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:
RESURRECTION DAY
April 4, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Mark 16:1-8
MESSAGE:
“He Has Been Raised”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Prayer Requests
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
A Good Friday service will take place at 7:00 PM on April 2 in the sanctuary. All are welcome to attend, either in-person or via live stream video (below). The service will be in the style of Tenebrae - which means "shadows" - and incorporations scripture, song, and the gradual extinguishing of candles until we sit in darkness. The readings and songs recall the crucifixion and death of our Lord Jesus, a somber yet meaningful service of worship.
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EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
Easter Sunday, April 4, we will have our 10:30 AM worship in the sanctuary and via live stream video, in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Expect especially celebratory music and message, the most important holiday of the Church Year!
We will look closely at the original account of the empty tomb as told in Mark's Gospel, noting the mystery and fear that accompanied the announcement that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Do we share such the reluctance of those first messengers to tell others what God has shown us? Do we worry that our news is incomplete and therefore feel unqualified to tell it at all? Do we have lingering questions that prevent us from engaging more fully with the mission of God around us? Come and be encouraged that even Jesus' earliest and most faithful disciples has similar concerns. Come and make room for the scriptures to speak to and move you toward a more honest walk of faith, one in which we are open to being called and confident that we need not be afraid. Come and see!
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. 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. We hope no one is missing out!
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ORDER OF SERVICE
10:30 AM, April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday
Solo
Responsive Call to Worship
Prelude "Hark! Ten Thousand Harps and Voices"
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Low in the grave he lay”
Children's Time
Anthem “Praise His Holy Name”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory/Anthem “Redeemer”
Prayer of Blessing
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Mark 16:1-8
Message: “He Has Been Raised”
Hymn “Christ the Lord is risen today”
Sending Prayer
Postlude "Glory to Our Risen Lord"
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The Easter Flowers are placed in honor and
loving memory of our church family
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**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains open to in-person gathering. However, due to present public health concerns, we encourage remaining at home as the most responsible option if you are willing and able to join in worship via live stream video. If you have been fully vaccinated, please feel free to attend in person.
So long as our attendance remains modest, we believe that some of us can gather safely, provided that face coverings are worn and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate risk of disease.**
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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 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. The class lesson this week will continue a video series entitled "The Case for Easter" by Lee Strobel, and Beth Anne Bahn will be serving as discussion leader.
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 be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, "Prophets Faithful to God's Covenant." This week the lesson examines the words about the "suffering servant" from Isaiah 53 and how it has been used to explain the suffering and death of Jesus. Come and join us for this very appropriate Easter Sunday lesson!
Children's Sunday School Class
Children's Sunday School meets at 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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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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SPRING CONGREGATIONAL FORUM - SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2021
The meeting will be held next Sunday, April 11 following our 10:30 AM worship service, and all church members are encouraged to attend - either in person or via live stream video. A link for the video will be included in the newsletter on April 9, 2021.
Congregational Forum Packets are available to be picked up in the Narthex, and they were emailed to members last Friday. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like an email copy. There are two sections. The forum booklet and the treasurer’s report.
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GREETERS NEEDED - Now that summer is coming, our doors to the church are continually open to guests and members and welcomed each Sunday to our worship service. With that thought, we are looking for people who enjoy smiling and greeting people at our front doors on Sunday morning. You would not need to greet every Sunday. You make your own schedule. This ministry is an important reminder that a greeting in the morning is a bit of sunshine for the soul, and people who are greeted by name, and made to feel welcome are more often than not, to return. As a note, we will continue to follow CDC guidelines with 6 ft distancing, the wearing of a mask as you stand at the front doors. So if you think you would be interested and feel comfortable enough to participate in this important ministry, I would love to hear from you.
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HOSPITALITY SERVERS NEEDED
District Conference - September 18
- 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. Our church will be hosting District Conference, scheduled for Saturday, September 18, and 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 717-244-8218, or email furstdol@aol.com.
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Although in-person worship gatherings are small 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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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, April 9, 2021 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at
717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, April 9, 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 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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72nd ANNUAL WOMEN'S CAMP RETREAT
JUNE 7 & 8, 2021
Camp Eder, 914 Mt. Hope Rd., Fairfield, PA
Registration forms must be received
no later than Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
Click on tabs below for the brochure and registration form.
Brochures are available at the church office as well.
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Cookie Sale
See the video for information about purchasing Girl Scout Cookies through the Klinedinst grandchildren. Since they have taken on recent projects to improve our facilities and property, we are glad to invite their annual fundraising efforts among us. You can pick up forms here at the church anytime or call the number as noted in the video. Thank you!
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Opportunities to Help Families in Need
The current need for the 3 Lehman Center Families we are supplying household items for is twin beds with mattresses.
Please contact Diane Gibble if you have any to donate.
Continue to keep the families in your prayers as they hunt for affordable housing.
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Summer Workcamps: FaithX
Attention all youth and adults who may have interest in participating in a week of service, faith formation, and outreach this summer! The program formerly known as "Church of the Brethren Workcamps" is now called as "FaithX: Faith Outreach Expeditions" and they are planning for many weeks this summer in creative and pandemic-adaptive ways. Read more about it at https://www.brethren.org/faithx/
We would love to send a group to one, which would be "close to home" and most likely the last week of July. Click the link below to complete a survey so that we can gauge interest in preparation. The program is open to youth grade 6 and above, as well as adults of all ages. Thank you!
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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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SOUTHERN PA DISTRICT CONFERENCE - SEPTEMBER 18
York First Church is hosting this year's District Conference in September, a one-day conference this year, Saturday September 18th only. We will need many volunteers to prepare, attend, and assist with serving the many gathered delegates and leaders. More information will be forthcoming in the months ahead, but please mark your calendars now and plan to assist that weekend, as we graciously welcome our sisters and brothers in faith. Thank you.
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APRIL
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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PLEASE WATCH FOR SCAM EMAILS
Church Members and Friends,
Once again, I have been alerted to some emails recently received by church members, supposedly from “Pastor Joel Gibbel” asking for help purchasing gift cards or something to that effect. The messages come from a gmail.com account that is not mine. This is a scam, an impostor, so please do not fall for it. Check the email address, always.
Any email from me related to the church will come from this address pastor@yorkfirst.org and I will NEVER ask you for money or gifts directly in this way. If you receive emails from anyone pretending to be me, please report them as “spam” and let me know about them so that I can be aware. Do not reply to the scam messages, and certainly do not share any of your personal financial info via email.
Thank you,
Joel Gibbel, Pastor
York First Church of the Brethren
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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 Meriam Copenheaver
08 Mark Minnich
09 Mike Martin
11 Nancy Jones
12 Vivian Fitzkee
12 Jacob Taylor
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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.
14 Sara Stoolmaker
15 Brad Nicholas
15 Christopher Striebig
19 Emily (Drawbaugh) Dietrich
19 Joel Baldwin
20 Frank Leaman
22 Ken Gordon
28 Julia Sweigard
29 Trish Ryan (Martin)
30 Mary Esther Anderson
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and despite COVID-19 cases rising in our area, we believe that we can responsibly continue 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 live streamed on our YouTube channel and recorded 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 apart. 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.
Sunday School classes will not resume in person 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. 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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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 and Elizabethtown College’s Bowers Writers House present Traveling through the National Dark: Poet and Pacifist William Stafford, as they welcome poet Fred Marchant for an evening celebrating William Stafford (1914-1993), a Library of Congress Poet Laureate with significant ties to the Church of the Brethren. Marchant and Jesse Waters, director of the Bowers Writers House, will discuss Stafford’s life and legacy and read some of his poems. Young Center Interim Director Steve Nolt will review the World War II context in which Stafford declared his conscientious objection to war and the Civilian Public Service program in which he served for four years.
The virtual presentation is Tuesday, April 13 at 7 pm.
Fred Marchant is the author of several books of poetry, including his most recent, Said Not Said (Graywolf, 2017), which was named an Honored Book by the Massachusetts Book Awards. He is the editor of Another World Instead: The Early Poems of William Stafford (Graywolf, 2008) and Professor Emeritus of English at Suffolk University in Boston. For details and the link to the Zoom presentation, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events or call 717-361-1470.
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PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP AND AN ALTERNATIVE LOVE FEAST
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Luke 13:29-35, Luke 19:29-44
MESSAGE:
“A Desire To Gather”
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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 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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