March Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
March 2009
Editor: Lillian Geltz
From the Pastor’s Desk
It is that time of year again when we begin to prepare for Easter Sunday. It is the season of Lent. As part of our preparation, let us consider the following devotion written by Billy Graham. The main reason Jesus died on the cross was to save us from our sins. But the New Testament also stresses the importance of His suffering as an example for us.
The Greek word for “example” comes from ancient school life, and refers to something written down by the teacher, so it could be followed and copied exactly by a child learning to write. Christ is our copybook. We look to Him as our teacher, and by His suffering He gave us an example to follow so we can learn how suffering is to be borne.
How did He bear it? By not giving in to despair or doubt. By looking beyond it and seeing the glory that was to come. By knowing the Father was with Him and would use His suffering for good. The same can be true for us.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV). Yes, consider Him.
Let us consider Him, our example and copybook, our teacher and guide, as we each prepare our hearts during this Lenten season.
Pastor Kim
Bible Challenge Questions
1. The Apostle Paul had a unique effect on the life of a young man named Eutychus. In what way?
2. Show me your ways, O Lord, ____________ me your paths; guide me in your truth and _____ me…..”
3. Why did Jesus say men preferred to walk in darkness rather than in the Light?
Special Offering for March
One Great Hour of Sharing is a special relief agency of the Church of the Brethren. Since its origin, 60 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 8th, we all have the opportunity to share in this vital mission ministry of our denomination.
Christian Education
A new quarter of Sunday School classes begins on March 1st. Be sure to be a part of one of them.
•The International Lessons class meets in the Reynold Room and will be studying “New Creation In Christ” using some interesting material taken from Ezekiel, Luke and Ephesians. These are exciting and challenging lessons that call us to be serious about being a new person if we’ve accepted Christ.
• The Discussion class continues its study of the book The Shack, a story of forgiveness and faith.
•There is also a class for Young Adults led by Ralph Miller studying current topics of interest, and classes for children and Youth of all ages. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your faith by studying God’s Word.
Meat Canning
The Meat Canning Project this year will again take place at the Christian Aid Ministries, 1412 Division Highway, Ephrata on April 13 - 16, 2009. 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 40,000 pounds of meat. Let’s continue to support this worthwhile project with money as well as our time. Our Church Board has challenged us to raise $1000.00 toward this ministry. Can we do it?
Some Special Upcoming Events
Southern PA District COB Women’s Spring Luncheon
Saturday, April 18th
Registration from 8:00 – 9:00 AM Program from 9:00 – 12:00 noon
Nicarry Meeting House at The Brethren Home Community
Luncheon Theme: “Equipped to Serve Those God Sends Our Way”
Cost: $13.50
Faith Dinner at New Fairview Church of the Brethren (Note: New location!)
Saturday, April 25th at 6 PM Tickets:$15.00
Entertainment by Sandy Heisey
Benefit for Brethren Disaster Relief Auction
• See Treva for more information
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)
Women’s Fellowship News
March 3 Meeting/ Prayer Group 9:00 AM
March 20 Vegetable Soup Sale
March 23 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9:00 AM
April 7 Lunch with Bermudian/Lakeview 10:00 AM
April 18 Women’s Spring Luncheon Nicarry Meeting House
•We are currently taking orders for our Vegetable Soup Sale at $5.00 per quart. Sign-up papers are in the front entrance and the refreshment area. Pick-up will be March 20th – after
1 pm until 4 pm.
•Plans are made to entertain our sisters from Bermudian/Lakeview on Tuesday, April 7th. We will have a special guest & lunch will be served.
• Note: We will begin collecting Health Kit items in February, continuing until
June. Items needed are as follows:
wash cloth hand towel comb toothbrush
bath soap bar nail clippers Band-aids
Monetary donations are also appreciated for buying items or for shipping costs. Thank you.
• The Lehman Center report
Food sold at Halloween Parade $ 700.00
Christmas in Loganville $ 2,631.00
Mt. Zion Harp Concert $ 331.00
Gala $ 900.00
Giant Gift Cards $ 630.25
• TLC 18th Benefit Auction will be held on April 28th at the 4H Center. If you would like to contribute in any way, see Phyllis Morthland, our auxiliary member.
Time and Eternity
What is time compared to eternity – What is time compared to eternity –
Time to show all the love we can give; Time to seek His Holy will;
Time to show others how to live – Time to search our hearts, be still -
Time to lend a helping hand; Time to pray an earnest prayer;
Showing that God is in command. Knowing that God has answers prepared.
What is time compared to eternity – What is time compared to eternity –
Time to plant a seed of kindness; Time to confess our failures and sins;
Time to watch it flourish & grow - Time to witness and call upon Him -
Time to walk in His footsteps closer; Time to spread all the joy we can give;
Realizing that God can make it so. Showing that God is the one for whom you live.
Written by the Lord & Angel 9/27/80
Church Activity Schedule for March 2009
3/1 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration Discussion Class leading
3/5 6:00 PM Bell Choir practice (every week)
7:00 PM Adult Choir practice (every week)
8:00 PM Praise Team practice (every week)
3/8 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Bringing the Kingdom Alive” Brandon Grady speaking
3/10 7:30 PM Church Board meeting (Commissions - 6:30)
3/14 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
3/15 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration BVS presentation
Deadline for articles for April Lamplighter
3/22 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Choose Life” John 3:14 - 21
3/29 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Yeah, but so what?” Psalm 25:1 - 10
March Birthdays
1 – Charlotte Harbaugh 14 Nicole Witmer 30 Barb Strawbridge
Josh Venable 21 Steph Moffitt
4 Ruth Duncan 23 Harriet Nevin
8 Amanda Frey 24 Jeff Baugher
9 Rick Pavoncello 28 Mark Baugher