November Lamplighter
Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
November 2007
Editor: Lillian Geltz
vFrom the Pastor’s Desk
I hope you all are being challenged by the series of messages about the Bible – at least as challenged as I have been in preparing them. I remain convinced that there is no greater area of our belief system and faith that needs more dedicated attention than making time, taking time, to read the Bible. The pressures of our busy lifestyles continue to vie for our time, but we simply must dedicate a portion of our time to the reading and study of God’s Word.
Moreover, that reading must be done not in a feeling of obligation, but in a spirit of anticipation and willingness to apply our learnings to our daily life. If we just read for information, we are still cheating ourselves of the many blessings and rewards God has in store for us as we apply His Word and its principles in our daily walk of life. God gave us His Word as gift, a priceless gift, and we truly cheat ourselves when we fail to accept that gift in all its fullness and its necessity for our maturing in faith.
Our society has done too good a job of trying to eliminate the Bible from many aspects of our life: from history and morals and direction, to our laws and our very freedom to live in religious freedom. By casting doubt on the truth of God’s Word, and trying to remove its influence in our daily lives, our culture has eroded our desire and belief in the authority of the Bible for our very life.
I hope you will seriously consider attending the latest Bible study offered on alternating Sunday evenings here at MACOB. We will be closely studying the first 11 chapters of Genesis and many other portions of Scripture as being foundational for our faith and belief in the entire Bible. God’s account of Creation is in direct contradiction to the theory of evolution and as Christians we must understand the truth of God’s Word as the basis for our faith.
The series of messages concerning the Bible and its importance in our everyday life will conclude on November 4th, but the power and necessity and relevance of the Bible for our daily life will never end. All of life in its many and varied aspects is in a constant state of change, but God’s Word never changes. And our need to read and understand and apply that ‘roadmap for life’ will never diminish.
vAnnual Fall Church Council Meeting
All active and interested members of the congregation should plan to attend the regular Fall Council meeting, on Sunday November 11th at about 1:00 PM. Elections for Church Board and other offices will be held during the 10:15 Worship time. After Worship, there will be a soup and sandwich lunch provided by the Church, with ice cream for dessert. Following the lunch, Council will convene to work on and adopt a 2008 budget, hear reports, learn the results of the election, and other items of business and interest to all. Everyone is invited to Worship, to lunch, and to the Council meeting. As members of the body of Christ, and this Church, we all have the privilege and responsibility to be a part of the ministry, and decisions that affect the workings of that ministry. Join us for the day of Worship and fellowship and decision.
vBible Challenge Questions
1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of … a. knowledge or b. wisdom ?
2. Who was the man of short stature who climbed a tree to see Jesus walk by?
3. Why did the Sadducees try to trick Jesus with a question about the Resurrection?
vBible Study Schedule:
1st and 3rd Sunday each month Bible study relative to Creation/evolution 6:30 PM
2nd and 4th Sunday each month Bible study on relevant topics & prayer 6:30 PM
2nd and 4th Thursday each month. Bible study (John) noon
1st and 3rd Tuesday each month Bible study (Genesis) 7 PM
Friday night – once/ month Bible study/prayer group 7 PM
Every Sunday morning at 9 AM Sunday school – all ages
Please consider your invitation to join any or all of these ongoing Bible study opportunities. We welcome the request for other times and places to start new studies as well. Remember, our entire denomination was begun on the basis of a small group Bible study. Let’s get back to our spiritual roots.
vSo what really happened to the dinosaurs? (repeat article from 10/07)
Have you ever asked that question? How about: Who did Cain marry? How old is the earth? Did dinosaurs live millions and millions of years ago? Or did dinosaurs and man live together? Did Adam (and others) really live to be over 900 years old? How is that possible? Did God create the world in 6 days, or was it 6 years, or 600 years, or……? What was the world like before the flood? Did the flood really cover the whole earth? Is the theory of evolution true – has science proven it to be true? What does evolution really teach? Are the Bible and evolution compatible? Were there dinosaurs on the ark? What happened to the Garden of Eden? Is there a connection between Darwin and Hitler???? Do the school shootings in the US have any relevance to ‘natural selection’ – the mainstay of evolution?
Can we believe the Bible? Is there any scientific proof for Biblical claims? We live in faith and we are called to believe the Bible – even those things we cannot explain. How much of the Bible can we not explain? How does the fossil record stack up for evolution versus Biblical record?
If any of these questions bother you, or pique your interest, or even upset you, are you willing to examine the Bible to try to answer them? Can you believe the Bible? Is it true?
Beginning October 21 and continuing on the first and third Sundays of each month following, a CD and DVD presentation on the Bible and Creation in relation to the theory of evolution will be offered here at MACOB. Beginning at 6:30 PM in the Reynold Room with discussion following, we will examine some of the more challenging questions pertaining to the strength of our faith.
I’d like to thank you for letting me help out with the Worship service. I sure enjoy participating with the Worship each October and at other times. When I started to talk to everyone at Church, my mom used to love to help write my speech for me. I miss her very much but I know she is in a better place.
Written by: Donna Hash.
Addendum to the preceding letter:
Donna is in a special group known as Expressions at the Margaret Moul Home. She and the members of her group are putting together boxes for the troops overseas. She would greatly appreciate if you would support their efforts (since their ability to get out and procure items is very limited) by buying and bringing suitable items to her. Following is a list of some suggested things that are appropriate to send. One note: items are needed by November 16th. Thank you for helping. You can either take the items directly to Donna or give them to the Pastor and he’ll see that they are delivered on time.
CD’s, phone cards, powdered drink mixes, snacks (granola bars, jerky, candy-no chocolate!- dried fruit), personal care items, reading material, etc. are just a few suggestions.
vAnswers to Bible Challenge questions:
1. Both! (Prov.1:7, Prov. 9:10) 2. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2) 3. Because they didn’t believe in a resurrection (Luke 20:27)
vMen’s Breakfast
For several years now, the men of the Church, as well as guests, gather in the Fellowship Hall on the 3rd 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 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 grow with us in our relationship as men and in our growth in the Spirit. For Nov., it’s on Saturday, November 17th – 7:30 AM.
vDistrict Conference Report
The Southern PA District conference was held September 28th & 29th at the Waynesboro COB under the theme, “Whoever Serves Me Must Follow Me.” After all the reports and elections on Friday came the best and most important part of the day: the worship and re-licensing service. John Layman challenged us to be like spandex – Are we stretched as far as God wants us to be His people? Ralph miller received his certificate of achievement for completing his ministry training. Congratulations, Ralph. Walt Wilschek continued to challenge us during the Sunday morning worship with his message on the conference theme, including a humorous story that Pastor Godfrey appreciated.
There were 150 delegates and 108 non-delegates registered to listen and prayerfully make important decisions on our behalf for all of us to follow. One of the most important insight sessions was a query on the Bunkertown COB concerning “the need to impact cities in the name of Jesus.” The COB travels to different locations each year for our Annual Conference representing the Lord Jesus. Within these cities are already established ministries doing good work in the streets for the same Lord. The query asks: What can we do to join with existing ministries to assist in the work of caring, giving and transforming lives in the name of our Lord, Christ Jesus?” We do have a blood drive each year that supports the local blood bank, and the youth participate in local service projects and march through the city promoting peace, but what more can we do? This query was accepted and will be sent on to the Annual Conference Committee for further study. There is a great need for us to represent the COB wherever we travel and to let people know that we love our Lord and do all service in His name.
The next District conference will be held at the York First COB on September 19 & 20, 2008. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to participate.
In His Service
Treva Gingerich, District Conference delegate
vGiant Gift Cards
For many years MACOB operated a food pantry here at Church. For a variety of reasons, that pantry was discontinued. About three 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 for food at Giant. So, indirectly, we have all been involved in this ministry.
For two 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; the cards are the same as cash, but the church is able to receive more free cards as we sell more. This is an easy & convenient way to support our ministry to those in need without any real cost to ourselves.
vChristmas Party!
When: Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 5:30 Please bring a side dish or dessert.
What: Lots of fun and fellowship! Roast beef & beverages provided
Who: Any and all MACOB members, friends & family
Come one and all!
vMinistry Commission
Along with the regular matters of the Commission, we have been working on our annual evaluation of the Pastors and Staff. If you’d like to be a part of the evaluation process, please see one of the members of the Commission and we’ll give you a form to help in the effort. And at any time, if you have comments or critiques about the Pastors or any of our Staff, please make your thoughts known to the Commission. We appreciate your input at all times.
vWomen’s Fellowship
November 6 Meeting/Prayer Group 9 AM
November 9 Make Christmas Candy 9 AM
November 26 Brethren Home Volunteer Day
December 4 Christmas Luncheon at Old Country Buffet 11:15 AM
December 16 Christmas Tea after Worship
fThanks to all who supported our Soup & Bread sale and especially to the Kissingers who donated corn.
fChristmas Candy will be ready for pick-up any Sunday after November 9th.
fLadies, come and join us for the Christmas Luncheon at Old Country Buffet on December 4th at 11:15.
fWe would appreciate any donations for the Christmas Tea on December 16th following Worship.
fChristmas in Loganville is on November 17th and The Lehman Center has tables at Codorus COB . It’s a great opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts at reasonable prices.
fThey will NOT be selling Entertainment Books this year.
Your Joy Proclaim
With thankful hearts we humbly pray- There are those who on this day -
As it is once again Thanksgiving Day. Never take the time to pause, pray;
When families gather to share in love - Taking for granted the blessings given-
Realizing the blessings sent from above. Running to and fro, so fast they’re living.
We’re grateful, Lord, for all you’ve done- Years go by, precious time is lost-
As we begin each day ‘til setting sun. Take the time to count the cost.
For health, strength and daily food - Serving wisely in Christ’s name -
All that is proper, right and good. To all the world, “your joy proclaim.”
Written 11/22/95 by the Lord and angel
vReorganizational Meeting for Church Board - 11/13/07
All members of the General Church Board, both those whose terms expire at the end of 2006 and those persons newlv elected for terms starting in January of 2008, should plan to attend the re-organizational meeting set for 7PM, Tuesday, Nov. 13th. New Commission alignments, dates and times will be set at this important meeting
Church Calendar & Schedule
11/1 6:30 PM Bell Choir practice (every Thursday)
7:30 PM Senior Choir practice (every Thursday
11/4 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Why read the Bible?” Proverbs 1:1 – 7
11/7 7:00 PM Praise Team practice (every Wednesday)
11/11 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “Hiding – or seeking?” Luke 19:1 – 10
11/11 1:00 PM Church Council Meeting
11/13 7:00 PM Church Board re-organizational meeting
11/17 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
11/18 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “What do I know?” Luke 20:27 - 38
Lamplighter articles due today
11/25 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM Worship Celebration “20 Mule Team faith” 2nd Thessalonians 3:6 - 13
November Birthdays!
1 Jay Rishel 20 Justin Hoerner 26 Richard King
6 Phyllis Morthland 21 Christie Summers Robert King
7 Mike Melhorn Brenda Linebaugh Deanna Crawford
10 Connie Venable 30 Alysha Ritchey
12 Jane Brenneman 24 Jim Venable
15 Virginia King Stanley Dellinger
19 Samantha Kern