Weekly News
Vol. 13-No. 2 Friday, January 12, 2018
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, January 14, 2018
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Beyond Repentance”
– SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7
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From Pastor Joel:
During worship last week, I commended to you all during this time of year the “White Candle Project” from Springs of Living Water, a guide for daily reading of brief scriptures that tell of the promise and character of Jesus. The guide is available in the gathering area for those who were not able to attend worship last this week. I highly encourage you all to read and reflect on each day’s verse between now and the season of Lent, considering its meaning and significance for our church. It is my hope that we begin year with a thirst for a renewed vision and purpose as Christ’s church, and I pray that God would lead us into a season of deepening faith.
Home Communion: Any members desiring home communion, please contact Pastor Joel and he will see that you are served. The congregation received bread and cup communion during the worship service on January 7.
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HEIFER PROJECT TOTAL ~ WE DID IT! We exceeded our goal with $7,824.77 collected for Heifer International. Thanks to all who generously donated the funds to help purchase an ark (and more!). It is exciting to think about the many people around the world who will benefit for years to come.
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule
ATTENDANCE – January 7, 2018, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 76
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, the January calendar, and January/February Newsline Digest are available to be picked up on the table in the narthex and at YorkFirst.org
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MESSENGER – REMINDER ~ Renew your Messenger subscription, The Magazine for the Church of the Brethren, this Sunday, January 19. Look for the Messenger table in the narthex.
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Pro-Life Demonstration Opportunity – Friday, January 19, 2018, Pro Life March, Washington D.C., If interested call Bob Neff Tours, phone (717) 397-0000, to take the bus to DC. Pickup at Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Pauline Dr., York (near Vo-Tech school) For more information, contact Dan Snook at (717) 846-1293. A pamphlet from Human Life Services is on the table in the narthex.
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THANK YOU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My friend, John Gass passed away. Please pray for his wife, Reni. He has been on our prayer list for some time, and I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers. ~ Peg Eck
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JANUARY: FROM THE SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT TEAM
The Church of the Brethren has always taken a strong stance for nonresistance or pacifism—we are one of the three historic peace churches, alongside the Mennonites and Quakers. In light of today’s violence in our country and community we would like to share THE TOP 10 WAYS TO REDUCE VIOLENCE . These suggestions are written by Dr. Phillip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. We will begin this month with the first three.
1. DISCONNECT ANGER FROM VIOLENCE. I am convinced that human beings get angry, and that anger at injustice is often justified. There is healthy anger that insists, ‘There has to be a better way!’. I shutter when I hear parents tell children, “You shouldn’t be angry.” Tell them instead, “You’re feelings are OK, you can be angry, but you may not hit or hurt others.”
2. SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LOVE OF VIOLENCE AND VIOLENCE ITSELF. Fascination with brutality, guns and bombs, war and evil must increase the chances for violent behavior. This isn’t proven, but seems likely. Don’t watch violent movies, TV shows, or play violent video games, etc.
3. SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ALL LEVELS OF VIOLENCE. Insults and taunting, humiliation, and shaming are forms of violence. When we treat people badly, it should not surprise us when they seek a way to “get even.” Always follow The Golden Rule.
Start to practice these 3 suggestions this month, and we will offer more suggestions next month. You may not agree with all 10 points, but if only five or six are practiced, improvements in reducing violence will happen. As this New Year begins, let us re-commit to our Brethren roots of non-violence as a spiritual practice, and as a way to live out our faith. As one popular song goes, “ Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be. With God as our father, Brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother, In perfect harmony.”
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LOOKING AHEAD. . . . . . . .
JANUARY 26-28, 2018 – CAMP EDER WINTER CAMP 2018 – A WINTER BLAST – Friday, Jan. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 28, Join us for an action-packed weekend full of camp fun, great food, and friends. Grab your sleds and pack your bags, because we are going to have an absolute BLAST! Grades 1st – 12th, ONLY $ 89, Arrive 7pm Friday (Registration at Geigley) and Dismiss 2pm Sunday. See poster on bulletin board and contact Kathy Kovacs at (717) 309-0678 with any questions.
FEBRUARY 24, 2018 – MAN 2 MAN Workshop 2018, Men’s Spiritual Leadership Summit & Breakfast – Sat., Feb. 24th, 8 am – noon, Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, Man Enough to Follow the Son of Man? Guest Speaker: David Radcliff
See the bulletin board for additional information and for registration forms. Registration deadline: Sat., Feb. 10, 2018.
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CAMP EDER ~ LIFE OUTDOORS ~ LIFESKILLS WORKSHOP, Free and open to the public RSVP @ 717-642-8256, Workshops will fill fast. Please R.S.V.P. – Register online now
First Thursday of every month. 6:30p – 8p at Camp Eder
February 1, 2018 – Terrariums ‘warm in Winter’
March 1, 2018 – Outdoor Survival Skills ‘no problems’
April 5, 2018 – Beekeeping ‘bee ready for Spring’
Come hang out & learn the basics of some awesome life skills.
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CONTACTING THE PASTOR: Pastor Joel 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 Joel is also available for Pastoral Counseling by appointment. If you need to reach the pastor outside of office hours, his home phone number is (717) 318-5442, and his cell number is (717) 271-4888 . 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.
