February 2022 Cross Connection Newsletter
A Letter from Pastor Frye
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27
By now everyone is weary and contending with COVID fatigue. We are experiencing a collective slow-motion trauma — the end of which is still unknown. While these conditions would normally provide the perfect conditions for debilitating despair, I believe we have reason to be hopeful. One of the lessons that we are learning throughout the pandemic is how truly interrelated and interdependent we are. We are the body, as Paul has said, and we are individually members of it.
Since we have experienced disruption to normal routines and practices, gathering together as a congregation has been a challenge and frequently unsafe. So, I suspect that we will need to be intentional in identifying ways that we recognize our connection as the Body of Christ in this time and place, especially in the months ahead in the new year we are now beginning.
During this past year, the Church Council and I have attempted to focus attention on planning for the future by thinking about what will it mean for us to live into the future that is largely unknown and at times almost unreliable. I’ll be honest, this has been difficult. We aren’t very good at working “outside the box” of comfort and familiarity. We can take some solace, however, in the fact that we are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed.
At a recent meeting of the Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches, it was reported that two-thirds of the ELCA congregations in the Chambersburg Conference (Franklin County) are now without called pastors. Our congregation is surrounded by others that are in periods of transition and/or are facing very uncertain futures. These conditions have underscored the need to cooperate and coordinate.
Since last Spring, I have been working with the council of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fayetteville. One of the short-term goals for the first part of this year is for the church councils of both congregations to begin to work together on a fellowship and outreach project as a way to get to know one another and our community. Please keep this process in your prayers.
Meanwhile, may God continue to bless you and our life-together with the Peace of Christ that passes all understanding.
In Christ’s love for you,
Christopher Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days in February
February 6: Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.
February13: Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.
February 20: Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ.
February 27: Transfiguration of the Lord, Last Sunday After Epiphany
We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.
Sunday Worship Services
- 10 a.m. every Sunday
- In-person and online
- Worship in Nave — mask optional
- Fellowship Hall Worship — mask required & communion will be brought to you.
Wednesday Healing Services
We have a weekly service of Prayer, Healing, and Holy Communion every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. This simple service is a great way to connect with a smaller group of people in a supportive environment.
Wednesday Prayer Service
Prayer & Share via Zoom is re-starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. You can get the link in the announcements or on the homepage of the website.
Support
Parish Records
DEATHS
Stephen Horton — December 29,2021
Nancy Barnes — January 4, 2022
Support Group Update
Luther Ridge AA Meetings are resumed on Mondays at noon in Fellowship Hall.
Prayer
Martin Luther, renewer of the church, died 1546
Friday, February 18, 2022
Though he began his adult church life as a simple Augustinian monk, Luther challenged the abuses he saw in the church, and his work eventually led to the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s accomplishments included liturgical reform, translation of the Bible, and creation of the Small and Large Catechisms.
To our St. Luke Family and friends,
Ethan, Josh and I want to thank you for your calls, prayers, and cards during Steve’s sickness, passing and continuing to check on us. Your kind words of encouragement and support have been comforting and have meant a great deal to us. We are so thankful and blessed to have such loving and caring friends and family to support us during this sad time. May God Bless all of you,
Lisa, Ethan, and Josh Horton
Education
YOUth
Kid’s Lent/Easter Activity Bags
Get ready because Lent & Easter are coming!!
Scratch off prayer calendars, Easter egg dying ideas and loads of other fun ways to celebrate the holiday and remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Coming your way before Ash Wednesday, March 2!
Interested in a bag for a family in your neighborhood you’d like to invite to church? Let Shelly know.
Adult Faith Formation Class
February 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 8:45 a.m.
A four-part series taught by Donna Hocker
The book of Jonah tells the story of a prophet who is sent to preach God’s word to his people’s enemies. He is caught between a fish and a hard place! When we read this story, we are invited to reflect on questions such as, “Who deserves God’s grace?” and “Who does God care for?” When we read Jonah’s story, we are called to know the grace, mercy, and steadfast love of our God, and to share it. Join us for this four-part series. Books available from Shelly Davies.
A look ahead:
March / April: Lenten study
May: Basics of Lutheranism
June / July: Ruth, Daniel, and Esther — Stories of Wisdom
Outreach
Overcomer Movie Night
Join us at St. Paul Lutheran church in Fayetteville to enjoy popcorn, drinks and the movie Overcomer, on a large screen and comfortable chairs! This movie is written and directed by the Kendrick Brothers, who have made other popular movies such as Fireproof, Courageous, & War Room.
Movie Synopsis: Inspired by the words and prayers of a new friend, John starts to train Hannah for the biggest race of her young life. Saturday, March 5 @3:00 p.m.
Bring your friends for this FREE movie night!
2nd Sunday Fellowship & Reach Out
We hope to start this up in March! We will be hosting a time of fellowship and snacks in the Fellowship Hall following Worship each 2nd Sunday of the month. Use this opportunity to invite friends & neighbors to join for worship, or just come along yourself and enjoy the fellowship. Think about who in the congregation you’d like to know more about and plan to spend time asking them a question during the fellowship time after Worship!
PowerPacks
February is our next month for packing PowerPacks! We will be making weekend food bags for children in our local elementary schools each Thursday in February from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall!
Committee Fair
Ever wonder what each of our church committees does? Wonder how you can get involved in service in the church but don’t know where to start? Here is a great opportunity for you! Sunday, March 13, directly following worship, join us in the Gathering Area to learn more about each committee of the church and ways for you to get involved. Love, serve, worship!
Gnome Paint Night (Date Change)
Join us for painting, food and fellowship. No experience necessary! Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 pm, be led step-by-step through the process of painting a cute little gnome! Attendance is free and we encourage you to bring your friends and family. A sign-up sheet is available on the bulletin board or by contacting Shelly. A donation basket will be available to help with the cost of supplies should you wish.
Congregation, Council, Committees
Council Highlights December 2021
- The nominating committee has identified some candidates and is continuing to search for additional persons who would like to serve on council.
- The annual congregational meeting date has been set for Sunday January 23, 2022 immediately following the morning worship service.
- Council approved the Finance Committee recommendation to appoint Karl Schreiner, Toby Forrester and Joy Shinn to be the Audit Committee for the 2021 financial records.
- Council approved the Scholarship Committee recommendation that unused monies from Lorpu Yanquoi’s scholarship be redistributed equally to the other five scholarship recipients.
- The Lower Susquehanna Synod has discontinued some individual church insurance, however, our in-house insurance will cover what the synod has dropped.
- New lighting for the parking lot has been ordered.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel committee works to provide support to all members of our church staff. Some of the responsibilities of the committee are to create job descriptions, advertise available staff positions, help in the interviewing and hiring process of staff members, perform staff evaluations, and make recommendations to the council with regards to staffing, salaries, and benefits. Currently, we are advertising for the staff position of choir director. We are always looking for new committee members, especially those who may have a background in human resources or personnel in other sectors.
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]