Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

From the Pastor’s Desk
I hope you have been attending Worship regularly to hear the sermon series on Discipleship that we are currently examining. I do not normally do a series of sermons related to one topic, but I feel that this is so vital for our future and for the spiritual health of every one of us that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and concentrate on this topic. Every one of us needs at some time – or times – to leave our comfortable space and step out to grow. I pray the series has been challenging for you. It certainly has been – and is !!! – for me.
I am excited as we enter a new phase of government and leadership here at MACOB. We have been blessed as a congregation to have had such a depth of leadership over the years. But we need to be ever more intentional in training and developing new leaders as our ministry grows and expands into new arenas we’ve never touched upon before. And that’s going to be a part of the new Leadership Team’s focus in the coming months: being very intentional in creating opportunities for all to grow in faith, to grow in relationship (with other persons and with God), and to grow in ministry.

continue reading…

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.
continue reading…

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.

continue reading…

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.
continue reading…