Weekly News
Vol. 12-No. 34 Friday, August 25, 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, August 27, 2017
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Be Opened”
– SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:31-37
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has extended a call to Joel C. Gibbel, pending congregational approval, to become the next pastor at York First Church of the Brethren.
We will have a dessert social on Saturday August 26th at 6:30pm. Starting at 7:00pm, District Executive Bill Waugh will conduct an interview with the Gibbels to assist the congregation in becoming better acquainted with Joel and Michele.
On Sunday morning August 27th, Joel will deliver the sermon during the 10:30 Worship Service. At the conclusion of the Service, we will hold a special Congregational Forum to vote on the call of Joel C. Gibbel to be our next pastor. After an affirmative vote on the call, we will then vote on the financial package mutually agreed to by Joel and the Leadership Team.
We look forward to seeing everyone on August 26th and 27th. Childcare will be provided on Saturday evening during the meet and greet.
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SUMMER SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE:
August 27 – David Diehl
Sept 3 – Matt Diehl
Secretary’s Office Hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule and the Summer Music Schedule.
ATTENDANCE – August 20, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 79
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, the August calendar, and July/August Newsline Digest are available to be picked up on the table in the narthex and at YorkFirst.org
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2017 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.
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THIS WEEK. . . . . . . . . . . .
AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 – SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN CAMP MEETING, Aug. 26th – Sept 3rd, Rhodes Grove Camp, 7693 Brown’s Mill Rd., Chambersburg, Pa 17202, See schedule and additional information posted on bulletin board.
SEPTEMBER 1-3, 2017 – CAMP EDER – Labor Day Family and Friends Camp, Sept. 1-3, Come Friday 7pm – Sunday 9am – Bring the whole family to Camp Eder. Enjoy a long weekend of quality time, Adventure, and Fun! Popular Summer Camp Activities for all Ages! Tree of Peace Lodge – 149.00, Tent Camping -75.00, Saturday only – 50.00, All options are per family and include meals and activities. Make memories your kids will never forget! See poster for additional information and contact Kathy Kovacs.
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Larry and I have received many messages of support and concern for the battle he is waging with MDS. (myelodysplastic syndrome) A number of First Church members and friends have asked how they can help. We think that a very good way would be to roll up your sleeve and donate blood. Since his diagnosis in early July, Larry has already received 5 blood transfusions. Our crystal ball has predicted that there will be more of those coming up. If you give blood to Wellspan’s Blood Bank, you will help us and also support your community.
Please consider it. –Pat Gibble
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HELP WANTED
IN ORDER FOR THE JUBILEE RINGERS TO CONTINUE FOR THE UPCOMING CHOIR SEASON, WE NEED SOME VOLUNTEERS TO FILL IN OCCASIONALLY OR REPLACE THOSE WHO CANNOT CONTINUE PLAYING AT THIS TIME. IF YOU CAN READ MUSIC AND ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT BARBARA ROLLMAN ASAP
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THANK YOU. . . . . . . . . .
Thank you for the birthday cards and Pastor Bob for the impromptu birthday song ~ Peg Eck
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A SUGGESTION FROM THE SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT TEAM ABOUT HOW TO HAVE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD
Our team was discussing how we could have a closer relationship with Jesus and we thought of the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. But exactly what does it mean to pray without ceasing, and how can we do it. After doing some research, I believe that we are to be ever present with God throughout the entire day. When we face a challenge, ask for His assistance, and when we experience a blessing thank Him for it. Interact with Him in prayer as you go through the day. Think of it as having a phone conversation with God, but never hanging up.
But don’t forget that a conversation is a two way thing. We need to listen also! God can speak to us through revelations in our hearts and minds. However we get busy as we go through the day, and can easily get distracted. We forget to listen, and to include Him in what we do. Our minds wander, and our conversation is dropped—the same as when our cell phone is out of range from the tower. We need to stay close to the strength of God’s tower! Close your eyes, and take deep breaths to clear your thoughts. Ask God to be with you in the silence, and speak to your heart. Sit in silence and listen for God. Start with 3 minutes, and work up to 15 minutes or more.
Another helpful thing is to begin the day with bible study. Bible reading and meditation help us begin the conversation, and keep the communication line open. You might put post-it notes with bible verses or prayers around your desk or house, to help you remember to check in with God more often. When you exercise or walk, you might listen to worship music. Sing along with a Christian CD in the car. As you fold laundry, pray for the person who will wear the clothing. Set an alarm on your phone (or other device) for several times during the day, and take a minute to focus on prayer.
So you see that not all prayer looks and feels the same. And that’s ok. When you have conversations with a friend they are not always the same, but with each conversation you get to know your friend better. It is the same with God. To get to know Him you must talk to Him, and listen for His response.
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
SEPTEMBER 4 – 8, 2017 ~ National Older Adult Conference, Inspiration 2017, will be held in Lake Junaluska Conference Center, in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina from Sept. 4 – 8. The theme is “Generations” from Psalm 145:4 ; “One generation shall laud God’s work to another and shall declare God’s mighty acts.” The theme reflects the intergenerational community that gathers at NOAC and the importance of generations engaging each other in meaningful conversations about relationships, leaving a legacy, and faith. Please see additional information and registration forms on the bulletin board. You may register online at www.brethren.org/noac/registration
SEPTEMBER 8, 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, September 8, 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.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 ~ LADIES BIBLE STUDY WILL BEGIN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 at 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. IN THE CHURCH LOUNGE. We will begin on PAGE 94 in the present study of “Fight Back with Joy”. Plan to bring some “joy bombs” along to class that you have experienced throughout the summer! Everyone is welcome. You need not be a member of First Church. Hope to see you there. Any questions or concerns, please see either Pat Trimmer or Dolly Furst.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 ~ OWLS NIGERIA EXPERIENCES – Pastor Bob is going to tell us about some of his experiences while serving as a missionary in Nigeria, when the OWLS gather at noon on Thursday September 14 in the Homebuilders room 154. EVERYONE IS INVITED, so bring your bag lunch and join us for an interesting and fun-filled time. Suzanne is providing the drinks and dessert, so please sign up on the sheet in the narthex by September 10 so we know how many to prepare for.
October 12 – Park Ranger from Gettysburg
SEPTEMBER 15 & 16, 2017 – Southern PA District Church of the Brethren, New Fairview Church of the Brethren, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19 ~ Will you please make District Conference a priority? Join us for Worship and Fellowship at New Fairview COB as we discern God’s leading for our next year. See the bulletin board for conference schedule and agenda.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 – LAMPLIGHTERS CLASS – DON’T FORGET SOUP-R-SUNDAE – SAT., SEPT 16, 5:30 IN THE HOMEBUILDERS ROOM. We will have a crock of ole fashioned boiled PA Pot Pie, Maryland Crab Vegetable Soup, and Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Bisque. For dessert, what else?…but a SUPER SUNDAE made by who? YOU!
An entertaining skit will be provided the “Wildwest Prairie Dogs w/ Rooten-Shotten Annie” called FRONTIER MORTICIAN”. This is slapstick style comedy skit that only our older generation would enjoy. So come out for an entertaining evening. No Cost. Just sign up in class for either your favorite ice cream and/or topping.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 ~ NEW LIFE FOR GIRLS, 45thAnniversary Banquet, Saturday Evening September 16th, 2017, Zion UMC, 1030 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404, Seating begins @ 5:30pm, Dinner will be served promptly @ 6:00pm, TICKETS ARE FREE, Prior Reservations must be made – Space is limited – Please call Lynnette Flagler @ 717-266-5614, Who hope you are able to come and celebrate with us. It will be a wonderful evening of fun, food & Fellowship
SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 – Potluck Picnic – The Fellowship Team invites you to a Potluck Picnic on Sunday, September 17th after the worship service in the Gym. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex to bring a side dish or dessert. Meat, drinks, etc. will be provided.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 – CHANCEL CHOIR CONCERT at the Brethren Home will be held Sunday, Sept. 24th at 2:30 pm. Barb Rollman’s group, the Villager’s Chime Choir, will also be performing.
OCTOBER 21, 2017 ~ CAMP EDER FALLFEST, Festival and Benefit Auction, 10AM-4PM – CALL FOR ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN -We have a space just for you at the local Vendor and Arts/Craft Sale at our Annual FallFest. We are looking for artists and craftsmen to make this event fabulous for everyone! Spaces are still available for only $25! Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, etc. All proceeds help fund our scholarship fund to ensure every kid can come to camp regardless of their ability to pay. Please Join Us!
AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED – We need your help to make FallFest a success. Our goal is to make $20,000 this year to go towards our scholarship fund. It is our great hope you will join us in providing auction items for our live and silent auction. .
***PLEASE BE SURE ALL DONATED ITEMS ARE NEW*** THANK YOU! SPONSORS NEEDED – We are looking for businesses and individual sponsors to help us reach our scholarship goal. Now more than ever families need help financially. We are glad to honor our sponsors by including them on our website, FallFest newsletters, auction booklet, and on a prominently displayed sign at FallFest. For more information please see the poster on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Kovacs.
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
If your birthday is in SEPTEMBER and it is not on the above list or is listed incorrectly, please call the church office.
2 Sarah Dietrich
4 Lisa Striebig
Daniel Beuschlein
Alexander Baldwin
5 Ed Martin
Judy Richcreek
6 Leonard Stoner
Diane Colvin
7 Evan Brickner
8 Joann Klinedinst
10 Ruby Minnich
11 Linda Horner
James Knaub
12 Bonnie Wetzel
13 Steve Jones
15 Peg Crist
16 Bernetta Kile
17 Dave Jacobs
23 Arlene Martin
25 Hannah Taylor
26 Bob Drawbaugh
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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
