Weekly News
Vol. 12-No. 33 Friday, August 18, 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 20, 2017
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Learning to SOAR – Part 2”
– SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:31
Please see the attached letter named “TRANSITION: A Time to Let Go and Let God” written by Pastor Bob.
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SUMMER SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE:
August 20 – Bob, Chris, & Jon Krouse
August 27 – David Diehl
Sept 3 – Matt Diehl
Beginning Monday, August 21, 2017, the Secretary’s Office Hours are back to 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 13, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 98
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.
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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. . . . . . . . . .
A BIG THANK YOU for your get well cards and the delicious meals and transportation. – John, Ruby, and Catherine (Minnich’s)
Thank you for the birthday cards and Pastor Bob for the impromptu birthday song ~ Peg Eck
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Donations Appreciated! The Witness Team is collecting school supplies for the York City School District.
They are currently collecting until August 27th:
Pencils
Colored Pencils
Note Book
Small Tissue Packs
Small Hand Sanitizers
Crayola Brand Crayons
Pocket Folders
There is a box in the front of the Sanctuary specifically marked for those donations!
Thanks All! ~ Witness Team
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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 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.
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 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 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.
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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
