tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74943924943204618542024-03-28T14:16:18.095-07:00Shippensburg First Church Of God Blog SiteShippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-64644603086119080402024-03-28T14:15:00.001-07:002024-03-28T14:15:42.657-07:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Please join us in praying for the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sharon Dick’s family</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> as they grieve the passing of her brother today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Bill Jones</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> is going to Hershey for tests and a doctor appointment tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dee Thompson </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>is in York Hospital following several cardiac arrests and damage to her neck when she fell. Dee attends Fresh Start on Wednesday evenings and helps with Shippensburg Bible Adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Don Uglow, Jr.</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> is in Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center and is also battling pneumonia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black;border:solid #E5E7EB 1.0pt;padding:0in;background:white;font-weight:normal'>“</span></strong><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>” <strong><span style='border:solid #E5E7EB 1.0pt;padding:0in'>3 John 1:2</span></strong></span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>For His Glory,<span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFRT2p3NAVDR_8M_ahQuq3rhUMouGDWWkuhDUVQ7rw6oKkAjVUg-0hUNR3FpANQE8dwVsR8sc2yVYvGjsRW1szp0brMCGjRJWcuyo1q1w4orktmrzeu5lQ4NM_vkmeLxKyzVJ8n_XtcvAUxXJENA7B7VArqX702cC3srfCHKw1qrFYzMHOfA--1Gl75amF"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFRT2p3NAVDR_8M_ahQuq3rhUMouGDWWkuhDUVQ7rw6oKkAjVUg-0hUNR3FpANQE8dwVsR8sc2yVYvGjsRW1szp0brMCGjRJWcuyo1q1w4orktmrzeu5lQ4NM_vkmeLxKyzVJ8n_XtcvAUxXJENA7B7VArqX702cC3srfCHKw1qrFYzMHOfA--1Gl75amF=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351526056975517042" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-11639078600782454252024-03-27T13:21:00.001-07:002024-03-27T13:21:38.155-07:00Totality - SFCOG updates for Easter! (3/31)<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sunday is Coming<i> and Total Victory is Here!</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>*I'm sending this out early to remind you that there is <i>no Community Night tonight</i> (3/27), but we do have a special <b>Maundy Thursday</b> service tomorrow evening (2/28). Read on to prepare your hearts for Easter!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>--Matthew 28:9-10, 16-20<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Consider those final words of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, spoken after his victorious resurrection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There's a theme here:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><b>All</b> Authority<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><b>All</b> Nations<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><b>All</b> I have commanded you<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'>I am with you <b>Always</b>, to the <b>very end</b> of the age<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That last phrase is can be word-for-word translated <span style='color:red'>"I am with you <b>all</b> the days, until the <b>completion</b> of the age"</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notice the running theme is <i>completion</i>, totality, "<b>ALL</b>"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'<b>ALL'</b> saturates the Bible from start to finish. It is the heart of the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NIV">Genesis 1</a></b>, God says <b>All</b> that he made was 'Very Good'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When God calls <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2018%3A17%2D19&version=NIV">Abraham</a> and makes a Covenant with him, he says – "<b>all nations</b> on earth will be blessed through him."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of the Bible, in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=REvelation+21&version=NIV">Revelation 21:5</a>, God says "I am making <b>all things</b> new."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And to summarize, in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+cor+15&version=NIV">I Corinthians 15:26-28</a>, Paul identifies God as the "<b>all in all.</b>"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'<i>Totality'</i> is a word that may be on your minds, since we have a Total Solar Eclipse coming up very soon, on April 8.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>32 million people live in the path of totality. Here in Shippensburg, we will be at about 85%-90% totality… is it worth it to travel to the path of totality? I've been told that it is worth the drive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEBSQd0NVSuCW-H1jORtse85U2P8uYoFcL_IaUEpzaSu9vggv-vFoDE-gA7a43cM-YEE7sJa7U8Ww1DeyfBCTktN_reI58oeUg7NzrIVENx_WfjSgzwqV8OyZZLTLV1f97ZWwReATwXuFCTdZPmPs6Nl7_Ji1WF3_TKwE1VmH-LMtb9lbuhENTL9oRJoPq"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEBSQd0NVSuCW-H1jORtse85U2P8uYoFcL_IaUEpzaSu9vggv-vFoDE-gA7a43cM-YEE7sJa7U8Ww1DeyfBCTktN_reI58oeUg7NzrIVENx_WfjSgzwqV8OyZZLTLV1f97ZWwReATwXuFCTdZPmPs6Nl7_Ji1WF3_TKwE1VmH-LMtb9lbuhENTL9oRJoPq=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351141036489691346" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is something inspirational about Totality and Completeness. And yet, completion can be so far out of reach sometimes also – the chores are never done. Junk mail keeps coming. The rivers run ever into the sea, and yet the sea is never filled (as King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We don't know how to comprehend completion or wholeness because we live in world that is still broken and disconnected.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Are you feeling incomplete today? Broken? Like you don't have enough? Do you feel pulled in too many different directions? Experiencing tension? Are you burdened by the divisions and conflicts in the world?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I can say these things are true for me, and I'm sure many of you might feel the same.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But on this Easter, let us consider that the Resurrection of Jesus was the starting point of God's work to restore His Good Creation to <b>wholeness and completion</b> – the fullness of God's light may have been temporarily 'eclipsed' by the darkness of sin, but the Bible tells us that Jesus' victory over death is causing all things to be restored again!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We hope you can join us in person or <a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">online</a> to celebrate New Life together on Easter Sunday!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4MmlhRLPax6pNN8hmDZ-VJ-GiNKs7_3ubVPsx0qUcJhCgDy2vvaLS0R6-sl4pBI2gjAhl7X5ScXqkc208GP-ygfaKVEPwXGd5_q5NXCA7bEmlXfyUmC53l-cIU2ehT0JYcQUUimHjO1pwGb6NrQn5lwNTb5IrKFKQVc8lBub_nLwNeDQR8b0iG20oaclo"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4MmlhRLPax6pNN8hmDZ-VJ-GiNKs7_3ubVPsx0qUcJhCgDy2vvaLS0R6-sl4pBI2gjAhl7X5ScXqkc208GP-ygfaKVEPwXGd5_q5NXCA7bEmlXfyUmC53l-cIU2ehT0JYcQUUimHjO1pwGb6NrQn5lwNTb5IrKFKQVc8lBub_nLwNeDQR8b0iG20oaclo=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351141046724906258" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Our service times will not change for Easter Sunday<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>8:30 –</b>We will celebrate the Risen King:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Christ Arose #357<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Christ the Lord is Risen Today #367<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Because He Lives #358<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>We will also have some special choir numbers, and the service will end with a quartet presenting the <i>Hallelujah Chorus</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:00 –</b>We will Glorify God by declaring the victorious resurrection of Jesus:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> He Lives<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Your Grace is Enough<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Overcome<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Glorius Day<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>**Got any song requests?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Feel free to reply to this email with songs that you love, and our worship leaders will consider adding those to an upcoming worship time!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Check out our Spotify playlist featuring a variety of songs we sing on Sundays at 11:00:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSXwWvNh-sNYalOWQjnZ6b7idc9_8ogv7zqjleRixlXyYx7B00LcE-tMemcQOi20rgg-uHlmafp7VWKSdTsMSExIQjylhTgI6HKnDsgDg_JNKMsGfIWt_EeQdNCoivkNWLvTuILK5SkU5xnMwaOfT2YVIE21KNiQ7_yGPQeODRmMe5hNAvmDCx6t3Lhk1d"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSXwWvNh-sNYalOWQjnZ6b7idc9_8ogv7zqjleRixlXyYx7B00LcE-tMemcQOi20rgg-uHlmafp7VWKSdTsMSExIQjylhTgI6HKnDsgDg_JNKMsGfIWt_EeQdNCoivkNWLvTuILK5SkU5xnMwaOfT2YVIE21KNiQ7_yGPQeODRmMe5hNAvmDCx6t3Lhk1d=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351141053224406818" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Easter Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><i>March 27 – No Community Night<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>March 28 – Maundy Thursday Service</b> Communion and Feetwashing worship service at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>March 29 – Good Friday Busch Trust Luncheon </b>for ages 60+ at 12:00 noon in Crossroads Station (registration is full)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>March 31 – Resurrection Sunday</b> (normal worship times- 8:30am & 11:00am, special Easter activities for kids during Sunday School and 11:00)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKUWTLpriNy4JdNqcrjYs43EuZYmhsLSgaNzNSYBgFstdC4uhcVf4c7DDLJFJjCLV9-YA7Sy_waxDIA3N9VMi-al6LbjBi-ojGE_43gJ4GYreoI0npnJZ2caDXg8WaYPqhUN7JjEJIoY9bB6cx_rWbN9Ld4CKkyM5kAPNbVPPIHji2lnsnRRr_nChRWHOU"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKUWTLpriNy4JdNqcrjYs43EuZYmhsLSgaNzNSYBgFstdC4uhcVf4c7DDLJFJjCLV9-YA7Sy_waxDIA3N9VMi-al6LbjBi-ojGE_43gJ4GYreoI0npnJZ2caDXg8WaYPqhUN7JjEJIoY9bB6cx_rWbN9Ld4CKkyM5kAPNbVPPIHji2lnsnRRr_nChRWHOU=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351141062723516818" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Upcoming Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>Next Sunday, April 7, at 9:45 we will be holding our next <b>Get Connected</b> class. We provide this class once a month to help you learn more about the various <a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">small groups</a>, <a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong">ministries</a>, and <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">classes</a> that we offer. It's a great way to learn more about Shippensburg First Church of God.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'><b>April</b> is our final month of our Wednesday evening <a href="https://shipfcog.org/wednesday-community-night">Community Night</a> programs, and it's not too late to begin participating in these activities. There's something for every age group. We will have a closing program on Wednesday, April 24.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>In <b>May</b>, our Youth Group will continue to meet on Wednesday evenings for some special activities (mostly off-sight). Youth Families, watch for updates from our Youth Ministry via text. If you'd like to learn more or sign up to receive the youth group text communications, please respond to this email.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>Also on Wednesday evenings in <b>May</b>, we will be holding a special seminar to help you discover your <b>SHAPE</b>! SHAPE is an acronym for Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. This special 4-part class will help participants learn how God has uniquely designed each of us to serve the world for his purposes! <i>Stay tuned for more info!<o:p></o:p></i></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Communications Update!<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our weekly and monthly communication methods are being updated!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will soon be returning to a <b>weekly bulletin</b> that lists the worship songs for both services each Sunday, some helpful information to help you stay connected, and brief announcements for the week. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The "<b>FYI Newsletter</b>" has been a weekly printed publication, but we will be switching this to a monthly format and expanding it slightly. The first monthly edition will be for April, and it will be available this weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have information you would like to communicate, <b>communication request forms</b> are available from the church office or in the Gathering Place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Look for both of these resources at the Welcome Desk or in the center section of the Sanctuary. The weekly bulletin will also be available online.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><b>We are now on Instagram! </b>Follow us @ShipFirstChurchofGod<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let us celebrate the <b><i>Complete Victory</i></b> we have through Jesus, who has made a way for all people to be reunited with our Heavenly Father!<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQekPyT1gW47JlTqLQivK5vpZQIpFXUSphCsbEiKeytAcuENASKeZt1AJjrLj8sQnNWFWmj8V1-5qxwLufxYkACBQJCDP1IfFsgLdWEb9a4620CoGF8ajv73TgISX10357MbXA8XMf7-btI_tV7DdLfchnhrlys_-Lm--C_7p6UnESZmXo7it7RGsgiSf9"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQekPyT1gW47JlTqLQivK5vpZQIpFXUSphCsbEiKeytAcuENASKeZt1AJjrLj8sQnNWFWmj8V1-5qxwLufxYkACBQJCDP1IfFsgLdWEb9a4620CoGF8ajv73TgISX10357MbXA8XMf7-btI_tV7DdLfchnhrlys_-Lm--C_7p6UnESZmXo7it7RGsgiSf9=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7351141071266799266" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-9722345284594272342024-03-22T11:15:00.001-07:002024-03-22T11:15:06.503-07:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please pray for healing for <b>Bessie Jones nephew, Kyle,</b> who was involved in a motorcycle accident yesterday. He was taken Hershey Hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=text><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>“So do not fear, for I am with you;</span></b></span><span class=indent-1-breaks><b><span style='font-size:5.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span></b></span><span class=text><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>do not be dismayed, for I am your God.</span></b></span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> <span class=text><span style='background:white'>I will strengthen you and help you;</span></span></span></b><span class=indent-1-breaks><b><span style='font-size:5.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span></b></span><span class=text><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10</span></b></span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>For His Glory,<span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY_fzKKJ9r320PIjXpDjq5tszZEKn4Ng-kMn05KaQBhfdBasAy0FCzjAxXjNs30_3wpolSS9gIi1RUUpxYeUzPa_5l0FCJdy3DH-4X7MqhVFDp9-faQN77kyCvirwCpiQp3eANchcrjaJcryWfgwsxNx54u-ir-z1ymCIDq3r--56PD5dVtOHYbojOUbm7"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY_fzKKJ9r320PIjXpDjq5tszZEKn4Ng-kMn05KaQBhfdBasAy0FCzjAxXjNs30_3wpolSS9gIi1RUUpxYeUzPa_5l0FCJdy3DH-4X7MqhVFDp9-faQN77kyCvirwCpiQp3eANchcrjaJcryWfgwsxNx54u-ir-z1ymCIDq3r--56PD5dVtOHYbojOUbm7=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7349253005476032066" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-2192062995002317452024-03-22T07:31:00.001-07:002024-03-22T07:31:55.001-07:00Children’s Ministries Easter Announcements<div>Hello Church Family!</div><div><br></div><div>I wanted to pass along some special opportunities happening for our children to celebrate Easter! </div><div><br></div><div>In addition to the two announcements below, I wanted to inform you that we are working to reestablish a room for nursing mothers, and hoping to rearrange some of our children's classrooms! This also means there are a number of baby and children's items that are looking for a new home. Some baby swings and bouncers and other toys are currently arranged in the main area of the lower level if you would like to look through them. They will probably not stay there long, so check things out soon if you or someone you know could benefit from these items. </div><div><br></div><div>Let's continue to support and pray for our Children's ministries!</div><div>Pastor Rodney</div><div><br></div><div dir="ltr"></div><img alt="" src="https://go.kidcheck.com/CustomerImages/CustomerImages/9502/Images/Easter%20Eggstravaganza%20email.jpg" style="left: 39.4284px; top: 68.3884px; width: 869.554px; height: 460.573px;" data-unique-identifier=""><br><a href="https://forms.gle/XL9YcrTTUQoACzvt6"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Easter Eggstravaganza Click here to Sign-Up</span></a><br><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span><br><img alt="" src="https://go.kidcheck.com/CustomerImages/CustomerImages/9502/Images/Easter%20Email.jpg" style="font-size: 18px; left: 124.277px; top: 568.01px; width: 886.223px; height: 448.325px;" data-unique-identifier=""><br><strong style="font-size: 18px;">Any questions, please contact Jeanette Roberts or Becky Cramer (childrensministries@shipfcog.org)</strong><br><div dir="ltr"> <img src="https://u25025501.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.-2BBS17G-2B3easaFq8n9cDJIC4ZfI7P7-2FIHiRwpwECqZK4JENV-2BHl-2B6pXEd0OxUjDoLe4ny5kOFW0jAqzWNUv-2BfoSPAqucU5KTdJrYQYxw2lu1QlidCCLWBDVrWgE-2BiO52KvbAE3OQ4NggcrEV0ZidFe-2BNl5kmBfsAak0V6YOR4SIJyrXLTcDcu3lxA-2BnV0kqXZgCaGl35i5i-2F8tKLIB09rQ0LRneDhzb6qrBlJLiI2osc5RslYs18Nauu-2FaewEktyB" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" data-unique-identifier=""> </div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-48069999310453685002024-03-16T07:34:00.001-07:002024-03-16T07:34:34.329-07:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please be in prayer for the Jay and Loretta Clouse family as the grieve the passing of their son, Jay (Randy) on March 13. <span style='color:#626262;background:white'>A <b>viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 16, 2024 (this afternoon/evening) , at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home</b>. A celebration of Randy’s life will be planned for a future date and time, most likely at some point during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'>Cards may be sent: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> Jay Clouse<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> Hollar Drive, 86 SME<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> Shippensburg, PA 17257<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'>Loretta Clouse<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> c/o Shippensburg Rehabilitation and Health Care Center<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> 121 Walnut Bottom Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'> Shippensburg, PA 17257<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#626262;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;background:white'>“</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” </span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;background:white'>Revelation 21:4</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>For His Glory,<span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP7FdzH7ZVJsfEbZBoChzIWMTuXK0LCCmwBR2I8D6QQ-aSFmcuLs1PRev3uJH-eiGpmytduqzB_YuPGuNLrg0DguEJ9fnefzZ8Pxewn7fsJopfpGKydnD1lTpQ15H1q2xoWlnhfyLAwrdlcW5aP4lqs6VV0UE9VnwS58tMkcmQGolgGewyehvFhbkNlLSx"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP7FdzH7ZVJsfEbZBoChzIWMTuXK0LCCmwBR2I8D6QQ-aSFmcuLs1PRev3uJH-eiGpmytduqzB_YuPGuNLrg0DguEJ9fnefzZ8Pxewn7fsJopfpGKydnD1lTpQ15H1q2xoWlnhfyLAwrdlcW5aP4lqs6VV0UE9VnwS58tMkcmQGolgGewyehvFhbkNlLSx=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7346969664168723602" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-56989123144880245322024-03-14T09:09:00.000-07:002024-03-14T09:16:21.246-07:00SFCOG Updates for 3/17<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sunday is Coming</b>!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In college, my friends coined the phrase “Relationship Defining Talk” (RDT) to describe those often-awkward conversations that a young man might have with a young woman when discussing their friendship or dating situation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was about this time of the year in 2003 that I had an “RDT conversation” with my wife, Jen who was “just a friend” at the time. After that talk, we started “dating” and Jen became my “girlfriend.” About a year later we were engaged!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ve heard that in the modern dating scene there is some New Slang-- “<b>Situationship</b>.” This is when two people are in a relationship but they don’t talk about terms or titles or other details about the direction they are heading together. “Relationship Defining Talks” are awkward, so some people avoid them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I think many believers are in a “Situationship” with God. We’ve heard about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but we don’t always understand how this changes things for our daily lives, so we just kind of leave it “ambiguous” and may miss out on the blessings that full commitment to Jesus can bring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Truthfully, some people struggle to talk about relationships…they’ve been hurt before or seen bad examples in the world around them. It is also worth noting that following Jesus is <b>more about <i>action</i></b> than just <b><i>talk</i></b>. Recall that Jesus called his disciples to “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NIV">follow him</a>” into an adventure, not just meet for coffee <a href="https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/about">once in a while</a>… But as we will see, our relationship to God does affect our relationship to others, so it warrants our attention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the next part of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=NIV">Romans 8</a> which we will read this weekend, Paul “redefines” some relationships we face on our spiritual journey. To summarize, in Romans 8:12-25, Paul Redefines the Relationships we experience in life:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• between ourselves and the desires of our flesh,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• between God and people,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• between glory and suffering,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• between humankind and the natural world<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What Paul describes us much more <b>hopeful</b>, and much less <i>awkward</i>! Here’s just a glimpse:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:red'>‘For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”’<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Romans 8:14-15<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What a radical way to <i>redefine the relationship!</i> And this overflows into all areas of life, as we will see this Sunday. Hope you can join us in person or <a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">online</a>!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDDXpGDfKGLXiceDKxJq16jjp3IeIxoHFYGrkGCL_SAMZjGlTHL6qATi1widpTd2oBv6a_C2Jop-TeRkBXFYrSPI77T8WaBWoMqQgz92932CZiPTrLF9jgAKHUZODeHMvBH2JMZLuCwnB8N2m-TuqGchNbDk9QiUi1__4l_W77AKgEdGeGRUNZE98T2M1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZDDXpGDfKGLXiceDKxJq16jjp3IeIxoHFYGrkGCL_SAMZjGlTHL6qATi1widpTd2oBv6a_C2Jop-TeRkBXFYrSPI77T8WaBWoMqQgz92932CZiPTrLF9jgAKHUZODeHMvBH2JMZLuCwnB8N2m-TuqGchNbDk9QiUi1__4l_W77AKgEdGeGRUNZE98T2M1=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7346253721452343266" /></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>As part of our Scripture lesson in both services, we will also hear a report from the Youth Retreat which took place last weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To help you prepare your hearts for worship this week, check out the songs we plan to sing together:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>8:30</u> –</b>We will worship our Savior with a variety of Hymns:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>I Know Whom I Have Believed #527<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>My Faith Looks Up to Thee #539<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>My Hope is in the Lord #540<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The Solid Rock #526<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>What a Day That Will Be #762<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>11:00</u> –</b>We will exalt God together reflecting on the Resurrection of Jesus<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Glorious Day<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Graves into Gardens<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>How Good is He<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Death was Arrested<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>**Got any song requests?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Feel free to reply to this email with songs that you love, and our worship leaders will consider adding those to an upcoming worship time!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Watch for <b>song request forms</b> in the Gathering Place soon!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jon has put together a Spotify playlist featuring a variety of songs we sing on Sundays at 11:00. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZMe6aip37rXBuZzbSUG_nixM9-xsqdry6X7PX1D-j_KgGO3bDqBxK_5XdAPbvGamWEyU49I-tUtn5GCX3kMtAmYdB3sbXMw7Vym9lYkb4FT3abLXpm95pHf9lPBlfcb1jZpM7VOCDxoCsjrmvpxVpIbGqArwRpvzAUEvKP0fkrhlkdCbMbbjmBE6Nc35U"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZMe6aip37rXBuZzbSUG_nixM9-xsqdry6X7PX1D-j_KgGO3bDqBxK_5XdAPbvGamWEyU49I-tUtn5GCX3kMtAmYdB3sbXMw7Vym9lYkb4FT3abLXpm95pHf9lPBlfcb1jZpM7VOCDxoCsjrmvpxVpIbGqArwRpvzAUEvKP0fkrhlkdCbMbbjmBE6Nc35U=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7346253728721066690" /></a></span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Upcoming Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMG63DSYlmiX3RqwiBS1EfWlJIZfDLRVwb0_j585kU3Fz6w3FRef0nMRPmnfFC9JA-_oTGZBf69cml_YasAXUifdVIEZLpsF2wCXqFucEuiSG0H5njCs03YIyLq16Ou17bl4MXxLACjTtcK4P7ZbtfPLz4SOgpY3K9_qVPBn9jMjPwUIHJySyfN5gY_4TK"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMG63DSYlmiX3RqwiBS1EfWlJIZfDLRVwb0_j585kU3Fz6w3FRef0nMRPmnfFC9JA-_oTGZBf69cml_YasAXUifdVIEZLpsF2wCXqFucEuiSG0H5njCs03YIyLq16Ou17bl4MXxLACjTtcK4P7ZbtfPLz4SOgpY3K9_qVPBn9jMjPwUIHJySyfN5gY_4TK=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7346253732950624338" /></a></span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>You are all invited</span></i></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> to our first <b>Fellowship Meal</b> in the newly renovated <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>It will take place this Sunday, <b>March 17</b>, at 12:15 (following the 11:00 worship service). We will be providing baked spaghetti, garlic bread, and drinks, and we will invite each family to bring a salad or desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets are located in the Sunday School classes. Please RSVP by <b>March 22</b> for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Card Shower</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Joanne Diehl’s daughters invite you to participate in a Birthday Card Shower for Joanne’s 90th birthday which is on March 26.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You may send cards to:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Joanne Diehl<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>c/o Chapel Pointe<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>770 S Hanover Street, Main 231<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Carlisle, PA 17013<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Children & Youth<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>Easter Eggtraveganza!</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'>Our children’s ministry is preparing some special Easter activities for kids and families on <b><span style='background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>Sunday, March 24 from 4:00-6:00pm</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'><i>NOTE the Date & Time Change!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'>Families are invited to join us in the Lower Level for an Egg Hunt and some other easter-themed games and activities!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'>If you would like to support the Childrens Ministry in this event, they are accepting <b>Candy Donations</b>, which can be taken to the kitchen in the lower level by Wednesday, March 20.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'>Our Children’s Ministry does a variety of activities, and would always welcome more people to join their team for Sunday Mornings & Wednesday Nights. See the check-in area downstairs to learn more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'>This Sunday We will be hearing a report about our <b>Youth Retreat </b>which took place at <b><a href="https://campyolijwa.org/">Camp YoliJwa</a></b> last weekend!<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Easter Activities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><b>March 24 – Palm Sunday </b>(normal worship times- 8:30am & 11:00am)<b><o:p></o:p></b></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><b>March 24 – Easter Eggtravaganza </b>Childrens Ministry Event (see above) 4:00pm-6:00pm in the Lower Level<b><o:p></o:p></b></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><i>March 27 – No Community Night<o:p></o:p></i></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><b>March 28 – Maundy Thursday Service</b> Communion and Feetwashing worship service at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><b>March 29 – Good Friday Busch Trust Luncheon </b>for ages 60+ at 12:00 noon in Cross Roads Station<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo3'><b>March 31 – Resurrection Sunday</b> (normal worship times- 8:30am & 11:00am)<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Let us live as Children of God, free from sin and fear and death, and co-heirs with Christ to a Heavenly Kingdom of Glory that is redeeming all of creation!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisQYT-R_prPWPwYo_RxwI65IT383epqNlveIo1rTTvOQdMLsrxOWNnfjZFoWGPI0wxEfw1v4d6dmNRiXvi9eShNWzWQxUR4K7kg37Fjso6jhXbRZKcWoIp9Z_BUHa5AkxC-RRlCaTse9i4mylfHjCicHkNM9Nt3Jf7YHNQtWwIEhE2dcvRy9AJP9Jtk0wL"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisQYT-R_prPWPwYo_RxwI65IT383epqNlveIo1rTTvOQdMLsrxOWNnfjZFoWGPI0wxEfw1v4d6dmNRiXvi9eShNWzWQxUR4K7kg37Fjso6jhXbRZKcWoIp9Z_BUHa5AkxC-RRlCaTse9i4mylfHjCicHkNM9Nt3Jf7YHNQtWwIEhE2dcvRy9AJP9Jtk0wL=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7346253741494526674" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-27721165119061486602024-03-12T13:47:00.001-07:002024-03-12T13:47:31.384-07:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please pray for the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Eric Baer </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>as he deals with some challenges with his eye sight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sharon Dick </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>continues to battle long Covid.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Phil Shuman</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> is scheduled for a heart ablation tomorrow <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Don Uglow, Jr. </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>has been hospitalized since Thursday with pneumonia and other complications.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Mike Wingert </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>as he recovers from a fall and is in rehab at Shippensburg Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Thank you for upholding one another before our Heavenly Father’s throne.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:red;background:white'>“News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and He healed them.” Matthew 4:24</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:red'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>For His Glory,<span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD3VkpBIxKHoVFa4I8Lcn_QzI3BnW6Ut3ZlvfWeplh0p_38FRzaFzbwaUGJq07QwppRS0aYvRXOB-i9Sh2FCgMUOvlJf4QCLSNkq0FndI-Ad4PzXFXnWVMuMDpWQx2hLTr3zxGykwn-ts_VUrvnTlzTuKSQu6M5ASSc-uvH0unN93671lm18DzYmgxykQn"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD3VkpBIxKHoVFa4I8Lcn_QzI3BnW6Ut3ZlvfWeplh0p_38FRzaFzbwaUGJq07QwppRS0aYvRXOB-i9Sh2FCgMUOvlJf4QCLSNkq0FndI-Ad4PzXFXnWVMuMDpWQx2hLTr3zxGykwn-ts_VUrvnTlzTuKSQu6M5ASSc-uvH0unN93671lm18DzYmgxykQn=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7345581429927898290" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-19556138906334350672024-03-07T16:09:00.000-08:002024-03-07T16:10:06.278-08:00SFCOG prayer updatesHello Church Family,
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<br>Please be in prayer for the safety of our SASHS Band which is heading to Florida by bus to board a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas for the next few days. Several students from our youth group are going along (including my daughter, Becca), and so are some parent chaperones from our congregation as well. I had the privilege to pray with some of them before their departure this afternoon.
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<br>Also please pray for Bessie Jones who was taken to the emergency room this morning where she was diagnosed with a UTI. She is home now and resting, but would welcome your prayers.
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<br>Thanks for your faithful care for one another,
<br>Pastor RodneyShippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-71283705914552023262024-03-07T08:04:00.000-08:002024-03-07T08:06:39.279-08:00Wake Up! SFCOG updates for 3/10<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sunday is Coming</b>, and Spring is inching closer!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are many signs of spring in Pennsylvania—the days are getting longer, the rain is making the grass turn green, and daffodils are starting to bloom!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In our house, we have another sign of spring: <b>Shelly the Turtle</b> is waking up from hibernation!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjot6cTNVTSNmEgI-oinjU43EyMr9DX41ITtWZgALQSHlZ1aNcFZdG45WpKNlFUyO5bCybXVpBW4WavNsZRdlAPEpIjlAyKv625XiT104rbGB2_QKB2EfIdvKFkpoq8ZfOS_iETAImaHAGULJyO98yelzEapi5f95H33EDry2j6sFA_cJLFjsbzuua8EWaD"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjot6cTNVTSNmEgI-oinjU43EyMr9DX41ITtWZgALQSHlZ1aNcFZdG45WpKNlFUyO5bCybXVpBW4WavNsZRdlAPEpIjlAyKv625XiT104rbGB2_QKB2EfIdvKFkpoq8ZfOS_iETAImaHAGULJyO98yelzEapi5f95H33EDry2j6sFA_cJLFjsbzuua8EWaD=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7343653627626804242" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ve had Shelly as a pet since I was in 8<sup>th</sup> grade. Every winter, she stops eating, slows down, and spends most of her time sleeping in the muck at the bottom of her tank. In the wild, turtles bury themselves in the mud away from the frost, conserving their energy, waiting for warmer weather when energy from the sun and food is more abundant. Even though she is in a warm house, our turtle still hibernates, and becomes so inactive that we often check on her to make sure she’s still alive and not dead.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This house-turtle has lived in captivity for nearly 30 years and could have access to food everyday, but she still feels the need to hibernate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She also knows when to wake again! Her God-given instincts tell her body when to stop sleeping and stop conserving energy, and awaken to the abundant new life of Spring!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a similar way, God’s Holy Spirit awakens <b>new life</b> within all who believe in Jesus!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet, often we might still find ourselves in a state of “Spiritual Hibernation” even though we have access to the power of the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Sometimes we feel dead, lifeless, or buried in the mud & messiness of sin or despair.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Sometimes we conserve our energy, avoiding putting too much effort into our faith, or fearful of not having enough… even making excuses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Sometimes we hide away from the light—just ‘sleeping’ life away, or ‘sleepwalking’—merely going through the motions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>How can we “wake up” to the new life that is ours in Christ Jesus?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the same way that SPRING brings new life and awakens hibernating reptiles, the Holy Spirit has come, and can bring new life for believers, calling us to actively enjoy the beauty that is unfolding around us according to God’s Purposes!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This week we will continue examining <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=NIV">Romans 8</a>,</b> which tells us all about the assurance that we have for <b>New Life through Jesus</b>, and the way it grows within us by His <b>Holy Spirit</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Paul says, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death… 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>--Romans 8:1-2, 10-11<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Paul, the Holy Spirit of Life who raised Jesus from the dead can also awaken in us the power to:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Promote Life instead of Death<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Work for Freedom instead of Slavery<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Enforce Jesus’ New Law of Love, rather than the Old law of condemnation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.5in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Focus in the work of the Spirit rather than focusing on ourselves<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Like a new pair of glasses, when we view the world through the lens of the <b>Holy Spirit</b>, we can see how our relationships, our workplaces, our schools, and our communities are all full of opportunities to celebrate the life-giving power of Jesus here and now!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Paul’s own words from <b>Romans 8:6</b>, <span style='color:red'>“The mind governed by the flesh is <i>death</i>, but the mind governed by the Spirit is <b>life and peace</b>.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-XXiaX5hLnH6CynMwIl1hlhQy_wyJBgSmLfhbJdhRwrWaUu_j8MudXipdydWttXcM8JR2hARDrR-A7lwaipkMOCkKJ3JCojGUo7irHc-nBOK0z9XRwgTN5DiaH3w5Vtu_LHivWatRR3frd7oP42kjsoBY5KnvWGIWvzl4QASx5xc3PSYQATvh4b7tbvfF"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-XXiaX5hLnH6CynMwIl1hlhQy_wyJBgSmLfhbJdhRwrWaUu_j8MudXipdydWttXcM8JR2hARDrR-A7lwaipkMOCkKJ3JCojGUo7irHc-nBOK0z9XRwgTN5DiaH3w5Vtu_LHivWatRR3frd7oP42kjsoBY5KnvWGIWvzl4QASx5xc3PSYQATvh4b7tbvfF=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7343653630311767522" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt'>*Don’t forget to move your clocks forward an hour this Saturday Evening! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>At least our phones and smart watches take care of some of that for us now…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To help you prepare your hearts for worship this week, check out the songs we plan to sing together:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>8:30</u> –</b>The choir will lead us in step with the Spirit towards praising our Savior with a variety of Hymns:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>345 - What a Wonderful Savior<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>503 - Since Jesus Came into My Heart<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>502 - In My Heart There Rings a Melody<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>389 - Spirit of the Living God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>11:00</u> –</b>The Contemporary Worship team will share some songs exalting God for who He is and what he has done:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> In Tenderness <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Blessed be Your Name<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Revelation Song<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>You are My Vision<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>**Got any song requests?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Feel free to reply to this email with songs that you love, and our worship leaders will consider adding those to an upcoming worship time!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Watch for <b>song request forms</b> in the Gathering Place soon!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jon has put together a Spotify playlist featuring a variety of songs we sing on Sundays at 11:00. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKuIYY5_GJiwtn_ipG46vW8nRr1ecBxeQ7kooeGLKJ76v7i2u9zWXdHXoZFuXiL1BRW6V9r0pS0S5MzXGFcI7atfcseZ3884uAcI9Ow24mmIAumw9P1Jjqb0BaI8L9Cu-UQIu0vZFGGpHlAB8nQ9DASCEqem3Tla5I6Eo8BnKxho1btc_qexo9jEeVnVS7"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKuIYY5_GJiwtn_ipG46vW8nRr1ecBxeQ7kooeGLKJ76v7i2u9zWXdHXoZFuXiL1BRW6V9r0pS0S5MzXGFcI7atfcseZ3884uAcI9Ow24mmIAumw9P1Jjqb0BaI8L9Cu-UQIu0vZFGGpHlAB8nQ9DASCEqem3Tla5I6Eo8BnKxho1btc_qexo9jEeVnVS7=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7343653637852991762" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Upcoming Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcm25cdI6qS6InRgE54KK5CpLFomBaPsxDRno1g-mLUOl_XZxcgokTZoLsEU-OR9o9bktV6HVU0JIIsVsbZJ2rMtc0df8HessBY2Xvi5Ux6rj8HzGb8E3hXncqabxvYq52XS10WQa9XcdNxy_Kt2v7vIb-U8pXDEaySouizabVX2OvLcuX_-t7Hqs5pYYs"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcm25cdI6qS6InRgE54KK5CpLFomBaPsxDRno1g-mLUOl_XZxcgokTZoLsEU-OR9o9bktV6HVU0JIIsVsbZJ2rMtc0df8HessBY2Xvi5Ux6rj8HzGb8E3hXncqabxvYq52XS10WQa9XcdNxy_Kt2v7vIb-U8pXDEaySouizabVX2OvLcuX_-t7Hqs5pYYs=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7343653648823285650" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>You are all invited</span></i></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> to our first <b>Fellowship Meal</b> in the newly renovated <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>It will take place on Sunday, <b>March 17</b>, at 12:15 (following the 11:00 worship service). We will be providing baked spaghetti, garlic bread, and drinks, and we will invite each family to bring a salad or desert. Sign Up sheets are located in Sunday School classes and around the building to RSVP for planning purposes. Please RSVP by this Sunday, March 10! You can also RSVP to this email, or contact <a href="mailto:secretary@shipfcog.org">secretary@shipfcog.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets are located in the Sunday School classes. Please RSVP by <b>March 22</b> for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Children & Youth<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Our children’s ministry is preparing some special Easter activities for kids and families on Saturday, March 23 from 6:00-8:00pm. Families are invited to join us in the Lower Level for an Egg Hunt and some other easter-themed games and activities!<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Our <b>Youth Retreat</b> is taking place at <b><a href="https://campyolijwa.org/">Camp YoliJwa</a></b> this weekend! <b>19 students</b> and <b>4 adult leaders</b> from our church family will be joining with more teens and adults from the Greenvillage COG on Friday evening till Sunday. Please keep them in your prayers!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Let us embrace life and peace from Jesus today, and see the world as the Holy Spirit sees it!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtNgif6Uw7vBKENes3rS-XHcwLeg2rWx6k457_qNYCZ5Z8UP7b9_Y2AE1idmg7ZTpRyi_RMEft_maySyMrBJHhZvsfWXCN44hdU2K9qvKvopfmkIq8Y_4FhZOBH66tqIE3CHCxsa8PIKInBiy-lbmTJACjMQnYFk0klACH5RXyrOhgF-q6KieniSD2Olum"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtNgif6Uw7vBKENes3rS-XHcwLeg2rWx6k457_qNYCZ5Z8UP7b9_Y2AE1idmg7ZTpRyi_RMEft_maySyMrBJHhZvsfWXCN44hdU2K9qvKvopfmkIq8Y_4FhZOBH66tqIE3CHCxsa8PIKInBiy-lbmTJACjMQnYFk0klACH5RXyrOhgF-q6KieniSD2Olum=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7343653655531833234" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-85326375740111091272024-03-06T12:15:00.001-08:002024-03-06T12:15:25.367-08:00SFCOG Prayer Update<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Church Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am pleased to inform you that <b>Pastor Gary</b> is going to be discharged this afternoon after being admitted briefly last night at Hershey Medical Center. Continue to prayer for his ongoing healing and comfort, and let us Praise the Lord together!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also want to encourage you to keep our <b>Youth Group</b> in prayer as they will be joining with Greenvillage COG at <b>Camp YoliJwa</b> for their annual retreat this coming weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks for faithfully supporting one another,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-9960901726953327162024-03-05T12:10:00.001-08:002024-03-05T12:10:27.816-08:00SFCOG Prayer Needs<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Church Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please be in prayer together today, as Pastor Gary has gone to the Emergency Room in Hershey to determine the cause of some stomach pain that he has been dealing with for a few days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pray also for Mike Wingert, who recently fell and hurt his knee and leg and is recovering at the rehab facility on Walnut Bottom Road.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Keep Sharon Dick in your prayers as well, as she recovers from shingles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give <b>life to your mortal bodies</b> because of his Spirit who lives in you.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-Romans 8:11<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for praying,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-3189982872927462372024-03-04T12:15:00.000-08:002024-03-04T12:16:05.658-08:00Please pray!!!!!!!!!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please be in prayer for the following individuals and their families:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Eric Baer </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>is dealing with some challenges with his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Nicole Byers, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>daughter of Phil and Shayna Byers, fell yesterday and has a buckle fracture on her arm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Bernie Eiswert’s </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>mother passed away this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thank you for praying for one another!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111'>“Pray in the Spirit</span></strong><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;background:white'> at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.”</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;background:white'> Ephesians 6:18</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>For His Glory,<span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmRXjY8AyUmznBfJ8_cgRdLZAna_MOUcx8p8lZlLJSFlisDS1st2ioIYaiMHwo9vGjDUWwz38A2jSyJ6sLgSJ8QvuR7bCdfZmto4Aw32qlvgvi2p5yYc90W2UttXahMfmHDd1WCVTvNi0eSj36OdDwDZX09a-Z2Eg5HvFzfn6OQ4jhOyvwt9sZPdhIx6u"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmRXjY8AyUmznBfJ8_cgRdLZAna_MOUcx8p8lZlLJSFlisDS1st2ioIYaiMHwo9vGjDUWwz38A2jSyJ6sLgSJ8QvuR7bCdfZmto4Aw32qlvgvi2p5yYc90W2UttXahMfmHDd1WCVTvNi0eSj36OdDwDZX09a-Z2Eg5HvFzfn6OQ4jhOyvwt9sZPdhIx6u=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7342604648729365202" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-9391961467430192362024-02-29T07:07:00.000-08:002024-02-29T07:36:41.731-08:00Spring?? SFCOG updates for 3/3<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>Sunday</b> is coming, and Spring is on the way!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Do you love Spring?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>(It feels like it keeps coming and going away again)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to various polls, <b>Spring</b> is the #2 favorite season (Fall is #1).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It would seem that the older you are, the more likely it is that you love spring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Nature, Spring is all about <b>New Life, Renewed Purpose, Restored Strength, and Life prevailing over Death</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These are also some of the themes we find in Romans chapter 8, which we will begin studying this weekend as we start a new series entitled,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>“What New Life Looks Like.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSO84KVzSkmGScmk7aDA7ggD_D-fc4ya2tijAQrMh5ubsEPORIJhifIaxvRzWoryD5DkQ-B8EQgp-bO0bx1EfoVKxa-Afw8CQJWMbARAuDXVR4Cu1FwixqG0rCHscWV-0SPHp1tBjHU8TyigPRykzy7ERyCr904HaOCyLmhSqsODa_5Tf_VbRvi0ImBIhx"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSO84KVzSkmGScmk7aDA7ggD_D-fc4ya2tijAQrMh5ubsEPORIJhifIaxvRzWoryD5DkQ-B8EQgp-bO0bx1EfoVKxa-Afw8CQJWMbARAuDXVR4Cu1FwixqG0rCHscWV-0SPHp1tBjHU8TyigPRykzy7ERyCr904HaOCyLmhSqsODa_5Tf_VbRvi0ImBIhx=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048306053060066" /></a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=NIV">Romans 8</a></b> is all about the assurance that we have for <b>New Life through Jesus</b>, and the way it grows within us by His <b>Holy Spirit</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last month we studied what it means to <i>Abide with Jesus</i>, <i>In Step with the Spirit</i>. Expanding upon these themes, in the letter of Romans, Paul helps Christians to understand the truth of the Gospel and how to <i>live out our faith</i> in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chapter 8 is at the Center of this letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Rome, and it is a chapter with many well-known verses that are not always considered in full context. It’s packed full of important and memorable statements, but they all build to make a bigger case.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That brings me to what is Perhaps the best-known statement in <b>Romans 8: verse 28</b>—<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:red'>“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we will see, this verse can serve as the <i>turning point</i> on which this whole chapter (and book) hinges. But as with all scripture, the beauty of this verse is best appreciated in context with the rest of the verses around it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It’s sort of like the difference between a flower in a pot, and a full garden in bloom:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJmu7xOKLqem-rKCQgsw_1_O6N6Ei1VOT9tA8P8sz1rXTIFYwnVD4diCTLW0wrEeUvmfLV-aFxt_OrKEvScJ84tmiEMB70sJR8Bf7QE2rl_5ks0AZGni9_nSbQp_GMQlLs-j1IRFz35WCP44jpzhzuK0X_yCWVCtCi88NtRXSlTwIqxRJPam8RvDovCHb"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNJmu7xOKLqem-rKCQgsw_1_O6N6Ei1VOT9tA8P8sz1rXTIFYwnVD4diCTLW0wrEeUvmfLV-aFxt_OrKEvScJ84tmiEMB70sJR8Bf7QE2rl_5ks0AZGni9_nSbQp_GMQlLs-j1IRFz35WCP44jpzhzuK0X_yCWVCtCi88NtRXSlTwIqxRJPam8RvDovCHb=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048315428246034" /></a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizkwgltO3s5MhtDolzTKhsOO-Qzf9b4-myv37rIQXoFlkiw1otzZ6I7KfpwMN0NVekPu9GsKrEGeRAJy-5N13vLanmYwToy6VVupX8MKRBgEY3pN7sYeo65zZV-tQb089gW8YiyKeVycZZ80IQtJ2y5Y0MbjD3OqhQ_mZIuCu2lBHaCDS97TAuc3aWll1A"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizkwgltO3s5MhtDolzTKhsOO-Qzf9b4-myv37rIQXoFlkiw1otzZ6I7KfpwMN0NVekPu9GsKrEGeRAJy-5N13vLanmYwToy6VVupX8MKRBgEY3pN7sYeo65zZV-tQb089gW8YiyKeVycZZ80IQtJ2y5Y0MbjD3OqhQ_mZIuCu2lBHaCDS97TAuc3aWll1A=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048326629081762" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Which would you prefer? <i>Give me the Garden!</i> Scripture in context help us to get a more complete picture of “what new life looks like.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will take our time working through this whole chapter in the weeks to come, but this weekend we will consider some background, and specifically focus on Romans 8:28, asking the question: what does it mean for someone to be “<i>Called according to His Purpose?</i>”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Instead of just pondering that question in theory, we will also hear from two people who have recently had the opportunity to consider what it means to actually live this out in practice!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two of our young leaders had the chance to attend two different retreats offered by our <a href="https://cggc.org/">denomination</a> that helped them to consider matters related to being called by God for a purpose, and I’ve asked them to come and share their experiences with you!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we learn about “what new life looks like” in others, my prayer is that we will each be challenged to continue growing and advancing along the path of discipleship as we abide in Jesus and keep in step with the Spirt, to the Glory of God our Father!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a part of our Sermon time, we will hear reports from <b>Victoria Kalp</b> who participated in the <b>CGGC Pulse Retreat</b> and from our contemporary worship leader, <b>Jonathan Scott,</b> who attended the <b>Camp YoliJwa Young Adult Retreat</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will be offering our “<b>Get Connected</b>” class this Sunday at 9:45. This is a great way to learn about our <a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">small groups</a>, <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School</a> classes, and other ministries that we offer to help you study God’s Word, get to know people, find community, and grow in faith. This class will be offered in <b>room 104</b> (next to the church library, adjacent to the sanctuary).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To help you prepare your hearts for worship this week, check out the songs we plan to sing together:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>8:30</u> –</b>The choir will lead us in step with the Spirit towards exaltation of our Heavenly Father with a variety of Hymns:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>719 “Children of the Heavenly Father”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>585 “Be Still and Know”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>3 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>390 “Spirit of God Descend upon My Heart”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>11:00</u> –</b>The Contemporary Worship team will share some songs praising God for what he’s done through Christ:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>“Forever Reign”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>“Grace Alone”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>“Yet Not I but Through Christ”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>“Christ be Magnified”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NEW!</b> Jon has put together a Spotify playlist featuring a variety of songs we sing on Sundays at 11:00. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtMAuS9z_TOXVCKNC_r-0AuIvaB63-qXsgUswJb_XBqrtYNL2_UwbyUqG90m2x-u-9Pmj2cvGsOa03EZOoFskaZYEs2ncn7Hgay4DPRWLxSk2D0z31hdjHaiqbaTlP41A2UrHZ_9bTZ5i7D8JzLQLHdscZ58VK7pkWo5zIcKBqhSJV6LZ-6PGNbdn9_WP5"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtMAuS9z_TOXVCKNC_r-0AuIvaB63-qXsgUswJb_XBqrtYNL2_UwbyUqG90m2x-u-9Pmj2cvGsOa03EZOoFskaZYEs2ncn7Hgay4DPRWLxSk2D0z31hdjHaiqbaTlP41A2UrHZ_9bTZ5i7D8JzLQLHdscZ58VK7pkWo5zIcKBqhSJV6LZ-6PGNbdn9_WP5=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048332172925570" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Upcoming Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>This Sunday Afternoon</b> (March 3) from 2:00-4:00, we have reserved the Gymnasium at <a href="https://campyolijwa.org/">Camp YoliJwa</a> for some <b>Kickball</b>! This is open to people of all ages and it would be a wonderful opportunity to invite some friends and neighbors who may not attend worship on Sunday Mornings to get to know some people in our church family in a fun way. Feel free to come and cheer us on, even if you don’t intend to play. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the Camp facilities if you haven’t done so before (summer camp registration will be open soon, and scholarships are available).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6sPavi2WpylpFl3nk03rk8WALBLay-2NTRXzwhaMBiFl6onwsgwoRCvSTQ3ostZOveD-cNjBHDeteDinJ3mz0fQCvggHudIV1uQkhHKgWZRD08zFOkE9UDa2I0yEy8haAWmcPS6uZ6N2HrwAvaEOkmBXUl9Q_Ni-ET5qOV_Wk9FqBeN5gqxoAjskwiXGP"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6sPavi2WpylpFl3nk03rk8WALBLay-2NTRXzwhaMBiFl6onwsgwoRCvSTQ3ostZOveD-cNjBHDeteDinJ3mz0fQCvggHudIV1uQkhHKgWZRD08zFOkE9UDa2I0yEy8haAWmcPS6uZ6N2HrwAvaEOkmBXUl9Q_Ni-ET5qOV_Wk9FqBeN5gqxoAjskwiXGP=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048342153692466" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>You are all invited</span></i></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> to our first <b>Fellowship Meal</b> in the newly renovated <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>It will take place on Sunday, <b>March 17<sup>th</sup></b>, at 12:15 (following the 11:00 worship service). We will be providing baked spaghetti, garlic bread, and drinks, and we will invite each family to bring a salad or desert. Sign Up sheets are located in Sunday School classes and around the building to RSVP for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Grief Share<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC4MDiblzp3J144EhDVuxrwUyQWPV2lXbqQFoTr9N4HmFOJPLjuwnr_muIYdGroAKiviGqINMNEK8_oE7LHkReauPHbUyscdjHXZIM_CJFiIdIVSyOroaLS_Y3mHl79TOuNVNv_2VgfQgSl-XiOFy2THaHxyzztkZUAU3vrQZDCP4WGq4BBz17xavlTZk6"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC4MDiblzp3J144EhDVuxrwUyQWPV2lXbqQFoTr9N4HmFOJPLjuwnr_muIYdGroAKiviGqINMNEK8_oE7LHkReauPHbUyscdjHXZIM_CJFiIdIVSyOroaLS_Y3mHl79TOuNVNv_2VgfQgSl-XiOFy2THaHxyzztkZUAU3vrQZDCP4WGq4BBz17xavlTZk6=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048352429881218" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A new season of the <b>Grief Share</b> ministry is beginning tonight (Thursday, February 29) in the Annex from 6:00-8:00 and will meet every Thursday through May 23. Grief Share features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The video seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You will find encouragement, comfort and help. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We do not want you to walk this journey alone. To learn more, feel free to contact the church office at 717.532.8421.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Women’s Ministry Secret Sisters<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>If you were unable to attend the <b>Secret Sister Party</b> last<b> Sunday</b>, but would still like to participate in this ongoing prayer ministry, we would like to give you the opportunity to exchange names and be matched with a secret sister for this coming year. To be a secret sister, all you need to do is pray for your secret sister throughout the year. You may also secretly send cards and give small gifts if you like. Remember, someone will be praying for and thinking about you too! If you would like to submit your name and receive a name, contact secretary <a href="mailto:'Sonja%20Shively'%20%3csecretary@shipfcog.org%3e">Sonja Shively</a> in the church office (secretary@shipfcog.org).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Men’s Bible Study<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>We had 17 men come out for the Men’s Alliance <b>Bible Study</b> which began this week! It will continue to meet on <b>Monday evenings at 6:30 </b>in the Annex, and all men are welcome to attend (even if they are not involved in MA on Saturdays). The first series will feature the book <u>No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be</u> by <b>Tony Evans</b>. The study book can be purchased at this link: <a href="https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170">https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Senior Ministry Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The brunch for Widows, Widowers, & Singles (age 50+) that was postponed due to winter weather has been rescheduled for this Saturday, <b>March 2</b> at 10:30 in the Annex. Come join in for some food and fellowship!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register by <b>March 22</b> for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Children & Youth<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Our children’s ministry is preparing some special Easter activities for kids and families on Saturday, March 23. More details coming soon!<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>Our <b>Youth Retreat</b> is taking place at <b>Camp YoliJwa</b> on <b>March 8-10</b>. Registrations are due!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Let us all live according to God’s purpose!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5lTqVcPFoeNcdGJMSTI2Octjs4L15ESbZe_s2jiwy_fowScpkRN9cc1rnvAQf6AKzj92koy_bw0MrJa1KyNKz2GnPAPsYLrA6iuYPhVJiE6sRe7vseqYkArH-fGEdYLWcaW2sJi7YB5JUtMxlkThg-bTrQtbDUuX_xOKFUjthIgukk_wqQWBRviqRp-Pw"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5lTqVcPFoeNcdGJMSTI2Octjs4L15ESbZe_s2jiwy_fowScpkRN9cc1rnvAQf6AKzj92koy_bw0MrJa1KyNKz2GnPAPsYLrA6iuYPhVJiE6sRe7vseqYkArH-fGEdYLWcaW2sJi7YB5JUtMxlkThg-bTrQtbDUuX_xOKFUjthIgukk_wqQWBRviqRp-Pw=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341048354588666002" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-21535739955134263672024-02-26T11:06:00.001-08:002024-02-26T11:06:39.821-08:00Prayer update<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Jane Chamberlin’s</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> surgery went well this morning. She will be staying at least one night in Chambersburg Hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Jim and Sharon Dick</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> are recovering from Covid. Sharon is also battling some additional health concerns as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>For His Glory,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX1ksSLKCGBhWWp3Q_K0jlNS9BJv7UQ4KjAf-rjjNGQNqnC1GJh_X9Ub75nsUvrTPqy1JtQCLjdvzK44reCk3kIw-R4IqAiVoUEyH0XNKcaSSS4wp4lABbWzRidH2GPZFptWb1iziiu-Byc36qXuuJPQGJmUU2Z_WrddjS-2xYDxCgZRNXIeIRCgqz9GzW"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX1ksSLKCGBhWWp3Q_K0jlNS9BJv7UQ4KjAf-rjjNGQNqnC1GJh_X9Ub75nsUvrTPqy1JtQCLjdvzK44reCk3kIw-R4IqAiVoUEyH0XNKcaSSS4wp4lABbWzRidH2GPZFptWb1iziiu-Byc36qXuuJPQGJmUU2Z_WrddjS-2xYDxCgZRNXIeIRCgqz9GzW=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7339989160654145650" /></a><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-18248032418184514572024-02-26T05:27:00.001-08:002024-02-26T05:27:13.572-08:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Please pray for <b>Jane Chamberlin</b> who is having surgery this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Jack Mellott’s</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> viewing with be on <b>Wednesday, February 28 at 10:00</b> at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:16.5pt;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;mso-ligatures:none'>“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>For His Glory,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0Lehfwf_2CYTQsLndSxS3RIWL-lcyMjM2vW5w8SjIZB4qHVCnU6_dDbyfVBFw27gqCsuSdoec0ldaIIYUi6gH_xIPvF2ROx7CwEhzYgJhmhfYSrPhVJAqYUZ_vFd5apt5vFrrKWFfHLhVO7h6mlk5kY05q0c67-ygr5-btJ6X5jK9f_s6-jJFitHyRpI-"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0Lehfwf_2CYTQsLndSxS3RIWL-lcyMjM2vW5w8SjIZB4qHVCnU6_dDbyfVBFw27gqCsuSdoec0ldaIIYUi6gH_xIPvF2ROx7CwEhzYgJhmhfYSrPhVJAqYUZ_vFd5apt5vFrrKWFfHLhVO7h6mlk5kY05q0c67-ygr5-btJ6X5jK9f_s6-jJFitHyRpI-=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7339901687112145154" /></a><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-34265544027115581832024-02-23T07:39:00.001-08:002024-02-23T07:39:50.384-08:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This morning God called <b>Jack Mellott</b> to Himself to his eternal home. Jack fought the good fight and persevered until his homegoing. He would have been 98 years old next Saturday. Please pray for Nancy and the other family members as they grieve. Thank you for caring.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=text><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>“Precious in the sight of the </span></b></span><span class=small-caps><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;font-variant:small-caps;color:black;background:white'>Lord</span></b></span><span class=indent-1-breaks><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span></b></span><span class=text><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15</span></b></span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>For His Glory,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB0HJrJkKZ3PGgnLi5CdkgG9FIUqbsSowMUWlbX-zCiZMJJX1KbbTszdYmGHgvd-255bzdB_SiPF18v81btlz3kgfQJu2RQHMUydrZV_8a_UPUflaWd-nTdXDwXf06qjk7HQzPA2GYNILaeiWMy4QcN_CuBQCw3WX8eU2M3O7ryFhApeoLXDDKfUHbUI7w"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB0HJrJkKZ3PGgnLi5CdkgG9FIUqbsSowMUWlbX-zCiZMJJX1KbbTszdYmGHgvd-255bzdB_SiPF18v81btlz3kgfQJu2RQHMUydrZV_8a_UPUflaWd-nTdXDwXf06qjk7HQzPA2GYNILaeiWMy4QcN_CuBQCw3WX8eU2M3O7ryFhApeoLXDDKfUHbUI7w=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7338822608937245026" /></a><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-88827014205214335482024-02-22T08:47:00.001-08:002024-02-22T08:47:11.666-08:00Help! SFCOG Updates for 2/25<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>Sunday</b> is coming, and Help is here!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.25in;text-align:center;text-indent:-.25in'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn3ChrSkxhetn55SltUN2ny3ms_A9MeisxP4blG3lQPvIpH7H_6rAjtlVyigRwbbb7MGNwTV1Mq3Rvavx-SzYiltTW8C63m8MhQDaTEmmxKu0pDC0heDfKhn7YVreDh0KlICOvq2IIxLGxf2HgTZpE5khj5m57TmTRN06JUNuCTYXU3z-QNdg9jaEkY2ff"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn3ChrSkxhetn55SltUN2ny3ms_A9MeisxP4blG3lQPvIpH7H_6rAjtlVyigRwbbb7MGNwTV1Mq3Rvavx-SzYiltTW8C63m8MhQDaTEmmxKu0pDC0heDfKhn7YVreDh0KlICOvq2IIxLGxf2HgTZpE5khj5m57TmTRN06JUNuCTYXU3z-QNdg9jaEkY2ff=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7338468877774552786" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Do you need Help?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some of our youth and their leaders had the opportunity to help a member of our congregation this week with some yard clean up after the winter storms. It’s always encouraging to see our church family helping one another!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUVWeGE_DP6uE9e6rGhMT97vO5X85y47IYiAEuvVSKwm3bcokeRQUHEwklqe3U7DNEOq-rND5eCOpmuvXXf_gCNaKbFK9UHnDGw2W5Qd9XMr9qswCybfOC8Gxo_8HrrJETLCEYJsrgEs3i9lRVEsGJ2FV6rY-EZK_LfjHqiHFB91x1M_3OUTS7tHQoWLGS"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUVWeGE_DP6uE9e6rGhMT97vO5X85y47IYiAEuvVSKwm3bcokeRQUHEwklqe3U7DNEOq-rND5eCOpmuvXXf_gCNaKbFK9UHnDGw2W5Qd9XMr9qswCybfOC8Gxo_8HrrJETLCEYJsrgEs3i9lRVEsGJ2FV6rY-EZK_LfjHqiHFB91x1M_3OUTS7tHQoWLGS=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7338468891294128194" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can find help in all forms if you go looking for it…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Every website has a “help” page where Frequently Asked Questions are answered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Most large employers have a Tech Support Help Desk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Look on the back of your Credit Card or your Insurance Card and you will find a number to call for help from Customer Service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-The Beatles have not 1 but 2 songs about ‘Help.’ <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We must all recognize that we need some help sometimes …and more importantly, <b><i>we all need God’s Help!<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jesus tells us that that <b>Help from God</b> is <i>closer than we could have ever imagined</i> – If we believe in Jesus, then God’s Holy Spirit is living <b>in us!</b> There’s no need to call a phone number, log on to a website, or go to a priest. God’s Spirit is <b><i>Abiding</i></b> in you!<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We’ve been studying what it means to <b>remain</b> or <b>abide</b> in Jesus, the True Vine, as He identifies himself in <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV">John 15</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This weekend we will focus on the <b>Holy Spirit</b> who actually <b>Remains</b> in us also!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jesus says in <b>John 15:26</b>--<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:red'>“When the <b>Advocate</b> comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously in <b>John 14:16 &17</b> he said,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:red'>“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another <b>advocate</b> to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, <i>for <b>he lives with you</b> and will be in you.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jesus himself states that it is the <b>Spirit of Truth</b> that He has given us truly lives “with” us and will be “in” us to give us Help from God! When Jesus says the Spirit “<i>lives with you</i>” he’s using the very same Greek word referring to how we are to Remain, Abide, or Dwell in Him, the True Vine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just as Jesus says we are to “Abide” in Him, He also states that the Spirit of God “Abides” in us!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Take comfort in the fact that there is nowhere we can go where we are beyond the help of God’s Holy Spirit—the “<b>Advocate</b>” whom Jesus has sent to help us!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his book, <u>Help is Here</u>, <b>Max Lucado</b> points out that the Spirit overcomes physical restrictions:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#4472C4'>“Jesus limited himself to a physical body. He could be only one place at one time. The Holy Spirit, however, is unlimited. He can be everywhere all the time. Jesus was a regional force; the Spirit is a global force. There is no place that he is not!” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Max Lucado then quotes <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV">Psalm 139:7-8</a></b>—<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Holy Spirit is always abiding with us, ready to help us, as we also abide in Jesus. What help do you need from God today? He has given us an advocate, a helper, a counselor who is always available and more than able to meet our needs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will celebrate <b>Baptism</b> in both worship services this weekend! <b>3 individuals</b> will be taking this step of faith and publicly declaring their commitment to Jesus:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='color:#4472C4;margin-left:0in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5'><b>Christopher Adams<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='color:#4472C4;margin-left:0in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5'><b>Gloria Erickson<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='color:#4472C4;margin-left:0in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo5'><b>Connie Killinger<o:p></o:p></b></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Let us pray for them and encourage them as they mark this milestone of faith, and let’s Give God Glory for the wonderful things he is doing in their lives!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To help you prepare your hearts for worship, we’d like to start sharing a glimpse of the worship songs we plan to sing together. Feel free to add them to a playlist or open up the family hymnal at home to contemplate the words we will use to praise our God—<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our <b><u>8:30 Music</u> </b>will feature a medley of songs about the Holy Spirit, including a verse or two from a few favorite hymns such as:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“The Comforter Has Come”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome,”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Come, Holy Spirit,”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Breath on Me, Breath of God”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b><u>11:00 Music</u> </b>team will share some Contemporary Worship songs of celebration:<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Glorius Day”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Build Your Kingdom Here”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“No Longer Slaves”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>-“Who You Say I Am”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Women’s Ministry Secret Sisters<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The <b>Secret Sister Party</b> is being held <b>this Sunday</b>, February 25, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. in Crossroads Station. All ladies are invited to attend! Even if you were unable to sign up on one of the sign-up sheets, you are welcome to come and participate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>There will be games and light refreshments. Also at the party, any ladies who participated last year will get to find out who their secret sister was this past year, and all the ladies in attendance will get to exchange names and start new secret sisters for this coming year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>To be a secret sister, all you need to do is pray for your secret sister throughout the year, and you may also send cards and give small gifts. Remember, someone will be praying for and thinking about you too!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>If you have any questions, contact Glenda Bistline, Deb Booz, or contact the church office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Men’s Bible Study<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Men’s Alliance will be starting a more in-depth <b>Weekly Bible Study</b> on <b>Monday evenings at 6:30 </b>beginning on <b>February 26<sup>th</sup></b><sup> </sup>in the Annex. All men are welcome to attend (even if they are not involved in MA on Saturdays). The first series will feature the book <u>No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be</u> by <b>Tony Evans</b>. The study book can be purchased at this link: <a href="https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170">https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Senior Ministry Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>The brunch for Widows, Widowers, & Singles (age 50+) that was postponed due to winter weather has been rescheduled for next Saturday, <b>March 2</b> at 10:30 in the Annex. Come join in for some food and fellowship!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register in advance for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Outreach Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'>On <b>March 3</b>, Next Sunday Afternoon from 2:00-4:00, we have reserved the Gymnasium at <a href="https://campyolijwa.org/">Camp YoliJwa</a> for some <b>Kickball</b>! This is open to people of all ages and it would be a wonderful opportunity to invite some friends and neighbors who may not attend worship on Sunday Mornings to get to know some people in our church family in a fun way. Feel free to come and cheer us on, even if you don’t intend to play. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the Camp facilities if you haven’t done so before (summer camp registration will be open soon, and scholarships are available).<i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Children & Youth<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Our children’s ministry is hosting a night of <b>Kids Bingo Games</b> for children and their families <b>this Saturday</b> (February 24<sup>th</sup>) from 6-8 in the lower level.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Our <b>Youth Retreat</b> is taking place at <b>Camp YoliJwa</b> on <b>March 8-10</b>. Registrations are due next Wednesday (February 28<sup>th</sup>) <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Prayer Update<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please add the following to your prayers as they are facing sickness:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Jim and Sharon Dick<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Dana and Glenda Rotz<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Let us Abide in Jesus, knowing that His Holy Spirit Abides in us!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVh3V4M3HLkH0pjrBofEBawVph7j3uDlGhBa70tDE1WX7wU-MohSCazp5OjxZANMRGwM04_DcU-i61Q-1rhisQ-3Ii6ISw10L1insvKv4WXkgSB0fo2VSB5n5WgHVdFrs_Ur3sojGYYFeM6i6oJxdTV05fFEfm23EGQg_zIegEPv506H_fpb4jpgQiSObW"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVh3V4M3HLkH0pjrBofEBawVph7j3uDlGhBa70tDE1WX7wU-MohSCazp5OjxZANMRGwM04_DcU-i61Q-1rhisQ-3Ii6ISw10L1insvKv4WXkgSB0fo2VSB5n5WgHVdFrs_Ur3sojGYYFeM6i6oJxdTV05fFEfm23EGQg_zIegEPv506H_fpb4jpgQiSObW=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7338468901488241234" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-44249029919196528742024-02-21T11:30:00.001-08:002024-02-21T11:30:39.067-08:00Secret Sister Party this Sunday<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Church Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is a reminder that the Secret Sister Party is being held this Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. in Crossroads Station. All ladies are invited to attend! Even if you were unable to sign up on one of the sign-up sheets, you are welcome to come and participate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be games and light refreshments. Also at the party, any ladies who participated last year will get to find out who their secret sister was this past year, and all the ladies in attendance will get to exchange names and start new secret sisters for this coming year. To be a secret sister, all you need to do is pray for your secret sister throughout the year, and you may also send cards and give small gifts. Remember, someone will be praying for and thinking about you too!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have any questions, contact Glenda Bistline, Deb Booz, or the church office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sonja<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Church Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Sonja Shively<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Email <a href="mailto:Secretary@shipfcog.org">Secretary@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Office Phone 717.532.8421<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-60163488418603676862024-02-20T11:37:00.001-08:002024-02-20T11:37:50.913-08:00SFCOG Prayer Updates<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Church Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We celebrated together this weekend, but we also want to remember to hold one another in prayer throughout the week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We ask you to join in prayer for Dana Rotz, brother-in-law of Bob and Linda Commerer. Dana has been hospitalized with an infection related to diabetes. Dana’s wife, Glenda, has also been facing some health concerns as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Continue to remember Bill Grove in prayer as he recovers from a skin condition, and others from our congregation who have been confronted with illnesses or challenges of various kinds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Romans 8:26-27<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-3465789275274987712024-02-15T06:52:00.001-08:002024-02-15T06:52:19.671-08:00Signs of Life - SFCOG council highlights and updates for 2/18<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>Sunday</b> is coming, and there are many Signs of Life to Celebrate!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHFL2QKv6LtLNE0MqjXb_ygh8QPJaP78p8PGdbGkZTjZFIK-nJ-DvzvzXXCJOJA1QD4-lM1bCxZPmVnaq5uhyWsrj9Qmtp0M9KVIIOqP62KYjXeo8FzWS0UQ3JP5ZSOuveCw3dZUCqM7Gz02KaNN9QiClH5B1X2BIwJ8OwesjDS-ySz5D3NI00b0wX9jzg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHFL2QKv6LtLNE0MqjXb_ygh8QPJaP78p8PGdbGkZTjZFIK-nJ-DvzvzXXCJOJA1QD4-lM1bCxZPmVnaq5uhyWsrj9Qmtp0M9KVIIOqP62KYjXeo8FzWS0UQ3JP5ZSOuveCw3dZUCqM7Gz02KaNN9QiClH5B1X2BIwJ8OwesjDS-ySz5D3NI00b0wX9jzg=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7335841681274914738" /></a></span></i><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>This week as I was walking through my snowy backyard, I noticed that even in the wintry cold, I could tell new life was getting ready to emerge. There are buds on the trees. The green tips of the perennial flowers are starting to work their way up out of the frozen ground. The days are even getting longer. The hope of New Life in spring is unstoppable and lifts the spirits!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What makes you feel alive? What gives you hope and makes you feel energized? What makes you want to celebrate? What makes you to say, “it’s a good day!” What causes you to Praise the Lord?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maybe…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Time w/ family & friends?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Completing a project?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Recognition?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Seeing someone else accomplish something?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Time in nature?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Getting away by yourself?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-A favorite hobbies?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Helping someone else?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All of those things might be cause for celebration! These are “signs of life” and “Fruitfulness.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have much to Celebrate as a church family! This weekend we are welcoming new members, and we are dedicating CRS to the service of the Lord. We will spend time thanking God for what he has done in and through many different people! Next weekend we will observe Baptism. Each week, children and youth and adults are learning about how to live for Jesus. We are beginning new ministries and Bible Studies, and planning new opportunities to Love God, Love His Family, and Love our Neighbors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All of these “signs of life” find their source in <b>Jesus</b>, the “True Vine” and creator of life!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This month, we are considering what it means to Remain in Jesus, the True Vine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV">John 15:1-8</a></b>, Jesus says, <span style='color:red'>“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Growing “new life” and “fruit” takes time and care. It requires submission to the gardener. Sometimes pruning is required in our own lives to help bring about the healthiest fruit possible. As we celebrate what God is doing in our church family, we will also consider all of these ideas on a <i>personal level</i> this weekend. How do you remain connected to Jesus so that you may bear fruit?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is my prayer that we will continue to abide in Jesus, growing more and more “to the Father’s glory” so that we may “bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be disciples of Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>February Council Meeting Highlights<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The SFCOG Council gathered on Tuesday evening for the monthly meeting. Several ministry opportunities were discussed. Here are a few highlights to share with you:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Prospective New Members were approved by the council prior to formal installation this Sunday.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>The Personnel Committee has finished revising and updating job descriptions for all current committees and leadership roles, and they have been approved by Council.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>An updated committee list was discussed and approved for 2024.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Further updates were shared regarding Cross Roads Station financing, and usage guidelines and procedures for the new facility were discussed.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Some upcoming special events and ministry strategies were discussed, including community outreaches, church fellowship possibilities, and appreciation opportunities.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Cross Roads Station Celebrations!<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqMdaUo51vukZQj_TNz7ecF9Z5D6FBMJaUtNX2L8OGXYdMhPF_8tCXsHi3eV7C4rd6wUqL7KAhUz6fkh-SRnMRin3IMKfYLOxL9WX7F_iCBsbuVoQdhpJi5MDKVUO05vS9NOnjWqcRQzCdhWctIrWyjO8MOfvLRNl-VP-DcEYGTxfyFtvW4UZn1BGwemYS"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqMdaUo51vukZQj_TNz7ecF9Z5D6FBMJaUtNX2L8OGXYdMhPF_8tCXsHi3eV7C4rd6wUqL7KAhUz6fkh-SRnMRin3IMKfYLOxL9WX7F_iCBsbuVoQdhpJi5MDKVUO05vS9NOnjWqcRQzCdhWctIrWyjO8MOfvLRNl-VP-DcEYGTxfyFtvW4UZn1BGwemYS=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7335841691541311890" /></a></span><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>This Sunday (1/18) at 9:45</b>, we will devote our full Sunday School hour for a time of celebration and prayer to give thanks and dedicate Cross Roads Station to the Lord’s Service! Our hope is to have as many people together as possible for this time of prayer, from both services and from all age groups. Prayer and praise will be the main focus, but we will also share some details about the project, some stories, and some financial updates. There will be time for fellowship before and after as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Families with children, we encourage you to sit together (please note, there will be no separate Children & Youth Sunday School classes so that we can all be present for this milestone). Please enter through the front doors if possible, to prevent congestion at the rear entrance and prioritize that entryway for people with mobility difficulties (all doorways are ADA handicap accessible).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Outreach Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our <b>Outreach Committee</b> is considering hosting a <b>Wild Game Dinner</b> this Spring and would like to gauge your interest. There will be sign-up sheets in the Sunday School classes and the Gathering Place where you can indicate if you would attend, and also if you would like to help with planning or maybe even provide wild game meat for the cause!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are still collecting donations for the <b>Circle of Love ministry</b>. They are in need of <i>any size</i> of these items:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>shampoo<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>body wash<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>conditioner<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>shaving cream<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>ladies' deodorant<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'>toothpaste (please note: NO TOOTHBRUSHES are needed at this time)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Collecting will continue through this month in a container in the vestibule of the Sanctuary, closest to Cross Roads Station. <i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Men’s Alliance Update<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Men’s Alliance will be starting a more in-depth <b>Weekly Bible Study</b> on <b>Monday evenings at 6:30 </b>beginning on February 26<sup>th </sup>in the Annex. All men are welcome to attend (even if they are not involved on Saturdays). The first series will feature the book <u>No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be</u> by Tony Evans. The study book can be purchased at this link: <a href="https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170">https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our <b>Keel Tribe</b> <a href="https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/">Men’s Alliance</a> group has helped to launch <a href="https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/tribes?near=17257&radius=15">two new tribes</a> in our local area! Pray for these new groups now meeting in Scotland & Chambersburg, and praise the Lord for this growing ministry! All men are welcome to come on Saturdays at 7:00 behind the American Legion in Shippensburg for a work out and time of Bible Study.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Senior Ministry Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9'>This Saturday, <b>February 17</b>, 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!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9'>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register in advance for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Prayer Update<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please keep Amy Culbertson’s family in prayer, as they are mourning the unexpected loss of Amy’s cousin, <a href="https://www.heintzelmancares.com/obituary/mark-weaver">Mark Weaver</a>, who passed away while shoveling snow this past week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Let us live to the Glory of God the Father, bearing much fruit, and showing ourselves to be Disciples of Jesus!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWgM7dOK4Q07Q1J1idqIJ4hNaH997OnT2h-f6uTzyOAhYGUFgqVKWzKt3-Fo5ef1eoy2qV6CZ22ZnlzEDtdt82Ohlk4NS4EfPLBJiS_Xt5nqGfOpnnT45XVcPjYiTJOpAJMgNBK_LBc-Kq6X2_dPQlBECO-Av6Fat1pn8WBc9RLHsAdTqMOAegBrO8C9g7"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWgM7dOK4Q07Q1J1idqIJ4hNaH997OnT2h-f6uTzyOAhYGUFgqVKWzKt3-Fo5ef1eoy2qV6CZ22ZnlzEDtdt82Ohlk4NS4EfPLBJiS_Xt5nqGfOpnnT45XVcPjYiTJOpAJMgNBK_LBc-Kq6X2_dPQlBECO-Av6Fat1pn8WBc9RLHsAdTqMOAegBrO8C9g7=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7335841692627585810" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-90785550491384710452024-02-08T11:14:00.001-08:002024-02-08T11:14:28.526-08:00SFCOG Cross Roads Station Prayer Service 2/18/24 at 9:45am!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>You are ALL Invited to a very special time of prayer and thanksgiving!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzD7YqDDi6emg_PScuws5sWJP6M_1CgJ4cpRzsHq-_D3cu27eV4Xm_SG7Xbjjm6EL6hpstVvEabYOHkwbtpZ4NpPpeZNwTfIgwFPigVgxKzQVpZdYAxJiHOsRB7kokEIoJoD8fiEiE8mLx-SUjjsa5VljTylbvVk3ollZAYBlo6ALGQQjMDY6yfg7f4gwj"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzD7YqDDi6emg_PScuws5sWJP6M_1CgJ4cpRzsHq-_D3cu27eV4Xm_SG7Xbjjm6EL6hpstVvEabYOHkwbtpZ4NpPpeZNwTfIgwFPigVgxKzQVpZdYAxJiHOsRB7kokEIoJoD8fiEiE8mLx-SUjjsa5VljTylbvVk3ollZAYBlo6ALGQQjMDY6yfg7f4gwj=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7333311641480131298" /></a><o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>This is so exciting that I wanted to send a special email just to be sure everyone hears the good news!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>***Sunday, </span></b><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:#00B0F0'>February 18th at 9:45</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>, we will devote our full Sunday School hour for a time of celebration and prayer to give thanks and dedicate <b>Cross Roads Station</b> to the Lord’s Service!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our hope is to have as many people together as possible for this time of prayer, from both services and from all age groups. Prayer and praise will be the main focus, but we will also share some details about the project, some stories, and some financial updates. There will be time for fellowship before and after as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I do want to apologize for the somewhat last-minute change to our usual schedule, but as the finishing touches have been completed and the desire to fully launch into using the space continues to grow, we felt it best to proceed in a rather expedient fashion to bring the whole church family together to celebrate and pray over this wonderful milestone that we have waited for a long time to see!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also in <b>March</b>, we hope to host our first <b>all-church fellowship meal</b> in <b>Cross Roads Station</b> 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!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Praising the Lord with You All,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUfzB6lxasr8PgTp9H9k505-lGfSlp8iv_aGX4VvIvU-XOcB_OqRU1IrMoHULDEi9mwIxJygppXZunNnllbsXeyaV7g5BdHyKLN0zRoCO3Y3M7wn4DcnaT07AGG0vdLw9112XZSW4xcilczrY1j0_s6IPJT0mjhfAQn5SnsnZwofa5SymDqkFAtVPydeLe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUfzB6lxasr8PgTp9H9k505-lGfSlp8iv_aGX4VvIvU-XOcB_OqRU1IrMoHULDEi9mwIxJygppXZunNnllbsXeyaV7g5BdHyKLN0zRoCO3Y3M7wn4DcnaT07AGG0vdLw9112XZSW4xcilczrY1j0_s6IPJT0mjhfAQn5SnsnZwofa5SymDqkFAtVPydeLe=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7333311652976603730" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-33492714273061471272024-02-08T10:24:00.001-08:002024-02-08T10:24:33.836-08:00Remain in Love - SFCOG Updates for 2/11<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>Sunday</b> is coming!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeehMeq715TwSpQqsgdZXXsfAtc8_foXPpdHmBpg13GZkS-fHpsFxOHjWXv3yPeYtn0nuiskgR9QLzkk2c5pmsx4jBTTict69byS8ru6U25nGHhrCuY8Id_VvWRLLw_yzPNs5sglgtPvwjQlM8PcT2NC7UGajmq_5CN4hl6Xp9ePBijFywbLOgG4TIAcDd"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeehMeq715TwSpQqsgdZXXsfAtc8_foXPpdHmBpg13GZkS-fHpsFxOHjWXv3yPeYtn0nuiskgR9QLzkk2c5pmsx4jBTTict69byS8ru6U25nGHhrCuY8Id_VvWRLLw_yzPNs5sglgtPvwjQlM8PcT2NC7UGajmq_5CN4hl6Xp9ePBijFywbLOgG4TIAcDd=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7333298778840714898" /></a></span></i><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>This weekend we consider two special things that have something in common – they both require you to <b><i><u>remain</u> committed</i></b><i>!</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(pay attention to that word, “<b>Remain</b>”).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Sunday we will hear an update from our <b>Cub Scout</b>s, and we will also be looking towards <b>Valentine’s Day</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the most exciting parts of Scouting is earning <b>Merit Badges</b>! If kids <b>remain</b> involved in the pack, they can learn so much cool stuff and earn lots of neat merit badges. The leaders of our Cub Scout Pack make it easier for the Scouts to earn badges by offering opportunities to work on the requirements for the badges, especially If they <b>remain</b> connected and committed to the pack.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Next week, we will celebrate <b>Valentine’s Day</b>. This is a special day to celebrate connections with people we love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here’s the thing about relationships—between a husband & wife, or anyone important to you—if you want your Love to continue to grow and flourish, you have to <b>stay connected</b>. You must spend quality time together, share some interests, and value the same things. It’s important to <b>remain</b> friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The same is true about our connection to God—if we want to know God and experience his blessings and peace, if we want to truly follow Jesus into the adventures that he has for us, we have to stay connected. We must <i>remain committed to Jesus</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our theme verse for this month is <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV">John 15:4</a></b>—<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:red'>Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“<b>Remain</b>” - That word has a lot of meaning packed into it, as we will see throughout this new series that begins on Sunday. The King James Version uses the word “<b>abide</b>.” The Greek word is “<b><i><a href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3306.htm">menó</a></i></b>.” It conveys the ideas of <i>staying with, dwelling in, waiting on, or being permanently connected to and dependent upon</i> <b>Jesus</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will begin by focusing on one important and timely aspect of Jesus’ message:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;color:red'>LOVE.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jesus says in <b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=NIV">John 15-9-17</a></b>, <i><span style='color:red'>“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.</span></i> <i><span style='color:red'>14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jesus showed us the <b><i>full extent of God’s love for us,</i></b> by laying down his life for his friends. Notice this means he calls us friends! If we give him our lives in how we live, remaining connected to Him, then God’s Love can overflow into the world around us, as we obey his command to <i><span style='color:red'>“love each other.”</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Cross Roads Station Celebrations!<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg65T3Wntvcl2t0U6fj-1aWV2YIS8f2_L89MuExaVgvsaHztDoaWIL5_Zj7smySSgLdf2qR_NthzDyK4VMQEOrXCsCkytcKwYMgIk8DF1isu167MxNTXGuU6ruqxsMeITZ9GFtFg0MIxmEyar4Qi7geBDlBDlw9Bh_X3qBntMl9Pxm4nuqx_cRurm2CypTT"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg65T3Wntvcl2t0U6fj-1aWV2YIS8f2_L89MuExaVgvsaHztDoaWIL5_Zj7smySSgLdf2qR_NthzDyK4VMQEOrXCsCkytcKwYMgIk8DF1isu167MxNTXGuU6ruqxsMeITZ9GFtFg0MIxmEyar4Qi7geBDlBDlw9Bh_X3qBntMl9Pxm4nuqx_cRurm2CypTT=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7333298782885095218" /></a></span><o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>***Next Sunday at 9:45</b>, we will devote our full Sunday School hour for a time of celebration and prayer to give thanks and dedicate Cross Roads Station to the Lord’s Service! Our hope is to have as many people together as possible for this time of prayer, from both services and from all age groups. Prayer and praise will be the main focus, but we will also share some details about the project, some stories, and some financial updates. There will be time for fellowship before and after as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also in <b>March</b>, we hope to host our first <b>all-church fellowship meal</b> in <b>Cross Roads Station</b> 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!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>This Sunday<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>This Sunday is <b>Scout Sunday</b>! Each week, we host over 60 Cub Scouts as they learn to ‘<i>do their best to do their duty to God and country, and to help others</i>.’ 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 children and families and show them a warm welcome!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Get Connected</b> will meet this Sunday at 9:45. It will meet in <b>Room 107</b> next to the Gathering Place on the first floor. Get Connected is an opportunity to learn about our <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a>, <a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a>, 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!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Outreach Opportunities<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our <b>Outreach Committee</b> is considering hosting a <b>Wild Game Dinner</b> this Spring and would like to gauge your interest. There will be sign-up sheets in the Sunday School classes and the Gathering Place where you can indicate if you would attend, and also if you would like to help with planning or maybe even provide wild game meat for the cause!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are still collecting donations for the <b>Circle of Love ministry</b>. They are in need of <i>any size</i> of these items:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>shampoo<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>body wash<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>conditioner<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>shaving cream<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>ladies' deodorant<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>toothpaste (please note: NO TOOTHBRUSHES are needed at this time)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Collecting will continue through this month in a container in the vestibule of the Sanctuary, closest to Cross Roads Station. <i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Circle of Love</b> also wishes to extend a word of <b>thanks</b> to our congregation for giving our Christmas Eve offering to their ministry! Your generosity is helping to meet real needs here in Shippensburg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Men’s Alliance Update<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our <b>Keel Tribe</b> <a href="https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/">Men’s Alliance</a> group has helped to launch <a href="https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/tribes?near=17257&radius=15">two new tribes</a> in our local area! Pray for these new groups now meeting in Scotland & Chambersburg, and praise the Lord for this growing ministry! All men are welcome to come on Saturdays at 7:00 here in Shippensburg for a work out and Bible Study.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Men’s Alliance will also be starting a more in-depth weekly Bible Study on Monday evenings beginning on February 26<sup>th</sup>. All men are welcome and encouraged to attend (even if they are not involved on Saturdays).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Senior Ministry Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>We are hoping to resume the <b>Living Stones</b> senior ministry (for people age 50+). If you would like to be involved on a planning team for this ministry, please contact <b>Pastor Gary</b> ( <a href="mailto:visitation_and_discipleship@shipfcog.org">visitation_and_discipleship@shipfcog.org</a> ).<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Next Saturday, <b>February 17</b>, there will be a special brunch for Widows, Widowers, & Singles (age 50+) at 10:30 in the Annex. Sign-Up sheets may be found in your Sunday School classes. Come join in for some food and fellowship!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register in advance for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Children & Youth Updates<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our Children and Youth Ministries have some special events planned in the near future, including games and Easter activities for Children and their families, and a <b>Youth Retreat</b> at <b>Camp YoliJwa</b> in March. Keep these events and their leaders in your prayers, and watch for more information from our Children and Youth departments!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Key Notice<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>As part of the final steps of the Cross Roads Station renovation project, the locks on all 3 of our buildings have been updated. We’ve learned that some existing keys may still work, but some may not (the electronic fobs should all still work). Please contact the church office or talk to one of our trustees if you feel you will need an updated key. We encourage you to stop by the church office during normal office hours (M-F 9-3) prior to a time when you might need access to the building to check your old keys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>I pray that God continues to reveal to you how much He Loves You and the World as you seek to live for Him!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj05-Fa4ttZFoC_ZU_gYlYR-wM0xG0tynP6kAzWARPFL2FaMOuN73UCovmi5IhKmHceBxiAnBIbtMJgzq7jpUSVh7vTfvIa89d_SUFALZWU5yiUb1IxcXI2k3qezKI-FggGUaxZcrMwRh_BTENtb3x_TmyTcWfQN_x0eHMi8ekA3Iy0V8zSKf14K2rWa_oy"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj05-Fa4ttZFoC_ZU_gYlYR-wM0xG0tynP6kAzWARPFL2FaMOuN73UCovmi5IhKmHceBxiAnBIbtMJgzq7jpUSVh7vTfvIa89d_SUFALZWU5yiUb1IxcXI2k3qezKI-FggGUaxZcrMwRh_BTENtb3x_TmyTcWfQN_x0eHMi8ekA3Iy0V8zSKf14K2rWa_oy=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7333298786576699730" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-68076476978825172492024-02-05T12:16:00.001-08:002024-02-05T12:16:49.554-08:00Please pray!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dear Church Family,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Please join us in praying for Jane Chamberlin who is having surgery tomorrow morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black;background:white'>“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</span></b><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>For His Glory,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor Gary</span></b><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Edwardian Script ITC";color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOw5ZTTCZRoET62PXOccd_79WLwAQVgK1_jr7WoHOnfjvI43Br7Y0tVQeKY1nSfoGnO_5w-3HLo87u6J6HWrnzCNpIiu_bjgETpCjDJUFiYP7C0QOAqOM3LUYzLg9VVrRH0hpPTlLfEg8jh3jwQMMBKAxcq440_xA4FJWwHFBmUspRtnXu2yOI6UiDuoRO"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOw5ZTTCZRoET62PXOccd_79WLwAQVgK1_jr7WoHOnfjvI43Br7Y0tVQeKY1nSfoGnO_5w-3HLo87u6J6HWrnzCNpIiu_bjgETpCjDJUFiYP7C0QOAqOM3LUYzLg9VVrRH0hpPTlLfEg8jh3jwQMMBKAxcq440_xA4FJWwHFBmUspRtnXu2yOI6UiDuoRO=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7332214452176283122" /></a><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Gary Hornbaker<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none'>Church Phone: 717-532-8421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-56428610544090691222024-02-01T06:33:00.001-08:002024-02-01T06:33:37.533-08:00'For God so loved the World...' SFCOG updates for 2/4/24<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b>Missions Sunday</b> is coming!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><i><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:red'>“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.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=NIV">John 3:16</a></b> 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 <b>Personally</b>, and the world <b>Globally</b>?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP9jMGeK7U2Q8uxvCalzClCld4uUt0SyXM7MPlTCL5VfNUBJgcpQn3rVObT9cPeQI--x8PNw290SyjE5HUpWGvc38DjPkNtG1XBMjZNo9HHkwSD_N9xofag8efL3aeaqRjkBhu2OvOmWhFsOMadtRBtKaym3EUn8RJNEthJvtcClIwuKIWGDIKBca52hga"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP9jMGeK7U2Q8uxvCalzClCld4uUt0SyXM7MPlTCL5VfNUBJgcpQn3rVObT9cPeQI--x8PNw290SyjE5HUpWGvc38DjPkNtG1XBMjZNo9HHkwSD_N9xofag8efL3aeaqRjkBhu2OvOmWhFsOMadtRBtKaym3EUn8RJNEthJvtcClIwuKIWGDIKBca52hga=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7330641672097113954" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW-yzIQo0LzzG-btNfXoLaZz7_2ViUULATXAg1poNvX58zKuYfJz-9Csp2PUzhn1kaTCZPEDWbwCeVaWwa7Vpf7oDyVVdy7R3aSmkz9jtDFM7qKdMnv_W5beyPV_uUkS23t8UBC6K49R0GAcPwtfNQmg_-FCpvolrATHBF8Q5nq0zjcbXz_g47NFIx3C4A"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW-yzIQo0LzzG-btNfXoLaZz7_2ViUULATXAg1poNvX58zKuYfJz-9Csp2PUzhn1kaTCZPEDWbwCeVaWwa7Vpf7oDyVVdy7R3aSmkz9jtDFM7qKdMnv_W5beyPV_uUkS23t8UBC6K49R0GAcPwtfNQmg_-FCpvolrATHBF8Q5nq0zjcbXz_g47NFIx3C4A=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7330641678210834562" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>This weekend our <b>Compelled to Serve </b>committee will present<b> Missions Sunday</b>. <b><a href="https://ccojubilee.org/staff/pschiavoni">Phil Schiavoni</a></b> will be sharing an update about his ministry to College Students through <b>Coalition for Christian Outreach</b>, and bringing a message from the <b>Gospel of John: “</b> <b>A Fresh Look at the Most Familiar Passage”</b>. Learn more about Phil and his Ministry here: <a href="https://ccojubilee.org/staff/pschiavoni">Philip Schiavoni - CCO | Campus Ministry (ccojubilee.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>There will also be a <b>combined Sunday School</b> hour featuring reports from missions in the <b>Dominican Republic</b> by the <b>Negley family</b> and <b>Paige Smith</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Cross Roads Station Celebrations!<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the completion of the renovation project, we are planning some opportunities to dedicate this new space to the Lord’s Service! On Sunday, <b>February 18<sup>th</sup></b>, we will have an opportunity to gather in the new fellowship hall for a <b>prayer service</b>. More details will be shared soon, but please plan to join us in prayer on that morning!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also in <b>March</b>, we hope to host our first <b>all-church fellowship meal</b> in <b>Cross Roads Station</b> 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!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Upcoming Events<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>This Sunday</b> afternoon, all are invited to go to <b>Camp YoliJwa</b> for their annual <b>Winter Picnic,</b> 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 <a href="https://campyolijwa.org/winter-picnic">Winter Picnic — Doubling Gap Center, Home of camp YoliJwa</a>.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Get Connected</b> 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 <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a>, <a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a>, 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!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Next Sunday is <b>Scout Sunday</b>! Each week, we host over 60 Cub Scouts as they learn to ‘<i>do their best to do their duty to God and country, and to help others</i>.’ 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!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Our next <b>Baptism</b> service is scheduled for <b>February 25<sup>th</sup></b>. 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.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>“<b>A Weekend to Remember</b>” 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: <a href="https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/">Weekend To Remember Marriage Retreat - FamilyLife®</a> --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. <i>There are some free registration spots available. If you would be interested in utilizing a free registration, please let us know!</i><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Senior Ministry Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>We are hoping to resume the <b>Living Stones</b> senior ministry (for people age 50+). If you would like to be involved on a planning team for this ministry, please contact <b>Pastor Gary</b> ( <a href="mailto:visitation_and_discipleship@shipfcog.org">visitation_and_discipleship@shipfcog.org</a> ).<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>On <b>February 17</b>, 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.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph><o:p> </o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>The annual <b>Good Friday Luncheon</b> provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the <b>Busch Trust Fund</b> will be taking place in the <b>Cross Roads Station fellowship hall</b> on <b>March 29 at Noon</b>. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register in advance for planning purposes.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Outreach Collection Opportunity<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are collecting donations for the <b>Circle of Love ministry</b>. They are in need of <i>any size</i> of these items:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>shampoo<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>body wash<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>conditioner<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>shaving cream<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>ladies' deodorant<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'>toothpaste (please note: NO TOOTHBRUSHES are needed at this time)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Collecting will continue through <b>January</b> and <b>February</b> in a container in the vestibule of the Sanctuary, closest to Cross Roads Station. <i>Thank you for sharing with our community!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>I pray that God continues to reveal to you how much He Loves You and the World as you seek to live for Him!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pastor Rodney Bistline<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shippensburg First Church of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org">seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home"><span style='color:windowtext;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy9F0kH5jWD80mDnH-4NCLPfceLLpoFKE8-jV4M8DltgdNynRMP5ERf1hm1_0ewfbGSAiZCKdzWyi1tk_4iw7HWGk38PlWjm6gZyIwDUN0NhuQ7Wi7Woz_hy2go2WDyb5UXbOO_H1bTv3XiqlwDR4r2wHJdchlHUEJR8Cy5XXiKYdPwmJwPjKxZduKmg64"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy9F0kH5jWD80mDnH-4NCLPfceLLpoFKE8-jV4M8DltgdNynRMP5ERf1hm1_0ewfbGSAiZCKdzWyi1tk_4iw7HWGk38PlWjm6gZyIwDUN0NhuQ7Wi7Woz_hy2go2WDyb5UXbOO_H1bTv3XiqlwDR4r2wHJdchlHUEJR8Cy5XXiKYdPwmJwPjKxZduKmg64=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7330641688659432610" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Helpful Links:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home">Website (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShipFCOG">SFCOG Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-messages">Online Messages (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/online-giving">Online Giving (shipfcog.org)</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/a-place-to-belong/care-groups">Care Groups</a> & <a href="https://shipfcog.org/sundays/sunday-school-classes">Sunday School Classes</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.org/home/weather-alerts-schedule-changes"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>*</span><b>Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)</b></a>*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Weekly Order of Worship</b> and <b>FYI Newsletter </b>(updated over the weekend)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html">shipfcog.net/site/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipfcog</span>/<span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'>shipnews</span>/index.html</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494392494320461854.post-91660183242416758402024-01-30T14:30:00.001-08:002024-01-30T14:30:29.504-08:00Church Key Notice<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Church Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are currently in the process of changing the church property key system. Your current church key may or may not work. If your key does not work, please notify the church office to maybe obtain a new key, fob, or card. You may want to stop by during church office hours to check to see if your key works to avoid being locked out before a meeting or event. If you have a key fob or card, it should still work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sonja<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Church Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Sonja Shively<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Shippensburg First Church of God <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Email <a href="mailto:Secretary@shipfcog.org">Secretary@shipfcog.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Office Phone 717.532.8421<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Shippensburg First Church of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657600605417942680noreply@blogger.com0