Weekly News
Vol. 10-No. 35 Friday, September 2, 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 4, 2016
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– Sanctuary: “Everything”
– Scripture: Luke 14:25-33
Thoughts on the Word: In our familiar text from Luke’s gospel for this Sunday, Jesus presents two radical principles that would energize his followers then and now, and for the future! The first is the idea that we are family, but not in the traditional sense of bloodlines, instead we are family through our common faith in Jesus Christ. The second principle flows logically from the first, being whole-heartedly, and single-mindedly, committed to Jesus’ vision is what fleshes out this new family. In Philemon, we read a case study of how this vision is literally put into practice. Choosing his words with utmost care, Paul argues lovingly for a new relationship between two men, owner and slave, by referring to the slave as “my own heart” and “beloved brother” (Philemon vv.12,16NSRV).
Radical change in how we look at life as a child belonging to God!
Next week: “Lost and found” Text: Luke 15:1-10
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SUMMER WORSHIP MUSIC SOLOISTS
September 4 – Emma Stoolmaker
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE – August 28, 2016, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 104
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.
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THIS WEEK……………
SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 ~ Jeff Bach, director of the Young Center, and David Kenley, director of the Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking, will moderate a panel discussion, “Remembering 9/11: Flight 93,” on Thurs., Sept. 8, 7:00 p.m., at Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
SEPTEMBER 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, September 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.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 ~ All-church Western themed picnic on Sunday, September 11th after worship! PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE SHEETS IN THE NARTHEX if you are able to attend! 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)
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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.
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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 – To be announced
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
The Hanover Church of the Brethren is looking for a part time secretary (20 -22 hours a week) in the church office. We have an updated office system and the candidate should be very personable, have good computer and graphic designing skills. A full job description will be posted at our website after August 14. The interview process will begin the week of August 22. Please call Pastor Gerry Godfrey at 632-2267. Thank you.
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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.
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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
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SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES……….
To the family of Lorene Trimmer. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
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 e-mail 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 SPIRIUTAL 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.
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.
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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
9 Bill Jacobs
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 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
