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 25, 2020
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Matthew 22:34-40
MESSAGE:
"The Greatest”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Youth Group News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Online Giving
Directory Changes
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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CDC Sunday!
This week in worship we will celebrate and encourage the work of the Child Development Center which operates in our facility and stands as an extension of our ministry.
Expect to hear words of sharing from the Carman Banzaca, Director and Deb Klinedinst, CDC Board chair, as well as a CDC teacher giving our Children's Story.
In our message we will encounter Jesus' instruction about which commandment is "the greatest" as told in Matthew 22:30-34. His answer centers on love, as most of us know very well, for both God and neighbor. These two go "side by side" as twin priorities in our lives, and we must not forget their supreme importance in light of all other things things that compete for our attention.
We have invited all of the families whose children attend the CDC as well as CDC teachers and staff to join us online for this service of worship, so expect this to be a service geared toward those children and guests who will be worshiping among us this week!
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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
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER SUNDAY
10:30 AM, October 25, 2020
Prelude “Jesus Loves Me” & “Some Children See Him”
Welcome and Invocation Prayer
Hymn “For the beauty of the earth”
Time for Sharing: Child Development Center
Children’s Story
TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Prayer Song “Lord, Listen to your children”
Prayers of the Church
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Invitation to Give
Offertory: "Joshua Met the Battle of Jericho"
Prayer of Dedication
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-40
Message: "The Greatest”
Song (video) – “The Blessing”
Prayers of Blessing and Sending
Postlude “He Lives”
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This Week:
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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Photo Directory Update
Thank you to all who had photos taken this week! We had a good turnout with many beautiful faces represented. Thank you so much for your patience and willingness to be part of this project. A few updates as we move forward with directory design:
- If you were not able to sit for photos this week, there is still a chance to be included in the directory! See below for options:
- You may arrange to have someone take your photo and submit the digital file to the church - we will then forward it to the directory production company for inclusion. It may be professionally done or simply a photo taken in your home. Please try to provide a clean and neutral-color backdrop for the photo. Email the photo to secretary@yorkfirst.org
- You may be able to re-use the photo from our directory produced 6 years ago. Contact the church office and request this if you like.
- The directory design will take weeks or perhaps even months to complete, so there is still time to get in it. If anyone has some quality digital photos of the building, sanctuary, or from recent church events, please send them to secretary@yorkfirst.org and we may be able to include them within the opening pages. Thank you!
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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 meets 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. Note that no class will meet this week due to the Trick or Trunk event.
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 Divine." This week the lesson explores 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, all about the importance of love: what it is and what it is not. Come and join us as we discuss what it means for us today.
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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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at
717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020
(10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Sandi to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.
Due to renovations, the pans are now located in the church lounge. Thank you!
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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2020
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Two views of the gathering area |
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Framing for multi-purpose/AV room |
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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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DIRECTORY CHANGES
P. 15 - Colin & Amy Harris - Address is changed to 435 White Rose Lane, York, PA 17402
P. 17 - John Minnich - Address is changed to 3241 East Berlin Road, York, PA 17408
P. 17 - Stacey McQuay is moved to non-member resident section and her address is
3620 Denison St., Frederick, MD 21704
P. 18 - Angela Rucci - Address is changed to 311 N 7th St., Wrightsville, PA 17368
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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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KEYS KEYS KEYS KEYS
Over the years many keys have been distributed to church members when they were needed to gain access to the facility.
If YOU or anyone you know have any church keys that are no longer needed, PLEASE RETURN THEM TO THE CHURCH OFFICE AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE so they can be redistributed to other folks who need them.
Your help in this endeavor will save the cost of having additional keys made and help reduce the supply of church keys in circulation.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. - The Facility Care Ministry Team
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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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"Notes from the Console," Article 66, By Mike Frock
Is Music Theory Racist? Part 6
This week, you get a reprieve from me. All the music this Sunday will be played by Dan Snook.
Although Professor Ewell had made his presentation in November 2019, and later published the article in the spring 2020 edition of the Music Theory Online journal, it was Neely’s controversial September 7th, 2020 YouTube video which brought this issue into the mainstream. Shortly after, on September 14th, Alex Ross wrote an article for The New Yorker, published in their September 21st, 2020 printed edition, titled “Black Scholars Confront White Supremacy in Classical Music.” In my opinion, while the YouTube video did present the topic to the masses and did get people thinking about and discussing the subject, it presented the material in a sensationalized way and overstepped a few times. Again, in my opinion, the New Yorker article presented a more moderate and scholarly approach to the subject. While the article does not specifically mention the YouTube video, it does begin by addressing some of the controversies arising from Ewell’s statements.
Ewell was quoted as saying that Beethoven was an “above-average composer.” This led the National Review and Fox News to say that Ewell was trying to ban Beethoven, and that this was cancel culture run amok. However, nothing like this was ever stated. The article also points out that Debussy, among others, have criticized Beethoven’s sonatas as being poorly written for the piano. Ewell was not trying to belittle Beethoven for the sake of doing so. The larger point that Ewell was trying to make was that many classical performers devote most of their time to a very limited number of “great” composers, overlooking many female and nonwhite composers. Ross points to institutions like the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, and the Metropolitan Opera as perpetuators of the idea of the superiority of European music to the neglect of American composers. Florence Price was the first African American female composer to have one of her pieces (the four-movement, almost forty-minute, “Symphony in E Major”) performed by a major orchestra (the Chicago Symphony) in 1933. The Met has yet to perform an opera by an African American composer. In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, some orchestras and other music ensembles have made a concerted effort to program more African American music this year. However, it remains to be seen if this will be a passing fad.
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Scripture Lesson:
Matthew 22:15-22
MESSAGE:
"Things that are God’s"
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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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