The Herald
Newsletter of
Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren
Mark Bendes, pastor
2014
“Looking Back?”
Psalm 40:11-12 Genesis 19:26 Luke 17:32-33 I John 1:9
I can remember doing basketball drills and having to run backward, I never
enjoyed that! There are also some ways of looking backward in our lives, and of
going spiritually backward. We remember the story of Lot’s wife. Lot and his
family were living in Sodom and Gomorrah but because of the wickedness of the
place God destroyed it. However, God sent His angels to save Lot and his family.
They were warned not to look back…Lot’s wife looked back anyway and we know
what happened to her; she turned into a “pillar of salt.” She wanted to see what
was happening to her home and the sad result was that she lost everything.
The Israelites experienced a little difficulty soon after escaping from slavery in
Egypt and wanted to go back to their chains (Exodus 16:3). The Apostle Mark,
temporarily turned back from God’s calling. Mark, we know from Acts 15:38
while on a mission trip with Paul left the work at Pamphylia and went back home.
Some think he had grown fearful, but no matter what the reason was, Mark not
only looked back he went back. However, that was not the end of the story,
because from 2 Timothy 4:11 we find that Paul considered Mark to be “profitable,”
or “useful” in ministry and Paul wanted him by his side. We can look backward in
our lives during this time of the year because of all the emphasis on the material
things of Christmas. We find ourselves looking back from the manger and the
birth of our Savior, Jesus, and focus on all the people and gifts we need to buy or
the Christmas decorations that have become so essential to create in us the spirit of
joy & goodwill. We can also go backward spiritually –at this or any other time- by
returning to the way that we lived prior to becoming believers in Jesus.
The Psalmist speaks of another backward way of looking (Psalm 40:11-12). We
can become overwhelmed by thinking of how we have sinned in the past, of our
past failures. This kind of backward thinking can paralyze us to the extent that we
are unable to move forward in service to our Lord. In this situation, we need to
remember 1 John 1:9. We need to look to the example of Mark, who returned to
Christ’s work, after turning away from God.
1
The year 2014 will soon be behind us. Many will take time this month –
especially New Year’s Eve- to look back at the year that was. It is an
opportunity to look back at all the joys and accomplishments of the past
year. But sadly, many spend this time looking back at their failures and
are stuck in the past. There will also be those, who for whatever the
reason, have looked back and went back like Mark. For them, and for us,
this is the time to look forward. As Philippians 4:19 proclaims, now is the
time to stop looking backward, and instead look forward to all of the
glorious riches that we have in Christ Jesus. Now is the time to remember
that promise, and finish 2014 with the anticipation of Christ on the fresh
new horizon of 2015, ready to lead us, ready –as Paul did for Mark- guide
us in his side-by-side “profitable”, “useful” ministry of 2015 and beyond
that is before us. Anticipating the “Joy” that awaits us there!
Pastor Mark
2
Mission Projects
We will be collecting gently used coats, gloves, hats, thermal socks (all sizes and
genders), blankets and sleeping bags the last quarter of this year. If you are out and
about at garage sales and can find any of these items at a good price that you would like
to donate, you can put them in the elevator room in the basement and we will store them
until we are ready to donate. We will collect items until December 14.
WANTED: If you have yarn, fabric or clean used blankets that you would like to donate
to the Women’s Fellowship, you can bring them and place them on the round table in the
elevator room.
Christmas Caroling
We are planning on Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 21.
your calendar and plan to attend and spread Christmas cheer!
Mark that date on
Fundraisers
You can continue to help support our mission projects by utilizing the Scrip program.
Scrip cards are a great way to continually feed the mission fund by going about your
daily routine. They are available for gas, food, restaurants and many discount stores.
It’s convenient and a great way to give money to Yellow Creek missions.
If you have questions on how the program or cards work, please see Pat Vandeveer or
Rhonda.
Keep saving the Spartan UPC codes. The can be placed in the container by the bulletin
board in the Narthex. We can redeem them for cash that will be used for Mission
projects.
Youth Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who supported the Youth fundraiser breakfast. They raised
$373.50 which they are planning to use for missions and service projects.
Also “GOOD JOB” to the Youth for all of their work in making it a success!!
Everence Bible Study
The Deacons would like to thank all that participated in the Everence Bible
study “God, Money and Me”. We had some very good discussions and gained
some new understanding of how money is part of our relationship with God.
We would also like to thank Sonny Gaby and Kim Kelsey for leading and giving
of their time for several of the sessions.
All Church Caroling
The Youth are planning to go caroling on
December 21st at 6:00 pm. Everyone is
welcome to join them. Bring snacks.
Drinks are provided.
Interesting Winter Weather Facts
1. Winter Solstice
In the northern hemisphere, the first day of the winter season is the day of
the year when the Sun is farthest south, normally on December 21st or 22nd.
This day is know as the Winter Solstice. A common misconception is that the
earth is further from the sun in winter than in summer, but the Earth is
actually closest to the sun in December which is winter in the Northern
hemisphere. The day of the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year,
because the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a
minimum for the year. In the US, there are only about 9-1/2 hours of daylight
on this day.
2. Boy that’s cold!
The coldest temperature ever recorded in the world was -128 degrees
Celsius, in Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1983.
3. Ice
Black ice is extremely dangerous, because this type is difficult if not
impossible to see. Black ice usually forms in a very thin, very slippery layer, and
usually forms first on structures such as bridges. Much of the damage done by
winter storms is not from snow, but from the weight of ice.
4. No Two Snowflakes are alike!
Snowflakes start as ice crystals that freeze around small pieces of dust in the
air. As they fall to the earth, the ice crystals join together to form snow flakes.
The shape of each snowflake is determined by temperature, wind, the amount of
time it takes to fall to the ground, and the amount of water vapor in the air.
5
5. The Largest Snowflake
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, on January 28, 1887, a
15 inch wide, 8 inch thick snowflake had fallen in Fort Keogh, Montana.
6. World’s Tallest Snowman
It was built to bring attention to the Bethel, Maine area and allow the
total community to come together for a project. The people of Bethel and the
surrounding area worked 5 months to plan and build the 113 foot 7 inch tall
snowman which broke the former record held by Yamagata, Japan of 96 feet
7 inches. At 9:30 am on Wednesday, February 17, 1999 the record was
officially broken.
7. The Winter of 1779-1780
It was so cold that ice was piled 20 feet high along the Delmarva Coast
and stayed there until spring. The upper portion of the Chesapeake Bay and
the entire Potomac River was frozen solid, allowing people to walk from
Annapolis to Kent Island and from Alexandria in to D.C.
8. Chionophobia
People with chionophobia are simply said to have a fear of snow. One of
the largest components to this fear is the idea of becoming snowbound. A
forecast calling for a snowstorm can bring on cold sweats, panic attacks, and
even an unrealistic feeling of doom and dread. People with chionophobia will
rarely venture out into the snow for fear of being stranded as well.
6
Holiday SCRIP schedule
We will be changing the SCRIP schedule in December to help with holiday
shopping. The December orders will be due on the 7th to allow plenty of
time to get the cards back before Christmas. We will let you know if there are
any specials for the holidays. Mark these days down and take advantage of
convenient shopping and an opportunity to contribute to the YC mission
fund. If you have questions, please contact Pat Vandeveer or Rhonda
Detwiler.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At a monastery high in the mountains, the monks have a rigid vow of silence.
Only at Christmas, and only by one monk, and only with one sentence, is the
vow allowed to be broken.
One Christmas, Brother Thomas is allowed to speak and he says, "I like the
mashed potatoes we have with the Christmas turkey!" and he sits down.
Silence ensues for 365 days.
The next Christmas, Brother Michael gets his turn, and he says "I think the
mashed potatoes are lumpy and I hate them!"
Once again, silence for 366 days (it's leap year). The following Christmas,
Brother Paul rises and says, "I am fed up with this constant bickering!"
7
Dates to Remember
December Events
Greeters
Dec. 7th
Dec. 7th
Dec. 14th
Dec. 21st
Dec. 28th
Jan. 4th
Jan. 11th
Jan. 18th
Jan. 25th
Scrip Orders Due
Dec. 10th
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
LIFE Night Bible Study @
6:30 pm
11th
Ministry Meeting @ 7:00 pm
13th
Christmas Program Rehearsal
@ 9:00 am
14th
Church Breakfast hosted by
Everyone @ 8:00 am
14th
Children’s Christmas Program
16th
Church Board Meeting @ 6:30 pm
17th
LIFE Night Bible Study @ 6:30 pm
21st
Caroling hosted by the Youth @
6:00 pm
23rd
Newsletter Items Due
24th
Christmas Eve Service @ 7:00 pm
25th
Christmas Day
26 thru Jan. 1st - Pastor Mark Vacation
31st
New Years Eve
Worship Service Nursery
Dec. 7th
Dec. 14th
Dec. 21st
Dec. 28th
Jan. 4th
Jan. 11th
Jan. 18th
Jan. 25th
Dec. Birthdays
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
4th
5th
7th
7th
8th
9th
10th
13th
14th
14th
16th
18th
18th
23rd
Tim & Sally Brubaker
Keith & Rhonda Detwiler
Dave & Cathy Fox
Jane Haas & Hazel Weaver
Randy & Joyce Homes
Mike & Patty Mast
Jr./Sr. High Sunday School Class
Scott & Dee Markham
Tobie and Marge Mast
L. Brubaker, H. Brubaker & Linnea
Bendes
Nancy Beasy and Garrett Weldy
Tim and Sally Brubaker
Jeremy and Denise Rush
Tony and Ryan Miller
Dave and Cathy Fox
Tobie and Marge Mast
All-Church Breakfast (2nd Sunday)
Rex Heckaman
Kaitlin Lamb
Dillion Weldy
Garrett Weldy
Linnea Bendes
Scott Markham
Autumn Miller
Grace Moser
Patty Mast
Ryan Miller
Dave Fox
Keith Detwiler
Edd Shepherd
Dale Weldy
Dec. 14th
All Church Breakfast
Jan. 11th
Feb. 8th
March 8th
Harvesters
CIA & Agape
Cornerstone, Youth & Room4U
Ushers
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Dec. Anniversaries
Dec. 14th - Gary & Nancy Beasy (45th)
Dec. 20th - Dick & JoAnn Schrock (46th)
8
Harvesters
Youth
Cornerstone
December 2014
Sun
Mon
1
7
Dillion &
Garrett Weldy
Birthdays
8
Linnea Bendes
Birthday
Tue
2
9
Scott Markham
Birthday
Wed
3
10
Autumn Miller
Birthday
Thu
Fri
4
5
6
Ron Haas
Jane Haas
Rex Heckaman
11
12
13
Rex Heckaman
Birthday
Ministry
Meeting @
7:00 pm
Kaitlin Lamb
Birthday
LIFE Night
Bible Study
@ 6:30 pm
Scrip Orders
Due
Breakfast @
8:00 am
Christmas
Program
Sat
Grace Moser
Birthday
Christmas
Program
Rehearsal @
9:00 am
Leanne
Heckaman
Randy Homes
Joyce Homes
Dale Huber
Doris Huber
David Huber
Maria Huber
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Patty Mast
Birthday
Ryan Miller
Birthday
Gary & Nancy
Beasy Anniv.
Dave Fox
Birthday
LIFE Night Bible
Study @ 6:30
pm
Church Board
Meeting @ 6:30
pm
Keith Detwiler
Birthday
Dick & JoAnn
Schrock Anniv.
Edd Shepherd
Birthday
Christmas
Program
Edith Huber
Scott Markham
Dee Markham
Mike Mast
Patty Mast
Kelly Mast
David Mast
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Newsletter
Items Due
Christmas Eve
Service @ 7:00
pm
Marge Mast
Charlene Miller
Tony Miller
Youth Caroling
@ 6:00 pm
Dale Weldy
Birthday
Christmas Eve
Zach Mast
Loren Mast
Carly Mast
Tobie Mast
28
29
30
31
Rachel Miller
Ryan Miller
Weston Miller
New Years
Eve
Autumn Miller
Christmas Day
Pastor Mark
Vacation thru
Jan. 1st