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
March 7, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Philippians 2:1-18
MESSAGE:
“Humbled and Obedient”
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
Upcoming Events
Thank you
COB Newsline
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Jesus Way: Reversing the Origin Story
This Sunday in worship we turn to the New Testament in response to the recent studies in Genesis, examining how the work of Jesus addresses humanity's deepest problems. Drawing on the words within Philippians 2, we'll consider how one of the earliest Church's confessions illuminates and frames the "mindset" of Jesus Christ, inviting us to join him in faithful obedience to God.
Of course, taking on the humble disposition that Jesus embodied is not without challenges. It takes some "working out" on our part, and at the same time we are assured that God is "at work" in us, enabling us to do what is right. Come and find encouragement, consolation, and joy in the message that God has for us.
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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, March 7, 2021
Prelude “Tiento del Sexto Tono, Segunda Parte”
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Joyful, joyful, we adore thee”
Children's Time
Receiving New Member
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory/Anthem “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Philippians 2:1-18
Message: “Humbled and Obedient”
Hymn “Jesus came – the heavens adoring”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “Reverie”
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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. If you have been fully vaccinated, please feel free to attend in person if you wish.
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 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. The class time this week will be "open mic" - an opportunity for fellowship and sharing.
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, "Prophets Faithful to God's Covenant." This week the lesson explores the life and ministry of Moses. 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. 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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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Although in-person worship gatherings are small 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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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP IN THE CHURCH LOUNGE: |
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LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES are available to be picked up in the church lounge. “The Wild Way of Jesus” by Anna Lisa Gross. Devotions for Ash Wednesday through Easter. This Lent, walk with Jesus along his wilderness way. Look to birds in the air, taste mustard growing along the path, and greed people deemed outcasts. Follow Jesus through the world’s wild edges and experience life-giving good news. Please pick one up and use it during the season that is before us. From the author:
“I invite you to join me as we walk with Jesus. We will look to the birds, the lilies, the yeast, the playground, the person across the table, the people we’ve written off as worthless. We will look at backyards and front porches and wonder where the wild things grow, up through the cracks, between the rows, to tell life-giving good news.
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PARSONAGE BUILDING CLEAN-UP - Several members of the Leadership Team will be gathering on Saturday morning March 6 to work at cleaning up the parsonage building: relocating some items moved there due to construction, disposing of others, and preparing archived files to be safely stored. If anyone wishes to lend a hand, we will be meeting at 9:00 AM. Helping hands are welcome!
SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, March 12, 2021 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at
717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, March 12, 2021
(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!
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: A DEVOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY - The Spiritual Enrichment Team is preparing to host a "Stations of the Cross" display in our sanctuary during the two weeks leading up to Easter. This will be an opportunity to come to the church any weekday and spend time in devotion and prayer, recalling the journey of Jesus to the cross and reflection on its meaning for us all. Further instructions will be forthcoming.
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It is now four weeks since the surgery for my knee replacement. My recovery is going well. I am grateful for Stephen’s helpful presence by my side. And to the congregation—Thank you for your prayers, cards and phone calls. Your care and concern has contributed to my healing. Also, to deacons, Greg and Deb Klinedinst, who provided assistance when needed. ~ Nancy Jones
We would like to say thank you to the congregation for our deep appreciation for all the thoughts, prayers, and sympathy cards after the passing of my mother, D. Lillian Martin. ~ Mike and Deb Martin
A big THANK YOU to everyone for the cards, emails, calls and birthday wishes! What a nice surprise! I can't believe I made it to 95! I've had a great week celebrating at home. Even though I can't see you in person, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Becky McCracken
A BIG thank you to all of you who participated in the card shower for Ruth Schmidt.
Thank you for making her 90th birthday so special for her. ~ Beth and Doug Schmidt
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DIRECTORY CHANGES:
Page 9: 2021 Witness Appointments - Soup Kitchen Coordinator: Sandi Bowser
Page 12: Loretta Bachman's new email address: lbachman2572@comcast.net
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Opportunities to Help Families in Need
The Lehman Center family (mom, 15 year old twin boys, and a 2 year old
grandson) moved into their apartment on Feb 25th want to say a big "THANK YOU" for all you've done to make this possible. The mom worked that morning came home for 15 minutes to meet us and then had to leave to work her second job. She was so touched by the 3 pick up trucks, a car and 2 vans that were loaded with items for her home. When she returned HOME that evening after working a total of 15 hours she got to see everything. You not only filled the home with furnishings but you showered them with Christs love. Thank you much!
Unfortunately, the other Lehman Center family that was to move into their apartment March 1st fell through. They're back to looking for a place to live.
There will be at least one more family in the pipeline. However, I've not been told from the Lehman Center what their needs will be. So I will keep collecting items you may have to donate.
Pray for these families and that they will be able to find housing soon.
If you have house hold items you want to get rid of please let me know.
Thank you, Diane Gibble
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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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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT OFFICE PHONE UPDATE
Please notify your church members, associates, etc. that the district office prior phone# will no longer work. Since the office shut down at Cross Keys there has been a message on the office phone to call my cell phone number. That message will no longer be there, so please pass along that to reach the district office our new phone number is 717-778-2264.
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January/February
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
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02 Zoe Grace Miller
05 Edward Sweigard
06 Kevin McCracken
06 Thessa Sollenberger
06 Jackie LeGrand
10 Chris Baldwin
11 Jacob Boogher
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If your birthday is in MARCH and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
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13 Gail Rutland
13 Terry Yeager
14 James Baldwin
22 Audrey Ginder
24 Anna Boogher
25 Sheldon Markel
28 Seth Brickner
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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 live streamed on our YouTube channel and recorded 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 apart. 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.
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 2021 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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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 11:1-9
MESSAGE:
“A Name for Ourselves”
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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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