The Lamplighter
July 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing “dance” at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It’s as if two become one body, moving gracefully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw “G,” I thought of God, followed by “u” and “i.” “God ‘u’ and ‘i’ dance.” God, you and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and every day. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and guide you through each season of your life….and I hope you dance!
Preaching magazine; May/June 2008; page 19
Sunday School News
Join us for the summer series of Sunday School studies. The International Lesson Class is using the lesson book Images of Christ as a basis for discussion and learning. The series of lessons is based on Scripture from Hebrews, James, and the gospels. We will look at some familiar - and some not so familiar - images of Jesus in Scripture and see how our understanding of Jesus is influenced by these different images. Join us for some challenging and exciting times of fellowship, study, and learning.
The Discussion Class will continue to be working on the denomination’s 300th anniversary devotional book Fresh From the Word. It’s an interesting series of devotionals, written by leaders of our denomination, that will challenge your thinking and help you grow.
The Young Adult Class continues to meet in the Library under the leadership of Ralph Miller with their own chosen study topics. There are also classes for Youth, Jr Hi, and children.
Annual Conference 7/12 – 7/16
Annual Conference is in Richmond, VA this year, from Saturday 7/12 thru Wednesday, 7/16. With a theme of “Surrendered to God; Transformed by Christ; Empowered by the Spirit,,” Moderator Jim Beckwith will lead conference attendees through the five days of activity that serve as much as a family reunion as a working session. Several important business items (some of the most impacting and controversial business in years!), innumerable insight sessions, powerful Worship services, great Bible study options, great music and group singing, and much more await those who choose to be better informed and challenged in their faith walk. The Pastors can get you more info if you are planning to attend. Please remember the Conference and all the delegates and attendees in your prayers, as the decisions made there have a lasting effect in our denomination’s ministries and our witness to the world. Our delegate this year is Carol Kauffman.
CHURCH BOARD REPORT
Church Board met Tuesday, June 10th. As usual, Board members are busy with the many opportunities and challenges that involve being stewards of the Church and workers for our Lord.
The Endowment Fund continues with many opportunities for ministry over the ongoing year. The Evangelism Committee has set August 16th as the date for the Church Picnic, and October 4th will be a Fall Festival with a Market Place (Flea Market) and events with apples and pies on the agenda.
The 24-hour prayer vigil was determined a success with many members volunteering to pray for designated periods of time.
Upcoming events include an offering for Bucket Kits on July 6th, the yearly Heifer Project, a special collection for victims of the disasters in Myramar and China (supported by the Endowment Fund), and a Meat Canning donation fund. Another event being pursued will be a Rally Day/Bring a Friend Sunday.
The new amplifier for the classroom area is now installed and working. A new digital marquee for the front of the church is being investigated. As for the bus, letters will be sent to local fire companies who, we have been informed, often have vehicles available that may meet our needs.
A meeting on the possible restructuring of the Board will be on the agenda very soon.
Don’t forget the upcoming Board Meeting on July 8th.
Board Chair,
Dennis Strawbridge
Bible Challenge Questions
1. Who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest?”
2. What chapter in the Bible has Jesus telling seven different parables?
3. How many brothers and sisters did Jesus have?
Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar!
Some upcoming important dates to remember are as follows:
• August 9th - ( 9AM - 3 PM) 47th Annual Brethren Home Chicken Barbecue, Quilt Auction & Antique Cars (lots of good food, chicken dinner, sandwiches, ice cream, entertainment …and more!)
• September 19, 20 District Conference – York 1st COB
• September 26, 27 Disaster Relief Auction – Lebanon Fairgrounds
• October 18th Camp Eder’s Fall Festival (8AM - 4PM)
Women’s Fellowship News
July 8 Trip to New Windsor 9:30 AM
July 28 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 AM
Women’s Camp was inspiring as usuals as six of us attended. Over $900 was received in the offering to purchase a large dryer for the camp. Everyone is looking forward to next year.
Our annual trip to New Windsor on July 8th, leaving the Church at 9:30 AM, to deliver the “Health Kits.” There always is a stop at the International Gift Shop and lunch at Baugher’s Restaurant.
Thanks to the generosity of Jim Bohn, we always have at least 200 kits to deliver. Thanks, Jim, for your special effort!
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1. Jesus (Matt.11:28 2. Matthew 13 3. four brothers and at least 2 sisters (Matt. 13:55,56)
Come to The Water
Does your soul search – “Come to the water” - So, come to the water -
For peace from within; Come, quench your soul; Let Christ enter in;
Does your heart ache – Jesus is the answer - He will save your soul -
With sadness and sin. To all of your woe. Life anew will begin.
Do you feel lonely – For His yoke is easy -
And filled with despair; And the burden light;
As if all alone – When you live by faith -
With no one to care. And not just by sight.
Written 8/14/99 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 visits and cards as appropriate. They would appreciate your visits and attention.
Mrs. Betty May Mr. Ed Rishel Miss Linda Furhman
2990 Carlisle Pike Rest Haven 2050 Barley Road
Box 128 1050 S. George St. York, PA 17404
New Oxford. PA 17350 York, Pa. 17404
Miss Charlotte Harbaugh Miss Pat Wiley Miss Donna Hash
187 Glen Avenue 2050 Barley Road 2050 Barley Road
Dallastown, Pa. 17313 York, PA 17404 York, PA 17404
246 - 6055 764-8763
Russell Miller Harriet Nevin
2830 Carol Rd. Country Meadows, Room 307
The Brunswick, Room 232 1900 Trolley Rd.
York, Pa 17402 York, PA 17408
Also remember:
Jim Bohn Russ, Helen Chronister Charles Hash Guy, Ethel Kintzel
819 Old Route 30 1817 Chesley Rd. 101Lookout CT. 2680 Wyngate Rd.
Ortanna, PA. 17353 York, PA 17403 York, PA 17404 Dover, Pa 17315
Church Activity Schedule for July 2008
7/6 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “At wit’s end” Matthew 11:25 – 30
7/12 – 7/16 Annual Conference – Richmond, VA
7/13 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Seeds and words” Matthew 13:1 – 9; 18 – 23
7/19 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
7/20 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Timing is everything” Matthew 13:24 – 30; 36 - 43
Lamplighter deadline today
7/27 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Discovering God” Matthew 13:44 - 46
Remember our year ‘round schedule of Sunday School at 9 AM and Worship at 10:15 AM.
Coming in September!
The Annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction September 26 & 27
at the Lebanon Fairgrounds
This annual event is an important one that provides fun and food for the attendees as well as assistance and support for those in need.
How can you help? Donations of the following are needed:
Baked goods Farmer’s Market items Quilts Theme Baskets
Share-a-meal meals Your time at stands
Also, MACOB is once again sponsoring a heifer. Please donate to this worthy endeavor to help others. For more information, pick up one of the informative brochures or contact Treva Gingerich.