Advent Cross Connection
Family and Friends of St. Luke,
+ Grace and Peace to you.
I’ve often wondered how we got the name, St. Luke. There were, no doubt, many options for naming a congregation. What inspired the charter members of the congregation in 1894 to settle on “St. Luke” of all possibilities?
Maybe our name is not as trendy and “relevant” as some, but I do believe that it is fitting. As tradition has suggested, St. Luke “the beloved physician” is associated with healing. The annual festival of St. Luke is October 18. It is a day that the church commemorates St. Luke and highlights the healing ministry that has been entrusted to us. I think it is a good name for us, quite frankly, because we are a healing congregation. God has been and continues to be at work in our fellowship in many and various ways with the gifts and graces of healing, wholeness, and hope.
Certainly, this characteristic of our community does not exempt any of us from adversity, pain, or suffering. However, it is something that offers grace rather than judgment; hope rather than despair.
As we begin this new liturgical year with the season of Advent, we also begin a new cycle in the three-year lectionary. The Gospel of Luke is emphasized this year. We hear early on in Luke’s account the prophecy of Zechariah:
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
Given recent events in our world and in the life of our congregation, these words speak hope and grace. This is the starting place for healing and it is brought about by God’s initiative.
During these remaining days of Advent and as we enter the season of Christmas, may the light that shines in the darkness illumine each of our lives in ways that are life-giving and faithful. The coming of Jesus for which we prepare is not just a historical reenactment. While Christ is always present with us, we prepare room during these weeks to welcome the Prince of Peace into our lives. May we ponder anew what the almighty can do!
In Christ’s love for you,
Pastor Christopher Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days
December 1 *1st Sunday of Advent; Advent is about the “coming days.”
December 4 *CMC Wednesdays in Advent; 7:00pm. This week we are meeting at Fayetteville Otterbein Church (61 W. Main St. Fayetteville, PA 17222).
December 8 *2nd Sunday of Advent; Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. 2nd Sunday Fellowship
December 11 *CMC Wednesdays in Advent; 7:00pm. This week we are meeting at Mont Alto United Methodist Church (10 S. Main St. Mont Alto, PA 17237).
December 15 *3rd Sunday of Advent; Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing.
December 18 *CMC Wednesdays in Advent; 7:00pm. This week we are meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church (44 E. Main St. Fayetteville, PA 17222).
December 21 *Blue Christmas worship; 3:00pm. This service will take place at St. John’s UCC (1811 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17202)
December 22 *4th Sunday of Advent; Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
December 24 *Christmas Eve; In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. December 29 *1st Sunday; On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind.
Sunday Worship Services
10a.m. every Sunday; In-person and online
Wednesday Healing Services
We have a weekly service of Prayer, Healing, and Holy Communion every Wednesday at 11a.m.
Zoom Prayer & Share
Prayer & Share happens via Zoom every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Join us!
Church Records
Funerals
Pete Mason—October 23, 2024
Jack Leeti—November 23, 2024
Kyle Snowberger—December 5, 2024
Deaths
Jack Leeti—November 16, 2024
Kyle Snowberger—November 27, 2024
In memory of Melanie Bays—1 year
Melanie Bays was a wonderful mom to Emily, Ann, Jennie and Jon. She loved the St. Luke Church congregation. She liked to bake delicious things for us to enjoy. We all miss her. She is loved by her sweet son Jon.
Stewardship Report
Thank you! We are grateful for your generous giving to support St. Luke’s ministries & mission. Your contributions continue to grow our community.
| October 2024 | YTD 2024 | |
| Total Income | $36,926.98 | $359,600.83 |
| Total Expenditures | $,33,335.56 | $383,015.85 |
| Net Income | -$3,591.42 | -$23,415.02 |
Education
Souper Bowl of Caring
Start saving up those coins! The Souper Bowl of Caring will take place Sunday, February 9 where we will make some noise by collecting our coins in soup pots in order to support local food banks. Don’t forget to bring your coins, wear your sports jerseys for worship, and stay after for fellowship & snacks.
Confirmation
The confirmation class has grown from one student last year to nine this year!! With students from three churches in Chambersburg, Fayetteville, & Shippensburg, we are learning Lutheran history and the small catechism together.
Adult Faith Formation
Advent is coming! Join us at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday in Advent for a study entitled ‘Making All Things New.’
Christmas Project—Teens of Abraxas
Abraxas, a juvenile detention center, houses and cares for teens. This year we are providing Christmas for this often forgotten group of people. Join us by donating money to provide them with personal care packs, a new gaming system, and some devotional books. Donations due by December 11. Join us to wrap all the gifts following worship on December 15.
Youth Group
December 15 —Christmas Party
January 17 —Snow Tubing
More information to come!
Outreach
Get to Know Your Neighbors
A big thank you to all for your help in the ‘Get to Know Your Neighbors’ event. The residents of Luther Ridge were very grateful and we hope to repeat the event soon. Thanks again!
South Mountain 2025 Calendar Collection
A huge thank you is extended to all who participated in our annual calendar collection for South Mountain Restoration Center. Because of your generosity, we were able to deliver 133 calendars to the grateful residents. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Fondly, Kathy Kroepil
Pentecost Projects
Our three Pentecost Projects were very successful this year. Here are the numbers, but the lives affected are countless!
1) Fruitbelt Farmworkers—we donated over 100 hoodies, blankets, and jackets as well as approximately 50 personal care packs and approximately $1500.
2) Chambersburg Homeless Shelter—we took down two loads of paper products and donated $1570.
3) Kandete Widow’s Project—we provided $1550 for women to start businesses and provide for their families in Tanzania.
Council Highlights
October 2024
· Giving is up 2.72%.
· ‘Building Fund’ on the offering envelopes will change to ‘Capital Projects’.
· Nomination Committee will be comprised of Sue Purnell, Brad Bolinger, and Pastor Frye
· Brad Bolinger, Charles Davies, and Jodi Forrester have served their first term and all have agreed to run for a second term.
· Burning Mortgage luncheon was well attended.
· Clean-up around the church will be November 16.
November 2024
· Minor changes need to be made to the church constitution.
· Carol Angstadt & Janet Lundblad have agreed to be nominated to serve on the church council.
· Year-end reports are due from committees.
· Council approved the 2025 Spending Plan. This will be voted on by the congregation at the annual Congregational Meeting in January.
St. Luke Library
Did you know…
It’s a long read, but well worth it if you want to know more about Martin Luther—Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas. Some shorter book recommendations—Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, and The Vatican Pimpernel (a WWII story) by Brian Flemming.
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]