Weekly News
Vol. 12-No. 35 Friday, September 1, 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 3, 2017
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
– SANCTUARY: “Jesus Uncut… Unedited… Unabridged”
– SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:1-12
SPECIAL MUSIC: Matt Diehl
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I am pleased to announce that Joel Gibbel was chosen to be our new full time pastor on Sunday during a special Congregational Forum. The vote was 95% in favor of moving forward with the call. Joel’s start date will be November 1, with his first Sunday preaching, November 12. Joel, his wife, Michele, and their children, Micah and Danielle, will be moving to the York area in October.
I would like to thank the Search Committee for all of their hard work. The members included Chair Tom McCracken, Deb Klinedinst, Tim Beckwith, Carol Gordon, Greg Bachman, Barb Wueschinski, Emma Stoolmaker and ex-officio member, Leonard Stoner. I would also like to thank the congregation for their support during the Search process. ~ Judy Deitch
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ATTACHMENTS: Calendar of Events, Friends to Remember in Prayer, & Sunday School Schedule and the Summer Music Schedule.
ATTENDANCE – August 27, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service – 119
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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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.
WEBSITE FOR LIVE STREAMING OF NOAC (National Older Adult Conference) – Live Streaming of presentations and worship services in Stuart Auditorium will be available so family and friends can join atwww.brethren.org/Inspiration2017
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THIS WEEK. . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
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THANK YOU. . . . . . . . . .
I would like to thank everyone for their cards, prayers, and concerns during my recent knee surgery. I am sure it all helped my speedy recovery. – Brad Nicholas
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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—In just 3 weeks is the Relief Auction.
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!!!
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LOOKING AHEAD . . . . . . . . . . .
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 ~ 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.
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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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