FRIDAY SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE
SERVICE 7:00 PM
Pre-Service Music 6:45 PM
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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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
December 24, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Luke 2:1-20
MESSAGE:
“The Messiah, the Lord”
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
December 26, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Colossians 3:12-17
MESSAGE:
“Let the Peace of Christ Rule”
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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
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7:00 PM, December 24
We will observe Christmas with a service of worship, a celebration of Christ's birth, on Friday December 24. The service will begin at 7:00 PM, with pre-service music beginning at approximately 6:45 PM.
The service will be live-streamed as usual, and we expect many attendees in person as well. Please remember to observe staggered seating for improved distancing, and we encourage face coverings for all when close to others.
We look forward to this event of great rejoicing, proclaiming without fear that Jesus is the Messiah, the Lord, forever and ever. Let us also commit to follow him every day of the year!
Offering Project: Please note that the entire offering collected Christmas Eve will be given to support the work of New Community Project. www.newcommunityproject.info
Please plan to give generously as you are so led. Contributing via online giving is available and encouraged.
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The Peace of Christ
Sunday Worship, December 26
This Sunday, join us for worship as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season with joy and wonder, engaging with the suggestion that we "clothe ourselves with love" and "let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts" as we read in Colossians 3.
Come and worship, as we sing and share the joy of our Lord together. Prepare to take home poinsettia flowers following the service if you ordered them!
A tremendous word of thanks to the chancel choir and all participants in the Christmas Cantata last week! You have given us all a tremendous gift of ministry through song, and we are grateful. Thank you so much.
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Live Stream Worship
Although many of us are gathering in person, our worship services will be presented "live stream" through YouTube for those who wish to join that way. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already for simpler access to previous videos. Click the link below shortly before the service begins to join in: 6:45 PM on Friday and 10:30 AM on Sunday.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
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ORDER OF SERVICE
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7:00 PM, December 24, 2021
Pre-Service Music
Prelude “Joy to the World”
Welcome And Announcements
Lighting the Christ Candle
Unison Invocation Prayer
Hymn “O come, all ye faithful”
Children's Time
Choir Anthem “Ding, Dong, Merrily on High”
A Christmas Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory Anthem "Still, still, still"
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Luke 2:1-20
Hymn “Angels we have heard on high”
Message: “The Messiah, the Lord”
Candle Lighting Solo “O Holy Night”
Candle Light Carol “Silent night, holy night”
Sending Prayer
Choral Benediction “Jubilate Deo”
Postlude “Away in a Manger”
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SUNDAY SERVICE DECEMBER 26, 2021 |
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, December 26, 2021
Prelude “The Birthday Of A King”
“Joy To The World”
Welcome And Announcements
Responsive Call to Worship
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Good Christian friends, rejoice”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Hymn “Infant holy, infant lowly”
Pastoral Prayer
Anthem “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “Wexford Carol”
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
Offering Prayer
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3:12-17
Message: “Let the Peace of Christ Rule”
Hymn of Response “Joy to the world”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “Fum, Fum, Fum”
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Listening Assistance Devices are here for those worshiping in person!
You may use your own smartphone and download the iPhone app here or the Android app here and bring your own headphones. Please note, you need to be connected to the church wifi (SimplePeace2gether) to listen. You may also see the AV person in the AV booth for a device as well.
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer |
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Click for Weekly Calendar of Events |
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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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Church Office will be open every day the week of December 27th
The church secretary will not be in the office on Monday, Dec. 27th and Tues., Dec. 28th
Pastor Joel will not be in the office on Thursday, Dec. 30th and Friday, Dec. 31st
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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. Children grades PreK and up will have class lessons, with singing mid-hour as well. Children ages 3-4 and younger are welcome to attend nursery care, which may include a brief lesson in addition to playtime. All children are welcome!
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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 meets Sunday mornings in-person at 9:00 AM in their classroom, Room 145. The class is studying “The Essential Commandment: A Disciple’s Guide to Loving God and Others” by Greg Ogden in collaboration with Compelling Vision. Beth Anne Bahn will be teaching.
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. The present lesson series engages with Richard Rohr's "The Universal Christ" - exploring a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. Come and join us this season as we work through this exciting material. Pastor Joel will be leading discussion.
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*Jr and Sr High Youth Sunday School Class*
This class will start Sunday January 9, 2022 at 9:00 AM in the Youth Room
Teachers are David Witkovsky, John and Diane Gibble, and Deb Klinedinst.
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming youth events:
Camp Eder Winter Camp January 28–30. Sign up through Camp Eder campeder.org
District Youth Retreat the weekend of March 18-20.
Let an adviser know if you are interested.
**Adult Membership Class - Upcoming**
This class will begin Sunday January 9, 2022, lasting for 8 weeks
Pastor Joel will be teaching a series that is an invitation into the Christina faith as well as a summary of beliefs and practices of the Church of the Brethren. Any new attendees, prospective members, interested learners, or existing members are welcome to attend. Adults of all ages are invited. Please let Pastor Joel know if you plan to be part of this series pastor@yorkfirst.org
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Children's Ministry Schedule |
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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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2022 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Are available for pickup on the counter in the narthex.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Many envelope numbers have changed for 2022.
- If you are using Online Giving, your envelope number may now be in the 200 range, and you will not receive a box of envelopes. See the listing located with the boxes of envelopes.
- DO NOT use your old (2021) envelopes after DECEMBER 31, 2021
DO NOT use your new (2022) envelopes before JANUARY 1, 2022.
If you don't have envelopes and would like to have them, please contact Karen in the church office.
Thank you
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UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS / DATES TO REMEMBER:
January 2 - Worship Service with Bread and Cup Communion - Nancy Jones preaching
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OUR DAILY BREAD/SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, January 14, 2022
Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for
Our Daily Bread/Soup Kitchen on Friday, January 14, 2022 (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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Camp Eder Winter Camp 2022 - January 28-30
Winter Camp 2022 is just around the corner!
Join us for an action packed weekend full of camp fun and friends.
Drop off will be 7pm on Friday with pick up at 2pm on Sunday.
The Church will cover 80% of the registration expense!
Winter Camp 2022 is going to be a blast!
Please click on the button for the flier to view information and registration information or visit campeder.org.
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Men's Spiritual Leadership Summit
Saturday - February 19, 2022
Unity and What it Means for the Church
Guest Speaker: David Sollenberger 2022 Church of the Brethren Annual Conf. Moderator
Location:Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Registration Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2022
Click on the button below to view the brochure and information.
This information will be posted on the bulletin board in Narthex area.
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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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Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest - December 2021
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First Church has nurtured and challenged me for more than
76 years and continues to do so. As I face this new challenge,
I thank you for your love and prayers. ~ Helen Stoner
Thankful for answered prayers for my husband. Thank you to everyone for your encouraging words, concern, and especially prayers for my husband. Words can't express how much this means to me and my family.
~ Karen Bowman
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
07 Greg Minnich
09 Jeffrey Yingling
11 Nathan Beuschlein
14 Beth Drawbaugh
14 Clarence Sauder
15 Ron Horner
15 Steven Fitzkee
16 Cathy McCracken
16 Tanner Ferro
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If your birthday is in JANUARY
and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
18 Melanie Schaefer
19 Greg Bachman
19 Luke Miller
20 Spencer Ginder
20 Dana Stump
23 Danielle Gibbel
25 Valerie Sauder
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Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
The church Leadership Team's policy on face coverings for our gatherings: following with CDC guidance, masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, however we encourage all attendees to wear face coverings when near others. 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.
Most Sunday School classes have resumed meeting in person. Check the class information above for weekly updates.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining some “physical distancing” 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 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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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Micah 5:2-5a
Choir Cantata - Chancel Choir
“The Greatest Story Ever Told”
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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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