A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear CABC Family,
 
As we begin 2021, Lori and I find ourselves on the edge of a new chapter of life. We have been vividly reminded of the precious, fleeting nature of life in the past few years, walking with our parents through end of life and welcoming grandchildren at the very same time.
 
In order to take some time to spend with our children and grandchildren, I will be retiring from my position as your Senior Pastor as Lori finishes her school year. Sunday, June 6, 2021 will be my last Sunday as “Pastor Todd”.
 
This has been a very tough decision. I have been in this position for nearly 14 years, and Lori and I have called CABC home for 25 years. It has been a privilege to serve with you all – seeking to proclaim and live out the message of Christ’s Good News to our community.
 
A fellow servant,
Todd Witmer

Pastor Todd announced his retirement on Sunday, February 7. He gives a few more words of explanation and description within this video if you would like to watch and listen. 
 
We as CABC leadership are grateful for both Pastor Todd and Lori and all their service, dedication, and love given to this church body and the Body of Christ as a whole. We are excited for them as they start this new chapter of their life together and wish them, and their growing family, God’s great blessings!

Read more...

A Simple Christmas

The first Christmas didn’t have any glitz or glamor. No big wreath or Christmas tree. No presents. No family feast. Just a little wooden manger and the lights of a few candles as decorations. But that first Christmas brought hope. It brought joy and amazement, wonder and curiosity. It brought glory and praise to God. It was so simple, but so profound.

Christmas is not the same this year. But nor should it be. Christmas shouldn’t be just a tradition we carry out every year because the calendar says so. We shouldn’t stress and groan and overwhelm ourselves (and others) with to-do lists, shopping lists, a must-haves. Christmas should be a time each year to pause and remember that God loves us so much that He left His throne, His glory and all His power to become a child that would become a man who was to suffer and die for us – rebellious, faithless, sinners.

So yes, may your Christmas be different this year. May you forget about the shopping list and focus instead on the gift of Christ Jesus. Instead of big parties and gatherings may you seek quiet and calm moments to read His Word and His story. Instead of sharing presents, share God’s hope and love and joy this year with those who need it most.

We pray your Christmas will be simple, but fully filled with God’s never-ending love, peace and hope.
 
 
 
We also invite you to join us for a simple Christmas service at CABC on Friday, December 24. You can learn more about service times and more on our Christmas page

Read more...

Annual Report 2019-2020

Amidst a worldwide pandemic, stay-at-home-orders, and everything else that happened this spring, our ministries here at CABC still sought opportunities to know and grow in the knowledge of Christ. In doing so, we have compiled our annually presented Annual Report with highlights and stats from each ministry here at CABC showcasing the goodness of our God! Take a read and get to know more yourself…
 
 
 

Read more...

Dear Class of 2020…

 
YOU DID IT!
 
Congratulations to all graduates and fellow Class of 2020 celebrators! We assume, for many, this is not how you pictured your senior year to look. Instead of senior class trips, proms, last-chance hang outs with friends, graduation parties, college prepping or post-college job interviews… many of us are still stuck at home. But, that doesn’t mean this time has been wasted.
 
You graduated! You have spent the last (insert number here) years learning, growing, working and striving to achieve your hopes, goals and dreams. For some of you, it was hard. For others… it was really hard. But you all are now here, together, and have completed a great achievement!
 
You now face a new stage of your life: Will you go to college? A tech school? Enter the workforce? Travel abroad (after Covid-19 of course)? There is no right and wrong choice (though if you weren’t very good at science in high school we’d encourage you to think some more before becoming a science major in college).
 
The most important choice you make, however, is if you will continue to allow God to speak into your life. Will you listen to His guiding and follow his direction? Will you pray to Him for clarity and help when you don’t know what to do? And will you continue to tell others about His goodness and faithfulness wherever He leads you?
 
There is no iPhone app, GPS device, road map or manual to show you all the steps and turns you need to make in your journey. But there is a Good Book that will help you find all the answers you need. It is our hope and prayer that you will carry that with you wherever you go, and trust in the God who walks alongside you.
 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
 
Join us as we pray for each of these graduates: for their future, their hopes, their dreams and their aspirations; and for God’s word to guide their steps along the way. 
 
 
High School Graduates
 
Christopher Abdel-Malak
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: I am majoring in Mid-Level Education teaching mathematics at York College
 
Murphy Altland
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: To attend Millersville University and major in Technology and Engineering Education
 
Joshua Bloom, Jr.
Graduating from: Gilpin County High School
Date of Graduation: May 13, 2020
Future goals or plans: Welding school
 
Saige Cotterman
Graduating from: York County School of Technology
Date of Graduation: May 11, 2020
Future goals or plans: To travel, live on the beach and go to school to be a Marine Biologist. I would love to study sharks in their natural habitats.
 
Trevor James
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: To join the Air Force ROTC program at Penn State and major in Architectural Engineering
 
Gage Johnson
Graduating from: New Oxford Senior High School
Date of Graduation: May 28, 2020
Future goals or plans: To find a job or apprenticeship as a CNC operator and programmer
 
Sophia Kline
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: To attend York College of Pennsylvania and major in Accounting
 
Cassidy Meyering
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: To attend nursing school at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
 
Elizabeth Miller
Graduating from: Dallastown Area High School
Date of Graduation: June 2, 2020
Future goals or plans: Enter the workforce
 
Kayla Moul
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: To attend HACC in the fall
 
Jonathan Wyrick
Graduating from: Spring Grove Area High School
Date of Graduation: May 29, 2020
Future goals or plans: I plan to go to Messiah College to earn a bachelor’s degree in Engineering 
 
 
College Graduates
 
Jon Schumacher 
Graduating from: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Date of Graduation: May 8, 2020
Future goals or plans: I am hoping to secure a job in public relations and/or marketing with the hopes of forging my career in that field.
 
Amy Trump
Graduating from: Southern New Hampshire University
Date of Graduation: May 8, 2020
Future goals or plans: To be the Vice President for Human Resources
 
 
Congratulations, Class of 2020!
 

Read more...

Digital Footprint

So here we are going into six full weeks of isolation and we are all ready to get out! I mean, there’s only so much you can do in your house, right? If only we could get out of our houses; if only we could go unrestricted to the store; if only we could go back to work, or back to school or back to church… THEN we would be able to make a difference. To make a change. To help others. To serve as the hands and feet of Christ again.

Do you know what a digital footprint is?

A digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the Internet. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit to online services. A “passive digital footprint” is a data trail you unintentionally leave online (IP address, approximate location, and search history for example). An “active digital footprint” includes data that you intentionally submit online (sending emails, leaving an online review, or posting to social media).*

Do you know what YOUR digital footprint is?

We all are undoubtedly online more often then ever now. Again, there’s only so much you can do in your house, right? So we seek an outlet online. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But what if we decided to use this time and the technological resources that God has blessed us with (because most of us would have gone insane if we were stuck in isolation without internet, social media and Disney+) to continue to make a difference and continue to be the hands and feet of Christ?

If your digital footprint was a literal trail of footprints in the sand, where would it guide people? Would it simply show people the latest TV series on Netflix (what the heck is Tiger King anyways?!), or would it show people a Bible study series on RightNow Media? Would it just be an endless scroll of celebrity news and gossip, or would it be books and articles talking about how to be a better Christian in today’s world? What if our Pinterest boards were full of ways to share the Good News of Christ with our neighbors from our own house windows and doors? (CABC’s children had an excellent and fun DIY craft during Easter Family Fun Day 2.0 that did exactly this.) And what if our Instagram accounts didn’t just fill up with well-filtered selfies, but instead filled up with the real beauty that God made in nature all around us. Would our bank accounts just show another toy or movie purchased to help keep our kids stuck at home occupied, or would it show a donation to Compassion Ministries to help keep a child across the world fed and safe? We may not be able to go and volunteer at our favorite local charity, but those of us still working and receiving a paycheck every week can help support our favorite local charity financially instead.

Just because you are limited in where your physical footprints can go right now, does not mean you are limited in what your digital footprint can do! Therefore, just as Christ said to His disciples during the Great Commission, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age^.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

 

* https://techterms.com/definition/digital_footprint

^ This author would just like to state that we are not subtly suggesting we are at the end of the ages right now. We do not know when that day is coming. We just wanted to finish the verse. 🙂


Read more...

10 Scriptures for Overcoming Fear & Anxiety

from Dr. Carol Tanksley’s Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare
special thanks to Barb Schumacher for gathering this together for us and helping to share some encouragement for us all!

 

You know the Bible says “Don’t be afraid.” But sometimes anxious thoughts and feelings seem to overtake your heart and mind even when you don’t want them to. There are plenty of helpful scriptures for overcoming fear and anxiety.

Cooperating with God to overcome worry will involve many things; caring for your physical health, optimizing your lifestyle, learning to take charge of your thoughts, and practicing standing firmly on God’s side in the controversy between good and evil. And without question one of the most powerful tools you can use in this journey is God’s Word.

Here are just ten verses of Scripture (to get you started) for overcoming fear and anxiety to put in your mind and heart, with some brief commentary. Meditate on these Scriptures, and your mind and emotions will become freer and more positive.
 
 
Make it an activity: Consider copying this devotional and cutting out the Scriptures, or write them on cards, and place them around the house to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this Covid-19 crisis. As Dr. Tanksley writes, “God’s got this!” We can trust in Him!
 
 
 
  1. Fear is NOT from God.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”   2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV

Fear is a natural human response to many things, but it does not come from God. When you feel fear, you can know that it is not God speaking. The mind God has promised you is clear, strong, and more than able to deal with whatever He allows into your life. You can claim that sound mind today.
 
 
  1. God’s got this!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.”   Philippians 4:6 MEV

Anxiety is the most common human mental health disorder, but as a believer you don’t need to stay there. God’s got this! His shoulders are big enough to carry anything you need. Most things you worry about you cannot change anyway, so why not leave them in the hands of the One who can do whatever you need.
 
 
  1. Don’t borrow tomorrow’s troubles.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34, NIV

We cannot see the future, and the unknown is often scary. Keep your primary focus on what God has given you to do today rather than mulling things over in your mind that you do not have control over. Tomorrow will be ready for you when you get there because God, who exists outside of time, will already be there. He holds all your tomorrows in His capable hands.
 
 
  1. God is with you. Don’t be afraid.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9 MEV

The Bible contains hundreds of “Fear Not’s”, admonitions to not be afraid. God must have known that we as human beings would need that kind of reminder! If Jesus was standing right in front of you, would you be afraid? He has promised to be with you always. He IS with you right now, just as much as if you could see Him with your physical eyes. There is no need to fear.
 
 
  1. Give your anxiety to Jesus.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7 NIV

The Greek word translated cast is very descriptive. It’s the same word used to describe how the disciples threw their garments over the donkey Jesus would ride into Jerusalem. (Luke 19:35) Do that with your anxiety today. If necessary, write your worries on a piece of paper, and then throw them into a river or leave them at the altar at your church (or tear them up and put in the trash – Miss Barb J). Such a physical act symbolizes casting all your worries onto Jesus, and leaving them there.
 
 
  1. When love comes, fear leaves.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”      1 John 4:18 MEV

If you want to be free from fear, go where love is. Who can you connect with today that leaks out love? A family member, a friend, a fellow believer? God is the ultimate Source of all love. God IS love. (1 John 4:8) The more time you spend in His presence, letting His Word and His love fill your mind, contemplating Who He really is, the less room there will be in your mind for fear.
 
 
  1. Jesus promised peace in the midst of trouble.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 NIV

Jesus promised His followers both trouble – and peace. As long as we are in this world we will experience trouble. Right now that trouble is great! Sometimes we face trouble of our own making. Much trouble is the crossfire we experience during the final stages of the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. But we can gratefully experience His peace regardless of our circumstances.
 
 
  1. God’s peace can point the way.

“Let the peace of God, to which also you are called in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.”   Colossians 3:15 MEV

When wrestling with a big decision, fear and anxiety can keep your mind swirling and upset. Is there any point, any small space, in which you feel a measure of God’s peace? What decision would you make from that place? Thinking in that way can help you stop worrying about things you can’t control or what other people may think. It will help you take a step away from fear and anxiety and toward thoughtful action.
 
 
  1. Run into God’s arms, and hang on!

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath you are the everlasting arms; He will drive out the enemy before you, and will say, “Destroy them.””  Deuteronomy 33:27 MEV

Do you remember when your child (or a child) would run into your arms when they were anxious or afraid, grabbing your neck and holding on for dear life? Your presence could make monsters disappear and booboos get all better. In God’s arms is our place of safety. When anxious or afraid run into His arms through worship, grab ahold of Him and don’t let go. You are never more protected than when resting in His arms.
 
 
  1. With God on your side, other’s opinions don’t matter.

“So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”  Hebrews 13:6 MEV

Fear and worry about what other people think or what they will do holds many of us back. But who are “they” anyway? When we can come to the place of living our lives before an audience of One, everything else becomes much clearer. And God’s got this! With Him on our side, the response – good or bad – from other people becomes much less important.
 
 

May Jesus bless you with His gift of peace today and every day.

 

Read more...