Shippensburg First Church Of God Blog Site: 'For God so loved the World...' SFCOG updates for 2/4/24

Missions Sunday is coming!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse in the New Testament, but how often do we stop to consider the full context of this verse, including its implications for ourselves Personally, and the world Globally?

This weekend our Compelled to Serve committee will present Missions Sunday. Phil Schiavoni will be sharing an update about his ministry to College Students through Coalition for Christian Outreach, and bringing a message from the Gospel of John: “ A Fresh Look at the Most Familiar Passage”. Learn more about Phil and his Ministry here: Philip Schiavoni - CCO | Campus Ministry (ccojubilee.org)

There will also be a combined Sunday School hour featuring reports from missions in the Dominican Republic by the Negley family and Paige Smith.

Cross Roads Station Celebrations!

With the completion of the renovation project, we are planning some opportunities to dedicate this new space to the Lord’s Service! On Sunday, February 18^th, we will have an opportunity to gather in the new fellowship hall for a prayer service. More details will be shared soon, but please plan to join us in prayer on that morning!

Also in March, we hope to host our first all-church fellowship meal in Cross Roads Station after our morning services. A final date is still being determined, but we can begin to look forward to gathering together as a church family to share a meal for the first time in the new Fellowship Hall very soon!

Upcoming Events

This Sunday afternoon, all are invited to go to Camp YoliJwa for their annual Winter Picnic, featuring family friendly activities starting at 3:00, a meal at 4:00, a presentation about our National Parks at 5:00, and devotions led by Pastor Rodney at 6:00. The camp is providing hot dogs, and each family is asked to bring a side dish such as salads, desserts, or snacks. You can learn more at Winter Picnic — Doubling Gap Center, Home of camp YoliJwa.

Get Connected will not meet on the first Sunday of February (2/4), but it will be rescheduled for February 11. Get Connected is an opportunity to learn about our Sunday School Classes, Care Groups, and other Small Groups and Ministries that are offered here at SFCOG. It’s a great way to learn more about our Church Family and how you can be involved!

Next Sunday is Scout Sunday! Each week, we host over 60 Cub Scouts as they learn to ‘do their best to do their duty to God and country, and to help others.’ In both services, we will hear some brief updates about the scouting program, and scout families are being encouraged to attend. Let’s encourage these families and show them a warm welcome!

Our next Baptism service is scheduled for February 25^th. If you or someone in your family is considering this important step of faith, please sign up in the Gathering Place or respond to this email by February 18.

“A Weekend to Remember” is coming to Hershey on February 9-11. This is a wonderful time to strengthen your marriage and experience a weekend away. You can save $100 if you register as part of our Church. You can register at this link: Weekend To Remember Marriage Retreat - FamilyLife® --When registering, we ask that you use the following code: ShippensburgFirstChurchofGod (no spaces). By using this code, the church receives a free couple registration for every five couples registered, and you receive the $100 discount. There are some free registration spots available. If you would be interested in utilizing a free registration, please let us know!

Senior Ministry Highlights

We are hoping to resume the Living Stones senior ministry (for people age 50+). If you would like to be involved on a planning team for this ministry, please contact Pastor Gary ( visitation_and_discipleship@shipfcog.org ).

On February 17, there will be a special brunch for Widows, Widowers, & Singles (age 50+) at 10:30 in the Annex. Come join in for some food and fellowship.

The annual Good Friday Luncheon provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the Busch Trust Fund will be taking place in the Cross Roads Station fellowship hall on March 29 at Noon. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register in advance for planning purposes.

Outreach Collection Opportunity

We are collecting donations for the Circle of Love ministry. They are in need of any size of these items:

shampoo
body wash
conditioner
shaving cream
ladies' deodorant
toothpaste (please note: NO TOOTHBRUSHES are needed at this time)

Collecting will continue through January and February in a container in the vestibule of the Sanctuary, closest to Cross Roads Station. Thank you for sharing with our community!

I pray that God continues to reveal to you how much He Loves You and the World as you seek to live for Him!

Pastor Rodney Bistline

Shippensburg First Church of God

seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org