St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA...St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA PO Box 4596, 109 York Street,...
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St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA PO Box 4596, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325-4596 Phone: (717) 334-2012 Fax: (717) 334-3596 Website: www.stjamesgettysburg.org “We respond to God’s abundant grace by being hearers, proclaimers and doers of the Word.” Volume 64, No. 01 THE MESSENGER January 2019 MUSINGS from Pastor Mike [to muse (myooz), v. to think, gaze, or say wonderingly] At the beginning of a New Year many people look forward to making resolutions, anticipating ways we wish to change our lives for the better as we begin a new calendar year. These promises are all good and positive, even if very often we struggle to sustain and “keep” these promises for very long into the New Year. Before I look forward, however, I’d like to look back and express sincere words of gratitude to each one of you who continue to be committed and supportive of the mission and ministry of St. James in working together for the betterment of this community and in the lives of so many individuals near and far. We finished the year 2018 very well financially. What this means is that we have been able to compensate our staff for the hard work they do, as well as continue to sustain our worship life, our ministries to youth and children, our ministry to each other and to the needs of the world around us. Often this ministry is manifested by so many of you in simple, unnoticed ways, in your deep spiritual yearnings and your desire to nurture relationships that are too often fractured and divided. On the day after Thanksgiving, I lost a really good friend, a woman who has been instrumental with me in clown ministry since my early days as a pastor. And, although I have not done much clown ministry since coming to St. James, in my earlier years as a pastor this ministry opened to me in a most profound way imagination and humor, so vital to leaders in our church today. During our 38-year friendship together, my personal desire every time I did ministry as a clown, was to be a “Caretaker of the Wonders of God.” In looking forward to the year 2019, I want to make a resolution that together we might become Caretakers of the Wonders of God into this New Year. I feel we best are able to do this by becoming vulnerable lovers, individuals who are not controlled and directed by our sense of superiority, rightness, and ego. We do this best by becoming better listeners, most especially to those with whom we do not always agree. From my musings point of view, I am grateful for what has been, and as we move into this new year, my New Year’s resolution is to be a Caretaker of the Wonders of God, most especially made majestic in the beauty of creation, but also noticed in the hurting and suffering children of God we find so close to us. Blessed 2019! “Mars” Vacation Bible School at St. James with Christ Lutheran Monday-Friday, JUNE 17-21, 9:00-11:30 am (Planning Meeting on Tuesday, January 22, 6:00 pm, Room 300)
Transcript of St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA...St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA PO Box 4596, 109 York Street,...
St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA PO Box 4596, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325-4596
Phone: (717) 334-2012 Fax: (717) 334-3596
Website: www.stjamesgettysburg.org
“We respond to God’s abundant grace by being
hearers, proclaimers and doers of the Word.”
Volume 64, No. 01 THE MESSENGER January 2019
MUSINGS from Pastor Mike [to muse (myooz), v. to think, gaze, or say wonderingly]
At the beginning of a New Year many people look forward to making resolutions, anticipating ways we
wish to change our lives for the better as we begin a new calendar year. These promises are all good
and positive, even if very often we struggle to sustain and “keep” these promises for very long into the
New Year.
Before I look forward, however, I’d like to look back and express sincere words of gratitude to each one
of you who continue to be committed and supportive of the mission and ministry of St. James in working
together for the betterment of this community and in the lives of so many individuals near and far.
We finished the year 2018 very well financially. What this means is that we have been able to
compensate our staff for the hard work they do, as well as continue to sustain our worship life, our
ministries to youth and children, our ministry to each other and to the needs of the world around us.
Often this ministry is manifested by so many of you in simple, unnoticed ways, in your deep spiritual
yearnings and your desire to nurture relationships that are too often fractured and divided.
On the day after Thanksgiving, I lost a really good friend, a woman who has been instrumental with me
in clown ministry since my early days as a pastor. And, although I have not done much clown ministry
since coming to St. James, in my earlier years as a pastor this ministry opened to me in a most profound
way imagination and humor, so vital to leaders in our church today. During our 38-year friendship
together, my personal desire every time I did ministry as a clown, was to be a “Caretaker of the Wonders
of God.”
In looking forward to the year 2019, I want to make a resolution that together we might become
Caretakers of the Wonders of God into this New Year. I feel we best are able to do this by becoming
vulnerable lovers, individuals who are not controlled and directed by our sense of superiority, rightness,
and ego. We do this best by becoming better listeners, most especially to those with whom we do not
always agree.
From my musings point of view, I am grateful for what has been, and as we move into this new year,
my New Year’s resolution is to be a Caretaker of the Wonders of God, most especially made majestic
in the beauty of creation, but also noticed in the hurting and suffering children of God we find so close
to us. Blessed 2019!
“Mars” Vacation Bible School at St. James with Christ Lutheran
Monday-Friday, JUNE 17-21, 9:00-11:30 am
(Planning Meeting on Tuesday, January 22, 6:00 pm, Room 300)
WORSHIP: Saturday 5:30 pm & Sunday 8:15 & 10:45 am
Sunday School from 9:30-10:30 am
January 5/6 - Epiphany of Our Lord On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles – that is to all nations. God’s
promise shines bright in the night as magi follow a star to honor the long awaited messiah of
Israel. Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12; First
Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by these committees: Endowment, Child Care
Governance, Youth. (Food items collected at all services the first weekend of every month,
benefits SCCAP Food Pantry; under the auspices of Social Ministry. Please do not bring any
glass containers. Our thanks to Shirley Sanders for overseeing this invaluable ministry!)
January 12/13 - Baptism of Our Lord On this day we recall our own and all baptismal blessings. Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm
29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Naming of the Newly Baptized at all worship services;
Second Sunday of Service from 9:30-10:30 am for elementary Sunday School (will be making
Care Kits for local social agencies).
On January 12 & 13, we will acknowledge those baptized since Baptism of Our Lord 2018,
including these families in prayer as they continue to grow in their faith. “We welcome you into
the body of Christ and the mission we share. Join us as we give praise to God and bear God’s
creative and redeeming word to all the world.”
Kellen Duke Dunn Greyson Thomas DeCola
Lila Marie Johnson Elyse Lynn Meckley
Owen Conrad Swartz Bryan Michael Eberhart
Gregory Alan Hines Cole Francis Eberhart
Alexis Brooke Kennedy Ethan Liam Huber
Laiken Nicole Kennedy Aubrey Erin Nell
January 19/20 - Second after Epiphany God rejoices over God’s people “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride.” Turning water
to wine at the wedding of Cana is described as the first of Jesus’ signs. Readings: Isaiah
62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11.
January 26/27 - Third after Epiphany Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God revealed in the reading of scripture.
Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21;
Prayers of Healing at the conclusion of each liturgy.
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MISSION SUPPORT CORNER ~submitted by Kay MacDowell
Here we are at a new year and time for new year’s resolutions. I suspect many of us already know we will fail to lose those 5 pounds or regularly get more exercise—again. But rather than give up before we even start, let’s try to look at new year resolutions differently and perhaps less vainly. As I pondered this column, I was struck by the similarity between new year’s resolutions and repentance. Both call for actions of turning around, or toward or away from something. Both call for self -examination and resolve. Here are a few ideas to help you start thinking; your options are both personal and limitless.
As persons of faith, we could resolve to act differently toward others (speak more kindly, listen more intently, express love in our actions). We could resolve to act differently spiritually (read and ponder a Bible verse, an article, or a book, pray more regularly including for those we see as enemies, participate more in our faith community). We could resolve to use resources differently (volunteer time, increase our charitable giving) and act differently toward creation (reduce our use of non-renewables, plant a tree, walk more and drive less.) Your faith and imagination are good resources to get you started. Lent begins early this year so our new year’s resolutions can merge with our Lenten disciplines to reinforce and reinvigorate new life; a turning. Happy New Year!
DEATHS
November 29, 2018 Edward L. Weigle
December 3, 2018 Helen V. Jacobs
December 14, 2018 Mildred C. McVicker
December 14, 2018 Jack P. Bucher
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
December 16, 2018 O. Frederick Schutt, Jr.
December 16, 2018 Christina Noel Smith
WEDDING
December 15, 2018 Norma Tacuba & Matthew Shreve
51st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
January 27, 1968 David T. & Barbara D. Hedrick
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30-10:30 AM
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets in room 303, on the top floor of the church.
Join us to learn what Scripture teaches us about responding to God’s love. (Lessons stand-alone
so join us as your winter schedule permits; Nina Dolly and G. Ronald Couchman, contact persons.)
Our Love for God by Chip Borgstadt
Jan. 6 “Hold Fast to God’s Love” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 & 2 John 4-11) Lefty Biser
Jan. 13 “Submit to God in Love” (James 4:1-10) Norma Wood
Jan. 20 “Submit to God in Christ” (Philippians 1:12-21) Gil Waldkoenig
Jan. 27 “Devote All to Christ” (Philippians 2:1-11) Nelson Strobert
ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets in room 200, at the northern end of the main hallway.
Each Sunday we enjoy timely presentations and discussions; Judy Leslie, contact person. Join us!
Jan. 6 “Seminary Podcasts: Interview with Alex Hayes” led by Jerry Christianson
Jan. 13 “South Africa after Apartheid” led by Charles Strauss
Jan. 20 “Catholic Bishops’ Recent Statement on Racism” led by William Collinge
Jan. 27 “The Science of Sex & Gender (1)” led by Bill Leslie
Uppity Women of the Bible
Our Wednesday Morning Bible Study will explore a different theme beginning January 9
until the beginning of Lent. We will study several Uppity Women found in the Bible. We
will dig deeper into the persons of Esther, Judith, Ruth, and the mysterious, intriguing,
unnamed, intimately explicit woman in the Song of Songs. For these seven weeks, Jan. 9-
Feb. 27, the Bible Study will meet in the church library. This Bible Study meets from 10:00-
11:15 am every Wednesday morning. Sounds like a great way to begin the New Year!
A Simple Life-Changing Prayer
“I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention.” ~Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day”
Having trouble falling asleep at night? What is the last thing you do before turning out the
light? Watch the news on your iPad? Check your latest Facebook posts? Watch a scary movie
on your Kindle? Ever try ending your day with prayer? Join Pastor Mike on three February
evenings for this pre-Lenten Prayer Study, to explore the examen, one of the most ancient
prayers used to focus on God’s presence in the real world. It is a way to help us look to a God
who is near to us in our decisions, present in our world, and active in our lives. Although this
prayer does not need to be prayed only at the end of the one’s day, it is a perfect way to conclude
one’s day with gratitude, not guilt for all that one’s day has been. Save these dates: MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 11, 18, 25 - 7:00-8:00 pm. A sign-up sheet will be found in the Gathering Area.
All those pre-registering will receive the book, A Simple Life-Changing Prayer, by Jim
Manney, for free. What a beautiful way to prepare for Lent!
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Profile ~ WORSHIP & MUSIC
Do you like to sing? Play an instrument? Help with worship services? St. James has a rich history of excellent music and worship experiences from choral performances, to instrumental ensembles, to leading worship! There are many opportunities to get involved, for young and old alike! So…let’s get started!
Worship attenders can help with the following (training is available):
Assisting Ministers Evangelism Visitors Communion Assistants
Acolytes Flower Deliverers Communion Ushers
Bread Bakers Nursery Attendants Ushers
Greeters Sacristy Attendants Bell Ringers
Music:
Alleulia Choir (K-2nd grade) & Jubilant Choir (3rd-5th grade)
Martin Luther Choir (sings once a month)
Adult Choir Summer Choir (sings at 10:45 am service June-August)
For more information about Worship & Music Committee, please contact Spiritual Gifts Coordinator Lisa Poole at 717-334-2012 ext. 203 or [email protected]. The committee meets the the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm in room 300 (NOT Jan. 1).
Stephen Ministers’ Training to Begin Stephen Ministry training is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2019 and will continue until May 11, 2019. Meeting on SATURDAYS (except April 20, Easter weekend), the sessions will be held in the Wellness Lounge at SpiriTrust Lutheran from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm each week. Training materials will be provided for all participants. Stephen Ministry training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relating skills. Participants will learn how to listen to, care for, and walk with those going through difficult times in life. Care receivers are people--congregation members and others in the community--who receive care from a Stephen Minister. These are people struggling through a difficult time in life--experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or would like more information on this ministry, please speak to: Pastor Mike ([email protected] or 717-334-2012 ext. 205), Pastor Andrew ([email protected] or 717-334-2012 ext. 206), Stephen Leader Sue Hill ([email protected]) or Stephen Leader Jennifer Murphy ([email protected]).
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DECEMBER 19, 2018 COUNCIL REPORT ~SUBMITTED BY COUNCIL SECRETARY BRIENNA WAYBRANT
Devotions: Advent Mid-week Service
Minutes/Correspondence/Announcements:
Minutes approved by consent. Correspondence circulated.
Treasurer’s Report:
Presented by Treasurer Karen Lentz. Report was approved. Discussion entailed about how to distribute the Advent/Christmas offerings. Council approved that half of the Advent/Christmas offerings go to the Worship Area Renewal Fund and half go to the Building Fund for roof repairs.
Committee Reports:
The recent Annual Congregational Meeting was discussed. The meeting went very well. It was suggested that for future meetings, if anything major needs to be discussed, the President of Council would like to know ahead of time. Property Committee is meeting with contractors to have the roof patched until we are able to repair the roof correctly. This time of year is not ideal for roof work, so we are planning to do the major repairs in the spring. Property is working on getting quotes for the repairs to the roof, windows, and brick as well as updating the kitchen and gathering area. The hope is to have figures to bring to Council by the end of January. Capital Campaign Committee now has eight members and plans to meet in January. Members are: Dan Bringman, Kim Guise, Brienna Waybrant, Dennis Carter, Bill Shoemaker, Alan Haynes, Pastor Mike, Barb Vossler. Their goal is to move forward with proposals and have a plan in action by March. Personnel Committee placed a want ad for a Nursery Attendant. They have received applications, but have not screened all of them, so this position has not yet been filled. Congregational Renewal Task Force is looking at what type of missions can we focus on, and be thinking outside of the box.
Old Business:
The columbarium was measured in November. We do not have a date for construction yet.
COUNCIL RETREAT – Wednesday, January 16, 5:30 pm (note time change). We will have a brief meeting and potluck meal, followed by a retreat discussing a topic from the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We will be discussing how Council can be more effective, efficient, and better serve the congregation.
Good for God:
It was brought up and agreed upon by Council that there is a very good spirit on Council, and also among our Church Staff. The Bishop has asked Pastor Andrew to begin a three-year program for lead pastors in congregations with multiple staff, which will begin in 2019.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 16, Council Retreat at 5:30 pm. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
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Outside wreaths were given to the glory of God and in loving honor of:
Barbara & Tim Braband by Phil Roth & Norma Wood
My mother, Norma & her siblings: Irene, Joyce & Fred; & my siblings, Jenny & Scott by Denise Wood
Outside wreaths were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of:
Samuel Green by his wife, Peggy & family
Our Parents by Bill & Kathy Avery
Our parents: Charles & Helen Shreiner & LeRoy & Dorothy Seilhamer by John & Judy Seilhamer
Poinsettias & World Hunger Donations were given to the glory of God & in loving honor of:
Jay & Lou Auxt by Phil & Tara Baugher
John & Nadine Baugher by Phil & Tara Baugher
The Braband Family by a friend
Eliza Ruth & Rhea Marie Crowell by Phil & Tara Baugher
Faithful Choir Members of St. James Lutheran Church by Tim & Barbara Braband
Our Grandchildren & Children by Lois & Mike Allwein
Our Loved Ones by Jack & Sally Crist
The Staff of St. James Lutheran Church by Dee Wells
Poinsettias & World Hunger Donations were given to the glory of God & in loving memory of:
Grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Allen by John Doerfler
My mother, Kathleen Null Blum & my grandmother, Alverta Rose Null by Carol Widerman
Glenna G. & Guy R. Boyer & Samuel Green by Kenneth, Peggy, Anna, Carole & their families
Ned D. Crouse by Joyce Crouse & family
Grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Doerfler by John Doerfler
Mother, Mary Doerfler by John Doerfler
W. Raymond & Evelyn Eiker by their daughter & son-in-law, Nancy J. & C. Eugene Riffle
Our parents, Raymond & Jean Fair & Samuel & Mary Van Eman by Garry & Elizabeth Fair
Family Members by Nancy (Klinefelter) & Glenn “Skip” Heller
Sue Flesner by David Flesner
My son, Dennis Frankfort by Ruth Knaub
Marty Heller by his wife, Polly & daughter & her husband, Pam & David Miserendino
My husband, Calvin Johnson & our parents: Lester & Gladys Starry & Rud & Amelia Johnson
by Dorothy Johnson & Linda Starry
Margaret J. Keyser by The Keyser Family
Patricia Martin by Jason, Kerri, Drew & Gavin Cole
Salud Nieting by Bill & Judy Leslie
Our Parents by Lois & Mike Allwein
Our Parents by Ken & Judy Boyer
Our Parents by Tim & Barbara Braband
Our Parents by Pete & Marty Riley
Our Parents by Tom & Barbara Vossler
Albert K. Poole by Mike, Lisa, Olivia & Peyton Poole
L. Blaine & Dorothy Sanders by Mike, Lisa, Olivia & Peyton Poole
My daughter, Dian L. Scharpf & my husband, J. Guy Smith by Gladys E. Smith
J. Claude Shea, Gertrude M. Shea, Harold L. Platzer, Louise M. Lang, Joseph C. Shea, Jr. by Kathy Platzer
Nelson & Hazel Sixeas by their daughter, Janet Rice & family
Carol K. Smith & Michael W. Smith by Carroll B. Smith, Jr.
Luther A. Smith, Lois Smith & Evelyn Smith by Eric & Colleen Smith
Robert S. Weikert by Barbara & family
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A Pastoral Christmas Message on Immigration
They were a family of modest means, working folks, who wanted only to live peacefully in their homeland and give their baby son
a good life. Unfortunately, instability and danger menaced their turbulent country, and murderous thugs terrorized the innocent.
So they fled the violence, journeying on foot to another country, to find safety and freedom; where they could be unafraid and raise
their son in peace.
Another tale of woe from the Caravan of Central American families assembling at our Southern border?
No. It’s the story of Joseph and Mary and Jesus, who escaped Herod’s death squads that were murdering all the young children in
and around Bethlehem! Matthew 2:13-16 tells us that under the cover of darkness the Holy Family fled on foot to Egypt and lived
there as refugees. Refugees from violence and death.
With only a few details changed, this story might well be told by thousands of the Central American families who are seeking refuge
from hunger, violence, mayhem and political instability in their home countries.
As we consider our nation’s simmering immigration crisis, we are wise to remember that Our Savior and his parents were refugees,
too. For Jesus, the plight of immigrants seeking safety and a better life is personal. As his followers, Jesus calls us to “welcome the
stranger” and care for “the least of these” as a matter of our salvation (Matthew 25:31-46).
In the last two years, our United States government has taken a strong formidable line against immigrants from Central America –
detaining families in inhumane and dangerous conditions, separating children and other family members, forcing many to wait for
extended periods, and capriciously changing the rules for processing and granting refugee status. Our government has deployed
thousands of military personnel to help enforce its hard-line stance.
In these instances our government has departed from our historic practices and policies, as well as United Nations agreements to
which our country is a signatory. It has also departed from common decency and the religious values that have made the United
States a leader in international human rights.
Along with other Christian communities, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is working to raise awareness of these abuses
and mobilize God’s people to speak up.
“We cannot remain silent as our asylum laws are unilaterally changed and our nation’s door is shut to people fleeing dire humanitarian
situations,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop. “As Lutherans, we have long advocated for reliable and consistent
implementation of laws governing asylum-seekers and urge the Administration to continue to ensure broad protection for all who
need it and due process at the border.”
Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has been assisting those who come to our country. To further accompany
children and families in Central America, we adopted a strategy called AMMPARO (short for Accompanying Migrant Minors with
Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) during the ELCA’s 2016 Churchwide Assembly.
As your bishop, I urge all Lutherans of the Lower Susquehanna Synod to join our church and its advocacy ministries in learning the
truth about the refugee crisis, countering myths and falsehoods, educating others and demanding change from our elected leaders.
Below you will find some ways to help.
This Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons, as we remember anew that the Holy Family were refugees, we are challenged to look
at news photos of refugee families at our Southern border and fail to see the faces of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
God’s blessings for a holy Advent, a joyful Christmas, and an enlightening Epiphany church season.
Yours in Christ, + James S. Dunlop, bishop
Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA www.lss-elca.org #717-652-1852
TAKE ACTION TODAY:
• Sign the pledge to support people seeking asylum in the U.S. The #CaravanPledge is a commitment bringing together people of
many faiths and backgrounds who are committed to standing up for the rights of migrants and refugees and creating welcoming
communities wherever they are.
• Learn more about how Lutherans at the border are helping, including Border Servant Corps, a ministry of Peace Lutheran Church
in Las Cruces, N.M. Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey (Christ the King Lutheran Church), El Paso, Texas, operates a ministry for
refugees, as well as a border immersion program where God’s people can see firsthand the truth about the immigration crisis.
• Follow the LIRS Website.
• Follow our ELCA AMMPARO network and become a welcoming or sanctuary congregation.
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Here is a news summary from Dennis Carter for Source of Life Ministries. You
can go to http://www.sourceoflifeministries.com/ for more details on each item.
NEW WELL NEARING COMPLETION:
• With the needed funds in hand, we expect to drill the new well as soon as the drilling rig can
arrive on the compound. When completed, the new well will supply water to the church,
youth pavilion and new Guest House. THANK YOU to our donors, you know who you are!
GUEST HOUSE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
• A Mission Team raised the wall panels in September, and the Guest House is taking shape.
Much work remains to apply the concrete to the upright walls, and put the roof panels in
place.
• There is an urgent need for building materials to continue the project toward completion.
We can provide detailed costs, for both fund-raising efforts and individual donations.
• On the strength of your prayers, our hope is to complete the Guest House early in 2019. We
hope to welcome the first Mission Teams as guests and occupants by Summer or Fall of
2019.
NEWS FROM THE CHILDREN IN GRESSIER:
• Gabrielle and Woodson began their high school studies with the new school year in
September.
• Clauder is now studying English, and continues toward his goal of university studies.
• The remainder of the children are progressing in their elementary school studies. The staff
at the safe home maintains a close watch on their work, and works individually with anyone
falling behind to address their needs.
• We have raised about half ($950) of the funds needed ($2,000) to bring Shinaider to the U.S.
next summer for specialized pro bono dental treatment for his broken front tooth. Please
help with a donation.
SAVE THE DATE – Friday, February 15, 9:30 am-3:30 pm OASIS Ministry Retreat
This one-day retreat will be led by Sherry Walter and Glenn Mitchell at St. James. Drawing
mandalas can become a form of meditation which leads to stillness in God. In this retreat,
participants will learn how this method evolved and have hands on opportunities to learn
how to construct these geometric forms. Cost is $65-85, as you are able. You can register
at https://oasismin.org/the-making-life-mandalas or call 717-737-8222 or talk to Pr. Mike.
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Happy New Year! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed
the holidays! Youth Groups will take a little bit of a break in January to give
Mr. B and Jess a chance to plan for the rest of the spring. Middle & High
School Breakfasts will continue their regular schedule. See you soon!!
Wednesday, January 9th MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL BREAKFAST starts
again at 6:45 am in the Youth House, 121 York St.!
Friday-Sunday, January 18th-20th MIDDLE SCHOOL QUAKE in Harrisburg.
Monday, January 28th MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP begins again.
Wednesday, January 30th K-5TH & HS YOUTH GROUPS begin again with their
regular schedule (see next page for the times).
SAVE THESE DATES!
Saturday, March 2nd MS & HS LOCK-IN at church to prepare for
fastnachts! Sleep at the church (or stay up all night!)
and wake up super early Sunday morning to start
making fastnachts!
Sunday-Tuesday, March 3rd-5th FASTNACHTS
Friday, March 22nd TALENT SHOW
Sunday, May 5th YOUTH SERVICES
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
DECEMBER 24 – JANUARY 6
St. James hosting Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. overnight for 2 weeks.
JANUARY 1
Church Office & Child Care
CLOSED
NO Endowment,
Evangelism, Worship & Music
2
NO Middle/High School Breakfast
9:30 am St. James Early Learning Center Chapel
NO Bible Study NO Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups & Middle & High School Youth Groups until Wednesday, January 30!
3
10:00 am Bible Study
6:00 pm Christian Education
7:00 pm Adult Choir
4
5 Epiphany of Our Lord
Food Donations Weekend
5:30 pm Communion
6 Epiphany of Our Lord
Food Donations Weekend 8:15 am Communion
9:15 am Fellowship
9:30 am Sunday School
10:45 am Communion
7
8:00 am Congregational
Renewal Task Force
6:30 pm Property
7:15 pm Monday Night Study (Foltz’ 38 E Broadway)
8
9:30 am
Creation Cares
10:00 am Prayer Shawl
1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)
7:30 pm Worship & Music
9
6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast
8:30 am Executive
9:30 am SJELC Chapel
10:00 am Bible Study
10
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Choir
11
10:30 an Quilting
12 Baptism of Our Lord
5:30 pm Communion
13 Baptism of Our Lord
8:15 am Communion
9:30 am Sunday School Second Sunday of Service
10:45 am Communion
14
6:30 pm C.A.R.E.S. Volunteer Training
7:00 pm Personnel
7:15 pm Monday Night Study (Foltz’ 38 E Broadway)
15
10:00 am Prayer Shawl
1:30 pm Staff Meeting
(OFFICE CLOSED)
6:30 pm Evangelism
7:00 pm Library
The Messenger
DEADLINE
16
6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast
9:30 am SJELC Chapel
10:00 am Bible Study
12:00 pm Grief Ministry (Dunlap’s)
5:30 pm COUNCIL RETREAT
17
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Choir
7:00 pm Youth Ministry
18
January 18-20
MS Quake, Harrisburg, PA
19 Epiphany 2
5:30 pm Communion
20 Epiphany 2
8:15 am Communion
9:30 am Sunday School
10:45 am Communion 7:00 pm Martin Luther Choir
21
10:00 am Stephen Ministers
7:15 pm Monday Night Study (Foltz’ 38 E Broadway)
22
10:00 am Prayer Shawl
1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)
6:00 pm World Outreach
6:00 pm VBS Planning Meeting
7:00 pm Mission Support 7:30 pm Art & Design
23
6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast
9:00 am Messenger Volunteers & Messenger mailed
9:30 am SJELC Chapel
10:00 am Bible Study
6:00 pm Mission Fund
24
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Choir
25
9:30 am Contemplative
Prayer Group
26 Epiphany 3
5:30 pm Communion & Prayers for Healing
27 Epiphany 3
8:15 am Communion & Prayers for Healing
9:30 am Sunday School
10:45 am Communion & Prayers for Healing
28
1:30 pm Archives
2:45 pm Choir/ MS Youth Group 5:30 pm Endowment 7:15 pm Monday Night Study (Foltz’ 38 E Broadway
29
10:00 am Prayer Shawl
1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)
30
6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast
9:30 am SJELC Chapel
10:00 am Bible Study
3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups
5:30 pm High School Youth Group
31
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Choir
8:00 pm Adult Choir Appreciation Event
ST. JAMES
LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
PO BOX 4596, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325-4596
The Messenger will next be processed Wednesday, Jan. 23. All articles must be e-mailed to [email protected]
BEFORE Tuesday, January 15.
PLACE
POSTAGE
HERE
LABEL
Calling St. James at (717) 334-2012 Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
When calling our church office, you will reach the automated
phone system. Please leave a message on staff members’ voice-
mails by immediately pressing their extension number listed below.
201 Katheryn M. Clowney Office Manager
202 Debra L. Nimtz Administrative Assistant
203 Lisa P. Poole Spiritual Gifts Coordinator
205 Pr. Michael E. Allwein Senior Pastor
206 Pr. Andrew R. Geib Associate Pastor
207 Jessica L. Smith Youth Minister
209 Timothy E. Braband Minister of Music
215 G. Thomas Bender Building Superintendent
