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
March 21, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Luke 6:20-31, Matthew 15:21-28
MESSAGE:
“Blessings and Woes”
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
Upcoming Events
Thank you
Directory Change
COB Newsline
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Jesus Way: Moving Toward Love
This Sunday in worship we will encounter Jesus' pronouncements on who is "blessed" and destined for reward and who is to be warned that they have already received theirs. The teaching culminates by affirming the Golden Rule, even in the face of our enemies.
We'll also consider a troubling account in which Jesus insulted a foreign woman and was then led to assist her child. In contrast to Noah, who proclaimed blessings and curses on his respective children and grandchildren - thus enforcing prejudice upon ensuing generations that would last for centuries - Jesus confronted such prejudice with a change of tone, a willingness to appreciate the woman's faith and to commend her for it.
How might we follow Jesus in light of the present troubles in this world? By digging in our heels and refusing to be taught, or by leaving space for new insight and having a willingness to learn? Come and be challenged this Sunday.
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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, March 21, 2021
Prelude ‘III. Andantino’ from “Eleven Vesper Voluntaries”
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Praise the Lord, sing hallelujah”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory/Anthem “Ancient Words”
Prayer of Blessing
Offering Response – “Praise God from whom”
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Luke 6:20-31, Matthew 15:21-28
Message: “Blessings and Woes”
Hymn “Dona Nobis Pacem”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “Lenten Interlude"
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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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Next Week, March 28th - Palm Sunday
Expect morning worship at 10:30 AM celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, after which we will observe "An Alternative Love Feast: Lamenting and Healing for a Future of Hope."
The service will be extended to include reflections on the past year, our need for togetherness as God's people, and a service of bread and cup communion, all of which can be joined in person or online. Look for more detail in next week's e-newsletter.
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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 introduces us to the prophet Huldah, and her sobering words for King Josiah. We'll consider whether or words need to be true in order to serve their purpose. Come and join us! Time for catching up and fellowship is always part of this class, in addition to the 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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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
- 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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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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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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STATIONS OF THE CROSS: A DEVOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY - The Spiritual Enrichment Team is preparing to host a "Stations of the Cross" display in our sanctuary during the two weeks leading up to Easter. This will be an opportunity to come to the church sanctuary during a weekday and spend time in devotion and prayer, recalling the journey of Jesus to the cross and reflecting on its meaning for us all.
The displays and devotional guides will be available beginning Monday March 22, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each weekday. Expect to spend up to 30 minutes walking and praying through them at your choice of day and time within the two-week period, up to and including Good Friday.
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EGG HUNT - MARCH 31
We are inviting our church family and friends at 5:00 PM for children ages 1 to 12 for an Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday 3/31. We are also planning to have an Easter Egg Hunt for the CDC children on Wednesday at 3:30 PM the same day. Each classroom will hunt for eggs separately, in the afternoon. There will not be a meal served this year. To sign up your egg hunters, please call the church office at 717-755-0307 or email to secretary@yorkfirst.org. We need to know the age of each child who will be attending. Masks are a requirement for children over age 2. We can also use volunteers to help hide eggs on March 31. Watch for more information in future newsletters.
If you have questions contact Diane Gibble or Mary Esther Anderson.
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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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For So Many Prayers, Cards, Phone Calls, Visits, Loving Concerns and Reaching Out To Me at the Death of my Husband, Bill, I am Truly Grateful. My Church Family has Meant So Much to Me Now, and When Bill was Living, to Him Also. Your Love and Support has Lifted Me Up. Thank You More Than You Can Know. ~ Jolene Zeigler
Thank you to everyone for all the cards and thoughts and prayers. It is appreciated and heart warming. ~ Katie and Daniel McEvoy
Thank you to my church family for thinking of me during this stressful semester - both the sweet note and Starbucks gift card are greatly appreciated and helping me get through my midterms this week! ~ Emma Stoolmaker
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DIRECTORY CHANGE
P. 20 - College Student Section
Emma Stoolmaker's current address: 139 Woodmere Ave. Apt. 11, East Lansing, MI 48823
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Opportunities to Help Families in Need
The Lehman Center family (mom, 15 year old twin boys, and a 2 year old
grandson) moved into their apartment on Feb 25th want to say a big "THANK YOU" for all you've done to make this possible. The mom worked that morning came home for 15 minutes to meet us and then had to leave to work her second job. She was so touched by the 3 pick up trucks, a car and 2 vans that were loaded with items for her home. When she returned HOME that evening after working a total of 15 hours she got to see everything. You not only filled the home with furnishings but you showered them with Christs love. Thank you much!
Unfortunately, the other Lehman Center family that was to move into their apartment March 1st fell through. They're back to looking for a place to live.
There will be at least one more family in the pipeline. However, I've not been told from the Lehman Center what their needs will be. So I will keep collecting items you may have to donate.
Pray for these families and that they will be able to find housing soon.
If you have house hold items you want to get rid of please let me know.
Thank you, Diane Gibble
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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 OFFICE PHONE UPDATE
Please note that the district office prior phone number will no longer work. To reach the district office, the new phone number is 717-778-2264.
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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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MARCH
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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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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Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies presents “Weapons Transfers as Foreign Policy: Theological Ethics, Economics and Strategy,” by Nathan Hosler on Thurs., March 25, 7:00 p.m., via Zoom. Hosler is director of the Church of the Brethren's Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and a pastor at the Washington City Church of the Brethren. He will describe the US foreign policy practice of selling or giving weapons and related systems to strengthen diplomatic relations and further national interests, and he will argue that such transfers cannot be separated from war-making and must be subject to ethical reasoning. For details and the link to the Zoom presentation, visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
1 John 3:5-18
MESSAGE:
“From Death to Life”
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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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