Weekly News
Vol. 12-No. 37 Friday, September 15, 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, September 17, 2017
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Jesus Uncut: The Word Made Flesh”
– SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:17-20
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule and the Summer Music Schedule.
ATTENDANCE – September 10, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 82
COPIES OF this week’s e-news, the September calendar, and September Newsline Digest are available to be picked up on the table in the narthex and at YorkFirst.org
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REMINDER: LAST CHANCE to bring your loose change to fill the jar for “Coins for Others in Need”. Jar is located in the narthex. Every CENT helps toward Disaster Relief current needs.
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Joel Gibbel’s Ordination Service. . . . . . . . . .
Hello friends,
I wish to extend an invitation to anyone who is part of the York First congregation to attend my service of ordination next month. It is scheduled for Sunday October 15 at 2pm at the Lititz Church of the Brethren. It will serve as a time of worship, ministry credentialing, celebration, and sending for me and my family in preparation for my pastoral service. ~ Joel Gibbel
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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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Mission Offering – Sept. 17, 2017, “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another” – Romans 15:5
United, Serving the Lord Together. It’s wonderful when the body of Christ works together as one. When every person feels connected to the mission, we can best serve the Lord and others. The Church of the Brethren Mission Offering highlights our relationships with international churches and organizations. It supports Core Ministries like Brethren Volunteer Service, Global Mission and Service, an others that allow us to walk with brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for giving to the Mission Offering and supporting the Church of the Brethren!
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THIS WEEK. . . . . . . . . . . .
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 19, 2017 – Elizabethtown College’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies presents “A Glimpse of Life in the Dawdihaus,” a talk by Claire Marie Mensack, on Tues., Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., in Hoover 212. Mensack conducted a case study of rural health and gerontology among the Amish and other Plain people of Pennsylvania and Delaware in 2016. For more information, call 717-361-1470 or visit www.etown.edu/youngctr/events.
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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A SUGGESTION FROM THE SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT TEAM ABOUT HOW TO HAVE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD
A simple way to feel closer to Christ is to have daily conversations with Him. These daily conversations can be in the form of prayer, Bible study, reading Christian magazines, blogs or websites, singing or listening to Christian music, or just talking with Him. We know that to remain close and in touch with family and friends we need to be in regular contact. We do this by phone calls, Facebook posts, face to face visits and cards or letters. Somehow, keeping in touch with family and friends is easier than daily contact with our Lord. First church has several opportunities available for developing daily conversations with our Savior.
One is The Upper Room daily reader. This little magazine is an easy way to start or maintain daily time in prayer and meditation. The daily articles are brief, but meaningful and suggest a short related scripture reading and prayer. The fact that they are written by Christians throughout the world makes them all the more meaningful. As Christians we are reminded that we belong to a great world-wide family made up of many men and women very different from us but also very similar. If you haven’t read The Upper Room recently I encourage you to pick it up this week.
Another magazine available in the church narthex is Today’s Christian Living. Each issue has articles about personal stories of God’s love, faith, Christian living, family problem solving, and Bible study as well as segments on travel, health, money, recipes, humor and puzzles. I find the cover story is always very inspirational and while often about and written by women, the stories would be interesting to everyone. This is another way to keep the conversation going, not only with Christ, but also with your church friends.
Another option is our Women’s Bible study that meets every Tuesday morning. It is starting September 12th after the summer hiatus. All women are welcome. This is a loving, supportive group that is always welcoming new members. There are several members from other churches who attend regularly. Each weekly meeting is filled with lots of sharing, laughter, prayer and fellowship in addition to the Bible study. You might want to give it a try to strengthen your connection with Christ and other believers.
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BDRA—The Relief Auction is in just 1 week!
The past 2 years our Church has had great response for the 5 K Run, both in runners and monetary giving. This will be the 3rd. year for the run. The first year we had a generous anonymous member who said he would match up to $1000.00, and the congregation give and we met our goal and donated $2000.00 to Disaster Relief. The second year he said he would match up to $1500.00. Again you came through and we could give $3000.00 to Relief. Now this year our generous donor said he would match up to $2000.00!!
We can see with Hurricane Harvey just how much the BDRA needs our help. This is an excellent way to double your contribution! As our donor said “We don’t want to leave any money on the table”.
So this Sunday and the next two, you may put your contribution in an envelope with a notation “5K Run” on it. When writing a check, you can make it out to FCOB with “5KRun” in the memo line to get income tax credit for it. We also will be in the vestibule to take donations.
Any Amount is Very Welcome. We really want to give $4000.00 to the BDRA this year. Thank You All Very Much!!!
DISASTER RELIEF AUCTION: There is a way everyone in the congregation can help with this year’s Disaster Relief Auction:
1. Make Pies.
2. Donate New Toys for the Children’s Auction.
3. Make and/or Donate Quilted Items.
4. Have a Share a Meal.
5. Put coins in the Jar in the Vestibule.
6. Put together a Theme Basket.
7. Run or Walk in the 5 K Run. Also a Children’s Run.
8. Help is needed at the Food Stands, the Produce Stands, the Baked Goods Stands, and the Information Stands.
9. Donate items for the Main Auction.
10. Help put together “Gift of the Heart Kits”.
11. Donate money for the 5 K Run.
Remember your Amount will be Doubled!!
12. Most Important –Go to the Auction Fri.,Sept. 22 or Sat., Sept. 23.
A new thing there this year. A Car Show – You can show your Car, Sat. Sept. 23. (Pre-Register).
Also new is the Mechanical Bull Ride.
Let’s make this year a Banner Year for Disaster Relief ! Thank You All.
The Brethren Disaster Relief Auction is sending a grant of $25,000.00 to Brethren Disaster Ministries designated toward Hurricane Harvey Relief. Churches and individuals are being encouraged to contribute toward matching this grant. Contributions can be made by mailing to:
BDRA c/o Evelyn Dehmey, Treasurer, at 164 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta, PA 17547. Your donation may also be brought to the Auction. Please mark your check “ Harvey” so it is properly restricted.
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SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES. . . . . . . . . . .
To Peg Eck on the loss of her aunt, Rose Greenholt.
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 – CAMP EDER’S Senior Day, Wed., Sept. 27th, Only $18., Pumpkin Palooza Enjoy Fall Themed Crafts, Great food, Awesome Fellowship – We welcome Elva Hurst a Chalk Artist from Barnyard Art Studio & Gallery in Lititz PA, 9:30 Meet & Greet with continental breakfast 10:00 Morning Program (fall themed crafts) 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Afternoon program. Menu – Chicken pot pie, side salad, dinner roll w/honey butter, broccoli w/cheese sauce, pumpkin pie w/ice cream. RSVP online www.campeder.org OR Call (717) 642-8256, If you have any questions, contact Kathy Kovacs.
OCTOBER 7, 2017 – Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry featuring Harmony – Sat., Oct. 7th, Fall Fundraising Banquet – 4:00-5:20 (only) Silent Auction, 5:30 Meal Served-Full Course Dinner, Free will offering, ministry update, door prizes. Being held at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd., York, PA 17403. Tickets are $12.00 and are available from the following until September 23, No tickets sales at the door. For tickets or additional information, see Glenn & Anna Miller.
OCTOBER 14, 2017 – Women’s Luncheon, Oct. 14th, 11:00 am – 1 pm, Please join York First Church of the Brethren for a Women’s Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. We will be hosting our guest speaker, Naomi Kraenbring, as she shares her story of call and vocation and continued journey. We will be serving a light lunch starting at 11 am with soups, fruits and cheeses. Our guest speaker will begin at 12 pm. Please RSVP by calling Karen at the church office at 717-755-0307 by Tuesday, October 3rd. There is no cost for the luncheon, donations will be accepted and appreciated. York First Church of the Brethren, 2710 Kingston Road, York, PA 17402
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.
OCTOBER 21, 2017 ~ Please join us! 2017 Children’s Aid Society Annual Dinner – Sat., Oct. 21st , Check in begins at 5:30 and Dinner begins at 6:00, Business Attire, Held at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Road, York, PA. Please join us for a celebration of food, fellowship and another year of service to children and families. Ticket Prices: Adult $ 30.00/Children (12 and under) $ 15.00. Highlights: 30th Anniversary Celebration of The Lehman Center! Entertainment by Christian acoustic guitarist, Mark Cable. See poster on bulletin board.
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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
