Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

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

The Lamplighter
March 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
In recent weeks I’ve read several books and articles concerning the topics of Church Growth, revitalizing declining churches, the spiritual state of the Church in the US, and factors leading to Church growth and vitality. The more I read, the more I am convinced that MACOB has all the necessary ingredients to embark on an intentional journey of spiritual and numerical growth. We seem to be missing only one thing: an excited willingness to begin the process.
Church revitalization and growth experts have found several key factors that are vital for progress in growing spiritual disciples. They include; 1. An increase in the importance and participation of an active prayer ministry 2. Renewed faith and belief in Jesus and dedication to His Word 3. Laypeople becoming more active in leadership 4. Increased emphasis on mission (outside the Church), evangelism, and community involvement and 5. A Worship service that is described as upbeat, celebrative, orderly, and exciting.
One of the interesting findings that ran through much of my reading is that the greatest hindrance to churches becoming active and growing has to do with attitude. Too many people are not willing to take the risk required to institute changes to meet a changing culture and society around us. The attitude of we just don’t have the resources, or we don’t have the time, we don’t have the leadership; we can’t, we don’t, …….
Overcoming our own negative outlook may well be the biggest obstacle we face in risking change and growth. But I am convinced we have the right people with the right skills, and, with the right attitude, we can follow Jesus’ job description for every one of us: “Go, and make disciples, teaching them to obey The Word….”
One of the most vital characteristic of many churches that are growing and have experienced great strides in renewed growth is the emphasis on prayer. As we prepare ourselves and our congregation for growth, let us all take a more intentional approach to our own prayer life. Join with two or three or more others and pray for the vision God would have us follow in making disciples for Him. Form a small group to study and pray and be ready to be surprised by what God can do with someone (or a whole congregation) who really gets serious about their faith. Read, study, pray. Let’s grow together.

Bible Challenge Questions
1. The Apostle Paul had a unique effect on the life of a young man named Eutychus.
In what way?
2. Who was famous for preaching to a whole pile of dry bones?
3. Who is being referred to: “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing….”?
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Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885
The Lamplighter
February 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

•From the Pastor’s Desk
I’d like to ask everyone’s support as we enter this new year - 2008. It’s quite evident that attendance here at MACOB has been on a steady decline for a number of years. Many of our long-time faithful members who were in Church regularly years ago have all gone on. We have not done a good job of evangelizing new people into the congregation. All that adds up to a growing concern about how long we will remain a viable congregation if we allow this trend to continue. Read the rest of this entry »

Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren                                                                                                

645 Madison Avenu

York, PA 17404          717.854.1885             
 The Lamplighter
October 2007

Editor:  Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
A friend of mine used to have a passion for reading ridiculous signs, that is, signs whose messages were impossible or (dare I say it – stupid!) unreasonable - signs like: “This door must stay closed at all times” or “do not touch burner; may be hot.”  One found on the bottom of a box: “Do not turn box upside down.” One of the signs he talked about was on a huge billboard along the highway. The sign consisted of one word and then a phone number underneath.  The word on the sign was “Illiterate?” and then the phone number. The point was that if you were illiterate, you could call this number for help in learning to read. But if you’re illiterate…….well, you get the point! Read the rest of this entry »