Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

The Lamplighter
June 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
It’s that time of the year again! School’s out - or almost so - and the kids are excited about summer and all its activities. Summer is the time for many new and exciting and fun-filled things to do. It’s the time of vacations, and camps, and travel, and people on the go. It’s also the time many people go Church shopping, or at least Church visiting, because of the many changes in schedules that prevent their attending their home Church. I would encourage you to worship at other churches during your times of vacation and travel this summer, to get an appreciation for worship in different settings and to experience the many varied ways we, as a family of faith, worship God. And be sure to invite others to worship here with you each Sunday you are home.

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Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren 645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885

The Lamplighter
May 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
The recent Board retreat held here at Church received mixed reviews from those in attendance. The speaker for part of the morning – Byron Borger – did an excellent job of presenting his topic and challenging us in our faith walk. However, his topic, the importance of reading as a spiritual discipline and its influence on leadership, was not appreciated by all in attendance. The ensuing discussion about our current leadership was very open and honest and caused each of us to think seriously about our current ministry and its future direction and viability.
The subject of a felt need for the addition of a Youth Pastor was discussed at length; someone with appropriate skills and time to formulate a Youth (and Young Adult) program(s), including the visitation of potential families and current inactive families of youth and young adults was felt to be of primary importance to the future ministry here at MACOB. Funding such a position, its effect on current staff, and the need for relief for current Youth personnel were major topics of discussion as we brainstormed together.

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Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA  17404
Phone:  854-1885

The Lamplighter
April  2008
Editor:  Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
I guess I’ve always enjoyed the little brain-teaser type quizzes you come across from time to time. They serve a very worthwhile purpose for me. Anytime I’m feeling a bit arrogant or smart or smart-alecky, one little quiz will usually humble me quite quickly and easily.  It’s always amazing to me how simple some things are and yet we overlook (okay, I overlook) the obvious. Sometimes the answers to life’s most challenging questions are so obvious and so right in front of us, I marvel at our ability (my ability) to miss them!
Ready for a quick quiz? The answers are really easy, so don’t spend a lot of time dissecting them. No trick questions. I promise they’re all perfectly obvious and simple. (answers at bottom of article – no cheating!)

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Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA 17404
Phone: 854-1885

The Lamplighter
March 2008
Editor: Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
In recent weeks I’ve read several books and articles concerning the topics of Church Growth, revitalizing declining churches, the spiritual state of the Church in the US, and factors leading to Church growth and vitality. The more I read, the more I am convinced that MACOB has all the necessary ingredients to embark on an intentional journey of spiritual and numerical growth. We seem to be missing only one thing: an excited willingness to begin the process.
Church revitalization and growth experts have found several key factors that are vital for progress in growing spiritual disciples. They include; 1. An increase in the importance and participation of an active prayer ministry 2. Renewed faith and belief in Jesus and dedication to His Word 3. Laypeople becoming more active in leadership 4. Increased emphasis on mission (outside the Church), evangelism, and community involvement and 5. A Worship service that is described as upbeat, celebrative, orderly, and exciting.
One of the interesting findings that ran through much of my reading is that the greatest hindrance to churches becoming active and growing has to do with attitude. Too many people are not willing to take the risk required to institute changes to meet a changing culture and society around us. The attitude of we just don’t have the resources, or we don’t have the time, we don’t have the leadership; we can’t, we don’t, …….
Overcoming our own negative outlook may well be the biggest obstacle we face in risking change and growth. But I am convinced we have the right people with the right skills, and, with the right attitude, we can follow Jesus’ job description for every one of us: “Go, and make disciples, teaching them to obey The Word….”
One of the most vital characteristic of many churches that are growing and have experienced great strides in renewed growth is the emphasis on prayer. As we prepare ourselves and our congregation for growth, let us all take a more intentional approach to our own prayer life. Join with two or three or more others and pray for the vision God would have us follow in making disciples for Him. Form a small group to study and pray and be ready to be surprised by what God can do with someone (or a whole congregation) who really gets serious about their faith. Read, study, pray. Let’s grow together.

Bible Challenge Questions
1. The Apostle Paul had a unique effect on the life of a young man named Eutychus.
In what way?
2. Who was famous for preaching to a whole pile of dry bones?
3. Who is being referred to: “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing….”?
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