SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
Classes for All Ages (see below)
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
March 13, 2022
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Exodus 3:1-15
MESSAGE:
“A Name and a Calling”
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TIME CHANGE - Daylight Saving Time Starts
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Turn clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.
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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
Directory Change
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Standing on Holy Ground:
Moses, a Burning Bush, and the Voice of God
In Sunday worship this week we continue our journey through the season of Lent by examining Exodus 3, in which God speaks to Moses by a burning bush, calls him to service to his people, and foretells that he will return and worship on the same mountain. When Moses sought a name for God who was calling him, the name given was one that suggested a reluctance to be named... "I Am Who I Am."
We will consider together how this ought to shape our view of God and how we can understand the intentionally mysterious nature of the one Living God... and be led to worship God with reverence and awe.
We will also be consecrating church leaders this week in worship, something which would have taken place in January but was postponed until now for public health reasons. Please come and join us as we worship together this week, looking to mutually encourage and build one another up as we worship our Lord together.
Update on Gatherings
Our community health situation is in a very good place right now, and local covid case rates are very low. We encourage full in-person attendance going forward, for both Sunday School and Worship. We are meant to be together, and we pray that the church would unify and grow this season. Please come and be part of our worship life together each Sunday. Face coverings are optional for all.
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Live Stream Worship
Although many of us will gather in person, our worship services will be continue to 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, March 13, 2022
Gathering Music “And Can it Be?”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power”
Children's Time
Consecration of Church Leaders
Hymn “Take my Life”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joy and Concerns
Song “Go light your world”
Pastoral Prayer
Song “Go light your world”
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Give Me Jesus”
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3:1-6
Anthem “Holy Ground”
Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3:7-15
Message: “A Name and a Calling”
Hymn of Response “Here I am, Lord”
Sending Prayer
Choral Benediction “Move in our midst”
Music for the Journey “O Sacred Head Surrounded”
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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 FOLLOWING ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP IN THE NARTHEX
2022 CHURCH DIRECTORY
2022 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
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2022 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL GUIDES
"We Wait for Light" by Walt Wiltschek - Sometimes darkness seems to last forever. We gaze toward the horizon for any gleams of light, rays of hope. This Lent, we wander in exile with Isaiah, waiting and scanning the sky for the first hints of Easter brilliance. God assures us that we are not forgotten. A new day is coming. Please pick one up and use it during the season that is before us.
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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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**Adult Membership Class**
Meeting Sundays at 9:00 AM in Room 154
Pastor Joel is be teaching a series that is an invitation into the Christian faith as well as 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.
Children's Sunday School Classes
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 8:00 AM to
9:00 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 8:00 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. The class may be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" lesson material.
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*Jr and Sr High Youth Sunday School Class*
This class will begin this week 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.
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Children's Ministry Schedule
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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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Come join us for an evening of fellowship and celebration of the CHOIR!
Wednesday evening, March 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge
Psalm 100:1-2 (NRSV) tells us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” And that is what the adult choir does best at York First CoB! We want to celebrate our music ministry by gathering on Wednesday evening, March 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge.
We invite all those who are currently singing in the choir, those who were a part of the choir and/or special music in the past 2 years during Covid, those who have sung in the past and wish to continue and especially those who might be curious about what it’s like to be a choir member and participate in the ministry of worshipful music. We look forward to enjoying each other’s company in a time of light refreshments (sponsored by the Worship Team) and fellowship in sharing choir stories and favorite sacred songs - we may even sing a few songs together! It will be a time to meet and greet each other as well as our Director of Music, Rebecca Wolf, and our Interim Organist/Pianist/Accompanist Becca Miller.
We have gone through a lot together in the past several years and it’s been a long time since our full choir has been together in one place at one time. Now is the time for a fresh start as we journey through Lent and prepare for an Easter season filled with glorious and meaningful music! The more voices, the more blessings!
If you would like to join us, please call or text Kim Witkovsky at 814-599-7055 or
John Gibble at 717-781-7981 by Monday, March 14 and let us know if you need transportation – we will provide! “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord,
all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name…” Psalm 96 1-2 (NRSV)
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EASTER FLOWERS
Will be sold March 13, and the last day to order will be March 20th.
Tulips assorted varieties, Daffodils, and Mums are $10 each.
Gerbera Daisy Assorted colors are $5.00 each.
Purchases can be made in honor or in memory of. Flower pick up would be after
the Easter service on April 17th. See Jolene Ziegler after church to order.
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Message for Upper Room Subscribers:
We got this message from Dawn at Upper Room: I apologize, shipments are going out a little later due to covid hitting our warehouse and having several employees out.
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UPCOMING EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 18-20 - District Youth Retreat, Camp Eder
April 3 - Congregational Forum
April 10 - Love Feast
April 13 - Egg Hunt
April 15 - Good Friday Service
April 26 - Lehman Center 31st Annual Auction
July 31 - Aug. 4 - Vacation Bible School
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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT
Sponsored by The Nurture 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
ATTENTION!!
The deadline to register for district youth retreat
has been extended to the Week of March 7th, 2022
Please contact Pastor Joel immediately if you wish to join this event!
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
Brochures area available at the church bulletin board as well
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THE FRIENDS OF CROSS KEYS VILLAGE/THE BRETHREN HOME COMMUNITY
The Spring Meeting of the Friends - Saturday, March 26, 2022
10:00 am, Nicarry Meeting House
Please note, there will be no meal served or special speaker, as in meetings past. However, this will still be an informative meeting with reports given by several of the Friends’ committee members. Please RSVP by March 20th if you plan to attend.
Please click on button for the meeting notice.
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Southern PA District Church of the Brethren 2022 District Women's Spring Luncheon
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Ave., Hanover, PA 17331
God is Doing a New Thing! Isaiah 43: 18-19
Featured Speaker: Leah J. Hileman
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.
Please click on tab to view full brochure for this event.
Brochures are also posted on the bulletin board in the narthex area.
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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
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have artwork or any items to donate to
the auction please contact Diane Gibble.
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WE'RE BACK!....AND LOOKING AT JUNE 11th
TO HAVE A YARD SALE THIS SUMMER!
We are gearing up for pricing some great items to sell. So start cleaning out those attics, garages and sheds. All items welcome except electronics.
A date will be determined later for the collection of items.
In the meantime, we are looking for a few good people. We will need cashiers, and individuals to man tables, clothing racks, and food.
If interested, and you would like to help in any way, please contact Kathy Kovacs.
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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 - March 2022
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To my church family and friends: Thank you for prayers and acts of kindness as I continue to heal. I am so blessed to have such a caring community. Pat Trimmer
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Directory Change:
P. 12 Anna Boogher - New address:
SpiriTrust Lutheran, 1801 Folkemer Circle, York, PA 17404
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Given the recent very low rates of covid in our region, the church Leadership Team's policy on face coverings for our gatherings has been updated: following with CDC guidance, masks are optional for all attendees. So long as cases are low, we believe that we can gather safely and fully worship as usual.
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.
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 conditions may change in the future, 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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The Friends of Cross Keys Village, The Brethren Home Community
Become a Friend in 2022!
2021 was a challenging year, with most of our fundraising events altered or reduced in scope. Right now, we need our Friends more than ever before, and we are counting on your membership. Please start or renew your membership today, and keep the Friends' mission going strong. Please click on tab for the membership form which will also be posted on the bulletin board in the narthex.
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Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies
hosts Joe A. Springer on March 24 and 25, 2022.
Joe A. Springer’s lecture, “That I may sing a song”: Early Anabaptist Hymnals on Thurs, March 24, 7 p.m., will be held in-person in the Susquehanna Room of Myer Hall at Elizabethtown College and also via Zoom.
Springer will share recent scholarship on the earliest hymnals published by German-speaking Anabaptists in the 16th 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 has served as curator of the Mennonite Historical Library, Goshen (IN) College since 1986. He holds a BA in history from Goshen College and an MA/MLS in history and library science from Catholic University of America. He enjoys studying the bibliographical evolution of specific works as well as interconnections among different works. In his work, Springer regularly fields questions related to printing history, hymnody, and genealogy.
Parking is available at the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 S. Mt. Joy St.
Enter the parking lot from Cedar St. Signage will direct you to the church lot and across the street to Susquehanna Room, Myer Hall.
Also, Friday, March 25, from 10 am to noon in the Bucher Meetinghouse at the Young Center, Joe A. Springer will share on Early Anabaptist Hymnody: What Do We Want to Learn? Springer will provide input and invite discussion of aspects of Anabaptist hymnody that merit further exploration. Can we better determine who used which texts or melodies and how? How did hymns spread geographically and across language groups? What musicological resources provide new documentation or insight?
This lecture is offered in-person only. Parking is available in the lot by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Exodus 2:1-15
MESSAGE:
“Narrow Escape”
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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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