SUNDAY SCHEDULE
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
October 18, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Matthew 22:15-22
MESSAGE:
"Things that are God’s"
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Thank you
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Giving What is Due
This week in worship we will encounter the lesson Jesus reveals in Matthew 22:15-22 in response to a question about paying taxes, a question that was meant to trap him. Jesus' response is well known and profound, but not always rightfully applied. After all, we do not live in ancient Rome and our systems of government and taxation are different from theirs. But are they really? Can we still recognize that what belongs to God is infinitely greater than what belongs to "Caesar?"
Come and join us for this service of worship, as we honor our Lord though word, song, and prayer. All are welcome, so freely share the link below with others!
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Live Stream Continues!
Once again (and always, we hope) our worship service will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. Click the link below shortly before 10:30 AM on Sunday to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this Sunday. |
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. We hope no one is missing out!
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, October 18, 2020
Organ Prelude ‘No. 6. Canon’ from “24 Pièces en Style Libre”
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn “What is this place”
Children’s Time
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Church
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Offertory: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
Prayer of Dedication
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15-22
Message: "Things that are God’s”
Hymn “In Christ there is no East or West”
Prayers of Blessing and Sending
Organ Postlude 'Procession' from "The Magic Flute"
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Coming Soon:
TRICK or TRUNK
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
OCTOBER 28, 2020 (WEDNESDAY) - Trick or Trunk Event in our Parking Lot!
Please consider decorating your vehicle and blessing many families through our annual "Trick or Trunk" Event! Measures such as face coverings and distancing will be observed for safety, and no meal will be served indoors.
** We need participants to bring your decorated vehicle, and we can also use volunteers to help direct traffic and attendees - no trunk decorating or costume necessary! **
Please call or email Karen in our church office 717-755-0307 secretary@yorkfirst.org to sign up - either to provide a festive trunk or simply to volunteer as a "helping hand." Thank you!
We plan to to invite church and CDC families and well as the public from our neighborhood - but at staggered times so as to keep the event safer. Expect to arrive before 5:00 PM to set up for for a 5:15 PM start time for CDC children, 6:15 PM for the general public.
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This month we celebrate our wonderful
Pastor Joel Gibbel and his amazing wife Michele! You and your family bring much energy and enthusiasm to our congregation. We thank you for your tireless efforts to keep us moving forward and the passion for God’s word that you convey in word and spirit.
On November 1, you begin your 4th year with us. Happy Anniversary! God bless you!
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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 Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 pm until
8:00 pm 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. The class be studying the Wednesday "Upper Room" Lesson.
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, entitled "Love Your Neighbor." This week the lesson explores Jesus' teachings as recorded in Luke 10:25-37, a familiar parable which serves to expand the definition of "neighbor" and to challenge our assumptions concerning who is most faithful to God.
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School is now planned for 12:00 noon each Sunday 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!
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Plans are being made for several youth group gatherings this fall. While we are not planning to resume in-person Sunday School this season, the Education Team is planning for times of both learning and service. Please pay attention to future newsletters for more information! |
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TOMORROW - 2020 CAMP EDER FALL FESTIVAL
Join us for a day of safe family fun! - Saturday, October 17th, 10 AM - 3 PM
Outdoor Event-Outdoor seating for meal, Pork Meal cooked overnight inground brick pits Meal Ticket Cost: $ 12. Meal served 11-2, Auction 10:30 Start, Hayrides, Live Auction, Kid's Activities, Craft Vendors, Yard Sale Vendors, Eder made Apple Butter
Please click on the button to see how many ways you can help make this year's festival a success! Everybody come out to "our home in the hills" for the day... it's beautiful this time of year, and you will be supporting a wonderful ministry!
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CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
OCTOBER 19 - 20, 2020
"Get Ready to Smile" for the upcoming photo directory!
You will need to reserve your photo time slot. Every family will receive a complimentary 8"x10" print and have an opportunity to order more but with no obligation. We hope to have ALL church members and friends in our new directory, to hopefully be released later this year.
Dates are October 19-20, and photos will be taken here at the church building.
PLEASE SIGN UP RIGHT AWAY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!
click on “Photography Appointment Scheduling Login”
Church Code: PA882
Password: Photos
Follow instructions to choose a date and time, entering your email information as requested, and click on "Schedule Appointment" to reserve the time you've chosen.
You may also call the church office for assistance or to reserve a time, and Karen may be able to reserve a time for you. It's simpler if everyone can do it themselves, however. Thank you all in advance for participating!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF OCTOBER 12, 2020
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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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October Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Although in-person worship gatherings and events are 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.
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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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and COVID-19 cases remain relatively low in our area, we believe that we can responsibly resume worship gatherings, so long as they are small and well-distanced.
That said, staying home remains the safest option, and we commend doing so to prevent spread of contagious disease. Worship will be recorded and live streamed each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM whether anyone is in attendance or not. We remain a committed body of Christ's faithful disciples whether we gather in person or not. We are simply allowing in-person attendance for those who desire to do so. Thank you all in advance for choosing wisely how and where you will worship.
No Sunday School classes will resume until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as seating arrangements, no passing of offering plates, and restricted singing. Handshake greetings should be avoided and masks must be worn within the building. Sanctuary windows and doors will be open, so expect warm and humid conditions. 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, 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. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God's comfort and peace be with you.
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Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, and cards for my recent surgery. It was appreciated. ~ Ed Martin
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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 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.
Beginning July 12, 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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Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies presents “The German Awakening: Protestant Renewal after the Enlightenment, 1815-1848,” by Andrew Kloes on Thurs., Oct. 22, 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Kloes, recipient of the 2020 Dale Brown Book Award for The German Awakening: Protestant Renewal after the Enlightenment, 1815-1848. And a historian in Washington, DC, will discuss the “Awakening movement” in German Protestantism in the nineteenth century. For details and the link to the Zoom presentation, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events or call 717-361-1470.
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"Notes from the Console," Article 65, By Mike Frock
Is Music Theory Racist? Part 5
The Prelude this week is ‘No. 6. Canon’ from “24 Pièces en Style Libre” by Louis Vierne. This piece is mostly what is called a “Simple Canon” or a “Round” where the melody, first played in the right hand, is then played in the left hand a measure later. Vierne suggests a cornet registration which is probably an homage to the Baroque era where both the cornet registration and contrapuntal forms of composition were more ubiquitous. The Offertory, sung by Barry Hollinger, is "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," a traditional American melody arranged by Mark Hayes. The Postlude is 'Procession' from "The Magic Flute" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and arranged by Benton Price.
The sixth part of the video was a continuation of the fifth part (about Schenker) and showed how the idea that some music theories have racist overtones was not hidden until the mid-20thcentury. The video also chronicled how after Professor Ewell offered his original presentation, several faculty members from the University of North Texas wrote rebuttal letters. Then, somehow, Fox News picked up the story, and like everything else in today’s world, this started to become a political issue. The seventh and last part of the video did not present any new evidence for the argument of music theory being racist. That concludes my weeks-long summary of the forty-four-minute YouTube video. In my summary I tried not to express any of my opinions, just the opinions presented in the video. Why am I spending so much time on this one video? For several reasons: 1. This one video really did have a significant impact on the musical world and has been the subject of much debate, counterarguments, and change. It is rare when one thing creates such a stir in the musical world as this did. 2. As a musician, I feel obligated to remain up to date on these kinds of issues. 3. This debate is a parallel for a lot of other debates that are happening in the current American society. 4. I feel this is relevant to the church as the church is a great perpetuator of some of the things discussed in the video, from singing hymns that are hundreds of years old, to the fact that hymns are written in what is called a “four-part chorale style,” where the rules of writing in this style were derived from J.S. Bach’s chorale writing.
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Scripture Lesson:
Philippians 4:4-9
MESSAGE:
"Keep On"
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Congregational Forum
The Congregational Forum was held on Sun., Oct. 11th, - You may view the recorded video by clicking the link below. The forum booklet, treasurer's reports, and the slate ballot for affirming leaders remain available for pick in the Lounge.
Two items will require approval by vote: The Financial Plan for 2021 and the Slate Ballot for affirming leaders whose terms will begin in 2021.
We request a response on these two items above by Monday, Oct. 26th. This could come in several forms: Voting by email secretary@yorkfirst.org or mail response indicating approval or disapproval of each of the above, or a phone call 717-755-0307 to the church office during the weekday hours of 7 AM - 2 PM. *Only church members are permitted to vote* and we expect responses within two weeks of the meeting. Thank you all for your commitment and service to our church.
Congregational Forum Video:
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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. |
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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 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.
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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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