OUR CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING THIS YEAR WILL SUPPORT HEIFER INTERNATIONAL



Please make checks payable to York First Church of the Brethren, noting Heifer or Christmas Eve Offering, or you may give online at http://osvhub.com/york-first/funds and select Christmas Eve Offering

How Heifer International Began:

In 1944, Dan West began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.

He’d seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. 

His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.



These days, Heifer International generally provides animals to participating families through local channels in the countries we serve. But early on, the organization shipped livestock from the United States to other countries. During their travels, these animals were cared for by "seagoing cowboys": ranchers and farmers who aided Heifer in its mission by lending their expertise in animal husbandry and agriculture.

There will be no Sunday School on December 25 and January 1

CALENDAR OF CHURCH EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Sanctuary

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day

10:30 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

Monday, December 26

Church Office Closed

Thursday, December 29

7:30 pm Choir Practice – Sanctuary

Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

10:30 am Worship Service – Sanctuary

Click on this button to view the full calendar

Additions and updates for prayer list or calendar of events are welcome by contacting the church office.

Special note for all Ministry Teams: Please notify the church office with any upcoming meetings or events for your team so we can add these dates to the calendar.

2023 OFFERING ENVELOPES

Are available for pickup on the counter in the narthex.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING

1.   Some envelope numbers have changed for 2023.

2.  If you are using Online Giving, your envelope number is in the 200 range, and you will not receive a box of envelopes. See the listing located with the boxes of envelopes.

3.   TO ASSURE CORRECT RECORDING OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, DO NOT use your old (2022) envelopes after DECEMBER 31, 2022.                                                                 

DO NOT use your new (2023) envelopes before JANUARY 1, 2023.

4.   If you would like to receive envelopes, please inform the church secretary and she will see that they are provided.

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: http://www.osvhub.com/york-first/funds.

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!

NOTE: Online giving can be used for regular weekly or monthly offerings, special offerings (e.g. Christmas Eve), and capital campaign contributions, as well as many other specific outreach ministries that we sponsor.

DATES TO REMEMBER



Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00 PM

Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day Worship 10:30 AM

Sunday January 8 - Bread and Cup Communion 10:30 AM

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

WILL BEGIN MEETING AGAIN ON JANUARY 10, 2023

OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, January 13, 2023

Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, January 13, 2023 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

PLEASE contact Sandi to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let

Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.

The pans are located in the church lounge. Thank you! 

CAMP EDER WINTER CAMP 2023

JANUARY 27TH - 29TH

For Grades 1st - 12th & Shining Stars Campers

Arrive 7:00 PM Friday - Pickup 2:00 PM Sunday

Grab your sleds and strap on your snow boots and join us for a weekend of winter fun at Camp Eder!

Click below to register online or

contact Camp Eder at campeder@campeder.org or (717) 642-8256

Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org

Click on the button for current

Church of Brethren News

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 2022 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’d like to support this program, please see Becky Wenger before/after worship service OR mail your check (paid to York First Church) to 3011 Bedford Pl, York, PA 17408 and your cards will be mailed to you.

The Education Team would like to share free monthly video links from Teepa Snow. Hoping you will get a chance to watch them and learn something that may be helpful when dealing with those you come in contact with who have dementia.

Teepa Snow’s care strategies and techniques look at what is known about brain function and changes that happen with various conditions and integrate that information with therapeutic approaches. December's link is:

The GEMS characteristics focus on ability instead of loss and are an invaluable tool to assist with changing abilities that impact relationships and expectations.  https://youtu.be/Z6UVjp_y8HY

LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP

HOLIDAY CONCERT

FOR JOANNA

Sunday December 18, 2022

If you were not able to join us in person, please enjoy this beautiful concert featuring Christine Wuhrman, Becca Miller, and friends.

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 contact the church if you desire a visit or to request prayer.