Please be in prayer for Marjorie Fleagle and family. Marjorie’s sister Linda Crapton is now with her Heavenly Father. She passed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Pray for peace, hope and comfort for her family.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to churchnews+unsubscribe@shipfcog.org.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Campfire Stories - SFCOG Updates for 7/12
Sunday is Coming!
Summertime reminds me of some very formational moments from my youth. Maybe the same is true for you – What memories come to mind as summer rolls along? Maybe church camps, family vacations, slow days by the pool, or maybe working on the farm? What stories could you tell?
This month, we have been taking our own kids up and back to Camp YoliJwa, and it brings back many of my own fond memories, which I share with my kids—stories of catching snakes & newts around the lake, hiking to Flat Rock, and making new friends that would become lifelong family.
I also remember sitting around the Campfire feeling the conviction that faith was something I needed to make personal. While I was grateful for the influence of the faith of my parents and grandparents, one summer I gradually realized that I had to make it my own.
When I was a teenager and young adult, Summertime was full of opportunities to do exactly that, as I joined with other youth from around our denomination and from within our own church family here in Shippensburg First. I was able to experience a variety of things that helped my faith to grow and make it personal.
Things like Bible School and Summer Camp and Missions Trips and Bible Quizzing – these were things I experienced as a young person, and I am glad to say these are still vital parts of our church ministry today. These are the events that formed me into the person I am today, and what God has used to prepare me to be your pastor. We are going to highlight several of these things over the next few weeks as we pray for & report what God is doing.
As we Tell the Story of what God is currently doing in our church (and our community and our world), we will also reflect on some of the stories (or parables) that Jesus told in the New Testament, and also the Big Story that God is still telling through His Church both near and far, from generation to generation.
In the Bible we see that Jesus was a storyteller, and we are also called to be storytellers! And we have a great story to tell!
We will be reading mainly from Matthew 13 this month. In this chapter, Matthew shares a variety of Parables & Stories that Jesus told to his disciples and the crowds that followed him.
Jesus begins the chapter speaking from a boat on a lake. As it goes on, we can imagine Him talking as He walked with his disciples through the wilderness. We could even picture Him sitting around a campfire with His disciples, telling stories—Stories like these in Matthew 13:31-35—
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”
Here Jesus tells some stories about Small Things that Grow. He says God’s Heavenly Kingdom is like these things— The Kingdom starts small, but it becomes big & powerful over time. Through the ministries of our church, and the little events of our personal lives, season after season, we can also see God’s Kingdom growing!
As we tell some of these stories this summer, my prayer is that we will see in a new way how God’s Heavenly Kingdom is indeed advancing little-by-little around us each and every day. Pull up a camp chair (or a log) and listen in to the Wonderful Story that God is telling!
This Sunday
Both services will include a special time of prayer and commissioning for our Serve Ship Youth Missions Team!
8:25 Traditional Worship
We will share our welcome and announcements at 8:25, followed by a musical prelude for a time of quiet reflection.
621 Tell Me the Old, Old Story
295 Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
444 I Love to Tell the Story
184 Thy Word
9:45 Sunday School for all ages.
Check out our Care Groups & Sunday School Classes on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
From The Inside Out
A Thousand Shores
The Heart Of Worship
Blessed Be Your Name
Communion & Feetwashing
“Poured out for many”
This Sunday evening, July 12th at 6:30, we will have a prayerful and worshipful evening as we remember The Lord’s Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. We observe these reminders of Jesus and His service and sacrifice in obedience to His directives found in Scripture. They are regular reminders of the True Story of God’s salvation plan for His creation, and the life of service into which He calls us to follow Him.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
As part of our worship on Sunday evening, we will also collect an offering for our beneficent fund. This fund helps us to show the love of Jesus as we serve our church family and our neighbors. You may place your offerings in the plates that will be located near the doors as you leave the sanctuary that evening.
Serve Ship
Serve Ship is returning July 15-17!
Cookies, Baked Goods, & Flowers are Needed!
The Youth Group will be doing an “at-home” mission event next week!
Wednesday through Friday, the youth will be serving the local community by doing various service projects throughout the community. and hosting a free meal for the community on Thursday, July 16th.
They are inviting you to be a part of this mission as they reach out to our community. Here are some ways you can help--
- The youth need cookies & cupcakes for the community meal. They will need enough of these items to provide dessert for 500 people. You may drop off cookies and cupcakes on July 16th between Noon -3PM in the CRS kitchen.
- The youth are also in need of flowers that can be put into flower arrangements to be shared with our friends at home. If you have fresh-cut flowers in your gardens that will hold up well in a flower arrangement, you can bring those to CRS on Thursday, July 16th also, to be distributed on Friday.
- You may also use the white envelopes in the pews at any time to make a designated financial gift towards the event (write “Serve Ship” on the envelope). Thank you for giving as the Lord leads you!
Men’s Summer Bible Study
Jerry Underkoffler will once again be leading a Bible Study for all men on Wednesday mornings, 9:00 -10:15.
Dates: JULY 8 - AUGUST 26
Location: 23 Oak Lane, Shippensburg
Theme: "Thy Kingdom Come"
Online Apparel Shop
Represent SFCOG at work or in the community!
We have partnered with Creative Engravings here in Shippensburg to set up an online apparel shop—you can custom order various shirts with our church logo embroidered on them. Select from 4 different styles (polo, t-shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt & sweatshirt) and several different colors. Items can be purchased online and picked up right here in Shippensburg at the Creative Engravings shop, or you may also reach out to us if you would like us to pick it up and deliver it to your church mailbox for you (select “Store Pick Up” and let us know when you receive notice that it is ready).
Visit the store:
Creative Engraving Plus, LLC| Ship First Church of God | CreativeEng&Apparel
Shippensburg Community Fair Vespers
To begin Fair Week, our local churches collaborate to hold an evening worship service at the concert stage on Sunday, July 19th. The service starts at 7:30, but the town band will begin playing music at 7:00. Bring a lawn chair and a heart ready to praise the Lord alongside of other believers from our community!
Church Center
We have been gradually rolling out a new database tool called “Church Center.” It will be utilized for scheduling, record-keeping, giving, and many other ministry functions. You will be hearing more about it in the coming months as we implement new aspects of this resource, such as:
- a directory feature,
- an online giving option,
- and upcoming changes to our Children’s Ministry check-in system.
You can begin learning more and start exploring it by visiting this page on our website to create your own log-in:
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Communications Updates
Bulletins and newsletters are available for you as you enter for worship—you can find them right outside the main doorways into the sanctuary on a table or stand for easy access. Some are usually available at our welcome desk also, but we encourage you to keep access to our welcome desk (and our handicapped accessible seating) open and available for those who may need it.
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
*If you or your small groups, committees, etc., are planning special events involving the facilities, please be sure to communicate with the church office so we can best accommodate your needs and coordinate planning details between various ministries—Thank You!
The latest monthly edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or as you enter into the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have events or information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Let us continue to worship our savior together 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
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Please Pray !!!
Dear Church Family,
Please be in prayer for Denny Hockensmith. He will be having knee surgery on Monday, July 13, 2026 to clean out and repair some knee issues.
Thank you for you prayers.
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1”37
Monday, July 6, 2026
Praise!!!
Lisa Dubbs hip surgery went well. She is in a hospital room and plans on being home on Wednesday.
Heartfelt praises !!!
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1”37
Prayer Request
We have an opportunity to join the celebration of Lois Breneman’s 90th birthday on July 11th !!!!
Please forward a card to her using her mailbox at church or the following address:
2409 Lindsey Lot Rd
Shippensburg, Pa
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1”37
Please Pray!!!
Dear Church Family,
Please keep Glenn Lytle in prayer as he recovers from a fall.
Please pray for Jen Bistline’s sister Erin Jones as she begins chemotherapy today for a very aggressive and rare type of cancer.
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1”37
Friday, July 3, 2026
Message form our Youth Ministry about Serve Ship Service Project
Dear Church Family,
Below is a message from our Youth Ministry regarding their upcoming Serve Ship service project.
Sonja
Church Secretary
Sonja Shively
Shippensburg First Church of God
Email Secretary@shipfcog.org
Office Phone 717.532.8421
As part of the Serve Ship youth service project (July 15–17), our youth will be arranging flowers with approximately 35 residents at a local nursing home on July 17. More than just creating flower arrangements, they’ll be spending time with the residents, building relationships, and sharing encouragement.
We’re looking for donations of fresh flowers from your gardens or yards if you have an abundance to share. If you’d like to donate, please contact Heather Negley at 717-377-5211 or hnegley@gmail.com by Friday, July 10th.
Flowers may be dropped off at the Crossroad Station on July 16, or we’re happy to arrange pickup that day if that’s more convenient.
Thank you for keeping our youth and this service project in your prayers. We also appreciate you considering whether this is an opportunity to come alongside us by sharing flowers from your garden. As always, thank you for your continued support of our youth group!
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Gideons - SFCOG Updates for 7/5
Sunday is Coming!
Last week at Bible School, we gave away lots of New Testaments to the children who attended! These New Testaments were provided to us by the Gideons. This weekend, we will have a guest speaker from the Gideons International who will share about their global Bible distribution ministry. Let us worship and learn together as we consider the many ways God’s message is proclaimed all around the world!
This Sunday
8:25 Traditional Worship
We will share our welcome and announcements at 8:25, followed by a musical prelude for a time of quiet reflection.
807 My Country Tis of Thee
803 If My People Will Pray
804 Battle Hymn or the Republic
Close 151 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
We begin our summer special music series this weekend, with a duet by Jean Ritchie & Sandy Wenger.
9:45 Sunday School for all ages.
Check out our Care Groups & Sunday School Classes on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
Seth Sjoberg will serve as guest worship leader this weekend as Jon has the opportunity to spend some time with his family for the holiday weekend. Seth grew up here at SFCOG and has served at Camp YoliJwa. He shared his talents with us previously, and we look forward to welcoming him back.
Communion & Feetwashing
Next Sunday evening, July 12th at 6:30, we will have a prayerful and worshipful evening as we remember The Lord’s Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. We observe these reminders of Jesus and His service and sacrifice in obedience to His directives found in Scripture. They are regular reminders of the True Story of God’s salvation plan for His creation, and the life of service into which He calls us to follow Him.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Serve Ship
Serve Ship is returning July 15-17!
Cookies and Baked Goods Needed!
The Youth Group will be doing an “at-home” mission event this summer!
From July 15 - 17, the youth will be serving the local community by hosting a free meal for the community on July 16th, and by doing various service projects throughout the community on July 15 & 17. They are inviting you to help them as they reach out to our community. Here is a way you can help--
The youth need cookies & cupcakes for the community meal. They will need enough of these items to provide dessert for 500 people. You may drop off cookies and cupcakes on July 16th between Noon -3PM in the CRS kitchen.
You may also use the white envelopes in the pews at any time to make a designated financial gift towards the event (write “Serve Ship” on the envelope). Thank you for giving as the Lord leads you!
Men’s Summer Bible Study
Jerry Underkoffler will once again be leading a Bible Study for all men on Wednesday mornings, 9:00 -10:15.
Dates: JULY 8 - AUGUST 26
Location: 23 Oak Lane, Shippensburg
Theme: "Thy Kingdom Come"
Online Apparel Shop
Represent SFCOG at work or in the community!
We have partnered with Creative Engravings here in Shippensburg to set up an online apparel shop—you can custom order various shirts with our church logo embroidered on them. Select from 4 different styles (polo, t-shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt & sweatshirt) and several different colors. Items can be purchased online and picked up right here in Shippensburg at the Creative Engravings shop, or you may also reach out to us if you would like us to pick it up and deliver it to your church mailbox for you (select “Store Pick Up” and let us know when you receive notice that it is ready).
Visit the store:
Creative Engraving Plus, LLC| Ship First Church of God | CreativeEng&Apparel
Church Center
We have been gradually rolling out a new database tool called “Church Center.” It will be utilized for scheduling, record-keeping, giving, and many other ministry functions. You will be hearing more about it in the coming months as we implement new aspects of this resource, such as a directory feature and upcoming changes to our Children’s Ministry check-in system. You can begin learning more and start exploring it by visiting this page on our website to create your own log-in:
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Communications Updates
Bulletins and newsletters are available for you as you enter for worship—you can find them right outside the main doorways into the sanctuary on a table or stand for easy access. Some are usually available at our welcome desk also, but we encourage you to keep access to our welcome desk (and our handicapped accessible seating) open and available for those who may need it.
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
*If you or your small groups, committees, etc., are planning special events involving the facilities, please be sure to communicate with the church office so we can best accommodate your needs and coordinate planning details between various ministries—Thank You!
The latest monthly edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or as you enter into the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have events or information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Let us continue to celebrate the Light of the World together 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
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Prayer and Praises
Hello everyone here is this weeks prayer concerns and praises.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Praise and Prayer Request!!
Hello,
Beth Jones, daughter of Bob Diehl shared they were able to remove 98% of the brain tumor. Bob is receiving OT and PT. They are waiting on the biopsy results.
We lift Bob up to God for continued recovery.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Monday, June 29, 2026
Please Pray!!!
Please pray for Jennifer Bistline’s sister, Erin Reeve Jones who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She will receive further evaluation this week to determine her treatment options.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Pray Please!!!
Barb Stine is still in the hospital and in a great deal of pain. Please pray.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to churchnews+unsubscribe@shipfcog.org.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Please pray!!!
Please be in prayer for Bib Diehl. His daughter Beth shared he is having a tumor removed from his brain today.
We ask God for His power and healing.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to churchnews+unsubscribe@shipfcog.org.Praises !!!
Hello Everyone,
Great news !!! Both Bob Hershey and Barb Stine are recovering from their medical procedures.
Barb is headed home.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Monday, June 22, 2026
Please Pray !!!
Dear Church Family,
We ask God to place Lois Cox in His loving arms and give her healing and restoration of from cancer.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Please pray!
Please be in prayer for Bob Hershey. He is scheduled to receive a pacemaker today.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him and he helps me. Psalms 28:7
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Praise !!!
Jessie Frey is at home and recovering nicely from his medical procedure to day.
Glory to God.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Please Pray!
Dear Church Family
Please pray for Sharon Dick as she seeks answers and healing for her medical concerns.
Please pray for Jesse Frey as he goes for a medical procedure for his kidney stones on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Thank you
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Monday, June 15, 2026
VBS work days
Calling all helping hands and creative crafters!
Vacation Bible School begins next Sunday, and there are several opportunities to help get ready this week. There are a variety of jobs for all skill types and abilities.
The times are listed below. You can come and go as you are able.
Also we are still collecting small glass jars for crafts. They can be dropped off in the designated box in the gathering place.
Thank you!
Rodney and the Children’s Ministry leaders
Tuesday 6/16 - 9:00am-12:00pm
Thursday 6/18- 9:00am-12:00pm
Friday 6/19 - 9:00am - 6:00pm
(Pack a lunch if staying over lunch time)
Sunday 6/21 - 12:30pm-???
Please Pray!!!
Hello Church Family we have the following prayer request and praises.
Chris Barnes is recovering from bronchitis may she continue to experience healing.
Barb Stine is preparing for knee replacement surgery on Tuesday, June 23. Pray for Barb and Chuck as she goes for surgery and for her recovery.
Tarik and Abiy Carolton celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary by delivering a baby boy. Levi was born on Tuesday, June 12the at 8:38 AM.
11lbs and 4ozs. 22 inches long. What a beautiful anniversary blessing.
Glory to God.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Oh Well? SFCOG Updates for 7/14
Sunday is Coming!
A few years ago, I had a “water issue”—the main shut off valve to the water line in our house started to drip. I knew if I didn’t get it fixed, it could turn into a worse problem. It wasn’t an easy fix…
But during that long day, one of the men who came to work on the water line shared that his family was going through some struggles—they had a newborn baby with some health concerns. This gave me the opportunity to be in prayer for their family. My own personal problem created an opportunity to intercede for someone else facing a bigger problem.
This weekend we will read a story about someone else who had a “water issue” that resulted in God’s blessings extending to someone else… We turn to another one of the Patriarchs—Isaac, the son of Abraham, as we consider the “founding fathers of our faith” and what it means to leave a legacy to the people around us, as we are “blessed to be a blessing” to others.
In Genesis 26, Isaac faced some conflicts involving wells. These life-giving sources of water became sources of contention for Isaac, but they also presented the opportunity for the blessings of God to “overflow” on to his neighbors—even those who may have been perceived as his enemies.
When faced with a conflict, Isaac had a choice to make: would he fight to protect what was rightfully his own, or would he peacefully share what God had given him, knowing that it belonged to God to begin with?
When we face conflicts and struggles, we often have a similar choice to make—will we focus on ourselves, or will we look to the needs of others?
Paul addresses this in his writings in the New Testament, with a beautiful passage about how Jesus modeled this for us--
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus had true power and authority, but he willingly laid it aside to become a blessing to the world. Similarly, we will see that Isaac had wealth and power and authority, but he trusted in God and was willing to move along to allow what he had to become a blessing to others.
So often our natural tendency is to focus primarily on protecting what is ours… but what if God is asking us to be more concerned about sharing with someone else?
And to Trust Him more?
This is when the Blessings of God can overflow to the world around us!
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
--Jesus (John 7:38)
This Sunday
8:25 Traditional Worship
We will share our welcome and announcements at 8:25, followed by a musical prelude for a time of quiet reflection.
562 Be Thou My Vision
712 Be Still My Soul
665 O Master Let Me Walk With Thee
670 Make Me a Blessing
9:45 Sunday School for all ages.
Check out our Care Groups & Sunday School Classes on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
Revelation Song
Inside Out
So Will I
Gratitude
While we love and encourage good conversation and fellowship in the Gathering Place, please remember to quietly respect the worship services as you are entering or exiting near the beginning or ending of the services. Thank You!
Council Highlights
This week our SFCOG council met for the monthly meeting. Various ministry matters were discussed, including:
- A review of our Spring Congregational Meeting
- A report from the ERC annual conference
- The nominating process for November council elections
- Ongoing projects related to security and hospitality
- Some needed repairs and renovations for our facilities
Please continue to keep the members of our church council in your prayers as they continue to serve God and His church together!
Heritage Day
We will be participating in Shippensburg Heritage Day in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our Nation. This Saturday, June 13th at 1:00 pm we will host a historical presentation at Crossroads Station. Pastor Ed Rosenberry will once again be sharing about many subjects, including the civil war and the underground railroad. This event is open to all people in our community. Several other events are planned throughout the day.
Men’s Ministry Opportunities
Men’s Summer Bible Study
Jerry Underkoffler will once again be leading a Bible Study for all men on Wednesday mornings, 9:00 -10:15.
Dates: JULY 8 - AUGUST 26
Location: 23 Oak Lane, Shippensburg
Theme: "Thy Kingdom Come"
Men’s Alliance Keel Tribe 3-Year Anniversary
This Saturday, June 13, our “Keel” Tribe will be celebrating 156 consecutive weeks of rugged, outdoor workouts and devotions around a fire. Men’s Alliance meets outside at the Shippensburg American Legion every Saturday morning at 7:00 am and is open to all men ages 13 and above. In the past 3 years, Keel Tribe has brought hundreds of men out to challenge themselves physically and spiritual, equip them to be leaders in their families and our community, and it has spawned at least 10 more tribes in our local area. Praise God that it’s still going Strong!
Learn more at: Keel Tribe Men's Group in Shippensburg, PA | Men's Alliance
Vacation Bible School
VBS -- June 21-25, 6-8 pm
(A meal will be provided for helpers and families prior to the opening each night)
The Vacation Bible School theme this year is “Illumination Station.”
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
--Jesus (John 8:12)
Many claim to know Jesus, but remain in the dark—at Illumination Station, kids will learn that Jesus isn't just a person from history, a good man, or a wise teacher - but He is much more than that! They will discover Jesus is the perfect, proven, and powerful Son of God!
There are lots of ways to be involved with this important ministry!
See the display in the Gathering Place to learn more, or register online at the following link:
Volunteers are also needed (clearances required). Contact our office or our Children’s Ministry directors to learn more.
A training and planning meeting will be held TONIGHT -- June 10th at 6:30 pm in the Lower Level.
Work days are scheduled for anyone who enjoys creative crafting and decorating, or is willing to help assemble kits for crafts or other items for various projects.
- June 4 – 6-8 pm
- June 8 – 1-4 pm
Join us for an amazing week of Bible stories, games, crafts, and fun—We can't wait to see you there!
Serve Ship
Serve Ship is returning July 15-17!
This is a local missions opportunity for our youth group, featuring several days of service projects and outreach events. The whole congregation is invited to support the mission through their prayers, and financially through giving as you feel led to do so. Baked Goods (such as cookies or brownies) will also be needed for the community meal.
On June 14th, our youth will be receiving a special collection after the services to help cover the costs of the outreach projects. You may also use the white envelopes in the pews at any time to make a designated gift towards the event (write Serve Ship on the envelope). Thank you for giving as the Lord leads you!
Church Center
We have been gradually rolling out a new database tool called “Church Center.” It will be utilized for scheduling, record-keeping, giving, and many other ministry functions. You will be hearing more about it in the coming months as we implement new aspects of this resource, such as a directory feature and upcoming changes to our Children’s Ministry check-in system. You can begin learning more and start exploring it by visiting this page on our website to create your own log-in:
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Communications Updates
Bulletins and newsletters are available for you as you enter for worship—you can find them right outside the main doorways into the sanctuary on a table or stand for easy access. Some are usually available at our welcome desk also, but we encourage you to keep access to our welcome desk (and our handicapped accessible seating) open and available for those who may need it.
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
*If you or your small groups, committees, etc., are planning special events involving the facilities, please be sure to communicate with the church office so we can best accommodate your needs and coordinate planning details between various ministries—Thank You!
The latest monthly edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or as you enter into the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
If you have events or information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.
Let us continue to celebrate our One True King together 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
Shippensburg First Church of God | Church Center
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
Highlight Photos
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Please pray!!!
Please pray for Bonnie Diehl who is the sister of Darlene Mathna. She fell broke her arm and will need surgery.
May our merciful Father lift up Bonnie and comfort her in pain, strengthen her spirit and heal her body.
Jessie Duggan
Friday, June 5, 2026
Message from our VBS Directors
The following is a message from our VBS Directors,
Hello Church Family,
VBS is fast approaching and we are in need of a few items for our crafts.
We would like clean, small glass jars. Like small jelly jars or Oui yogurt containers. No plastic please.
If you have any to donate, they can be brought down to the children’s ministries area or there will be a container in the Gathering Place.
We will be having another workday on Monday, June 8 from 1pm to 4 pm. All help is appreciated!
There are still areas that we need volunteers for the week of VBS. If you want to help with VBS, please sign up in the Gathering Place or at www.myvbs.org/shipfcogvbs
Rember to invite your family, friends, and neighbors’ kids to VBS! There are invite forms in the Gathering Place.
Thank you,
Becky & Jeanette
VBS Directors
Church Secretary
Sonja Shively
Shippensburg First Church of God
Email Secretary@shipfcog.org
Office Phone 717.532.8421
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)