The Messenger – Nov 2013
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ALL SAINTS DAY
The weekend of November 4 & 5, we will remember the following who have departed this life since All Saints Day 2012, holding a firm conviction that they are safe in God’s keeping and remembering their lives with thanksgiving:
Doris J. Guise, LaDonna B. King, Joseph H. Dubbs, Jannine S. Lucini, Victoria A. Smith, Marie K. Gillan, Joan M. Sterner, Jay R. Schmitt, Jr., Leone K. Staub, Betty Jane Smith, Martha A. Fisher, Hazel Tawney Kuykendall, Susan Z. Flesner, Mary Jane Martin, Lena R. Eberhart, Dana T. DeSimon, Sean M.G. Paulissen, Horace H. Waybright, John K. Speck, Louetta C. “Lou” Newman, A. Elizabeth “Betty” Bunteen, Helen V. Weikert, Eric J. Shrader, Grace E. Reaver, Kenneth D. Mummert, Jean K. McCrorie, Julia R. “Becky” Boring, Mary Jane Bollinger, George R. Bender, Russell C. Lemaster, Edith M. Kaumans, Elby M. Boring, Leo “Pete” Kuhn, Donald R. White, Sidney G. Baker, John P. “Jack” Keefer, Gary L. Welch, R. Delroy Keller, Ronald D. Williams, John J. Weixel III, Doris R. Hoffman, William I. Jacobs, Linda K. Scott, Albert J. Novak
Worship Previews
November 2 & 3 – All Saints
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Daniel 7:1–3, 15–18, Psalm 149, Ephesians 1:11–23, Luke 6:20–31
First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by World Outreach & Youth Ministry Committees.
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.
November 9 & 10 – Pentecost 25
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Job 19:23–27a, Psalm 17:1–9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17, Luke 20:27–38
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
12:00 noon Annual Congregation Meeting in the worship area.
November 16 & 17 – Pentecost 26
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Malachi 4:1–2a, Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13, Luke 21:5–19
New Day Worship [NO Children’s Sunday School] and Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am.
November 23 & 24 – Christ the King
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24, Ephesians 1:15–23, Matthew 25:31–46
Prayers for Healing will be offered at the conclusion of all worship services.
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
Columbarium Meeting at 9:30 am in the worship area.
Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Service
All are welcome to worship at our community service at Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg. We are requesting donations which will benefit Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S.
Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. provides shelter to homeless individuals and families when no other shelter can be found during the winter months. Local churches take turns hosting the shelter. The Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. Resource Center is in need of items which will be gathered at the above service: instant coffee and hot chocolate, sugar, creamer, hot paper beverage cups, plastic spoons and forks, paper napkins, paper lunch bags, sandwich bags, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, XL Ziploc Storage Bags, large rolls of paper, crayons, small back packs, copier paper, pocket folders, pens, paper clips, small note pads, storage crates. (Non-perishable food items donated that night will be sent to SCAAP Food Pantry.)
LWR QUILTING BEE (sponsored by our World Outreach Committee) will be held on Tuesday & Wednesday, November 12 & 13 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Room 309. Coffee and dessert will be provided; however, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch if you wish. CLEAN SHEETS are the only needed supplies and may be left in the church office until the event. So that we may plan accordingly–please register at the sign-up table in the gathering area OR contact Joan Wise at 337-9925 or [email protected]. You are welcome to help one or both days!
Newly-Designed St. James Website!
Point your friends to the new and improved St. James website: www.stjamesgettysburg.org! They’ll be able to check out worship times, look at upcoming events, read the Messenger, submit a prayer request, and view some awesome photographs of St. James’ ministries! Many thanks to the work of Karen Hendricks for helping to make this happen!
Explore Galatians with Thursday Morning Bible Study this Fall!
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” (Galatians 3:26). That is one of many well-known Bible verses found in the book of Galatians. Join the Thursday Morning Bible Study this fall, for a look at this New Testament book—written by Paul and considered by many to be one of the best summaries of what it means to live a Christian life. Galatians also is foundational for what we believe as Lutherans. All are welcome to join us between 9:45-10:00 am for coffee and snacks, with Bible study to follow until 11:00 am in the Gathering Area. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22).
When Grief Colors the Holidays
“How to manage the absence of a loved one during the festive season.”
All are invited to join us for a free program presented by The Rev. Peter Kuhn on Thursday, December 5 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Gettysburg Hospital Boardroom. Please call 337-4310 for reservations as seating is limited; parking is free (offered by Pastoral Care – WellSpan Health).
Stephen Ministers are “care givers.” Their recipients are “care receivers.” Confidentiality surrounds the relationship and the interactions between “care givers” and “care receivers.” The goal of the “care giver” is to be a trustworthy friend, who will talk and pray with the “care receiver” during a period of crisis. The “care giver” is a trained listener rather than a problem solver, who encourages and helps the “care receiver” throughout the healing process. If you are in need of a Stephen Minister, please contact Pr. Mike Allwein at 334-2012 ext. 205 or Susan Hill at 334-1273.
Service of Holy Communion & Seniors’ Dinner
Saturday, November 9th following 5:30 pm Service
All seniors (55+) are invited to join us for a Service of Holy Communion on Saturday, November 9th at 5:30 pm, followed by a Seniors’ Dinner that will be served in the dining room (lower level – an elevator is available). There is no cost and you do not need to bring anything other than your appetite! Transportation is available if needed–just make note of this need when you register at the sign-up table which is located in the gathering area.
John Doerfler, as well as members of our Fellowship Committee and others, will be preparing an appetizing dinner of: Pork & Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Green Vegetables, Applesauce, Rolls, Butter, Tea, Coffee, and Dessert.
Our entire congregation is encouraged to honor our senior members by donating homemade desserts that are non-refrigerated. Please sign up in the gathering area if you are going to make a homemade dessert and thank you!
PARISH RECORDS
DEATHS
October 1, 2013 Ronald D. Williams
October 2, 2013 John J. Weixel III
October 3, 2013 Doris R. Hoffman
October 9, 2013 William I. Jacobs
October 10, 2013 Linda K. Scott
FIRST COMMUNION
September 29, 2013 Lucy Crist
October 6, 2013 Landon Andrews
WEDDINGS
September 27, 2013 Kortney Staub & Eric Avadikian
September 28, 2013 Lori Baskette & William Fitzell
October 5, 2013 Ashlee Roth & Ryan Dillon
October 12, 2013 Bria Hynes & Joshua Jones
October 19, 2013 Kathryn Eshleman & Ray Shetter
October 19, 2013 Alaina Prall & Jonathan Swartz
October 19, 2013 Emily Teeter & Steve Buzzard
50+ WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
November 9, 1949 Edward L. & Margaret M. Weigle 64 years
November 30, 1952 Ned D. & Joyce L. Crouse 61 years
If you are celebrating 50+ years of marriage and want your anniversary printed in the Messenger, please email your wedding date to Debby at [email protected]. if we do not already have this information.
Belated birthday greetings to RHODA HARTZELL who celebrated her 102nd birthday on October 17, 2013.
Mission Fund in Action
This month we are recognizing The Augusta Victoria Hospital organization which has received money from the 2013 Mission Fund, made possible by the generosity of members and families of St. James.
Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) is a program operated and funded by the Lutheran World Federated (LWF) Department for World Service in Jerusalem. It started in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as a major medical facility in Jerusalem after the 1948 war to care for Palestinian refugees. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America also accompanies the AVH which has been providing much-needed health care for Palestinians for 50 years.
AVH, with a staff of 320, has traditionally served as a secondary care hospital. However, AVH is now moving towards becoming a Specialized Center of medical excellence. By providing specialized treatments that are not available in the majority of hospitals in Palestine – AVH is the first and only hospital to provide radiation therapy for cancer patients in the Palestinian territories and is the only medical facility in the West Bank offering pediatric kidney dialysis.
AVH is licensed for 170 beds and, on average, operates 102 beds a day. In 2012, AVH cared for 5,900 inpatients for a total of 17,700 days of hospital care. Additionally, AVH is building complementary community programs which promote screening, early detection, and health education.
October 16, 2013 Council Report
Submitted by Claire Anderson, Corresponding Secretary
Congregation Council held their monthly meeting on October 16, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
Updates:
Council Installation: Pastor Allwein installed Jeffrey Snyder as Council representative, filling the vacancy left by Lori Steinour.
St. James Boy Scout Land Swap: Scott Schneckloth, Michele Hessler, and William Knowles-Kellett of Boy Scout Troop 79 shared the details of their Land Swap Proposal. Council approved a motion to support and present this proposal to the Congregation at the Sunday, November 10, 12 noon Annual Congregation Meeting in the worship area.
Columbarium Report: Following a discussion of the Columbarium report with Columbarium Committee chair, Pastor Richard Englund, Council unanimously approved a motion for the Columbarium Committee to present its report to interested congregation members at a meeting on Sunday, November 24 at 9:30 am in the worship area. The Columbarium Committee will submit proposed policies for the Columbarium to Council for approval at a later date.
Endowment Membership: The congregation will vote to fill two seats on the Endowment Committee at the November 10 Annual Congregation Meeting. Ryan Fox has accepted Council’s request to add his name to the ballot. Council will submit other name(s) at the Annual Congregation Meeting.
2013 Budget & Child Care Reports: Council unanimously accepted the monthly reports submitted by Mella DeNoma.
2014 Budget: Council approved the Finance Committee’s proposed 2014 budget and will recommend this budget to the congregation at the November 10 Annual Congregation Meeting. Finance Chair Tom Young explained in detail the difficult choices the Finance Committee needed to weigh before submitting its proposal.
C.A.R.E.S. Update: The C.A.R.E.S. Liaison Committee (Pastor Mike Allwein, Ken Unger and Ray Hopkins) reviewed and revised the C.A.R.E.S. contract. Council unanimously approved a motion to accept no rent from C.A.R.E.S until the Liaison Committee has determined that the Slentz House is ready for occupancy.
Conference News: Council unanimously accepted the request from Grace Church, Gettysburg and Saint Luke Church, Littlestown to move from the Gettysburg Conference to the Hanover Conference.
Good Samaritan Bible Study Class meets 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:
Nov. 3 Pr. Bill Avery Nov. 17 Gareth Biser
Nov. 10 Pr. Jerry Christianson Nov. 24 Pr. E. Edward Keyser
ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in Room 200 (end of the main hallway). Judy Leslie is the contact. Join us on:
Nov. 3 “Slavery and Scripture: Burgians on the Bible” led by Rev. Dr. Mark Oldenburg
Nov. 10 “Peace Offering: Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malaki” led by Mary Furlong
Nov. 17 “Lutherans and Rebellion” led by Rev. Dr. Maria Erling
Nov. 24 “Feasting with the Dead at Petra – Lecture 9 by Prof. John R. Hale”
St. James World Outreach Committee – Appeal Regarding Syria
The conflict in Syria has left more than 100,000 dead, 1.6 million fleeing to neighboring countries, and more than 4 million internally displaced. Many feel that bombing is not the answer but inaction is not the answer either.
Since 2011, the ELCA has given more than one million dollars to help people in Syria and in the refugee camps. The World Outreach Committee invites you to add your contribution to this effort in a special appeal. Put your contribution in a pew contribution envelope marked ‘Syria’ or make out a check to St. James and put ‘Syria’ on the memo line. Place your gift in the collection plate or mail to St. James by Sunday, November 24. The church will forward your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response. You may also donate online with the following link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Donate-Now.aspx. Thank you for taking action in this meaningful and important way!
Personal Care Kit Collection
The World Outreach committee would like to invite members of St. James to donate Personal Care Kits to be distributed by Lutheran World Relief (LWR) to those in need around the world. When LWR gives away Personal Care Kits, it’s often to people who have lost everything. In the wake of an earthquake, or having fled from violence as their homes were overtaken, they clasp a towel from a faraway place, with a bar of soap, a toothbrush…and washing up , they know that they have not been forsaken by the world.
You can share God’s grace and love by providing such a simple comfort!
Bring your kit to church on November 24 or December 1. Please do not add other items or leave out any of the items. All items should be new and in good condition. What to include:
- One light-weight bath-size towel (between 20”X40” and 52”X27”), dark color recommended
- Two bath-size bars (4-5oz) of soap, any brand, in original wrapping
- One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
- One sturdy comb, remove packaging
- One metal nail clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging
Wrap all the items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn.
November 2013
Children & Youth Ministry
We Are The Church!
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
We spent September and October focused on the WE part of We Are The Church. Each of us has been gifted by the Holy Spirit and we’re called to use those gifts to serve God! What are the gifts in your tool belt?
Now, we’ll focus on the ARE part of We Are The Church. Throughout the ages, there have been oppressed people. Throughout the ages, there have been people of faith who stood up for the oppressed. Who are the oppressed now? How are we called to serve them?
Thank you Apple Gleaners! We collected 30 large bags of apples which were distributed to SCCAP, the Seminary, the Rescue Mission, the Soup Kitchen, and Gettysburg College’s Center for Public Service After School Program!
Thank you to everyone who ate at Hoss’s on Oct. 9. $342 was raised for 2014 Workcamps!
Senior High Lock In! Meet at the Youth House at 7 pm Friday, November 8. (If you work or are in sports, please arrive by 11 pm.)
High School Reading Group meets at 5:30 pm on Nov. 13, Dec. 11 and Jan. 22!
We’re updating our list of college students so we can send care packages this fall before final exams. Please send contact info to Sally Hoh or Jean Uhlig so we don’t miss anyone!
ADVENTure is back! Sunday, December 1st at noon in the Dining Room! ALL ages are invited for lunch (homemade soup!) followed by Advent devotions led by Pastor Jeanette, wrapping up with activities and crafts for adults and children. All are welcome!
Winterfest! Youth in 9th through 12th grade are invited to attend our synod’s Senior High Youth Gathering on January 3 to 5.
Harrisburg Quake! Youth in 6th, 7th and 8th grade are invited to attend Youth Encounter’s Quake on January 17 to 19.
Registration forms and deposits are due by November 17th! Information about the trips, registration and Medical Info/Parental Consent Forms are available on the Youth bulletin board, in the Youth House, or by contacting Sally Hoh.
Our expectation is that youth attending these special events are actively involved in Youth Group and/or Sunday School as well as service projects and fundraisers. If you have questions about the trips or our expectations, please contact Sally.
REACH Workcamps!!! Youth entering 9th through 12th grade and current seniors are invited to serve at workcamp June 15 to 21 in Oliver Springs, TN! Youth entering 7th and 8th grade and Senior High youth not available in June are invited to attend workcamp July 20 to 26 in Cairo, NY! Please mark your calendars now to avoid schedule conflicts next summer!
Elementary Youth Group
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)
NO Youth Group/Choir on Wed. Nov. 27.
MS & HS Youth Group
Middle School Youth Group 5:15 – 6:30 pm
Koinonia Choir (6th-12th grade) 6:30 – 7:30 pm
High School Youth Group 7:30 – 9:00 pm
NO Breakfast Nov. 27; NO Youth Group Dec. 1.