News and Notes
- Scott Phillips
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Good morning…a number of items to pass along this week.
1. If you weren’t able to be with us on Sunday, we announced at the end of the service that Thomas Derr will be leaving us at the end of the month for a full-time ministry position at Susquehanna Valley Church (SVC), which is near Hummelstown.
As Thomas mentioned on Sunday, Susquehanna Valley Church reached out to him to gauge his interest in their position. He was not looking to leave ABCF. We often talk about the truth that God’s timing is always perfect, even when His perfect timing doesn’t line up with our preferred timing. While this is obviously disappointing news for us, I am excited for Thomas as he pursues this opportunity that God is giving him. Thomas did a great job this past year, and I know that God has big things in store for him at SVC.
Next Sunday (8/10) I would like to briefly meet with the parents of the youth to talk about where the youth ministry goes from here. I know that the Double Nickels also meet for lunch that morning, so we will keep it short.
2. Solanco Neighborhood Ministries is collecting school supplies for the upcoming school year (yes, back to school is right around the corner). They are in need of donations of:
Pencils Notebook Paper
Pens 3 Ring Binders
Notecards Backpacks
Pencil Erasers Highlighters
Glue Rulers
Crayons Colored Pencils
Colored Markers Small Hand Sanitizers
If you would like to contribute you can bring the items to the church this Sunday (8/3) and next Sunday (8/10). Rachel Nolt will be taking them to SNM on Monday 8/11 to help sort all of the donations and get the backpacks ready for the kids.
3. This past Thursday the elders approved contracting with Econ Refuse Service for weekly trash collection. With the growing number of folks coming and the growing number of events happening at the church, dealing with the trash on our own has become a bit cumbersome.
Econ’s pick-up day for our area is Monday, which made them a natural choice to go with. We’ll be able to put the trash out after the Worship Service on Sunday. The trash bin will be located behind the schoolhouse and next to the shed during the week.
Here's what’s happening:
1. Sunday - We’ll have a coffee fellowship time from 9:30 until 10 am. We are in need of someone to provide the snack on 8/17.
2. Rawlinsville Camp Meeting is in session. Services at 10 am and 7:30 pm for all ages. Crafts in the afternoon for elementary age kids and games/activities for Junior and Senior High youth. More information can be found at rawlinsvillecamp.com. Our family is in Cabin #13…right down by the big tabernacle.
3. Solid Rock Youth Ministries is hosting a 5K/Fun Run fundraiser this Saturday, August 2nd at the Enola Rail Trail trailhead just east of Quarryville. There is a cost to register. More information and registration here: solidrockquarryville.com/run.
4. Double Nickels meet for their monthly luncheon on 8/10.
5. We will be celebrating the missions trip on 8/17 during the service!
6. We are planning for a youth group campfire/outdoor game night on Friday 8/22 at the church.
7. The Double Nickels will be serving at Blessings of Hope on Saturday, August 23. Please see Gary Barrett if you are planning on serving.
8. Our baptism service is set for 6:30 pm on 8/24 (weather permitting) at the swimming pond on the Mark and Andrea Hoover Farm.
9. The annual church Corn Roast is on 9/7 after the service at Lloyd and Mary Lois Kreider’s home.
Thomas the disciple is a man of complexity. His devotion to Jesus is amazing. So why does everyone know him only as "Doubting Thomas?" What should we do when we find ourselves overwhelmed with confusion and even doubt? And how does Jesus respond to us during those times? We’ll look at the life of Thomas on Sunday. If you know of someone who is currently adrift in a season of confusion and doubt, invite them to join you at the Bridge on Sunday!
Scott