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:
May 23, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
John 20:19-23,30-31
MESSAGE:
“Receive the Holy Spirit”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Children's Ministry Schedule
Prayer Requests
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Thank you
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The "Pentecost" Before Pentecost
This week in worship we will recall the giving of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' disciples as told in John 20. While the actual Pentecost holiday comes on the 50th day after Easter, following Jesus' ascension, the scriptural account we receive this week recalls Jesus meeting his disciples on the evening of his resurrection. He bid them peace, sent them with a job to do, and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them.
There would be more to come for Jesus' disciples, just as there is more to come in our lives and our work of ministry together, but the sending is without fanfare or public recognition. It is as simple as a word of "peace" and the recognition that the breath of God comes from the mouth of Jesus himself. That lesson alone is more important than dramatic signs and wonders. Join us for worship this Sunday for this special celebration of Pentecost.
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel - please subscribe to the channel it if you haven't already for simpler access to previous videos. 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, May 23, 2021
Prelude "Ricercar in C Minor"
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory/Anthem "Arise and Shine Forth"
Prayer of Blessing
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: John 20:19-23,30-31
Message: “Receive the Holy Spirit”
Hymn “O Holy Spirit, making whole”
Sending Prayer
Postlude "Prayer"
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**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains open to in-person gathering. Due to ongoing public health concerns, we will continue to serve those who choose to join in worship via live stream video from home. Especially if you are fully vaccinated, please feel free to attend in person.
We believe that our gatherings are safe, provided that face coverings are worn and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate spread 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 lesson this week will continue a series entitled "The Color of Compromise" by Jemar Tisby, studying connections between the church and racism. Diane Gibble will be leading.
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 will be from Ezekiel 18, in which the Lord declares that no one ought to be judged by the behavior of their parents or other ancestors, but by their own actions. Come and join us for this lesson and opportunity for conversation!
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!
*** Beginning in June, the children's Sunday School and nursery care will resume in person, at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Adult classes will decide on their respective practices and gathering going forward, and any changes will be announced here in this email newsletter. ***
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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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Thank you to all who assist with Children's Ministry. Your time, energy, and dedication are appreciated. If you need to make a schedule change or would like to serve as a teacher or in the nursery, please contact Michele Gibbel (717)318-5442 or mgibbel@yahoo.com
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Nursery Care Attendants Needed!
As more people begin returning for in-person worship, we look forward to reopening the nursery. However, we need your help! We need at least 2, maybe even 3, adults to staff the nursery safely for both Sunday School and Worship. Please contact Michele Gibbel mgibbel@yahoo.com (717)318-5442 to have your name added to the volunteer list. Background checks and covid vaccinations are required. We look forward to seeing our little ones return soon. Thank you!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL DOOR GREETERS
Church will be reopening very soon for our Sunday school hour and children's nursery. We are in need of one or two people as GREETERS for the Sunday school hour from 8:40 until 9:00 a.m. at the front narthex door. You would need to only greet once a month. We have openings for the First, Third and Fourth Sundays of the month for just the "Sunday school hour". If you think you would like to greet people from 8:40 to 9:00 a.m., for about 20 minutes, one Sunday a month, please see Dolly Furst at church, or call me on my home phone 717-244-8218 to share your interest.
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KEY PERSON NEEDED - BRETHREN DISASTER RELIEF AUCTION
The Witness Team is looking for someone who is a supporter of the annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction to be the BDRA Key Person for our church. Jolene and Bill Zeigler filled this roll for many years, but Jolene is stepping down this year. The position acts as the liaison between our church and the BDRA committee and is responsible for:
> Picking up and delivering the Auction booklets to our church
> Announcing and publicizing the sale dates
> Notifying the church of needed donations such as pies, quilts, theme baskets and other auction items
> Requesting help that is needed during the auction at the Information Booth, with item delivery and other volunteer jobs
> Advertising the 5K run and submitting the information on those participating
If this is something you would like to do to help with the auction, please contact either John or Mary Esther Anderson. This is an important, needed position but doesn’t include monthly meetings, written reports, or year-round responsibility. Thank you!
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COLLECTING FOR HOMELESS BAGS:
The school aged children from church will be collecting items to put in homeless bags on June 13th. You can drop off your donation in the Homeless bag bin located outside the sanctuary anytime from now until June 12th.
Donation suggestions are:
Band-aids, Deodorant, Chap stick, Lotion Tissues, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Comb, shampoo, Soap, Gum, Trail mix, Pre-packaged cheese and crackers, Cheezits, Gold fish, Tuna, Peanut butter, Beef jerky, Granola bars, Bottle of water, Zip lock bags quart and gal. sizes to keep things dry, New testament bible, Note pads and Pencils/pens, Wash cloth, Candy, Socks (can be used in good shape).
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Despite smaller in-person worship gatherings, 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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Southern PA District Conference will be held here at York First Church
Saturday September 18, 2021
This is an opportunity for us to extend the hand of hospitality to those in our district that will be attending the conference. The conference begins with a live-streamed (online-only) worship service on Friday evening (9/17) and then a full day of in-person gathering on Saturday (9/18). Times we need volunteers will vary, and we’ve listed the range of times so you can determine how this might fit into your schedule for both Friday and Saturday or for any portion of those days.
We will need help in the following areas:
➤ Food service either help in kitchen or serving. Light breakfast, full lunch. See Dolly Furst
➤ Parking/traffic – directing visitors where to park and enter. Saturday from 7-9 AM and 3-4 PM
➤ Internal direction – directing visitors within the church. Throughout the day
➤ Set-up in fellowship hall and balcony. Friday evening from 6-9 PM and Saturday from 3-5 PM
Please sign up at the new gathering area in the narthex. If you are not planning to come to church and would like to volunteer, please call Karen in the church office 717-755-0307 or email secretary@yorkfirst.org and she will sign you up.
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Hospitality Servers Needed for Conference
- Do you enjoy prepping and serving food?
- Socializing and enjoying different events at the church?
We are looking for individuals who enjoy food preparation and serving others.
Many hands are necessary to help prepare and share a light breakfast with coffee, lunch, and an afternoon snack for approximately 150 people who will be attending. This will be an all-day event. Basically, helping to set-up and serve will be needed. If you are able to help all day or just one hour, or any time you can serve, would be appreciated.
If you think, you would be interested, please see or call Dolly Furst at
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Memorial Service for David Diehl
A service in celebration and remembrance of David Diehl will be held on Wednesday, June 2 at 10:30 AM at the
Box Hill Mansion at Regent's Glen Country Club. Expect a tremendous amount of musical tribute, including our church's choir singing. All church members and friends are welcome to attend.
**If anyone wishes to sing with the choir for this event, please contact Rebecca Wolf.**
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72nd ANNUAL WOMEN'S CAMP RETREAT
JUNE 7 & 8, 2021
Camp Eder, 914 Mt. Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA
Registration forms must be received
no later than this Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
Click on tabs below for the brochure and registration form.
Brochures are available at the church office as well.
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, June 11, 2021
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, June 11, 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. The pans are located in the church lounge. Thank you!
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30th Annual Virtual Auction
Bidding Begins: June 26th at 12:01 a.m.
Auction Preview Night: June 28th, 4 p.m. @ New Fairview COB
Bidding Ends: June 29th at 9:00 p.m.
Art & Jewelry, Household Items, Gift Certificates & more, Baskets,
Food for pre-order, Sports Items & Memorabilia
Help us to celebrate 30 years of providing care at the Lehman Center
For more information visit: www.auctria.com/auction/CASAnnualAuction
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BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG
> Pick up bottle in the Gathering Area.
> Fill with change.
> Return to the Church Office or to the table.
Donations will be collected from
Mother's Day (May 9th) to Father's Day (June 20th).
Funds are used to help young families at Human Life Services.
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Save the Date & Spread the Word
Vacaction Bible School
Aug 1-5 2021
Sunday – Thursday Evenings
Ages 4 - 5th grade
More info to come in the months ahead.
If you are interested in volunteering for this year's VBS, please let Diane Gibble know.
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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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MAY
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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Thank you to all for your cards, emails, phone calls, texts, and prayers prior to and following my recent surgery. It was much appreciated.
And also thanks for the birthday cards.
Carole Bradfield
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
01 Lauren Poland
02 Ryan Sauder
02 Brian LeGrand
03 Dorothy Lehman
05 Jeffrey Gipe
07 Tanya Dehoff
07 Suzanne Gray
07 Jonathan Soyke
08 Micah Gibbel
10 Becky Wenger
11 Michael Kovacs
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If your birthday is in JUNE and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
12 Shannon (McCracken) Kendig
12 Michelle Yingling
12 Deb Martin
13 Trey Bradfield
16 Nancy Gipe
19 Helen (Lehman) Fay
20 Justin Stehr
22 Nancy Snyder
22 Benjamin Thomas Miller
28 Roy Rollman
29 Marie Bachman
30 Arden Kile
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church continues to worship as usual, and we are grateful for declining rates of COVID infections in recent weeks. While we are aware of new guidance on the need for face coverings and many of our members are fully vaccinated, we are maintaining our policy for the moment and requesting masks be worn during worship by all. As the Leadership Team continues to discuss this matter, any updates will be shared here and within worship.
Staying home remains the safest option, and we commend doing so to prevent spread of contagious disease, yet we ultimately affirm in-person gatherings as the ideal. 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. Thank you all in advance for choosing wisely how and where you will worship.
Some Sunday School classes will resume meeting in-person this summer, others will not. Check the class information above for weekly updates. Several elements of worship will remain adjusted such as staggered seating, avoiding handshake greetings, and face coverings 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is now fully vaccinated and open to home visits as requested.
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.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Please do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease, as a holy expression of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
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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:
Romans 8:1-11
MESSAGE:
“No Condemnation”
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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 mobile 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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