SUNDAY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 AM
Classes for All Ages (see below)
WORSHIP 10:30 AM
In the Sanctuary and Online
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THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
April 2, 2023
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Zechariah 9:9-10
Matthew 21:1-16
MESSAGE:
“The Children’s Praise”
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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
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Click on this button to view the full calendar
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer | | |
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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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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This information will also be
posted on the bulletin board.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Church of the Brethren Denominational News | |
Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org | |
Click on the button for current
Church of Brethren News
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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.
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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
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March 26, 2023
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 11:17-27
MESSAGE:
“The Resurrection and the Life”
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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.
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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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