SUNDAY SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - Sunday School Classes for all ages - click
here
for more information
10:30 AM - Worship, Sanctuary
|
|
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
March 15, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
John 4:1-29,39-41
MESSAGE:
“Living Water”
|
|
|
Contents
:
This Week
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry Schedule
J.A.M. Choir News
Online Giving
Thank you
Save the Date
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
|
|
MESSAGE :
Living Water: Jesus and the Woman at Jacob's Well
This week in worship we will recall Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman, a social-boundary-breaking encounter that is quite surprising, even to his own disciples. We are reminded of how deep and wide the love of God extends, and we are taught that true worship happens not according to geography but by God's spirit and truth. Come and see.
|
BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE CHOIR CONCERT
Scheduled for Saturday March 14
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED
(and the Choir's Entire Tour)
Thanks to all who offered to open your homes to students. There is no longer a need,but we hope for a similar event in the future.
|
Special Offering: “One Great Hour of Sharing”
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Invest in Futures
~ "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building." - 1 Corinthians 3:9 When you give to to One Great Hour of Sharing, you support:
•Families rebuilding their homes and lives after disasters
•Farmers who share food and agricultural training with their communities
•Youth who attend faith-forming events like National Junior High Conference
•Volunteers who serve for a week or a year, beginning a lifetime of Christ-like service.
Thank you for investing in futures! Your gifts do great things! Online giving is an option if you cannot attend.
|
|
***A WORD ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS (CORONAVIRUS)***
It is no secret that our world currently faces a potential viral pandemic with the contagion known as COVID-19. You can trust that your church leaders are very aware of this and are prepared to take preventative measures in order to reduce its harm. We encourage you all to "fear not" yet act responsibly out of regard for all.
Helpful information is available at
http://www.brethren.org/bdm/covid-19.html and attention to disease control experts and local leaders is especially important at this time. We plan to worship together this Sunday, but we ask anyone who feels ill to stay home, and for everyone to be diligent with personal hygiene (hand-washing!) and
refrain from giving handshakes until further notice. Elbows bumps and verbal greetings will do as expressions of mutual love for now, thank you!
We are also stepping up the cleaning of our facility including door handles, pews, etc in an effort to reduce chances of spreading disease. If we believe it will be necessary to cancel services in the near future, we will do so by email announcement and website updates. If that happens, we will still provide encouragement and a weekly worship/message in digital online form, and the church will not cease to be the church! We'll simply need to preserve "social distance" for a time. It will take a community effort to remain well, and we must act out of love for our neighbors at all times. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Thank you, and please be in prayer for all who are affected. - Pastor Joel
|
|
CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY, Wed., March 18, 2020, 9:30 am
Morning Program: "The History of the Milk Man"
Our own Jay Crist, York County milkman and antique milk delivery vehicle collector will share the history of milk home delivery and the vehicles that made it possible. He has spent the last 20 years collecting and restoring milk trucks and wagons, his most recent project included a 1919 all electric powered milk truck. Join us for this fun program and take as stroll down memory lane. We will also be having a delicious lunch and a fun afternoon activity to wrap the day up!
|
|
The following resources are available on the table in the Gathering Area:
- This week's e-news and the March calendar, which can also be viewed here
- March Church of the Brethren Newsline Digest
- 2020 Directory, please feel free to pick up a copy
|
|
|
Click for Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School
|
|
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
are available in the Gathering Area –
“Holy Manna" by Paula Bowser, Devotions for Ash Wednesday through Easter.
We will all endure a wilderness experience at some point in our lives. Yet, we are never alone. God is always present, feeding us on the way. Partake of this holy manna, spiritual food which nourishes as we follow Jesus into the wilderness and beyond.
From the author:
"My prayer is that each page will nourish, comfort, and inspire as we follow Jesus into the wilderness, and into ministry where he continues to be tested. And from there, to Jerusalem, to the cross, to the grave, and even to the skies! May God bless you on this journey."
Please take one this Sunday and begin to use it during the season that is before us. They are yours free of charge, along with Lenten calendars for children.
|
|
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.
|
|
YARD SALE COLLECTION DATE
YARD SALE ITEMS will be collected starting Monday, April 13.
Please remember NO LARGE ITEMS at this time. And we cannot accept TV's, computers or large electronic items. A date will be posted later to drop off large items such as furniture, bicycles, cabinets, etc..
|
|
MEAT CANNING PROJECT
-
Volunteer Today! 5 days - April 13,14,15,16, & 20
Processed at: Christian Aid Ministries, Ephrata, PA
Sponsored by: Southern PA & Mid-Atlantic Districts COB
• Help with canning and labeling, there are 2 shifts each day:
6:45 am to noon and 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
• Sign-up early to secure your preferred day and time.
Volunteers are also needed to provide meals or finances to help cover the cost of meals.
Sign up sheets are located in the lobby.
If you have any questions, please contact John Anderson.
|
|
Southern PA District COB
2020 District Women's Spring Luncheon
Sat., April 25, 2020, 9:00 am
.
Held at Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Ave., Hanover, PA 17331. Isiah 43: 18-19 God is Doing a New Thing! ~ Session One will focus on what God is doing to revitalize, renew, restore, redeem and renovate ME. Session Two will focus on celebrating the ways God is renewing the CHURCH. Featured Speaker: Leah J. Hileman
Brochure/Registration Form is posted on the bulletin board.
Registration deadline: April 15th
|
|
OWLS NEWS 2020
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions -
Well, the decisions have been made, and it was decided that the OWLS will be meeting
THE LAST MONTH OF EACH QUARTER, STARTING THIS JUNE.
All gatherings are the second Thursday of the month at noon in the Homebuilder’s classroom unless otherwise announced.
The 2020 schedule (subject to change)
**We will not be meeting in March
June 11 - Indoor Picnic and BINGO.
Burgers provided. Bring a side dish.
Also bring an inexpensive, wrapped BINGO prize.
September 10 – Gather with the folks at New Fairview.
We will car-pool from church – The time to be announced later.
Program to be announced.
December 10 – Christmas Luncheon.
Bring food dishes to share.
Program – “Christmas Customs” presented by Andrea Adams.
Sign-up sheets will be posted, and updated announcements made closer to the scheduled gathering dates.
|
|
Children's Ministry Schedule
|
|
Thank you to all who assist with Children's Ministry. Your time, energy, and dedication are appreciated. If you need to make a schedule change or would like to serve as a teacher or in the nursery, please contact Michele Gibbel (717)318-5442 or
mgibbel@yahoo.com
|
|
Nursery Caregivers Needed!
In the recent weeks we have experienced a boom of young ones in the nursery during both Sunday School and Worship. This is so exciting! But to care for these little ones, we need more help. There are between 16-20 volunteer slots to fill each month. How can you help out?
Qualifications:
* A love for children
* A desire to support and encourage parents of young children
* An interest in seeing our congregation grow
* Background checks are required.
Please contact Michele Gibbel (
mgibbel@yahoo.com
) to be added to the rotation or with any questions. Thank you.
|
|
J.A.M. Choir News
Children ages 4 to 6th grade J.A.M. (Jesus And Me) Choir is practicing Sundays from 9:50 am to 10:10 am in the basement choir room. For those children in Sunday school you will be escorted to the choir room and return to the Sunday school room to meet your parents after practice each week. J.A.M. Choir is scheduled to sing in worship every 2nd Sunday of the month. We will be singing, moving, using puppets, and playing musical instruments. Join us every Sunday as we make music for our Lord!
|
|
Updates! One Great Hour of Sharing
and
Meat Canning
are available
for donating at Online Giving. You can also schedule your pledge payment to the
Capital Campaign
weekly, monthly or as a one time gift.
Check out our new
Pew Cards
. If you have a smart phone, iPhone or IPad, you can scan the bar code, download the app, enter the organization ID 4706 and give a one time donation for any fund. Thank you Karen Bowman for editing the design and printing the cards!
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!!!!!
|
|
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, cards, and concerns during Peg's illness and passing. It was greatly appreciated. - The Jay Crist Family
I want to thank everyone for the many cards, thoughts, and prayers on my wife, Ruby's, passing. Your concerns are much appreciated. - Brad Nicholas
|
|
EASTER EGG HUNT, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020
5:30 PM, Rain or Shine, held here at York First Church of the Brethren
|
|
2020 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
Save the dates
April 27-28 (Mon-Tues) for professional photography sessions here at the church - all free of charge unless you want to order multiple prints - in preparation for a new photo directory to include all active members and friends of the church. Registration details will be coming soon - including a simple online reservation process
and ability sign up in person. Please mark your calendars today!
Several volunteers will be needed to coordinate registration and serve as hosts on the dates of photo sessions. Please reach out to Pastor Joel
pastor@yorkfirst.org if you are interested and willing. Thank you!
|
|
CELEBRATION LUNCH - SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020
The York First CoB Capital Campaign would like to invite you to the Celebration Lunch on Sunday, May 17
th
immediately following the morning service. More information to follow.
|
|
|
Vacation Bible School at York First CoB
Sunday, June 14 - Thursday, June 18
Plan NOW to be a part of this wonderful week together!
More details in the months to follow
|
|
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.
|
|
Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies presents
“That I may sing a song”: Early Anabaptist Hymnals” on Thurs., March 26, at 7:30 pm.,
in
the college’s Susquehanna Room
. Joe A. Springer, curator of the Mennonite Historical Library at Goshen College, will share recent scholarship on the earliest hymnals published by German-speaking Anabaptists in the 16
th
century. He will devote particular attention to the 1564
Etliche schöne Christliche Geseng
, the first known edition of the
Ausbund
hymnal still in use among Old Order Amish today. Springer will also present “Early Anabaptist Hymnody: What Do We Want to Learn?” on Fri., March 27, 10 am to noon, in the Young Center’s Bucher Meetinghouse. Both events are free of charge. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit
www.etown.edu/youngctr/events
.
|
|
"Notes from the Console," Article 34, By Mike Frock
A Couple of Miscellaneous Things:
1. My mom wants to thank everyone for the cards that you donated to Operation Christmas Child. She was excited at the quantity and diversity of cards that you gave. After soliciting cards from several churches, including YFCOB and Codorus COB, she now has several hundred cards. However, if you still have cards you would like to get rid of, the shoeboxes are not put together until November, so you still have plenty of time.
2. The Offertory this week is inspired by concerns over the coronavirus. The Offertory is titled “Prelude on ‘Cleansing Fountain.’” CLEANSING FOUNTAIN is the tune name for a hymn titled “There Is a Fountain,” which is not in the Brethren hymnal but is in the Celebration Hymnal (#336). The hymn is based on the scripture from Zechariah 13:1, “A Fountain will be opened to cleanse them from sin.” The first verse, in part, reads “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.” So, besides the play-on-words connection to the coronavirus, the hymn/Offertory is seasonally appropriate.
3. I do not usually promote a lot of the shows/concerts/etc. that I play outside of church, but I wanted to let everyone know that I will be playing piano for a show called “Songs for a New World” at DreamWrights Community Theatre in West York (near the York Fair, at the intersection of Philadelphia Street and Carlisle Road) on March 26
th
, 27
th
, and 28
th
at 7 PM and March 29
th
at 3 PM. Several years ago, I played a couple of songs from the show, and I loved the music/piano parts. I immediately bought the anthology and learned most of the songs in the anthology. The music and lyrics are written by Jason Robert Brown. He graduated from Eastman and now teaches composition at the University of Southern California. He writes for the instrument in a way that I had never seen before. Many of the songs in the show are written in a standard Broadway form, but are heavily influenced by jazz, and all are very rhythmically intricate and difficult. I highly recommend coming out to enjoy some of this great music and seeing me attempt to play this extremely challenging score (however, I would rate the show PG-13 for some language and some of the subject matter).
|
|
Scripture Lesson:
Matthew 17:1-9
Message:
“Listen to Him”
Worship Attendance: 95
|
|
|
|
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”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|