October Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenu
York, PA 17404 717.854.1885
The Lamplighter
October 2007
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
A friend of mine used to have a passion for reading ridiculous signs, that is, signs whose messages were impossible or (dare I say it – stupid!) unreasonable - signs like: “This door must stay closed at all times” or “do not touch burner; may be hot.” One found on the bottom of a box: “Do not turn box upside down.” One of the signs he talked about was on a huge billboard along the highway. The sign consisted of one word and then a phone number underneath. The word on the sign was “Illiterate?” and then the phone number. The point was that if you were illiterate, you could call this number for help in learning to read. But if you’re illiterate…….well, you get the point!
Unfortunately, many of us, though not in the least illiterate, really don’t know much about the Bible and what it says or how it all fits together. Hopefully the sermon series on the Bible that we are hearing this month will whet our appetite to read more and to better understand the absolute necessity of making its message a part of our everyday life and thought. Many of us have questions about life that we don’t realize can be answered by the Bible – or at least have light shed upon their understanding. And we also have questions about the Bible that seem to have no definitive answer for us. Some folks think that a book written by several different authors thousands of years ago could hardly be relative for us modern day people. But the Bible is God’s Word – the very breath of God – and its truth and relevance is just as applicable and true today at it was when it was written. There are many different opportunities for every one of us to engage in Bible study, not only on our own personal time, but also with a small group of fellow believers. Here at MACOB, we have a Sunday evening Bible study, as well as a Tuesday evening, Thursday noon, and Friday night study group. In addition, beginning the third Sunday of October another new study time will be offered. The current Sunday night study meets on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. This new one will meet on the first and third Sundays of each month. The new study will center on several CD and DVD presentations by well-known authors and theologians, and discussion will follow. This study will help you see the powerful truth of the Bible with a new perspective; it will give you a new appreciation for the timeless relevance of God’s Word, and may challenge some of our culturally influenced beliefs. The Bible says in 2nd Timothy 4:2ff “be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” And in 2nd Peter 3:3 - 7 we read that in the last days scoffers will come to mislead us; scoffers who are ‘willingly ignorant’ (KJV) of God’s Word.God is warning us about our need for the truth and power of His Word to combat the evils of this world. He has given us the tools and means to withstand those evils. Opportunities abound for us to exercise our freedom to study and worship as we please. Please avail yourself of several of these opportunities for study and spiritual growth.
Please see the article elsewhere in this newsletter for more info on this new study offering. vConsider…
Are you concerned that prayer and the Bible are not in the public schools? Our church is once again participating in “Released Time.” This is a program where elementary students are legally released from school one hour per week for a time of bible study. Please see Becky Rishel, Gloria Miller or Ruth Duncan if you can help with this program. “Listeners” who listen to students’ memorized Bible verses and record their progress are needed.
vLovefeast and Communion - 10/07/07 - 6:30 PM
For many today, the Lovefeast is no longer relevant or necessary for our spiritual nurture or health. It seems an archaic, out-dated, meaningless, going-thru-the-motions of something that has lost its importance for our faith life. Why wash someone’s feet, eat a silly ‘meal,’ and drink some grape juice? What could possibly be the point of that? Didn’t that go out with the horse and buggy? Well, yes, unfortunately for many, that is all too true. But 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 modern 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.vSpecial Speaker
David Radcliff, of the New Community Project, an organization dedicated to helping the public become aware of environmental issues of our day, will be with us for the entire morning of October 28th. David leads numerous ‘Faith Expeditions’ to various parts of the world suffering from human disregard for the care of our environment. He is an ordained pastor in the Church of the Brethren, and during the Sunday school hour all the adult Sunday school classes will be combined as he will lead those classes in discussion. During the Worship hour, he will be preaching on other aspects of an environmental nature and our responsibilities as Christians for the care of Creation. vGeneral Board Meeting
The Board met on Tuesday evening, September 11th. The Board heard reports from the commissions and acted on several motions.
On September 9th, Council approved the sale of the Church bus. When Stewardship & Finance met the buyer, he withdrew his original offer. Therefore, the Church still owns the bus. The commission will continue to advertise and look for another buyer.
The Board approved to support Joy El Ministries from the earnings of the Endowment Fund. Joy El is the program that allows students from Devers Elementary School to come to Madison Avenue for Christian education once a week. The Board approved a one-time support of $1980.00 for Lisa Walk, our regional “missionary” with Joy El Ministries.
Are you hearing any voices, as I do? The Nominations Committee would like to talk to you. Please pray and consider serving the church. If you feel led to serve in any way, please contact Brenda Laughman, Linda Loucks, or Mary Spangler.
In His Service
Dave Wolfe & the General Board
vBible Challenge Questions
1. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 all begin with “blessed are…..” Is there any verse in the Bible that says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” ? 2. To whom did Paul say “watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, You will save both yourself and your hearers.”
3. Where do we read the admonition to “do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”
vFellowship & Recreation Commission
Mark your calendars for the annual Hayride and Campfire at the Kissinger’s to be enjoyed on Saturday, October 27th 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.
Also, Christmas party on Saturday, December 1st at 5:30. More information coming later.
vCAMP EDER’S 29th ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
October 20, 2007 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Activities begin at 8:00 AM
*Auction - 9 AM - 12 noonAuction will begin at 9 AM sharp! Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for parking, shuttle, and registering.
* Craft Vendors - 9 AM - 4 PM - Chainsaw carving exhibition!
* Family Activities - 9 AM - 5 PM (Free concert at 2:00 PM)
* Food Court - 10:30 AM - 4 PM
* Pit Roast Pig and Turkey meal – 11 AM to 4 PM (more seating this year - faster service!)
Tickets are: Adults - $9.00; children $5.00
If you can volunteer to help, it would be greatly appreciated in making 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
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
vSo what really happened to the dinosaurs?
Have you ever asked that question? How about: Whom did Cain marry? How old is the earth? Did dinosaurs live millions and millions of years ago? Or did dinosaurs and man live together? Did Adam (and others) really live to be over 900 years old? How is that possible? Did God create the world in 6 days, or was it 6 years, or 600 years, or……? What was the world like before the flood? Did the flood really cover the whole earth? Is the theory of evolution true – has science proven it true? What does evolution really teach? Are the Bible and evolution compatible? Were there dinosaurs on the ark? What happened to the Garden of Eden? Is there a connection between Darwin and Hitler???? Do the school shootings in the US have any relevance to ‘natural selection’ – the mainstay of evolution?
Can we believe the Bible? Is there any scientific proof for Biblical claims? We live in faith and we are called to believe the Bible – even those things we cannot explain. How much of the Bible can we not explain? How does the fossil record stack up for evolution versus Biblical record? If any of these questions bother you, or pique your interest, or even upset you, are you willing to examine the Bible to try to answer them? Can you believe the Bible? Is it true? Beginning October 21 and continuing on the first and third Sundays of each month following, a CD and DVD presentation on the Bible and Creation in relation to the theory of evolution will be offered here at MACOB. Beginning at 6:30 PM in the Reynold Room with discussion following, we will examine some of the more challenging questions pertaining to the strength of our faith. The first two classes will center on a presentation of the Garden of Eden. What was it like in the Garden? How long did Adam and Eve live there? One last note: Can we believe Isaiah 40? What about verse 22? vContribution from Donna Hash
This is about Halloween. Well, Bill is schoolteacher. On October 23 Bill had big Halloween for children to put on their funny clothes. Before, the children put on their funny clothing and then they had very good time at school party. by Donna Hash
vChristian Education
The new Fall quarter of Sunday school classes has begun. Among the selections for Adults are the International Lessons and the Discussion class is studying the Philip Yancey book “The Bible Jesus Read.” There is also an ongoing class specifically for Young Adults, as well as classes for children of all ages. Also, please note – On Sunday, October 28th, David Radcliff will be with us, speaking on many aspects of our witness as Christians and the impact we have on the environment. David will lead a combined Adult Sunday School class that day focusing on the Sudan and African concerns. During the Worship service, he will also be speaking about certain environmental issues. vChoir 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 - 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 some of the blessings He has given you, through the avenue of music? 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 evening at 6:30.
vMissions & Service
A need continues for volunteers willing to help with Brethren Disaster Ministry to re-build homes in
areas of the southern US. Please contact Treva G. if you can help.
Tickets are still available for the District Carlisle Truck Ministry Banquet & Silent Auction on October 27th at 6 PM at New Fairview COB. A full-course roast beef dinner will be served, and entertainment will be by Set Free – a gospel blue grass group.
October is CAS month. Boxes with lists of needed items will be available. If you choose to donate money, please mark your envelope for CAS. Thanks!
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1/ yes (Psa. 33:12) 2/ Timothy (1st Tim. 4:16) 3/ Proverbs 3:7 Women’s Fellowship
October 2 Meeting/Prayer Group 9 AM
October 19 Chicken Corn Soup/Bread Sale
October 22 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 AM
November 9 Make Christmas Candy
The fall Chicken Corn Soup/Bread Sale is scheduled for October 19th. Sign-up sheets are on the table in the front entrance and the refreshment area. Cost is $3.50/quart for soup and $1.50 for bread. Purchased items can be picked up after 1 PM until 5 PM. Please place your order by October 14th.
Our plan is to make Christmas candy on November 9th. We are taking orders for the following at $7.00 a box: peanut, raisin, cashew and peanut butter or assorted. Sign-up sheets are available along with the Soup/Bread sale orders. The candy orders are due by November 4th.
Ten Little Girls
“Ten little girls” with faith so strong- Lives were touched by the simple life-
Faced death one day – it wasn’t very long; Of the Amish folk in the midst of strife;
Till five met Jesus at heaven’s gate- An example for all the world to know-
To spare their lives, it was just too late. That faith in God can make it so.
A witness to the world for all to see- A lesson for all in this tragedy-
Forgiveness from the Amish set them free; Look to the Lord and His Majesty;
For to hate this man wasn’t in their heart- Sing His praise, all is well-
Through their love for Jesus, healing would start. God is in control, we’ve a story to tell.
Yes, their lives were shattered on that day-
The world wept too and began to pray; Written 10/10/06 by the Lord and angel
For the little ones left their families too- In memory of the Nickel Mine Tragedy
We could hardle accept that it all was true. Now one year past for healing
Church Calendar & Worship Schedule - October ‘07
Oct. 4 6:30 PM Handbell Choir practice (every week)
7:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every week)
Oct. 7 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Worship “Influence of the Bible” Psalm 33:4 - 15 6:30 PM Lovefeast & Communion Oct. 9 7:30 PM Church Board
Oct. 14 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “The Bible today” 1st Timothy 4:1 – 8; 15, 16 Oct. 20 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8 AM - 5 PM Fall Festival at Camp EderOct. 19 Women’s Fellowship Soup/Bread sale
Oct. 21 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “The Bible tells me so” Proverbs 3:1 - 17 Lamplighter articles due todayOct. 27 6:00 PM Hayride at the Kissinger ranch
Oct. 28 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship David Radcliff speakingNov. 4 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Why Read the Bible?” Proverbs 1:1 - 7October Birthdays!
6 Sandy Hinkle 20 Josh Hoerner 28 Kathy Ness
11 Stacia Kauffman 23 Josh Snelbaker 30 Michelle Lehigh
12 Earl Brenneman Michelle Baugher Jay Kern
15 Tracey Venable 24 Ralph Eichelberger
16 Mike Billet, Jr. 25 Donna Hash
19 Frances Dellinger 27 Skee Linebaugh