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:
May 2, 2021
SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Romans 5:12-21
MESSAGE:
“The Free Gift”
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Contents:
This Week
Sunday School News
Prayer Requests
Online Giving
Upcoming Events
COB News
Thank you
Directory Change
Birthdays
Last Week
Contacting the Pastor
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The Gift of Grace is More Than the Effect of Sin
This week in worship we will recall and celebrate the bold notion that Jesus has brought about an invitation to newness of life through forgiveness of sin. We'll also be reminded that this message is bigger than a personal relationship, and it is grounded in a larger story - that of God's promise to Abraham and that of humanity and its need to be set free from its persistent disobedience.
The apostle Paul makes a powerful assertion in Romans chapter 5 that "the law" only served to increase sin, but grace has "abounded all the more" in its place. Do we believe that grace is more than a sort of "escape hatch" and is even more powerful than sin itself? Come and be consider what is would mean if we did.
The significance of moving past an emphasis on "law" and into "faith" will continue in the weeks to come, as we explore portions of the book of Romans within the month of May. Please continue to join in our worship time as we seek the Lord's guidance together, trusting that our separation is indeed temporary and that our bonds of commitment to Christ and each other exceed any other loyalties in this world.
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Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel - please subscribe to the channel it if you haven't already for simpler access to previous videos. 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, May 2, 2021
Prelude “Meditation on a Folk Song”
Welcome And Announcements
Invocation Prayer
Hymn “To God be the glory”
Children's Time
Anthem “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory/Anthem “I Need Thee Every Hour”
Prayer of Blessing
Offering Response “Praise God from whom”
RECEIVING GOD'S WORD
Scripture Lesson: Romans 5:12-21
Message: “The Free Gift”
Hymn “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy”
Sending Prayer
Postlude “O How I Love Jesus”
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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 a 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 our gatherings are safe, 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 series entitled "The Color of Compromise" by Jemar Tisby, studying connections between the church and racism. Diane Gibble will be leading.
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 will be from 1 Kings 22 and the little-known prophetic voice of Micaiah and his words for the king. Come and join us for this lesson and opportunity for conversation!
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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Nursery Care Attendants Needed!
As more people begin returning for in-person worship, we look forward to reopening the nursery. However, we need your help! We need at least 2, maybe even 3, adults to staff the nursery safely for both Sunday School and Worship. Please contact Michele Gibbel mgibbel@yahoo.com (717)318-5442 to have your name added to the volunteer list. Background checks and covid vaccinations are required. We look forward to seeing our little ones return soon. Thank you!
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Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
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Despite smaller in-person worship gatherings, 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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Southern PA District Conference will be held here at York First Church
Saturday September 18, 2021
This is an opportunity for us to extend the hand of hospitality to those in our district that will be attending the conference. The conference begins with a live-streamed (online-only) worship service on Friday evening (9/17) and then a full day of in-person gathering on Saturday (9/18). Times we need volunteers will vary, and we’ve listed the range of times so you can determine how this might fit into your schedule for both Friday and Saturday or for any portion of those days.
We will need help in the following areas:
➤ Food service either help in kitchen or serving. Light breakfast, full lunch. See Dolly Furst
➤ Parking/traffic – directing visitors where to park and enter. Saturday from 7-9 AM and 3-4 PM
➤ Internal direction – directing visitors within the church. Throughout the day
➤ Set-up in fellowship hall and balcony. Friday evening from 6-9 PM and Saturday from 3-5 PM
Please sign up at the new gathering area in the narthex. If you are not planning to come to church and would like to volunteer, please call Karen in the church office 717-755-0307 or email secretary@yorkfirst.org and she will sign you up.
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Hospitality Servers Needed for Conference
- 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.
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
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SOUP KITCHEN - Friday, May 14, 2021 - Sign up by calling Sandi Bowser at
717-825-7203 to make a casserole for the Soup Kitchen on Friday, May 14, 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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2021 Camp Eder Golf Outing
Saturday, May 22 2021
At Gettysburg National Golf Course 4099 Bull Frog Rd.
Fairfield, PA 17320
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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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30th Annual Virtual Auction
Bidding Begins: June 26th at 12:01 a.m.
Auction Preview Night: June 28th, 4 p.m. @ New Fairview COB
Bidding Ends: June 29th at 9:00 p.m.
Art & Jewelry, Household Items, Gift Certificates & more, Baskets,
Food for pre-order, Sports Items & Memorabilia
Help us to celebrate 30 years of providing care at the Lehman Center
For more information visit: www.auctria.com/auction/CASAnnualAuction
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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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MAY
Church of the Brethren - Newsline Digest
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To My Church Family. Thank You once again for all your prayers, concern, cards and calls for me during my heart surgery. I did well, because of all the prayers. I healed very well. I Truly Believe in Prayer!
Love, Jolene Zeigler
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Directory Change:
P. 12 - Timothy & Brittney Beckwith
New address is: 440 Quaker Dr., East York, PA 17402
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LOOK WHO'S
CELEBRATING
THIS MONTH
2 Emily Vuono
2 Briella Hamill
3 John Minnich
8 Eric Jones
13 Dale Paules
13 Carole Bradfield
14 Jean Carson
15 Barbara Jo Brown
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If your birthday is in MAY and is not on the list below or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
16 Paige Striebig
18 Jean Lauver
18 Amie Dietrich
21 Stephen Carey
26 Doris Markel
26 Rick Boogher
27 Brenda Harlacher
28 Shea Martin
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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 do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. That is how we can best love one another for the time being.
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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:
Galatians 3:23-29
MESSAGE:
“Saved Together”
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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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