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SUNDAY SCHEDULE **In-Person Gatherings are Suspended Until Further Notice Due to Public Health Concerns** 9:00 AM - Sunday School  10:30 AM - Worship, Sanctuary THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP April 19, 2020   SCRIPTURE LESSON: Psalm 16:1-11, Acts 2:22-32    MESSAGE: "The Path of Life"

 Contents :  This Week Sunday School News COB Newsline Online Giving  Upcoming Events  Postponed and Canceled Events Save the Date Notes from the Console   Last Week  Contacting the Pastor

Happening This Week Easter Season Continues! A word of advice concerning our celebration of Christ's resurrection - do not let it pass by quickly, but continue in the same spirit for many weeks! Easter is a "season" not merely a "day" and our focus as a church will follow accordingly, no matter how "entombed" we might feel in our homes. The news is so much bigger than us and our present circumstances. It shapes how we perceive all things, and it forms us as we encounter it again and again. This week we will hear from the first of the apostle's sermons following Jesus' resurrection, which references a Psalm of David that spoke of God's protection and deliverance from "the grave." Connecting this to God raising Jesus from the dead, the message becomes one one of explanation to quite an "international" audience. Click on below to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this weekend. Note that the service has been pre-recorded and can be watched anytime beginning Saturday morning, but I encourage you all to deliberately set aside time on Sunday morning to do so. The video will be made public on our facebook page on Sunday morning.. Please feel free to comment on and share it freely as you wish. I welcome conversation and responses! - Pastor Joel View Worship Video - YouTube

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. 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. Meetings are more social than study-driven, and children are often present as well. Children's Sunday School Class This week we plan to incorporate a children's Sunday School lesson in the above video conference, planning for 9:45 am as a start time. 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!

Church of the Brethren Denominational News

April Church of the Brethren Newsline Digest

Newsline Digest

Newsline Special for April 2, 2020 A Call to Prayer and Fasting

Newsline Special

Prayer Requests

Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer and Event Announcements

Although in-person worship gatherings and events are largely 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. Special Request - Deacon Fund Several significant needs have arisen among our church members for home repairs or rent assistance that the Deacon Fund wishes to cover. However, the fund has become depleted recently and is in need of contributions. If anyone wishes to contribute to this fund, in addition to usual giving, please do so at this time. You are assured that it will go directly to people in need during the present crisis. Online Giving is safe, easy, and convenient. Sign up by going to our church website at: www.yorkfirst.org and click on the Online Giving Link or go directly to the Online Giving website at:  www.acionlinegiving.com/4706 . 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!!!!!

Church Website

Online Giving

For those of you working with our children at church: Please take this Child Abuse prevention Training at www.Ilookoutforchildabuse.com. 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!

Announcement concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations, Until further notice, we will not gather here at our building on Sundays for worship together, and any other large group events are canceled or postponed until further notice. UPDATE: Master Planning building project progress is being delayed at the moment as we evaluate our priorities, the needs of those we serve, current economic realities, and government closures which affect necessary permits. Small portions of project work may continue, but the overall bid package for building construction is on hold for now. Expect a letter in the near future with further explanation. We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “social distance” for the safety and well-being of all. 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 has been severely restricted, and until we know just how widely this virus has spread pastoral visits will be minimal. We have several church members who have volunteered to assist any church members and friends who are in need at this time. If you are deliberately minimizing public contact and are in need of something, let us know and we can perhaps see that groceries or other essentials are delivered to your home. 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. 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: http://www.brethren.org/bdm/covid-19.html Be careful to pay attention public health experts, rather than every headline or comment from your neighbors. We must act responsibly for the well-being of all, not merely ourselves. 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. Take time to study, pray, and appreciate this time of rest that is before us. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to "flatten the curve." That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God's comfort and peace be with you.

We rejoice that new life has come among us! Seth Michael Beckwith was born to Brittney and Tim Beckwith at 9:30 PM on Monday April 6. Mother and baby are healthy and happy! Thanks be to God and many congratulations to all. While they they kindly request no visitors due to well-known public health concerns. Nevertheless, feel free to shower them with notes and emails and hold them in prayer as they enter a new phase of life together as a family of three!

Thank you for all of the cards, emails, well wishes and prayers over the past couple of weeks! We are excited to introduce Seth to our church family soon! Thanks! Tim, Brittney and Seth Beckwith

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY A family of Ukrainian immigrants - the Burlaka family - has recently been resettled in our neighborhood through Church World Service - refugees fleeing persecution and close relatives to others whom our church has served in the past and who worship with us on occasion. They are in need of beds, clothes, towels, a small desk, and perhaps a used vehicle. Prospects for employment and housing are also need that they will have going forward, as well as transportation to ESL classes in the near future. If you have interest in helping or can donate items, please talk to John Anderson, Witness Team chairperson, or Pastor Joel. We have committed to helping this family and they deeply appreciate any support we can offer. Thank you.

Upcoming Events *** All Events are subject to change given the current situation. Forthcoming newsletters will offer more information as it becomes available. ***

Soup Kitchen - Friday, May 8, 2020 - Sign up by calling Audrey Ginder, 717-755-6785 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, May 8, 2020 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Audrey to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect. Thank you!

Postponed and Canceled Events

Southern PA District COB - 2020 District Women's Spring Luncheon Sat., April 25, 2020, 9:00 am . This luncheon has been canceled.

2020 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY *** Photo Directory for April 27-28 has been postponed , dates to be determined ***

CELEBRATION LUNCH - SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 The York First CoB Capital Campaign would like to invite you to the Celebration Lunch on Sunday, May 17 th immediately following the morning service. More information to follow.  This luncheon has been postponed. More details will follow.

Save the Date

The Lehman Center Benefit Auction benefiting Children's Aid Society has been changed to Tuesday June 30th,2020.  The location is the same- York County 4-H Center, 771 Stoverstown Road, York PA.  Diane Gibble is collecting items for the auction. Please let her know if you have anything to donate. Thank you!

Volunteers Needed Vacation Bible School June 14-18, 2020 Sunday – Thursday Evenings 6:00 to 8:00 We need help with registration, decorating, nursery care, and group leaders. Please contact Diane Gibble if you are able to help!

SUGGESTIONS FROM THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE “Catch the Spirit, Build for the Future” has been chosen as the theme for our Capital Fund Campaign. Campaign visits are ongoing, and we hope you will prayerfully consider making a pledge to support our church's future. As the campaign advances, we want to share with you two tax saving options that may be available to you as you consider your pledge to the campaign. These options are qualified charitable distributions and donation of appreciated securities. Qualified Charitable Distribution If you are age 70½ or older, IRS rules require you to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year from your tax-deferred IRA’s. This additional taxable income may push you into a higher tax bracket and may also reduce your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions. For example, your taxable income helps determine the amount of your Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes. Keeping your taxable income level lower may also help reduce your potential exposure to higher Medicare premiums. To eliminate or reduce the impact of RMD income, you may want to consider making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity. Amounts distributed as a QCD can be counted toward satisfying your RMD for the year and can also be excluded from your taxable income. This is not the case with a regular withdrawal from an IRA, even if you use the money to make a charitable contribution later on. In this scenario, the withdrawal would be counted as taxable income. You must be at least 70½ years old at the time you request a QCD. If you process a distribution prior to reaching age 70½, the distribution will be treated as taxable income. Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to the qualified charity. This is accomplished by requesting your IRA custodian issue a check from your IRA payable to the charity. You can then request that the check be mailed to the charity, or forward the check to the charity yourself. Donation of Appreciated Securities With the stock market setting all-time record highs, many investors are holding securities in their taxable accounts that have appreciated in value. Appreciated securities are investments that have increased in value from the time they were purchased, and can take the form of publicly traded stock, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closely held stock, or mutual funds. For example, if a stock was purchased for $30 per share and sold for $50 per share, the stock has appreciated by $20 per share. When appreciated stock is sold, the owner generally realizes capital gains equal to the appreciation and may be liable for either short-term or long-term capital gains taxes. With a charitable gift of appreciated securities, the donation you make and the deduction you get are greater than they would be if you were to sell the shares and donate the cash proceeds instead. That is because when you donate shares, you avoid paying the capital gains tax. The church will receive the full market value of the securities donated. We encourage you to take advantage of these tax saving measures as you consider giving.

"Notes from the Console," Article 39, By Mike Frock Introduction to Organ Stops; Part 1: Stop Names and Basic Footage   The Prelude this week is ‘Movement II. Adagio’ from “Organ Concerto in A Minor” by J.S. Bach (catalogue number BWV 593).  However, it is more accurate to say that it is ‘Movement II’ from “Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor” by Antonio Vivaldi (catalogue number RV 522) arranged for organ by J.S. Bach.  The Postlude is “Alleluia!  Ye Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing” arranged by Benton Price.  This is a piece based on the tune O FILLII ET FILLIAE which is a traditional French Easter melody.  I chose this piece for this week considering we are in the season of Easter, or Eastertide, from Easter April 12 th  through Pentecost May 31 st .   If you look at the stops on any organ, you will see a word and a number.  The word is the name of the sound (usually the name of the instrument that the sound is supposed to imitate).  These sound names are usually in German, French, or another language, as they were originally named in those respective countries, and the names have been passed down by tradition over the centuries.    The number tells you how long, in feet, those pipes are (and hence how high or low the pitch).  Most of the numbers are multiples of two: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64.  Think about a flute verses a piccolo.  Essentially, they are the same instrument, just the piccolo is half the length of the flute and hence sounds one octave higher, or conversely the flute is twice the length of the piccolo and hence sounds one octave lower.  The same is true with other combinations of instruments such as a cello vs. a string bass, or a trumpet vs. a baritone vs. tuba, and the same is true with organ pipes.  If I pull an 8’ stop and play middle C, it sounds middle C.  If I pull a 4’ stop and play middle C, it sounds an octave above middle C.  If I pull a 2’ stop and play middle C, it sounds two octaves above middle C.  If I pull a 16’ stop and play middle C, it sounds one octave below middle C, and if I pull a 32’ stop and play middle C, it sounds two octaves below middle C.  The church’s organ does not have any 1’ or 64’ stops, but those would sound three octaves above and below, respectively. 

LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP

Good Friday Service "Tenebrae" Worship 

Easter Sunday Service Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28:1-10 Message: “He Is Not Here”

CONTACTING THE PASTOR 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.

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.

Our Mission Statement: “People dedicated to Spiritual Growth, Loving Relationship, and Sacrificial Service” Our Vision Statement: “To become a community of committed Christians who Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World”