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
September 13, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Romans 14:1-12
MESSAGE:
"Accountable to God”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
Canceled Event
Thank you
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Why do you pass judgment?
This week in worship we will look closely at how we treat one another within the church, noting how Paul addressed differences of practice in his day in Romans 14. In this passage, Paul insists that the "strong in faith" ought to welcome those who are "weak in faith." Who he considered strong vs weak may surprise you, however. Come and see what this lesson may teach us today. In the end, we all belong to God and are accountable to God alone.
Faith Markers!
It is the time of year when we distribute Bibles and books to some of the children within our congregation - those having reached kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade. We look forward to welcoming numerous children during our worship service and blessing their walks of faith as we share these gifts with them. Come and join us, either in-person or online, for this special time.
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 weekend.
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The video will be available to view after the worship hour in case you miss the 10:30 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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York First Livestream/YouTube Instructions
Step #3 (optional but helpful): Download the YouTube app to your smartphone.
Step #4: In the Friday e-news, click on the upcoming worship service link. On YouTube, Click the ‘Set Reminder’ button. You will need to be logged into your gmail/youtube account. When we go live on Sunday morning (typically a few minutes before 10:30), you should receive an email notification and a smartphone notification if you have downloaded it to your smartphone and have the notifications set up. Then you can just click the link in the notification to view the live video.
If at any time you have issues accessing the link, please refresh the page or visit our YouTube Channel page.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, September 13, 2020
Organ Prelude ‘Movement IV. Recitativo’ from
“Organ Sonata No. 5”
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Great is the Lord”
Children's Time: Faith Markers Presentations
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Church
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Prayer of Dedication
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:1-12
Message: "Accountable to God”
Hymn “When we walk with the Lord”
Sending Prayer
Organ Postlude “Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense”
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This Week: Gathering
*** Special Note: Due to building construction, our sanctuary seating space has been further limited permits less room for "distancing" than it has before. Take this into consideration when discerning whether or not to attend in person. ***
This Sunday once again, our church building will be open for worship attendance. Please view the video below from last week for more information related to expectations and guidelines for our safety, as well as the written portion further below entitled "Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations." This remains a "soft opening" and not any sort of grand return-to-normal, as many parts of this nation struggle with COVID-19 very much at present. Since rates are relatively low in our area, we trust that small gatherings can be done with a high degree of safety.
We encourage staying at home rather than attending in person. Those who wish to attend may do so, so long as guidelines are practiced and we all remain healthy. Thank you all for your patience, concern, and encouragement in recent weeks!
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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 planning to meet 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. (We will not share the login info publicly in an effort to prevent hacking). The class will be led by Arden Kile once again this week, further examining the Compelling Vision for the Church of the Brethren.
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 "Love for One Another." This week the lesson explores Genesis 41, the ongoing story of Joseph and his obedience to God in spite of difficulties.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School is now planned for 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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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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MESSAGE FROM THE BRETHREN DISASTER MINISTRIES
Please click below to read the letter from the
Board of Directors of the BDRA
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7, 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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2020 District Conference
that was scheduled for
Sat., September 19, 2020
has been cancelled.
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You may click on the link
below to access District
Conference Information
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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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O.W.L.S. News
JUST A NOTE............
THERE WILL BE NO OWLS ACTIVITY THIS MONTH DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS.
STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ON A DECEMBER GATHERING.
MAYBE? MAYBE NOT?
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Church Secretary's Work Schedule
The church secretary's hours will be 7:00 to 2:00 pm. If you call after these hours please let
a message and your call will be returned the next morning, thank you!
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FREE FOR THE
TAKING.........
We have eight tables and
one chair to give away.
Please contact Roy Rollman
if you are interested.
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OCTOBER 19-20, 2020 - CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
"Get Ready to Smile" for the upcoming photo directory!
You will need to reserve your photo time slot. Every family will receive a complimentary 8"x10" print and have an opportunity to order more but with no obligation. We hope to have ALL church members and friends in our new directory, to hopefully be released later this year.
Dates are October 19-20, and photos will be taken here at the church building.
click on “Photography Appointment Scheduling Login”
Church Code: PA882
Password: Photos
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and COVID-19 cases remain relatively low 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 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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35th Anniversary Carlisle Truck Stop Fall Fund Raising Banquet
scheduled for Sat., October 3, 2020 has been canceled.
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Thank you everyone for all your well-wishes, thoughts and prayers, flowers, baked goodies, cards and phone calls during this time of my neck diagnosis, surgery and recovery. I came home last Saturday noon after a three and a half hour surgery on Thursday to remove the lump in my neck. I’m continuing to rest to get my strength back. Thankfully the pain has been minimal. As I write this I am awaiting the pathology results when I see my surgeon today (Friday). Thank you friends. I really appreciate all that you have done.
In Christian Love, Barbara Rollman
I wish to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, prayers and cards. My arm is improving every day. However, I still have a severe breathing problem. I am currently in a pulmonary breathing class. I hope it will help. ~ Terry Yeager
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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.
Beginning July 12, 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 60, By Mike Frock
The Postlude this week is an arrangement of the hymn “Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense” (Hymn Tune: JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT). The melody is attributed to Johann Crüger, harmonized by J.S. Bach, and arranged by Roger C. Wilson. The Prelude is ‘Movement IV. Recitativo’ from “Organ Sonata No. 5” Op. 80 by Félix-Alexandre Guilmant. Guilmant (1837-1911), who dropped the “Félix” and went by “Alexandre,” was a French organist and composer. He was a student of Lacques-Nicolas Lemmens who was also the teacher of Charles-Marie Widor. Guilmant gave organ concerts in Europe as well as the US and Canada. In 1894 he cofounded the Schola Cantorum de Paris, a music conservatory. In addition to teaching there, he succeeded Charles-Marie Widor as the Organ Professor at the Paris Conservatory in 1896. Guilmant’s star student was Marcel Dupré.
A recitativo (Italian), or recitative, is not so much a form of music as it is an indication to the performer that the delivery of the performance is up to the performer’s interpretation. The recitative has its origins in opera and other vocal forms, but the style has been adopted by instrumentalists. In a recitative piece, tempos, dynamics, and sometimes even articulations change frequently. The whole piece is like a cadenza. However, usually cadenzas are shorter passages within a longer work and showcase some faster passages, whereas recitatives tend to be longer and do not necessarily have the showy faster passages. While Guilmant does label this recitative as its own movement within the larger organ sonata, I have a hard time hearing it as its own piece for two reasons. First, it is very short, lasting only about 1’10”. It is more of an introduction to the next movement, or a passing interlude between the third and fifth movements. Secondly, the movement ends on what is perceived to be a leading tone. In this case, the recitative ends on a single B natural in the key of C Minor/C Major. Our ears desperately want that B natural to resolve to a C, which it does on the opening chord of the next movement. Because I have decided to play this recitative as a prelude, I will not be cruel and end the piece on a leading tone. I will end on the first chord of the next movement, so that the leading tone is resolved. You’re welcome!
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Scripture Lesson:
Romans 13:8-14
MESSAGE:
"The Fulfilling of the Law"
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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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