Weekly News
Vol. 10-No. 46 Friday, November 18, 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, NOVEMBER 20, 2016
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– Sanctuary: “People, places, and things”
– Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 23:33-43
Thoughts on the Word: Here we are just days from the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday and the lectionary text for this week takes us to the Cross. Rather strange in my way of thinking. I want texts that will put us in the mood to celebrate all the bounty of God’s amazing creation. The harvest and all that it has to offer is what I want to talk about. The lectionary seems to take us in the exact opposite direction, or does it? The single greatest and most important event in all of human history is at the core of our lesson for this week. It is the event that sets us free from our bondage to sin and death and makes peace for us with Holy God. At the cross we find our wounds healed and our wholeness restored. So even in the horror and cruelty of the cross let us give thanks for God’s never failing love!
Next week: “I wish we’d all be ready” Text: Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, December 11, 2016, Pastor Retirement Luncheon
INTERIM PASTOR UPDATE – The Leadership Team has met with Bill Waugh, District Executive, and two possible interim pastoral candidates. The District is working with us to make sure an interim pastor is in place as soon as possible. The congregation will be informed of any progress made, but details must remain confidential to respect all parties involved. Judy Deitch, LT chair
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE:
The Search Committee has held two very productive meetings. We have reviewed the responses of the 49 congregational profiles that were completed by the congregation. These responses will be used in completing the District’s Congregational Profile that will be available to prospective pastoral candidates. We will do our best to keep the congregation informed of our progress. Please understand the confidential nature of this process will preclude us from giving too many details. We must respect the candidate’s privacy. We will not rush the process. We want to make sure a new pastor is a match – as one person indicated on their profile, “Get it right!”
The members of the Search Committee are Greg Bachman, Deb Klinedinst, Carol Gordon, Tim Beckwith, Barb Wueschinski, Emma Stoolmaker, and Tom McCracken. Judy Deitch is an ex-officio member.
Tom McCracken, Chair
2017 DIRECTORY INFORMATION
There is a copy of the member’s pages of this year’s directory on the table in the narthex. PLEASE review and make any necessary changes on this copy.
We hope to have the most accurate information to print the 2017 directory.
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule.
ALSO ATTACHED: Newsline Special: Church of the Brethren signs purchase agreement for ‘upper campus’ of Brethren Service Center
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE – November 13, 2016, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 105
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, November calendar, and November 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.
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ADVENT DEVOTIONALS ARE HERE
“There is so much to do as we prepare for Christmas. We shop and bake and decorate. We wrap gifts and send cards. My prayer is that we will also spend some time getting to know Jesus, so that we can be ready to welcome him into our lives once more.” This is Christy Waltersdorff’s hope for us in the 2016 Advent devotional, Witnesses to Jesus.
This daily reader, written this year by Christy Waltersdorff, provides a scripture reading and short meditation starting on the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany. Pick up your copy of the Brethren Press’s Advent devotional at our Advent Breakfast on Sunday, November 27th or in the narthex starting November 20, 2016. Please only take one copy per family, as our supply is limited. There are two large print copies available this year on a first come-first serve basis.
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NOVEMBER 20 OR 27 ~
Christmas Colors – Red, Green, Gold, Silver, Purple, Blue and Pink – what do you think is your favorite color to share the season of joy? Whether you are creative at heart, or just enjoy dabbling in a bit of color, no matter here at First Church. We take on no artists, just those who are willing to try their hand who enjoy expressing color.
Come join us for some fun on Sunday morning BEFORE and AFTER church on Nov 20 or 27 to decorate a Christmas Ornament for the Camp Eder Christmas Tree Festival this year. These undecorated ornaments will be displayed on a table in the narthex and the finished product (ornament that you paint) will be displayed on a tree at Camp Eder to be shared by all who come to view the tree festival. This will be a really fun event for both adults and children. So, see Kathy Kovacs in the narthex for details and get ready to share your joy of color this Christmas.
*5TH ANNUAL CAMP EDER CHRISTMAS – TREE FESTIVAL – DEC, 9, 10, & 11, 2016 – 5 – 8:30 PM
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CASH FOR CAUSES
Purchase Giant or Weis gift cards for your holiday FOOD shopping.
You can also donate a card to the Food Pantry.
See me on Sunday. ~ Carole Bradfield
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THIS WEEK……………
ADVENT BREAKFAST – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH! We will be celebrating the Season of Advent on Sunday, November 27th, 2016 with our breakfast starting at 8:30a.m.
Brittney Beckwith asks if there are any volunteers that may be able to help with preparation of the Season to please see her before or after Services on the 13th or 20th . We plan to start preparation: November 22-26.
There are sign- up sheets located in the lobby to Host Tables and provide breakfast items such as: Casseroles, Fruit, Muffins and Juice.
Your help is much appreciated in making the Season of Advent a special time.
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Holiday Season Witness Opportunities:
IN GATHERING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
This is an opportunity to stock our food pantry to help local families. Items most needed include soups, Ramen noodles, canned vegetables, pancake mix, pancake syrup, canned tuna, rice (not instant), Compleat meals (no cereal). Bagged items can be placed on the steps in the front of the sanctuary prior to the beginning of the worship service.
TRUCK STOP MINISTRY COOKIE PROJECT
Home baked cookies will be packaged and delivered to the Carlisle Truck stop Ministry for distribution to truckers during the Holiday Season. Cookies are needed and should be delivered to the church by Sunday, November 27. Each bag will include our church identification.
LEHMAN CENTER FAMILY
Last year our church provided gifts for a special family through the Lehman Center. Our efforts were very much appreciated. We would like to continue our support of the family this year. A list of items on their wish list will be posted on the bulletin board. Please sign up for any item that you would like to provide. Other age appropriate items and gift cards (especially gas) are also helpful. Cash or checks can be designated and placed in offering envelopes. Items may be placed in the box in the narthex under the sign up sheet or taken to the office marked for “Lehman Center Family”. Please bring items to church by December 4.
>>>>>Dress clothes size 5T, shoes size 10 (black and shiny), socks (any color size 10 shoe), Barbie with a sparkly dress, dress up clothes, pierced earrings.
>>>>> – Clothing size 6/7 XS, soccer cleats size 12, sonic action figure, magic tracks with extra car.
>>>>>– Queen size sheets, gift cards
>>>>>Family – Pillows (2 child and 2 adult), Tumbling Monkeys game, a family laptop for the children to use, and gift cards.
BLANKETS FOR CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
This year the Christmas Eve offering will be given to Church World Service for the Blanket Fund.
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THANK YOU……………
THANK YOU to everyone that enjoyed Game Night last week and those who helped setup and tear down. If you have any suggestions to improve events or ideas for new events, please see a member of the Fellowship Team!
Dear congregation, on behalf of Vivian and myself, thank you very much for the cards and gift of a get away at the Cameron Estate Inn and Restaurant in Mt. Joy. Blessings and peace, Pastor Don and Vivian Hubbell
Thank you to Pastor Don for his visits, and thank you for the prayers and cards my family and I received on the passing of my daughter, Audrey. ~ Evelyn Chronister
Thank you for the support during our season of grief at the passing of my uncle. ~ Pastor Don & Vivian
A huge THANK YOU to all who helped, attended, and enjoyed this year’s Trick or Trunk. Roughly 200-230 people attended. Twelve trunks were decorated to hand out candy. The hot dog dinner & hayride were once again huge hits. A lot of new faces were there so hopefully we’ve reached some new families. Thanks, again.
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CONDOLENCES……………
To Peg Eck’s cousin, Charles “Bud” Bailey on the passing of his wife, Katherine. Katherine passed away on November 9, 2016. Please keep Bud and his sons, Charles and John, in your thoughts and prayers.
To Patricia Carey and her family on the passing of her mother-in-law, Jo Carey. Jo passed away on November 10, 2016. She was a member of Shippensburg COB. Jo is also the sister of Theresa Eshbach. Please keep Patricia, Theresa, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
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The Bair Foundation (Child & Family Ministries ~ Orphan Sunday – Can YOU Help Love a Child? Stand with The Bair Foundation, as we remember orphans & foster youth on Orphan Sunday, an initiative of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. All around the world, children are hungry, homeless, voiceless, without hope, and without love. It’s not just a need that exists in a faraway place; there is a tremendous need here in the United States of America. There are over 400,000 children and teens languishing in the foster care system; one fourth of whom are waiting for an adoptive home. The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. How can you get involved in caring for children in foster care? Full-time foster parenting, Short-term emergency care, Respite Care, Support, and Praying. Learn More…Join us at our Info Night on Nov. 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm at 2550 Kingston Road, York PA. Contact Jennifer Shoup 900-4444. Look for more information in the narthex on Sunday, November 13th.
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
NOVEMBER 27, 2016 ~ Christmas if coming and there’s a song in the air! Diane King Susek is excited to once again present her Christmas concert in York, PA . David Diehl will be playing this event. Come and share in the music of this glorious season in the beautiful sanctuary of St Matthew Lutheran Church. On Sunday, Nov. 27th, at 3:00 pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St, York, PA 17401. For tickets, $ 15.00 each, please contact Sherrie at 717-337-1170 or sea@nbn.net Doors open at 2:30 pm. Seats are not reserved. See flyer on bulletin board.
NOVEMBER 30, 2016 – CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY –Wed., Nov. 30th, 9:30 am Gathering/Morning Program – “Paint your own pottery”: Accomplished local potter, Cathleen Lerew, shares her testimony by molding clay to tell a story. Paint your own piece of pottery as Cathleen shares her faith and her art with us. 12:00 pm Lunch – Baked turkey pot pie, Brussel sprouts, salad, fresh fruit, pumpkin pie 1:00 pm Afternoon Program – “Hosanna Ringers”: Rejoice with some of our friends as they proclaim the coming Christmas Season through song with bells. Cost $ 17. Per person. For more information see poster on bulletin board or contact Kathy Kovacs @ 717-309-0678.
OWLS CHRISTMAS TEA ~ Get into the HOLIDAY SEASON! JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA on Thursday December 8 at noon in the OWLS TEA ROOM (aka the Homebuilders classroom 154). Everyone is invited. Dolly Furst will provide her delicious Cream of Crab and Chicken Corn Soup, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Of course there will be tea and cookies, Christmas decorations and music, and the program will feature a showing of the story of the inspiration behind the writing of “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” by Charles Dickens, using music and drama.
Ø Seating is limited so sign up now on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. The last chance to sign up is Sunday December 4.
DECEMBER 9, 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, December 9, 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.
DECEMBER 9, 10, & 11, 2016 ~ Camp Eder 6th Annual Christmas Tree Festival – On Friday, Dec. 9th, Sat., Dec. 10th, and Sunday, Dec. 11th 5:00 pm -8:30 pm. Activities: Horse-drawn carriage rides! Thousands of Christmas Lights, Tree Decorating Contest (you vote!), Live Music featuring local artists, Luminary Garden honoring our loved ones, Warm refreshments & lots of cookies (free), Turkey Dinners, soup & sandwiches (per donation), Cookie Sale, Bake Table, and other Christmas items, Children’s Activity Cabin including story readings, cozy fires & friendly neighbors. Candlelit services each night at 8:00 pm.
Join us for Saturday Brunch on Sat., Oct. 10th from 9am -12pm. In addition to great food, you’ll have the opportunity to craft a unique Nativity, learn to fold napkins to look like a Christmas Tree, and make a special card to send our military serving over seas.
Please help us fill the trucks! In the spirit of giving, the folks at Camp Eder ask that you bring any amount of the following items for local families in need:
Ø Canned and other non-perishable food items (will go to the Fairfield Food Pantry)
Ø Gently used Children’s clothing and brand new children’s socks or undergarments (must be packaged, and will go to God’s Closet at the Children’s Aid Society in New Oxford)
JANUARY 10, 2017 ~ Women’s Bible Study – Beginning Tues., Jan. 10th, we will begin a new series of studies. We will explore the lessons in the book, Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg. The book explores awakening God’s fierce love, escaping fear, discovering freedom from the past and becoming more winsome, cheerful, and thankful leading us to become a more joy-filled child of God – every day. Please join us by calling or contacting Pat Trimmer. P.S. Orders for the book should not be later than December 18.
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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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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
