October 2021 Cross Connection Newsletter
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A Letter from Pastor Frye
Dear St. Luke Family and Friends,
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NRSV)
When I was growing up, my pastor would begin each sermon with this prayer. I didn’t know at the time that it was cribbed from Psalm 19. It seemed an appropriate prayer. It still does. The thing is, it’s not restricted — reserved only for preachers in pulpits. Anyone can lay claim to this prayer and offer it whenever the need arises.
We live in a time that presents such a need. Whether a preacher, a plumber, or a politician, each of us is called to speak a word from time to time. And in this time, we need a good word. It may be a word of encouragement or a word of reproach; a word of instruction or a word of forgiveness. Maybe we are called to speak a prophetic word this day. (Not maybe! Yes we are! Would that all the Lord‘s people were prophets! Numbers 11:29)
However, If you’re anything like me, sometimes we catch ourselves speaking too soon. The result can be damage to a relationship or the defamation of someone’s character (often, our own). The solution is not to sit on the sidelines and watch quietly as injustice marches down the streets of our communities. We need to have a word with those in need. We need to communicate with God and with one another in such a way that is true, authentic, and dependable. For that, we need help.
Seeking the approval of others can be an act of self-preservation. As followers of Jesus (as recent Sunday readings from Mark’s gospel remind us) self-sacrifice may be necessary. May our prayer be that our words and thoughts are acceptable to God. They need not be perfect or complete. To be faithful is enough.
In Christ’s love for you,
Pastor Frye
Worship
Sundays and Special Days in October
Sunday, October 3: 19th Sunday after Pentecost
What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
Sunday, October 10: 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
Sunday, October 17: 21st Sunday after Pentecost
We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.
Sunday, October 24: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Are our prayers an honest answer to Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Sunday, October 31: Reformation Day
Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.
Sunday Worship Services
- 10 a.m. every Sunday
- In-person and online
Wednesday Healing Services
We have a weekly service of Prayer, Healing, and Holy Communion every Wednesday at 11 a.m. This simple service is a great way to connect with a smaller group of people in a supportive environment. In-person Wednesday Prayer services do not require advance reservation.
Wednesday Prayer Services
Prayer & Share via Zoom meets Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Please check weekly announcements for connection information.
Support
Parish Records
August 22, Baptism — Evelyn Grace Douglas, daughter of Kevin and Danielle
September 25, Funeral — Jennie W. Mao
October 16, Wedding — Ashley Burkett & Kyle Gottfried
Blessing of the animals
October 3 at 4 p.m. at St. Luke.
Bring all your animal friends to receive a blessing.
Adopt A Highway
Last Adopt-a-Highway event for the year! Arrive at St. Luke on October 31 at 8 a.m. sharp. Please contact Rick Lawver in advance to tell him you’d like to help so he can organize the crews.
Card Showers
If you’d like to request a special card shower for a special someone, please reach out to the office at St. Luke!
THIS MONTH: October 10 is Pastor Appreciation Day! We’re collecting cards for Pastor Frye.
Education
YOUth
National Youth Gathering
Registration is now open for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s (ELCA) national youth gathering for young people in grades 8—12. Next summer’s event titled “Boundless: God Beyond Measure” is scheduled for July 24—28, 2022 in Minneapolis, MN. If your family would like to sign up a youth or would like to volunteer as an adult leader for the trip, please contact Shelly so she can start planning. More information is available online: www.elca.org/YouthGathering
Faith Formation
Classes have started up again for both adults and children!
A children’s class is available for those aged 2 years – 5th grade. Join us in classroom 4 for fun and fellowship. A teen class is available upon request.
The Adult class is meeting in the Fellowship Hall and continues studying the Lectionary. In mid-October, join us for a special class as we take a break from the Lectionary for a few weeks and Mike Brendle shares about the history of the development of what is included in the Bible. October 17, 24, & 31.
Other leaders for the studies through the end of the year will include Charles Davies and Lisa Horton. Contact Shelly if you’re interested in leading a study!
Shelly Davies, Director of Education and Outreach
[email protected]; 717-372-9579
Outreach
Fall Foliage Days @ Camp Nawakwa
October 24 from 1:00—6:00 p.m.
What could be more fun than an afternoon at Camp Nawakwa enjoying fall activities (pumpkin decorating, hayrides, apple butter boil, hiking and more), worship and dinner? We will meet at the church at 12:15 pm and travel to the camp together. All ages are invited to attend! Cost: $10 (scholarships available)
Bridges of Franklin County
This event was held September 22. Thank you to all who came out or watched it on our YouTube channel! If you missed it and are still interested, it will be available on our YouTube channel indefinitely. The self-driving tour route is available from Shelly at the church.
2021 Mega Event
We are still collecting, through October 17 for the give-a-way in conjunction with 1st Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Chambersburg. Items needed are winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens/gloves, winter clothing, adult underwear (new in packaging, brief style only), shoes, boots, socks, books (children’s and religious/devotional for children and adults), washcloths/bath towels, and blankets/bedding. Please wash all items before donating them. Drop off next to the Keypad door at St. Luke.
Hiking this Summer at Pine Grove
This summer we were able to go hiking at Pine Grove Furnace State Park twice! The days were cool for mid-August and we hiked along the Mountain Creek Trail for approximately 2 miles. Look for announcements for our next hike this Fall. We’d love for you all to join us!
God’s Work. Our Hand’s. Project 2021
We partnered with Sweet Grace Ministries in Chambersburg and were able to donate $500 as well as the time and talent of 10 volunteers to make over 500 Christmas cards for their ministry. Thank you all for your support!
Congregation, Council, Committees
Council Highlights August 2021
- July giving up 2.57% over 2020.
- Repair parking lot at a cost of $6,156.
- Safety rails for doors of sanctuary are on order.
- Repair or replacement of electronic sign has been placed on hold.
- Social gatherings at church are on hold.
- Strategic planning meeting was held Monday, August 30 @ 6:30 p.m.
- There is presently an unfortunate vacancy of the stewardship chair.
- There has been no response to our advertisement for a new choir director. Since singing has been temporarily suspended, Pastor Frye is working with the choir on a period of Bible study, matters of liturgical leadership, and the history and future of worship.
- Pastor Frye has met with the executive committee of St. Paul Lutheran church, Fayetteville, to help them discern what their future will be.
- Evening Vespers was held at Greene Township Park on Saturday, August 21. An ice cream social was held
following the service. - August 22 was the blessing of the backpacks.
- Director of Education and Outreach led hikes on August 11 & 14 at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
- St. Luke partnered with First Lutheran for a back-to-school event providing kids with backpacks full of necessary supplies and clothing items.
- St. Luke continues to participate at the St. Seraphim center (soup kitchen), and members provide food donations.
Pentecost Projects Update
Items for the shelter and personal care kits can be placed in the appropriate bins located in the hall by the keypad door of the church through October 10.
Homeless Shelter of Franklin County: 153 rolls of toilet paper, 30 rolls of paper towels, and 4 boxes of tissues have been collected and delivered to the shelter thus far. The shelter appreciates receiving these products—they are always in demand. They also can use big trash bags, tall kitchen bags, sanitizer wipes, and powdered coffee creamers.
Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief: 34 kits have been assembled to date. A Care Kit consists of 8-9 oz. of bar soap, a sturdy comb, nail clippers, and a toothbrush (in its original wrapper) all wrapped up in a bath towel (20” x 40” to 27” x 52”).
Calendar
Visit our online calendar for the most current updates to meetings, events, and services.
Connect
2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-261-1213
[email protected]