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
September 20, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Matthew 20:1-16
MESSAGE:
"Offensive Generosity”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Canceled Event
Thank you
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Generosity the Offends?
This week in worship we will look closely at how God treats all who serve and give effort toward good works, noting how Jesus offered the "parable of the laborers in the vineyard" as he was teaching about rewards for his disciples' faithfulness. Are we envious of others when God is generous to them, or are we content with whatever God gives us? Better still, can we find joy in freedom from envy, recognizing that perhaps we can do what is right without any reward at all, but simply because its beneficial to all? Come and listen for what God may be speaking to us about such matters today.
Vacation Bible School Wrap-up
During this week's worship, we will receive a report and presentation about our at-home VBS program this summer. Expect a slideshow and a song to give a glimpse of the "Bolt VBS" program that many of our children enjoyed. Please join us, either in-person or online, for this special time.
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 weekend.
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The video will be available to view after the worship hour in case you miss the 10:30 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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York First Livestream/YouTube Instructions
Step #3 (optional but helpful): Download the YouTube app to your smartphone.
Step #4: In the Friday e-news, click on the upcoming worship service link. On YouTube, Click the ‘Set Reminder’ button. You will need to be logged into your gmail/youtube account. When we go live on Sunday morning (typically a few minutes before 10:30), you should receive an email notification and a smartphone notification if you have downloaded it to your smartphone and have the notifications set up. Then you can just click the link in the notification to view the live video.
If at any time you have issues accessing the link, please refresh the page or visit our YouTube Channel page.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, September 20, 2020
Organ Prelude ‘Aria Quinta with Six Variations in A Minor' from “Hexachordum Apollinis”
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Come, thou fount”
Children's Time: VBS Presentation
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Offertory: “Nothing Ever”
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Church
Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:1-16
Message: "Offensive Generosity”
Hymn “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”
Sending Prayer
Organ Postlude “Come, Thou Almighty King”
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This Week: Gathering
*** Special Note: Due to building construction, our sanctuary seating space has been further limited permits less room for "distancing" than it has before. Take this into consideration when discerning whether or not to attend in person. ***
This Sunday once again, our church building will be open for worship attendance. Please view the video below from last week for more information related to expectations and guidelines for our safety, as well as the written portion further below entitled "Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations." This remains a "soft opening" and not any sort of grand return-to-normal, as many parts of this nation struggle with COVID-19 very much at present. Since rates are relatively low in our area, we trust that small gatherings can be done with a high degree of safety.
We encourage staying at home rather than attending in person. Those who wish to attend may do so, so long as guidelines are practiced and we all remain healthy. Thank you all for your patience, concern, and encouragement in recent weeks!
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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 led by Arden Kile once again this week, further examining the Compelling Vision for the Church of the Brethren.
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 Genesis 42, considering the feelings of "love versus guilt" that we may choose to harbor when confronted with past shortcomings.
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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For those of you working with our children at church:
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!
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A Prayer Request and CDC Update
The Child Development Center will be closed from Thursday, September 17th, to Friday, September 25th due to a confirmed case of coronavirus. The Center was sanitized yesterday by the staff, so it is ready for reopening. Your prayers for all the families needing care, the health of the children enrolled, staff, & wisdom for all leading the center are coveted and appreciated.
Stay well,
Deb Klinedinst
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 - Sign up by calling Audrey Ginder,
717-755-6785 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Oct. 9, 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.
Due to renovations, the pans are now located in the church lounge.
Thank you!
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OCTOBER 19-20, 2020 - CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
"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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MESSAGE FROM THE BRETHREN DISASTER MINISTRIES
Please click below to read the letter from the
Board of Directors of the BDRA
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 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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September Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest
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2020 District Conference
that was scheduled for
Sat., September 19, 2020
has been cancelled.
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You may click on the link
below to access District
Conference Information
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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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O.W.L.S. News
JUST A NOTE............
THERE WILL BE NO OWLS ACTIVITY THIS MONTH DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS.
STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ON A DECEMBER GATHERING.
MAYBE? MAYBE NOT?
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FREE FOR THE
TAKING.........
We have eight tables and
one chair to give away.
Please contact Roy Rollman
if you are interested.
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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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Dear Church Family, thank you so much for all your well wishes during my recent procedures and hospitalization. Your prayers sustained me through some rough times. God Bless you!
Carole Bradfield
Thank you everyone; for all the cards, phone call and well wishes during my recent surgery. The doctors removed a cancerous tumor from the wall of my small intestine. It took two attempts but they are confident that they were able to get all of the cancer. I will not have any additional treatments or therapy other than a six months follow up exam. Thank you especially to Nancy who had to undergo the ordeal of hospital waiting rooms in the current pandemic environment. I would have been lost without her.
Steve Jones
Thank you everyone for all your well-wishes, thoughts and prayers, flowers, baked goodies, cards and phone calls during this time of my neck diagnosis, surgery and recovery. I came home last Saturday noon after a three and a half hour surgery on Thursday to remove the lump in my neck. I’m continuing to rest to get my strength back. Thankfully the pain has been minimal. As I write this I am awaiting the pathology results when I see my surgeon today (Friday). Thank you friends. I really appreciate all that you have done. In Christian Love, Barbara Rollman
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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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"Notes from the Console," Article 61, By Mike Frock
Is Music Theory Racist? Part 1
The Prelude this week is ‘Aria Quinta with Six Variations in A Minor' P. 197 from “Hexachordum Apollinis” by Johann Pachelbel. My interpretation of this piece is that there should be a consistent beat throughout the piece. The aria and each variation last about 0’55” to 1’00”, for a total duration of about 6’35”. I will try to start the prelude at about 10:25/10:26 and be finished by about 10:32/10:33. The Postlude this week is an arrangement of the hymn “Come, Thou Almighty King” (#41 in the Brethren Hymnal) by Felice de Giardini and arranged by Lani Smith.
There was a YouTube video dealing with music that went viral last week. I saw it posted on Facebook with the title “Music Theory is Racist” and a link to the YouTube video titled “Music Theory and White Supremacy.” The video was made by Adam Neely and was inspired by a presentation that Dr. Philip Ewell gave at the annual Society for Music Theory conference in 2019 titled “Music Theory’s White Racial Frame.” Ewell has a Ph.D. in Music Theory from Yale University, teaches music theory at Hunter College in NYC, and appears frequently in Neely’s video. It is worth noting from the outset that as a YouTuber, Neely makes money from making videos. Therefore, some controversial things may have been added into the video simply to “stoke the fire,” to try to make it more viral, and hence make more money. E.g. If Neely had titled his video “Music Theory’s White Racial Frame,” that would probably get less views than if he included the knee-jerk reaction words “Racist” or “White Supremacy.” The premise of the video is that, almost always, when one hears the phrase “music theory,” one can substitute the phrase “the harmonic style of 18th-century musicians.” Europeans and Americans have created the entire system of what we consider music theory around the stylistic practices of a select few white male composers who lived three hundred years ago, mostly in Germany. Hence, our concept of music theory does not do a good job of explaining the music from other areas of the world (India, Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America, etc.) or different eras (pre-Baroque, 20th Century, etc.). Also, almost every type of non-classical music (rap, jazz, R&B, metal, movie scores, electronic/techno, Latin, etc.) has examples that do not conform to the conventions of what we know as music theory.
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Scripture Lesson:
Romans 14:1-12
MESSAGE:
"Accountable to God”
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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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