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SUNDAY SCHEDULE  **In-person gatherings remain suspended until further notice due to public health concerns** Please see below for online class and worship offerings THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP May 31, 2020   SCRIPTURE LESSON: Acts 2:1-21    MESSAGE: "What Does This Mean?"

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

Happening This Week Pentecost! This week in worship we will encounter the event of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus' disciples at Pentecost, and the resulting clarity of language that emerged. Such an event evoked both questions and suspicion, an opportunity for interpretive insight drawn from the past. When the Spirit is moving, there is clarity and unity, but not all will recognize it as a blessing. How might we receive such a message today? How might God be leading us to speak and hear so that all can be understood? Click 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, 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 as early as 8:00 AM. Please feel free to comment on and share it freely as you wish. I welcome conversation and responses! These online services stand as an opportunity to broaden the reach of our ministry, so I hope you're not shy about passing them along to friends and family who may appreciate our ministry. Thank you! - Pastor Joel *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 narthex any weekday. Sermon manuscripts are also available upon request. We hope no one is missing out!

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 Sunday mornings from 11:00 am until noon 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 studying a series of Jesus' parables in the coming weeks - this week the parable of the mustard seed found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. 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 often more social than study-driven, and youth and children are welcome to be present. Children's Sunday School Class This week we plan to incorporate a children's Sunday School lesson in the above (Vine & Branches Class) 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! ** We are hoping to create a new time and/or day for the children to meet via zoom for a lesson and time together. Please respond to the email sent this week as you are able so that we can best determine schedule. Thank you! Click on the video below for a special story in advance of this week's lesson:

Youth Group News

Graduate Celebration! Although we can’t be together to celebrate our traditional Graduate Recognition we’d like to honor Sara Stoolmaker with a York First Church drive-by caravan on Saturday, June 6th at 5:00 PM. A balloon bouquet will already be provided but creative signs and other ideas to wish Sara well on her accomplishments would be welcome. Her address is: 2860 Heavenlight Circle, York, PA, 17402. Shhhh….this is a surprise for Sara! Anyone interested can plan to meet at the church parking lot at 4:45 PM on June 6 and we'll drive over together. They live in a cul-de-sac so we will all drive past her home very slowly, honking horns, holding signs, and celebrating her accomplishments from a safe distance. Plan on joining us!

Due to health concerns and restrictions on gatherings, the Church of the Brethren Summer Youth Workcamps have been canceled. Our Youth had planned to attend one during the month of July, so this is sad news for many. Please click on the button to view the cancellation announcement:

Workcamp Cancellations

On a brighter note, please check out this new Church of the Brethren resource that provides daily devotions for the youth. "Good News! Youth Devotional" has a new and unique offering each day with scripture, commentary, prayers, and questions to consider.

Youth Daily Devotions

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!

Church of the Brethren Denominational News

Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will not be held this summer

Newsline Special Annual Conference

May Church of the Brethren Newsline Digest

Newsline Digest

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. 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

Upcoming Events Soup Kitchen - Friday, June 12, 2020 - Sign up by calling Audrey Ginder, 717-755-6785 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, June 12, 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!

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. Leadership Team hasmet this month and appointed a COVID reopening team to address "when" and "how" we may resume gatherings. will be meeting during the month of May to plan our re-opening strategy. Numerous factors will contribute the plans that we decide to enact. When we do resume gatherings, please be prepared for a "soft" openings, as not all things will return to "normal" as we have known them. Nevertheless, our church - we the people of faith - remains strong and committed, and our worship and service to God will always go on. Master Planning building project progress continuing, as we proceed into the code review stage adn bidding process in the near future. We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “physical 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. 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. 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.

Child Development Center Update As we moved to the "Yellow" Phase in York County last Friday, 5/22, the staff readied the center to open to 14 children of essential workers Tuesday, 5/26. This allowed staff to be trained and work out the bugs on their new intake procedures following Center for Disease Control guidelines. Next week they are prepared to open to those parents needing care as they return to work. We anticipate 40+ children returning next week with more children returning the beginning of July as parents are no longer distance-working. Special thanks to the CDC Board, Carman Banzaca, Center Director and Lori Bedwell, Financial Administrator for their leadership, and to the staff for supporting families through this challenging time. We also thank John Anderson for his assistance in caring for the facility. A PPP loan was acquired allowing us to remain financially viable and continue to pay our staff during our shutdown with a measured and safe return to work. The staff were in touch with children and parents throughout the stay at home order via social media and ZOOM sessions providing stay at home activities and contact. Many prayers were answered and will continue to be appreciated as we acclimate ourselves to the new normal in the CDC. Stay well, Deb Klinedinst, CDC Board Chairperson

Message from Camp Eder: C AMP EDER (along with Camp Swartara) is so sorry to tell you, due to COVID-19, we must cancel our traditional summer camp for 2020. There will however, be other opportunities for you to enjoy our wonderful outdoor experiences. Please look for these as they come available.   We are also sorry that our May Senior Day needed to be cancelled. Look for the milk man in August. Johnny Appleseed will be here in the fall.   Thank you for your amazing support, both financially and with prayers. We ask that they will continue.   We pray that you and your family are well and tolerating the quarantine.   Camp Eder Board and staff

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.

Postponed and Canceled Events

Vacation Bible School has been postponed until 2021 Education Team hopes to do something special for children this summer, but it will not be a week-long VBS event.

Postponed Until 2021 Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community 60th Annual Chicken BBQ, Car Show, & Auction scheduled for Sat., August 8th

If your birthday is in  JUNE it is not on the below list or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.

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 12  Shannon (McCracken) Kendig 12  Michelle Yingling 12  Deb Martin 13  Trey Bradfield 16  Nancy Gipe 19  Helen Lehman-Fay 20  Justin Stehr 21  Dale Campbell 22  Nancy Snyder 22  Benjamin Thomas Miller 28  Roy Rollman 29  Marie Bachman 30  Arden Kile

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.   If you would like to support this outreach program while we are not meeting as a congregation during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can 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

Save the Date

The Lehman Center Benefit Auction benefiting Children's Aid Society has been changed to Tuesday, June 30, 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!

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 45, By Mike Frock   Introduction to Organ Stops; Part 4: Mutations   The Prelude this week is ‘No. 7 O God, You Pious God’ from “Eleven Chorale Preludes Op. 122” by Johannes Brahms.  Note: There are three moments of silence near the end of the piece. It may sound as if I made a mistake and stopped playing, but there are written rests in the music. This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, and so the Offertory is specific to this day.  The Offertory is an arrangement of the tune WEM IN LEIDENSTAGEN.  This tune is in the Brethren Hymnal as #25 “Jesus, stand among us.” Many different sets of lyrics have been set to this tune including “Holy Spirit, Hear Us.”  I chose this hymn for this week because the “Holy Spirit, Hear Us” lyrics are specific to Pentecost.  You can read all seven verses at  https://hymnary.org/text/holy_spirit_hear_us_on_this_sacred_day .  I will play a verse of the hymn, and then the arrangement.  During the arrangement, the melody will be played on the Swell (top) manual, and the other parts will be played on the Great (middle) manual.  The Postlude is “Praise” by Stephen Otis.   The previous organ stop articles discussed basic footages and Mixtures.  The last type of stop is called a Mutation.  After the name of the sound, a Mutation stop will have a fractional number, e.g. 1 1/3’, 1 3/5’, or 2 2/3’.  There are other fractions that exist, but these are the three lengths that are on the church’s organ.  Mutations get into the overtone/harmonic series, and they sound at a harmonic that is not the note played (the fundamental) or any octave above that.  The harmonic sounded is represented by the fractional length listed on the stop.  E.g. playing middle C on a 2 2/3’ stop will sound the G one octave and a perfect fifth higher, a 1 3/5’ stop will sound the E two octaves and a major third higher, and a 1 1/3’ stop will sound the G two octaves and a perfect fifth higher.  The church’s organ has four Mutations: one on the Great, two on the Swell, and one on the Choir.  Mutations are always used in conjunction with other stops and never on their own.  If they were used on their own, they would transpose the music.  I do not use them unless they are specifically recommended as in the Cornet registration which calls for stops of 8’, 4’, 2 2/3’, 2’, and 1 3/5’. 

LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP

Scripture Lesson: Acts 1:6-14 Message: "Looking Up"

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”