SUNDAY SCHEDULE
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
December 24, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Luke 2:1-20
MESSAGE:
“A Heavenly Decree”
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
December 27, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Luke 2:21-40
MESSAGE:
"Guided by the Spirit"
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
Poinsettia List (In
Memory & Honor)
COB Newsline
Upcoming Events
Thank you
Birthdays
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Birth of Jesus
and the Blessing of Jesus
It ought to go without saying that this week in worship we will recall the birth of Jesus and celebrate its meaning for us all. Our Christmas Eve Candle Light Service will be at 7:00 PM Thursday. Expect much beautiful music, times for prayer and scripture, and a message focusing on God's public "decree" announcing Jesus' birth. Even though many of us will have a simpler-than-usual Christmas this year, come and hear why Jesus' birth was less "lonely" than we might have thought! Emma Stoolmaker and Caroline Wolfe will be singing for us during the service, for which we are grateful. Plan to have a candle with you at home and to light it when the time comes!
Sunday December 27 worship will be at 10:30 AM as usual. The message will explore the meaning of two people, Simeon and Anna, who blessed the infant Jesus at the Jerusalem temple, weeks after his birth. We'll consider what it meant for them to be able to "depart in peace" after recognizing God's promises becoming fulfilled in this child named Jesus. Come and ponder with us the magnitude with which they understood the expansive potential of his ministry, and how we might recognize it in a similar way.
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. Click the link below shortly before the service begins to join in: 6:45 PM on Thursday and 10:30 AM on Sunday.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
7:00 PM, December 24, 2020
Christmas Eve Service
Pre-Service Music (6:45 PM)
Prelude – "Infant's Prayer"
Welcome and Sharing
Lighting the Christ Candle
Invocation Prayer
Hymn – “O come, all ye faithful”
Children’s Time
Special Music: "What Child Is This?"
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
A Christmas Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory: "A Hallelujah Christmas"
Prayer of Blessing
Scripture Lesson – Luke 2:1-20
Hymn – “O little town of Bethlehem”
Message – “A Heavenly Decree”
Candle Lighting Solo – “O Holy Night”
Candle Light Carol – “Silent night, holy night”
Commission and Blessing
Postlude: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
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SUNDAY SERVICE DECEMBER 27, 2020 |
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, December 27, 2020
Prelude “There’s a Song in the Air”
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn "What child is this"
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory Solo/Special Music
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Luke 2:21-40
Message "Guided by the Spirit"
Hymn of Response - "Good Christian friends, rejoice"
Sending Prayer
Postlude “Fantasia on ‘Dix’”
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**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains "open" to in-person gathering. However, due to present public health concerns, we encourage remaining at home as the most responsible option if you are willing and able to join in worship via live stream video.
So long as our attendance remains modest, we believe that some of us can gather safely, provided that face coverings are worn and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate risk of disease.**
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2020
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Harold B. Ginder by Audrey
Craig Witman by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Ruby Minnich by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Linda Horner by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Janine Kile Logue by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Jacque & Minnie Lou Tracy by Tom & Jill
William G. McCracken, Sr. by Tom & Jill
David Diehl by the Chancel Choir
Bill Eisenhart by Elizabeth and family
Our children, Jeff, Jenny, & Betsy Jo by Bill & Jolene Zeigler
Galen Trimmer by Pat Trimmer
Lucille Stoner by Leonard Stoner Family
Our parents, Jacob & Alverta Stoner and John & Esther Herr by Leonard & Helen Stoner
Sister, Peggy Stoner and Brother, Stephen Herr by Leonard & Helen Stoner
My wife, Janine Logue by Larry
My wonderful mom and dad by Karen Bowman
Roy & Ruth Nicholas by Brad Nicholas
IN HONOR OF
Dave Bradfield on his 90th birthday (12-15-20) by Carole
Karen Bowman by Audrey
Rebecca L. McCracken by Tom & Jill
Our children and grandchildren by Tom & Jill
Pastor Joel & Michele Gibbel
Arden & Bernetta Kile by Larry, Chris, Felicia
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Christmas Eve Offering
Both these organizations are partners in the York Code Blue program to provide emergency shelter this winter (mid-December to mid-April) for single male and female homeless people. The intent is to provide a place to get in out of the winter weather and be safe when poor weather conditions exist. This shelter will help to offset the decrease in existing year round beds available that is a result of the Covid-19 distancing restrictions. Your offerings are appreciated.
To give, click on the Online Giving link below and select Christmas Eve Offering tab.
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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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David Diehl Memorial Fund
Our beloved choir director David Diehl passed away November 12th and his family has decided to wait until a later time to hold a memorial service, due to the pandemic. For now, the church is planning gifts in honor and memory of David's 20-plus years of Music Leadership.
Gifts suggested include the following:
- Junior and Youth Symphony Scholarships
- First Church Music Instrumentalists Fund
(David maintained this fund over the years as his contribution to First Church)
- A tree in David's honor as part of the landscaping plans being developed
If you want to show your appreciation for David's service to First Church, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the church. Designate the David Diehl Fund and indicate where you want to direct your contribution. You may mail it to the church office or drop in the church offering plate.
The church has also set up a link to the church’s on-line giving website where contributions can be sent to the church in honor and memory of David. The church will acknowledge the gifts and forward them as a group to the Junior and/or Youth Symphony in David’s memory.
From there you will see the option to donate to David’s fund.
Here is special tribute to David Diehl by the Dallastown High School Alumni
String Quartet. Our friends, Ben & Matt Detrick, are participating in this video.
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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 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. This week the class will continue a series on Advent Season, "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break" by James Moore and Jacob Armstrong. This will be led by Patricia Carey.
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, "Call in the New Testament." This week the lesson explores Matthew 3, the call of John the Baptist to "prepare the way" for Jesus.
Come and join us! Time for catching up and fellowship is always part of this class, in addition to the lesson.
Children's Sunday School Class
ADVENT SERIES CONTINUES! All families with Sunday School age children should have received a postcard with login information last week. We've invited some new people this time as well! 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!
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Church’s Renovation Project Update and Contribution Reminder
What a year this has been! Now, at this time of year when we are celebrating Gods ultimate gift of everlasting life through his son Jesus we celebrate together and in confidence the blessing that York First Church of the Brethren is to so many.
This fall we began our planned renovation of the Sanctuary, Narthex, CDC classroom floors and Fellowship Hall. We are well on our way to completing these projects and appreciate all who have helped make this renovation a reality. In my devotion yesterday there was reference to Haggai 1:8, "Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord". I trust that we are glorifying our Lord and being good stewards of all the blessings we’ve been given to share with our community.
Our total project was estimated to cost $1,187,830 and monies that were pledged totaled $1,230,000. The project estimated costs have fluctuated both up and down. While we don’t have an exact total to share at this time the expenses are being kept below the monies pledged.
We are grateful for the congregation’s generosity in funding God’s work and these projects. Whether you gave a onetime gift or have pledged over a period of time your gifts are appreciated. We now encourage those that have made pledges to send them before the end of the year. To those that may have wanted to contribute but couldn’t and now may be able to we are grateful for every dollar of support! Without your support we could not carry on the work of York 1st or have accomplished these projects.
Thank you for your support and prayers for this project as together we set in motion a path that allows us to be good stewards, bridge builders and a blessing for the next generation of believers. We will be able to offer a continuity of ministry here. A commitment we made to the importance of ministry in our lives and to those whom it blesses. We commit to building, but not upon a foundation of sand. We build upon the rock that is Jesus Christ, and we confess that we belong to him. We are God’s servants, working together, in a holy temple where God’s Spirit dwells.
Until we can be together safely again the Master Planning Team wishes you a peaceful, hopeful and joyous Christmas! We look forward to that time of celebrating God’s blessings and good works done through our combined gifts of time, talent and treasure!
Stay well,
Deb Klinedinst
Master Planning Team Chairperson
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF DECEMBER 21, 2020
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Carpet installed in the Nursery
in the rear of the Sanctuary
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The four big chandeliers installed
in the Gathering Area
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Fellowship Hall new Stage Back Wall
curtains & refinished stage floor
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The Fellowship Hall Stage Curtains installed and the newly painted walls |
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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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December Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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2021 DIRECTORY
We need your help to update our 2021 church directory!
If you have any changes, please email them to the church secretary
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 - Sign up by calling Audrey Ginder,
717-755-6785 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
(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.
Due to renovations, the pans are now located in the church lounge.
Thank you!
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The church is helping the Winter family get into an apartment.
They've been living in a hotel room for a year. This is a family of 4 generations the youngest being 4 years old. It looks like they will be in their new apartment the beginning of the new year.
Items still needed are:
6 bed pillows
dinner plates
plastic cups
Bowls (Like for cereal)
Vacuum
bucket
broom
2 sets of towels
Cleaning supplies
If you have items used or new to donate please let Diane Gibble know and place the items in the lounge.
They are so thankful for all we are doing to help them get back on their feet again. The main bread winner in the family injured his hand in 2019 and had to have an operation he was not able to work for a few months which caused them to loose their housing. The church is financially helping with a security deposit and first months rent, furnishings that have been donated to fill the whole house and help from our food bank for a few months until they can be self sufficient. When I contacted the family and told them what the church had to offer they said "you'd do this for us"? In these difficult times this is a great way we can share God's love.
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Nigerian Sewing Machine Project
This information is from Cathy Carson. Cathy's Nigerian friends brought to her attention the use of old sewing machines. The following are the make/model/year of sewing machines which can most easily be altered for use in Nigeria.
Singer model machines, 1945 to 1970 and belt driven, can be converted to use a treadle type machine although it involves replacing the hand wheel with one to accommodate a belt on a treadle. *Some of the 1945 to 1970 were also converted to hand cranked for folks who have no use of their legs. These are also belt driven machines originally. Motors are removed and a crank wheel replaces the hand wheel. These replacement wheels can be purchased new. Any machines that are gear driven can not be converted.
"Newer" Singer electric machines, 1945-65, can be converted to no electricity needed function by removing the motor and small belt, wheel replaced for treadle operation and then the new belt is added hooked up to the treadle. Other option for no electricity is an older 1950's portable Singer which is also belt driven. The motor can be removed and the wheel replaced w/hand crank. Hand cranks are still available new; this version also good for the no usable legs crew.
If you have any additional questions or would like to
donate a sewing machine, please contact Cathy Carson at 717-755-0968.
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York First Church Family, We wish to Thank You for your concern for Bill with the many,many prayers,cards, phone calls,and e-mails over the last 3 months. The treatments are over now, but there is still much healing to be done. We are Very Grateful for each One of You!! Praying the New Year will bring better times for all.
With Thankful Hearts, Jolene and Bill Zeigler
I want express my appreciation for your prayers, cards, calls of concern on my recent surgery. It has been a blessing to know so many cared. Thank you so very much. ~ Audrey Ginder
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
06 Tom Klinedinst
07 Greg Minnich
09 Jeffrey Yingling
11 Nathan Beuschlein
14 Beth Drawbaugh
14 Clarence Sauder
15 Ron Horner
15 Steven Fitzkee
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If your birthday is in JANUARY and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
16 Cathy McCracken
16 Tanner Ferro
18 Melanie Schaefer
19 Greg Bachman
19 Luke Miller
20 Spencer Ginder
20 Dana Stump
23 Danielle Gibbel
25 Valerie Sauder
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and despite COVID-19 cases rising in our area, we believe that we can responsibly continue 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 not resume in person 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. 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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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.
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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"Notes from the Console," Article 75, By Mike Frock
The Prelude for Christmas Eve is “Infant’s Prayer” by James Mansfield. The Special Music is a jazzy version of “What Child Is This?” arranged by Mary Hayes. The Offertory, sung by Emma Stoolmaker, is “A Christmas Hallelujah” with music written by Leonard Cohen and lyrics by the contemporary Christian band Cloverton. The Candle Lighting Solo, sung by Caroline Wolfe, is “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam, and the Postlude is “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Felix Mendelssohn and arranged by James Denton.
The Prelude for Sunday the 27th is “There’s a Song in the Air” by Karl P. Harrington and arranged by Dorothy Wells. The Offertory, sung by Emma Stoolmaker, is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Mark Hall and Dale Oliver. This song uses words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Postlude is “Fantasia on ‘Dix’” by Conrad Kocher and arranged by Lani Smith. DIX is the tune name for the hymns “As with Gladness Men of Old” and “For the Beauty of the Earth.” I like to play this piece the week or two after Christmas because although the Christmas songs stop playing on the radio and the Christmas movies stop being played on television, Christmas Day is really the start of the Christmas season, not the end. However, if you are a little weary after the two months of Christmas songs and movies leading up to Christmas, you can imagine that this is an arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth.” It is a win-win for everyone.
I want to thank all the musicians who sang and played during the Advent and Christmas seasons and especially for the Cantata. On Cantata Sunday, Micah made his trumpet-playing debut, and Loretta played the Handbells stop on the organ which had not been played since last year’s Cantata. On Christmas Eve, Emma, Caroline Wolfe, and Katrina Wolfe will provide beautiful music. I had fun playing the Christmas hymn medley from Peggy Metzger for the postlude on Cantata Sunday and the Mark Hayes arrangement of “What Child Is This?” on Christmas Eve. And I want to give a huge thank you to Tim Beckwith for all his expertise and all his extra time he has invested in the church, especially since we started live-streaming services back in March. Lastly, thank you to everyone who gave me Christmas cards, cookies, and other gifts. They are all very much appreciated!
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
Cantata and Worship Service
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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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