There are several new things coming for us this year at MACOB. With the resignation of staff persons and new persons on the Leadership Team and in other positions of leadership around the Church, there will be obvious changes in administration, worship, study times, and activities. One thing in life is certain and that is change. Change is usually difficult, but it always provides opportunity for learning and growth. I pray we can together make this time of change and transition, a positive growing time of ministry and faith maturing for us all.

Another new thing: I have made a personal commitment to renewed prayer for our congregation. I will go through the directory and each week during my regular daily prayer times I will include a group of persons in a time of special prayer. I intend to send a letter to each person/family I will hold in prayer that week – asking how or in what ways I can pray for them during that week. At year’s end, I will have intentionally contacted and prayed for each member of the congregation. I would encourage each of you to also consider a more active, intentional time of prayer for our congregation.

Another new activity beginning this month is the formation of new small group study groups. Some are for Bible study, some for application of prayer as well as Bible study. All of them will afford you the opportunity to get to know new people and make new friendships in an open, non-threatening way. The groups really are not designed for religious professionals, but for anyone seeking to know people and God a little better. They are for the beginner, someone new to faith or for anyone just exploring Christianity and looking to learn something about the Bible, prayer, and faith. This is a real opportunity (actually opportunities!) to check out the Bible and its truth and the basics of prayer, while at the same time meeting new friends and having a general fun time. Don’t miss these invitations to grow, both spiritually and relationally.

A new year is a time of new beginnings. Let us approach this time with joy, anticipation, and a renewed commitment to God and His Word, and more closely examine our efforts to pattern our lives after the model of Jesus.

75^th Anniversary: January Celebration!

Remember the first monthly anniversary Sunday is January 9.  Rev. Warren Eshbach will speak, and other special events will recognize Rev. Gleim’s important contributions to our congregation.  A pork and sauerkraut meal will follow the worship service.  Please make a special effort to join us for that Sunday.
Looking ahead, on February 6 our guest speaker for the anniversary Sunday will be Rev. Joe Detrick from the district office.  A meal will follow the service again.  Each month during the year we will have an anniversary Sunday.

Bible Challenge Question

1. What book of the Bible is most often associated with locusts?

2. Who made the confusing statement of “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.”?

3. On what occasion does the Bible record that heaven opened?

Nurture News

Our winter quarter of Sunday school classes is in full swing. The International Lessons class is studying ASSURING HOPE, a study of Isaiah’s prophecies about Jesus and their fulfillment in the gospel of Mark. The Discussion Class will be starting a new unit of study this quarter; the topic has not yet been decided. Classes for children and Youth are also in session. Be sure to be a part of this education in faith.

New Small Groups coming…

By far, one of the best ways to get to know people and learn about our faith at the same time is in a small group setting. Over the past few years, MACOB has been fortunate to be able to offer many different varied small group studies: prayer groups, Bible studies, Disciple classes, as well as choirs, Sunday school classes and many more.

With the start of the new year, more new opportunities will be available for joining this small group adventure. Already in the planning stages are a group for young marrieds about keeping your marriage strong, a new Bible study, and a renewed emphasis on the Men’s Prayer breakfast group, who will be studying a four session DVD series on personal holiness. More groups will be forming soon. If you have an idea or topic, please share your interest with Donna Malone, our Small Groups leader.

Please note: These groups are being designed for everyone, especially for beginners. They are valuable for everyone, whether you have had some contact with, and/or study of the Bible, or have never read a word of it and are interested in exploring what the Bible is about, what this Christian faith is about, what the Bible means for us today, how prayer can help me grow, and the like. It is for those of us who know next to nothing about the Christian faith and the Bible, as well as those who may want to go a little deeper. It’s a learning, growing experience that is a true blessing for all who participate. Meet new friends and learn more about your faith at the same time. It’s a win, win opportunity that can’t be beat. Join one of the groups now and check it out. It’s an invitation you won’t want to miss.

Missions & Outreach  -  MACOB

A big ‘Thank you’ for such great response throughout the last year’s special outreach missions, special offerings for many and varied ministries, and the many times you as a congregation gave over and above your regular offerings in response to a specific need; your love and compassion are especially evident in the many “gifts of the heart’ you have given to help those in need, the many extra offerings for the Blanket Fund (WOW), Disaster relief, GFCF, the support for CAS and local family needs, Giant Food cards, feeding the homeless, backpacks, and many, many more. As we look forward to a new year with new opportunities, we ask that you continue to remember our call to mission, with your prayers, support, and financial donations. The spiritual health of any congregation can readily be seen in the extent of the outreach And MACOB has been increasing its outreach giving every year. Let’s continue the good work.

It’s that Time of the Year

Yes, it’s bound to happen. Sometimes snow and/or other hazardous weather conditions may force us to cancel Worship services or other activities. If there is any doubt, please call the Church office – the message on the recorder will inform of any closings or cancellations – and listen to WSBA – AM 910 or WDAC – FM 94.5 on your radio.

Calling all Men

Don’t forget our monthly breakfast for all the men of the Church. We meet at 7:30 AM on the third Saturday of each month for a hearty breakfast, good fellowship, and a time of meditation and prayer. Starting in January, and continuing for three more months, we will be looking at and discussing a DVD series especially created for men. It’s titled “Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation,” and is led by Bruce Wilkerson. Each session will have a 20-minute DVD presentation and then time for discussion. Be sure to join us, and invite a friend outside our congregation to join us as well. We usually finish by 9 AM.  This month (January) the date is Saturday, 1/15.

Annual Church Council meeting

Be sure to mark your calendar for the annual year-end Church Council meeting scheduled for 12:30 PM on Sunday, January 30^th. A light Soup & Sandwich lunch will be provided for all at 12:00 (after Worship) prior to the Council meeting, to facilitate your attendance. Year-end reports of committees and Commissions, financial statements, goals, discussion on Worship, schedules, and staff, and much more will be presented. Be sure to attend.

Leadership Team meeting December 1, 2010

The Leadership team met for its last formal meeting of 2010 on Dec1st.  Topics of discussion included plans for our 75^th Anniversary celebration and monthly activities throughout the year for the celebration. (A calendar of scheduled events can be found posted on the bulletin board near the mailboxes)  Other items of discussion included the organ and how we will proceed on repairing or replacing our present one; the possible installation of a video projection system in the Sanctuary; the wisdom and expense of installing a security system in light of our recent break-in and robbery; setting a date for our annual year-end Council meeting (see article below); the making of a pictorial directory for 2011 (75^th anniversary edition); and a January retreat for the new Leadership Team to prepare for visioning and working together for this new year. The LT also discussed the Christmas party, the replacement computer, a new form for submissions to the endowment fund, the opening of staff positions of Youth Director and Minister of Worship, and other new staff including Church clerk and secretary. Complete minutes of the meeting are available on the information table at the mailboxes.

Souper Bowl

January brings on that great American tradition – the Super Bowl. Well, for some it’s a great tradition; for others it’s just a silly football game. But more important for us at MACOB, it provides an opportunity for us to remember those who may be struggling with putting food on the table because of a variety of economic reasons. In recent years we have maintained a fairly well-stocked ‘soup shelf’ of soups and other easily prepared non-perishables to help those who may be going through especially difficult times. You may contribute to this special outreach service to our community by purchasing soup (or other foods – spaghetti, sauce, cereal, vegetables, etc.) and placing it in the containers at either entrance for stocking our soup shelf. Or you may contribute money through the special offering emphasis with which we will buy Giant Food cards to also help persons buy perishables like bread and milk. Our special offering emphasis for January is the Souper Bowl. Please help.

Ministry News

With the new year come many new faces in leadership positions within the congregation. Also, considering the recent resignations of both our Youth Director and Minister of Worship, there has been quite a shifting of work and responsibilities among the staff. The Ministry Team would seek your sincere prayer and heartfelt input as we explore our options for replacing those staff positions or rewriting the positions’ descriptions and purposes to allow for different foci in ministry. Where are we focusing our ministry in the near future? Please give sincere thought and prayer to the staffing changes here at MACOB and also helpful support to those persons in new leadership positions.

Answers to Bible Challenge questions:

1/ Joel   (1:4, 2:25)    2/ John the Baptist   (John 1:30)    3/ Jesus’ baptism   (Matt. 3:16)

January  Birthdays

1            Dustin Ritchey            19            Jenna Veverka                        27            Breanne Spangler

3            Gloria Miller                                     Malec Snyder                        28            Stacy Loucks

10            Elmer Gleim                        20            Becky Rishel                        29            Brenda Laughman

12            Janis Keeny                        22            Greg Gross, Jr.            31            Mike Billet, Sr.

14            Jerry Duncan                        23            Brenda Baugher

18            Luke Keeny                        24            Gail Koskela

A Farewell Message

I could not leave this place after being here my whole life without extending my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your part in making and growing me into the person I have become.  I will take with me many memories – good, bad, happy, sad, challenging, rewarding, stretching, growing, joyful, and yes, even painful.  But each one of these has contributed to my growth, and therefore, I am extremely grateful for each one.  I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow in my faith walk, to serve you as your Minister of Worship, and to explore my calling from God – a call that you so wisely saw and acted upon.  If we are to be true Disciples of Christ, then we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones – our boats – and follow Him to wherever it is that He leads us.  If we are not willing to do that, then we have not truly surrendered our lives to His will.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on each one of you, that you may experience his transforming power and work in your lives and in the life of this church, so that His work here may be accomplished.  Blessings to each one as you celebrate the 75^th anniversary of this church – how exciting!  Until we see each other again – may God richly bless you as you live and work for the furthering of His kingdom here on earth!

(Feel free to stay in touch: email- kgingerich897@gmail.com, or phone # 717-586-1874)

With deepest regards,

Pastor Kiim

January 2011 Worship  Calendar & Schedule

1/2 9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM               Worship                    “Seeing clearly”               Matthew 2:1 – 12

1/3      6:30 PM               Women’s Bible study

1/6     6:00 PM               Handbell Choir practice               (every week)

7:00 PM               Adult Choir practice                           (every week)

1/9 9:00 AM                Sunday School

10:15 AM                Worship     75^th Anniversary Worship

Recognition of Rev. Elmer Gleim (& family)

Rev. Warren Eshbach preaching

Noon – Celebration meal – ya’ll come!

1/12    7:00 PM               Leadership Team meeting

1/15    7:30 AM                Men’s Prayer Breakfast

1/16 9:00 AM                Sunday School

10:15 AM               Worshi                        “Taking out the trash”      Joel 2:18 – 27

Lamplighter articles due today for February newsletter

1/17    6:30 PM               Women’s Bible study

1/22    9 AM – 1 PM              Leadership Team Retreat

1/23 9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM               Worship                    “Roadblocks”          Numbers 22:15 – 35       Ralph Miller preaching

1 /30 9:15  AM               Sunday School

10:15  AM               Worship                    “Guilt/Temptation/Joy!”    Matthew 3:13 – 4:1

12:00 noon               All Church light Lunch

12:30 PM               Annual Church Council meeting

In the latter years of King Hussein of Jordan, a terrible tragedy occurred. Two Israeli schoolgirls were playing in a park called “The Island of Peace,” located in the middle of the Jordan River, right on the border between the two countries. While the girls were playing, a Jordanian soldier shot them dead for no apparent reason. The news media flashed the news around the world with lightning speed.

For a short while it seemed the fragile peace between Israel and Jordan could be broken. But then it became clear that the soldier was suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness and he’d acted with no authorization from anyone. Apologies were made and accepted in diplomatic circles, and the world breathed easier.

The story could well have ended there, were it not for King Hussein. Hearing what one of his soldiers had done, the king left his palace, left even his own country and traveled to the humble homes of the families of the two slain Israeli girls. Entering each house in turn, King Hussein – who was used to having people bow before him – fell down on his knees. He bowed before the grieving parents. Then he looked up into their eyes and said, “I beg you, forgive me, forgive me. Your daughter is like my daughter; your loss is my loss. May God help you bear your pain.” Nothing in the annals of diplomatic protocol suggested that a king needed to humble himself like that. Ironically, a Muslim king gave the world, that day, a glimpse of how a truly Christlike king might behave.   Homiletics 2010,Vol.22

In this season of joy may we truly remember how our God humbled Himself before us to call us into His family. Perhaps it’s time for us to “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord” and in the presence of someone else from whom we’ve become estranged.

In spite of the fact of a very real economic recession, most of us are quite “well off’ with this world’s goods. I want to encourage all of us to consider alternative gift-giving as a normal Christmas tradition. Please consider giving a gift in honor of or in the name of a loved one to any or several of the following suggested organizations: Brethren Disaster Relief, Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, The Lehman Center, Camp Eder, Red Cross, Salvation Army, or a local family in need.

75^th Anniversary Celebration!

2011 will be the 75th year of the congregation at Madison Avenue  Church of the Brethren.  This milestone will be celebrated one Sunday a month for the entire year with special speakers, events and meals.  Please join in marking the occasion.

The first heritage Sunday will be January 9th.  Our guest speaker will be Rev. Warren Esbach, and we will honor Rev. Elmer Q. Gleim who has served as pastor multiple terms over the years.  Rev. Gleim’s health may not allow him to attend, but it is hoped that his family might be able to  represent him.  He has prepared a printed booklet outlining the history of our congregation that will be distributed.  A display of historical documents and other memorabilia  is planned.  If you have anything to add to our display, please bring it in during December.  The meal  tentatively planned for January will be pork and sauerkraut.  If any class or other group in the church would like to help with  that meal, please contact Becky Rishel or Ed Lentz.  Likewise, if your class or group would like to reserve a different month’s meal, let one  of the above know.

A picnic and softball game are being planned for July  (pun  alert–because it’s our “diamond” anniversary).  Other speakers who have  agreed to participate are as follows:  Rev. Joe Detrick, Rev. Dallas Lehman, Peg  and Randy Yoder (women in the church in May), Joyce Spangler, Rev. Richard Hall, and Rev. Brandon Grady.

Some of our more senior members will be asked to share their recollections of how we “did church” in  earlier years.   The love feast in April will recall for us the way it was done in early years, and we’d like to reinstate “Rally Day” in  September. At the end of the anniversary year the program for December  will focus on looking to the future of our congregation with youth  participation.        Please see Becky Rishel or Carol Kauffman if you have any further suggestions.

Bible Challenge Questions

1. What Old Testament prophet wrote “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him “Immanuel”?

2. What New Testament writer predicted the birth of Jesus this way: “the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world”?

3.  Who said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear”? Who was the child that was being referred to?

Nurture News

December begins the new winter quarter of Sunday school classes. Be sure to join one for growth and challenging faith discussions. The International Lesson class will be studying a series called “Assuring Hope.” The lessons focus on the promise of hope we have in Jesus as prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled in Mark’s gospel account of Jesus. The Discussion Class is studying a book concerning Peace and Justice issues of our faith. The Young Adults meet in the library under the leadership of Ralph Miller and there are classes for children and Youth of all ages.

Sunday school provides one of the best opportunities for fellowship and learning in a relaxed, casual environment for all ages that is open and inviting. It’s a great way to cultivate new friendships and learn about our faith at the same time. It’s one of the best small group studies to be a part of. Check us out.

Stewards Update

As we head into the winter months we want to ask everyone to be conscious of saving heat as much as possible. Keep doors closed as much as possible and use common sense in heating situations. Please do not adjust the thermostats unless you are familiar with their operation. Many are preset to come on and go off at predetermined hours. Ask one of the stewards (BJ Sparrow, Dick Rishel) to help you if you are going to need heat for a special meeting or function.  If you notice any part of the facility that needs repair or replacing, contact the stewards to take care of the needed work.

TACO TUESDAY: DECEMBER 28, 5 TO 7 PM

The Discussion Sunday School Class will be hosting Taco Tuesday on Tuesday, December 28.  The inspiration behind the day was experienced by Barb, Kim, Sandy and Dave on their mission trip to Chalmette, Louisiana.  During the Sunday evening orientation at the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) volunteer house, the group was told we would have 50 to 60 dinner guests on Tuesday night.  The guests would be Americorps volunteers working for the Saint Bernard Project.  However, the meal is self-supported by donations.

Just as in Chalmette, our tacos are free, but we will accept donations to be sent to Mary & John Mueller to further support the BDM Taco Tuesdays.

Please ask Barb, Kim, Sandy or Dave about their experience, the Saint Bernard Project and the Americorp Volunteers. They’d love to share their experiences with you!

All Church Christmas Party

Be sure to attend our annual Church Christmas get together. The date this year is Sunday, December 12^th. That’s right – Sunday. Something different this year!! We will begin at 5PM with a covered dish meal in the Fellowship Hall. Then at 6:30, Out of the Darkness – Brandon Grady and company (anybody ever heard of him?) – will be in concert in the Sanctuary for our listening enjoyment. So be sure to mark the date on your calendar: Sunday, December 12 beginning at 5 PM.

Church Council Report

The Church body met in Council following Worship and a light lunch on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at about 12:15 PM. Following devotions and financial reports, the slate of leaders for offices for the new year was presented. The names of those persons presented by the Gifts Discernment Team were all affirmed as presented. (See results in another article in this newsletter). (continued)

The budget was presented and amended by reintroducing the line items relevant to a Youth Director. The budget, reflecting a very slight decrease from last year, was then accepted. Total budget is $155,658. A copy of the budget and its breakdown is available on the information table in the Fellowship Hall. Extensive discussion followed concerning the organ and its deteriorating condition. No action was taken, but a decision will need to be made on either replacing, repairing, or discontinuing the use of the organ. Discussion also followed concerning the possible renovation of the entire Chancel area (the Worship center area) in the front of the Sanctuary.  Other items of interest included our agreement with the House of Restoration Ministries congregation, a projection system for the sanctuary, the installation of a security system (following the recent break-in and burglary in the Church), and the purchase of a new computer to replace the one stolen. Council adjourned at 2:15. Minutes of the meeting are available for everyone on the info table in the Fellowship Hall.

Results of Council Slate of Leaders

Following is a list of persons affirmed to leadership positions for 2011:

Leadership Team chair:  Dave Wolfe                                               Leadership Team for 2011

LT vice chair:   Ralph Miller                                                                Chair – Dave Wolfe

Small Groups chair: Donna Malone                                            VC – Ralph Miller

Church Clerk:  Lisa Petrosky                                                       Ministry chair – Sue Sparrow

Stewards chair – BJ Sparrow

Also affirmed:                                                                                          Nurture chair – Brenda Laughman

Annual Conference Delegate: Barb Strawbridge                       Small groups chair – Donna Malone

AC Delegate in training: Ed Lentz                                                     Deacon chair  -  Carol Kauffman

District Conf. delegate: Donna Malone

From Donna Hash

I loved my vacation. Our ship was called “Enchantment of the Sea.”  I think I needed this vacation. It was great to get away. The people were good to us. I went swimming in hot tub and had good time with Leah. I had strawberry fruit drink. I love to watch the shows – they are good. My favorite part of the vacation was being out in the water. We are back from vacation.                    Donna Hash

PS My new phone # 717- 764- 1054

Answers to Bible Challenge

1. Isaiah   (Isa. 7:14)            2. John    (John 1:9)            3. Elizabeth, Jesus    (Luke 1:42)

Women’s Fellowship News

Dec. 7                        Christmas lunch at Old Country Buffet             11:15 AM

Dec. 7                        Bermudian Christmas Party                         6:30 PM

Dec 19             Christmas Tea after Church service

Dec. 27            Brethren Home Volunteer Day                        9:00 AM

Bermudian Women’s Party is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7^th at 6:30 pm in The Gathering Place, their new building.  Please bring canned goods for the food bank.

Our annual Christmas Tea is on December 19^th following Church service. We welcome your donation of goodies to share.

December Missions Outreach

Our special Mission outreach offerings for December are for Tools of Hope. In addition, we will be accepting our Christmas Achievement Offering (for denominational outreach) on Sunday, December 12^th. In this season of giving, let us remember especially those who have not been so blessed with this world’s goods. You are encouraged to give to these worthwhile causes, over and above your regular tithes.

Sincere Prayer

When I think of the future -                               There must be an answer  -

Reminisce of the past;                               May God help us to see;

Can this Church go on–                               How to strengthen our faith -

Is it within our grasp?                                     In our 75^th year soon to be

I recall all those days –                                     “Sincere prayer” is the answer -

Many faces we’d see;                                          We must fall on our knees;

Filled up all the pews –                                        God wants our full attention -

Great joy there would be.                                    Only He can set us free

Written 10/22/10 by the Lord and Angel

Have we lost our vision –                                                 in concern for the future of His Church

Is my prayer in the night;

How can God truly bless us –

To fulfill His plan so divine.

Church Calendar and Schedule  for December 2010

12/2             6:00 PM                Bell Choir practice (every Thurs.)

7:00 PM                Adult Choir practice (every Thurs)

8:00 PM                Praise Team practice (every Thurs)

12/5    9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM               Celebration Worship   “The story of stuff”        Luke 1:46 – 55

12/12 9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM               Celebration Worship   “Taking offense”           Matthew 11:2 – 11

5:00 PM                Christmas party (carry-in meal)

6:30 PM                Out of the Darkness concert

12/18 7:30 AM               Men’s Prayer breakfast

12/19                             Christmas Sunday Worship

9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM               Celebration Worship     “Life interrupted”         Matthew 1:18 – 25

11:30 AM               Women’s Fellowship Christmas Tea

Articles due for January Lamplighter

12/24    7:00 PM                Christmas Eve Worship “Good News”           Luke 2:1 – 14

Candlelight / Communion

12/26    9:00 AM                Sunday School

10:15 AM                Celebration Worship         Congregational Hymn Sing

The little book of Haggai in the Old Testament doesn’t get a whole lot of exposure or teaching in the modern Church. The book records the prophet Haggai’s appeal from God to His chosen people to consider the true priorities in their life. They had returned from exile in Babylon to a scene of utter destruction in Jerusalem. After a half-hearted, aborted attempt to rebuild the temple, they abandoned that task in favor of building their own houses.  Their abandonment of the temple work also signaled an abandonment of their religious fervor.

Through the prophet Haggai, God told his people to consider their situation; they had planted much but harvested little, they ate but were never filled, clothed themselves but were never warm, and earned wages but were lost. It seems when we lose sight of our first priority – worshipping God – all else also seems to take a downhill slide also. When we lose our focus on the importance of worship and our relationship with God, it’s not only our spiritual health that suffers – but the overall health in all of life suffers as well.

I read a meditation recently that asked two very sobering questions: If your church burned down, would you rebuild it – and why? And if your church burned down, would your community miss it? The answers to those questions say a lot about the commitment of a church’s membership. Are we truly committed to the ministry of God’s Word and is worship truly a priority in our life? Would we just assimilate ourselves into other churches, or rebuild? Would the community miss us if we were not here? Some very sobering questions that hit at the core of our faith and its sincerity.

It’s getting close to the Advent season and the hustle and bustle that often brings out the worst in some of us.  I encourage you to consider forgoing the traditional gift-giving deception and seriously consider doing some creative alternative gift-buying rather than wasting money on things people really don’t need, can’t use and will just sit around and accumulate more space and dust. Consider CAS, Camp Eder, Global Food Crisis Fund, Heifer Project, Habitat, New Community Project, Rescue Mission, Angel Tree, Samaritan’s Purse, CWS (kits), and many more. If you need information on how to go about donating to these organizations or where to go for information, please see the Pastor.

Bible Challenge Questions

1. What group of Jewish leaders, who did not believe in a resurrection, asked Jesus a trick question about a woman married seven different times to seven different men?

2. Who said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”?

3. Who Said, “No one knows about the hour or the day, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only

the Father.”

Men’s Breakfast

For several years now, the men of the Church, as well as guests, gather in the Fellowship Hall on the 3^rd Saturday of every month for a great home cooked breakfast and a time of fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. All men (all ages) are invited, and are encouraged to invite friends as well. These times of study and sharing around the table have been a special blessing to those who participate on a regular basis. Consider joining us and growing with us in our relationship as men and in our growth in the Spirit. For November, it’s on Saturday, November 20^th – 7:30 AM.

To think about….

A professor from Utah State University has reduced the population of the world proportionately from 6 billion to 100 people. If the entire world’s population was 100 people then:

* 57 would be Asian                                        * 21 would be European

* 8 would be African                                       * 14 would be North / South American

*70 would be non-white                                * 70 would be unable to read

* 50 would be malnourished                       * 80 would live in substandard housing

* 1 would have a college education             * 50% of the world’s wealth would be in the hands of 6 US citizens

Giant Gift Cards

For many years MACOB operated a food pantry here at Church. For a variety of reasons, that pantry was discontinued. About five years ago, we again began an outreach food program to help persons in desperate need of help and food. Through the donations of some individuals, and from funds derived from four different sources in our budget, as well as the Deacons, you, the members of our congregation, have been helping to feed the hungry through our regular offerings. We do that by the purchase of Giant Food store gift cards. When persons contact the Church seeking help, those persons with screened needs are given food cards redeemable at Giant for food. So, indirectly, we have all been involved in this ministry.

For the last four years, we have been a part of a program that Giant offers whereby, if we purchase gift cards in quantity from them, they will give us a 5% discount on our purchase. So for every $100 we buy, we receive $5 free. The advantage for us is that if those of our congregation who buy groceries from Giant buy their cards from us, it gives us a much better opportunity to receive even more cards that we are able to give to those in need.

So if you’re a Giant shopper, or would like to help this cause, purchase gift cards from the Church. You don’t receive any discount for yourself, it’s the same as using cash, but the church is able to receive more free cards as we sell more. It’s an easy, convenient way to support our ministry to those in need even while doing your grocery shopping! Of course, you can also give the cards as gifts, too.

Leadership Team Meeting   10/06/10

The Leadership Team met on Wednesday, October 6^th to discuss and act upon the needs and activities of the ministries of our congregation. Much of our time was spent developing the 2011 budget for presentation at Council. We also discussed and acted on a form for requesting funds from the Endowment Fund, received a preview of the slate of leaders for Council approval, received the resignation of our Youth Director effective 12/12/10,  discussed Lovefeast (timing, style, attendance) and other ongoing and future renovations and improvements to our facility.

The bulk of our time was spent discussing and developing the 2011 budget and the agenda for the upcoming Fall Council meeting on October 31^st.

Answers to Bible Challenge

1/ Capernaum  (Mark 2:1)    2. Divorce question  (Mark 10:9)   3. 1^st Thessalonians 5:17 (pray continually)

Church Council Meeting  -  October 31^st , 2010 (12:15 PM)

Our annual Fall Council meeting has been set for 10/31/10 following Worship and a light lunch, to begin at approximately 12:15  PM. Important agenda items include the approval of the slate of officers for the Leadership Team, Conference delegates, Church Clerk and others. The budget for 2011 will be presented for approval. Several other information items necessary for discussion include the resignation of our Youth Director, need for repair or replacement or our organ, the ongoing relationship with the House of Restoration Ministries sharing our facility and their request for installing a projection system, possible restructuring of the front of our sanctuary to make it more efficient and attractive, and more. Be sure to be present for this important meeting in the life and ministry of our congregation.  Worship at 10:15, light lunch at 11:45, Council at 12:15.

Youth News

At the most recent Leadership Team meeting, our Youth Director, Tim Rutkowski, tendered his resignation, effective December 15^th. We want to thank Tim for his work with the Youth of our congregation and wish him well in his future endeavors. We will miss you, Tim, and hope you – and your family – can continue to worship with us. We pray God’s blessings and direction for you.

From the Internet

A while back, well-known radio announcer and commentator, Paul Harvey, (most famous for his “the rest of the story” stories) shared the following prayer on his day-time radio program. What do you think?  (a copy is posted on our bulletin board)

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, “Woe to those who call evil good,” but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen

Answers to Bible Challenge

1. Sadducees  (Luke 20:27)   2. soldiers at the Cross (Luke 23:36, 37)  3. Jesus  (Matt.24:36)

Women’s Fellowship News

November 3             Birthdays for the Brethren Home

November 9             Meeting Day 9 AM

November 20 Christmas in Loganville

November 22 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 AM

December 7 Christmas Lunch at Old Country Buffet

We are responsible for the November birthdays at Brethren Home on Wednesday, November 3rd. If you can help, see Barb Shoff for details.

• The Lehman Center will be located at the Codorus COB for the Annual Christmas in Loganville celebration. It is a great place to do Christmas shopping at great prices. All proceeds benefit the Center. If you have any items to donate, see Phyllis.

• Thanks for supporting the Soup Sale!

Light of Eternal Day

Lord, we truly love you -                                    Your desire is for us -

Makes all the difference you see;                        To be your hands and feet;

For t he true joy in living -                                    A covenant that binds us -

Is in being a servant to thee.                                    In a joyous bond complete.

This world, all its pleasures -                                    Keep a thirst and a hunger -

Never fulfill nor satisfy;                                    In our hearts as we pray;

Joy is in knowing you, dear Lord -                        To grow, come and follow -

Our needs you daily supply.                                    Till the “light of eternal day.”

Written 1/12/06 by the Lord and Angel

Church Calendar and Schedule  for November 2010

10/31   12:15 PM              Church Council meeting

11/1     6:30  PM                  Women’s Bible study

11/4     6:00  PM                Bell Choir practice    (every Thursday)

7:00  PM                              Adult Choir practice   (every Thursday)

8:00  PM                              Praise Team practice (every Thursday)

11/7     9:00  AM                Sunday school

10:15  AM                           Worship Celebration “Changing the game”             Luke 20:27 – 38

7:00  PM                            David Radcliffe – Hanover COB

11/11  12:30  PM               Bible study

11/14     9:00  AM               Sunday school

10:15  AM                            Worship Celebration            “Remembered by God”                 Luke 23:32 – 43

1:00  PM                               Deacon workshop    (at Bermudian COB)

11/15    6:30 PM                 Women’s Bible study

11/20   7:30  AM                Men’s Prayer Breakfast

11/21   9:00  AM                Sunday school                        Pastor Kim preaching

10:15  AM                           Worship Celebration

Lamplighter articles due today

11/28   9:00  AM                Sunday School

10:15  AM                          Worship Celebration            “Christmas cheer?”                        Matthew 24:36 – 44

11/29   6:30  PM                Women’s Bible study

November Birthdays

1 Jay Rishel 19 Samantha Kern 24 Jim Venable

6 Phyllis Morthland 20 Justin Hoerner Stanley Dellinger

7 Mike Melhorn 21 Brenda Linebaugh 26 Richard King

10 Connie Venable Christie Spangler Robert King

12        Jane Brenneman                                                                                                DeannaCrawford

30             Alysha Ritchey

Update: so.. yeah, it looks like it didn’t record, but that link will be good when we try again next week.

I recently read an article put out by the Alban Institute. It was part of an article written by Lutheran pastor, Rick Barger. I think it’s a sobering commentary on the modern Church. In part it reads:

Folks enter the Church’s doors today shopping for faith. They unashamedly admit that they are ‘church shopping.’ They are searching for something. They seem to know what they want, or at least intuitively believe that when they stumble upon that for which they are searching, they will know it. They have no trouble mixing traditions. That is, one person might join a Presbyterian Church because he likes the pastor and yet still clings to some of his Roman Catholic upbringing, or another person might affiliate with a Lutheran Church because she is drawn to a particular contemporary worship service and its close proximity to her home, yet she reframes all of the ‘grace alone’ preaching through the filters of her Southern Baptist upbringing and the conservative Bible study group she attends weekly. Yet another might worship in an Episcopal Church because of a love of the liturgy and at the same time practice some of the spiritual disciplines of Zen Buddhism. The point here is that they all have deep perceived spiritual and personal needs, and they are determined to get their needs met. If they do not, they are going to go someplace else. They are going to have it their way. And it seems that there are an infinite number of choices. After all, if you can go into Starbucks and choose from countless permutations and combinations on how to have a cup of coffee, why can you not do the same when it comes to being affiliated with a faith community?

A New and Right Spirit: Creating an Authentic Church in a Consumer Culture – 2005  p 15

Some real food for thought there, me thinks.

Then there was the business executive who went to a business convention where they were offered a variety of workshops to help them in their business. One of the workshops was entitled “Jesus as CEO: Lessons from the Bible that Can Help You in Your Leadership.”  He said, “I didn’t sign up for that workshop. I’m a Presbyterian and have already heard most of Jesus’ ideas. Besides, who wants to end his career nailed to a cross?”

Me thinks we have a lot of work to do……

Bible Challenge Questions

1. Who said, “I have come to bring fire on earth.”

2. Who said, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

3. Who said, “People will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will take their places at the

feast in the kingdom of God.”

Brethren Home 50^th Annual Chicken BBQ & Quilt Auction & Car Show – Saturday, August 21^st

The Quilt Auction and Chicken Barbecue you wait for all year!

More info at – www.brethrenhome.org     or call 624 – 2161

We will be scrubbing potatoes on Friday morning (20^th). If you can help, please contact Barb Shoff.

Annual Conference Report

In an effort to more fully inform you of Annual Conference work and activities, our Conference reporting will be different this year. Our Worship service on Sunday, August 15^th will center on the workings of Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, as well as a report from NYC – National Youth Conference. With some exciting dialogue from participants, highlights of the various Conference activities, music, and much more, you won’t want to miss this exciting time of Worship and reporting.

To Think About……

Rivers gain a lot more attention than the little tributaries that create them. You can name some of the great rivers of the world, but you probably cannot name any of their tributaries. (continued)

However, without the tributaries, there would be no river. And remember also, that the smaller streams, while less well-known, are always found on a higher elevation.

Some of our lives are like those tributary streams. We may never be well-known for anything we do. But it is our role to provide the ‘pure water’ from the higher elevation that enables another to be a mighty river of influence. Who are you mentoring in the faith?

Gifts Discernment Team

Because of our new leadership team configuration, the work formerly done by the Nominating Committee is now being addressed by the Gifts Discernment Team. They are in the process of beginning their work of prayerfully seeking members willing to serve on our Leadership Team and in other capacities of leadership within the Church. We ask two things of each of you: first, that you be in prayer for us as we seek to discern who God may be preparing and calling into positions of leadership, and second, that if you are asked to consider being called to one of needed positions, that you carefully – and prayerfully – consider that God may be calling you to serve in some new or different or special way. We believe that God has given each one of us a special Spiritual gift(s) to be used for the work of His kingdom here on earth. Please consider that God may be calling you to use your gift in a new and vital way for the health and growth of this congregation.

Is God calling you? He may be – through the prayerful discerning process of the Gifts Discernment Team.

Sunday School News

Join us for the summer series of Sunday School studies. The International Lesson Class is using the lesson book “Christian Commitment in Today’s World” as a basis for discussion and learning. The series of lessons is based on Scripture from 1^st and 2^nd Thessalonians and Philippians. We will study how Paul’s words to these early churches have invaluable practical application for us today. Join us for some challenging and exciting times of fellowship, study, and learning.

The Discussion Class will continue its discussion of the book of James, and its very pertinent counsel for our daily lives in the 21^st century. This small NT book has many great hints for personal spiritual health for us modern folk.

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 Report

In an effort to more fully inform you of Annual Conference work and activities, our Conference reporting will be very different this year. Our entire Worship service on Sunday, August 9^th will center on

the workings of Annual Conference in San Diego. With video clips of sermons, highlights of the various Conference activities, music and much more, you won’t want to miss this exciting time of Worship and reporting. The all-church picnic will follow; plan to attend!

Leadership Team and Church Council

Minutes from the last Leadership Team meeting – which consisted largely of an extended discussion about the successes and shortcomings of our new style of church government (as opposed to the old Church Board set-up) are available on the information table near the mailboxes. Please read and be informed.

Church Council met after Worship on Sunday, July 18^th, and also discussed the new Leadership Team concept, approving a motion from the Team to continue that style setup for at least another year before readdressing the Church Constitution.

Some information items shared at Council included what to do about the deteriorating condition of our organ (repair, replace, nothing, or…), upcoming repairs including repainting lines in parking lot, replacement of sidewalks along Madison Avenue, and the possible installation of a projection system in the Sanctuary.

The Council also accepted the resignation of our Confidential Financial Secretary due to an impending move that would prevent her from continuing the work. The Leadership Team will address finding a replacement.

Dunkard Valley Live

If you are into Contemporary Christian music in concert, check out the fifth annual Dunkard Valley Live concert at the Codorus COB ball field on Sat and/or Sunday August 7 & 8, 2010. A large number of local persons, praise teams, groups, and choirs will be performing their own style of Christian music, live on stage. Worship services with dynamic speakers will be interspersed throughout the event. (Rain dates – August 14^th & 15^th )

Disaster Relief Auction

Even though we will not be buying a heifer for the sale this year, MACOB is doing its part to support the 34^th Disaster Relief Auction to be held on September 24^th & 25^th on the Lebanon Fairgrounds. Our special offerings for July/August will be for the Auction and its ministry of reconstruction after natural disasters.  Please mark your donations accordingly. And just as side note…. consider joining one of the many District-planned disaster relief trips to support with action. It will be an eye-opening and moving time of work and ministry for you. Ask some of those who have been on disaster relief trips to learn more.

Upcoming activities of interest….

8/21                        Brethren Home Bar-B-Que

8/29                        Discussion Class meals for homeless

9/10, 11               Women of Faith Conference  (bus sponsored by West York COB)

9/12                         “Making a difference in the lives of people with Dementia” Workshop at Chambersburg COB

9/17, 18               District Conference at Black Rock COB

9/19 – 26             New Fairview COB Revival services  (speaker – Carl Brubaker)

9/24, 25             Disaster Relief Auction – Lebanon fairgrounds

10/2                         Fall Banquet for Truckstop Ministry – New Fairview COB

Answers to Bible Challenge

1. Ephesians (Eph. 5:19)      2. Psalm 139   (vs 14)     3. Healing of the deaf man  (Mark 7:33)

Why He Came

When Jesus was a little boy –                                                  Did He fish and take them home -

Did He fall and skin His knee;                                                 Just as proud as He could be;

Did His mother pick Him up –                                                 And He did learn how to swim -

And did He climb a tree?                                                        In the Sea of Galilee?

Did He have a best friend –                                                     Yes, He knew why He came -

And did He play some games;                                                 And yes, it was for all;

Could He know that some day-                                               He would die in our place -

All would come to know His name.                                        All our sin on Him would fall.

Written 6/21/07  by the Lord and Angel

Women’s Fellowship News

August 20            Wash potatoes for Brethren Home BBQ      9 AM

No August meeting

August 23              Brethren Home Volunteer Day   9 AM

September 7             Next meeting    9 AM

September ??              Picnic at Pinchot (Bermudian/Lakeview)

It’s time to do the potatoes for the Brethren Home Bar-B-Que on August 20^th. If you can help, see Barb Shoff – our Key Person. Also, if you can make some goodies for dessert, it would be appreciated.

September is the month for our annual picnic at Pinchot. Lakeview is in charge so no date has been set.

Thanks to everyone who supported our ‘Sandwich Sale’ as we had a profit of $300. We also delivered 335 ‘Health kits’ to New Windsor as eight of us enjoyed the day with lunch back at Baugher’s.

Church Schedule  August 2010

8/1     9:00 AM               Sunday school

10:15 AM               Worship       “Value of forgiveness:        Luke 11:1 – 4

8/2     6:30 PM                Women’s Bible study

8/8    9:00 AM               Sunday school

10:15 AM               Worship       “All fired up”                      Luke 12:49 – 56

Noon                All Church picnic

8/14   7:30 AM               Men’s Prayer breakfast

8/15 9:00 AM               Sunday school

10:15 AM               Worship       AC and NYC reporting

Lamplighter deadline

8/16   6:30  PM               Women’s Bible study

8/19    noon                   Bible study

8/21   9AM – 4 PM             Brethren Home Chicken BBQ, quilts, cars and more

8/22   9:00 AM               Sunday school

10:15 AM               Worship       “Found and freed”              Luke 13:10 – 17

8/29   9:00 AM               Sunday School

10:15 AM              Worship        “Enter here”                        Luke 13:22 – 30

Noon                     Deacon Meeting

Afternoon/evening  Discussion Class feeding the homeless

8/30   6:30  PM               Women’s Bible study

August Birthdays

1            Kerry Gingerich                        13            Wanda Linebaugh                        18            Danny Flinchbaugh

2                Joe Petrosky                                                Brenda Hess                                                Dennis Spangler

3              Jake Laughman                                    Helen Melhorn                        19            Eva Vuolo

4               Robin Gleim Stahl                          14            Russell Miller                                                Jim Staggers

6            Austin Ort                                    15            John Loucks                                    20            Jo Ellen Craig

7              John Baugher                                    16            Elizabeth Kauffman                        22            Jolynn Lentz

8               Jacob Snyder                                                Robin Ness                                                Tara Seasock

9            Paul Ritchey, Jr.                                    Matt Vuolo                                    24            Sheryl Billet

Karen Spangler                         17            Jim Bohn                                    26            Jessica Witmer

11            Jack Craig

Perspective. It all has to do with perspective.  An interoffice softball game was held every year between the marketing department and the support staff of one company. On the day of the game, as hard as the marketing folks tried, the support staff whipped the marketers quite soundly.In their finest tradition, the marketing department decided to find the best “spin” they could to salvage some respect in spite of the dismal outcome of the game. They showed how they earn their keep by posting the following memo on the bulletin board the day after the game:

“The marketing department is pleased to announce that for the recently completed softball season, we finished in second place, having lost only one game all year. Our condolences to the support staff, however,who suffered a rather dismal season, having won only one single game all year.”A recent article in the SOPA District newsletter also carries the same sort of message on perspective.  The article titled “At What Cost” reads like this:A woman complained to her friend, “Our Church costs too much! They’re always asking for money!”“Look at it this way,” her friend replied. “When my son was born many years ago, he cost us quite a bit of money. He continued to cost us money as he grew older – money for clothes, food, shoes, bicycles, doctors, college, and more. But we didn’t mind, because he gave us so much joy and more in return. Then in his senior year in college, he died, and since his funeral he hasn’t cost us a penny. Which situation do you think I prefer?”“As long as our church lives,” she continued, “it will cost us. When it dies from lack of support, it will no longer cost us a thing. But what will we have then? I’m going to give and pray with everything I’ve got to keep it alive and well.”We at MACOB have been blessed immeasurably in so many ways. God has given us so much and continues to bless us. What are we doing to return that blessing to Him by being in ministry for Him?

Bible Challenge questions

1. What story did Jesus tell in response to the question: “Who is my neighbor?”

2. Who complained to Jesus that she was stuck with doing all the work alone?

3. We know that Jesus teaches the prayer we know as “the Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6. Where else in the Bible can we see this prayer ?

Sunday School News

Join us for the summer series of Sunday School studies. The International Lesson Class is using the lesson book Christian Commitment in Today’s World as a basis for discussion and learning. The series of lessons is based on Scripture from 1^st and 2^nd Thessalonians and Philippians. We will study how Paul’s words to these early churches have invaluable practical application for us today. Join us for some challenging and exciting times of fellowship, study, and learning.

The Discussion Class will continue its discussion of the book of James and its very pertinent counsel for our daily lives in the 21^st century. This small NT book has many great hints for personal spiritual health for us modern folk.

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.

Answers to Bible Challenge questions:

1. The Good Samaritan (Like 10:29)         2. Martha (Luke 10:40)         3. Luke 11

Annual Conference  July 3 – 7

Annual Conference is in Pittsburgh, PA this year, from Saturday 7/3 thru Wednesday 7/7. With a theme of  “Taking Jesus seriously,” Moderator Shawn Replogle (who just happens to be the grandson of former MACOB Pastor Raymond Eller) will lead conference attendees through the five days of activity that serve as much as a family reunion as a working session. Annual Conference rarely gets any closer to York, PA than this, so please make an effort to attend at least a day or two of the Conference activities. It’s truly amazing and eye-opening to become aware of how our denomination works and the many various ministries our supporting dollars make possible through our giving to the Brotherhood.

Two major 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 information 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 Jolynn Lentz.

Leadership Team report   (6/8/10)

The Leadership Team met on June 8^th.  Financial reports were received, team concerns were shared, and many reports given. Among the major items discussed were the following: need for possible replacement of the organ, installation of a projection system and screen in the Sanctuary, upcoming VBS program, the planting of the garden in the west lawn area, internet access for the Church, work on updating our Directory for 2011, our relationship with, and sharing of our facility with the House of Restoration Ministries congregation, vacation scheduling and pulpit supply with the pastors and accompanist, and new forms for Endowment fund disbursement and vouchering. We will be evaluating the new Leadership Team concept in a future meeting. A date for Church Council was set for July 18^th immediately following Worship.

More details can be obtained by checking the minutes of that meeting which are always available on the info table in the Fellowship Hall near the mailboxes. Keep up to date on all that’s happening at MACOB by reading a copy of those minutes.

From Donna Hash (a thank You Note)

Hi Church,

I enjoyed the Mother and Daughter banquet very much. The speaker was very good. Before my mother passed away we came to the banquet together. Thank you.     Donna Hash

Upcoming Dates

Some upcoming important dates to remember are as follows:

August 15^th – ( 9AM – 4 PM) 50^th annual Brethren Home Chicken Barbecue, Quilt Auction & Antique Cars (lots of good food, chicken dinner, sandwiches, ice cream, entertainment …and more!)

September 17, 18  -  District Conference – Black Rock COB

September 24, 25  – Disaster Relief Auction – Lebanon Fairgrounds

October 16^th -  Camp Eder’s Fall Festival  (8AM – 4PM)

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                                         Mrs. Ethel Kintzel                                    Miss Linda Furhman

2990 Carlisle Pike                                     2680 Wyngate Rd.                                     2050 Barley Road

Box 128                                                        Dover, PA    17315                                      York,  PA 17408

New Oxford. PA 17350

Miss Charlotte Harbaugh                          Miss Pat Wiley                                         Miss Donna Hash

187 Glen Ave.                                           2050 Barley Road                                    2050 Barley Road

Dallastown, Pa.  17313                             York, PA   17404                                     York, PA  17404

246 – 6055                                                                                                                  764-8763

Russell Miller                                           Charles Hash                                           Howard Ness

2830 Carol Rd.                                         101 Lookout Ct.                                       947 Marbrook Lane

The Brunswick, Room 232                      York, PA   17408                                    York, PA  17404

York, Pa  17402                                          764 – 6555                                                  848 – 8479

Jim Bohn                                                  Russ, Helen Chronister                            Ed Blymire

819 Old Route 30                                     Brethren Home  Room # 2952                 Colonial Manor   # 201

Ortanna, PA.  17353                                2990 Carlisle Pike                                     970 Colonial Ave.

717 – 334 – 3986                                      New Oxford, PA  17350                           York, PA 17403

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ritchey

331 Lovely Lane Ct.

New Oxford, PA  17350

717 624 5518

Women’s Fellowship News

July 6                        Trip to New Windsor 9 AM

July 26            Brethren Home Volunteer Day  9 AM

• Thanks to everyone who ordered and helped with the Sandwich Sale as well as to those who continue to support the Health Kits effort each year. We have 325 kits assembled and plan to deliver them to New Windsor Service Center on July 6^th. We especially want to thank Jim Bohn who works on this project year round. Way to go, Jim!

• The Lehman Center Auction continues to improve each year. A profit 0f $48,000.00 was reached due to the effort of many people. This is a great service to the city of York in preventing child abuse in a time when many are mistreated. Thank you to those who donate and give time to this cause.

Best Friend

Life is a journey – We always have Jesus -

On a long winding road; Who stood in our place;

With many twists, turns – Took on all our sins -

For some a heavy load. For the whole human race.

As trials may come – So when in our journey -

At most any time; We come to life’s end;

It’s how we handle them – We have found in Jesus -

When no reason or rhyme. Our very “best friend.” Written by the Lord & Angel

6/16/10

July 2010  Worship  Calendar & Schedule

7/3 – 7/7 – Annual Conference -  Pittsburgh, PA

7/4 9:00 AM Sunday school

10:15 AM Worship           Tim Rutkowski preaching

7/11 9:00 AM Sunday school

10:15 AM Worship         “Dusty shoes”                      Luke 10:1 – 11

7/17   7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

7/18 9:00 AM Sunday school

10:15 AM Worship         “Kingdom living – now!      Luke 10:25 – 37

Lamplighter deadline today

7/25 9:00  AM Sunday school

10:15  AM Worship         “Good, better, best”             Luke 10:38 – 42

8/1 9:00  AM  Sunday School

10:15  AM  Worship         “Value of forgiveness:        Luke 11:1 – 10

Remember our year ‘round schedule of Sunday School at 9 AM and Worship at 10:15 AM.

July Birthdays

2                Don Mummert                           12            Alyssa DeHoff

5                Harold Lehigh                            16            Lisa Petrosky

Chris Schwenck                          21            Ethel Kintzel

9            Tammy Frey                                    25            Scott Linebaugh

10          Charles Hash                                                    Terry Knause

Shawn Dubs                                    26            Paul Melhorn, Jr.

Jeanette Baker                                 30            Newt Linebaugh, Jr.

11            Newt Linebaugh                                    Delaney Loucks

Donna Jo Wolfe                                    Patricia Day

It’s that time of the year again! School’s out – or almost so – and the kids are excited about summer and all its activities. Summer is the time for many new and exciting and fun-filled things to do. It’s the time of vacations, and camps, and travel, and people on the go. It’s also the time many people go Church shopping, or at least Church visiting, because of the many changes in schedules that prevent their attending their home Church. I would encourage you to worship at other churches during your times of vacation and travel this summer, to get an appreciation for worship in different settings and to experience the many varied ways we, as a family of faith, worship God. And be sure to invite others to worship here with you each Sunday you are home.

If you have the opportunity to bring back a bulletin from any Worship services you attend, the pastor would appreciate seeing them. Let’s see how far and wide we can worship God this summer. And be sure to remember the ongoing ministries and expenses here at home while we’re away.

My prayer for our congregation today is that we all listen carefully to what God may be calling us to be and to do as a congregation through this difficult time in our nation’s history and in a time of transition for our congregation. Annual Conference is coming up soon (and it’s really close this year – Pittsburgh – so I hope many of you will be attending all or part of it) and the theme this year is “Taking Jesus Seriously.” That will be the title of the message for June 20^th here at MACOB as we prepare for Conference. I pray you’ll be here for that Worship time and consider what it means to take Jesus seriously in all parts of our life.

I believe every one of the following core values of Biblical principles to be foundational for our future success in ministry.

Servant leadership – having groups and programs and leaders in place to meet the needs of people needing and/or seeking a relationship with God.

Reproduce yourself – the need for intentional mentoring, teaching, training of younger folks into leadership

Doing life together – the vitality of small groups for spiritual formation and growth (personal and Church)

Bridges and lights – the need for us to be culturally relevant in our ministries to attract and keep young folks

Maximum freedom – realizing that true freedom is found only when we submit to the authority of the Bible

True intimacy – to have a relationship with God means more than just believing in him; we have to truly get to know him and spend time with him

Relational evangelism – the best way to attract people to Church is through personal relationship with them

When we begin to apply these seven Biblical principles to all that we do here as a body of Christ, we will indeed be a vibrant, relevant, growing Church. Please consider your own part in the future success of the ministry here at MACOB. We are all part of one body and everyone has a vital role to fulfill. Please be sure you are doing your part.

Summer schedule !!!!!

As we begin our summer season, remember that our schedule for Sunday School and Worship remain the same all year ‘round. Sunday School begins at 9:00 AM and Worship begins at 10:15 AM. Join us all summer long for some exciting times of Worship and praise (in air-conditioned comfort!!), and be sure to regularly invite a friend or neighbor.

Bible Challenge questions

1. What did Jesus do for the widow of Nain?

2. Who said, “He who has been forgiven little, loves little.”?

3. On what occasion did Jesus say to His disciples: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and that is what I am.”

Leadership Team meeting     4/13/10

The most recent meeting of the Leadership Team was held on Tuesday, April 13^th.  In addition to the financial updates, the following items were discussed and/or acted upon. Glass repairs made to two broken windows, request for vacation for Evan for summer, gardening (both at Kissinger’s and here at Church),  purchase of a hot dog roller, deacon activities, new directory info, meshing activities with HOR ministries, vacation schedules for staff, and preparation for District Conference in the Fall.  More complete minutes of the meeting are available on the info table near the mailboxes. Please take a set and be informed of all the ministries and workings of our congregation.  Next meeting is scheduled for June 8.

Ministry Team News

Under our new model of administration, the Ministry Team continues to monitor and work with all issues related to the pastoral staff, pulpit supply, pastoral relations within the congregation, Worship services, and our music program. If you have concerns, critiques, suggestions, or affirmations regarding any aspect of Ministry here at MACOB, please share them with the Pastors or Sue Sparrow, our Ministry Team chairperson.

Small Groups Ministry

MACOB currently has several small group study opportunities available for your participation and spiritual growth. In addition to two adult Sunday School classes – some of the best and most interesting and convenient small groups – there is a Thursday noon Bible study, a Monday night ladies Bible study, a Friday night prayer group, a Saturday morning Men’s group, Tuesday morning Women’s fellowship, as well as the musical groups of Choir and Praise Team (and Bell Choir – in season). These groups are open and welcoming and invite your participation now.

This fall – September, October – we will again be mounting an aggressive campaign to offer numerous other small groups study opportunities, with the prayer that everyone will find a small group that fits your schedule and needs. Small group study is one of the best and least scary ways of studying the Bible, praying, and growing together in your relationship with God and his people. Please prayerfully consider your own participation in this avenue for spiritual growth.

Council Meeting

Stay tuned for news of our annual Spring Council meeting. A date has not yet been set, but several items of business will be brought to Council’s attention for action.

Camp Eder

Camp Eder is looking forward to an exciting summer of outdoor ministry. You can be a part of that ministry in a number of ways. Several different job openings are available, as well as many volunteer opportunities (like being a volunteer counselor for a week – excitement plus!) to help with the many aspects of camping that exist at the Camp. There is a special need for male volunteers.

Meat Canning

The Meat Canning project that took place in April resulted in 88,240 pounds of chicken being canned. There were approximately 328 volunteers from 41 congregations from the Mid-Atlantic and SO PA Districts who packed and labeled the chicken for shipment to Haiti. Upon delivery in Haiti, Church of the Brethren leaders and local Dominican and Haitian churches will help see that the chicken reaches those in need from the Haiti earthquake.

A portion of the chicken will come back to two districts for local distribution to the needy in local communities.

The District Meat Canning Committee and the District Witness Commission express their deep appreciation to all those who helped with the canning process as well as those who contributed financially to the project. We, YOU, did it! We do not have the final figures, as there are some commitments that have not yet been received, and with those we will be able to pay our bills for the project. “Thank You.”

Answers to Bible Challenge questions:

1. raised her son back to life (Luke 7:15  2.Jesus   (Luke 7:47)  3. feetwashing    (John 13:13)

The Power of Prayer

We all know the power of prayer and reflection in our daily lives. Turning our fears, thoughts, and praises over to Him provides us with comfort and sustenance in both calm and stressful times. If you have prayer concerns or praises that you want to share with others, call Wanda Linebaugh at 815-1633 to be added to the Prayer chain.

Women’s Fellowship News

June 1            June Picnic                        Meeting at the Ness home            10 am

June 7            Women’s Camp at Eder

June 24            Sandwich Sale

June 28            Brethren Home Volunteer Day                                       9 am

July 6               Trip to New Windsor

• Four of us are attending Women’s Camp at Eder on Monday the 7^th.

Retreat leader is Melody Keller, member of the Lewiston C. O. B. of Wales, Maine. We will leave the church at 7:30 AM.

• The Sandwich Sale is June 24^th with pick-up between 2 – 4 PM. Orders are due by June 13^th.

• On July 6^th we will take the Health Kits to New Windsor Service Center. Our plan is to have at least 300 kits assembled. You can still donate items or money for this project.

Life’s Seasons

Just like a babe being born so is the spring of the year; But a life lived for Him, our Father above;

A dawn breaking through, so fresh and so clear.                Is filled with grace, forgiveness, mercy and love

It’s a budding of the future – new life to behold, It’s a love that covers all mankind

Lifting its head in radiance so fresh and so bold.            As a gentle snow in winter time.

The summer comes on in splendor so bright; Yes, the seasons of life come and go

As the sun presses the earth until it comes to rest at night.         As do spring, summer, autumn, winter and we know

So are the tender young years of a full active life; It’s not how long a life we live

Maturing and molding into a parent’s delight. But rather how and what we give.

Next is the autumn as it comes into view So give your all no matter what you do;

And changes come quickly just as the leaves always do. Let your light come shining through.

From green to gold, yellow, rust and red, Written by the Lord & Angel

‘Til they are brown and fall and are finally dead. 10/22/80

June   2010 Worship  Calendar & Schedule

6/4     6:30  PM             Adult Choir practice

7:30  PM              Praise Team practice  (every Thur.)

6/6    9:00 AM               Sunday school

10:15 AM                         Worship                   “The value of pain”                    Luke 7:11 – 17

6/8     7:00  PM              Leadership Team meeting

6/13   9:00 AM              Sunday school

10:15 AM              Worship                    “Saint or sinner?”                      Luke 7:36 – 50   (with Bread & Cup Communion)

After Worship – Strawberry Social

6/19   7:30  AM              Men’s Prayer Breakfast

6/20   9:00  AM              Sunday school

10:15 AM  Worship                        “Taking Jesus seriously”    Matt 4:18 – 22; 9:9 – 13; John 13:12 – 17

Lamplighter deadline for July

6:30  PM               Bible School registration

6/21 – 6/25  6:30 – 8:30 PM     Vacation Bible School

6/27   9:00 AM              Sunday school

10:15 AM              Worship             “I know not why” Ecclesiastes 8: 6 – 17 & 12:13 – 14    Ralph Miller preaching

7/3 – 7/7                             Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA

The Lamplighter

April  2010

From the Pastor’s Desk

Change; change; more change. As much as we humans fight change, it is a constant part of our lives. With the single exception of the Word of God alone, everything must and does change. The next big change for MACOB will begin the first of April 2010. By action of the Church Council, we have approved the sharing of our Worship facility with another congregation – The House of Restoration Ministries.

The Leadership Team and others involved in the development of our access agreement with Restoration Ministries are very excited about the potential for ministry and growth made possible by this agreement to share our facility. We know there will be many details to work out over time, but we are excited about working together.

One big change will be in our Sunday schedule. Our schedule will remain basically the same as before, at least until the close of Worship. Restoration Ministries will begin their Worship time at 12 noon. Since our Worship usually concludes about 11:30, there will be about ½ hour between Worship services, allowing for some intermingling of the two congregations. We are hopeful that we can share part of that time together during the time we usually use for refreshments.

Restoration Ministries will maintain an office here. Plans are for us to clean out the attic storage space above the office area in the front of the Church. RM will finish that area and use it for their office space. We will also share the facility for weekday and evening activities. Thus, we will have to work out a schedule for which rooms may be available for what activities. We intend to have a small committee of folks from each congregation working together to facilitate the scheduling of activities.

RM is a smaller congregation (40 – 50) of multi-racial make-up with mostly young families with children. We are excited about the possibilities while at the same time well aware that it will mean exercising some patience as we work out schedules and meetings and activities. As Christian brothers and sisters together we want to be sure to welcome them and make them feel at home with us as we work together for the furthering of God’s Kingdom.

Change. It can be scary, and even unhandy at times, but the possibilities for learning and growth are endless.

Bible Challenge Questions

1. What is another name by which the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret, is known?

2. To whom did Jesus say, “I did tell you, but you do not believe me. I and the Father are one.”

3. After fishing all night and catching nothing, how many fish did the disciples catch after casting their nets on

the other side of the boat as Jesus instructed them from shore?

To Think About…

The words we speak, the songs we sing, the doctrines we teach…

will only have true meaning when we practice what we preach.

There is not one square inch in the whole domain of human existence, over which Jesus, who is sovereign over all, does not cry out ……… Mine!

Character and Integrity is what you are when no one is looking.

Answers to Bible Challenge questions:

1. Sea of Tiberias   (John 6:1)    2. Jewish religious leaders   (John 10:24, 30)    3. 153   (John 21:11)

Leadership TeamThe Leadership Team met on March 7, 2010, and acted on the following items: heard from the Endowment Fund representative that the EF is working on a request procedure for disbursing funds; moved to recommend to Council for the approval of Restoration Ministries’ use of our facility; approved the hiring of Evan Brickner as our accompanist; noted that Wanda Linebaugh will lead the Prayer Chain, Barb Shoff will be contact for Brethren Home, and Gloria Miller will mail bulletins to shut-ins; work has begun on VBS

(possibility of working with ‘little green church’); egg hunt in planning stages; more small groups possible, including a parenting group and gardening group; noted schedule for Easter Sunday, Lovefeast, and Golden Age Dinner. Also looked at letters to be sent to inactive members prior to new Directory printing; possibility of Kim and Ralph preaching on a more regular basis; participation in the production of a District video. Minutes of the meeting are available on the info table near the mailboxes. Keep informed.

Nurture Team News

An Easter Egg Hunt is in the planning stages for Saturday morning, April 3. Please see Brenda Laughman if you can help. A hunt for the Youth will be held Saturday night (after dark – flashlights!!). Also, work has already begun for VBS  this summer. Again, many volunteers will be needed to make this a success. See Brenda to determine how you can serve.  Sunday school classes continue with some very interesting and challenging times of learning and discussion. Are you a part of a class on a regular basis? Don’t miss this great opportunity.

Ministry Team News

With the help of the Leadership Team, Ministry will be working on a schedule that will get both Pastor Kim and Ralph into a regular preaching rotation. With the hiring of Evan as our Accompanist, our music team is getting used to a new routine, at least until we can locate a Music Coordinator. For now, Brenda Linebaugh and Evan, with input from others, are coordinating things quite well. Let’s give them our support and encouragement in this important facet of our Worship as they work together to help us all experience great times of Worship together.

In addition to serving a week as volunteer counselor at Camp Eder, Pastor Godfrey has been asked to serve as Camp Pastor for a week in June. Vacation times for him will likely include a week in May (hiking the AT) and a week in August (mountains).

Think about this for a moment….

Americans…..

*throw  away 106,000 aluminum cans every 30 seconds

*distribute 1 million plastic cups on US airline flights every six hours

*go through 2 million plastic beverage bottles every five minutes

*discard 426,000 cell phones every day

*use 60,000 plastic bags every five seconds

*use 15 million sheets of office paper every five minutes

*produce 170,000 Energizer batteries every 15 minutes

*discard enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet every three months

*toss 14% of the food we buy at the grocery store   …. and ….

more than 46,000 pieces of plastic debris float on each square mile of ocean surface.

To Think About…

The words we speak, the songs we sing, the doctrines we teach…will only have true meaning when we practice what we preach.

There is not one square inch in the whole domain of human existence, over which Jesus, who is sovereign over all, does not cry out ……… Mine!

Women’s Fellowship News

April 13          Lunch with Bermudian/Lakeview       10:00 AM

April 24          Women’s Spring Luncheon                 Greencastle COB

May 11           Mother/Daughter Banquet                  6:00 PM

• We will meet with our sisters from Bermudian/Lakeview on Tuesday, April 7^th at 10 AM. There will be devotions, entertainment and lunch.

• We continue to meet the first Tuesday of each month and all women are welcome. At the present time we are assembling Health Kits after our meetings.

• Bermudian/Lake View ladies are invited to spend the morning with us on Tuesday, April 13^th. There will be entertainment and lunch starting at 10 AM.

• The Women’s Spring Luncheon will be held Saturday, April 24^th at Greencastle COB. We have several ladies who plan to attend. The time is 9 AM – noon and the guest speaker is Lu Ann Wise.

• As we plan ahead, the Mother-Daughter Banquet is Tuesday, May 11^th at 6 PM. The entertainment will be Judy Smithy, who will play the part of the “Shumanite Women.” This will be a covered dish with meat furnished.

• Remember The Lehman Center Auction to be held on Tuesday, April 27^th at the 4 H Center. Food, antiques, theme baskets and much more will be offered for auction. If you have items to donate, please contact Phyllis at 848.9515.

Beauty of Easter

Oh, the beauty of this Easter –                                  “Father, into thy hands I command my spirit”-

That fills our hearts to full;                                          Our precious Lord was heard to say;

The fulfilling of the Scriptures –                               As tears were shed by His followers -

As Christ suffered for us all.                          On the sad and lonely day.

He was mocked, denied, beaten –               In a sepulcher our Lord was laid -

Before Pilate alone He went;                                    As the stone was rolled in place;

No fault was found within Him –                  On the third day He arose again -

On crucifying Him, the crowd was bent.                   The gift of God’s lasting grace.

The road that went to Calvary –                                 Victory over death and the grave -

Was so hard for Christ to bear;                                 As Christ walked the earth once more;

No one else could take His place –             That proved to man and the disciples -

As He hung and suffered there.                                That He would reign forever more.

Written 3/9/82 by the Lord & Angel

A crown of thorns upon His head –                                      for Easter Sunrise Service

Above Him “The King of the Jews”;

Jesus said, “Forgive them –

For they know not what they do.”

Church Activity Schedule for April 2010

4/1      6:00 PM           Bell Choir  practice (weekly, each Thur.)

7:00 PM           Adult choir (weekly, each Thur.)

8:00  PM          Praise Team practice  (every Thur)

4/2      7:00 PM           Good Friday Worship

4/4 6:00  AM         Sunrise Worship   (Kissinger’s)

8:15  AM         All Church breakfast

9:00  AM         Sunday school

10:15  AM Easter Celebration Worship “Why Die?”                            John 20:1 – 18

4/11 9:00  AM         Sunday School

10:15  AM        Celebration Worship                           “Awesome in Glory”              Selected Scriptures

4/12     6:00  AM        Meat Canning – Ephrata Christian Aid Ministries

4/17    7:30  AM         Men’s prayer breakfast

6:00  PM         Faith Dinner                New Fairview COB

4/18 9:00 AM          Sunday School

10:15 AM          Celebration Worship                           “I was there: John”                 John 21:1 – 19

Lamplighter articles due today

12:00 noon        Golden Age Dinner

4/24    8:00 AM          District Women’s Spring Luncheon (Greencastle COB)

4/25 9:00  AM         Sunday School

10:15  AM         Celebration Worship                           “Do you know my voice?”    John 10:14-16; 22 – 30

4/27                             CAS   18^th annual Lehman Center Auction (4-H Center)

5/1       5:30 PM          District Missions Dinner      Newville COB

April  Birthdays

2 – Linda Kern                        13   Paul Veverka                    19   Tyler Snelbaker   

5    Conner Snyder                  14   Cadin Snyder                   20   Troy Lehigh

8    Carol Kauffman                15   Kim Gingerich                  21   Joann Kozyrev

Bernice Ness                            Muriel Reynold               22   Brady Loucks

Herb Stump                             Kaitlin Miller                          Dylan Loucks

11  Nicole Williams                        Mike Brenneman             25   Mabel Schell

12  Ralph Miller                                                                     26   Paul Ritchey, Sr.