Weekly News
Vol. 10-No. 9 Friday, March 4, 2016
Karen Bowman, Editor, secretary@yorkfirst.org
Our Vision Statement: “To become a community of committed Christians who Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World”
Our Mission Statement: “People dedicated to Spiritual Growth, Loving Relationship, and Sacrificial Service”
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– Sanctuary: “A Lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son”
– Scripture: Luke 15
Thoughts on the Word: This week’s text covers a whole chapter and a familiar chapter given our recent studies in the story of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. Chapter 15 contains three parable stories that Jesus uses to teach powerful lessons about what it means to be lost. A lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son or sons depending on who you see as lost in the Prodigal Son story. Being lost is never a good place to be. It means that you are someplace you should not be and doing something you should not be doing. Take time to read and study these three stories in preparation for worship this coming Sunday and may God bless you with increased insight and knowledge for your faith journey.
Next week’s message is entitled: “God sends a ‘Messiah'” from the Old Testament book of Isaiah 43:16-21
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Weather Related *CHURCH CANCELLATIONS
A. Cancellations will be announced through our church phone system.
Please use the following process:
1. Call the church office at 755-0307.
2. When answering machine message begins, press 6
3. A recorded message will indicate the status of church services/activities.
B. Cancellations will be announced on the church’s web site at www.yorkfirst.org, and when possible, emails will be sent to all online mailing list members and added to our Facebook page and Twitter, and in that 1, 2, 3, 4 order. *Weather related cancellations will not be announced on radio or TV.
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE – February 28, 2016, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 92
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, February calendar, and March Newsline Digest (formerly Mission and Ministry newsletter) are available to be picked up on the table in the narthex and at YorkFirst.org
Copies of the pastor’s sermons will be available on our website at http://yorkfirst.org/sermons.SHTML You may also contact the church office to request a copy.
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THIS WEEK……………
MARCH 5, 2016 – Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve’s Camp Eder Mount Hope Maple Madness! Saturday, March 5th. Pancake Breakfast 7:30 – 11:30 am, Maple Sugaring Tours 9 am – 12 pm (last tour begins at 12pm) Tree to Table: learn the origins of maple sugaring and today’s tricks of the trade (and practice tapping a tree!) with a 90-minute tour. Perfect Pancakes for drizzling with real maple syrup, plus sausage, eggs, and more! Local Art & Craft Vendors showcase a variety of homemade goods. Pennsylvania Maple Syrup available for purchase while supplies last. “Sweet Deal” Package Best Price: Breakfast & a Tour $ 12. Adult, $ 7 Child (under 3 Free) **Visit StrawberryHill.org for single admission fees. See flyer on bulletin board or contact Kathy Kovacs with any questions
MARCH 5, 2016 – CHICKEN & WAFFLE DINNER – Chambersburg COB, 260 S Fourth St, Chambersburg, PA 17201, (717) 264-6957, Sat., March 5th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Snow Date-Sat., March 12th) Free will offering to Benefit World Hunger – No Reservations Needed
MARCH 9, 2016 – W.E. GATHER – Began Feb. 10th and continues through March 16th. We will begin at 6 pm with a carry-in supper and then a study time starting at 7 pm. The subject is: Survey of Isaiah, the evangelical prophet include; themes, impending judgment, coming of the Messiah, and establishment of Messiah’s Kingdom
MARCH 10, 2016 – OWLS NEWS – Join us as the OWLS gather in the Homebuilders Classroom 154 at noon on Thursday March 10. Our friend, BOB ANDERSON will present a program about the RELIGIONS of the U. S. PRESIDENTS. Bring your bag lunch. The Millers will be providing drinks and dessert. PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE SIGNUP SHEET IN THE NARTHEX BY SUNDAY MARCH 6 so we know how many to prepare for!
MARCH 11, 2016- SOUP KITCHEN – PLEASE BRING CASSEROLES TO CHURCH BY 8:30 AM ON FRIDAY.
Sign up in the narthex to make a casserole or to work at the Soup Kitchen on Friday, March 11, 2016, (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) PLEASE add your name and number of casseroles, to the SIGN UP sheet, so we can let the Soup Kitchen know how many casseroles to expect.
MARCH 13 through 16, 2016 – REVIVAL SERVICES – New Fairview Church of the Brethren with Pastor Stafford Frederick of the Summerdean Church of the Brethren. See bulletin board for the schedule and message titles for these days. For More Information call 755-3836.
MARCH 13 & March 19, 2016 – Dear Friends at York First: Our son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Anabel Ramirez, and their quartet, Apollo Chamber Players, will return to our area for an East Coast concert tour in March. YORK: They will perform for the St. John’s Concert Series, Sunday, March 13, 4:00 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Bea ver St. York, PA. LANCASTER: On Saturday, March 19, 7:00 PM, they will perform for the Starlight Tea Concert Series at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Avenue, Lancaster, PA. We would be delighted for you to join us at these free concerts! Joe & Venona Detrick
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EASTER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
EASTER FLOWERS ~ It’s that time of year to be ordering flowers for Easter Sunday, March 27. Orders will be taken on Sundays -March 6 and 13 in the lobby by Linda Horner. It is not too early to think SPRING!!!
Tulips – 6″ pot -5 bulbs, Yellow, purple, two tone ~ $ 9.00
Daffodils – 6″ pot-4 bulbs ~ $ 9.00
Azaleas – 1gallon -red or pink ~ $ 12.00
MARCH 23, 2016 – Easter Egg Hunt ~ Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!! The East Bunny might be making a special visit to First Church during the Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday, March 23 2016. This event is for families of our church children and our CDC children and is from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, rain or shine. Let’s hope for a warm, sunny evening!!!
It will begin with a light supper in the Fellowship Hall. Afterwards we will have Easter Egg hunts for the following age groupings: 0 – 3 years, 4 -6 years, 7 – 12 years. Children will also get to do a craft and hear the Easter story. Church children are encouraged to bring a friend. Grandparents, bring your grandchildren! Please have your child/children bring their Easter basket in which to put their eggs.
The only requirement is that you must sign up by March 13. The sign up sheets will be in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Gipe (717-755-1438)
We hope to see you at this fun event so get March 23 on your calendar now!
EASTER EGG HUNT DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ~ Donations of the following will be greatly appreciated for the March 23, Easter Egg Hunt: plastic eggs; monetary donations to help with the expenses; and/or volunteers to help that evening or to fill the plastic eggs with a surprise. There will be a carton in the narthex marked: Easter Egg Hunt in which you can put your donations. Monetary donations can be put in the offering plate on Sundays or given to Nancy Gipe, Vivian Hubbell or Audrey Ginder. Please mark it Easter Egg Hunt. We would like to have all donations by Sunday, March 13. If you wish to volunteer, please tell one of the persons listed above. Thank you!
MARCH 27, 2016 – EASTER BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH! Enjoy a great breakfast and fellowship time during the Sunday School hour. Sign-up sheets are located on the narthex. If you have questions please see the Fellowship Team, Sid Innerst, Jayne Baldwin or Tim Beckwith.
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2016 MEAT CANNING EVENT – The 2016 Meat Canning Project is scheduled for March 28, 29, 30, 31, April 4, 5, April 6 (labeling only). The congregations in our three district area participate in this event including ours. The cans of chicken are given by these congregations to needy individuals and families. This is a tremendous witness opportunity. Make checks payable to the SO PA District and designate for Meat Canning. Checks can be placed in our church offerings or mailed to SO PA District Church of the Brethren, P O Box 218, New Oxford, PA 17350-0218.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP…..Men Mentoring or Fellowshipping other Men…….Growth and Study through Topics: *The Armor of God *Fruits of the Spirit *Men of Honor *Dad’s of Destiny or Grand Dads or Uncles *Support/Adopting/Mentoring of Youth of the Church *Other Suggestions……Possible Missions at Local Nursing Homes – “African Missions” – “Men’s Missions” – “New Life Tribes” – Helping at Habitat for Humanity – Outings of Interest that promote Growth and Friendship within and without the FCOB!!
Contact Brian LeGrand at 717-968-4638. ~ Brian LeGrand, Spiritual Enrichment Team Member
BHA Position Opening: Opening for Brethren Housing Association Executive Director – This position focuses on providing strategic direction and vision consistent with BHA’a mission. You may contact BHA at BHA_Search@dasherinc.com. See letter on bulletin board.
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SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES:
To Judy Yingling and her family on the passing of her husband, David. David passed away on Feb. 17, 2016. Please keep Judy and family in your thoughts and prayers. (Judy’s address is: 41 Camelot Arms, York, PA 17406)
David retired as the pastor of York First Church of the Brethren in 2005 and previously served as pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va., for 20 years. He served as past president of the Roanoke Valley Ministers Association and was a member of the American, York Area, and Roanoke Valley Rose Societies.
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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: Richard & Barbara Brown are very proud to announce the birth of their granddaughter, Nova Lazzarini. She was born on Feb. 27, 2016.
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THANK YOU: A GREAT BIG THANK YOU for all of the wonderful birthday wishes! What a nice surprise to receive so many cards, emails and calls to help me celebrate my special day. I am very blessed by my church family! ~ Becky McCracken
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
MARCH 15, 2016 – Jeff Bach presents “Gender, Shame and Jacob’s Hip: One Communal Society’s Views,” a discussion of the Ephrata Community’s unique interpretation of the biblical story of Jacob, on Tues., March 15, 7:30 p.m., at Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Bach is the director of the Young Center and a professor of religious studies. For more information about the talk, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
MARCH 18 & 19, 2016 – FUND RAISER YARD SALE – New Fairview Church, 1873 New Fairview Church Road, York ~ Bake Sale, Good Food, 1,000’s of items~ Friday, March 18th 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sat., March 19th 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
MARCH 30, 2016 – NEW WINDSOR WORK DAY – After cancelling in February, we decided to wait until spring. We will travel to New Windsor MD to work in SERRV the day of Wed., March 30th. Leaving the church parking lot at 7:15 a.m. our day will include working in the warehouse, having lunch provided by SERRV, shopping in the gift shop and returning to the church by 5:00 p.m. Hope you can join us. Soon there will be a sign up sheet in the narthex. Call Helen Stoner (624-3398) if you have questions.
MARCH 30, 2016 – CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY, Wed., March 30th, RSVP no later than March 25th, 9:30 am Gathering/Morning Program, 12:00 Noon Lunch, 1:00 pm Afternoon Program – Cost $ 17.00 per person. See flyer on bulletin board for program information and lunch menu. Any questions, contact Kathy Kovacs at (717) 309-0678.
APRIL 2, 2016 – FREE BREAKFAST AT STILLMEADOW CHURCH, 400 Stillmeadow Road, York, to hear your own YOUTH PASTOR, GARRETT PAGE share his incredible journey of life on Sat., April 2nd. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., and Garrett will be speaking at 9:15 a.m. Please come and support your youth pastor. Our young people need to hear his compelling story. Reservations not required. Just come, eat, and hear Garrett. Any questions or concerns, please call Dolly Furst at 244-8218.
APRIL 4, 2016 – Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (Continuing Education Series) – Memory Care: Embracing the Journey – Monday, April 4th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. at Nicarry Meeting House, Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home, New Oxford, PA, Led by Jennifer Holcomb.
This course explores the world of dementia and what it means to live in the moment. Cost: $ 60 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and .5 CEU’s) Registration Deadline: March 17, 2016. If any questions, contact (717) 361-1450 OR svmc@etown.edu – See bulletin board.
APRIL 23, 2016 – Southern PA District COB 2016 District Women’s Spring Luncheon, Saturday Morning, April 23rd, Registration begins at 8:00 am. Guest speaker Jill Hastings. See pamphlets on the table in the narthex. Registration Deadline: April 8, 2016
SAVE THE DATE ~ APRIL 26, 2016 ~ THE 25TH ANNUAL AUCTION BENEFITTING THE LEHMAN CENTER will be held Tuesday, April 26th at the York County 4-H Center, 771 Stoverstown, Rd., York PA. Doors will open for auction preview, silent auction and food an Noon. Live Auction begins at 5:00 pm.
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MARCH BIRTHDAYS:
If your birthday is in MARCH and it is not on the above list or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office
3 Evamae Crist
5 Edward Sweigard
6 Kevin McCracken
Thessa Sollenberger
Jackie LeGrand
7 Anita Jacobs
10 Chris Baldwin
11 Jacob Boogher
13 Gail Rutland
Galen Trimmer
Terry Yeager
18 David Diehl
22 Audrey Ginder
24 Anna Boogher
Jean Howe
25 Sheldon Markel
28 Seth Brickner
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Contacting the Pastor: Pastor Don can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday—Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The pastor rese rves afternoons and evenings for visitation, meetings, and other pastoral-related activities. If you need to reach a Pastor Don outside of office hours, please call him at home at 792-4090, or cell phone 818-6266, and leave a message on his home answering machine. He will return your call at his earliest opportunity. If you would specifically like a pastoral visit, please contact the pastor. HIPA laws prevent the hospital from contacting the pastor when you are admitted. You MUST specifically note to hospital staff that you would like the hospital to contact your pastor.
Contacting the Youth Director, Garrett Page: His phone number is (614) 400-9533 or by email at: nykgarrettpage@yahoo.com
