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SUNDAY SCHEDULE **In-Person Gatherings are Suspended Until Further Notice Due to Public Health Concerns** 9:00 AM - Sunday School  10:30 AM - Worship, Sanctuary THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP April 5, 2020   SCRIPTURE LESSON: Psalm 118:19-29, Matthew 21:1-11    MESSAGE: “Who Is This?”

 Contents :  This Week COB Newsline Online Giving  Upcoming Events Directory Change Thank you Birthdays Save the Date Notes from the Console   Last Week  Contacting the Pastor

Happening This Week Come and Worship! The Ministry of Jesus Continues... As we continue to walk through this time of "distancing" from each other in person, I invite us to follow all the more closely the journey of our Lord to its end - listening for what it will teach us about our situation today and beyond. I encourage you all to reserve an hour on Sunday morning, at a comfortable place in your home, with Bible in hand, and participate in our weekly time of worship through prayer, music, and message. A children's story is included as well - so please worship with your entire family! Simply click on the video below to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this weekend. Note that the service has been pre-recorded and will be available to watch starting on Saturday April 4th.  View Worship Video - YouTube This week we draw from Matthew 21, the "triumphal entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem prior to the Passover. It is near the climax of his ministry and quite a disruptive yet hopeful scene for many. I hope it speaks to you of the subversive witness the God has made known in Jesus - a humble prophet-king as our source of peace and salvation. It is our intention to present such a worship time each week, led by a few who keep appropriate distancing practices in place. Special thanks to Mike, David, Diane, John, Frank, and Tim for making this possible. A children's Sunday School lesson has been created as well this week - thanks to Diane Gibble. Gather your children and click below to view it together! The video can be viewed at any time, and it will be made public on our facebook page as of 8:00 AM Sunday morning. Please feel free to comment and share it freely as you wish. I welcome your comments and responses! - Pastor Joel Children's Sunday School Video Love Feast: April 9 Considering the ongoing threat of disease, especially concerning among large gatherings and most vulnerable demographics, we are suspending in-person worship through the end of April. Sunday worship services will continue online unless further restrictions become necessary. Our congregation's Love Feast, originally to be held on Sunday April 5 , is postponed until a later date, with hope that we can celebrate later this year when such a gathering does not threaten the health and safety of our families. There is an opportunity to celebrate the Love Feast online with many Brethren this coming Thursday April 9th at 8:00 PM. Join with many denominational leaders and fellow members near and far by clicking here: www.brethren.org/lovefeast2020 The service will be viewable afterward as well. Follow the Church of the Brethren website and facebook page for more information.

Stations of the Cross – A Virtual Devotional Experience   In the absence of physical worship gatherings, this opportunity is offered in this format by York First Church of the Brethren.   Each day through Good Friday, we will send an email containing one "station" along Jesus journey to the tomb. You are invited to reflect on the images and written descriptions, pondering the questions that accompany each and praying silently the prayer below.   May the same God who raised Jesus from the dead be your guide and your source of comfort as you visit these stations and consider the meaning of each event. Just as Christ spoke forgiveness over those who crucified him, Christ speaks forgiveness to us still today. Let us follow him.

EASTER EGG HUNT, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020 *** For everyone's safety due to social distancing, this event has now been cancelled ***

Church of the Brethren Denominational News

April Church of the Brethren Newsline Digest

Newsline Digest

Newsline Special for April 2, 2020 A Call to Prayer and Fasting

Newsline Special

Prayer Requests

Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer and Event Announcements

Although in-person worship gatherings and events are largely 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. Special Request - Deacon Fund Several significant needs have arisen among our church members for home repairs or rent assistance that the Deacon Fund wishes to cover. However, the fund has become depleted recently and is in need of contributions. If anyone wishes to contribute to this fund, in addition to usual giving, please do so at this time. You are assured that it will go directly to people in need during the present crisis. 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.   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:  www.acionlinegiving.com/4706 . 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!!!!!

Church Website

Online Giving

Announcement concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations, Until further notice, we will not gather here at our building on Sundays for worship together, and any other large group events are canceled or postponed until further notice. UPDATE: Master Planning building project progress is being delayed at the moment as we evaluate our priorities, the needs of those we serve, current economic realities, and government closures which affect necessary permits. Small portions of project work may continue, but the overall bid package for building construction is on hold for now. Expect a letter in the near future with further explanation. We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “social distance” for the safety and well-being of all. 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 has been severely restricted, and until we know just how widely this virus has spread pastoral visits will be minimal. We have several church members who have volunteered to assist any church members and friends who are in need at this time. If you are deliberately minimizing public contact and are in need of something, let us know and we can perhaps see that groceries or other essentials are delivered to your home. 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. 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: http://www.brethren.org/bdm/covid-19.html Be careful to pay attention public health experts, rather than every headline or comment from your neighbors. We must act responsibly for the well-being of all, not merely ourselves. 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. Take time to study, pray, and appreciate this time of rest that is before us. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to "flatten the curve." That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God's comfort and peace be with you.

YARD SALE COLLECTION DATE CHANGE:     Due to COVID-19 - the date for bringing goods into the church for the Yard sale has changed from April 13 to April 27.    Please stay tuned to the e-news for possible changes later. If you know of someone who may be planning to bring items and doesn't get the e-news by mail or website, please share this message. Help us to help others by sharing during this trying time.

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.

Upcoming Events  *** All Events are subject to change given the current situation. Forthcoming newsletters will offer more information as it becomes available. ***

Soup Kitchen - Friday April 10, 2020 - Sign up in the Narthex or by calling the church office to make a casserole or to work at the Soup Kitchen on Friday, April 10, 2020 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE add your name and number of casseroles, to the SIGN-UP sheet, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.

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

DIRECTORY CHANGE P. 17 - John & Ruby Minnich Address corrected to read: 3470 Carlisle Road, DOVER, PA 17315

Thank you for your prayers, cards, and flowers. I am now at home. It was all greatly appreciated. - John Minnich

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 ($100, $50, $25, $10) by cash or check made out to York First Church. 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. Call me at (717) 793-9320, send an email  rwenger643@aol.com , or just see me on Sunday morning at church. Thank you for supporting this program.            Becky Wenger, Cash for Causes representative

01 Jolene Zeigler 04 Louise Stremmel 04 Jaewoo Kim 06 Richard Brown 08 Meriam Copenheaver  08 Mark Minnich 09 Mike Martin 11 Nancy Jones 12 Vivian Fitzkee 12 Jacob Taylor

If your birthday is in  APRIL it is not on the below list or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.    14 Sara Stoolmaker 15 Brad Nicholas 15 Christopher Striebig 19  Emily (Drawbaugh) Dietrich  19 Joel Baldwin 20  Frank Leaman 22  Ken Gordon 23  Greg Metzger 28  Julia Sweigard 29  Trish Ryan (Martin) 30  Mary Esther Anderson

Save the Date

2020 CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY *** Photo Directory for April 27-28 has been postponed, dates to be determined ***

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.

‌	Volunteers Needed Vacation Bible School June 14-18, 2020 Sunday – Thursday Evenings 6:00 to 8:00 We need help with registration, decorating, nursery care, and group leaders. Please contact Diane Gibble if you are able to help!

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.

"Notes from the Console," Article 37, By Mike Frock Faure Vs. Fauré   For the Palm Sunday service, the Prelude is “The Palms” written by Jean-Baptiste Faure, not to be confused with Gabriel Fauré.  (Gabriel Fauré, 1845-1924, was a leading French composer of his generation, an organist/pianist, teacher, and Director of the Paris Conservatory.) Jean-Baptiste Faure (1830-1914) was a French operatic baritone singer and composer of songs.  “Les Rameaux,” i.e. “The Palms,” is his most famous song.  He entered the Paris Conservatory in 1851 and taught at the Conservatory from 1857-1860.  In 1860 Faure began singing at the Royal Opera House in London, and in 1861 he began singing at the Paris Opera.  His voice was immediately recognizable to the listeners of the day, and there are some gramophone recordings that exist of him singing.  In addition to his musical career, Faure collected Impressionistic art including Manet, Monet, Degas, Sisley, Pissarro, as well as others.   For the Palm Sunday service, the Postlude is excerpts of “Ride on, Ride on in Majesty” arranged by Roger C. Wilson.  This piece is an arrangement of the traditional Palm Sunday hymn (#239 in the Brethren hymnal).  The arrangement has four verses, but I chose to only play three of the four verses.  The first verse is a simple statement of the hymn tune in F Major and 4/4 time signature.  The second verse changes to the parallel F Minor, and the rhythm is changed to fit within a 6/4 time signature.  The third verse goes back into F Major and 4/4, but this time the melody is played in half notes instead of quarter notes as in the first verse. 

LAST SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

Scripture Lesson:  John 11:1-44 Message:   “Let Him Go”

CONTACTING THE PASTOR 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”