Hello Church Family,
Attached to this email is a message from the leaders of Children’s Ministry about our upcoming Vacation Bible School. Please check it out and see how you can be a part of VBS this year.
Thanks,
Sonja
Church Secretary
Sonja Shively
Shippensburg First Church of God
Email Secretary@shipfcog.org
Office Phone 717.532.8421
Sunday is Coming!
Ever feel like a “square peg in a round hole?”
We are all unique people, but sometimes life forces us into places we weren’t meant to go.
One of the “great mysteries” of life is learning “where we fit” – discovering both how we are all unique, and yet how we can all work together in unity with others. Today we get to consider how that can work within the God’s Church.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been examining a great “mystery” that has been revealed through Jesus, using Ephesians as our focal point in scripture. Speaking about God, Paul writes in Ephesians 1:9-10—
“He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
A Key Component of the “Mystery Made Known” by God is that all things are being united under Christ.
This is Good News of Hope in a world that often feels very broken and divided!
Paul goes on to explain this all in more detail in Ephesians 3:10—
"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…”
Paul points out that it is God’s intent that through His people, the Church, that God’s wisdom should be revealed to the whole world. As we follow Jesus together, we find strength and power through His Holy Spirit, and we are united—“Together with all the Lord’s holy people” (Ephesians 3:18) as Paul puts it.
When we come together, when we worship together, when we learn & serve together, we are able to See a BIGGER picture of our Infinitely, Eternally, BIG God.
Each one of us can only know a little bit about God, but when we come together, we can learn a little more about God from one another—from our unique insights and experiences that we share together.
And we can also do greater things to serve our community and advance His Kingdom here and around the world.
Paul says we can even hope to see God do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)
With these thoughts in mind, I want to challenge us to remember that there is always more to learn—we can all grow in our faith as individuals, and as a church, we can grow together in unity as well. This starts on a personal level, as we each follow Jesus one step at a time, walking in His footsteps as He leads us.
There’s always more to discover with Jesus!
To help us think about this, and to conclude our study of Ephesians, our sermon time on Sunday will include a panel discussion with several people who are currently involved in our SHAPE program. I look forward to hearing how God is at work in each person as they discover more about God and themselves, and I hope you will all be encouraged and challenged to continue exploring the “Revealed Mystery” of Christ as well!
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.
Like a River Glorious #737
Wonderful Peace #743
And Can It Be? #347
My Savior's Love #348
My Hope is in the Lord #540
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
A Thousand Shores
Death was Arrested
The Heart Of Worship
Glorious Day
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!
Reminder—Our Community Night events have concluded for this year (including AWANA and Wednesday Night adult studies), but Youth Group will continue for one more month, and the SHAPE Seminar will be offered in the Annex.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the College Students graduating this spring!
Youth Sunday & Baccalaureate
Next week, on May 31, we will celebrate Youth Sunday and acknowledge our High School graduates! Our Teenagers will share in every part of our services. Also, the following day, on Monday, June 1, we will have the privilege of hosting the SASHS Baccalaureate service. All are welcome to attend to show our support to these young men and women. Please remember all of the 2026 graduates and their families in our prayers.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is coming soon -- 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!
Join us for an amazing week of Bible stories, games, crafts, and fun—We can't wait to see you there!
See the display in the Gathering Place to learn more, or register online at the following link:
Volunteers are also needed (clearances required). A training and planning meeting will be held on June 10th at 6:30 pm in the Lower Level.
Decoration work days are scheduled for anyone who enjoys creative crafting and decorating:
May 26 – 6-8 pm
June 9 – 6-8 pm
June 8 – 1-4 pm
Secret Sisters
Secret Sisters pray for one another and give notes of encouragement and can give gifts or other fun surprises throughout the year. It is a great way to get to know someone new or secretly encourage a lifelong friend. Even if you weren’t able to the recent event on May 17, but would like to be involved in the name exchange, you can choose to do so. For more information, pick up a form in the Gathering Place, or contact the church office.
Foundations Class
A special elective Sunday School class, Foundations, is continuing for just 2 more weeks. It is held in room 205, behind the balcony. Anyone is welcome to participate. The topics for the class will be the foundations of the Christian faith - The Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and more. Please join us to gain a better understanding of what Christians believe and why we believe it. Sam Byers is teaching, and Bev Shumway and Matthew Hower are supporting Sam.
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 Risen 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
Sunday is Coming!
My youngest daughter is following in the footsteps of her oldest sister and learning how to be a goalie in field hockey. When they put on their full protective gear and step into that goal cage, they look fearless!
What are you afraid of?
Fear is a major driving force of our world – not just fear spiders or snakes, fear of heights, fear of the dark, but also more abstract fears, such as the fear of an unknown future, fear of war, fear of economic hardships, fear of sickness, fear of strangers, fear of what other people might think, …what if, what if, what if?
As followers of Jesus, the Bible tells us we do not need to be afraid of anything in this world, because we know we have hope in a glorious future that has been revealed through Jesus! And also, God’s Spirit equips us with “Spiritual Armor” to face anything that comes our way—this is all Good News worth sharing!
This Sunday, we will explore Paul’s concluding thoughts about the “Mystery of the Gospel” in Ephesians, where he encourages believers, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” -- Ephesians 6:10
We might ask: What was Paul’s Biggest Fear? Was Paul afraid of anything?
Paul was writing Ephesians as a prisoner; the book of Acts tells us that He had faced beatings & shipwrecks & snakes. He had gone without food, suffered from illness, faced sleepless nights, and was labeled a “disturber of the peace” by both the Jews and the Romans—he had many enemies. But what was his biggest concern?
Near the end of this letter, Paul presents a prayer request to his friends in Ephesus—
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Given all the things that Paul endured, & all the things he could have been afraid of, his prayer request was that he may “fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Paul had a proper perspective on the Things of Heaven, so the Things of the World didn’t frighten him—his main goal was to boldly declare the Revealed Mystery of Christ. He was actively striving to see Heaven break through into this world (not merely waiting in idle fear to escape this world for the heavenly afterlife).
We are also called by our Lord and Savior Jesus to proclaim the world-changing “Good News” through “evil days,” and we can do so fearlessly! To help us with this, Paul tells us to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
This Sunday we will consider how God equips us to live fearlessly and to “be strong in the Mighty Power of the Lord” as we boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus with our words and our actions and our attitudes.
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.
446 We've a Story to Tell to the Nations
450 Lift High the Cross
439 Song of the Nations
425 Bind Us Together
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
Holy Holy Holy
How He Loves
Open The Eyes Of My Heart
All Who Are Thirsty
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!
Reminder—Our Community Night events have concluded for this year (including AWANA and Wednesday Night adult studies), but Youth Group will continue for one more month, and the SHAPE Seminar will be offered in the Annex.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the College Students graduating this spring!
Secret Sisters
The Secret Sister Social is this Sunday (May 17) at 2:00 in Crossroads Station. All women are welcome to be a part of this special event celebrating a decades-long ministry! If you participated last year, bring a final gift for your “sister” and prepare to discover who had your name last year. If you did not participate last year, you will have the opportunity to choose to select a secret sister for the upcoming year. Light refreshments and special games and activities are planned.
Secret Sisters pray for one another and give notes of encouragement and can give gifts or other fun surprises throughout the year. It is a great way to get to know someone new or secretly encourage a lifelong friend. Even if you can’t come to the event on May 17 but would like to be involved in the name exchange, you can choose to do so. For more information, talk to Deb Booz, or contact the church office.
SHAPE Seminar
The SHAPE Seminar is underway! This four-week study will help you explore how your Spiritual gifts, Heartfelt passions, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences make you uniquely designed and equipped by God to serve in His Kingdom. It began last week and is continuing every Wednesday in May at 6:30 in the Annex. Even if you haven’t signed up in advance, or may have missed a week or two, all are welcome to attend!
Teacher Training
We will be providing some Teacher Training this Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 am in Crossroads Station. This will include Mandated Reporter Training, Safe Boundary Training, and some guidelines for how to handle various challenging behaviors.
If you are considering helping with Vacation Bible School this summer, this training will help to refresh your knowledge of some vital information pertaining to serving with children, and it would be a great opportunity to ensure that your clearance requirements are up to date as well.
*Be sure to put VBS on your calendars: June 21-25!*
Foundations Class
A special elective Sunday School class, Foundations, is continuing for a limited number of weeks. It is held in room 205, behind the balcony. Anyone is welcome to participate. The topics for the class will be the foundations of the Christian faith - The Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and more. Please join us to gain a better understanding of what Christians believe and why we believe it. Sam Byers is teaching, and Bev Shumway and Matthew Hower are supporting Sam.
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 Risen 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
Highlight Photos
Please be in prayer for the following:
Carolyn Killinger has asked for prayer for her friend Vivian who is going for a breast biopsy on June 23.
Kathy Coy has requested prayer for her cousin in Arizonia who is having open heart surgery this week another cousin who is struggling.
Karen Marr’s father- in- law passed away this morning. Please be in prayer for his family especially his children Paul and Maureen.
God in your great mercy give comfort and courage along with grace to your beloved children.
‘Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God and Hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make request of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.”
Daniel 9: 17-18
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
A friend of Joellen Koser, Cindy is not doing well. She is having heart issues. Thank you for your prayers.
Now brothers and sisters, I want ot remind you of the gospel I preasched to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Hello Church family,
Please be in prayer for Laural Ott, she is in the hospital with an infection.
The Lord is my light and my salvatin….Psalm 27:1
Now brothers and sisters, I want ot remind you of the gospel I preasched to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Hello Church Family, Please pray for Sarah Nell’s sister-in-law, Tara, who has been battling cancer. She was vacationing with her family in Florida and was hospitalized due to serious complications related to a recently discovered brain tumor. Pray for God’s wisdom for all involved in Tara’s care. Also pray for her family as some will be traveling to and from Florida. “Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” —Job 28:20, 23-24 Thank you for your prayers, Pastor Rodney To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to churchnews+unsubscribe@shipfcog.org.
Church Family we have 2 prayer request.
Sharon Dick: Please pray for her and the numerous medical testing she will be undergoing at Hershey this week and next.
Dave Bodah: Please pray for him and Carol, he has a Cardioversion on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Now brothers and sisters, I want ot remind you of the gospel I preasched to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Sunday is Coming!
Have you ever been entrusted with something important or valuable that you were directed to deliver to someone else?
This week when I opened my packet of information at ERC Annual conference, I found an envelope inside that was addressed to my wife, Jen. I made sure to safely deliver it to her when I got home (it was a card of encouragement from the Conference Pastoral Health commission, thanking her for her important role as Pastor’s Wife!).
As followers of Jesus, we have been entrusted with a valuable message to deliver. A message so big it can’t fit in an envelope!
In the New Testament, we can see that when we place our faith in Jesus, we are given a divine message that is meant to be stewarded well and passed on safely and freely to others, just as Paul has done for us in the book of Ephesians.
Paul is a good model for us as a messenger, and he helps us to understand how big and wonderful the message really is!
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
--Ephesians 3:1-3 (NIV)
We find in the center of this letter that Paul gets a little personal. His thoughts take him to his own personal experience, alluding to his own journey as “Servant of the Gospel.” Central to this passage are these words in Ephesians 3:7 –
“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.”
It is noteworthy how Paul phrases this. He says that he serves the Gospel—Not the other way around!
Let us acknowledge that the Gospel is not a means to a selfish end. Christians must serve the Gospel, not the other way around!
The Good News of Jesus is Not meant to be a path to popularity, Not a prop for worldly power, and Not a weapon for oppressing others.
We must not take the Words of Scripture or the name of Jesus “in vain” and use it to serve our own selfish ambitions (the third commandment, Exodus 20:7)
Like Paul, Christians today are meant to serve the Gospel of Jesus—to steward it well, and pass it on to others for their good and the Glory of God.
When we take this responsibility seriously and personally, as Paul did, we will find that the Good News of God’s Love is immeasurably greater than we could ever imagine! It’s not something that can be folded up into a tiny envelope, but it must overflow into the lives and communities around us!
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
--Ephesians 3:17-21
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.
O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus #352
God So Loved The World #350
Love Lifted Me #508
My Jesus, I Love Thee #79
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
Great Things
Praise
Living Hope
A Thousand Shores
*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!
ERC Conference
This week was the annual gathering for our Eastern Regional Conference of our Churches of God denomination. Pastors, ministry leaders, and delegates from around the conference gathered at Camp YoliJwa for worship, strategy, prayer, and connections. One highlight of the week was seeing Pastor Mike Poe (who calls SFCOG home) recognized for 25 years of Ministry Service alongside his wife, Natinha. Along with those recognized for milestones, Pastor Gary and Joyce Hornbaker were acknowledged for their retirement.
Spring Congregational Meeting
The Shippensburg First Church of God will hold our annual Spring Congregational Meeting on May 3rd. You will find the dockets in your church mailboxes this weekend, or you may pick one up in the gathering place and find them posted around the building. This meeting is a time of information & celebration, and you will hear some updates from the council about some things we are working on and looking forward to as a church family.
Foundations Class
A new Elective Sunday School class, Foundations, is continuing for a limited number of weeks. It is held in room 205, behind the balcony. Anyone is welcome to participate. The topics for the class will be the foundations of the Christian faith - The Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and more. Please join us to gain a better understanding of what Christians believe and why we believe it. Sam Byers is teaching, and Bev Shumway and Matthew Hower are supporting Sam.
SHAPE Seminar
SHAPE is returning! This four-week study will help you explore how your Spiritual gifts, Heartfelt passions, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences make you uniquely designed and equipped by God to serve in His Kingdom. It will begin on May 6th at 6:30 in the Annex, and meet every Wednesday evening in May. To help with planning and preparations, please sign up at the gathering place or in your Sunday School classroom.
Community Night
This is the final month of Wednesday Night ministry before our summer break. It’s not too late to come check out Kinetics, Ladies in Step, Fresh Start, or our Children, Youth, & Young Adult classes for a mid-week Bible Study boost! They all meet every Wednesday at 6:30 until the end of April. Learn more at this link:
Shippensburg First Church of God | Wednesday Community Night
Youth Group will continue in May at the regular time with some special activities.
Our Children’s AWANA program will have a closing ceremony for kids and their families in the children’s ministry area next week, on April 29th.
Bible Quiz
This Sunday is the final Quiz Meet of the local season. It is being held at Camp YoliJwa at 2:00pm. Anyone is welcome to come cheer on our team!
Shippensburg University Art Event
Next week we will also be participating in a Stained-Glass Walking Tour being offered by the Shippensburg University Art Department on April 30, at 3:30pm. It is being offered to art students for extra credit, but is also open to community members who would like to participate. Meet Art and Design Faculty, Sara Swacina, by the large, red “SHIP” letters near Old Main to begin an afternoon of exploring nearby churches' stained-glass windows. Our building will be the second-to-last stop on the tour, at approximately 5:15.
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 Risen 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
Please pray for Amanda a dear friend of the Erickson family. She is 19 and struggling. In addition she just lost her mom on Monday, April 21, 2026. Let’s pray she feesl the power of the Holy Spirit move within her heart.
Now brothers and sisters, I want ot remind you of the gospel I preasched to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Please be in prayer for Amy Culbertson. Her best friend and cousin Susan Weaver transitioned to her enteral home on Monday. Please be with her family of 3 children and 6 grandchildren during this time. Her husband passed last year. Also be in prayer for Amy and her family as they greive with hearts full of love.
Now brothers and sisters, I want ot remind you of the gospel I preasched to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Grace be with you,
Jessie Duggan
Shippensburg Church of God
Director of Visitation
717-532-8421
Sunday is Coming Again!
When our family was at the beach a few weeks ago, my wife, Jennifer, quietly began arranging broken seashells into what gradually became an ongoing art project that she shared with our family—
Jen shared her own reflections about this impermanent artwork—
“I am reminded that art can happen anywhere and with anything. What started out as welcomed boredom by piecing together broken seashells while sitting on the seashore listening to the waves, soon turned into a fun little mosaic that the girls helped add on to. Often when I'm at the beach, I look for the whole shells, but this time I was looking for the broken shells which weren't hard to find--the shells left along the seashore. It reminded me that beauty can come out of brokenness. It was neat to examine all the colors in each unique shell and arrange them however they fit knowing that art can be whatever the moment brings.
I am also reminded that God sees the brokenness of this world and can somehow redeem it.”
–Jen
Today we continue to reflect on the wonderful truth that out of brokenness, and even out of death, new beauty and new life are possible because of the Mystery of the Cross of Christ!
Last week we began studying Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, and we considered how all things are being put together under the authority of Jesus, through His victorious resurrection and his compassionate love. Paul explains in Ephesians 1:9, “God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.”
The New Testament tells us that the biggest mystery of life has already been “solved” through Jesus, and this can help us make sense of all of the other mysteries that we face in life. Like a beautiful mosaic, or a breath-taking work of art, God is bringing people together to fulfill His plan. This Sunday we will continue reading about these themes of new life and peace in Ephesians 2.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
--Ephesians 2:8-10
Let us each personally take hold of the truth that salvation is a gift from God, and each one of us is a “masterpiece” of God—we are God’s workmanship that He personal created and set apart for a good purpose. And like the many bits of a mosaic put together to make a beautiful work of art, God’s desire is to bring about peace and unity through Jesus—creating beautiful things out of brokenness.
Notice the context in which these inspiring words are found—this chapter begins with the topic of sin and death, and the powers of the devil in the unseen world.
We must seriously contend with the spiritual truth that our world is broken. There are forces at work that go against “God’s Good Plan.”
Yes, there are many things in this world that are not as they should be—hatred and war fill our headlines every week. It seems like division is the default setting of our culture. But Paul Goes on to reveal more of God’s Good Plan:
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us… Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
--Ephesians 2:14, 20-22
Let us hold on to this vision of peace and unity, as God’s handiwork, as God’s temple, as a work of art, or a mosaic, in which all of us in our brokenness are being joined together—along with those who have gone before us—through the Spirit of God.
This Mystery that has been Revealed has the power to change our lives and to heal our broken world! Read Ephesians 2 yourself and come join us Sunday prepared to reflect on these truths together!
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.
Child Dedication
God of Grace and God of Glory #435
Grace Greater than Our Sin #344
Wonderful Grace of Jesus #338
Amazing Grace #343
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
Indescribable
Beautiful Things
Gratitude
House Of The Lord
*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!
ERC Conference
Next week is the annual gathering for our Eastern Regional Conference of our Churches of God denomination. Pastors, ministry leaders, and delegates from around the conference will gather at Camp YoliJwa this Sunday evening through Tuesday for worship, strategy, prayer, and connections. Please keep all participants in your prayers.
Also note that staff availability will be different next week due to conference.
Spring Congregational Meeting
The Shippensburg First Church of God will hold our annual Spring Congregational Meeting on May 3rd. You will find the dockets in your church mailboxes this weekend, or you may pick one up in the gathering place and find them posted around the building. This meeting is a time of information & celebration, and you will hear some updates from the council about some things we are working on and looking forward to as a church family.
Foundations Class
A new Elective Sunday School class, Foundations, began last week and will continuing for a limited number of weeks. It is held in room 205, behind the balcony. Anyone is welcome to participate. The topics for the class will be the foundations of the Christian faith - The Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and more. Please join us to gain a better understanding of what Christians believe and why we believe it. Sam Byers is teaching, and Bev Shumway and Matthew Hower are supporting Sam.
SHAPE Seminar
SHAPE is returning! This four-week study will help you explore how your Spiritual gifts, Heartfelt passions, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences make you uniquely designed and equipped by God to serve in His Kingdom. It will begin on May 6th at 6:30 in the Annex, and meet every Wednesday evening in May. To help with planning and preparations, please sign up at the gathering place or in your Sunday School classroom.
Community Night
This is the final month of Wednesday Night ministry before our summer break. It’s not too late to come check out Kinetics, Ladies in Step, Fresh Start, or our Children, Youth, & Young Adult classes for a mid-week Bible Study boost! They all meet every Wednesday at 6:30 until the end of April. Learn more at this link:
Shippensburg First Church of God | Wednesday Community Night
Youth Group will continue in May at the regular time with some special activities.
Our Children’s AWANA program will have a closing ceremony for kids and their families in the children’s ministry area on April 29th.
Quiz Retreat
Last weekend, members of our Quiz Team traveled to Camp Otyokwah in Ohio to spend a weekend with other CGGC quiz teams in friendly “fun quiz” competition. This event is in preparation for the National Finals which take place over the summer time. While the Finals encourages a high level of competition, this retreat is designed to foster good relationships for quizzers beyond the annual summer event in a more relaxed way. Over 80 quizzers spanning several states come together, showing renewed growth in the conference Bible quizzing program. Let’s praise the Lord together for these young people who have committed to studying God’s Word!
Shippensburg University Music & Arts Events
On Monday, we had the privilege of hosting the Spring Concert for the Shippensburg University Choir and Madrigal Singers. This year, our own choir joined with the students for a special number: In 2013, our church commissioned Joseph Martin, a well-known Christian composer, to write a choir anthem in memory of Vincent Eschenmann, our former choir director and in honor of Pat Frey, our present director. Mr. Eschenmann was the father of Leslie Shuman, our organist & pianist, and the SU Madrigal Singers’ accompanist. This anthem entitled “No Greater Alleluia” was first sung by our choir in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the installation of our church’s pipe organ. Andrew Carnegie donated $1,000 for the original organ and the church paid the remaining balance of $1,000. About half the pipes in the present organ are from the original organ. Our church choir was thrilled to have the opportunity to lift their voices with the beautiful voices of the SU Concert Choir in praise of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The SU choir also thanked Leslie for her faithful service over the years.
Later this month we will also be participating in a Stained-Glass Walking Tour being offered by the Shippensburg University Art Department on April 30, at 3:30pm. It is being offered to art students for extra credit, but is also open to community members who would like to participate. Meet Art and Design Faculty, Sara Swacina, by the large, red “SHIP” letters near Old Main to begin an afternoon of exploring nearby churches' stained-glass windows.
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 Risen 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
