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach, arranged by Gordon Jacobs, and with lyrics attributed to the poet Robert Bridges. The Postlude is ‘Preparation for the King’ from “Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6, No. 1” by Arcangelo Corelli and arranged by James Mansfield. Corelli’s Opus 6 includes twelve concerti grossi, of which the Concerto Grosso in D Major is the first (i.e. Op. 6, No. 1). This first concerto grosso is comprised of five movements, and the “Preparation for the King” music comes from the second movement, ‘Largo-Allegro.’ These concerti grossi were originally written for a group of three soloists—two violins and a cello—with orchestral accompaniment from Violin 1, Violin 2, and Bass/Continuo. These pieces were probably written in the 1680s but were only published posthumously in 1714.
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was a famous Italian violinist and Baroque composer. While there are many stories about Corelli, not much is known for sure, especially regarding his youth. It is believed that starting in 1670, he may have attended the Accademia Filarmonica of Bologna, literally the Philharmonic Academy of Bologna, or sometimes called the Bologna Academy of Music, a music education institution in Bologna, Italy. By 1675 he had moved to Rome. His music not only helped to solidify the violin’s preeminent status, but also helped develop modern tonality and harmony, as well as helped develop specific musical forms such as sonata form and the concerto. His music became famous and was quoted by such masters as J.S. Bach and George Frideric Handel, a common practice whereby composers paid homage to one another. Corelli died quite rich with a fortune of money and a collection of fine art and violins. He is buried in the Pantheon at Rome.
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Scripture Lesson:
Ephesians 1:15-23
Message:
“All in All”
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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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