SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
February 6, 2022
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 37:1-36
MESSAGE:
“No Filter”
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Contents:
This Week
Prayer Requests
and Calendar
Sunday School News
Children's Ministry Schedule
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Thank you
Save the Date
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Dreams of Greatness, Jealous Response
Joseph and His Unlikely Saviors
In Sunday worship this week, we continue a series exploring some of the earliest ancestors of our faith, this week recalling the story of the sons of Israel, specifically the favored one named Joseph, as found in Genesis 37. We will discover that Joseph was not necessarily one to imitate or commend, yet there are important lessons to be learned from what he made known and how his brothers treated him.
When is it appropriate to speak of God's favor upon us? How are we to respond to threats of violence against others? Where is our hope when all seems lost to us? Come and consider what the Lord may be speaking to us through our time of worship, of gathering together in order to meet the God who dwells among us and shapes us through Christ's love.
We will also recognize "Service Sunday" this week in worship, praying for and commending the Brethren Volunteer Service, Disaster Ministries, and FaithX (Workcamp) Programs of our Church.
Update on Gatherings:
We're coming back! Due to declining rates of covid-related illness in our community, we will be resuming in-person Sunday School this week. We also encourage in-person worship attendance as you each are comfortable doing so. We still encourage all worship attendees to wear face coverings during our time together. We'll still live stream our service online, as always. If you prefer you may stay home out of concern for the health of your family, but we'd like to see many of you here! Thank you all for your consideration and patience these recent weeks. We look forward to a season of growth going forward.
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Live Stream Worship
Although many of us will gather in person, our worship services will be presented "live stream" through YouTube for those who wish to join that way. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already for simpler access to previous videos. Click the link below shortly before the service begins at 10:30 AM on Sunday to join with us in worship.
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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.
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, February 6, 2022
Gathering Music “This is my Song”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “God of the earth, the sky, the sea”
Children's Time/Drama
Anthem “Any Dream Will Do”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”
Offering Response “God, whose giving”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Genesis 37:1-36
Message: “No Filter”
Hymn of Response “Help us to help each other”
Sending Prayer
Choral Benediction “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing”
Music for the Journey “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
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A Word from the A/V Team
Our church is seeking several new volunteers to assist with audio/video support during worship services. If you have interest, please reach out to Pastor Joel or John Gibble in the near future. Ideally, one Sunday service per month would be the expected commitment, with the possibility of occasional special events. Thanks in advance for considering!
Listening Assistance Devices are here for those worshiping in person!
Anyone is welcome to visit the AV booth each Sunday and request a hearing-assistance device for use during worship. You may also use your own smartphone and download the iPhone app here or the Android app here and bring your own headphones. Please note, you need to be connected to the church wifi (SimplePeace2gether) to listen.
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The 2022 Directory is completed and is available for pick up in the narthex. |
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer |
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Click for Weekly Clendar of Events |
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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.
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Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM each Sunday in the classrooms just past the nursery. Children grades PreK and up will have class lessons, with singing mid-hour as well. Children ages 3-4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care, which may include a brief lesson in addition to playtime. All children are welcome!
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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, planning to remain holding class remotely for the time being. 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 will meet Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in Room 145. The class is studying “The Essential Commandment: A Disciple’s Guide to Loving God and Others” by Greg Ogden in collaboration with Compelling Vision. Beth Anne Bahn will be teaching.
Vine and Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class will meet Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the multi-purpose room by the sanctuary. We'll discuss some portions of Genesis that our present sermon series has left out. Come with questions and an eagerness to explore the grand story behind the accounts that we receive in scripture. Pastor Joel will be teaching.
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*Jr and Sr High Youth Sunday School Class*
This class will begin on March 6, meeting at 9:00 AM in the Youth Room 149
Teachers are David Witkovsky, John and Diane Gibble, and Deb Klinedinst.
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming youth events:
District Youth Retreat the weekend of March 18-20 (see below for more information).
Let an adviser know if you are interested.
**Adult Membership Class**
This class will likely begin within the coming weeks, meeting Sundays at 9:00 AM in Room 154 - anyone is welcome!
Pastor Joel will be teaching a series that is an invitation into the Christian faith as well as a summary of beliefs and practices of the Church of the Brethren. Any new attendees, prospective members, interested learners, or existing members are welcome to attend! Adults of all ages are invited. Please let Pastor Joel know if you plan to be part of this series pastor@yorkfirst.org, and expect emails from him with more information.
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
February 19 - Man2Man Men's Spiritual Leadership Summit, Mechanicsburg CoB
March 18-20 - District Youth Retreat, Camp Eder
April 26 - Lehman Center 31st Annual Auction
July 31 - Aug. 4 - Vacation Bible School
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, February 11, 2022
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, February 11, 2022 (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!
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Men's Spiritual Leadership Summit
Saturday - February 19, 2022
Unity and What it Means for the Church
Guest Speaker: David Sollenberger 2022 Church of the Brethren Annual Conf. Moderator
Location:Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Registration Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2022
Click on the button below to view the brochure and information.
This information is posted on the bulletin board in Narthex area.
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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT
Sponsored by The Nuture Commission Southern PA District
Church of the Brethren
Friday, March 18, 2022 7:00 PM THRU Sunday, March 20, 2022 1:00 PM
Location: Camp Eder, 914 Mt. Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2022
All youth who are presently in grades 6-12 are invited to this weekend experience of
enrichment, fun, and friendship. The retreat’s theme is “Caretaker of My World”.
We will learn more about making the most of the world God has created. The Interdistrict Youth Cabinet will be leading this event. They love to work with youth on a deeper level and form connections among those they lead. The retreat will include playing games, making friends, teaching/learning about our walk of faith, and living as Christ’s people with intention and commitment.
Please click on the buttons for the pamphlet and registration form.
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The Lehman Center Auxiliary Presents: 31st Annual Auction
Benefiting: Children's Aid Society, The Lehman Center
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Location: New Fairview Church of the Brethren
1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York, Pa
Auction Preview & Food 12:00 pm
Live Auction 5:00 pm includes Art Collectibles, Sports Items, New Merchandise
Silent Auction including Art Collectibles, Theme Baskets, Gift Certificates
Kitchen will be open & serving: Homemade Soup, Bar-B-Que, Homemade Pies
For more information call 717-845-5771 or at www.cassd.org
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Church of the Brethren Denominational News |
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Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org
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Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest - Jan./Feb. 2022
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Thank you so much for all the cards, prayers, and calls sent my way in the last few months. They have been much appreciated as I continue to improve and strengthen. ~Nancy Gipe
Thank you all for your prayers for my husband and our family. We appreciated all the concern and support during this difficult time. We also give thanks for answered prayers.
~Karen and Scott Bowman
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VBS
Save the Date &
Spread the Word
July 31 – Aug 4, 2022
Sunday – Thursday Evenings
Ages 4 - 5th grade
More info to come in the months ahead
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church Leadership Team's policy on face coverings for our gatherings: following with CDC guidance, masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, however we encourage all attendees to wear face coverings when near others. We are on the honor system and are trusting all attendees to respect this policy. All are welcome, as always, and we hope for further updates moving forward.
Staying home remains the safest option at the moment, yet we commend and affirm in-person gatherings as the ideal. Worship will be live streamed on our YouTube channel and recorded each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM indefinitely, but it is not intended to "replace" physical attendance long-term.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining some “physical distancing” 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is open to home visits as requested.
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.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Please do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease, as a holy expression of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
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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 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.
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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“Round Up”
will be collected
through March.
It's an easy way
give money to
the Lehman Center.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 28:10-22
Genesis 32:3-12, 22-32
MESSAGE:
“Dreams and Struggles”
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Pastor Joel Gibbel can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to noon, and usually well into the afternoon as well. Afternoons and evenings may be 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 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 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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