October Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
October 2006
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
Due to a definite lack of personal inspiration, I share the following two ‘gems’ I came across recently: Did you know that Psalm 118 is the middle chapter of the entire Bible? Psalm 117, the chapter just before Psalm 118, is the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119, just following Psalm 118, is the longest chapter in the Bible. The Bible has 594 chapters before Psalm 118, and 594 chapters after Psalm 118. If you add up all the chapters in the Bible except Psalm 118, you get a total of 1188 chapters. And Psalm 118, verse 8 (118:8) is the middle verse in the entire Bible. Now, would you suppose that the central verse in the whole Bible might have a fairly important message for us?
Check it out: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”
A young Christian girl was frustrated in her attempts to memorize Scripture. Tearfully she told her grandfather, “I get so upset, because no matter how much I read, I always forget what I’ve just read”
The wise grandfather gently replied, “You’re still doing a very valuable thing, my dear. Remember that when you pour water into a sieve, no matter how much you pour, you don’t collect very much, but at least you wind up with a very clean sieve.”
Many of us have made the same statement as that young girl. But I can assure you that time spent with an open Bible is never wasted. It will amaze you how often something happens during the day that will bring to mind the very Scripture you read that morning during your devotional time. And if you don’t have a regular time for devotions, I encourage you to set aside just 2 minutes and begin.
Opportunities abound for all of us to be in group Bible studies. Nothing will impact your life in a positive way more than committing God’s Word to your mind and memory. There is no short-cut to doing that. We simply must make Bible reading and study a part of our daily lives. The best medicine will never cure you if you don’t open the bottle and take it. A seat belt will do you no good if it’s not hooked around you. Food in the refrigerator will provide no nourishment for you, unless you eat it. Can we see a pattern here? I encourage you to be a part of regular Bible study - both personal and in a small group. It is vital to your health. (Psalm 119:11, 97 - 105)
Lovefeast and Communion - 10/01/06 - 6:30 PM
The deepest, highest, and most meaningful experiences in life often cannot be expressed in words. How can you define the beauty of a flower, the splendor of colored leaves in the autumn, the moving of the Spirit in Worship, or the feelings of a new parent holding a newborn child? Words help us communicate, but at times they are simply inadequate. You must experience it to truly understand and appreciate the God-given gift of the moment.
For Brethren, the traditional Lovefeast is one of those special experiences - a time when the moving of the Spirit cannot be described, only experienced. The whole series of events that make up the total time of Worship are reminders of our natural sinful state, the great gift of salvation, and our constant need to share in God’s forgiving love. Whenever the community of faith gathers around the tables of Lovefeast, we are reminded of the relationship of all disciples to one another and to Christ himself. It is a time for quiet humility, expectant worship, transparent love, and faith renewal.
The numerous distractions of modem life have drawn many away from the Lord’s table. This celebration of Jesus’ new Covenant and His invitation to worship and commune with Him seems to have become less important to some Christians. Perhaps we need a fresh reminder of the great gift we have been offered in being invited to a place at the table of the Lord
The Deacons have made all the necessary preparations for us to have a meaningful and worshipful experience, as we obey Jesus’ command to follow His example. But the Deacons are merely the hands and feet of Jesus to facilitate the physical preparations. The invitation is from our Lord himself. How we respond to that invitation is a personal decision each of us must make.
Note: The meditations for our service this Fall will center around John’s depictions of Jesus as the Living Water, Servant, true Vine, and Bread of Life. We will gather in the Sanctuary for a time of preparation, examination, worship, music, and prayer, and then move to the Fellowship Hall for the feetwashing, and a simple meal of beef and broth. There will be space reserved for folks who may want to observe but not participate. Everyone is encouraged to attend this Christ-invited Worship.
Bible Challenge Questions
1. The Sea of Tiberias is better known as what body of water?
2. How serious, according to Jesus, should we take the spiritual education of our children, modeling for them, and teaching them true Biblical principles?
3. Did Jesus ever say, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery.”?
CAMP EDER’S 28th ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
October 21, 2006 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Activities begin at 8:00 AM
* Auction - 9 AM - 12 noon
* Auction will begin at 9 AM sharp! Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, shuttle, and registering.
* Craft Vendors - 8 AM - 4 PM Chainsaw carving exhibition!
* Family Activities - 11 AM - 4 PM (Free concert at 2:00PM)
* Food Court - 9 AM - 4 PM
* Pit Roast Pig and Turkey meal Noon to 5 PM (more seating this year - faster service!)
Tickets are: Adults - $9.00; children $4.50 in advance ($9.50 & $5.00 at the door)
If you can volunteer to help, it would be greatly appreciated to make this biggest fund-raising event of the year a success for the Camp. Help is needed in the kitchen, dining rooms, family activities, parking lot and shuttle, pig pits, and more. Call the Camp Eder office to volunteer (717-642-8256)
Also: Vendors are needed - single space cost is $20 - call Camp for reservations
Come. Have a great day. Enjoy yourself. Support the ministry of Camp Eder.
Camp Eder is located 8 miles west of Gettysburg off Route 116 at 914 Mt. Hope Road near Fairfield
More info at www.campeder.org or call Camp Office -717-642-8256
Fellowship & Recreation Commission
Mark your calendars for the annual Havride and Campfire at the Kissingers’ to be enjoyed on Saturday, October 7th beginning at 6 PM. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, cider, and makings for s’mores and paper products will be provided A side dish or dessert would be appreciated See ya’ there.
Christmas Partv on Saturday, December 2nd at 5:30. More information will be coming later.
Choir Rehearsals
Don’t forget that Choir rehearsals have resumed. It’s not too late to join this important and rewarding ministry of music. Handbells or vocals, Senior Choir or Praise Team, contemporary or traditional; there’s something for all. Check ‘em out.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the gift of music. It’s the universal language of praise in which we can all share together. Our musical groups (Praise Team & Choirs) have a lot of fun singing together and love to use their voices in praise. We are in need of a few more voices in each of our groups. Won’t you consider how you can return to God - through the avenue of music - some of the blessings He has given you?
Practices are a time of great fellowship and growth. There is not a professional musician among us, but all of us enjoy using the gift of the voice God has given us to raise in praise to Him. Come, join us, and share in the blessing.
The Bell Choir is also looking for a few more ‘ringers!’ If you’d like to try this unique way of making music and praising God, why not give it a try? Thursday evenings at 6:30.
Missions & Service
Our special emphasis for October is for the Lehman Center. We will be collecting non-perishable foods, paper and cleaning products and many other items necessary for their ministry. A full list of the products they need can be found above the collection boxes at both Church entrances. Please support this vital outreach of our District. Money donations may also be made by marking your envelopes during the month.
Also on Sunday, October 8, 2006, we will be accepting a one-time special offering for the World Mission Offering appeal of the denomination. This is one of three special denomination-wide offerings we support annually. This vital offering funds the many world-wide mission efforts our Church is involved in around the world. Prayerfully consider giving to this offering over and above our regular offerings. Special envelopes will be provided that day.
The Southern Pa Dist is sponsoring a “Spotlight on Missions” Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at the New Fairview COB. An excellent meal, with entertainment by New Fairview’s own New Horizons Choir, will promote the effort to raise money for the Nigerian mission staff and work. Tickets can be ordered through the Church office or by contacting one of the persons on the info flyer on the bulletin board. An offering will also be lifted at the event. This promises to be a great night of food, fun, and fellowship, and all in the name of a good cause.
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1/ Sea of Galilee (John 6:1) 2/ It’s a matter of life or death (Mark 9:42) 3/ Mark 10:11
Christian Education
The new Fall quarter of Sunday school classes has begun. Among the selections for Adults are the International Lessons and an interesting and challenging study of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. That study will soon conclude and the class will begin a study of the denominational booklet called Together: Conversations on Being the Church. There is also an ongoing class specifically for Young Adults as well as classes for children of all ages.
Women’s Fellowship
October 3 Meeting/Prayer Group 9 AM
October 23 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 AM
October 27 Chicken Corn Soup Sale
November 17 Make Christmas Candy 9 AM
The fall Chicken Corn Soup/Bread Sale is scheduled for October 27th. Sign-up sheets are on the table in the front entrance and the refreshment area. Cost is $4.00/quart for soup and $1.50 for white or whole wheat bread. Purchased items can be picked up after 1 PM or Sunday after Worship.
Our plan is to make Christmas candy on November 17th. There are sign-up sheets in the same areas as soup/bread sale. Choices are peanut, raisin, cashew and peanut butter at $7.00 a box.
Christmas in Loganville will be held November 18th from 8 – 3. TLC will be at Codorus COB in the Fellowship Hall as in past years. Please support this worthy cause.
Also, Entertainment Books are available at a cost of $25.00 to benefit TLC. See Phyllis Morthland. (These make good Christmas gifts!)
“A Cup of Cold Water”
The heart of God is so wide and deep –
For all of mankind He truly does weep;
It is His desire that none could be lost -
Wake up, dear people, count the cost.
It’s not just to have your name on a roll –
Christ must live in your heart and soul;
Then to share it all with those you meet –
This is the way to be Christ’s hands and feet.
Being His shows in so many ways –
Serving the Lord all the rest of our days;
Pray and work as His very own –
So others can see you are His alone.
This world needs your labors of love –
Like God reaching down from heaven above;
“A cup of cold water “given in His name –
Will touch a life, never to be the same.
Written 2/16/01 by the Lord and Angel
October Birthdays! 15 Tracey Venable
6 Sandy Hinkle 16 Mike Billet, Jr. 27 Skee Linebaugh
8 Peggy Landis 19 Frances Dellinger 28 Kathy Ness
9 Bobbi Seasock 20 Josh Hoerner 30 Michelle Lehigh
10 Alysha Staggers 23 Josh Snelbaker Jay Kern
11 Stacia Kauffman 25 Donna Hash
Bob Snelbaker Michelle Baugher
12 Earl Brenneman
Church Calendar & Worship Schedule - October ‘06
Oct. 1 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Communion - the mystery of life” John 6:1 - 21
6:30 PM Lovefeast & Communion - “We Would See Jesus”
Oct. 5 6:30 PM Handbell Choir practice (every week)
7:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every week)
Oct. 7 6:00 PM Hayride at the Kissinger ranch
Oct. 8 9:00 AM Sunday School
10: 15 AM Worship “What’s the Difference?” Mark 9:38 - 50
Oct. 10 7:30 PM Church Board meeting
Oct. 15 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Jesus - on divorce” Mark 10:2 - 16
Lamplighter articles due today
Oct. 21 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
8 AM - 5 PM Fall Festival at Camp Eder
Oct.22 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Showmanship or Discipleship?” Mark l0:17-31
Oct. 27 Women’s Fellowship Soup/Bread sale
Oct. 29 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Unmistakably clear” Mark 10:35 – 45