Website Home

Connect

Visit Us

Contact Us

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM

Classes for All Ages (see below)

 

WORSHIP 10:30 AM

In the Sanctuary and Online

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

April 2, 2023

 

SCRIPTURE LESSON:

Zechariah 9:9-10

Matthew 21:1-16


   MESSAGE:

“The Children’s Praise”

Contents:



This Week


Prayer Requests

and Calendar


Sunday School News


Children's Ministry Schedule


Online Giving


Upcoming Events


COB News


Thank you


Birthdays


Last Week


Contacting the Pastor 

Happening This Week

Palm Sunday:

Joy in the Streets, Trouble in the Temple


This Sunday in worship, we will encounter the "triumphal entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem and his confrontation with those in the temple there. It is a scene of adoring crowds followed by a scene of discontent. Children become the heroes in this account, as their voices declare God's praise by naming Jesus as the Messiah. Expect a moving service, filled with music, children, and exploration of scripture that magnifies the message and mission of Jesus.


*Love Feast will be Thursday April 6 at 6:00 PM*

The season of Lent draws to an end this week, as we remember our Lord's last supper and crucifixion. Please join us for our sacred times of worship this Sunday and Thursday, in anticipation of his resurrection. Centered in Christ, we are committed to love, share, and serve as God so leads us.

Live Stream Worship

Our worship services are available via YouTube for those who wish to join that way. Click the link above to join us at 10:30 AM Sunday or anytime afterward. DVD copies of the services are also available.


Click here to view the bulletin for this Sunday.

This Sunday's Bulletin

CALENDAR OF CHURCH EVENTS/ACTIVITIES


Sunday, April 2 – Palm Sunday

9:00 am  Sunday School

10:30 am  Worship Service – Sanctuary


Tuesday, April 4

9:30 am  Ladies Bible Study – Anna Mow Room

3:30 pm  Usher Orientation Mtg. – Multi-Purpose Room

4:00 pm  Food Pantry Open 4:00pm to 5:30pm

6:30 pm  Usher Orientation Mtg. – Multi-Purpose Room


Wednesday, April 5

9:00 am  Staff Meeting – Multi-Purpose Room

5:00 pm  Easter Egg Hunt/Meal - FH

       

Thursday, April 6

6:00 pm  Love Feast – FH

7:30 pm  Choir Practice – Sanctuary


Friday, April 7

9:00 am  Prayer Labyrinth – FH (until 6:00 pm)

2:00 pm  Holy Communion – FH (until 4:00 pm)

    

Saturday, April 8

9:00 am  Prayer Labyrinth – FH (until 6:00 pm)

10:00 am  Food Pantry Open 10:00am to 12:00 Noon

2:00 pm  Holy Communion – FH (until 4:00 pm)


Sunday, April 9 – Easter Sunday

8:40 am  Morning Watch Service – Behind FH

9:00 am  Easter Breakfast – FH

10:30 am  Worship Service – Sanctuary

Church Calendar


Click on this button to view the full calendar

Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer

Prayer Requests

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.

Sunday School News

Children's Sunday School Classes

9:00 AM in Rooms 151, 152, and 155. Children grades PreK (age 4) and up will have class lessons, with singing included as well. Children ages 3-4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care.

 Youth Sunday School Class

9:00 AM in the Youth Room 149. Teacher Dave Witkovsky. This class is for youth in grades 6-12. The class is studying a series called "Love of God, Neighbor, and Enemy."



Vine and Branches Sunday School Class

9:00 AM in Room 154. Teacher Joel Gibbel. The class is studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, this spring's series entitled "Jesus Calls Us."

 

Lamplighters Sunday School Class

9:00 AM in Room 145. Teacher John Anderson. The class is studying a series by

Adam Hamilton called “Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White.”


Homebuilders Sunday School Class

Mondays - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM by conference call. To join, contact Mike Martin at

717-840-4184 or Caretaker@TwinBrookFarm.com and leave a phone number. The class studies lessons from the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum. 

Children's Ministry Schedule

Calling New Sunday School Teachers


Are you seeking a way to connect with the children and youth of our congregation?

Do you wish to share your love of Jesus with others?

Would you like to support and work with the already dedicated Sunday School teachers? If so, please consider being a Sunday School teacher. Curriculum is provided.

Current age groups are Pre-K to 2nd grade; 3rd-5th grade; 6th-12th grade.

Training can be provided. Please contact Michele Gibbel if you’re interested. Thank you  

Online Giving

Online Giving is safe, easy, and convenient. Sign up by going to our church website at: www.yorkfirst.org and click on the Online Giving Link or go directly to the Online Giving website at: http://www.osvhub.com/york-first/funds.

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!


NOTE: Online giving can be used for regular weekly or monthly offerings, special offerings, and capital campaign contributions, as well as many other specific outreach ministries that we sponsor.

Church Website
Online Giving

Spring Congregational Forum will be held on

Sunday, April 16th following worship service.


The Congregational Forum Booklet and Treasurer's Report

are available for pick up in the gathering area.

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER


Wednesday April 5 - Egg Hunt

Wednesday April 5 - Camp Eder April Senior Day

Thursday April 6 - Love Feast

Friday & Saturday April 7 and 8 - Prayer Labyrinth, Holy Communion

Sunday April 9 - Easter Sunday, Easter Breakfast

Sunday April 16 - Easter Cantata in Worship, Congregational Forum

Saturday April 22 - District Women's Spring Luncheon


APRIL SENIOR DAY

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH

Camp Eder - 914 Mount Hope Road, Fairfield, PA 17320

 


9:30 am - CHECK IN/Light Breakfast

 

10:00 am - History of a Milkman - Jay Crist York County milkman and antique milk delivery vehicle collector will share the history of milk home delivery and the vehicles that made it possible. He has spent the last 20 years collecting and restoring milk trucks and wagons. His most current project is a 1936 Divco S Stand/Drive Ice Truck.

Join us for his fun program and take a stroll down memory lane.

 

12:00 pm - LUNCH - Baked Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Salad, Rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookies & Chocolate Milk

 

1:00 PM - AFTERNOON PROGRAM -

Check out a restored Milk Truck that Jay brought!

 

COST: $ 20. Per Person

RSVP by calling 717-642-8256 or Email: mschmittel@campeder.org


Love Feast Thursday April 6


Please note that we are observing the Love Feast on April 6, 2023, gathering in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 PM for this most sacred time of worship, sharing the Agape Meal, Feetwashing, and Communion together.


This is a change from our recent custom of holding Love Feast on Palm Sunday, the Maundy Thursday time holding more closely to deeper tradition and place within Holy Week. Come and join us as we re-enact and reflect on the "last supper" the Jesus shared with his disciples. Several deacons will be sharing meditations within the service. There is a place for you at the Lord's table.

HOLY COMMUNION AND WALKING THE PRAYER LABYRINTH

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 7-8


Holy Communion

For those of you who will miss the Love Feast on April 6, 2023, we are going to try to accommodate you who want to partake in Holy Communion. On Friday and Saturday April 7 and 8, 2023 between the hours of 2 PM to 4 PM a Deacon or Deacon team will be in the fellowship hall attending to the bread and cup. If you want to partake in Holy Communion, please stop by during these times. If you have questions, please contact Greg Klinedinst. 



Walking the Prayer Labyrinth:

A Devotional Opportunity


The prayer labyrinth is a unique approach to prayer that dates back thousands of years. Labyrinths are found in some of the great cathedrals of Europe and in recent decades have become very popular in a variety of settings in the United States as well. While there are a number of different versions of labyrinths, the version we are using for Holy Week is known as the Chartres Labyrinth styled after the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France. It is made up of 10 “circuits” or loops that wind slowly to the center. The flow of the prayer labyrinth is an experience of walking from the entrance at your own pace until reaching the center as an experience of prayerful centering, followed by remaining in the center if desired, and then moving back out as a way of taking this new founded centeredness back out into your daily life.


You can walk with a prayer in mind, a prayerful thought, a question for God, or other means of focusing in the moment. Our prayer labyrinth experience will be available in the Fellowship Hall with ideas to provide focus beginning at 9:00 am on Friday, April 7 through 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 8. Dave Witkovsky will be available for a session at

3:00 pm on Friday and Saturday to give some history and prayer resources prior to walking the labyrinth. May this provide us with one more resource to strengthen us as we walk through this season of Lent.

OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, April 14, 2023 Sign up by calling

Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, April 14, 2023 (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!

This information will also be

posted on the bulletin board.

Plant Sale Order Form

Ladies of the Church - You are invited to the

District Women's Spring Luncheon promoted by

the Southern Pennsylvania District

Church of the Brethren

This is a women’s conference being held at our church.

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9:00 am


Featured Speaker: Ruoxia Li

Ruoxia was born and grew up in Schouyangm the location of another past Brethren mission post in Shanxi Province, China. She met her husband, Eric Miller, in Beijing and moved to the United States in 2005, where she earned her masters degree in Theology. Ruoxia and Eric are members of York First Church of the Brethren.


Please click on the button for the brochure/registration form for this event.

This information will also be posted on our bulletin board.

Registration Deadline: April 15, 2023, No refunds after deadline date.

Brochure/Registration Form

WE NEED MANY GOOD MEN – As announced by Pastor Joel last week in worship service, York First is hosting The Southern District of the church of the Brethren’ women’s conference.



We need 6 men to set up tables and chairs on 4-21-23 5:30 to 6:30 PM.


On 4/22/23 we need the following:

•4 men to work as greeters at the two main entrances.

•4 men to set up food and drink, serve food clean up between 7:30 and 11:30 AM

in The Gathering Area.

•5 men set up, serve lunch and clean up in the kitchen and fellowship hall

between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

•6 men to tear down tables and clean up from 1 PM to 3 PM.


Please all men in the congregation check your calendars and see if you 

can help in any or all these times.

 

See a sign-up sheet in the gathering area to sign up and let us know how much you can help support this effort.



The 32nd Annual Auction Benefiting The Lehman Center is Tuesday, April 25th at New Fairview COB. The food and auction preview starts at 12:00. The live auction starts at 5:00.  


If you have any new or like new items you would like to donate please let Diane Gibble know (717-668-1252). We are also looking for craft/ art work items.

Deadline to collect items is April 12th. 


Thank you for your continued support of the Lehman Center.

THE EDER RETREAT - APRIL 28TH-30TH

Want to enjoy a weekend of camp fun with your family?

Well then The Eder Retreat is for you!


We are going to have different workshops throughout the morning that include Pinterest Palooza where we create different crafts, a wood workshop where you get to build in our very own woodshop, a backpacking 101 class where you get to learn the basics of backpacking and take a guided hike, & MORE! You will also have the chance to climb our climbing wall, complete challenges on our challenge course, enjoy a campfire, and many more classic camp activities! For more information or if you have any questions call (717)642-8256 or email mschmittel@campeder.org Click on button for registration form. This information is also posted on the bulletin board.

Registration Form

We are looking for volunteers. If you would like to help in any way

please contact Diane Gibble at dmgibble1001@

gmail.com



Thank you for being willing to share God's love with His precious children.

Church of the Brethren Denominational News

Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org

December issue of the Southern PA District Newsletter

Click on the button for current

Church of Brethren News

COB Newsline

MESSAGE FROM SANDI BOWSER ABOUT OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN


Dear Church Members,


We are in need of Volunteers, who are willing to prepare baked spaghetti casseroles for the soup kitchen in York city.



Presently, we have some very generous people who prepare 1, 2, or 3 casseroles once a

month. I, for example, prepare 2 casseroles each month. You know if I can do it, it’s not that difficult.


The recipe is easy, and the foil baking pans are provided for you, the schedule is not difficult. Contact Sandra Bowser for more details, and scheduling (contact information below).


It is a very rewarding experience. I have to say that 95% of the people are very appreciative. It would be greatly appreciated if you could volunteer your time.

Thank you.

Contact information: Sandra Bowser 717-825-7203

This time of recovery following ankle replacement surgery has been one of hurdles, hops and hiccups. The procedure on March 16 was my third skin graft. People have commented on my positive attitude. Through difficult circumstances in my life I have discovered glimmers of hope that I have recognized as God’s presence. 

I identify these glimmers as “God Provides!” The faith community of York First has blessed me with support and encouragement. Thank you for your cards, phone calls, meals and prayers.  Your love, attention and caring have sustained us. God Provides! 

Steve and Nancy Jones


Thank you for the outpouring of cards, sympathy, and love in the loss of our wife and mother, Vivian Fitzkee. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who gave their time and energy in helping with the service and luncheon.  

Bob, Gail, and the Fitzkee Family

 

LOOK WHO'S

CELEBRATING

THIS MONTH




01  Jolene Zeigler

04 Louise Stremmel

04  Jaewoo Kim

06  Richard Brown

06  Seth Beckwith

08  Mark Minnich

09  Mike Martin

11  Nancy Jones

If your birthday is in APRIL and is

not on the list below or is listed

incorrectly, please call the church office.




12  Jacob Taylor

14  Sara Stoolmaker

15  Brad Nicholas

15  Christopher Striebig

19  Emily (Drawbaugh) Dietrich

19  Joel Baldwin

20  Frank Leaman

29  Trish (Martin) Ryan

30  Mary Esther Anderson

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 2023 the gift card sales will support The Lehman Center (Children’s Aid Society), New Community Project, and Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry. 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.


If you’d like to support this program, please see Becky Wenger before/after worship service OR mail your check (paid to York First Church) to 3011 Bedford Pl, York, PA 17408 and your cards will be mailed to you.

The Education Team would like to share free monthly video links from Teepa Snow. Hoping you will get a chance to watch them and learn something that may be helpful when dealing with those you come in contact with who have dementia.

Teepa Snow’s care strategies and techniques look at what is known about brain function and changes that happen with various conditions and integrate that information with therapeutic approaches. April link is:

Connecting through music: https://youtu.be/m-lckAgnVQw

LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP


March 26, 2023


SCRIPTURE LESSON:

Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 11:17-27

 

MESSAGE:

“The Resurrection and the Life” 


CONTACTING THE PASTOR

Pastor Joel Gibbel can be reached in the church office most weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some 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.

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 contact the church if you desire a visit or to request prayer.

Our Mission Statement:
“People dedicated to Spiritual Growth, Loving Relationship, and Sacrificial Service”
Our Vision Statement:
“To become a community of committed Christians who Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World”