March Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
March 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
In recent weeks I’ve read several books and articles concerning the topics of Church Growth, revitalizing declining churches, the spiritual state of the Church in the US, and factors leading to Church growth and vitality. The more I read, the more I am convinced that MACOB has all the necessary ingredients to embark on an intentional journey of spiritual and numerical growth. We seem to be missing only one thing: an excited willingness to begin the process.
Church revitalization and growth experts have found several key factors that are vital for progress in growing spiritual disciples. They include; 1. An increase in the importance and participation of an active prayer ministry 2. Renewed faith and belief in Jesus and dedication to His Word 3. Laypeople becoming more active in leadership 4. Increased emphasis on mission (outside the Church), evangelism, and community involvement and 5. A Worship service that is described as upbeat, celebrative, orderly, and exciting.
One of the interesting findings that ran through much of my reading is that the greatest hindrance to churches becoming active and growing has to do with attitude. Too many people are not willing to take the risk required to institute changes to meet a changing culture and society around us. The attitude of we just don’t have the resources, or we don’t have the time, we don’t have the leadership; we can’t, we don’t, …….
Overcoming our own negative outlook may well be the biggest obstacle we face in risking change and growth. But I am convinced we have the right people with the right skills, and, with the right attitude, we can follow Jesus’ job description for every one of us: “Go, and make disciples, teaching them to obey The Word….”
One of the most vital characteristic of many churches that are growing and have experienced great strides in renewed growth is the emphasis on prayer. As we prepare ourselves and our congregation for growth, let us all take a more intentional approach to our own prayer life. Join with two or three or more others and pray for the vision God would have us follow in making disciples for Him. Form a small group to study and pray and be ready to be surprised by what God can do with someone (or a whole congregation) who really gets serious about their faith. Read, study, pray. Let’s grow together.
Bible Challenge Questions
1. The Apostle Paul had a unique effect on the life of a young man named Eutychus.
In what way?
2. Who was famous for preaching to a whole pile of dry bones?
3. Who is being referred to: “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing….”?
Special Offering for March
One Great Hour of Sharing is a special relief agency of the Church of the Brethren. Since its origin, 59 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 9th, we all have the opportunity to share in this vital mission ministry of our denomination.
Meat Canning
The Meat Canning Project this year will again take place at the Christian Aid Ministries, 1412 Division Highway, Ephrata on March 24 – 27 & March 31 – April 3, 2008. 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 70,000 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.
Church Board Retreat
All Church Board members should make a special effort to attend this year’s Board Retreat scheduled for Saturday morning, March 8th, from 8:00 AM til noon. With leadership by Byron Borger for part of the time, we’ll look at the importance of reading and leadership within our spiritual life. We will also spend some time working on plans for realigning our administrative board into a more streamlined and effective Ministry Team concept. It is important that all members, including elected, lay, and ex-officio members, be present for this time of spiritual growth and planning - two activities that will affect (and effect) our future ministry here at MACOB.
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1. Paul’s preaching put him to sleep; he fell and died. Paul raised him from death! (Acts 20:9ff)
2. Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37) 3. Jesus (Phil. 2:6)
EASTER EGG HUNTS
Yes, two hunts. One will be the Thursday evening before Easter for ages 12 and up - hunting eggs by flashlight. That’s March 20, as soon as it gets dark. Watch for the exact time in church bulletins and a special announcement on the church website.
The second is our traditional egg hunt for ages 11 and under at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 22. The Neighborhood Association has offered to help and we are planning these two events to reach out to our neighbors as well as families related to the church. If you can volunteer for either or both
events, contact Dave Wolfe or Becky Rishel.
If the weather is bad for either date, we will move indoors.
Women’s Fellowship
March 4 Meeting / Prayer Group - 9AM
March 24 Brethren Home Volunteer Day – 9 AM
April 4 Vegetable Soup Sale
April 8 Lunch with Bermudian and Lakeview
April 26 Women’s Spring luncheon
April 28 The Lehman Center Auction
It’s time to sign up for our vegetable soup sale on April 4th. The cost is $4.00/qt. and can be picked up after 1 PM.
We are looking forward to fellowship with the ladies of Bermudian and Lakeview Churches. The gathering begins at 10AM with devotions and then continues with entertainment by Pat Anderson (Pennsylvania Dutch), followed by lunch. Plan to attend
Women’s Spring Luncheon will be held April 26th with registration 8 – 9 AM at the Faith Community Church. The cost is $8.00 and the deadline is April 11th. There are two featured speakers: Betty Malenke and Judith Gibble Kipp. See Bernice or Phyllis.
The Lehman Center 17th Annual Auction is Tuesday, April 29th at the York County 4H Center. Preview and food begin at noon and the auction starts at 5 PM. If you have any items to donate, contact Phyllis Morthland for information at 792-9377.
Remember that we’re collecting for Health Kits - no toothpaste!
Missions & Service
Don’t forget the Faith Dinner at First Church of the Brethren on March 29th. The entertainment will be Victoria Smith, and the proceeds will benefit Brethren Disaster Relief.
See Treva Gingerich for tickets and more information.
Your Joy Proclaim
With thankful hearts we humbly pray- There are those who on this day -
As it is once again Thanksgiving Day. Never take the time to pause, pray;
When families gather to share in love - Taking for granted the blessings given-
Realizing the blessings sent from above. Running to and fro, so fast they’re living.
We’re grateful, Lord, for all you’ve done- Years go by, precious time is lost-
As we begin each day ‘til setting sun. Take the time to count the cost.
For health, strength and daily food - Serving wisely in Christ’s name -
All that is proper, right and good. To all the world, “your joy proclaim.”
Written 11/22/95 by the Lord and angel
Church Calendar & Schedule March 2008
3/2 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Sleeping in Church” Acts 20:7 - 12
noon Deacon Meeting
6:30 PM Creation Bible study
3/5 7:00 PM Praise Team practice (every week)
3/6 6:30 PM Bell Choir practice (every week)
7:30 PM Adult Choir practice (every week)
3/8 8 AM - noon – Church Board Retreat
3/9 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Lego Christians” Ezekiel 37:1 - 14
3/11 7:30 PM Church Board meeting (Commissions - 6:30)
3/13 noon Bible Study (John)
3/15 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
3/16 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “What’s in a name?” Philippians 2:5 - 11
Deadline for articles for April Lamplighter
6:30 PM Lovefeast, Communion Worship
3/21 7:00 PM Good Friday Worship
3/23 7:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Easter Celebration Worship “Easter hope” John 20
3/30 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “The real thing” Hebrews
6:30 PM Bible study
March Birthdays!
1 Charlotte Harbaugh 21 Steph Moffitt
Josh Venable Dustin Rhoades
4 Ruth Duncan 23 Harriet Nevin
6 Kenny Laughman III 24 Jeff Baugher
8 Amanda Frey John Reynold
9 Rick Pavoncello 28 Mark Baugher, Sr.
14 Nicole Witmer 30 Barb Strawbridge
Cameron Altenbach