The Messenger – Dec 2013
Click here for a PDF version of the December 2013 Messenger (easier to download/print). A Holy Advent/Christmas at St. James St. James has many opportunities to help you and your family prepare for and celebrate a holy Advent and Christmas. Share these with your friends and neighbors! Advent Images from Isaiah We will highlight images from the book of Isaiah during our Advent sermons. Advent 1: Turning Weapons into […]
A Holy Advent/Christmas at St. James
St. James has many opportunities to help you and your family prepare for and celebratea holy Advent and Christmas. Share these with your friends and neighbors!
Advent Images from Isaiah
We will highlight images from the book of Isaiah during our Advent sermons.
Advent 1: Turning Weapons into Ploughs (Isaiah 2:1-5)
Advent 2: A Shoot Shall Come Forth (Isaiah 11:1-10)
Advent 3: Water in the Desert (Isaiah 35:1-10)
Advent 4: A Virgin Shall Conceive (Isaiah 7:10-16)
Midweek Advent Worship
On two Wednesdays in Advent we will celebrate Holy Communion
with a reflective candlelit liturgy, “Unfailing Light.”
Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 pm: Reflection “Faithfulness”: Joe MacDowell
Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 pm: Reflection “Waiting”: Seminarian Laura Haupt
“Blue Christmas” Worship
New at St. James, this service of Holy Communion and Prayer led by our Stephen Ministers is especially for those in the Gettysburg Community who may find the holidays difficult because of any of a variety of losses: losses of loved ones, relationship difficulties, losses of income, physical impairments, etc.
Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm
Christmas Pageant Worship
Our children will lead our pageant worship as part of the New Day Worship service
Sunday, December 15, 9:30 am
(snow date: Sunday, December 22, 9:30 am)
Christmas Worship Services
Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24
5:00 pm: Quiet Contemplative Communion
6:30 pm: Children’s Service
8:00 pm and 10:30 pm: Festival Communion Services with Candlelighting
(The 10:30 pm service will be taped for rebroadcast Christmas Morning at 9:00 am on
ESPN 1320 AM Radio, sponsored by McGlaughlin’s Refrigeration and Appliance Service.)
Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25
10:00 am: Worship with Holy Communion
ALL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2013 must be placed in the offering or church office by Sunday, December 29th.
2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES will continue to be mailed every two months.
WORSHIP PREVIEWS
November 30 & December 1 – ADVENT 1
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
(Blessing of the Quilts on Sunday)
Readings: Isaiah 2:1–5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11–14, Matthew 24:36–44
First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by Parents Class
& Women’s Theological Discussion Group
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.
ADVENTure at 12:00 noon in the dining room with lunch and activities for ALL ages!
Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 pm – ADVENT MIDWEEK
December 7 & 8 – ADVENT 2
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am WATERLIFE
Readings: Isaiah 11:1–10, Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19, Romans 15:4–13, Matthew 3:1–12
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
Cookie Walk Fundraiser in the dining room from 9:00 am – 12 noon for ALL ages!
Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 pm – ADVENT MIDWEEK
December 14 & 15 – ADVENT 3
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Isaiah 35:1–10, Psalm 146:5–10, James 5:7–10, Matthew 11:2–11
Saturday Christmas Pageant Rehearsals – 2:00 pm instrumentalists & 3:00 pm everyone
Sunday 9:30 am Christmas Pageant during New Day Worship (snow date Dec. 22)
and Sunday School for adults from 9:30-10:30 am.
Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 pm – “Blue Christmas” Communion
December 21 & 22 – ADVENT 4
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Isaiah 7:10–16, Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19, Romans 1:1–7, Matthew 1:18–25
Prayers for Healing will be offered at the conclusion of all worship services.
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
December 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE
Worship Services: Wednesday at 5:00 pm Quiet Contemplative Communion,
6:30 pm Children’s Service, 8:00 & 10:30 pm Festival Communion Services with Candlelighting;
(The 10:30 pm service will be taped for rebroadcast Christmas Morning at 9:00 am on
ESPN Sports 1320 AM Radio, sponsored by McGlaughlin’s Refrigeration and Appliance Service.)
Readings: Isaiah 9:2–7, Titus 2:11–14, Luke 2:1–20
December 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY
Worship Service: Thursday at 10:00 am
Readings: Isaiah 52:7–10, Hebrews 1:1–4–12, John 1:1–14
December 28 & 29 – CHRISTMAS 1
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Isaiah 63:7–9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10–18, Matthew 2:13–23
Fifth Sunday Servant Event benefits Survivors, Inc.; under the auspices of Social Ministry.
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
ALL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2013 must be placed in the offering or church office by Sunday, December 29th.
2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES will continue to be mailed every two months.
January 4 & 5 – CHRISTMAS 2
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–14, Psalm 147:12–20, Ephesians 1:3–14, John 1:[1–9] 10–18
First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by TBS.
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.
January 11 & 12 – BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Readings: Isaiah 42:1–9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34–43, Matthew 3:13–17
Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am.
The rest of January Worship Previews will be printed in the copy of The Messenger – January 8th. Please note–there will NOT be a January Calendar printed because of the holiday printing schedule.
From St. James’ Stephen Ministry with Thanksgiving
The Lord is my Shepherd, – That’s Relationship!
I shall not want. – That’s Supply!
he makes me lie down in green pastures; – That’s Rest!
he leads me beside still waters; – That’s Refreshment!
he restores my soul. – That’s Healing!
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. – That’s Purpose!
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, – That’s Testing!
I fear no evil; – That’s Protection!
for you are with me; – That’s Faithfulness!
your rod and your staff – they comfort me. – That’s Discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; – That’s Hope!
you anoint my head with oil; – That’s Consecration!
my cup overflows. – That’s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, – That’s Blessing!
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord – That’s Security!!
My whole life long. – That’s Eternity!
Please contact Pr. Allwein (334-2012 ext. 205) or Sue Hill (334-1273)
if you want to know more about Stephen Ministry.
Timothy Braband will present a noon-day organ recital on the 39-rank Schantz pipe organ at the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N 23rd Street, Camp Hill, on Wednesday, December 4 as part of the Music, Art and Drama series. A light lunch is available at the church from 11:45 am – 12:15 pm; the organ recital follows at 12:15 pm. Members and friends of St. James are invited to attend.
This year’s CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – “The Little Drummer Boy”
Dear Parents/Youth: This year’s Christmas Pageant will be a rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy”, written by Pastor Jeanette! Youth of all ages are encouraged to participate! Musicians and Singers (Soloist/Duets) are also needed! Sunday, December 15, 9:30am, St James Lutheran Church-New Day Worship **Snow Date: Sunday, December 22, 9:30 am** Youth (4 yrs-6th grade) will be learning the music and speaking parts from 9:30-9:45 am, beginning Sunday, November 3, 2013, third floor, Room 305. Note: The two and three year olds will learn the music during the Sunday School hour in their classroom. There will be two mandatory rehearsals:
- Sunday, December 8 during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30 am)
**Instrumentalists: Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 pm, Worship area
- Saturday, December 14, 3:00-4:00 pm, Worship area
**Instrumentalists: Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 pm, Worship area
All ages are encouraged to participate in the Pageant! We would love to have interested 7th through 12th graders participate by playing their instruments or singing. Please complete the form below and return to the church office or email to Julie Keyser ([email protected]) ASAP. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of us. Thank you for your participation and support! Julie Keyser (339-0634) & Director Pete Riley (624-7219 or [email protected])
Please return this portion of the form to the church office or
e-mail Julie Keyser at [email protected] with this information.
Child’s Name: _____________________________________ Grade/Age: ___________
____ Will participate in the Christmas Pageant
____ Willing to play _____________instrument. (at least 1 year experience please)
____ Willing to sing circle one: (solo, duet, group)
Parents’ Name(s): ___________________________________ Phone: _________________
E-mail address: ___________________________________
____ Parent(s) interested in being an Adult Helper for the Pageant
November 2013 Annual Congregation Meeting Report
Submitted by Mella DeNoma, Office & Finance Manager
St. James Lutheran Church Annual Congregation Meeting was held Sunday, November 10th at 12:00 noon in the worship area. Approximately 60 people were in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Council President Welby Snyder. Dave Flesner served as Parliamentarian. Senior Pastor Michael Allwein opened with a prayer and Minister of Music Tim Braband played a hymn for the congregation to sing. The 2012 Annual Congregation Meeting minutes were submitted for approval. The St. James Church and St. James Child Care Financial Reports were presented and submitted for approval. Tom Young, Finance Chairperson presented the 2014 Church budget. Discussion ensued pertaining to the Benevolence budget and creation of a Visitation Minister position. After many opinions were offered, a vote was taken by a show of hands and the budget passed by 45 to 15 votes. The Child Care and Sharing Ministry Budgets were submitted for approval. Ryan Fox and David Hedrick were nominated and approved as three-year appointments to the Endowment Committee. Council President Welby Snyder asked the congregation to permit the Congregation Council to appoint a male and female delegate to the Synod Assembly. This was submitted and approved. The Five Year Mission Plan will be discussed at the upcoming November Council meeting. Becky Brown gave an update on the Worship Area Renewal project. Furniture has been ordered. Installation begins in February 2014. Worship will be held in the dining room. Worship should resume in the worship area by Easter. A celebration is planned for May 2014. The Boy Scouts proposed a land transfer with a neighboring owner. This was submitted and approved. Pastor Jeanette closed with prayer. The meeting was adjourned. (Copies of the Annual Reports are still available in the church office.)
November 2013 Council Report
Submitted by Claire Anderson, Corresponding Secretary
Congregation Council held its monthly meeting on November 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
Updates:
St. James Boy Scout Land Swap: The Congregation approved the Boy Scout Land Swap at the November 10th Annual Congregation Meeting. Scout Leader Michelle Hessler will keep St. James informed of further details in the exchange of the land.
Columbarium Report: Council unanimously approved the adoption of the proposal made by the Columbarium Committee. The Columbarium Committee will share the details of their proposal to the Congregation at a special meeting on Sunday, November 24th.
Endowment Members: The Congregation voted Ryan Fox and David Hedrick fill the seats for a three-year term on the Endowment Committee at the Annual Congregation Meeting on November 10th.
2013 Budget and Childcare Reports: Council unanimously accepted the monthly reports submitted by Office & Finance Manager Mella DeNoma. Mella reported that there was a (-$47,000) net loss this month for the following reasons: three payrolls, $10,000 building improvement bills for the Slentz House, $2,100 insurance payment, and the initial furniture deposit for the Worship Renewal Project. St. James did honor the October benevolence commitments to local organizations and the Synod.
Committee Reports: Finance Committee chair, Tom Young, reminded Council members of the 2013 deficit of (-$40,000). He encouraged members of the Congregation to be generous in their giving over the next six weeks in order to meet November and December operating costs and our annual benevolence commitments. Council unanimously approved the motion from the World Outreach Committee to designate monies from the Children’s Sunday School collections go to God’s Global Barnyard, and that a record of this contribution be included in the annual St. James Synod response. God’s Global Barnyard is an ELCA sustainable animal/agriculture project whose aim is to fight hunger.
C.A.R.E.S. Update: Pastor Michael Allwein reported that St. James housed between 8-14 homeless people, including families with children. Ray Hopkins added that the C.A.R.E.S. website is up and running, the computers have been used for job searches, and a number of people have been served in its first few weeks.
Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly: Council unanimously approved Welby Snyder and Claire Anderson represent St. James at the Synod Assembly on June 5-7th, 2014.
Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. Resource Center needs volunteers, especially in the evenings from 5-8 pm and on weekends from 9 am-4 pm. We need TWO people at the Resource Center at all times – one staff person and one volunteer. The volunteer can greet people, help to oversee the shower and laundry schedules for the guests, help with computer skills when we get our computers, spend time with the children, oversee the cleaning schedule, make and file copies of forms and lots of other things once the renovations are completed. If we don’t have two people then the Resource Center will close for the day/evening and our guests will be on the street until the shelter opens at 8:30 pm. Training for overnight and host volunteers will be held on Monday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the library here at St. James. Please consider volunteering! You can contact either Chuck Nussbaum at 334-4195 or [email protected] OR Mary Stevenson at 717-870-9048, [email protected].
Lutheran Global Health Volunteers
The World Outreach Committee would like you to know about a new ELCA Global Mission program that was unveiled at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly in August. Under this program, volunteer Lutheran health-care workers will be matched with hospitals associated with ELCA global companions in Tanzania, Liberia, and India. The program will facilitate a three week or a month placement for people who can do a specific, valuable task in a Lutheran hospital in one of these countries. Interested or know someone who would be a good candidate for this program? For more information, visit www.elca.org/LutheranGlobalHealthVolunteers or email [email protected] or contact Ron Couchman, Chair of the World Outreach Committee.
Poinsettias & Donations for World Hunger
[THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TIME THIS FORM IS PRINTED!]
Once again, we are given an opportunity to enhance the beauty of our Christmas worship and to also provide the gift of life to those who hunger. All names will be printed and placed on the table in the gathering area before Christmas. Please fill out this form and return it with your check by Thursday, December 12th to Judith Seilhamer, 360 East Lincoln Avenue, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Check are payable to St. James Sacristy Committee; please indicate on the memo line: Poinsettias/World Hunger.
I wish to offer:
number of Poinsettias at $9.00 each and/or
$ for World Hunger (any monetary amount is welcome)
Given in loving:
[ ] honor of
[ ] memory of
by
[ ] WILL PICK UP — If you’re unable to get your poinsettia within three days after Christmas, please
donate to World Hunger instead as it is hard to find homes for poinsettias at this time of year.
PARISH RECORDS
DEATH
October 17, 2013 Albert J. Novak
FIRST COMMUNIONS
October 27, 2013 Bryce Schneider
November 3, 2013 Viktoria Reber
November 9, 2013 Reece Laughman
November 24, 2013 Jonathan Shorb
November 24, 2013 Joshua Shorb
WEDDINGS
October 26, 2013 Lori Trout & Jeffrey Montgomery
November 16, 2013 Andrea Wolfe & Ira Lady
50+ WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
December 12, 1952 Richard C. & A. Lorraine Waybright 61 years
December 15, 1956 Welby O., Jr. & Betty E. Snyder 57 years
December 16, 1962 Cecil D. & Patricia A. Sandoe 51 years
December 22, 1961 E. Edward Keyser & Margaret J. Keyser 52 years
January 27, 1962 Kermit R. & Martha J. Shindledecker 52 years
There were 60 quilts made at our recent LWR QUILTING BEE for Lutheran World Relief, under the auspice of our World Outreach Committee! Our thanks to these volunteers: Nina Dolly, Greta Englund, Kathy Evans, Marian Gastley, Connie Gulden, Sue Hill, Roberta Hughes, Margie Keyser, Carol King, Jackie Krebs, Sonda Newby, Elaine Swanson, Joan Wise, and Gladys Woerner. We have now made 853 quilts in the ten years we’ve been making quilts! These quilts will be blessed at Sunday services on December 1. We’ll be quilting again in MAY 2014 and would welcome anyone who wants to join the group!
ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in Room 200 (end of the main hallway). Judy Leslie is the contact. Please join us:
Dec. 1 “Feasting with the Dead at Petra – Lecture 9 by Prof. John R. Hale” with discussion
FIVE PART SERIES: “Art & Spirituality” (four decades after his first presentations on the topic,
Dr. Jerry Christianson takes us on a journey of discovery through Church Art & Architecture)
Dec. 8 “The Shape of Spirituality: Rembrandt, Blue Virgin”
Dec. 15 “The Spirituality of Shape: Trier, Bethlehem”
Dec. 22 “Hope Emerging from the Shadows: Dura-Europos and the Catacombs”
Dec. 29 “Voyage to Byzantium: St. Apollinaris, St. Vitalis”
Jan. 5 “The Dome Goes East: Hagia Sophia”
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 us:
Dec. 1 Pr. E. Edward Keyser Dec. 22 Joe MacDowell
Dec. 8 David Crowner Dec. 29 Pr. Nelson Strobert
Dec. 15 Christmas Pageant
Come to St. James Youth Group’s 7th Annual Cookie Walk!
Sunday, December 8th, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, St. James Dining Room
What is a Cookie Walk you ask? At the Cookie Walk, you can travel around table after table of delicious homemade cookies, picking out all of your favorites! Last year we had over 30 different kinds of cookies available! The cost of the cookies is $5.00 per pound. OR — You can pre-order some of your favorite cookies by using the attached order form, and turning the form into the church office or giving it to Beth Becker by December 3rd. Pre-ordered cookies will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 8th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, in St. James’ Dining Room. Please make checks payable to St. James Lutheran Church – memo – Cookie Walk. All proceeds will benefit St. James Youth Group.
=====================================================================
COOKIE WALK PRE-ORDER FORM
Name____________________________ Phone Number ___________
I would like to pre-order the following cookies:
_____ pound(s) of Chocolate Chip Cookies
_____ pound(s) of M & M Cookies
_____ pound(s) of Sugar Cookies
_____ pound(s) of Assorted Cookies (includes all the cookies listed above only)
Cost of cookies is $5 per pound.
Number of pounds ordered _____ at $5.00 per pound. TOTAL COST ______
Advent Devotions
Advent devotions are on the St. James website (www.stjamesgettysburg.org). From our homepage, click on the “About” tab and then the “Sermons/Advent Devotions” tab. There is a link to direct you to the devotion blog. You may also subscribe to receive them daily by email. Several paper copies of the devotions will also be available in our Gathering Area. Many thanks to: Carolyn Nicholson and Judy Seilhamer for their organization, to the many devotion writers, to the children who drew pictures, and to Katherine Johnson for collecting the devotions and putting them together to make the booklet.
The Messenger Update
Our website is up and running and looks fabulous. Go to www.stjamesgettysburg.org. The Messenger is being posted on our new website every month. In an effort to “go green” and eliminate time and costs, as of JULY 2014 we will no longer be printing and bulk mailing The Messenger. If you would like to continue to receive The Messenger by regular mail, please sign-up in the gathering area. If you would like to receive The Messenger via e-mail, you can also sign-up in the gathering area OR you can subscribe by going to the website. (At present, 640 members receive The Messenger via e-mail.) Each month we will place extra copies of The Messenger in the gathering area. Also–we will continue to mail The Messenger to all shut-ins.
MISSION FUND IN ACTION
This month we are recognizing Casa de la Cultura which has received money from the 2013 Mission Fund, made possible by the generosity of members and families of St. James. An initiative of Project Gettysburg-Léon, the mission of Casa de la Cultura is to promote the cultural rights of immigrant communities on local, regional, and global levels through collaboration with governmental, academic, and community partnerships. We strive to create a space for all people to explore the arts and healthy living, emphasizing Latino culture and its realities through education and reflection. We welcome participants, volunteers, and observers to develop and support projects and initiatives. Programs include English as a Second Language instruction, classes in photography and swimming, recreational soccer, community gardening, and assistance with application and transportation for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applicants. See the website www.casagettysburg.org for more information.
December 2013 – Children & Youth Ministry – We Are The Church!
“By speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Christ who is our head. Under Christ’s control, all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.” Ephesians 4:15-16
911 Lock-In for Middle School Youth on Friday, December 6 – Meet at the Youth House at 7 pm. We’ll bake cookies together and then deliver them to the fire department, police barracks, 911 call center and Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Room to thank our public servants for their service to our community.
High School Reading Group with Pastor and Mrs. Foltz will meet at 5:30 pm Wednesday, December 11, January 22 and February 12!
Senior High Lock-In – Meet at the Youth House at 8 pm Friday, December 13. (Please note date change AND time change.)
Holiday Family Outreach on Saturday, December 14, 8 am – Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of ways. If you are interested (even if only for a few hours), please speak with Julie Keyser or Ami Virden-Hines!
Our Christmas Pageant will take place Sunday, December 15 at 9:30 am! Please plan to attend St. James’ version of “The Little Drummer Boy” during New Day Worship featuring our children, youth, and musicians! (Snow date is December 22.)
ADVENTure is back on Sunday, December 1st at noon in the Dining Room! ALL ages are invited for lunch (homemade soups!), Advent devotions led by Pastor Jeanette, and a variety of crafts and activities for adults and children. What a great way to celebrate the beginning of a new church year together! All are welcome!
Cookie Walk Fundraiser on Sunday, December 8 from 9 am to 12 noon. Stop by the Dining Room to select delicious homemade cookies for the holidays! Cost is $5 per pound with proceeds supporting summer workcamps!
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! Registration forms are available in the Youth House and the youth bulletin board and are due to Sally Hoh by January 19. Our expectation is that youth attending workcamp are actively involved in Youth Group and/or Sunday School as well as service projects and fundraisers. If you have questions about the trips, please contact Sally.
Holiday Schedule Changes:
NO Middle School or High School Youth Group or Koinonia Choir Dec. 1, Dec. 29 or Jan. 5.
(ADVENTure Sunday, December 1, 12 noon; Winterfest Jan. 3 – 5; Quake Jan. 17 – 19!)