The Messenger – Sept 2013

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September Events

As we gear up for the fall schedule at St. James there are a number of special events you won’t want to miss!

Faith and Life Weekend (Aug 31. & Sept. 1)

Our Labor Day weekend worship services will remind us of our varied vocations and how faith and life meet in our daily work. Several members of the congregation will share their own faith stories during the sermon time and all of us will be invited to take part in the rite of Affirmation of Christian Vocation.

Rally Day (Sept. 8)

Rally Day is the official beginning of a new learning year. During the Sunday School hour, children and parents are invited to gather in the Dining Room where the children will make quilt squares to be pieced into quilts for Lutheran World Relief. During worship, we will invite our 4th graders to receive a gift of a Bible from the congregation and we will offer a special blessing for all those who work in education whether it be in the church or in the community.

God’s Work Our Hands Service Sunday (Sept. 8, 1:00 pm)

Join Lutherans in Gettysburg as we head out into our community to serve on Sunday, September 8! It is the 25th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and what better way to celebrate than with service! We’ll meet at St. James for a brief sending service at 1pm and then you may join one of six teams: 1. Trash Mob (pick up trash in the borough); 2. Ice Cream Social (provide ice cream/games at local nursing home); 3. Visit Migrant Farmworker camps and bring meal; 4. Piece quilt squares at St. James for Lutheran World Relief; 5. Deep cleaning at the Soup Kitchen; 6. Apple Gleaning in York Springs. If you’re not able to serve, you are welcome to take part by making a donation for supplies! Sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway!

Special Congregation Meeting (Sept. 15, 12 noon)

After several years of study, conversation and feedback, St. James adopted a design for Worship Area Renewal at its 2012 Annual Congregation Meeting. A fundraising campaign was started and now it is time to consider a financing proposal for the remainder of the money needed. Join us at this Special Congregation Meeting as we look forward to “Re-pitching the Tent” for a new generation.

WORSHIP PREVIEWS

Pentecost 15 – August 31 & September 1

Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am

Readings: Ephesians 4:11-13, Mark 1:16-20, A reading from Martin Luther

Proverbs 25:6–7, Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16, Luke 14:1, 7–14

First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by our Evangelism Committee.

Items collected at all services benefit local food pantries; under the auspices of Social Ministry.

Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.

Attention all Educators! Whether you are a Sunday School teacher, a principal, a paraprofessional, a public school teacher, a professor, a coach, a school secretary…all who work in education are especially invited to come to worship on Rally Day weekend (Sept 7-8)! We would like to thank you and offer a special blessing as you begin a new year.

Worship Series in September: “To Live and Love Like Jesus”

This past spring, St. James’ Council adopted a new vision statement for the congregation, “Forgiven and invited to live and love like Jesus.” For four weeks in September, we will explore the vision statement in our through Scripture, song, and sermon. Join us! 

Pentecost 16, September 7 & 8 – “Forgiven and Invited”

Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am

Readings: Genesis 9:8-17, Acts 2:36-39, Luke 7:36-48

Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am & RALLY DAY.

Pentecost 17, September 14 & 15 – “Provocative Preacher”

Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am

Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Mark 11:15-19

New Day Worship and Sunday School for adults from 9:30-10:30 am.

Pentecost 18, September 21 & 22 – “Itinerant Teacher”

Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am

Readings: 1 Kings 3:3-14, Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 22:15-22

Prayers for Healing will be offered at the conclusion of all worship services.

Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am. 

Pentecost 19, September 28 & 29 – “Outsider’s Choice”

Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am

Readings: Exodus 22:21-23, Romans 12:9-18, Matthew 9:9-13

Fifth Sunday Servant Event (under the auspices of Social Ministry) benefits Holiday Family Outreach.

Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.

A Story from Nicaragua

from Pr. Jeanette and Sally Hoh

When we went to Nicaragua last month as part of a delegation from Project Gettysburg/León (PGL), we were looking forward to bringing books and other school supplies donated from members of St. James to the Mt. Horet preschool. We expected to add to their library…as it turns out, the books we brought became the entire library! We were greeted with friendly smiles and hugs from 15 adorable 3 year olds and one very happy teacher! The school was built by PGL and opened in February. Gettysburg College students had constructed tables and bookshelves for the children over the summer. The bookshelves did not have any books, however, until we arrived. Thank you St. James! Your donations were appreciated beyond words. (If you’d like to see some photographs, check out the St. James group Facebook page!)

(Come to an Adult Forum in the worship space on Sunday, October 6 at 9:30 am and you’ll hear more about the work of PGL and St. James’ support from Javier and Aaron who work with PGL in Nicaragua!)

STEPHEN MINISTRY is bringing Christ’s healing love to those who are hurting—and the results are life-changing. One care receiver shared this about her Stephen Minister’s care: “After having had a Stephen Minister, my life is unbelievably different. I feel connected with God in a way I never felt before.” Another related: “My Stephen Minister would show up and be there for me. He was everything I ever thought a loving God would be. I’ll forever be grateful that I had a Stephen Minister.”* (From Stephen Ministry “Care Mail”) Check out this website for videos as care receivers share their stories: http://www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/1597

PARISH RECORDS

If you want to receive The Messenger, send your email address OR your postal address to [email protected].

This is a perfect way for you to keep in touch with your St. James Family — especially for our college students, as well as though serving in our armed services.

DEATHS

August 7, 2013 Donald R. White

August 18, 2013 Sidney G. Baker

BAPTISM

August 18, 2013 Abby Nichole Neibert

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

August 10, 2013 The Rev. Timothy W. Sadler

August 10, 2013 The Rev. Dr. Karen Minnich-Sadler

August 17, 2013 Donald Gordon – sponsor – Gareth Biser

WEDDINGS

August 2, 2013 Martha Wolf & Michael Casey

August 3, 2013 Jessica Williams & Bryan Blake

August 4, 2013 Brittani Miller & Benjamin McFadden

50+ WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

September 1, 1961 Robert L. & Margaret E. McGlaughlin 52 years

September 2, 1949 Stanley R. & E. LaVaughne Wolf 64 years

September 8, 1962 R. Thomas & Nina V. Dolly 51 years

September 16, 1955 Jack E. & Caroline N. Howe 58 years

September 17, 1951 Guy L. & Ruth E. Crist 62 years

September 17, 1954 Harold K. & Shirley V. Rudisill 59 years

St. James is a covenant church that supports Habitat For Humanity

“God’s Work, Our Hands”

On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 we are having a Habitat for Humanity Work Day at the home on North Fifth Street, Gettysburg. We will need five workers, and volunteers to donate drink/food for the morning snack. Please contact Shirley Sanders at 334-9724 or [email protected] if you are able to help in any way. Thanks for your continued prayers and support of this worthwhile ministry!

Keep Calm and Sing On!

It’s that time of the year! Time to get on board! An exciting year of music making is on tap as our choirs begin rehearsals! New and returning members are welcome at any time of the year. Simply find your appropriate grade or age grouping and COME SING! Our choirs meet in the music room, main floor # 207 – for updates about Youth Groups on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday evenings see the Children & Youth Ministry on page 8 of this Messenger. For additional information, please call Mr. Braband at 334-2012 ext. 209. Registration letters will be mailed the first week of September.

KOINONIA CHOIR (students in grades 6-12) begins

on Sunday, September 22 at 6:30 pm. Youth groups

will meet prior to and after choir.

ALLELUIA CHOIR (students in grades K, 1, 2) begins

on Wednesday, September 25 at 4:15 pm.

JUBILANT CHOIR (students in grades 3, 4, 5) begins

On Wednesday, September 25 at 3:30 pm.

MARTIN LUTHER CHOIR (adults) meets once a month

a begins rehearsal on Sunday, September 29 at 7:30 pm.

ADULT CHOIR begins rehearsals on Thursday,

September 5 at 7:30 pm.

Our Annual Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 10. Please be sure to mark your calendars for this important event as your input is vital to the growth and ministry of this congregation!

2013-2014 SUNDAY SCHOOL LOCATIONS & PERSONNEL

(Sunday School meets every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 am)

TWO-YEAR & THREE-YEAR OLDS (Room 102A/B, Bottom Floor) – Geraldine Lohuis & Vanena Lohuis

FOUR-YEAR OLDS (Room 103, Bottom Floor) – Kimberly McGlaughlin, Wendy Machemer, Holly Schneider

KINDERGARTEN & FIRST GRADE (Room 308, Top Floor) – Julie Dunlop, Hannah Gardner, Kimberly Guise

SECOND GRADE & THIRD GRADE (Room 307, Top Floor) – Elizabeth Fair, Lori Steinour, Brienna Waybrant

FOURTH GRADE & FIFTH GRADE (Room 306, Top Floor) – Michael Kolumban & Evelyn Kolumban

SIXTH GRADE (Room 301, Top Floor) – Julie Keyser & ———————————TBA

SEVENTH GRADE (Dining Room, Bottom Floor) – Beth Becker & Andrew Keyser

EIGHTH GRADE (Dining Room, Bottom Floor) – Pastor Michael Allwein & Thomas Young

NINTH GRADE (Dining Room, Bottom Floor) – Pastor Jeanette Leisk, Amy Christopher, Douglas Crist, Darryl Jones

SENIOR HIGH (Keyser-Foltz Youth House, 121/123 York St.) – Sally Hoh

ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP (Room 200, Main Floor) – Judith Leslie, contact

THE SEEKERS (Room 204, Main Floor) – Lucinda Bringman, teacher/contact

WOMEN’S THEOLOGICAL GROUP (Room 300, Top Floor) – Rebecca Brown, contact

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS BEGINNING (Room 302, Top Floor) – James Dunlop, contact [see info below]

GOOD SAMARITAN BIBLE STUDY CLASS (Room 303, Top Floor) – Nina Dolly, contact

PARENTS’ CLASS (Room 309, Top Floor) – Gary Shaffer, teacher/contact; Jack Bucher, president

SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARIES (Church Office, Main Floor) – John Crist & Michael Guise

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT – Shirley Sanders

New Sunday School Class Beginning!

A new class geared toward parents of younger children is starting in September! There will be a kick-off picnic at the home of Jim and Julie Dunlop on Sunday, September 8 at 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP to [email protected] by September 6.) Class will begin on Sunday, September 22 at 9:30 am in Room 302 at St. James. For this first year the class will be utilizing several different programs—some geared toward parenting and others toward spiritual growth. The hope is that there will be good discussion and community. Your input on what type of programs and areas of discussion would interest you is welcome!

GOOD SAMARITAN BIBLE STUDY CLASS meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in Room 303 (upper floor; an elevator is available at the end of the main hallway). Nina Dolly is the contact. All are welcome to join these teachers as your schedule allows:

Sept. 1 Pr. Mike                         Sept. 22 Joe MacDowell

Sept. 8 Susan Hill                    Sept. 29 Pr. Jerry Christianson

Sept. 15 John Fisher

ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in Room 200 (end of the main hallway). Judy Leslie is the contact. Join us on:

Sept. 1 “Luther and Vocation” led by Pr. Jeanette

Sept. 8 “Lecture 8: Tomb of the First Emperor of China” by Prof. John R. Hale with discussion

Sept. 15 “Don’t Stop Believing – Hiking the Appalachian Trail” by Ed Riggs

Sept. 22 “Building for Worship” led by Dave Flesner

Sept. 29 “Lecture 9: Feasting with the Dead at Petra” by Prof. John R. Hale with discussion

Bible Study Opportunities Resuming!

Join Pr. Jeanette on FRIDAY mornings at 7:30 am at the Lincoln Diner beginning September 6 as we

discuss the coming weekend’s Scripture texts.

On WEDNESDAY, September 18 at 11:00 am, the class “The Greatest Story: Jesus” will resume.

Newcomers are welcome! We meet in the library of the church (room 200 – end of main hallway).

COUNT DOWN TO TAKE OFF! A new St. James website will be launched on October 1! This is a beautiful site (thanks to Karen Hendricks for her work designing the new site!) which will have information for newcomers and members alike and lots of pictures! Stay tuned for details – when we convert over, it will be found at the usual St. James address: www.stjamesgettysburg.org

AUGUST COUNCIL REPORT

Claire Anderson, Corresponding Secretary

Congregation Council held their regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm. 

UPDATES:

Worship Area Renewal Project: President Snyder welcomed Gerald Christianson and Sue Hill from the Worship Area Renewal Task Force. Gerald reported that since the Worship Area Renewal’s design approval at the November 2012 Congregation Meeting, the Task Force has listened to concerns from members. They have added more benches and more chairs with arms to the final plan. The Task Force revisited the design of the bench racks. This investigation proved that the racks were critical to the stability of the benches, they were cost effective, and they fostered flexible rearrangement for worship needs. Gerald reminded Council that this project culminates a twenty-five year building improvement plan.

Sue Hill informed Council of the Task Force’s original five year timeline. She reviewed all the stages of the project in an effort to demonstrate how the Task Force Committee has done its work with Staff, the Congregation, and the Councils since 2008. She shared the original design principles and asked the Council to “understand the integration between the use of space and worship: it is from the worship area that members are sent out to do God’s work.” Sue asked Council for support to “Re-Pitch the Tent for a New Generation, inviting all to worship and meet the changing needs of an energetic culture.”

Council unanimously approved the Worship Area Renewal Funding Proposal Motion submitted by the Finance Committee. 

2014 Budget: Tom Young reported that the Finance Committee will have the new budget ready for Council approval in October. He thanked Mella DeNoma for her thorough work in preparing the budget.

Youth News: Council thanked all who served at Vacation Bible School for a successful program for children.

Gettysburg Retirement Village Anniversary Day – Saturday, Sept. 21

Join us from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at 1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg for a day of celebration! There will be food such as: homemade chicken corn soup, fresh peach sundaes, pies, sandwiches and much more. There will also be various entertainment, a petting zoo and activities for children, and yard sale items such as: jewelry, plants, fresh produce, books, etc. Yard sale items can be left at the Village by Saturday, August 31. Baked good items can be left at the Village on Friday, September 20 & 21. (St. James is asked to provide FIVE pies.) If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Speck at 334-3609.

Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. is in the midst of planning for our 2013-2014 season will begin on November 4 when our first shelter site will open. Prior to that, we will be moving in our new Resource Center at 117 York Street, Gettysburg. This will be where our shelter guests can come during the day to access services they need, do laundry, take a shower, and have access to computers and life skills training. Our offices will be in the Resource Center. Two Case Managers will do intakes for new referrals and will follow up with case management services on a daily basis. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our churches and community organizations. We will be adding some additional church shelter sites, allowing us to stay open longer this year. Our ultimate goal is to be open year round as each season presents its own weather challenges.

C.A.R.E.S. has continued to receive referrals even though we are closed for the summer. We anticipate we will be very busy as soon as we open. We will resume training volunteers in October. Overnight volunteers, church host volunteers, office and breakfast volunteers are needed. Those who volunteered for our first year will not need to be trained again but are welcome to attend our training as a refresher course. Those interested in volunteering may contact Mary Stevenson at [email protected] or 717-870-9048. We will also be hiring a Program Director to begin in October.

Prayers and contributions are always welcome. Checks may be made payable to: Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. and MAILED TO: PO Box 3005, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

WISH LIST FOR RESOURCE CENTER [items may be left in St. James Church Office]

• Instant Coffee
• Instant Hot Chocolate
• Sugar
• Creamer
• Hot Beverage Cups (paper)
• Plastic Spoons & Forks
• Paper Napkins
• Paper Towels
• Paper Lunch Bags
• Sandwich Bags
• XL Ziploc Storage Bags (4 per box)
• Toilet Paper
• Tissues
• Large roll of paper for children to draw on
• Copier Paper
• Pocket Folders
• Pens
• Sharpie Marking Pens
• Small Note Pads
• Storage Crates

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Program Director/Shelter Manager for Emergency Shelter Program. Position is 40 hours a week, October – April; with a. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Previous social work and homeless shelter experience and supervising staff and volunteers desired. Evening hours and some weekends required. Send resume by September 13 to [email protected] or Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S., c/o Gettysburg Soup Kitchen, PO Box 3005, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

September 2013

Children & Youth Ministry

We Are The Church!

So, here’s the thing. It’s a new school year. It’s time for a new focus. This year’s theme is “We Are the Church!” We’ll talk about what it means to be gifted by the Holy Spirit and called to serve. We’ll discuss ways to identify and stand up for the oppressed. We’ll explore ways to share our faith. And we’ll try to figure out what is at the heart of St. James that makes us a church and not just another social organization. Strap in! We’re off!

Just the F.A.C.T.S. (Forgiven And Called To Serve!) Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences on Camping Sunday!

Children, youth and adults are invited to join us for an APPLE GLEANING SERVICE PROJECT on Sunday, October 6 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Meet at St. James’ parking lot at 1:00 pm. The Baughers have graciously invited us to gather apples to feed the hungry! The apples will be donated to community agencies helping those in need. Contact Sally ([email protected] or 334-2012 ext. 207) with questions and to sign up so we can plan transportation!

RALLY DAY is Sunday, September 8! There is a LOT of excitement and enthusiasm for Sunday School this year! Senior High Youth will meet EVERY Sunday at 9:30 am in the Youth House (121/123 York St.)!

God’s Work Our Hands Service Sunday is also September 8! Sign up for one of six service opportunities! Be part of the Trash Mob! Deliver a meal to a migrant camp! Serve ice cream and lead games at the nursing home! Piece together quilting squares decorated by our children for Lutheran World Relief! Help “deep clean” the Soup Kitchen! And apple gleaning in York Springs! Meet at St. James at 1:00 pm and we’ll head out to serve!

Youth Group for Middle & High School Youth will start on Sunday, September 15 in the Youth House! Friends are always welcome. The schedule is:

• Middle School Youth Group 5:15 – 6:30 pm
• High School Youth Group 7:30 – 9:00 pm
• Sunday, Sept. 15 is all about brain storming! Bring your ideas for activities and service projects!
• KOINONIA CHOIR for youth in 6th-12th grade meets at 6:30 pm and will start on Sept. 22!

Elementary Youth Group starts up on Wednesday, September 25! The schedule is:

• 3:30 – 4:15 pm K-2nd grade in the Youth House
• (3rd-5th grade Jubilant Choir in the Choir Room)
• 4:15 – 5 pm 3rd-5th grade in the Youth House
• (K-2nd grade Alleluia Choir in the Choir Room)

Mailings are being sent out with registration info for children in K through 5th grade. Forms are also available on the Youth Bulletin Board outside the church office.

Wednesday Morning Breakfasts started up on August 28th for Middle and High School Youth! Stop in at the Youth House at 6:45 am for a delicious meal. ADULTS–we need cooks to prepare breakfast one Wednesday each month. Please contact Sally Hoh if interested!