Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885

The Lamplighter
December 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
It’s hard to believe that another year is almost gone with Advent already here and Christmas just around the corner! Be sure to join us for Worship throughout the Advent/Christmas season, especially on Christmas Eve. Throughout the Advent season our regular morning services will be at 10:15, following Sunday school at 9 AM. Our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service will begin at 7PM on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th. Be sure to join us and bring a friend.
In this age of wealth and abundance, probably the last thing most of us need is another ‘thing’ to be given to us as a gift. I want to encourage all of you to consider alternative Christmas giving this year. In light of the many natural disasters and people in severe need around the world, rather than giving your loved one a gift, consider making a donation to a good cause or charity in their name: e.g..Brethren Disaster Relief Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, Heifer Project (see catalogues and forms on table at bulletin board), Habitat for Humanity, The Lehman Center, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Gift of the Heart Kits, Camp Eder, and the list goes on…. In this season of love and giving, give a gift of love (money) to a worthwhile organization in the name of your loved one. Everyone involved will be blessed by doing so.

Church Council Report
The annual Fall Council meeting convened on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at 12:50 PM, following Worship and a Soup & Sandwich lunch. The brief agenda included results of the morning’s elections, approval of: the proposed 2009 budget, the treasurer’s report, and a 6-week Sabbatical leave for Pastor Godfrey. Also shared were as follows: information regarding the search for a Youth Director, possibility of a streamlined realignment of the Church Board, exploration of possibilities for a more efficient heating system, and an update on the purchase of a wheelchair van. The results of the elections can be found elsewhere in this newsletter. Copies of the treasurer’s report and the 2009 budget are available on the information table in the Fellowship Hall.

Church Board Meeting
The annual reorganization meeting of Church Board was held on Tuesday, November 11th at 7PM.
The only person newly elected to the Church Board for a three-year term was Dustin Rhoades. Also elected were as follows: Treva Gingerich – District Conference delegate, Bonita Grady – Annual Conference delegate-in-training, Muriel Reynold – Confidential Financial Secretary, Barb Strawbridge – Treasurer, Elizabeth Kauffman – Asst. Treas. and Mary Spangler – Nominating Committee and Auditor.
Because of the shortage in the number of persons on Church Board, the Board has reorganized as listed below. Because this is not in agreement with our Constitution, this is subject to approval of a special Council meeting that was held on Sunday, November 23rd, following the publication of this newsletter. The duties of the Missions & Service Commission will be assumed by the Ministry Commission, and the Executive Committee will be developing a calendar of events for the 2009 calendar year. Consequently, Church Board will be seeking volunteers to be responsible for the fellowship activities on a monthly basis.

Board Chair – Dennis Strawbridge; Vice Chair – Sue Sparrow
Christian Ed. Com. Stewards Com. Ministry & Worship Com.
Becky Rishel – chair Dick Rishel, chair Sue Sparrow – chair
Bernice Ness Ed Lentz Luke Keeny
Ruth Duncan *B.J. Sparrow Dustin Rhoades
*Jolynn Lentz *Carol Kauffman *Dave Wolfe
*Dawn Spangler *Brenda Linebaugh
*Brenda Laughman Barb Strawbridge, Treas. Sec. *Frances Dellinger
Bonita Grady, music staff
Other items of business at the November Board meeting included the regular reporting of Commission activities, an update on the bus, many outreach ministry opportunities, updates on search for a Youth Pastor and redesign of the Board, pastoral coverage while Pastor Godfrey is on sabbatical next year, and the need for developing an official ‘Child Protection Policy’ for the insurance carrier to approve.

Christian Ed News
Join in the new Sunday school classes forming now for the winter quarter. The International Lessons class will be using the Biblical Guide series, this quarter titled “Human Commitment.” The lessons will focus on a study of Scriptures about persons throughout the Bible who made a lasting commitment to God and can impact our faith lives today. The Discussion Class will soon be finished its study of Fresh From the Word, the 300th anniversary devotional, and will begin an exciting new study. The Young Adults continue to meet in the Library under the leadership of Ralph Miller, and there are classes for all ages of children and Youth, including a very active Jr Hi class.
Sunday school provides a great opportunity for fellowship and learning in a casual, sharing environment that is open and inviting. It’s a great way to grow new friendships and learn about growing in our faith at the same time. It’s one of the best small group studies you can ever be a part of. Please join us. There is a class for everyone.

Bible Challenge Questions
1. Who said, “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”?
2. Who said, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘make straight the way for the Lord.’”?
3. Who said, “For nothing is impossible with God”?

All Church Christmas Dinner
Everyone is invited to gather together for our Annual Christmas Dinner to be held this year on Saturday night, December 6th, beginning at 6:00 PM. Meat and beverage will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. There will be musical entertainment (Pauline Williams will be singing and sharing) following the meal. Also, there will be a special time for the children to hear the Christmas story. Don’t miss this evening of fun, food, and fellowship.

Children’s Aid Society News
#1 Benefits for The Lehman Center – December 14th & 15th – Holiday Tea and Trunk Show at the Emig Mansion, 3342 N. George St. Emigsville (for info call 764 – 2226)
# 2 Consider a special Christmas gift to CAS. Mail to the following: Advent Funds, CAS, 343 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA 17350
# 3 CAS needs toys and stocking stuffers for Christmas gifts to their clients. For list of most-needed items, see list on bulletin boards or check their website: www.cassd.org
# 4 If you contribute to the United Way, you can designate your contributions to go to CAS or TLC.

A Christmas Thought
There is a scene in the movie, The Godfather; Part III, in which the Godfather, Don Corleone, must visit Cardinal Lamberto, bearing the unwelcome news that a business deal involving the Vatican Bank has gone bad. After hearing the Godfather’s news, the Cardinal picks up a stone and says, “Look at this stone. It has been soaking in water for a very long time. But even so, the water has not penetrated it.”
Then he smashes the stone. Picking up one of the fragments, he shows how the inside is perfectly dry. “The same thing has happened to men in Europe. They have been surrounded by Christianity for centuries but Christ does not live in their hearts.”
It’s so easy for many of us to get all caught up in the busyness of the Christmas season and completely miss the whole point of the birth of Jesus. This season, may our hearts not become hardened,; rather, let us open our hearts to the message of Jesus’ birth and what that means to our lost and hurting world.

Missions & Service
Our special offering emphasis for December is for Tools of Hope. In addition, we will receive our annual Christmas Achievement Offering on Sunday, December 14th. In this season of giving, we thank you for your generosity throughout the year, and encourage you to remain faithful by continuing to give for these special offerings.

Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1. John the Baptist (Mark 1:8 2. John the Baptist (John 1:23) 3. Gabriel (Luke 1:37)

Women’s Fellowship News
Dec. 2 Christmas Luncheon 11:15 AM (Old Country Buffet)
Dec. 9 Bermudian Christmas Party 7 PM
Dec. 21 Christmas Tea after Worship
Dec. 22 Brethren Home Volunteer Day

We have been invited to The Bermudian Women’s Christmas party at 7 PM on December 9th. We’ll leave the Church at 6:30 if you need a ride. Bring a white elephant wrapped gift and a can of food.
Donations would be appreciated for the Christmas Tea on Dc 21st following morning Worship.

Many Blessings
Yes, Dear, I’m still writing – As you spread the good news -
And I’m giving it some thought; To all those who would hear;
How the Christ-Child came to us – That His love is for all -
How salvation for us brought. As we greet another year.
His love is wondrous – “Many Blessings” now, dear one –
His sacrifice so divine; Whose life is all aglow;
No one else could replace him – With the love of our Savior –
In our life, yours or mine. May it continue to flow.
You sing of his love – Written 11/24/01 by the Lord and Angel
And you tell of his grace; – for Doris Ortman
He lives in your heart (guest for Mother/ Daughter banquet ’09)
And it shows on your face.

Church Activity Schedule for December 2008
12/4 6:00 PM Bell Choir practice (every Thurs.)
7:00 PM Senior Choir practice (every Thurs.)
8:00 PM Praise Team practice (every Thurs.) Note the new schedule!!!
12/6 5:30 PM All Church Christmas dinner
12/7 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “ Time to turn around” Mark 1:1 – 8
12/14 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Did you say ‘yes’?” John 1:6 – 8; 19 – 28
12/20 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
12/21 Christmas Sunday Worship
9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship “Intruder in a stable” Luke 1:26 – 38
11:45 AM Women’s Fellowship Christmas Tea
Articles for January Lamplighter due today
12/24 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship “Escape to happiness”
Candlelight and Communion service
12/28 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “A new beginning” Luke 2:22 – 40

December Birthdays
1 Greg Gross, Sr. 11 Tyler Veverka 24 Mary Spangler
5 Dennis Strawbridge 12 Janice Myers Don Kauffman, Sr.
7 Becca Hinkle 13 Patsy Lehigh 25 JESUS
9 Sheila Lehigh Alex J. Petrosky 26 Laura Craig