August/September 2023 – Pentecost 2 Cross Connection
A Letter from Pastor Frye
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
+ Grace and Peace to you
Since this is a newsletter, I thought it would be appropriate to share the news with you that there are two new ministries beginning in September. The first is a bible study, the second is a ministry with the recovery community.
I will be leading a bible study on Tuesday, September 19th at 11:00 AM in the church library. Thereafter we will gather on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 11:00 AM for this lectionary-based study, discussion, and fellowship. No experience is necessary! Just bring your bible and a willing heart. (If you do not have a bible, one will be provided.)
On Wednesday evening, September 20 at 5:30 a potluck dinner will be held in the fellowship hall. This time of fellowship is for people in search of growth, healing, and recovery. Through bible study, reflection, discussion, and prayer, those in the recovery community (new or experienced) will gather on the third Wednesday of each month for an intentional time of recovery of hope in Christ.
If you are interested in either of these two ministries, please let me know. More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
Something that has been ongoing is our concerted effort to work with our neighboring congregation, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fayetteville. On Monday, July 31 a joint task force of representatives from St. Luke and St. Paul is gathering for the first of a series of meetings to discuss possibilities for continued and more intentional cooperation.
Along those lines, there is also a gathering being held on Saturday, September 30 for representatives from all congregations of the Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches to consider the need and potential for consolidation and collaboration among the 19 congregations of the Conference. The work that we have begun with St. Paul and the Conococheague Mission Cooperative is being highlighted at this gathering. Your prayers are requested as these discussions and prayerful discernment continue.
Meanwhile, blessings to you in these remaining weeks of summer. I am looking forward to a time of rest and renewal in the weeks ahead. I ask for your ongoing prayers for our shared life together in Christ.
Peace and all Good,
Pastor Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days
Sunday, August 6: 10th Sunday after Pentecost; As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry.
Sunday, August 13: 11th Sunday after Pentecost; Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears.
Sunday, August 20: 12th Sunday after Pentecost; In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
Sunday, August 27: 13th Sunday after Pentecost; Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith.
Sunday, September 3: 14th Sunday after Pentecost; In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.
Sunday, September 10: 15th Sunday after Pentecost; We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.
Sunday, September 17: 16th Sunday after Pentecost; When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.
Sunday September 24: 17th Sunday after Pentecost; In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.
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 11:00 a.m.
Summer Vespers Services
August 19 – 6:00 p.m. @ Pavilion #3 in Greene Township Park, followed by watermelon fellowship.
Wednesday Prayer & Share via Zoom
Meets Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m.
Support
Parish records
Baptism/New Member
Laura Johnson July 9, 2023
Who is a “real” American?
In her monthly column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses the scourge of Christian nationalism in the U.S., calling it “a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy.” She writes, “An element in our country wants to legislate that the United States is a Christian nation where Christianity should be privileged and only Christians should hold office. This is Christian Nationalism, which is neither Christian nor patriotic.” The ELCA supports Christians Against Christian Nationalism and encourages you to participate in our civic life so that we might work together for the common good. Read more from Bishop Eaton
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!
Prayer Requests
Confidential prayer requests can be made online: StLukeChambersburg.org/connect
Education
Faith Formation Kick-off
Get ready for a great year of faith formation classes, kicking off on September 10 @ 8:45 AM! All ages are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall for this multi-generational celebration and start to the 2023-2024 year.
Tuesday Bible Study
A new Bible study will start on Tuesday, September 19th at 11:00 AM in the church library. Thereafter we will gather on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 11:00 AM for this lectionary-based study, discussion, and fellowship. No experience is necessary! Just bring your bible and a willing heart. (If you do not have a bible, one will be provided.) Led by Pastor Frye.
Family Pool Party
The whole family is invited to join us Sunday, August 6 at the Ragged Edge Swim Club for an evening of fun, fellowship, and relaxation. Swimming, games, and dinner will be provided. Bring yourself, pool toys, towel, swimsuit, and expectations for fun! 5-8 PM Please sign up on the bulletin board at church or by emailing Shelly, [email protected]. (Ragged Edge Swim Club is located at 112 Ragged Edge Rd. Chambersburg, PA 17202)
StoryTellers Creative Arts Camp
Thank you to all who helped out with StoryTellers Creative Arts Camp VBS this year! We had a great week with 10 kids who learned to tell their stories from their own perspectives. We enjoyed doing the worship service on Sunday, July 23 and appreciate all the encouragement we received afterwards. Here are a few pictures of our time!
Outreach
Summer Vespers in the Park
The last of our three Summer Evening Vespers in the Park will take place August 19 @ 6:00 PM. Join us at the Greene Township Park Pavilion #3 for vespers followed by watermelon & fellowship. See you there!
Pentecost Projects Continue for 2023
Don’t forget that our Pentecost Projects are still happening! We are working on raising support and collecting items for St. Seraphim Center, Fruitbelt Farmworkers Christian Ministry, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Refer to your weekly announcements or the display in the Gathering Area for more details.
Join us on September 5 at around 6:00 PM (time to be confirmed) as we visit one of our local Migrant farms and share some time fellowshipping – playing games and enjoying dessert together. Look for more details to come. Please sign up on the bulletin board at church.
St. Paul/St. Luke Picnic
Join us Saturday, September 9 @ 5:00 PM for a joint church picnic at Pavilion #3 in Greene Township Park! Bring a place setting for yourself and a side dish to share. Grilled chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, condiments, and drinks will be provided. The picnic will be followed by Evening Vespers. Please sign up on the bulletin board at church so we know how much meat to provide. Thank you!
Congregation, Council, Committees
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS June 2023
The Memorial Garden & Columbarium Task Force formulated new rules and policies governing the use of the Memorial Garden and the purchase of niches in the Columbarium. Their work was accepted by the council and becomes policy.
A meeting has been set for the task forces of St. Luke and St. Paul to discern how these two churches can work together going forward.
The Scholarship Committee announced seven recipients who will receive scholarships as follows: Stephen Pettyjohn, Jacob (Jake) Corwell, Joesph (Joe) Corwell, Samuel (Sam) Spiese, Luke Davies, and Rowan Frye.
All church doors (have) been rekeyed.
Two new cameras will be installed to monitor the entrance doors.
St. Seraphim food kitchen is getting a makeover with assistance from St. Luke.
God’s Work. Our Hands. Project 2023
This year, we will be supporting the ministry of Fruitbelt Farmworkers Christians Ministry (FFCM). You will have heard more about the ministry from Pastor Christian Aguilar during worship on July 30. If you missed it, check out our livestream on YouTube and watch Pastor Christian and his wife Jimena share about the work of FFCM in our area.
We will be collecting items for personal care packs (shampoo, razor, toothbrush, soap, shaving cream, toothpaste, bath towel, comb & deodorant), as well as new or lightly used hoodies, sweatshirts, knit hats, and blankets. Drop off items in the box near the Keypad door. On September 10, following worship service, we will meet for 2nd Sunday Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall and we will also pack up the personal care packs. Please join us to help with the packing!
On Tuesday, September 5 at 6:00pm we will travel to a local farm to spend some time visiting with the migrant workers, our neighbors. We plan to have dessert and coffee, as well as play BINGO. Please join us and bring your favorite dessert to share.
Sign up is on the bulletin board at church.
Let’s all work together to make this years’ project a great success!
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]