Weekly News
Vol. 10-No. 36 Friday, September 9, 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, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– Sanctuary: “Lost and found”
– Scripture: Luke 15:1-10
Thoughts on the Word: This weeks text from Luke 15:1-10 is a very familiar text. The larger text has 3 lost and found stories or parables. Being the good preacher/teacher that Jesus is, he knows that you tell your students what you are going to tell them. Then you tell them. And then you tell them what you told them, in order to get your point across and to really reinforce it. In these lost and found stories there are a number of very strong points that can be made. As I studied and prepared for this Sunday’s message the one theme that kept coming home to me was, “whose in and whose out?” From the time we are children we struggle with trying to be part of the “in” crowd and not being in the “out” crowd. It is such a sad thing that we humans do to each other. The message that I take away from these stories is that in God’s family everyone is welcome, everyone is part of the “in” crowd. Amen.
Next Week: “Telling a Story to make a Point” Text: Luke 16:1-13
SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 ~ All-church Western themed picnic this Sunday, September 11th after worship! If you did not sign up, please attend if you are able! Come out and enjoy food, fun and fellowship! Food and Games provided….dust off your cowboy hat and other western themed attire! – Fellowship Team (Jayne Baldwin, Sid Innerst and Tim Beckwith)
________________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE – September 4, 2016, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 84
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, September calendar, and August/September 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/ You may also contact the church office to request a copy.
2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE WRAP UP DVD is available in the church office. The DVD can be checked out to view and return. Please contact the church office to make sure it is available when you want to sign it out.
There is also a printout of the Wrap-up on the table in the narthex for you to pick up. You can find the Wrap Up at Annual Conference 2016 news index page at www.brethren.org/ac2016
CHILDREN’S STORY ~ Consider signing up to do Children’s Story. A sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board in the narthex with available dates. Any questions, please contact Dan Snook.
MISSION OFFERING ~ Sunday, September 18, 2016 – “Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27 – The Church of the Brethren “Mission Offering” emphasizes our partnerships with international churches and organizations. It supports Core Ministries like Brethren Volunteer Service, Global Mission and Service, and others that allow us to walk with our brothers and sisters around the world.
__________________________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK……………
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 ~ LADIES BIBLE STUDY WILL BEGIN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. We will be studying the WAR ROOM. The first class will consist of watching the entire movie on DVD. The following weeks will consist of watching 2 to 4 minutes clips each week and discussing along with prayer. Cost of study books – $10 If you wish to participate in this study and want a book, please contact Dolly.
“But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door and pray to your father who is in secret and your father who sees in secret will reward you” …Matt 6:6
The WAR ROOM Bible study features five inspiring movie clips and five challenging scriptural lessons adapted from the feature film, WAR ROOM.
Topics Include:
1. DEALING WITH SPIRITUAL LUKEWARMNESS
2. CHRISTIAN ACCOUNTABILITY
3. GRASPING GRACE AND THE GOSPEL
4. ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
5. TRUSTING GOD IN PRAYER
Through this Bible study, believers will be called to evaluate their spiritual life and growth, to uncover their true character, to trust in the God of grace to declare victory over their true enemy, and to find their identity in their Savior. This study will serve as a reminder that prayer really is a powerful weapon.
SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2016 ~ FALL SCRAPBOOK RETREAT, Friday, Sept 16th to Sunday, Sept. 18th – Things to bring: Scrapbooking supplies, Snacks and stories to share, Crafty friends, Linens for sleeping, and Toiletries. See Flyer and Registration Form on the bulletin board. Or register online at www.campeder.org For any additional questions please contact Kathy Kovacs.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 ~ 46th Annual Dunker Church Service – This annual worship service will be held in the restored Dunker Church at the Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Md. on Sunday, September 18, 3:00 pm. This service will take place on the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam and commemorates the peace witness of the Brethren during the Civil War. Belita Mitchell, pastor at Harrisburg (PA) First Church of the Brethren, will be the preacher. This service is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic District Church of the Brethren and is open to the public. For more information, please call Eddie Edmonds, 304-267-4135; Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey, 301-733-3565 or Ed Poling, 301-766-9005.
SEPTEMBER 18-21, 2016 – REVIVAL SERVICES, New Fairview Church of the Brethren, Sunday, Sept. 18 through Wed., Sept. 21st. See poster on bulletin board for message titles and contact information for this event.
_________________________________________________________________________________
2016 SO PA District Conference ~ Friday, September 16, 2016 & Saturday, September 17, 2016, Buffalo Valley COB, 46 Brethren Church Road, Mifflinburg, PA 17844, (570) 966-1183, Jesus said “Follow Me”, Matthew 9:9
NOTICES FOR TWO UPCOMING MEETINGS:
1) SEPTEMBER 16, 2016: As a member of the The Brethren Home Foundation, a Corporation, you are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of the members of The Brethren Home Foundation is to be held in conjunction with the Annual District Conference of the Church of the Brethren of the Southern District of PA and will be held at: Buffalo Valley COB, 46 Brethren Church Road, Mifflinburg, PA 17844, on Friday, Sept. 16th at 10:20 AM. Notice is posted on the bulletin board.
2) SEPTEMBER 16, 2016: This is a notice of the Annual Meeting of the members of Children’s Aid Society, Inc., on Friday, Sept. 16th at the Buffalo Valley COB, 46 Brethren Church Road, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. Notice is posted on the bulletin board.
_________________________________________________________________________________
OWLS NEWS – IT’S TIME TO GO TO THE YORK FAIR! The OWLS will NOT meet in September. We encourage everyone to visit some of our group who will be working at the fair this month!
Upcoming events:
October 13 – Sophie will join us to share some PA Dutch humor
November 10 – Richard Brown – All About “Bees”
December 8 – Annual Christmas Tea
Please mark your calendars to reserve these dates: October 28, 29 and 30. First Church has reserved Tree of Peace Lodge at Camp Eder for a fall retreat. Carol and Ken Gordon will be our leaders. Autumn is especially beautiful in the woods where our camp is situated and this will be a weekend filled with fellowship and other good things. We will be placing registration papers on the bulletin boards as September approaches. –Spiritual Enrichment
_________________________________________________________________________________
BRETHREN DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION
➠BDRA COIN PROJECT
Coins for
Others
In
Need
Collection jar in front lobby. We are trying to fill the jar with loose change by September 23rd. Support disaster relief!
➠NEWS FLASH!! WE HAVE AN ANONYMOUS DONOR WHO WILL MATCH UP TO $1500.00!! ——The BDRA again this year will have a 5K Run. First Church was very successful both with Runners and Donations last year. We hope to repeat that again this year. The congregation will have a chance to sponsor our FCOB Team by donating in the offering on Sundays. You may put your check or money in an envelope (found on the back of the pews), and mark for 5 K RUN and/or BDRA on your check or envelope. We also encourage you to sign up to run or walk. Also new this year is The Family Fun Run. Register by August 31 to receive T -Shirt. Cash Prizes will be awarded in all age groups. The date is Sat., Sept. 24. All age Runners /Walkers Welcome. For questions, more information or a registration form, see Mike Baldwin Or Jolene Zeigler
➠ATTENTION PIE BAKERS ~ Plan to bake a pie or two or more for the Disaster Relief Auction Bake Goods Table. Most popular pies are peach, ground cherry and wet bottom shoo fly. Your own crust or store bought are acceptable. September. 23 &24 Auction Dates. Let’s ” bake up a storm” for world disaster. – See Jolene Zeigler for details.
_________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER SHAWL UPDATE:
This ministry started in 2005 and we have knit, prayed, blessed and delivered 420 shawls. Some of the women who attended that first meeting in 2005 are still part of our group. I am so thankful for these dedicated women.
The shawl ministry is starting something new. We will continue to have shawls available when needed, but are now knitting hats and scarves. It was brought to our attention that there is a need for warm hats and scarves for children from first to eighth grade in the city schools. We will be praying for the children as we knit and bless the scarves and hats before they are delivered. This is our practice with all shawls and want this part of our ministry to continue.
Our group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 in the church lounge. We would be happy to welcome new members. If you have any questions, give me a call. We appreciate the support this ministry has received from First Church.
Thank you, Barbara Wueschinski
_________________________________________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS…………
To Sam & Alicia Weyant on their wedding. Congratulations and Best Wishes!!
_________________________________________________________________________________
SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES………….
To Terry & Sandy Yeager on the passing of Terry’s sister, Joyce. Please keep Terry, Sandy, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.
_________________________________________________________________________________
LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 – Jeff Bach and David Kenley present “China Friends: New Discoveries for the Church of the Brethren,” a discussion of their research trip to Shanxi Province to trace the activities of Brethren missionaries, on Tues., Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. Bach is director of the Young Center and Kenley is director of the Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at the college. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 ~ Camp Eder Senior Day, Wed., Sept. 28th, Morning: Hymn Sing in Chapel/Orchard Tour, Lunch: Pork loin, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad, bread, apple pie, Afternoon: Shaver’s Creek Birds of Prey
OCTOBER 1, 2016 ~ Fall Fundraising Banquet – Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry : Featuring “The Vine Street Boys” on Saturday, Oct. 1st, at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York, PA 17403, There is a silent auction, full-course dinner, ministry update, and door prizes. See flyer on bulletin board. Contact Glen & Anna Miller for tickets. Tickets are available until September 17th. (No ticket sales at the door.)
OCTOBER 2, 2016 ~ COMBINED SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ON OCTOBER 2 – David Stauffer, a member of the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren, will be presenting “The Church of the Brethren at Work” during a combined Sunday Class at
9:00 AM on October 2. He will be talking about the variety of ministries, projects, and programs of the Church of the Brethren. David will also be preaching on October 2 about the unity and purpose of the church. His sermon is based upon Ephesians 4:1-16 and is entitled
“In Mission Together.” David will be joining us for Love Feast as well.
OCTOBER 5, 2016 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2, 2016 ~ W.E. GATHER ~ “I love to tell the story” this favorite hymn, number 398 in our hymnal, will be our theme for this fall’s WE Gather. You might guess from the title that the theme will be sharing stories from our faith journeys. Starting on Wednesday evening, October 5th and going through November 2nd, we will meet each Wednesday evening for a carry in supper starting at 6 and then a time of sharing starting at 7. We are looking for persons who are willing to share their faith stories. So look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex and pick a date. Start now thinking about how God has blessed you and been faithful to you in your journey through life.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 reserves 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
