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 11, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Philippians 4:4-9
MESSAGE:
"Keep On"
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Thank you
Directory Changes
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The God of Peace...
...will be with you. This week in worship we will encounter the Apostle Paul's encouragement to the church in prayer, discernment, and the need to rejoice, always, while maintaining a gentle spirit. In doing so, we are assured that "the peace of God... will guard our hearts and minds" - quite a statement from someone who was himself being "guarded" as a prisoner. We are reminded that living for Christ may put us at odds with worldly authorities, and a close relationship with God is of infinitely greater importance than conformity to the customs of our day.
We will welcome guest soloist Josh Smith for our special offertory music this Sunday. Come and join us for this service of worship.
Congregational Forum
Following worship this Sunday, the Congregational Forum will be held - all church members are encouraged to attend, either in person or via live stream video. Please find the link below. The forum booklet, treasurer's reports, and the slate ballot for affirming leaders are available for pick in the Lounge and in the sanctuary during Sunday worship service.
Two items will require approval by vote: The Financial Plan for 2021 and the Slate Ballot for affirming leaders whose terms will begin in 2021.
We request a response on these two items above by Monday,
Oct. 26th. This could come in several forms: Voting in
person by attending the meeting, voting by email secretary@yorkfirst.org or mail response indicating approval or disapproval of each of the above, or a phone call 717-755-0307 to the church office during the weekday hours of 7 AM - 2 PM. *Only church members are permitted to vote* and we expect responses within two weeks of the meeting. Thank you all for your commitment and service to our church.
11:30 AM Congregational Forum Video:
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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.
10:30 AM Worship Service Video:
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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 11, 2020
Organ Prelude "Toccata in D Minor"
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn "O Worship the Lord"
Children’s Time
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Church
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Prayer of Dedication
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Message: "Keep On"
Hymn "My life flows on"
Prayers of Blessing and Sending
Organ Postlude "Cantate Domino"
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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 be studying the Wednesday "Upper Room" Lesson.
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 Your Enemies." This week the lesson explores Jesus' teachings as recorded in Luke 6:27-36, discussing the challenges and rewards of refusing hate and violence in response to the same.
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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OCTOBER 10, 2020 - A Celebration of Life Service for Ruby Minnich will be held in our sanctuary on Sat., Oct. 10th at 3:00 PM. In-person attendance will primarily be for family and close friends. Please hold Ruby's husband John and sons Mark and Greg in prayer.
A live stream video is provided for those not attending in person. Please click the link below, 3:00 PM on Saturday, to attend.
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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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OCTOBER 28, 2020 (WEDNESDAY) - Trick or Trunk Event in our Parking Lot!
Please consider decorating your vehicle and blessing many families this month through out annual trick or Trunk Event! Modifications to our usual ways will be in effect this year to encourage distancing and minimizing crowding and touching of treats.
We still hope to hold it, however, and to invite church and CDC families and well as the public from our neighborhood - but at staggered times so as to keep the event safer. Expect a 5:15 PM start time. Thank you!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 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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Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, and cards for my recent surgery. It was appreciated. ~ Ed Martin
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DIRECTORY CHANGES
P. 20 - Bradley Nicholas - Bradley's email is changed to read: nichben510@gmail.com
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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 “The German Awakening: Protestant Renewal after the Enlightenment, 1815-1848,” by Andrew Kloes on Thurs., Oct. 22, 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Kloes, recipient of the 2020 Dale Brown Book Award for The German Awakening: Protestant Renewal after the Enlightenment, 1815-1848. And a historian in Washington, DC, will discuss the “Awakening movement” in German Protestantism in the nineteenth century. 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 64, By Mike Frock
Is Music Theory Racist? Part 4
The Prelude this week is “Toccata in D Minor,” catalogue number P. 461, by Johann Pachelbel. The Offertory is “Jesus” composed by Josh Smith and performed by Josh Smith (tenor) and his mother, Cherie Smith, on piano. The Postlude is “Cantate Domino” by Stewart Landon.
The fifth part of the video gets a little bogged down talking about a music theorist named Heinrich Schenker. Schenker lived in Germany in the early twentieth century and created his own music theory called Schenkerian Analysis. In Schenkerian Analysis, the analyst takes a piece of music (the “foreground”), reduces it to a simpler “middleground,” reduces it to a simpler “background,” and ultimately reduces it to what is called a “ursatz.” I did take a class in Schenkerian Analysis in college, but even most music majors are not familiar with Schenkerian Analysis, unless you are a Music Theory Major/Minor. I highly recommend looking at my two Facebook posts from October 7th which show the foreground, middleground, and background reductions, as well as some of the other Schenkerian Analysis notations. Alternatively, do a Google Images search for Schenkerian Analysis as it has its own form of notation which does have a certain beauty to it, even if you have no idea what any of it means. Most often the ursatz is “me re do” in solfege syllables. Schenker essentially says that all great music can be reduced to “Three Blind Mice,” which is a little bit of an oversimplification, but not much. One of the critiques of Schenkerian Analysis is that it was a music theory created to explain western music and no other type of music. Even when I took the class, I remember feeling like the whole system was a bit contrived—a system created in retrospect to explain what came before. However, what I was unaware of was that Schenker did not try to hide the fact that he was a German, creating a German system to show the musical genius of about a dozen German composers, which would somehow lead to ultimate goal of the emergence of a German-speaking society.
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Scripture Lesson:
Philippians 3:4b-14
MESSAGE:
"Press On”
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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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