It has come to my attention that there is another scam attempting to impersonate me, sending texts claiming to be me and asking for assistance, but it is not me. Please disregard those texts or emails and do not respond. Feel free to block the number, and report it to
Always be diligent with any email or text and pay close attention the sender's address.
Have a good weekend,
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Dear Church Family,
Below is a message from our Children’s Ministries Coordinators regarding help they need on Saturday with set up for VBS.
Church Secretary
Sonja Shively
Shippensburg First Church of God
Email Secretary@shipfcog.org
Office Phone 717.532.8421
Dear Church Family,
Can you believe VBS starts this Sunday! We are busy working to transform the church into a place to Magnify the “Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things.”
If anyone is available Saturday, we are in need of help with many things including the following (just to name few):
Continue clearing & setting up the stage in the sanctuary (chairs, music stands etc.)
Clearing out classrooms (to a point) that will be used for VBS & setting up supplies.
Setting up tables & chairs in Crossroads Station
Setting up different props & decorations.
Other things as needed.
We will be starting at 10:00 am on Saturday and any amount of time you would be available to help, would be greatly appreciated.
Currently we have 46 kids pre-registered and are expecting more by Sunday.
We also, appreciate your prayers for VBS as all the volunteers prepare and get ready to share the love of Jesus with kids from our church and community.
Thank you for your support,
Becky Cramer & Jeanette Roberts
VBS/Children’s Ministries Co-Directors
Dear Family,
Please be in prayer for Felecia Kelley’s family (Billy, Misty, Jesse, Bill, and Darlene Bodkins, and others). Today she went home to be with the Lord.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mathew 5:4
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Sunday is Coming!
Where are you heading this summer?
My family just got back from vacationing on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where we had the opportunity to go on a Whale Watch. It was a foggy, rainy day, not too stormy, but with enough wind & waves to make me appreciate the Mystery & Power of the Ocean. When we got out to sea, out of the fog emerged dozens of large humpback whales. It was all quite inspiring yet a little unsettling too.
This weekend will read more about the sea (and a “whale”), but I’m curious if anyone else planning to go to the ocean this summer?
Where else are you heading?
Besides Vacation?
We have several teens and young adults heading on Missions Trips.
Many of you will be serving at VBS.
Some of you are assisting your families and neighbors with special projects and life changes.
Summer brings lots of other unique opportunities as well.
Or perhaps we could consider this question with a different frame of mind…
Does anyone feel like you’re wandering in Confusion? Adrift in the fog? Seeking a new direction? Waiting for a Word from God?
There have been times in my life when I wished God would just plainly tell me where to go and what to do.
Have you ever felt this way? Wouldn’t we all like some clear directions from God?
But truthfully, would we follow God’s directives if we actually had them? Or would we choose to go our own way?
God does give us directions, but we always have choices to make. On Sunday we will begin reading an Epic Tale from Scripture that tells of a man who was given clear directions from God, and instead of following these directions, he turned around and went the opposite way, only to find himself in a stormy sea, confronting a monstrous fish!
I am of course referring to the Prophet Jonah! Let’s jump right into Chapter 1--
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
We will consider many important themes in this book over the next few weeks, but I think there’s a key topic that Jonah helps us to explore: Choice. Free Will. The ability God gives us to decide what to do with our own lives.
God loves us enough to allow us to choose to follow Him, or to choose to go our own way. Jonah reveals what happens when we don’t obey, and also what can happen when we do submit to Him.
Jonah does eventually cry out to God inside of a Huge Fish, and then he obeys God’s directions and goes to Nineveh.
That brings us to one more note about the theme of Free Will in this book:
God declared that He was aware of the wickedness of Ninevah and Jonah assumed this meant God was prepared to destroy them. But in Chapter 3, thanks to the message Jonah preaches to them, the people of Ninevah made the choice to repent—to change their actions and change their behaviors – and God honored their choice, and so He relented from sending calamity upon them.
This was in keeping with God’s Character, which He had revealed to His people throughout history—those who knew him—the Hebrews and their prophets, including Jonah, who himself said,
“you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” — Jonah 4:2
(Compare to Exodus 34:6)
So let’s ask ourselves, how well to we Know God? Do we truly want to experience Him? And do we desire for others to experience Him also?
In many ways, It’s our Choice.
This begins by calling on God, surrendering ourselves to Him. God may be as mysterious and powerful as the Sea, but He has personally declared that He is a gracious and compassionate God Who is abounding in Love.
We must hear the call that God has given to us, and obey Him—not going our own way, or running into the confusing ocean of chaos of our own selfishness, but following the Clear Directions that have been revealed to us in God’s Word by God’s Holy Spirit, and demonstrated through Jesus.
We are all sent to be Prophets! We are Sent by God to share the Gospel!
In the New Testament age in which we live, God’s Word is not limited to prophets like Jonah—God’s Word is available to all people by His Holy Spirit through His Son, Jesus. Jesus has already given Clear Directions to all who would call themselves His Disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says,
“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.”
As we study the Book of Jonah this summer, we will consider what it means to be “Sent” by God to share His Word with the World. We will also celebrate what God is doing through some people in our church, and through the CGGC ministries in Brazil, and the international ministry of the Gideons.
And let us each listen for the voice of God, who calls us to “go and make disciples” together with Him!
Will you answer the call?
This Sunday
8:30 Traditional Worship
Jesus Calls Us #592
Send the Light #437
So Send I You #440
Take The Name of Jesus With You #235
9:45 Sunday School for all ages
Check out our Sunday School classes and other Care Group ministries on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
This Is Amazing Grace
What an Awesome God
Grace Alone
Glorious Day
We will have a special time of prayer for those who will be serving with VBS and the Youth Mission Trip during both services this Sunday.
*If you have not already done so, Please be sure to prayerfully consider financially supporting the youth who are going on the Mission Trip to Asheville, North Carolina this summer. Support Letters were distributed to church mailboxes and are available on the Welcome Desk if you would like to learn more.
*Next Sunday, June 29th, will be a 5th Sunday, which means the Children will join us in worship during the 11:00 service.
Vacation Bible School
We are looking forward to Vacation Bible School next week, June 22-26!
VBS will meet Sunday – Thursday from 6:00-8:00. There will be a meal provided at 5:30 in the Annex for families and helpers.
Please enter the Sanctuary through the Back Doors. Registration will take place in the Gathering Place. Preregistration is also available to speed things along. à You can preregister Children online at this link: myvbs.org/ShipFCOGVBS
Volunteer Clearances
We always welcome new volunteers for our Children & Youth Ministries! We do require training and background clearances to serve in these areas, and we will help you work through this process. Karen Marr is our Child Protection Coordinator. If you have questions concerning clearances for volunteering in church ministry, please contact Karen Marr at ChildProtectionCoordinator@shipfcog.org.
Living Stones Activities
Location: Start tour at Best Western Motel, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA, 17109
The itinerary will include a visit to Winebrenner’s grave, the Metropolitan Bethel and Salem UCC in Harrisburg, the Union Bethel in Mechanicsburg, and Peace Church where he preached.
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 10:30 AM and return approximately 7:00 PM
Cost: No cost for the tour. We suggest you pack a lunch to eat in the church van. The actual tour time is
12:00 noon – 5:00 PM. We will then stop somewhere for dinner (your expense) on the way home.
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by June 29th. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us in Harrisburg.
Location: Cowan's Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224
Arrive at Annex by 10:15. We plan to return no later than 5:00 PM.
We will use the church van, carpool, and vehicles to haul lawn chairs and food.
Church will provide: Water, sliced cheese, ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and will grill your meat
What to Bring: meat you would like to have grilled, roll or bread for your sandwich(es), a side dish to share, your drink, lawn chairs (if you desire), and swimming suit (if you wish to swim)
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by July 20th. Please indicate what side dish you plan to bring, and if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, meet us at Cowan’s Gap.
Location: FNB Park, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 5:00 PM. Priority seating for the church van will be for our seniors on a first-paid registration basis.
Cost: $17/Person (all ages) A food voucher (hot dog, chips, and a drink for $7) is an option, but must be requested in advance. (If paying by check, make it payable to the Shippensburg First Church of God.)
Register and Pay Pastor Gary: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office ASAP. We would like to know by June 29th if possible because we need to order tickets in advance so that we can sit together. This activity is open to all ages. You are welcome to bring your family. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us at the game.
Summer Bible Studies
Serving and Community Partnership Opportunity
Our Outreach Committee is now collecting Toothpaste and Children’s Tylenol for Circle of Love ministries. Donations can be placed in the appropriate place in the entryway of the Sanctuary that is closest to Crossroads Station. In addition, Circle of Love is always in need of financial donations, which can be delivered directly to their location at 150 Reading Road, Shippensburg, PA.
To learn more, contact (717) 372-1112 or circleoflovegiveaway@gmail.com
Communications Updates
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
The June edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or the center section of the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Looking forward to worshipping with you in the Sanctuary or Online this Sunday!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Our Activities Calendar & Events
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Hello Church Family,
Please be advised that a lot of work is happening around the church property this week, between new window installation, exterior cleaning, painting, and more, plus Bible School preparations! Keep these matters in your prayers, and also be sure to use caution if you need to enter the building while work is in progress.
Also, pay close attention to make sure that doors close and lock properly as you leave—due to power washing some of the entrance ways, added to heat and humidity, some of the doors do not open and close or latch as smoothly without a little extra effort. Given a little time, they should return to normal.
See you soon!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Dear Family,
We are encouraged that Deb Booz’s surgery went well yesterday. I have not had the opportunity to talk with her today, but she was hoping to come home today. Please pray for her recovery.
Please be n prayer for Lee Cramer who is in the hospital in Allentown.
Thank you for your prayer partnership!
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Sunday is Coming! We are looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day together!
Each man in attendance will receive a small appreciation gift.
We will be blessed by a special speaker, Chris Adams. I encourage you to be praying for him as he continues to prepare, and then be in attendance to be blessed by how God uses him.
This Sunday
8:30 Traditional Worship
For the Beauty of the Earth #793
God of Our Fathers #809
Glorious is Thy Name #188
Find Us Faithful #456
9:45 Sunday School for all ages
Check out our Sunday School classes and other Care Group ministries on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
King of My Heart
No Longer Slaves
Good, Good Father
He Reigns
Staff Availability the remainder of the Week
Some of our staff (including Pastor Rodney) will be enjoying some family vacation the week of June 9-15. Please be aware that office coverage may look a little different. For pastoral needs, you may feel free to contact Pastor Gary.
*Please be sure to prayerfully consider supporting the youth who are going on the Mission Trip to Asheville, North Carolina this summer. Support Letters were distributed to church mailboxes and are available on the Welcome Desk if you would like to learn more.
Vacation Bible School
We are looking forward to Bible School on June 22-26! Most of our key leadership positions have been filled (thank you!) but there is always room for more helpers if you’d like to serve children & families in this important and fun way!
The team would appreciate help with painting props, setting up, and other types of preparation. The times are Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, and Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM. Thank you for continuing to pray that God will move mightily in our midst.
à You can preregister Children online at this link: myvbs.org/ShipFCOGVBS
Volunteer Clearances
We always welcome new volunteers for our Children & Youth Ministries! We do require training and background clearances to serve in these areas, and we will help you work through this process. Karen Marr is our Child Protection Coordinator. If you have questions concerning clearances for volunteering in church ministry, please contact Karen Marr at ChildProtectionCoordinator@shipfcog.org.
June 10 Council Meeting Highlights
Painting on the exterior of our church will begin on Friday.
New windows will be installed in the office areas on the first and second floor next week.
Next Sunday, June 22 during both services, we will have a Commissioning Service for all VBS volunteers and the Youth Ministry Mission Participants.
Living Stones Activities
John Winebrenner Tour and Dinner Monday, July 14 10:30AM-7:00PM
Location: Start tour at Best Western Motel, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA, 17109
The itinerary will include a visit to Winebrenner’s grave, the Metropolitan Bethel and Salem UCC in Harrisburg, the Union Bethel in Mechanicsburg, and Peace Church where he preached.
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 10:30 AM and return approximately 7:00 PM
Cost: No cost for the tour. We suggest you pack a lunch to eat in the church van. The actual tour time is
12:00 noon – 5:00 PM. We will then stop somewhere for dinner (your expense) on the way home.
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by June 29th. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us in Harrisburg.
Cowan’s Gap Potluck Picnic and Swimming Tuesday, July 29 10:15 AM
Location: Cowan's Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224
Arrive at Annex by 10:15. We plan to return no later than 5:00 PM.
We will use the church van, carpool, and vehicles to haul lawn chairs and food.
Church will provide: Water, sliced cheese, ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and will grill your meat
What to Bring: meat you would like to have grilled, roll or bread for your sandwich(es), a side dish to share, your drink, lawn chairs (if you desire), and swimming suit (if you wish to swim)
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by July 20th. Please indicate what side dish you plan to bring, and if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, meet us at Cowan’s Gap.
Harrisburg Senators Game and Fireworks Friday, August 29 5:00 PM
Location: FNB Park, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 5:00 PM. Priority seating for the church van will be for our seniors on a first-paid registration basis.
Cost: $17/Person (all ages) A food voucher (hot dog, chips, and a drink for $7) is an option, but must be requested in advance. (If paying by check, make it payable to the Shippensburg First Church of God.)
Register and Pay Pastor Gary: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office ASAP. We would like to know by June 29th if possible because we need to order tickets in advance so that we can sit together. This activity is open to all ages. You are welcome to bring your family. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us at the game.
Summer Bible Studies
Ladies in Step will be having some special activity nights throughout the summer. The first will be Candle Making on June 18 from 6:30-8:00 in the Annex. Please RSVP to Joyce Hornbaker by Sunday to help with planning for materials. There is a $5 fee payable the evening of the event.
Beginning on July 9th, there will be a summer Men’s Bible Study and Prayer held at the home of Jerry Underkoffler. This will take place every Wednesday morning at 8:00-9:15 until the end of August. Coffee cake will be served each week with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Please inform Jerry if you plan to attend.
Serving and Community Partnership Opportunity
Our Outreach Committee is now collecting Toothpaste and Children’s Tylenol for Circle of Love ministries. Donations can be placed in the appropriate place in the entryway of the Sanctuary that is closest to Crossroads Station. In addition, Circle of Love is always in need of financial donations, which can be delivered directly to their location at 150 Reading Road, Shippensburg, PA. To learn more, contact (717) 372-1112 or circleoflovegiveaway@gmail.com
Communications Updates
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
The June edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or the center section of the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Looking forward to worshipping with you in the Sanctuary or Online this Sunday!
Enjoy the rest of the week, and Happy Father’s Day in advance!
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Cell Phone: 717-552-6990
Visitation_and_discipleship@ShipFCOG.org
Dear Family,
All individuals who will be serving with VBS this year are asked to attend a training meeting this Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 in the Lower Level. I hope to see you there.
Please be in prayer for Carole Kann who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning in Hershey Hospital where she is a patient.
“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
Church Family,
The following is information from the Children’s Ministries coordinators about help that is still needed for Vacation Bible School.
Church Secretary
Sonja Shively
Shippensburg First Church of God
Email Secretary@shipfcog.org
Office Phone 717.532.8421
Hello Church Family,
Vacation Bible School (VBS) scheduled for June 22nd – 26th is fast approaching, and we are still in need of some help in a few areas.
v We provide a lite meal for the volunteers & any children that attend and their family. This helps people come to VBS & not have to rush or worry about preparing a meal. It is also a good time of fellowship & helps establish relationships with the VBS children & their families.
We still have 2 nights (Monday & Thursday) that need someone, a Sunday School class or Care Group to prepare a simple meal. It does not have to be fancy. We start serving the meal at 5:00 – 5:15. We usually feed around 60-65 people a night. We do ask people to RSVP about the meal, so we will have better numbers as registrations come in. We do have volunteers that will help serve the meal but can always use more. The following is what is already being done:
Sunday – Tacos
Monday – Open
Tuesday – Tater Tot Casserole
Wednesday – Pizza
Thursday – Open
v We are also in need of a photographer to take pictures of the kids throughout the week of VBS to make a video presentation to be shown the last night of VBS.
v There is also a music leader position open. This person would lead the singing and teach kids the motions to songs during the opening & closing Worship Rally. There is one main Theme song & then a different song each night that goes with the lesson for that day.
v If you are creative or like to paint, we are tentatively looking at the following dates & times to work on creating/making the backdrops & larger items needed to bring “Magnified” VBS to life. Any help is welcome.
Tuesday, June 17th 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, June 18th 9:00am – 12:00 pm
v Most importantly, please be in prayer for VBS and its volunteers as we prepare & minister to the children throughout the week of VBS. Pray that God will send us kids, so that they can learn that God made us, cares about us, loves us, forgives us and is faithful to keep His promises to us. We are made to magnify God!
Proclaim the LORD’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3
If you or your group would like to help, please let us know ASAP. Thank you!
Becky Cramer: becky@cramerenterprises.net; 717-860-5560
Jeanette Roberts: jeanette.lynnne@gmail.com; 717-372-2646
Shippensburg First Church of God
Children’s Ministries Co-Directors
Dear Family,
Praise God for what He is doing, and please continue to pray!
Walt Crider had three stents placed in his coronary arteries today. He is in the hospital recovering.
Bill Jones’ scan they took two weeks ago after the round of Chemo from Feb-April has produced the results they were hoping for. The one tumor decreased in size by 50% and many of the other small tumors have disappeared. He now gets a 4 month “break” until they do another scan to see if he will need to go through more rounds of chemo. So, for now, he will continue the immunotherapy (once every 3 weeks) and get his stomach drained once a week until the liver continues to heal. He was extremely happy and optimistic about this report.
Tiffany Roth began her 4 weeks of radiation treatment yesterday.
Praise God for the conclusion of another school year thanking God for all the those involved in the educational journey and that each would experience a fulfilling summer.
“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
For His Glory,
Pastor Gary
Pastor Gary
Gary Hornbaker
Shippensburg First Church of God
Pastor of Visitation and Discipleship
Church Phone: 717-532-8421
