Christmas is Coming!
As you may have heard me say, our family loves Lego models!
Sometimes when our kids were younger and they were given a Lego model for a gift, the grandparents would say something like this: "when I come back again, I want to see the finished project."
There's something fascinating about the way a confusion jumble of parts can be transformed into a big and elaborate model when you follow the directions correctly!
In a similar way, I think Jesus, the giver of all good gifts, says to us: "when come back, I want to see the finished project!"
Jesus has entrusted those who believe in Him with the task of building His Kingdom by the power of His Holy Spirit. But we may quickly realize that this isn't always as simple as following a "step-by-step" instruction manual in a Lego set. Life is complicated and complex. We still face many unforeseen challenges and struggles as we await the return of Jesus.
Advent reminds us of both the first coming of our Savior, and His second coming, and it gives us the opportunity to consider Hope, even amidst the trials of life.
What challenges or decisions are you facing today? Where do you need wisdom? What confusing or surprising situations confront you as you look ahead to 2026?
In keeping with our Advent theme of Hope, we can remember that our Hope is secure because God is With Us!
And this Hope can guide us to change the world, because God is Love!
In the Christmas story, in Matthew chapter 1, Joseph was faced with his own surprising and confusing situation. Joseph appeared to be a wise and righteous man, but he was confronted with a new situation for which his own wisdom and righteousness did not adequately prepare him.
You can read his account in Matthew 1:18-23—
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
Let's understand the complexity here—Joseph & Mary are engaged to be married, but then suddenly Mary is pregnant, and Joseph is not the baby's father (uh oh). In any relationship, that would be complicated, but in their Hebrew culture, this would have been incredibly scandalous for a variety of reasons…
Joseph didn't have a "step-by-step" instruction manual to follow for this situation. But fortunately for him, he received special instructions directly from an Angel of the Lord about what to do next.
While we may not have angelic messengers telling us what to do each day, we do have the very real presence of God With Us through His Holy Spirit, and we have the guidance of God's Word as well. The Word of God as revealed through Jesus reminds us that God's Love simplifies what the world over-complicates.
Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit, puts it this way in Romans 13:9-10, evoking the words that Jesus quoted from Leviticus 19:18—Paul says,
'The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'
According to Paul, Love is the instruction manual!
Love is our theme for the fourth Sunday of Advent. Love simplifies what is complicated. Love fulfills the law. Love motivates us and reminds us that we have work to do, along with God's Holy Spirit. We are meant to live fearlessly for God, receiving the peace of Jesus as we learn from the Holy Spirit, remembering that "There is no fear in Love" (1 John 4:18)
Because God is Love (I John 4:8, 16), and God is With Us, we have Hope for whatever life brings our way, and we can expect Big things from our Big God! Seek Him for wisdom and direction, and let God's Love guide you!
This Sunday -- Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:25 Traditional Worship
We will share our welcome and announcements at 8:25, followed by a musical prelude for a time of quiet reflection before our opening prayer.
Love Has Come! #256
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne #292
I Cannot Tell #354
O How He Loves You and Me #349
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #648
9:45 Sunday School for all ages
Check out our Sunday School classes and other Care Group ministries on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
Angels We Have Heard on High #278
Battle Belongs
Revelation Song
Graves Into Gardens
*While we love and encourage good conversation and fellowship in the Gathering Place, please remember to quietly respect the worship services as you are entering or exiting near the beginning or ending of the services. Thank You!
Prayer Updates
Thank you for the prayers for my father, Larry Bistline. His procedure yesterday was successful! Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery.
Continue to remember the Fleagle family in your prayers, as they mourn the passing of Arnie's wife, Virginia Faye Fleagle.
Funeral services will be conducted by The Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, Ohio, and the services will take place at Living Vine Church (formerly Stow Alliance Fellowship) at 4460 Stow Road, Stow, Ohio. Visitation will take place on Friday, December 26th, from 5-8 pm. And the Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 27th, at 11:00 am. There will be an additional visitation opportunity prior to the service, from 9:30 -10:45 am.
The Committal Service will take place at Air Hill Cemetery in Chambersburg, PA., on Monday, December 29th at 2 pm.
Welcome our Visitation Director, Jessie Duggan!
After a prayerful search process, we have hired a new Director of Visitation – Jessica Duggan.
Jessie comes to us from the Carlise COG, and she also serves part time with the ERC Ministry Training Institute (MTI). She herself has also recently completed this theological training program with our denomination. She brings with her years of experience with providing care to people in a variety of roles—including visiting family and working professionally in retirement facilities, volunteering with a therapeutic riding program, a food pantry, and the GriefShare ministry, and also caring for clients and running her own business for 25 years.
Jessie is looking forward to getting to know our Church family at worship times, at Community Night, and at other special events. She will be available in the Church Office every Wednesday if you would like to meet with her, and will be available for home and hospital visits throughout the week as able and as needed also, serving alongside our other visitation ministry leaders and servants. You can contact Jessie at the Church office (717-532-8421) or by sending her an email at: VisitationDirector@shipfcog.org
Be sure to welcome Jessie and her husband, Frank, as you see them around!
Retirement Celebration
There will be a Retirement Celebration for Pastor Gary on Saturday, December 27 at 5pm. In appreciation of his years of service, we want to invite you all out for an evening of laughter & memories as we share a meal together and celebrate what God has done through the faithful service of Gary & Joyce. We are expecting a great turn out (more than we could comfortably fit in Crossroads Station), so we are partnering with our church family at Greenvillage Church of God to host the event (located right down Rt. 11 at 5164 Philadelphia Ave Chambersburg, PA 17202).
If you haven't already done so, please RSVP to the church office ( secretary@shipfcog.org ) to help us with planning for the meal, and begin thinking of funny or thoughtful stories you'd like to share about your memories with Pastor Gary!
Christmas Event Recap
Last weekend we had some more wonderful opportunities to bring in the Christmas Season with our community friends and neighbors, including the Herald Brass concert and Christmas Caroling! Thanks to everyone who has planned, prepared, and participated in all of our special Christmas Events!
Christmas Eve Services
We want to invite you to our Christmas Eve Services! We will have a contemporary style, family-friendly service at 6:00pm, featuring some special music from our children's ministry kids and a children's message, and our traditional Cantata at 11:00pm, entitled "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly." Both will include candle lighting.
The Cantata will also be available online at our website and our YouTube Channel.
Invite your friends and family and let's celebrate together!
Handicapped Parking Spaces & Overflow Parking
As the holidays approach, church attendance often increases, so let us be mindful of how we can be considerate and hospitable in our parking lot in the following ways:
There are several handicapped parking spaces available in our parking lot located near the handicapped entrance for those with a need and proper handicapped tags. Please refrain from using the handicapped spots along E. Martin Ave. which are intended for the congregation of the Prince Street Church.
In the event of additional parking needs, overflow parking is available at our Annex building across N Prince St. and behind Orrstown Bank, just a short walk up on E. Martin Ave. There are a few spots that have been shared with us behind Weigle & Associates Law Office down S. Gettle Ave. available for Sunday parking as well.
If you are comfortable walking a longer distance, please consider utilizing one of these overflow areas to accommodate our visiting guests and those who cannot walk as far.
Thank you!
Birthday Card Shower for Glenn Lytle
On December 20th Glenn Lytle Turns 99!
Our family invites you to send birthday greetings to him in his Church Mailbox or at his home (222 East Garfield Street, Shippensburg PA 17257).
Communications Updates
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
*If you or your small groups, committees, etc., are planning special events involving the facilities, please be sure to communicate with the church office so we can best accommodate your needs and coordinate planning details between various ministries—Thank You!
The December edition of our "FYI" Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or the center section of the Sanctuary, and December is coming soon! The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
I am looking forward to worshipping with you in the Sanctuary or Online this Sunday!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Our Activities Calendar & Events
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for the Arnie Fleagle’s family. This afternoon, God called Arnie’s wife, Faye, to her eternal home. They live in Ohio, and Arnie will be officiating the service.
Faye is Denny and Margie Fleagle’s sister-in-law.
Heaven is rejoicing, yet the loss on this earth is hard.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
We are praising God along with Kevin and Lisa Angle who welcomed a grandson into their family. Dane was born on Friday, December 12. The proud parents are Tanner and Allie.
Please pray for Phil Byers who is dealing with tooth pain.
Please pray for the Living Stones, Young Adults, Youth, and Children who are Christmas Caroling to residents in local Nursing Homes this afternoon.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
"Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things!" Psalm 98:1
He is always at work, in our joys and in our challenges!
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for Mick and Dottie Martin’s neighbors, Andrea and Nate Gulnack, who are grieving their stillborn baby.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for the following:
Carol Bodah as she grieves the passing of her brother Fred who lived in Florida.
Denny Fleagle as he recovers from his surgery.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7
In Caring,
Pastor Gary
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for the following:
Connie Heberlig is now back at Celebration Villa.
Mick and Dottie Martin’s neighbors, Nate and Andrea Glunack. Andrea is hospitalized due to challenges she is facing in her pregnancy. The baby is not due for some time.
Patti Slozat shared the following concerning her husband, Ron’s, surgery: “From all indications, Ron's ablation surgery seems to be successful! However, they cut his tonsil and had to cauterize and stitch it. They also cut and bruised his tongue. This caused him a lot of pain for a while and we had to spend the night at the hospital. We are planning on leaving for Florida on Tuesday.”
Thank you for partnering in prayer!
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” Malachi 4:2
In Caring,
Pastor Gary
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for our following friends:
Please pray for Randy Shenk who is now recovering at Chambersburg Skilled Nursing and Rehab.
Ron Slozat, Patti’s husband, is scheduled for heart ablation surgery on Friday at Hershey.
Herb Weaver is scheduled for knee replacement surgery tomorrow in York.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Sunday is Coming!
Next month, a “heavenly visitor” from outside our solar system will come near to earth. An interstellar comet labeled “3i/ATLAS” will be at its closest point to our planet on December 19th. It will not light up the sky like the Christmas Star followed by the Magi, but it is remarkable because it is an object from outside our solar system which is just passing through. This is only the 3rd object of its type that astronomers have observed. Don’t worry, while it will come close to our planet, there is no danger of impact (and it is not an alien spacecraft).
(path of comet 3i/ATLAS through the solar system)
The physical world that God has created is a marvelous thing to study and observe, and this is a unique opportunity for scientists to study a piece of the distant “heavens” as it comes near. But even more marvelous than that, is the fact that in a spiritual sense, through Jesus, Heaven has indeed come near! We can celebrate this as we Give Thanks!
This weekend we will reflect on some signs that the Heavenly Kingdom of God has come near. According to Jesus, there is indeed a plentiful harvest, and the message that Jesus told his disciples to proclaim is this:
‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
But in moments of uncertainty or discouragement, we might ask, how do we know that God is at work? How can we trust that the Kingdom of Heaven is advancing, as Jesus proclaimed?
There are many signs—but one thing to watch for is when God’s people are obedient to Go and serve the church and the world, as workers in the Harvest Fields.
That is Exciting News: We’ve all got a part to play in revealing the Nearness of the Kingdom of God!
As we read in Luke 10:2-3, He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
Look what Jesus says to his Disciples—"The harvest is plentiful…” and then he says “Go!”
How do we respond to these statements?
This weekend we will wrap up this series in which we have made some connections between the Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament and the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. Here’s a quick review:
In Isaiah 6:8, we find the familiar passage—
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah is a model of someone who eagerly and obediently desired to go to proclaim the Word of God—even though God told Isaiah that he will send him with a message that will not be properly heard or understood in his own lifetime.
When we fast-forward to the New Testament: In Luke 8:10, Jesus says—
“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’”
Jesus is quoting from Isaiah here, speaking about the fulfillment of all those ancient prophesies which looked forward to the time when people would begin to understand the Word of God more clearly (more will be said about this next month during Advent!).
Jesus is revealing “the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of God” to those who follow him! And as we have seen, Jesus sends out all of his disciples as messengers to share these secrets “to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).
The Big Picture of the New Testament reveals that You and I have a part to play in this amazing story! We are invited to Join Jesus in proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom of God!
We will study Luke 10 to see how we can join Jesus in his Kingdom work, and we will celebrate some signs of this in our own church family—including some updates and highlights from our own ministries at SFCOG and an exciting announcement! We will also have the opportunity as a church family to pray over some individuals who are beginning new ministry opportunities as well.
I hope you will join us as we celebrate the nearness of the kingdom of heaven!
This Sunday
8:25 Traditional Worship
We will share our welcome and announcements at 8:25, followed by a musical prelude for a time of quiet reflection before our opening prayer.
Now Thank We All Our God #788
In All Things Give Him Thanks #789
For The Beauty Of The Earth #793
All Creatures Of Our God And King #63
Oh Lord Our Lord / Give Thanks
9:45 Sunday School for all ages
Check out our Sunday School classes and other Care Group ministries on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
Revelation Song
Christ Be Magnified
Tremble
Indescribable
We will have a special time of prayer commissioning for two people who are beginning new ministries.
Thanksgiving Week!
Special Events
This Weekend, we have 2 opportunities to share our facilities:
Prayer Updates
Retirement Celebration
There will be a Retirement Celebration for Pastor Gary on Saturday, December 27 at 5pm. In appreciation of his years of service, we want to invite you all out for an evening of laughter & memories as we share a meal together and celebrate what God has done through the faithful service of Gary & Joyce. We are expecting a great turn out (more than we could comfortably fit in Crossroads), so we are partnering with our church family at Greenvillage Church of God to host the event (located right down Rt. 11 at 5164 Philadelphia Ave Chambersburg, PA 17202).
You will find sign-up sheets around the building, so please RSVP to help us with planning for the meal, and begin thinking of funny or thoughtful stories you’d like to share about your memories with Pastor Gary!
Christmas Activities
As the holidays approach, there will be many other special opportunities to worship and serve and celebrate together.
We’ve made a list of Christmas activities & ministries that has everything all in one convenient place for you. Pick one up in the Gathering Place—you could also take a few and share them with your friends & family!
Here are a few highlights:
Map:
You can also check out the November FYI Newsletter to learn more details about all of these upcoming events.
Communications Updates
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
The November edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or the center section of the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Looking forward to worshipping with you in the Sanctuary or Online this Sunday!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Our Activities Calendar & Events
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for Lisa Dubbs who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Hello Church Family,
I have two matters of prayer for our Church Family to share with you today:
Also keep the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry in your prayers as the Annex serves as a drop off center this week for other churches in the area.
On that note, please be aware that our “Kinetics” adult Bible study will be meeting in the Sanctuary tomorrow night, since shoebox collection will be in the Annex where they usually meet.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
--I Peter 1:3-4
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for …
Bob Commerer whose surgeon was pleased with the procedure and who hopefully will be coming home today.
Kevin Reed whose doctor was pleased with the procedure and who is now home, but probably will deal with pain for a few days.
Deb Weaver and her family as they grieve the passing of her mother last evening.
Please join us in praying for comforting and healing for our friends.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 3:1-4
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for Deb, Bryce, Andrew, and Levi Pelow, as they grieve the passing of Deb’s father, Willis Piper. Please uplift Deb’s mom, Beverly, who is beginning to heal from fractured ribs and a fractured vertebrae now in the midst of sorrow.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
In Caring,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Dear Family,
Please pray for the following:
Bob Commerer who is scheduled for back surgery tomorrow morning.
Deb Pelow’s parents, Willis and Beverly, who are both facing some challenging health concerns.
Kevin Reed who is scheduled for sinus surgery early tomorrow afternoon.
Linda Stoker’s niece Ashley, is in the hospital due to a tubular pregnancy. She is 7 weeks, and they are scheduling her for surgery to remove the tube. Please pray for a successful surgery. Her husband's name is Kevin.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
“... for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26f
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
In the midst of our sorrow and loss, we are thankful for Nancy Mellott as this morning she met her Lord and Savior face-to-face! She is free of all limitations and is enjoying all that He has prepared for her.
We grieve and pray for comfort for the family as they navigate through their loss.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family,
Please pray for …
Nancy Mellott who is back at Lutheran SpiTrust and now in skilled nursing. Pray that they can keep her comfortable in the midst of her pain.
Rick Morris who is in a hospital in Pittsburgh as he recovers from surgery.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Dear Family
Jennifer Shumway would like prayer for Ellen's (Ellen was the nurse that Jennifer recruited to be one of my home nurse's while I was recovering) granddaughter, Maddie. She is a teenager. She was lethargic, taken to hospital for tests. She had a seizure and was life-lined to Hershey. Her Co2 levels are high. Thank you!🙏🙏
Deb Weaver is asking for prayer her mom. Last Friday she was having heart problems. On Monday, they installed a pacemaker. On Tuesday she came home. Wednesday morning, she had a major stroke. They flew her to York. They're bringing her back to Chambersburg Hospital this evening. The family has some tough decisions to make. She is 95 years old and ready to go.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
"Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed at that moment." Matthew 9:22
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
