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SUNDAY SCHEDULE  **In-person gatherings remain suspended until further notice due to public health concerns** Please see below for online class and worship offerings THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP June 14, 2020   SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 7:21-29    MESSAGE: "As One with Authority"

 Contents :  This Week Sunday School News Youth Group News COB Newsline Online Giving Upcoming Events Postponed and Canceled Events Thank you Notes from the Console Last Week Contacting the Pastor

Happening This Week Hearing and Acting on Jesus' Words This week in worship we will turn our attention to Jesus' concluding words from his "Sermon on the Mount" and the crowd's reaction to him, as told in Matthew 7. The crowds were "astounded" at his teaching, since he spoke with genuine authority. Not simply quoting or interpreting ancient texts, but setting forth something higher for all with ears to hear. It was not merely a call to "believing" but a call to "doing" the will of God. That is the difference between a house built on rock vs sand, sheep vs goats, and the road to life vs the road to destruction. Click below to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this weekend. Note that the service has been pre-recorded and can be watched anytime, but I encourage you all to deliberately set aside time on Sunday morning to do so. The video will be made public on our facebook page on Sunday morning as early as 8:00 AM. Please feel free to comment on and share it freely as you wish. I welcome conversation and responses! These online services stand as an opportunity to broaden the reach of our ministry, so I hope you're not shy about passing them along to friends and family who may appreciate our ministry. Thank you! - Pastor Joel *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 narthex any weekday. Sermon manuscripts are also available upon request. We hope no one is missing out! ***Coming Soon: Live Streaming and Gathering*** Beginning in a few short weeks (assuming everything functions well) we will begin offering worship services "live" on YouTube at 10:30 on Sunday mornings, after which the recorded video may be viewed anytime. Such a setup will allow us to resume in-person worship gatherings - for those willing and eager to do so - while providing the opportunity to worship via video concurrently at home for anyone who believes that to be the most responsible choice. At this point a tentative date on which we plan to resume in-person gathering has been set for Sunday July 12th. More information will be provided related to expectations and guidelines for our safety, and we hope to have a large online conversation prior to this date. Thank you all for your patience, concern, and encouragement in recent weeks!

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 Sunday mornings from 11:00 am until noon 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 Leonard Stoner, engaging with Matthew 5:43-48 and Ezekiel 33:10-11. 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, "Many Faces of Wisdom" - this week's lesson based on Proverbs 2. Children's Sunday School Class Children's Sunday School is now planned for 10:30 am each Sunday morning 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! Click on the video below for a special story in advance of this week's lesson:

Youth Group News

Due to health concerns and restrictions on gatherings, the Church of the Brethren Summer Youth Workcamps have been canceled. Our Youth had planned to attend one during the month of July, so this is sad news for many. Please click on the button to view the cancellation announcement:

Workcamp Cancellations

On a brighter note, please check out this new Church of the Brethren resource that provides daily devotions for the youth. "Good News! Youth Devotional" has a new and unique offering each day with scripture, commentary, prayers, and questions to consider.

Youth Daily Devotions

For those of you working with our children at church: Please take this Child Abuse prevention Training at www.Ilookoutforchildabuse.com . 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!

Church of the Brethren Denominational News Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org

June Church of the Brethren Newsline Digest

Newsline Digest

Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will not be held this summer

Newsline Special Annual Conference

DENOMINATIONAL WORSHIP GATHERING "New World Coming!" July 1, 2020 (Wednesday) 8:00 PM Eastern A worship bulletin will be available by June 24th at  www.brethren.org/ac/virtual The service will feature the preaching of Kayla Alphonse and Paul Mundey, with a wide array of music, including selections by Jacob Crouse, Janelle Flory Schrock and Kendra Flory, the Keister Sisters, Shawn Kirchner, Nancy Faus Mullen, and Josh Tindall. Two of the hymns of the denominational virtual choir will be offered: ‘Move in Our Midst,’ and ‘I See A New World Coming.’ Denominational Worship Gathering

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. 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

Upcoming Events

The Lehman Center Auction will be held (virtual) this year. Bidding will begin June 27 and end on June 30th at 9 pm.  Some items will close earlier in the evening. For information and how to register - Visit: https://www.cassd.org/casauction.html On June 29th from 4 to 7:00 pm there will be a preview of auction items at New Fairview COB. Masks are required.    There will be Themed Baskets, Art/ Jewelry, Gift Cards, Sports Memorabilia, Food and items will be show cased live on the web site through out the evening on June 30th. Item pick up will be July 2nd 11-1 and 5-8 pm and July 3rd 10-12. At that time food will be available for take out. You do not need to have purchased anything to come and buy food. We will miss seeing you all in person however this year the auction will look a little different. If you are not able to bid feel and you would like to donate. You can mail a check to CAS and memo TLC Auction Donation. The Lehman Center is now open and servicing the vulnerable children in our community. Keep them in your prayers as they try to navigate this new norm.

Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations: For the remainder of this month, 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. Leadership Team, at its recent meeting, received a report from the appointed COVID reopening team with the proposed date of July 12th to being gathering for worship once again. This will depend on functionality of video live streaming as well as the continued low rates of viral disease in our community. No Sunday School classes will resume until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as seating arrangements, not passing of offering plates, and perhaps restricted singing. Handshake greetings should be avoided and masks worn in common areas such as hallways. More will be explained later, but know that these are all for our collective wellness. Expect to attend an all-church Zoom (video conference) meeting in the coming weeks, tentatively the weekend of June 28th. We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining “physical 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 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. 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.

BABY ANNOUNCEMENT We are pleased to announce that a healthy baby boy was born to Steven and Katelynn Crissman. Simeon Harold Crissman was born on June 6, and his big sister Lydia is very excited about this already! The Crissman family has been attending our church for much of the past year, and we offer them our congratulations and prayers as we praise God for this precious new life.

Babies...Babies...Babies We are so excited to welcome 3 new little ones into our church family. While providing meals is a traditional way to celebrate with new families and help with these early days of transition, we realize these are not usual times. Therefore, we invite you to shower the families with gift cards to local restaurants that can be used for takeout. All addresses can be found in the 2020 church directory.    Directory Change for Steven & Katelynn Crissman : Their address is corrected to read: 1342 E. Prospect St., York PA 17403 Congratulations again to our growing families. We are so excited to celebrate this gift of life with you.    Seth Michael Beckwith, son of Tim & Brittney Beckwith  Briella Ann Hamill, daughter of Patrick & Sarah Hamill  Simeon Harold Crissman, son of Steven & Katelynn Crissman

Child Development Center Update The CDC is now OPEN and providing child care once again (with various safety measures in place)! Over 50 children have returned as of this with more children returning the beginning of July as parents are no longer distance-working. Special thanks to the CDC Board, Carman Banzaca, Center Director and Lori Bedwell, Financial Administrator for their leadership, and to the staff for supporting families through this challenging time. We also thank John Anderson for his assistance in caring for the facility. A PPP loan was acquired allowing us to remain financially viable and continue to pay our staff during our shutdown with a measured and safe return to work. The staff were in touch with children and parents throughout the stay at home order via social media and ZOOM sessions providing stay at home activities and contact. Many prayers were answered and will continue to be appreciated as we acclimate ourselves to the new normal in the CDC. Stay well, Deb Klinedinst, CDC Board Chairperson

Postponed and Canceled Events

OWLS NEWS Due to COVID-19 circumstances, the OWLS will NOT meet in June. The next scheduled meeting may take place in September.

Vacation Bible School has been postponed until 2021 Education Team hopes to do something special for children this summer, but it will not be a week-long VBS event.

Postponed Until 2021 Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community 60th Annual Chicken BBQ, Car Show, & Auction scheduled for Sat., August 8th

Brethren Disaster Relief Auction Event in Lebanon scheduled for late September is canceled over pandemic concerns! This year's Lebanon Expo Brethren Disaster Relief Auction that has been a tradition since 1977 has been canceled because of the coronavirus crisis. The BDRA association determined the health concerns due to COVID-19 complicated the ongoing planning and volunteer coordination for the two-day event set to begin Sept. 25.    Event if current restrictions were lifted for opening of the Auction, it would be extremely difficult to have complete assurance that all volunteers, vendors and supporters would attend.   While the entire Board of Directors was heartbroken to make the decision, they feel it is a safer and more conscientious decision to take this year to continue fund raiding efforts with the Church of the Brethren (COB) organizations in central Pennsylvania. While this is sad news for the COB denomination and the Brethren Disaster Relief Ministry (the recipient of the Auction proceeds to rebuild disaster damaged areas), the Board of Directors look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.  ~ BDRA Board of Directors

Thank you very much for all the concern and prayers for me and my family on the passing of my mom. She was a loving, caring, wonderful mom and grandmother. We received so many beautiful cards with caring notes. It was greatly appreciated! Karen Bowman and family

Congratulations to Christopher Jon (CJ) Baldwin who graduated from Dallastown High School 2020! Since he was not able to have a regular graduation due to Covid-19 we would like to shower him with cards. Please send cards to: CJ Baldwin, 2665 Vireo Road, York PA 17403.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION  Although we can’t be together to celebrate our traditional Graduate Recognition we’d like to honor those that have graduated in the past year. Please forward a brief bio of your graduate to us by June 23 rd for recognition in the newsletter. We want to celebrate the accomplishments and this milestone of those in your family that have worked hard to graduate. Remember, don’t be bashful, share your well-earned success so that we can celebrate with you!

GRADUATION THANK YOU: Thank you to everyone who thought of me graduating during these strange times! I especially enjoyed seeing everyone who came by my house last Saturday with their decorated cars, signs and encouraging words. It was a total surprise! All the cards and letters I have received have brightened up my graduating experience! I know I’ll do great at Juniata College thanks to all of your support. Sara Stoolmaker

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.   If you would like to support this outreach program while we are not meeting as a congregation during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can 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

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 47, By Mike Frock   Introduction to Organ Stops; Part 5:  Non-Speaking Stops   The Prelude this week is “Toccata in C Major No. 3,” catalogue number P. 456, by Johann Pachelbel.  The Offertory is “Choral Song” by James Southbridge.   The Postlude is “Ceremonial March” by Edward H. Wetherill.   All the organ stops previously discussed are what are called “Speaking Stops” meaning that when pulled, they produce a sound, or speak.  However, there are several “Non-Speaking Stops” on the organ.  They do not produce a sound when pulled.  Rather, they somehow change the sound of another pulled stop.  There are a couple different types of non-speaking stops.   1. Each of the three manuals has a corresponding “Tremulant” stop.  This adds a vibrato effect to whatever other stops are pulled.   2. Each of the three manual divisions also has a corresponding “Second Voices” stop.  Some, but not all, of the speaking stops have a second sound written in small red letters above the main sound written in large black letters.  E.g. On the organ is a stop with “Oboe” in large black letters and “Hautbois” in small red letters.  If I have that stop pulled along with the “Second Voices” stop, I will get the “Hautbois” sound.  “Hautbois” is French for Oboe, so most of the second voices are just a variation of the regular voice.   3. On the Swell Division are two stops which read “Swell to Swell 4” and “Swell to Swell 16.”  If I play middle C and pull “Swell to Swell 4” the organ will play middle C and the C one octave higher.  If I play middle C and pull “Swell to Swell 16” it will play middle C and the C one octave lower.  There is a third stop which reads “Swell Unison Off” which would be used in conjunction with one of the other two stops.  If I play middle C and pull “Swell to Swell 4” and “Swell Unison Off” the organ will play just the C one octave higher than middle C.  If I play middle C and pull “Swell to Swell 16” and “Swell Unison Off” the organ will play just the C one octave lower than middle C.   4. There is one stop which reads “Great-Choir Manual Transfer” which switches the sounds of those two manuals.  Whatever stops are pulled which would normally sound on the Great manual, now sound on the Choir manual, and vice versa.

LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 8:1-9, Matthew 28:16-20 Message:  "Lower than God"

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”