St. James Storytelling – March 2025
“Because It Was Short” by Donna Mountfort
“Because it was short” was always my flippant reply when asked why I came to the Saturday evening service. And, it is and I am, but I would be remiss if I did not point out the real reasons why I enjoyed the Saturday evening service.
Being part of the Golden Girls pew, according to Pastor Andrew, points to the camaraderie of all the folks filling the pews. Sharing news about surgeries, illnesses, travels, happenings, ups and downs, in and outs demonstrates the caring and kinships of us Saturday folks.
Standing as one group during communion creates a sense of family. Each of us using our voice to sing hymns of praise and listening to thought-provoking messages (and we get the hear the sermon first!) illustrates the gifts of meaningful worship.
Caring for others, reaching out into the community, supporting programs that help others and inviting individuals and groups into our building — defines the philosophy of “doors wide open; all are welcome!”
Relocating is the right decision for us, but finding a new church home with a supportive staff, caring congregation, with the same mission as St. James and offering a Saturday evening service will be a challenge.
Blessings to you all,
Donna
This typed letter was found on my desk one morning in August 2023, written by a good friend, Donna Mountfort. Donna and her husband, Dick, had decided to make the move to a retirement community in Chambersburg and they were leaving Gettysburg.
I was touched by Donna’s note. But it wasn’t necessarily a note for me. It was a note for the entire congregation. I asked Donna if I could hold on to it and find an appropriate time/way to share with the congregation. It has been hanging on my bulletin board since, and the St. James Storytelling Series seems like a great opportunity to share Donna’s note.
While our doors are not literally “wide open” any longer. Donna’s testament around our small Saturday evening services demonstrates the sense of community, friendship, faith that we strive to share each and every week at St. James Lutheran Church.
~Katy Clowney, church administrator