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
October 4, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Philippians 3:4b-14
MESSAGE:
"Press On”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Canceled Event
Directory Changes
Birthdays
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Pressing on Toward the Goal
This week in worship we will encounter the Apostle Paul's insistence that knowing Christ Jesus is of utmost and highest value, greater than any human accomplishments, privileged place, or obedience to law. While we may be tempted to boast in our goodness or even our religious participation, we must remember that they pale in comparison to the faithfulness and worthiness of Jesus.
While the grace and love of God through Christ is something that cannot be earned nor deserved, we nevertheless have a calling to move forward, seeking a closer walk with him and an attainment of "the power of his resurrection." We still have a "race" to run, but it is not for worldly reputation. Its aim is a deepening relationship with our Lord. Come and join us for this service of worship.
Bread and Cup Communion
During worship this Sunday, which is World Communion Sunday, we will receive bread and cup communion near the end of the service. Be assured that all elements served will be individually wrapped and sealed for safety. All who will be joining us from home via live stream video are welcome to partake as well - simply prepare to eat a small piece of bread and drink a cup of juice as you see fit. Be assured that they are equally blessed and valid as sacred symbols for Christ's body and blood. Please pay attention to the mailing that went out this week as well, and plan to observe the Love Feast at home as you are able.
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.
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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, October 4, 2020
Organ Prelude "Tiento del Primer Tono"
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Heart with loving heart united”
Children’s Time
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Church
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Offertory: "Sicilienne in Eb Major" – Dan Blumhardt (cello)
Prayer of Dedication
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14
Message: "Press On”
Hymn “I heard the voice of Jesus say”
SERVICE OF BREAD AND CUP COMMUNION
Invitation and Prayer of Consecration
Hymn “Eat this Bread”
Prayers of Blessing and Sending
Organ Postlude "Grand Chorus"
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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 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 pastor@yorkfirst.org, 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 "open mic" and include fellowship time as well as planning upcoming lesson 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 pastor@yorkfirst.org, 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 a portion of 1 Samuel 19, discussing the matter of responding with love and standing up for those in danger even when powerful forces oppose doing so.
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 pastor@yorkfirst.org. 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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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at
717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Oct. 9, 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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CONGREGATIONAL FORUM following Worship - October 11, 2020 (Sunday) - The forum booklet and treasurer's reports are available for pick in the Lounge and in the sanctuary during Sunday worship service. Expect an email with information packet attached next week, and feel free to contact the church office if you desire a printed copy.
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2020 CAMP EDER FALL FESTIVAL
Join us for a day of safe family fun! - Saturday, October 17th, 10 AM - 3 PM
Outdoor Event-Outdoor seating for meal, Pork Meal cooked overnight inground brick pits Meal Ticket Cost: $ 12. Meal served 11-2, Auction 10:30 Start, Hayrides, Live Auction, Kid's Activities, Craft Vendors, Yard Sale Vendors, Eder made Apple Butter
Please click on the button to see how many ways you can help make this year's festival a success and for the Vendor and Yard Sale Application.
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CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
OCTOBER 19 - 20, 2020
"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.
PLEASE SIGN UP SOON! THANK YOU!
click on “Photography Appointment Scheduling Login”
Church Code: PA882
Password: Photos
Follow instructions to choose a date and time, entering your email information as requested, and click on "Schedule Appointment" to reserve the time you've chosen.
You may also call the church office for assistance or to reserve a time, and Karen may be able to reserve a time for you. It's simpler if everyone can do it themselves, however. Thank you all in advance for participating!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 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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October 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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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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DIRECTORY CHANGES
P. 20 - Owen & Vesta Statler - Vesta's email is changed to read: mimistat58@gmail.com
P. 20 - Bradley Nicholas - Bradley's email is changed to read: nichben510@gmail.com
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
01 Diane Gibble
02 Christopher Logue
07 Dick Ault
07 Jarret Stehr
08 Winnie Fickes
11 John Anderson
12 Dick B. Ault
14 Terry Wueschinski
14 Bill Zeigler
14 Marty Reigle
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If your birthday is in OCTOBER and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
15 Marcus Carey
15 Michael Carey
17 Anna Elise Stoolmaker
19 Larry Harlacher
19 Helen Stoner
21 Jared Beuschlein
21 Jasmine LeGrand
23 Barry Stehr
24 Benjamin Gennarelli-LeGrand
25 David Gibble
28 Pat Gibble
29 Dylan Sauder
31 Vesta Statler
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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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Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies presents
“A Conversation about Amish Women,” with Karen Johnson-Weiner on Thurs., Oct. 8, 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Johnson-Weiner, author of the new book The Lives of Amish Women, will share her research and findings, which grew out of 35 years of fieldwork. For details and the link to the Zoom presentation, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events or
call 717-361-1470.
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"Notes from the Console," Article 63, By Mike Frock
Is Music Theory Racist? Part 3
The Prelude this week is "Tiento del Primer Tono" by Antonio de Cabezón. The piece that I played last month by Cabezón was “Tiento 1 del Primer Tono.” The two pieces have nearly identical titles, but they are two different pieces. The Offertory is "Sicilienne in Eb Major" by Samuel Dushkin, played by Dan Blumhardt on cello. This piece was formerly attributed to Maria Theresia von Paradis, but it was more than likely written by Dushkin who supposedly “found” the piece. Also, it is worth nothing that this piece was originally written for violin and piano but is being performed by Dan on cello instead. The Postlude is "Grand Chorus" by P.J.M. (Pierre Jean Michel) Fallouard and arranged by Roger C. Wilson.
The fourth part of the music theory video addressed the fact that music/music theory is not a universal. This was one of my favorite parts of the video, simply because it used clips from the movie “Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land.” It addressed how Pythagoras is often credited as being the father of both math and music. It showed how music, as “number in time,” was taught as part of the quadrivium in medieval Europe, along with mathematics (number), geometry (number in space), and astronomy (number in space and time). It further addressed how there was a push in 1960s Cold War America to make music theory more of a hard science than an art form. Regrettably, the 1959 Donald Duck movie was probably a part of this movement. All these illustrations from Pythagoras to the Cold War, strove to prove that music/music theory was universal. There was an interesting thought experiment presented by Kofi Agawu which stated “Imagine, if you will, a new world order in which African approaches to rhythm pedagogy predominated in the American academy…no one would be granted a music degree who could not dance.” To us that seems bizarre because by that same definition, a Bach chorale would not be considered music if you could not dance to it. Likewise, European/American music theory alienates most African music as it does not conform to our ideas about scales/melodies and chords/harmonies.
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Scripture Lesson:
Matthew 21:23-32
Philippians 2:1-13
MESSAGE:
"Saying or Doing"
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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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