Weekly News
Vol. 12-No. 13 Friday, March 31, 2017
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, APRIL 2, 2017
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Red Letter Christians…To Share or Not to Share, That is the Question!”
– SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:35-45
SPRING CONGREGATIONAL FORUM WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017, following the worship service:
Packets are available to be picked up on the table in the Narthex. There are two sections. The forum booklet and the treasurer’s report.
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule.
ATTENDANCE – March 26, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 88
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, the April calendar, and April Newsline Digest are available to be picked up on the table in the narthex and at YorkFirst.org
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MARCH SUGGESTION FROM THE SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT TEAM TO HELP YOU HAVE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST.
The April suggestion from the Spiritual Enrichment Team is to hold the Refugees of the world in your prayers, and be concerned for their plight. The Bible teaches us about many immigrants and refugees. Jesus and his parents were refugees who fled Palestine because King Herod was trying to kill Jesus. What kind of reception would Jesus and his family have today if they showed up on our southern border, riding a donkey? I hope we could welcome them with shelter, clothing, food, or a blanket. But no matter what the circumstances, one thing we can do is to pray. “We can call on the resources of our faith to do things we never thought possible. We can relate to people who come from different backgrounds, life experiences, and faith perspectives. We can share hope and life-giving opportunities where there seems to be only death”. (Medicine of Mercy, April 6, 2017)
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LOST AND FOUND. . . . . . . . .
An engagement ring and wedding ring was turned into the office. Please call the church office if these belong to you.
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THIS WEEK. . . . . . . . . . . .
APRIL 8, 2017 – Camp Eder Mother and Daughter Day – “Take Me Away Spa Day”, Sat., April 8th, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Cost: Adult $ 30, Child $ 10 ages 6-15, ~ Camp Eder formally invites all mothers and daughters to join us in Geigley Lodge. Mothers and Daughters will be led by Melissa Shaffer for a day of fellowship, pampering, and relaxation. The day will be comprised of home-made spa treatments, delicious treats, and spiritual nourishment. This is a day of bonding and making memories to last a life time! See poster on bulletin board and if any questions, contact Kathy Kovacs.
APRIL 8, 2017 – Camp Eder Father and Son Day – Sat., April 8th, 9:00 am, Cost: Adult $ 30, $ 15 Ages 6-15, Fathers and Sons join us for a day of action packed adventure! We will spend the morning with Matt Iiko as he shares about gun safety and skeet shooting. The afternoon will be spent working on a carving project that you can take home to remember this great day of family fun and bonding! See poster on bulletin board and if any questions, contact Kathy Kovacs.
APRIL 8, 2017 – Life Line Screening will be providing services in the Fellowship Hall on Sat., April 8th from 9 am to 4 pm. There are flyers on the table outside of the sanctuary. This is a great opportunity for a health check-up in our church.
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EASTER NEWS………..
EASTER FLOWERS ~ It’s that time of year to be ordering flowers for Easter Sunday, April 16. Orders will be taken on Sunday – April 2, in the lobby.
Tulips – 6″ pot -5 bulbs, Yellow, pink, purple ~ $ 9.00
Daffodils – 6″ pot- 4 bulbs ~ $ 9.00
Azaleas – 1gallon -red or pink ~ $ 12.00
Easter Lilies – 6″ pot ~ $ 9.00
APRIL 12, 2017 – EASTER EGG HUNT
The Easter Bunny will make an appearance in the fellowship hall on April 12th at 5:30. Please plan to join us. There will be a light meal followed by a story, craft, and Easter Egg Hunt. Sign up sheets are on bulletin boards around the church Here is to hopping you will be there.
****There will be a box in the narthex for donations of plastic eggs and any extra baskets you might be willing to share. The children are to bring their own but we might need extras.Volunteers are needed for Egg hiding, taking groups to hunt for eggs, setting and cleaning up, and helping children know where to go. If you have any time to donate, please see or call Carol Gordon. Thanks in advance.
EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 16, 2017:
7:30 am Joint Easter Dawn Service with Christ Disciples Assembly in the Chapel
8:30 am Easter Breakfast – Enjoy a great breakfast and fellowship time directly after the Sunrise Service at 8:30 am. Sign-up sheets are located on the narthex. If you have questions please see the Fellowship Team, Sid Innerst, Jayne Baldwin, Alicia Weyant or Tim Beckwith
10:30 am Easter Service
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Audio System Update
Our new audio system is being installed! The Leadership Team has challenged us to raise the additional monies needed to complete the process. We now have $5900 donated. That’s 29.5% of our goal. Can we get to the half way mark this week? Place your checks in the offering marked “sound system” or let us know if you are willing to make a pledge over the next 6 months. Check our progress on the poster in the narthex!
Financial Resources Team
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SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Suzanne Gray on the passing of her mother, Betty Viering. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017 at The Semmel Chapel of Workinger Semmel Funeral Homes and Cremation, 849 E. Market St., York, with retired Pastor, The Rev. Melinda Carlson officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. Please keep Suzanne, husband Ronald, children and grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.
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CONGRATULATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Congratulations to Brandon and Abby (Dierdorf) Shanahan on the birth of their daughter Reagan Lily on Monday, March 20 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sheryl Leaman is the proud Grandma, and Reagan is Rebecca McCracken’s 10th great grandchild.
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
APRIL 10, 2017 – First Church INDOOR YARD SALE will be Saturday, JUNE 10 in the Fellowship Hall. YARD SALE DONATIONS WANTED STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 10. Bring in those household items that you no longer need. Volunteers, food items, and baked goods also needed. Chicken Corn soup will again be available to take out or eat in. Containers welcome. Lunch will include hamburgers in sauce, hot dogs on the grill, Ham & Bean Soup, hoagies, and baked goods. Put JUNE 10 on your calendar for a great day out for unusual finds, great food and fun times with friends. More information coming. See Kathy Kovacs for questions.
APRIL 13, 2017 ~ OWLS NEWS – As we celebrate HOLY WEEK, join the OWLS at noon on Thursday, April 13 in the Homebuilders classroom 154 for lunch. Andrea Adams will be with us again for another presentation of one of the Biblical Women. (Which one is an interesting secret.) Her presentations are always inspiring, so be sure to sign-up and come along. Bring your bag lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided by Jeanette. Please sign up in the narthex by Sunday April 9 so we know how many to prepare for.
APRIL 14, 2017 ~ 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, April 14, 2017 (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.
APRIL 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, & 25, 2017 ~ 2017 MEAT CANNING PROJECT – It is scheduled for six days a the Christian Aid Ministries. The goal is to can approximately 50,000 pounds of chicken. The meat canning project is a great way for us to minister to those in need during these difficult economic times. A shift of 25 persons is needed to work from 6 AM to Noon (20 of those persons should be able to process the chicken, while the others are needed for labeling) A second shift of 17 persons is needed to come in at 9AM and relieve some of the first shift. Canning will continue until approximately 11AM with labeling to continue until about 2:30 PM. Volunteers needed to provide meals ~ The meat canning committee is very grateful to those congregations who will be providing free snacks and a light lunch (for all workers) to be available during each shift. The Mid-Atlantic District will be partnering with some of the SO PA District congregations who are willing to prepare a meal, but are short on funds. Please contact your district office if your congregation is willing to provide a meal or funds. Please see John Anderson.
APRIL 19, 2017 – CAMP EDER SENIOR DAY – Wed., April 19th more information to follow.
APRIL 20 & 21, 2017 ~ You are invited to attend the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies’ annual banquet on Thurs., April 20, at 6:00 p.m. The dinner will be followed by the Durnbaugh Lecture at 7:30: “New Directions in Pennsylvania German Studies” by Simon J. Bronner, distinguished professor of American studies and folklore at Penn State Harrisburg. Cost for the dinner is $23 and reservations are required by April 6; the lecture is free of charge and reservations are not required.
On Fri., April 21, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Joshua R. Brown and several panelists will present the Durnbaugh Seminar, “Object Lessons: The Meanings of Pennsylvania German Life and Culture.” Cost for the seminar, which includes lunch, is $10, and reservations are required by April 6. For more information and to make reservations, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
APRIL 21-23, 2017 – Spring Scrapbook Retreat – Arrive on Friday, April 21st anytime after 6 pm. Head home on Sunday, April 23rd after lunch.
Two nights of lodging and five meals included! $105./Geigley Lodge or $135./Tree of Peace Lodge. See poster on bulletin board or contact Kathy Kovacs.
APRIL 29, 2017, Southern PA District COB 2017 District Women’s Spring Luncheon, Sat. morning, April 29th. Bermudian Church of the Brethren, Registration begins at 8:00 AM Our Nigerian Sister, Sarah Mambula will be speaking about “….be strong and of good courage” Joshua 1: 1-10. Bermudian Sisters pray as we gather as ‘Sisters in Christ’ we will reflect on ALL of our blessings. Traveling our paths requires much strength and courage, and above all a mighty faith in our Savior. Please see the brochure and registration form on the bulletin board.
Registration Deadline: APRIL 14, 2017
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APRIL BIRTHDAYS:
If your birthday is in APRIL and it is not on the above list or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
1 Jolene Zeigler
4 Louise Stremmel
6 Richard Brown
8 Meriam Copenheaver
Mark Minnich
9 Elmer Allison
Mike Martin
John King
11 Nancy Jones
12 Vivian Fitzkee
Jacob Taylor
14 Sara Stoolmaker
15 Brad Nicholas
Christopher Striebig
19 Emily (Drawbaugh) Dietrich
Joel Baldwin
20 Frank Leaman
22 Ken Gordon
23 Greg Metzger
26 Lennox Jan
28 Julia Sweigard
29 Trish Martin
30 Mary Esther Anderson
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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 Bob can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday—Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Afternoons and evenings are set aside for visiting those in need, for meetings, and for other pastoral duties. Pastor Bob is also available for Pastoral Counseling by appointment. If you need to reach the pastor outside of office hours, his cell phone number is (717) 818-0653. You can also email him at Pastor@yorkfirst.org. By the way, HIPA laws prevent the hospital from contacting the pastor when you are admitted, so you will need to let hospital staff know 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
