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:
September 5, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
John 1:14-18, Romans 12:3-5
MESSAGE:
“Into the Neighborhood Together”
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Contents:
This Week
Prayer Requests
Sunday School News
Opportunities To Serve
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Jesus in the Neighborhood:
The Word became flesh... and calls us together
This Sunday in worship we begin a series exploring the new Church of the Brethren Compelling Vision: "Jesus in the Neighborhood as a guiding thought for how we shape and live out our ministry together. Click here to explore further: Compelling Vision Information
Have you considered lately the whole notion of "church" and how we think of it? Is it a place we go to receive religious goods and services? An institution that serves a civic and cultural-preserving purpose? A place to escape from the troubles of this world?
Be assured that the true definition of this thing we call "church" is none of the above. It is a gathering of people who are following Jesus together. We do so within this world, abiding with God through worship, study, and fellowship, and that often leads us to be out of step with dominant cultural paradigms as we live.
Let's consider together our roots, our intention as "Brethren" to be a New Testament church, following Jesus' words more so than tradition, present feelings, or popular sentiment. Our discernment together is important, and this month will be a time to think carefully about God's will for us in our time and place. Please plan to follow closely and participate in our times of worship this month and going forward.
Note: This Sunday will be Mike Frock's last Sunday serving our church as Organist. We wish Mike all the best and plan to recognize him this week during worship. Please plan to attend if you wish to thank Mike one last time and say farewell to him.
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Live Stream Continues
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, September 5, 2021
Prelude “Carillon”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Hymn “Morning has broken”
Unison Invocation Prayer
Children's Time
A Time of Recognition
Anthem “Give Thanks”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Theme from 'Piano Concerto in Bb Minor'”
Offering Response “We give thee but thine own”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: John 1:14-18, Romans 12:3-5
Message: “Into the Neighborhood Together”
Hymn of Response “Heart with loving heart united”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “With Praise and Thanksgiving”
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CELEBRATION HYMN
Last Sunday Rebecca Wolf and the choir introduced to the congregation a new hymn that the Master Planning Team invited Greg Bachman to write. It celebrates the our recent Capital Campaign and Building Project. The title of the hymn is “Jesus in the Neighborhood,” and it reflects both the Compelling Vision, passed by the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, and the gifts of finance and spirit that will be of service to today’s congregation and future generations.
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Please click on the video link to listen to the
Celebration Hymn and view the entire
Campaign Victory Celebration Program
August 29, 2021
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Church office will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2021 in observance of Labor Day |
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PARKING LOT UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Due to the parking lot being under construction, the driveway at Kingston Rd and the doors at the canopy will be off-limits this weekend. Attendees on Sunday should plan to enter at the door around the side.
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
Additions and updates are welcome by contacting the church office
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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. Upcoming lesson series will be based on the Church of the Brethren Compelling Vision Statement and its associated Bible Study Guide.
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 not have an official class "lesson." Instead we will have a time for discussion, connection, and preparation for the season ahead, something we'll call "Coffee with the Pastor." Feel free to invite any newcomers to join us as we have time to discuss upcoming plans for Sunday School and the potential for growth.
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. Starting this Sunday, September 5, two children's classes will meet, and both will be starting the new season of the Shine Curriculum. Children ages 4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care, which may include a brief lesson as well. Now is the time to re-commit to having your children be part of our Sunday School. We look forward to seeing them all this week!
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Nursery Care Attendants Needed!
As more people begin returning for in-person worship, we look forward to reopening the nursery. However, we need your help! We need at least 2 adults to staff the nursery safely for both Sunday School and Worship. Please contact Michele Gibbel mgibbel@yahoo.com (717)318-5442 to have your name added to the volunteer list. Background checks and covid vaccinations are required. We look forward to seeing our little ones return soon. Thank you!
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NEEDED: Hospitality Committee Members – Are you the type of person that enjoys social events, planning, serving and sharing with others? We are looking for men, women or teens to serve on our Hospitality Committee. You need not be a member of this church to serve. We have various social events here at the church throughout the year where we plan, decorate, and serve food and be part of a social circle that serves those in the church as well as outside in the community. Please search your heart. If you feel God calling you to this ministry, please contact me. I welcome new members.
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Southern PA District Conference will be held here at York First Church
Saturday September 18, 2021
This is an opportunity for us to extend the hand of hospitality to those in our district that will be attending the conference. The conference begins with a live-streamed (online-only) worship service on Friday evening (9/17) and then a full day of in-person gathering on Saturday (9/18). Times we need volunteers will vary, and we’ve listed the range of times so you can determine how this might fit into your schedule for both Friday and Saturday or for any portion of those days.
We will need help in the following areas:
➤ Food service either help in kitchen or serving. Light breakfast, full lunch. See Dolly Furst
➤ Parking/traffic – directing visitors where to park and enter. Saturday from 7-9 AM and 3-4 PM
➤ Internal direction – directing visitors within the church. Throughout the day
➤ Set-up in fellowship hall and balcony. Friday evening from 6-9 PM and Saturday from 3-5 PM
Please sign up at the new gathering area in the narthex. If you are not planning to come to church and would like to volunteer, please call Karen in the church office 717-755-0307 or email secretary@yorkfirst.org and she will sign you up.
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Hospitality Servers Needed for Conference
- Do you enjoy prepping and serving food?
- Socializing and enjoying different events at the church?
We are looking for individuals who enjoy food preparation and serving others.
Many hands are necessary to help prepare and share a light breakfast with coffee, lunch, and an afternoon snack for approximately 150 people who will be attending. This will be an all-day event. Basically, helping to set-up and serve will be needed. If you are able to help all day or just one hour, or any time you can serve, would be appreciated.
If you think, you would be interested, please see or call Dolly Furst at
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Need for the Winters Family
York First helped get into an apartment in January is asking for boys winter clothing
size 6 or 7. They could also use some socks for the whole family. If you have something
to donate please let Diane Gibble know. Thank 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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Next Week!!
National Older Adult Conference (NOAC)
September 6-10, 2021
The 2021 NOAC Planning Team is hard at work making plans for the first online National Older Adult Conference. Although we wish we could be together in person at Lake Junaluska in September, we are grateful for the technology that allows us to gather “virtually.” One of the benefits of holding NOAC online is that those who have been unable to travel to Lake Junaluska for NOAC due to finances, health, or schedule conflicts, may be able to participate online this year.
Online registration is now open at www.brethren.org/NOAC. Cost per person is $100 and per couple is $150. Paper registration forms are available upon request by calling: 1-800-323-8039 ext. 303. The registration fee will provide access to all sessions, worship services, workshops, and recorded archives. We hope each person/couple who plans to attend will register and pay the fee so that we can continue to provide a meaningful experience for all.
NOAC 2021 will begin on Monday, September 6 at 7 p.m. with announcements, NOAC News and worship. It will end on Friday, September 10 at 9 a.m. with worship.
There are opportunities for giving- we will have a Virtual “Fundraising Walk around the Lake” which will raise funds for the Emergency Disaster Fund and assist congregations which have been impacted by the COVID pandemic. We are also raising funds to provide books for the Lake Junaluska Elementary School. Donations may be made through Brethren Press. Watch for more information about these giving opportunities.
We are on Facebook at “Church of the Brethren NOAC.” We also have a webpage at www.brethren.org/NOAC to view the daily schedule and additional information. Both are updated on a regular basis.
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, September 10, 2021
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, September 10, 2021 (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE contact Sandi to add your name and number of casseroles, so we can let
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.
The pans are located in the church lounge. Thank you!
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FAITH MARKERS
Sunday, September 12th
Our church is committed to celebrating the spiritual growth of our children. Children entering Kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, and 9th grades will be receiving Faith Markers during worship. If you have a child in one of these grades and plan to attend, please notify Karen secretary@yorkfirst.org as soon as possible. Thank you!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK OFF
Sunday, Sept 12, 2021
"I Learned it in Sunday School" by Terry Murry says it all. We can learn so much about God's word when we go to Sunday School. It's not just for the children it's for us all. Christian means "little Christ". This means we must study God's word and learn how to be Christ like. This is our goal. In Sunday School we can learn and question as we grow together. Come on Sept. 12th to Sunday School and learn how to be more Christ like. So He's in your heart, in your mind, and in your soul, making it so everything you do and say honors the one who created you.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The first live gathering will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16th at 1:00 pm in the church lounge. Anyone with interest is welcome to attend.
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THE BRETHREN HOME FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING will be held on Sat., September 18, 2021 at 10:15 AM - Please click on tab to view complete announcement letter |
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LADIES BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN TUESDAY, SEPT 21
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Church Lounge. ALL LADIES WELCOME! You need not attend this church to attend this group. It is open to any lady young and young at heart. We will be doing a study on the Book of Esther for the next 8 weeks. If interested in joining this great group of ladies, please see either Dolly Furst or
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BRETHREN DISASTER RELIEF AUCTION
September 24 & 25, 2021
The auction is live again!
BDRA pamphlets are located at the gathering place.
Pamphlets contain the auction information, schedule and a few time and/or location changes from previous years. Share a Meal, Country Treasures, Candy Place and 5k run will not be held this year. All Children's activities will be happening!
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✦Anyone who will be donating theme baskets or quilts and needs someone to transport these items to Lebanon, please place the items under the counters of the gathering place by 4:30 PM on Wed. 9/22.
These items will be delivered on Thurs. morning.
✦Anyone who will be donating fruit pies, apple dumplings or other baked items, contact Mary Esther/John Anderson if you need someone to transport these items to Lebanon.
✦Help is needed at the produce stands and other booths as we have helped in previous years. If you are willing, please contact Gail Druck at 717-542-6018.
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FROM THE BDRA ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE:
Your help is needed at the upcoming
Disaster Relief Auction!
✦Auction set-up is Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 starting after 8:00 AM (Lunch is provided).
✦Trash collection help is needed Friday and Saturday during the auction and help is especially needed to help clean-up on Saturday, September 25 th after the auction concludes.
✦Individuals, families or groups are welcome! Help for as short or long as you can. Please contact Chris Keller with any questions or if you are willing to serve in any way! Call or Text Chris at 717-269-4052. Thank you!
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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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Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
September 2021
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
02 Sarah Dietrich
04 Lisa Striebig
04 Daniel Beuschlein
04 Alexander Baldwin
05 Ed Martin
05 Judy Richcreek
06 Leonard Stoner
06 Diane (Ginder) Goetz
07 Evan Brickner
08 Joann Klinedinst
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If your birthday is in SEPTEMBER and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
11 James Knaub
13 Steve Jones
14 Michele Gibbel
16 Bernetta Kile
21 Loretta Bachman
23 Arlene Martin
25 Hannah Taylor
26 Bob Drawbaugh
29 John Gibble
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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.
Some Sunday School classes will resume meeting in-person this summer, others will not. Check the class information above for weekly updates. Several elements of worship will remain adjusted such as staggered seating, avoiding handshake greetings, and face coverings worn within the building. 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. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, although Pastor Joel is now fully vaccinated and 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 “Quiet Riots: Latino Mennonites and the Politics of Belonging,” by Felipe Hinojosa on Thurs., September 16, 7:00 p.m., in the Bucher Meetinghouse and via Zoom. Hinojosa is an associate professor of history at Texas A&M University and the author of Latino Mennonites: Civil Rights, Faith, and Evangelical Culture. In this talk, he focuses on how Latino Mennonites forged coalitions with Black Mennonites to both push back against the racism they experienced in the church and to fight for a seat at the Anabaptist table in the 1960s and 1970s. For details and the livestream link, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events or call 717-361-1470.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Psalm 8
MESSAGE:
“Majestic Praise”
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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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