October Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
October 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
The new Fall season is in full swing with activities in store and opportunities galore for everyone to be a part of the ongoing ministries here at MACOB. New quarter of Sunday school lessons, new choir season, Alternative Gifts Bazaar, Bible studies, Prayer groups, disaster relief trips, and the list goes on and on. There really is something for everyone and opportunities for everyone to grow in their faith and understanding of god’s Word.
In recognition of this being the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren, at the request of several persons, the sermons this month will focus on beliefs, practices, and values – those things that are especially important and fundamental to the Brethren way of life and worship, and how we can live out those values in our modern culture. October 5th is Worldwide Communion Sunday and so our focus that day will be on Communion and the Lovefeast that is a vital part of Brethren understanding. See the article elsewhere in this newsletter, but just as a preview, our traditional Lovefeast will take on a somewhat new look in some ways. Don’t miss this very important time of Worship – both morning and evening – and reconnection with Jesus as we examine our understanding of that night in the Upper Room with Jesus where he washed the disciples’ feet.
Following sermons will focus on the Brethren peace witness, our dedication to being servants and being in service to others, and the Brethren ideal of trying to live simply in a very complex world. If you happen to be new to the faith – or new to the Brethren aspect of the faith, you won’t want to miss this series of challenging messages about who we are.
In light of all that, a new book you may be interested in reading is Portrait of a People by Carl Bowman. There are several copies around Church. As a follow-up to a book about Brethren beliefs and practices he wrote about 30 years ago, Dr. Bowman writes now about how some things have changed about the Brethren in the last 30 years. It’s an eye-opening, challenging read. Very easy to follow and understand, but challenging to our cherished traditions of Brethrenism. Borrow one and read it.
Lovefeast and Communion - 10/05/08 - 6:00 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.
If you have not attended a Lovefeast in recent years, I want to encourage you to do so now. There are several differences from the norm planned for this observance. There will be more music than usual included in the service, including the fact that our Adult Choir will be singing during the Lovefeast rather than during the morning Worship time. You won’t want to miss this truly different time of Worship.
Fall Festival – Alternative Gifts Bazaar
If you don’t now what to buy someone for Christmas, this is a great opportunity to share with less fortunate brothers and sisters around the world by buying gifts that benefit others. The event will present art, crafts, jewelry, coffee, chocolate, and more for sale from Guatemala, and items from many other countries through “A Greater Gift.” Heifer Project International and New Community Project will be represented for alternative gifts of animals and global outreach to Sudan, Nepal, Honduras, Burma, and El Salvador. Please join us for a chance to share our abundant blessings with those less fortunate than ourselves.
Food and drinks will be provided for you as you shop. There will also be a Bake Sale table with items to buy as a fundraiser for the Women’s Fellowship.
CAMP EDER’S 30th ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL October 18, 2008 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*Activities begin at 9:00 AM
*Auction 9 AM - 12 noon
The Auction will begin at 9 AM sharp! So 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)
* 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: Adults - $9.00 Children $5.00 (Age 5 and under – free)
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
Bible Challenge Questions
1. Of whom did God ask “What is your name?” (Hint – think wrestling match)
2. Who asked God, “How long must I call on you for help and you don’t listen? When are you going to do something about all this evil?”
3. From what passage do the Brethren take their instructions for the anointing service?
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, Adult Choir or Praise Team, contemporary or traditional; there’s something for all. 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. (continued)
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 evenings at 6:30.
Fellowship & Recreation Commission
Mark your calendars for the annual Hayride and Campfire at the Kissingers’ to be enjoyed on Saturday, October 11th 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.
The Christmas party will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 5:30. More info coming
Also, please sign up for refreshments for after Church services for the fall season.
Christian Education
The new Fall quarter of Sunday school classes has begun. Among the selections for adults are the International Lessons Class and the Discussion Class using the 300th anniversary devotional book. There is also an ongoing class specifically for Young Adults as well as classes for Youth and children of all ages.
From Donna Hash
Hello Church,
The Lord gave me lot things to do on this earth. He didn’t give me ability to speak naturally but he did give me the opportunity to use a talker. Not only can I use this to speak I can also use it to make calls and write emails to the people I love. Given the ability to use my talker has open my world to many wonderful things. It makes my family so happy to see how involved I can be with others who are around me. Please keep my family friends and the Margaret E. Moul home in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit of encouragement is appreciated. Thank you and God bless,
Donna Hash
So what really happened to the dinosaurs?
Have you ever asked that question? How about: Who 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 to be 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?
The above announcement appeared in last year’s October Lamplighter and raised some indignation but little response. Does it matter?
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1/ Jacob (Gen 32:27) 2/ Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:2f) 3/ James 5:13 - 16
Women’s Fellowship News
October 4 Bake Sale at International Day
October 7 Meeting/Prayer Group 9:00 AM
October 24 Chicken Corn Soup Sale
October 27 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9:00 AM
November 7 Make Christmas Candy
We plan to have a bake sale table at the Fall Festival/Alternative Gifts Bazaar on Saturday, October 4th.
The Fall Chicken Corn Soup Sale is set for Friday, October 24th . Sign-up sheets are available and cost is $5.00 a quart. Pick-up will be after 1 PM .
We are currently taking orders for Christmas candy to be made November 7th. Cost is $8.00 a box for peanut, cashew, raisin and peanut butter candies. Orders are due by November 2nd.
Church Activity Schedule for September 2008
Oct. 1 7:00 PM Praise Team practice (every week)
Oct. 2 6:30 PM Handbell Choir practice (every week)
7:30 PM Adult Choir practice (every week)
Oct. 4 10 AM – 2 PM Alternative Gifts Bazaar – Fall Festival
Oct. 5 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Who are you?” Habakkuk
6:00 PM Lovefeast & Communion
Oct. 11 6:00 PM Hayride at the Kissinger ranch
Oct. 12 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Living peace” Matthew 5:9, 38 - 48
Oct. 14 7:00 PM Church Board (note time change!)
Oct. 18 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
9 AM - 5 PM Fall Festival at Camp Eder
Oct. 19 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Living simply” Matthew 5:19 – 21, 33
Lamplighter articles due today 1st John 2:15
Oct. 24 Women’s Fellowship Soup sale
Oct. 26 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Servant living” Matthew 20:20 – 28
October Birthdays
6 Sandy Hinkle
6 Margaret Hare 15 Tracey Venable 27 Skee Linebaugh
8 Peggy Landis 16 Mike Billet, Jr. 28 Kathy Ness
Ed Lentz 19 Frances Dellinger 30 Michelle Lehigh
9 Bobbie Seasock 20 Josh Hoerner 31 Jay Kern
10 Alysha Staggers 23 Josh Snelbaker
11 Stacia Kauffman 24 Jeff Reynold
Bob Snelbaker 25 Donna Hash
12 Earl Brenneman Michelle Baugher
Note! Change of Address: Phyllis Ream 102 Pigeon Hill Park Road Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717.634.2388
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Madison Avenue Church of The Brethren
645 Madison Avenue
York, PA 17404
RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED