SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP:
August 29, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Psalm 8
MESSAGE:
“Majestic Praise”
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Contents:
This Week
Prayer Requests
Sunday School News
Children's Ministry Schedule
Opportunities To Serve
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
Thank you
COB News
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Divine Majesty, Human Responsibility
...and a Blessing of the Backpacks!
This Sunday is an exciting one in the life of our church! Not only are we hosting a Victory Celebration Luncheon for our recent Capital Campaign and Building Project, our service of worship will be special this week as well.
We will be having our first-ever "blessing of the backpacks" within worship, asking God's care for all of our children, teachers, and parents as a new school year begins.
In addition, special music from Joe and Nonie Detrick as well as Greg Bachman will help to lead us and form us as we worship our Lord with thanks and praise.
The message will be based on Psalm 8, a song that affirms both the majesty of God and the dignity of humanity, reminding us that we are both lower than God and have dominion over our world... both of which imply our responsibility as servants and laborers who care for this place we call home. Do not miss this wonderful time of worship, which will be followed by a meal and program in celebration of our campaign... looking toward the future of our ministry together in this community!
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Live Stream Continues
Although many of us are gathering in person, our worship services will be presented "live stream" through for those who wish to join that way. Please subscribe to the channel it 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, August 29, 2021
Prelude
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Praise him, praise him”
Children's Time: Blessing of the Backpacks
Special Music “Seeds of Peace”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Psalm 8
Anthem “Psalm 8”
Message: “Majestic Praise”
Hymn of Response “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic”
Benediction and Prayer for the Meal
Postlude
Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for the
Capital Campaign Luncheon
and Program to follow
Click on the link below to join this Celebration Event
to begin at approximately 12:30 on Sunday
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LUNCHEON
"Catch the Spirit, Build for the Future"
Let's celebrate with lunch and a special program!
Sunday, August 29th, 12:00 noon (following the service)
Fellowship Hall, with program to follow in the Sanctuary
Since some of you have asked, we wanted to clarify the following information about the luncheon:
> There is no need to sign up for this luncheon! Simply come and enjoy.
> There is no cost to attend the luncheon, since all expenses are being covered through the Capital Campaign Fund - which was the plan from the start.
> All are welcome to attend whether you have contributed to the fund, you are a church member, or a friend of our church.
> Child care will be provided.
> Note that our parking lot will be partially under construction beginning this week, but we are assured that we will have full lot capacity for this Sunday.
We will welcome guest speaker Paul Mundey, recent past moderator for the Church
of the Brethren for some words of encouragement to continue our mission of service
and ministry, making "Jesus in the Neighborhood" a vision that comes to life.
We will also honor and thank those who have served our church with their time and energy during our campaign and building projects. Expect some special music for
this program as well. Please do not miss this time of celebration!
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PARKING LOT UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Due to the parking lot being under construction, the driveway at Kingston Rd and the doors at the canopy will be off-limits this weekend. Attendees on Sunday should plan to enter at the door around the side.
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
Additions and updates are welcome by contacting the church office
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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 has resumed meeting Sunday mornings in-person at 9:00 AM in their classroom, Room 145. Upcoming lesson series will be based on the Church of the Brethren Compelling Vision Statement and its associated Bible Study Guide.
Vine & Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM, in-person. Pastor Joel will be teaching, and the class will be following the Adult version of the Shine Curriculum entitled "Seeking Justice Together," incorporating the same scriptures and themes that the children will be studying. The class is meeting in the new multi-purpose room adjacent to the sanctuary.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM each Sunday, in-person, in the classroom beside the nursery. The class will include children Pre-K through 6th grade. The children will be following the Shine Curriculum entitled "Seeking Justice Together" during the summer season. Children ages 4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care, which may include a brief lesson as well.
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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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Nursery Care Attendants Needed!
As more people begin returning for in-person worship, we look forward to reopening the nursery. However, we need your help! We need at least 2, maybe even 3, adults to staff the nursery safely for both Sunday School and Worship. Please contact Michele Gibbel mgibbel@yahoo.com (717)318-5442 to have your name added to the volunteer list. Background checks and covid vaccinations are required. We look forward to seeing our little ones return soon. Thank you!
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NEEDED: Hospitality Committee Members – Are you the type of person that enjoys social events, planning, serving and sharing with others? We are looking for men, women or teens to serve on our Hospitality Committee. You need not be a member of this church to serve. We have various social events here at the church throughout the year where we plan, decorate, and serve food and be part of a social circle that serves those in the church as well as outside in the community. Please search your heart. If you feel God calling you to this ministry, please contact me. I welcome new members.
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Southern PA District Conference will be held here at York First Church
Saturday September 18, 2021
This is an opportunity for us to extend the hand of hospitality to those in our district that will be attending the conference. The conference begins with a live-streamed (online-only) worship service on Friday evening (9/17) and then a full day of in-person gathering on Saturday (9/18). Times we need volunteers will vary, and we’ve listed the range of times so you can determine how this might fit into your schedule for both Friday and Saturday or for any portion of those days.
We will need help in the following areas:
➤ Food service either help in kitchen or serving. Light breakfast, full lunch. See Dolly Furst
➤ Parking/traffic – directing visitors where to park and enter. Saturday from 7-9 AM and 3-4 PM
➤ Internal direction – directing visitors within the church. Throughout the day
➤ Set-up in fellowship hall and balcony. Friday evening from 6-9 PM and Saturday from 3-5 PM
Please sign up at the new gathering area in the narthex. If you are not planning to come to church and would like to volunteer, please call Karen in the church office 717-755-0307 or email secretary@yorkfirst.org and she will sign you up.
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Hospitality Servers Needed for Conference
- Do you enjoy prepping and serving food?
- Socializing and enjoying different events at the church?
We are looking for individuals who enjoy food preparation and serving others.
Many hands are necessary to help prepare and share a light breakfast with coffee, lunch, and an afternoon snack for approximately 150 people who will be attending. This will be an all-day event. Basically, helping to set-up and serve will be needed. If you are able to help all day or just one hour, or any time you can serve, would be appreciated.
If you think, you would be interested, please see or call Dolly Furst at
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Need for the Winters Family
York First helped get into an apartment in January is asking for boys winter clothing
size 6 or 7. They could also use some socks for the whole family. If you have something
to donate please let Diane Gibble know. Thank you.
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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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HOSPITALITY MEETING - Tuesday, August 31 at 6 pm in Church Lounge. Anyone welcome to attend. You need not be a member to be part of this committee. We would like to start planning some events for the church. Come and be part of a fun committee. Contact Dolly Furst at 717-244-8218 or email me at furstdol@aol.com
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National Older Adult Conference (NOAC)
September 6-10, 2021
The 2021 NOAC Planning Team is hard at work making plans for the first online National Older Adult Conference. Although we wish we could be together in person at Lake Junaluska in September, we are grateful for the technology that allows us to gather “virtually.” One of the benefits of holding NOAC online is that those who have been unable to travel to Lake Junaluska for NOAC due to finances, health, or schedule conflicts, may be able to participate online this year.
Online registration is now open at www.brethren.org/NOAC. Cost per person is $100 and per couple is $150. Paper registration forms are available upon request by calling: 1-800-323-8039 ext. 303. The registration fee will provide access to all sessions, worship services, workshops, and recorded archives. We hope each person/couple who plans to attend will register and pay the fee so that we can continue to provide a meaningful experience for all.
NOAC 2021 will begin on Monday, September 6 at 7 p.m. with announcements, NOAC News and worship. It will end on Friday, September 10 at 9 a.m. with worship.
There are opportunities for giving- we will have a Virtual “Fundraising Walk around the Lake” which will raise funds for the Emergency Disaster Fund and assist congregations which have been impacted by the COVID pandemic. We are also raising funds to provide books for the Lake Junaluska Elementary School. Donations may be made through Brethren Press. Watch for more information about these giving opportunities.
We are on Facebook at “Church of the Brethren NOAC.” We also have a webpage at www.brethren.org/NOAC to view the daily schedule and additional information. Both are updated on a regular basis.
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, September 10, 2021
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, September 10, 2021 (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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FAITH MARKERS
Sunday, September 12th
Our church is committed to celebrating the spiritual growth of our children. Children entering Kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, and 9th grades will be receiving Faith Markers during worship.
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BRETHREN DISASTER RELIEF AUCTION
September 24 & 25, 2021
The auction is live again!
BDRA pamphlets are located at the gathering place.
Pamphlets contain the auction information, schedule and a few time and/or location changes from previous years. Share a Meal, Country Treasures, Candy Place and 5k run will not be held this year.
All Children's activities will be happening!
Donations and Help is Needed for the Auction
Anyone who will be donating theme baskets or quilts and needs someone to transport these items to Lebanon, please place the items under the counters of the gathering place by 4:30 PM on Wed. 9/22.
These items will be delivered on Thurs. morning.
Anyone who will be donating fruit pies, apple dumplings or other baked items, contact Mary Esther/John Anderson if you need someone to transport these items to Lebanon.
Help is needed at the produce stands and other booths as we have helped in previous years. If you are willing, please contact Gail Druck at 717-542-6018.
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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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Copies of the Annual Conference
Wrap Up are available for pick up
in the Church Lounge
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Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
July/August 2021
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To Our First Church Family—
Thank you for your prayerful support before, during and after my recent heart procedure. It makes a difference to know others are remembering you in their prayers. Thanks, also, for the cards I received. ~ Steve Jones
Thank you for my birthday cards and get well wishes. I really appreciated them. ~Peg Eck
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
02 Sarah Dietrich
04 Lisa Striebig
04 Daniel Beuschlein
04 Alexander Baldwin
05 Ed Martin
05 Judy Richcreek
06 Leonard Stoner
06 Diane (Ginder) Goetz
07 Evan Brickner
08 Joann Klinedinst
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If your birthday is in SEPTEMBER and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
11 James Knaub
13 Steve Jones
14 Michele Gibbel
16 Bernetta Kile
21 Loretta Bachman
23 Arlene Martin
25 Hannah Taylor
26 Bob Drawbaugh
29 John Gibble
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church Leadership Team has approved updated policy on face coverings for our gatherings: following with CDC guidance, masks are now optional for those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. For those not vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask indoors. 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, 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. So long as you are comfortable being near others, please plan to join our services of worship, classes, and other events.
Some Sunday School classes will resume meeting in-person this summer, others will not. Check the class information above for weekly updates. Several elements of worship will remain adjusted such as staggered seating, avoiding handshake greetings, and face coverings 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is now fully vaccinated and 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 2021 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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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Daniel 10-12
MESSAGE:
“The End and the Beginning”
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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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