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
January 24, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 2:4b-25
MESSAGE:
“Another Account”
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Pastor Joel will be out of the office due to foot surgery from Monday, Jan. 25th until
Feb. 1st. If you need pastoral care during his absence, please contact Melinda Carlson at
(717) 792-9511 or (717) 891-4699. For any other assistance, please call the church office.
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Contents:
This Week
Online Giving
Sunday School News
Upcoming Events
COB Newsline
Notes from the Console
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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Another "Beginning" and the Breath of Life
This week in worship we will continue a sermon series that surveys the first few chapters of the book of Genesis, looking closely at its "second" account of creation (told in Genesis 2), which tells of the beginnings of humanity and God's first instructions for them.
We'll especially examine our close relationship to the earth and the goodness of being together with one another as God intends. Many of us now understand well what is it to be "alone" and can affirm that while it may preserve life it is not exactly good. Together or apart, however, let us join together for worship this Sunday, trusting that a closer look at "the beginning" has much to teach us about life today.
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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, January 24, 2021
Prelude ‘I. Andante’ from “Eleven Vesper Voluntaries”
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power”
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory “The New 23rd”
Prayer of Blessing
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Genesis 2:4b-25
Message: “Another Account”
Hymn of Response “Breathe on me, breath of God”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “Come with Rejoicing”
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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.
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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USHERS NEEDED
Ushers are needed during worship for the year 2021.
This would start when services are not restricted due to COVID.
If you are interested in serving the church this way please let John Gibble know.
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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. This week the lesson remains to be determined.
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, "Call in the New Testament." This week the lesson comes from John 17, in which Jesus prays for his disciples, asking God to bless them and also modeling how we can pray for one another. 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. The Advent series is complete, so the zoom link is the one used pre-Advent. 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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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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2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Your box of 2021 Offering envelopes are available for pick up in the church lounge. Please pick yours up at your earliest convenience.
If there are no envelopes with your name and you would like a set, contact the church office. A set will then be provided to you.
Please do not use your 2020 envelopes. Thank you!
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at 717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, Feb. 12, 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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RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
WEEK OF JANUARY 18, 2021
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Gathering Area Information
Center almost finished
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New Audio/Video desks
in place with tops closed
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Preparing the wall behind the cross
and the chancel wall to be painted
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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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January/February
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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The Southern PA District Office has successfully moved
and has a physical location once again.
Their new information is as follows:
SO PA District Office Church of the Brethren
3375 Carlisle Road Suite A
Gardners, PA 17324
717-778-2264 is the office phone# (you will be prompted to select Carolyn or Bill).
717-778-2254 is Bill’s direct# if you want to by-pass the above.
There is no fax capability.
Email addresses remain the same.
For those not familiar with Gardners, the office building is located along Rt 34 between Biglerville and Mt. Holly Springs, in beautiful orchard country.
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2021 DIRECTORY
We need your help to update our 2021 church directory!
If you have any changes, please email them to the church secretary
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Expansion of Prayer Shawl Ministry
For anyone interested in crafting, we'll continue "manufacture" of prayer shawls with additional production of scarves, hats, crib blankets and squares or strips for assembly into larger size blankets. Donated yarn is available for all projects. Do you have leftover fabrics? Pre-made pieces for quilt tops will also be useful. I hope you are still interested in continuing this ministry. Contact Cathy Carson at 717-755-0968 or neverland1dc@hotmail.com All completed items will be donated to one of several local non-profits or safe houses.
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"Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" was recognized on Sunday, January 17th, however, some churches will be marking it on January 24th. We affirm, with many churches around the United States and beyond, the immeasurable value of human life, a gracious gift from God who loves us, and we seek to promote its flourishing. Such an affirmation includes unborn children, and we commend efforts to encourage life and seek alternatives to unnecessary abortion through Christlike compassion. Please be in prayer for expectant mothers everywhere, their children, and seek improvement of circumstances that can lead to unwanted pregnancy and unwillingness to care for children. Thank you.
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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 recorded and live streamed 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 not. 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.
No 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 2020 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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"Notes from the Console," Article 79, By Mike Frock
"Is Music Theory Racist" Part 12
The Prelude this week is ‘I. Andante’ from “Eleven Vesper Voluntaries” by Edward Elgar. The Offertory, sung by Kim Witkovsky, is “The New 23rd” by Ralph Carmichael. The Postlude is “Come with Rejoicing” by R.S. Morrison.
Anthony Tommasini’s article suggesting racial quotas in orchestral hiring sparked a debate. The New York Times published a second article titled “Musicians on How to Bring Racial Equity to Auditions” which was a compilation of interviews compiled by Zachary Woolfe and Joshua Barone and published on September 10th, 2020. The interviewees included conductors, players and administrators from various orchestras. One reoccurring theme in their responses was that the process was not perfect. One criticism is that the beginning of the hiring process is already biased based on who was recruited and/or invited to audition, or to be a substitute player (a fast-track to full-time positions). Another criticism is the use of resumes in the hiring process. When an auditioner sees a name which appears to be of non-Caucasian origin, the auditionee might already be at a disadvantage before s/he plays a note. The use of resumes also fosters a culture of hiring players who graduated from a certain conservatory or studied under a certain teacher. A third criticism is that very few orchestras engage in a fully blind audition process. Usually, the screen comes down during the last round of auditions.
Most of the interviewees, including African Americans, did not want to abandon blind auditions. Several of the African American interviewees said that the priority should not necessary be diversity. Instead, the focus should be on recognizing that racism and sexism exist in the industry and trying to eliminate it. One way to do this is to fix the current audition process. This means getting rid of resumes or at least the names on the resumes, making sure that no musician is allowed to skip any of the audition process steps, and that everyone goes through the same fully blind audition process. This would get create a merit-based process which would eliminate discrimination due to gender, nationality, age, weight, height, or physical disability. These are very simple solutions. The high school music teachers in south central Pennsylvania have a perfect merit-based audition process to select high school students for District Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. If these local teachers can do it, so can a major orchestra. They just need to want to do it.
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SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Genesis 1:20-2:4a
MESSAGE:
“Living Creatures”
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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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