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:
October 17, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
John 5:1-19
MESSAGE:
“I Am Working”
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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 Changes
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Signs of Jesus:
A Man Made Well, God at Work
This week in worship we continue with series of messages focusing on the "signs" that Jesus performed within the Gospel according to John. The third, as we will see this week, was his healing of a man who had been ill for 38 years! Before Jesus granted the man healing, he asked an important question: "Do you want to be made well?"
Interestingly, Jesus did not get an answer - he got an excuse. And yet he healed the man anyway, instructing him to take up his mat as he left and therefore "work" in response to this gift of wellness.
The healed man and Jesus would go on to be persecuted for "working " on the sabbath in this account, a quite shocking charge given the circumstances. What does this mean for us today? Is there truly any "rest" from the work to which God calls us? Come and see.
Please join us this week for worship, as it is the central practice as a church that keeps our attention on God and keeps us together as a body of faith.
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Live Stream Worship
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, October 17, 2021
Prelude “As the Deer with Fairest Lord Jesus”
Welcome And Announcements
Call to Worship
Unison Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Immortal, invisible, God only wise”
Children's Time
Anthem “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Largo from “Xerxes”
Offering Response “We give thee but thine own”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: John 5:1-19
Message: “I Am Working”
Sending Hymn “When we walk with the Lord”
Benediction
Postlude “The Lord is my Shepherd”
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer |
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Click for Weekly Calendar 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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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. 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 is teaching.
Vine & Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM, in-person, in the room near the Gathering Area. This week we will continue our series (covering chapters 2 and 3 this week) engaging with Richard Rohr's "The Universal Christ" - exploring a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. Come and join us this season as we work through this exciting material. Pastor Joel will be leading.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 9:00 AM each Sunday, in-person, in the classrooms just past the nursery. Children grades PreK and up will have class lessons, with singing mid-hour as well. Children ages 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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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS
We are currently updating our list of college students and addresses. Please contact the church office with the name and address of your college student by email at secretary@yorkfirst.org or by calling (717) 755-0307.
This includes both those on campus and at home. Thank you! ~ The Education Team
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The 2020 Pictorial Directory has arrived and is available for pick up on the counter in the Narthex!
If you are not able to attend services or you are unable to come to the church, please contact the church office and we can mail the directory to 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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CHURCH EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 24 - CDC Recognition Sunday - Sunday School Hour and Worship
October 27 - Trick or Trunk - Wednesday 5:15 PM, Parking Lot
November 7 - "Aligning With God's Purpose" Event - Sunday 4:00 PM, Sanctuary
November 13 - Museum of the Bible Bus Trip - Saturday
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FALL FEST AT CAMP EDER, 914 Mt Hope Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320
Festival and Benefit Auction
October 16, 2021, 10 AM - 3 PM
Things to do: Pit Roasted Pork & Turkey Meal, $12 adults, $8 kids (12 + under)
Live Auction with Larry Schwartz, Live Music,Apple Butter Making
Craft Vendors,Eder's French Fries & Delicious Sandwiches
Kid's Games and prize, Candy Treasure Hunt
Food Court & Bake Sale, Live Demos all day
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PRAYER SHAWL ministry will be meet on Thursday, Oct. 21st in the church lounge from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
Going forward prayer shawl will meet
monthly on every third Thursday.
Anyone with interest is welcome to attend.
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TRICK or TRUNK
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Please sign up to decorate your car trunk for our annual
Trick or Trunk event. Sign up sheets are posted in the narthex
Vehicles will be parked in the parking lot so children can walk by to view the trunks and receive a treat. We ask those bringing their car to also provide the treats.
Masks and social distancing will be in place as they were last year.
Decorated cars will be parked every other parking place. Vehicle owners must hand out the treats instead of little hands all reaching into the treat bowl.
Cars need to be in place by 5:15 PM. CDC families may come at 5:15 to 6:00 PM. Neighborhood families will be invited to come starting at 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Questions? See John Anderson or Pastor Joel.
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ALIGNING WITH GOD'S PURPOSE:
A Process of Discovery and Growth begins November 7th, 4:00 PM
Please "save the date" and plan to join us on Sunday November 7th for something "extra." This will be a time of fun, fellowship, and meaningful "building" of our congregational timeline, the first step in a process of discovery and growth experiences. Dinner will be included, and we expect all active church participants to be there!
More information to come. We look forward to seeing you then.
~ The VITAL Team
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PLEASE JOIN US ON A BUS TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE
located in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, November 13th
The Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. This museum aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world. Showcasing rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history, the museum offers visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world around us.
A cost of $20 per person will include admission to the museum and transportation. Food will be on your own. Deadline to sign up is Sunday November 7th. We will need at least 10 participants to make this trip happen.
Sign up in the Gathering Area, or by calling or emailing the church office
~ The Spiritual Enrichment Team
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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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Copies of the Annual Conference
Wrap Up are available for pick up
in the Church Lounge
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Southern PA District Announcement: Carolyn Jones has announced that she will be resigning from her position as Office Manager for the District on December 2 of this year. The District would prefer to fill this position with someone who is familiar with the Church of the Brethren but will be advertising the position on job sites as well. If someone from the congregation is interested in applying or wants more info, they may call the district office 717-778-2264. Please share this opportunity with anyone you know who may be interested.
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
NEWSLINE DIGEST - OCTOBER 2021
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A very special thank you to my friends at First Church for
remembering my birthday with beautiful cards and verbal birthday cheer. You all made my day a very "happy" one! - Winnie Fickes
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“Jesus in the Neighborhood” |
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We wish to thank everyone who participated in our sidewalk chalk art event. It was a great time of fun and fellowship that we hope to do again!
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DIRECTORY CHANGES
P. 15 - Stephen & Nancy Jones - New Address: 3890 Cannon Lane, York, PA 17408
Phone: No longer have landline. Stephen's cell: (717) 659-0693 Nancy's cell: (717) 880-3683
P. 18 - Jarret & Katie Stehr
New Address eff. 10-22-2021: 87 Heather Lane, East Berlin, PA 17316
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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.
Most Sunday School classes have resumed meeting in person. Check the class information above for weekly updates.
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 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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The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College presents “Migration Stories of Mennonites on the Move: Russia, Canada, Germany, and Paraguay (1870-1945),” by John P. R. Eicher on Thurs., October 21, 7:00 p.m., in the Bucher Meetinghouse and via Zoom. Eicher is an assistant professor of history at Pennsylvania State University-Altoona. His book, Exiled Among Nations: German and Mennonite Mythologies in a Transnational Age (Cambridge University Press, 2020), received the 2021 Dale W. Brown Book Award. For details and the livestream link, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events or call 717-361-1470.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
John 4:46-54
MESSAGE:
“Your Son Will Live”
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FALL CONGREGATIONAL FORUM
followed worship service October 10, 2021
*If you were not present in person, ballots are due to the church office by this Sunday October 17
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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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