March Lamplighter
Within this post you will find the March edition of The Lamplighter.
The Lamplighter
Editor: Lillian Geltz
March 2005
From the Pastor’s Desk
(with thanks to Bruce McLaren and his Commentary in Leadership - Vol. XXVI # 1 )
In a changing world, it’s impossible not to change. Resisting or fearing change can change you to become resistant and fearful! But it’s also possible to change badly. Our choice is not between change and no change, but rather between wise changes and foolish changes. The whole process calls for gentleness and understanding among us all. Those who feel called to innovation and adventure need to be non-judgmental in their criticism of their more cautious brethren, and vice versa.
Consider this: a tree has a trunk and roots that change very slowly. They are generally inflexible and unmoving, as is necessary for strength. The branches, however, are flexible, and the leaves on the branches are positively flimsy and subject to the slightest breeze. Yet the stems of those leaves bind them solidly to that which doesn’t move. The leaves would die without the trunk and roots, BUT the trunk and roots would also wither and die without the life giving process performed by the leaves. One cannot live without the other; they are all part of a complete unit.
Another image: the Atlantic colonies at the time of our westward expansion in history. Pioneers felt the call of mountains and prairies, and they set out on foot, on horseback, and in wagons to make paths where no paths had been before. Those pioneers were in a minority. Most folks stayed in the ‘civilized’ areas with close ties to the Old Country. If everyone had vacated the colonies for the new territories all at once, the result would have been disaster. But if none had ventured out, we would have lost the wealth and development of the interior with all its richness and diversity and new life.
We at MACOB are on the edge of a new chapter in our history. Not all of us are pioneers willing to set out on the ‘new frontier.’ But some are, and that’s good. They will be criticized and belittled for neglecting their ‘roots.’ And they will tend to criticize our timid ‘settlers’ for a lack of foresight and faith to follow God. But we need each other. We need pioneers and settlers, leaves and roots. We need the strength of experience and the courage of innovation. We need understanding and love - of each other and for each other. We need the courage and will to write a new history, combining faith and innovation into new strength and ministry. Every one of us has a gift to offer. Let us enter this exciting new phase with an even greater commitment to continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, and together. Let us worship, and minister, together.
Bible Challenge Questions
1. Jesus once healed a blind man who referred to Jesus first as a ‘man,’ then as a ‘prophet,’ and then as ___.
2. On what occasion does Scripture record Jesus crying?
3. Who owned the donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on ‘Palm Sunday?
Special Worship for Lenten season
Our annual Palm Sunday Lovefeast & Communion will be shared on Sunday evening,
March 20th, at 6:30 PM. This special invitation to share the Lord’s Table is one of the unique Brethren ordinances we hold dear and continue to practice in spite of our modern society’s neglect of traditional Biblical activities. This moving Worship has been largely abandoned even by many Brethren folks in recent years as being no longer relevant to our faith, or as being too modernized for convenience, and therefore irreverent and/or unbiblical and devoid of its meaning and purpose. Nevertheless, the invitation from Jesus to commune with Him at His Table still is extended, and the faithful still come to be challenged anew to wash the feet of a society stained by sin and apathy. The invitation is open to all believing Christians to worship at His table, share a meal with fellow believers, wash the feet of a brother or sister, and identify with our Risen Savior as we eat the Bread and drink the Cup of Christ’s body, sacrificed for us. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who believe it is the power of God.”
Come and experience the power.
Also, on Friday, March 25th at 7 PM, we will gather for Worship in observance of Good Friday.
Our schedule for Easter Sunday morning will be as follows:
Sunrise Worship at 6:15 (at Smith school - dress warmly!)
Breakfast at 8:00 in the Fellowship Hall (Youth sponsored)
Regular Sunday school at 9:00 and…
Worship Celebration at 10:15AM.
Come to the 2nd Annual Evangelism Committee’s Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 19th at 10 AM
Candy Prizes Fun
For more info see Lisa & Joe Petrosky, Becky Rishel, or Ralph Miller.
We have PLENTY of plastic Easter eggs but would greatly appreciate donations of
toys, candy, and/or small items to fill the eggs. Thanks!
Special Offering for March
One Great Hour of Sharing is a special relief agency of the Church of the Brethren. Since its origin, 56 years ago in 1949, OGHS has been a key channel through which our Church has supported ministries of relief aid, hunger response, and disaster aid and refugee service. Among the General Board programs supported by OGHS are development work in Sudan, disaster relief projects at home and abroad, rebuilding war-torn lives and buildings in Afghanistan, rural health care in Nigeria, oversight of the Global Food Crisis Fund, and many other relief and development projects around the world. On March 13th , we all have the opportunity to share in this vital mission ministry of our denomination.
Church Board Report from February’s Meeting
The Board met on Tuesday, February 8. The commission chairpersons gave reports of current events and plans for the future. As Endowment fund chair, I reported to the Board that the Interest and Dividends earned for 2004 was $8,547.39. These monies may be used for outreach. The Board was reminded that we had made a three-year pledge to Camp Eder for $2,000 each year for the Camp Capital Campaign. Camp Eder is in the process of a major renovation. The Board approved a motion that $1,000 from the Endowment Fund, $500 from a line item in the budget, and an additional $500 be raised from special giving and fundraisers.
The Christian Education Commission is focusing on VBS plans. Members will be attending a VBS presentation this month to select this year’s curriculum.
Missions & Service continues to seek volunteers for this year’s Meat Canning. They reported that York First COB will be hosting the District’s 2nd Faith Dinner to benefit the Disaster Relief Auction Fund, on April 2nd. Also, the Board approved of pursuing the purchase of a Heifer for this year’s Auction.
Stewardship & Finance continues to make various building repairs. It’s amazing how quickly problems get fixed, most times before we know they’re broken.
Ministry & Worship reported that we will return to one service in March. Council directed the Board to return to one service if a survey of the congregation supported such a change with a 2/3 vote. The final tally was 53 to 4.
Ruth Duncan reported that she has contacted the pew cushion company and they will be sending her a purchase contract.
Richard King has accepted to fill our vacant position on the Board and will be on the Fellowship and Recreation Commission.
I would like to invite you and challenge you to attend one Board Meeting this year and please pray for and support the Board.
In His Service,
Dave Wolfe & the Madison Ave. Board
Church Council - 1/30/05
Following a light lunch the Church Council met in the Sanctuary on Jan.30th for our Annual year-end Council meeting. Following an opening prayer by Kim Gingerich and a few minor corrections to the minutes from the 10/31/04 meeting, Barb Strawbridge delivered the treasurer’s report. This was followed by the year-end reports for the Board and Commission chairs. We also heard reports from the Pastor, Youth, Women’s Fellowship, Endowment Fund, and Deacons. As seen by the extensive list, the people here at Madison Ave. are very active in their service to the Lord, and that service takes many forms.
After the reports Council turned its attention to new business. Ruth gave us an update on the pew cushions and expects to receive larger samples of potential colors in the near future. Once the samples are here, she will be seeking input for a decision on color so the order can be placed. A motion was passed to officially accept the gift from the state of Dorothy Gibbs, which was designated to pay for the cushions.
A short presentation on the Habitat for Humanity program was given by Dave Wolfe and
Lillian Geltz.
The next agenda item was the Shalom Team, and Ruth provided a brief description of the Board’s meeting with a representative from the Shalom Team and how they might benefit our Church. After discussion, Council determined they did not believe a visit by the Shalom Team was necessary at this time.
The last agenda item involved Sunday morning Worship services. Carol Kauffman presented the results of the survey conducted in the Worship service earlier in the day. The survey indicated a strong desire to return to a single service format. After much heartfelt discussion, Council voted to return to a single service employing a variety of worship styles.
This return to a single service will begin in March and is contingent upon support by 2/3’s of the congregation for such a single service in a survey to be conducted by Ministry and Worship Commission during the Feb. 6th Worship service. (Note: That vote was 53 - 4 in favor of returning to a single service)
As you can see from this report, there are many activities happening here at Madison and many people are discovering the joy of using their God-given talents in His service. There are many decisions being made that affect each member of this congregation. I urge you to get involved and to actively seek to use the talents and gifts God has given you to serve Him.
Don Kauffman, Jr. Moderator
Meat Canning
The Meat Canning Project this year will take place at the Christian Aid Ministries, 1412 Division Highway, Ephrata on March 28 - 31, and April 4 - 7, 2005. Donations will be accepted through April. The committee has decided to can only chicken again this year because it can be purchased at a lower cost and is more widely accepted throughout the world as a meat of choice. The goal this year is to can 80,000 pounds of meat. Let’s continue to support this worthwhile project with money as well as our time. Volunteer sign-up sheets are in the side Narthex. We will have at least one car going. If you can join us, please sign the sheet on the side bulletin board.
In addition, our Women’s Fellowship is providing the noon meal for the workers on Thursday, March 31st. Your help would be appreciated in preparation for that. See Phyllis Morthland to volunteer.
Invitation
The Southern PA District’s Disaster Relief Auction Benefit Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd at 6PM at the York, First Church of the Brethren. Tickets are $10.00 per person, and include a full course dinner and some great entertainment (the Miracles Gospel Quintet) following the meal. So, mark the date, get your tickets now, join in a great meal and evening, and support a great cause - all at the same time. Check out the poster on bulletin board for info for tickets. Order now! Call the District office (624-8636) or Sally Bingaman (755-2643).
Christian Education News
As of this writing, we will be attending a VBS Workshop on 2/21. With the input of Dave Wolfe, Becky Rishel, Ruth Duncan, Meg Rishel and myself (Kim), we will be able to report next month on what curriculum we will be using this year. Don’t forget - we need your help to make this another successful VBS - June 20-24th!
TEACHERS MEETING - APRIL 9th from 9am-11:30am. Everyone is invited: teachers, those thinking about teaching, those with ideas for small groups or Sunday school classes (or topics)! Please plan to attend; a light breakfast will be served.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS WORKSHOP - Everyone needs to know what his spiritual gifts are in order to serve and glorify God. (Yes, we all have them!) So if you are like many of us, you are still trying to figure out what your spiritual gifts are! We will be hosting a Spiritual Gifts Workshop on October 15th to be led by Victoria Smith. We are looking for a commitment from our membership by the end of April before opening it to the rest of the District. It will be held from 9:00-3:30 and includes breakfast, lunch and a workbook for a $10.00 fee. We will be providing more info on this throughout the coming weeks in church and on the website.
BRETHREN HOME AUXILIARY NEWS
You can support the Brethren Home Community Auxiliary by becoming a member. Annual Membership fee is $3.00, or a Lifetime Membership is $30.00. Auxiliary Membership allows us to share in the service projects for 2005. Help enhance the lives of the residents as we strive to meet the goals set for this year under the theme “Purpose Driven Life”. These goals include: the Good Samaritan Fund, Good Shepherd Fund, BHEAP Scholarship, Fine Arts Programs and more. Please contact Treva Gingerich to purchase your membership.
Ministry & Worship News
The Ministry & Worship Commission continues to work on the issues of Worship schedules and style, staffing, and music development. With direction from Council to modify schedules as is fitting and beneficial to the congregation, and with input from a significant number of the congregation, we are working to make our Worship services as convenient and meaningful to as many people as possible. With your help and suggestions, we continue to address the work of the Commission as we seek together to make our times of fellowship and Worship most energizing and fulfilling for all.
Your input, prayer, and suggestions are being sought as we try to anticipate our ministry focus in the future, by adding a person with specific skills and duties in the area of Worship planning, visitation, and/or other areas of need to our staff. Ministry Commission members are Carol Kauffman, Denny Strawbridge, and Lauretta King, with Sue Grady and Ralph Miller as lay members.
Mission and Service News
The special offering emphasis for March will be for One Great Hour of Sharing.
Also, The Women’s Fellowship will be serving lunch to those helping with the meat canning on March 31st.
We have decided to purchase another heifer for the Disaster Relief Auction. We need your help.
Don’t forget that on April 2, 2005, at 6 PM, the York First COB will be hosting the Southern PA District Faith Dinner to benefit the Disaster Relief Auction. A delicious meal ($10/person) and great entertainment (Miracles Gospel Quintet) will fill your evening with food, fun, and great fellowship. Mark your calendar!
Answers to Bible Challenge Questions
1. Lord or Son of God (John 9:38) 2. The death of Lazarus (John 11:35) 3. We don’t know!
(Matt. 21:3)
Food for Thought
(in light of the recent Valentine’s Day)
Whether a man winds up with a nest egg or a goose egg, depends a lot on the kind of chick he marries!
Trouble in marriage often starts when a man gets so busy earning his salt that he forgets his sugar.
When a man marries a woman, they become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
Too many couples marry for better, or worse, but not for good.
If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, she will never turn into an old nag.
On anniversaries, the wise husband always forgets the past, but never the present.
A foolish husband says to his wife, “Honey, you stick to the washin,’ ironin,’ cookin,’ and scrubbin.’ No wife of mine is gonna’ work.
The bonds of matrimony are a good investment only when the interest is kept up.
“The Common Cup”
Easter season is upon us - we relive the cruel cross;
Where our Savior hung and suffered - never counting all the cost.
He gave His all at Calvary - for the likes of you and me;
In those nail-pierced hands - salvation has set us free.
In remembrance of our Savior - we have drunk “the common cup;”
And have tasted of His goodness - at the table as we sup.
Washing one another’s feet - we have come in servanthood;
Jesus has shown us the way - and now we have understood.
Never take this season lightly - eternal life is at stake;
Christ’s victory over the grave - was for your and my sake.
Written 3/16/88 by the Lord and Angel
Homebound Members
Following is a list of our homebound members. You are encouraged to remember these folks in your prayers and also with personal visits and cards as appropriate.
Mrs. Robert Eichelberger Mrs. Betty May Mrs. Ruth Sallade
2901 West Wind Lane 2990 Carlisle Pike P O Box 128 1700 Market Street
York, PA 17404 New Oxford, PA 17350 Manor Care # 326
(717) 764 - 8807 717-624-3846 Camp Hill, Pa. 17011
Miss Charlotte Harbaugh Mrs. Frank Hinkle Mrs. Julia Smith
187 Glen Avenue 2461 Vireo Road Rest Haven
Dallastown, PA 17313 York, PA 17403 1050 S. George St..
246 - 6055 741 - 1985 York, Pa. 17403
Miss Linda Furhman Miss Donna Hash Miss Pat Wiley
Margaret Moul Home Margaret Moul Home Margaret Moul Home
2050 Barley Rd. 2050 Barley Rd. 2050 Barley Rd.
York, PA 17404 York, PA 17404 York, PA 17404
764 - 8763
Women’s Fellowship News
March 1 Meeting and Prayer Group - 9 AM
March 28 Brethren Home Vol. Day - 9 AM
March 30 Make meal for meat-canning - 9 AM
March 31 Serve meal for meat-canning (leave Church at 7:30 AM)
April 12 Lunch with the Bermudian Church ladies
April 30 District Women’s Spring Luncheon - New Fairview COB
The District Women’s Spring Luncheon will be April 30th at the New Fairview COB. Registration is from 8 - 9 AM. Cost is $8.00 and must be in by April 20th. “Enjoying This Journey called Life” and “This is Love” (a portrait of Corrie Ten Boom) are the themes for the day. Ladies, don’t miss this exciting and uplifting day of spiritual energy.
The 13th Annual Lehman Center Benefit Auction is Tues. April 26th at the York County 4H Center. Auction begins at 5PM, but the food service begins at noon, and will be served all through the day and evening, including home-made soups, bar-b-cue, pies and more. If you have any items to donate, see Phyllis Morthland (or call 792-9377). Check out the posters for more info.
We have launched our annual “Health Kit” drive, now through the month of June. The list of items is on the boxes at each entrance. If you would rather donate money for the ladies to purchase the items, please see Bernice or Phyllis.
March Worship Calendar & Sermon Schedule
3/3 6:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every week)
7:30 PM Bell Choir practice (every week)
Children’s Choir practice (every week)
3/6 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “I don’t know” John 9:1 - 41
Noon Deacon lunch and meeting
3/8 6:30 PM Commissions meet
7:00 PM Church Board meeting
3/13 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Problem is…” John 11:1 - 45
3/19 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
3/20 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Patsy or Christopher” Matthew 21:1 - 11
Deadline for articles for April Lamplighter
6:30 PM Lovefeast & Communion
3/25 7:00 PM Good Friday Worship service
3/27 6:15 AM Sunrise service (at Smith School)
8:00 AM Easter breakfast (by Youth)
9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Easter Worship Celebration
March Birthdays
March 1 Charlotte Harbaugh
Josh Venable
March 4 Ruth Duncan
March 8 Amanda Frey
March 9 Rick Pavoncello
March 14 Nicole Witmer
March 21 Dustin Rhoades
March 23 Harriet Nevin
March 24 Jeff Baugher
March 28 Mark Baugher, Sr.
March 30 Barb Strawbridge
October 22nd, 2005 at 3:37 pm
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~Jason