What's Happening at YFCoB
In the Sanctuary and Online
Please See Below for Sunday School Class Information
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
Cantata and Worship Service
Contents:
Sunday School News
Poinsettia List (In
Memory & Honor)
COB Newsline
Notes from the Console
Contacting the Pastor
A Musical Celebration
of Christ's Birth
This week in worship we will light the candle of love and reflect especially on the faithfulness of Mary, mother of Jesus. In place of a spoken message, we have prepared a Christmas Cantata - a compilation of scripture and song in honor of our Christ's birth. This year's program is more modest than those of recent years, but we assure you it is no less inspired and worshipful. Join us and be blessed through word and music, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
A special thanks to all who are participating, especially to Mike Frock who is serving as director and accompanist for this occasion. Please take the time to read the "Notes From the Console" below for more insights into the many musical pieces that will be shared this Sunday.
Next Thursday Evening, December 24th at 7:00 PM we will hold our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary, with pre-service music beginning at 6:45 PM. Expect an email newsletter next Thursday morning with video stream link and furthe information.
Live Stream Continues!
Our worship services will be presented "live stream" through our YouTube channel. Click the link below shortly before 10:30 AM on Sunday to enter a time of worship with all who will do likewise this Sunday.
The video will be available to view after the worship hour in case you miss the 10:30 AM time or wish to watch it again.
*Please note: if anyone is unable to view the videos online, we have DVD copies of the services that can be picked up in the church lounge any weekday. Sermon manuscripts are also available upon request. We hope no one is missing out!
Cantata 2020
Prelude "Cradle Song"
Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle
Hymn "O come, O come, Immanuel"
Invocation Prayer
Hymn "Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming"
Children's Time
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Call to Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
GIFTS AND OFFERING
Offering Invitation
Offertory "Christ was Born on Christmas Day"
Michele Gibbel, Soprano
Micah Gibbel, Trumpet
Reading : John Gibble Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 1:26-38
Song: "Breath of Heaven"
Pam Baldwin, Soprano
Reading: Barry Hollinger Luke 2: 1-7
Song: "The Birthday of a King"
Diane Gibble, Soprano
Kim Witkovsky, Alto
Reading: Loretta Bachman
Song: "Mary, Did You Know?"
John Gibble, Tenor
Reading: Diane Gibble - Luke 2: 8-14
Song: "A Christmas Mosaic"
Loretta Bachman, Organ
Reading: Michele Gibbel
Song: "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Barry Hollinger, Tenor
Reading: Pam Baldwin Luke 2:15-16a; Matthew 2: 1-2, 9-10
Song: "Out of the East"
Reading: Kim Witkovsky
Matthew 2:11; Luke 2:16b-20; Isaiah 9:6-7
"Christmastime with 'Angels We Have Heard on High'"
Commission and Blessing
Hymn "The virgin Mary had a baby boy"
Postlude "Christmas"
**Note: Following the guidance of the church's Leadership Team, our church remains "open" to in-person gathering. However, due to present public health concerns, we encourage remaining at home as the most responsible option if you are willing and able to join in worship via live stream video. There will be much singing in this service, so the risk of infectious disease is somewhat elevated.
So long as our attendance remains modest, we believe that some of can gather safely, provided that face coverings are used and distancing is observed. Thank you all for understanding and doing your part to mitigate risk of disease.**
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Harold B. Ginder by Audrey
Craig Witman by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Ruby Minnich by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Linda Horner by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Janine Kile Logue by Dave & Carole Bradfield
Jacque & Minnie Lou Tracy by Tom & Jill
William G. McCracken, Sr. by Tom & Jill
David Diehl by the Chancel Choir
Bill Eisenhart by Elizabeth and family
Our children, Jeff, Jenny, & Betsy Jo by Bill & Jolene Zeigler
Galen Trimmer by Pat Trimmer
Lucille Stoner by Leonard Stoner Family
Our parents, Jacob & Alverta Stoner and John & Esther Herr by Leonard & Helen Stoner
Sister, Peggy Stoner and Brother, Stephen Herr by Leonard & Helen Stoner
My wife, Janine Logue by Larry
My wonderful mom and dad by Karen Bowman
Roy & Ruth Nicholas by Brad Nicholas
Dave Bradfield on his 90th birthday (12-15-20) by Carole
Karen Bowman by Audrey
Rebecca L. McCracken by Tom & Jill
Our children and grandchildren by Tom & Jill
Pastor Joel & Michele Gibbel
Arden & Bernetta Kile by Larry, Chris, Felicia
Christmas Eve Offering
The Witness team has chosen Children's Aid Society https://www.cassd.org/ and LifePath Christian Ministries https://lifepathyork.org/ for the Christmas Eve offering this year.
Both these organizations are partners in the York Code Blue program to provide emergency shelter this winter (mid-December to mid-April) for single male and female homeless people. The intent is to provide a place to get in out of the winter weather and be safe when poor weather conditions exist. This shelter will help to offset the decrease in existing year round beds available that is a result of the Covid-19 distancing restrictions. Your offerings are appreciated.
To give, click on the Online Giving link below and select Christmas Eve Offering tab.
Although in-person worship gatherings and events are suspended for a time, the church's ministry continues in many important ways. Please continue to give as you are so led, whether by mail or through online giving. Thank you.
Online Giving is safe, easy, and convenient. Sign up by going to our church website at: www.yorkfirst.org and click on the Online Giving Link or go directly to the Online Giving website at: http://www.osvhub.com/york-first/funds.
For assistance setting up your account, call Donor Support at:
800-348-2886 – Option 2 – Online Giving
Questions? Contact Sheryl Leaman - Thank you for your support!!!!!
David Diehl Memorial Fund
Our beloved choir director David Diehl passed away November 12th and his family has decided to wait until a later time to hold a memorial service, due to the pandemic. For now, the church is planning gifts in honor and memory of David's 20-plus years of Music Leadership.
Gifts suggested include the following:
Junior and Youth Symphony Scholarships
First Church Music Instrumentalists Fund
(David maintained this fund over the years as his contribution to First Church)
A tree in David's honor as part of the landscaping plans being developed
If you want to show your appreciation for David's service to First Church, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the church. Designate the David Diehl Fund and indicate where you want to direct your contribution. You may mail it to the church office or drop in the church offering plate.
The church has also set up a link to the church's on-line giving website where contributions can be sent to the church in honor and memory of David. The church will acknowledge the gifts and forward them as a group to the Junior and/or Youth Symphony in David's memory.
The link is https://osvhub.com/york-first/funds
From there you will see the option to donate to David's fund.
Here is special tribute to David Diehl by the Dallastown High School Alumni
String Quartet. Our friends, Ben & Matt Detrick, are participating in this video.
Homebuilders Sunday School Class
The Homebuilders Class is continuing to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am by conference call. All are welcome to join. To be included, contact Mike Martin either by calling 717-840-4184 or by emailing Caretaker@TwinBrookFarm.com, leaving the phone number at which you would like to be called. You will receive a phone call in the vicinity of 9:00 am. The class continues to examine lessons from the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum.
Lamplighters Sunday School Class
The Lamplighters Class is meets on Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm by zoom (video) conference. If you wish to be included and haven't received an email already, please contact Pastor Joel at pastor@yorkfirst.org, and he will forward you the link. This week the class will continue a series on Advent Season, "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break" by James Moore and Jacob Armstrong. This will be led by Patricia Carey.
Vine & Branches Sunday School Class
The Vine & Branches Class is continuing to meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 10:00 am by zoom (video) conference. If you wish to be included, please contact Pastor Joel at pastor@yorkfirst.org, and he will forward you the link. The class will be studying the "Guide for Biblical Studies" curriculum, "Call in the New Testament." This week the lesson continues to explores Matthew 2, the "call" of the Wise Men to visit the Christ Child as well as to defy the orders of the king. Come and join us!
Children's Sunday School Class
ADVENT SERIES CONTINUES! All families with Sunday School age children should have received a postcard with login information last week. We've invited some new people this time as well! Children's Sunday School meets at 12:00 noon each Sunday via zoom, with a lesson lasting approximately 20 minutes. Parents may of course participate alongside, but the time will be tailored to children. For the zoom link and to be included, please contact Pastor Joel at pastor@yorkfirst.org. Thanks, and we look forward to this special time together!
Church's Renovation Project Update and Contribution Reminder
What a year this has been! Now, at this time of year when we are celebrating Gods ultimate gift of everlasting life through his son Jesus we celebrate together and in confidence the blessing that York First Church of the Brethren is to so many.
This fall we began our planned renovation of the Sanctuary, Narthex, CDC classroom floors and Fellowship Hall. We are well on our way to completing these projects and appreciate all who have helped make this renovation a reality. In my devotion yesterday there was reference to Haggai 1:8, "Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord". I trust that we are glorifying our Lord and being good stewards of all the blessings we've been given to share with our community.
Our total project was estimated to cost $1,187,830 and monies that were pledged totaled $1,230,000. The project estimated costs have fluctuated both up and down. While we don't have an exact total to share at this time the expenses are being kept below the monies pledged.
We are grateful for the congregation's generosity in funding God's work and these projects. Whether you gave a onetime gift or have pledged over a period of time your gifts are appreciated. We now encourage those that have made pledges to send them before the end of the year. To those that may have wanted to contribute but couldn't and now may be able to we are grateful for every dollar of support! Without your support we could not carry on the work of York 1st or have accomplished these projects.
Thank you for your support and prayers for this project as together we set in motion a path that allows us to be good stewards, bridge builders and a blessing for the next generation of believers. We will be able to offer a continuity of ministry here. A commitment we made to the importance of ministry in our lives and to those whom it blesses. We commit to building, but not upon a foundation of sand. We build upon the rock that is Jesus Christ, and we confess that we belong to him. We are God's servants, working together, in a holy temple where God's Spirit dwells.
Until we can be together safely again the Master Planning Team wishes you a peaceful, hopeful and joyous Christmas! We look forward to that time of celebrating God's blessings and good works done through our combined gifts of time, talent and treasure!
Deb Klinedinst
Master Planning Chairman
RENOVATIONS IN PROGRESS
Hospitality Area
with cabinets installed
Multi-purpose Room with carpet
New windbreaker panel at
Main Entrance installed
New ceiling chandeliers waiting to
be installed in the Gathering Area
Church of the Brethren Denominational News
Denominational news and information is always available by visiting brethren.org
December Church of the Brethren
Newsline Digest
Newsline Digest
Click for Friends to Remember in Prayer
and Event Announcements
We need your help to update our 2021 church directory!
If you have any changes, please email them to the church secretary
at secretary@yorkfirst.org or by phone (717) 755-0307
York First Church Family, We wish to Thank You for your concern for Bill with the many,many prayers,cards, phone calls,and e-mails over the last 3 months. The treatments are over now, but there is still much healing to be done. We are Very Grateful for each One of You!! Praying the New Year will bring better times for all.
With Thankful Hearts, Jolene and Bill Zeigler
I want express my appreciation for your prayers, cards, calls of concern on my recent surgery. It has been a blessing to know so many cared. Thank you so very much. ~ Audrey Ginder
A BIG thank you to everyone who helped to make cookies for the Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry cookies for truckers project. Glenn and Anna Miller delivered 168 bags of cookies for this outreach ministry. We appreciate everyone who made it possible to spread God's love to others. It is what Christmas is all about. ~ The Witness Team
Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and church operations:
Since video live-streaming is fully functional and despite COVID-19 cases rising in our area, we believe that we can responsibly continue worship gatherings, so long as they are small and well-distanced.
That said, staying home remains the safest option, and we commend doing so to prevent spread of contagious disease. Worship will be recorded and live streamed each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM whether anyone is in attendance or not. We remain a committed body of Christ's faithful disciples whether we gather in person or not. We are simply allowing in-person attendance for those who desire to do so. Thank you all in advance for choosing wisely how and where you will worship.
No Sunday School classes will not resume in person until a later date, and several elements of worship will be adjusted such as seating arrangements, no passing of offering plates, and restricted singing. Handshake greetings should be avoided and masks must be worn within the building. Please know that all of these measures are for our collective wellness.
We have every intention of continuing to provide worship, teaching, and encouragement while maintaining "physical distance" for the safety and well-being of the vulnerable among us. The pastor and secretary continue to be available and in the office most of the week, so please feel free to call or email as you wish. We discourage in-person visits, however. Visitation to nursing homes and hospitals continues to be restricted, and pastoral visits will be minimal.
Please recognize that your church will require funds to continue basic operation of property and facility, fulfill pledged outreach giving, and maintain staff who will continue to minister whether in-person gatherings happen or not. Online giving is a simple and easy way to support your church and those it serves during this time, and it is accessible through our church website www.yorkfirst.org. Mailing your gifts and offerings to the church office is also welcome. Thank you to all who have given generously! We have been able to maintain our many outreach commitments thus far this year, and for that we give thanks!
Look for other announcements on our website and facebook page, and as always you may read current and/or recent newsletters through our website for other updates (and past sermons if you have spare time). **Note that you do not even need a facebook account of you own to view the church's page there. If you do have a facebook account, please "like" our church's page to view updates there. The more you "like" and "comment" and "share" our content, the better it "travels" and will be seen by others. Do your part to freely spread our messages of ministry during this time. Thank you!!**
Concerning the spread of COVID-19, here is a good resource with helpful links to other sites as well: https://covid19.brethren.org/ Be careful to pay attention to public health experts, rather than every news headline or comment from your neighbors. We must act responsibly for the well-being of all, not merely ourselves. This disease is real and a genuine threat to the lives of many.
Thank you all for understanding and for your faithful participation in our life together. Stay apart from each other in body but close together in spirit. Talk to each other often, by phone especially. Please stay home and do your part to prevent the spread of contagious disease. That is how we can best love one another for the time being. God's comfort and peace be with you.
Since 2011 our Witness Team has sponsored the Cash for Causes program by selling Giant & Weis gift cards. The church receives 5% of sales to support various ministries. For 2020 the gift card sales will support The Lehman Center (Children's Aid Society), New Community Project, Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry, and LifePath Christian Ministries (formerly York Rescue Mission). You may purchase the cards in amounts of $100, $50, $25, or $10. The cards make great gifts, especially at holidays. Consider donating cards to the Food Pantry or using them yourself any time you shop at Giant or Weis.
I plan to attend our in-person worship services and will have the gift cards available for your purchase before or after the service. However, if you will not be attending our in-person worship services, I will continue to send cards in the mail if you want to support this outreach ministry. Send your check to Becky Wenger, 3011 Bedford Pl, York, PA 17408. The Giant or Weis cards will be mailed to you. Make your check out to York First Church.
Thank you for supporting this program - Becky Wenger, Cash for Causes representative
"Notes from the Console," Article 74, By Mike Frock
This Sunday's Prelude is "Cradle Song" by Miska Hauser and arranged by Roger C. Wilson. This is a different piece than "The Cradle" by Roger C. Wilson that I played two weeks ago as the prelude. The melody of the piece for this week starts off by quoting the first six notes of Johannes Brahms' "Wiegenlied" more commonly called "Brahms' Lullaby." The Offertory is a song called "Christ was Born on Christmas Day" sung by Michele and accompanied by Micah on trumpet. This song uses the ORIENTIS PARTIBUS tune used for "The Friendly Beasts," attributed to Pierre de Corbeil. This arrangement of the tune uses a different set of lyrics and was arranged by Pat Messick. This arrangement was originally written for a flute or a recorder, but I transposed and arranged it to give Micah the chance to debut his trumpet playing in church. The Postlude, titled "Christmas," comes from music donated by Peggy Metzger and last heard in 1983! It is a medley of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" by Felix Mendelssohn, "Silent Night" by Franz Gruber, "O Come, All Ye Faithful" attributed to John F. Wade, and arranged by Robert J. Hughes.
The Cantata will begin with Pam singing "Breath of Heaven" by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant. Next, Diane, Michele, and Kim will sing an SSA trio version of "The Birthday of a King" by William Harold Neidlinger and arranged by Mark Dawson. Then, Michele and John will sing a jazzy arrangement of "Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene and arranged by Lloyd Larson. The next song is "A Christmas Mosaic" sung by Kim and accompanied by Loretta, who will be playing the Handbells stop on the organ. This piece is a medley of three Christmas tunes: "Lo, how a Rose E'er Blooming," "Il est né, le divin Enfant," and "Christ Was Born on Christmas Day." This last tune is different than the Offertory. Also, this medley uses different sets of lyrics than the original songs and was arranged by Richard Lamb. Afterwards, Barry will sing "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Gloria Shayne and arranged by the Christian rock band Third Day. Then Diane and Barry will sing "Out of the East" by Harry Noble. Lastly, Pam and John will sing "Christmastime with 'Angels We Have Heard on High'" by Michael W. Smith, Joanna Carlson, and arranged by Lloyd Larson.
LAST WEEK IN WORSHIP
Scripture Lesson:
Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11
"Good News to the Oppressed"
Pastor Joel Gibbel can be reached most mornings in the church office Monday - Thursday from 9:00 AM to noon. Afternoons and evenings are often 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. Note that laws prevent hospitals from contacting a pastor without your permission when you are admitted, so you will need to let hospital staff know that you would like the hospital to contact your pastor.
"People dedicated to Spiritual Growth, Loving Relationship, and Sacrificial Service"
Our Vision Statement:
"To become a community of committed Christians who Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World"