Easter 2022 Cross Connection Newsletter
A Letter from Pastor Frye
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
I am delighted to share with you that beginning Palm Sunday / Passion of Our Lord, all restrictions were lifted regarding our COVID-19 protocol. Following a recommendation from our COVID-19 Task Force and Worship and Music Committee, the Church Council accepted and approved this recommendation for immediate implementation.
We resumed the administration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion with bread, offering both common cup and individual glasses. Congregational singing is also encouraged as we dust off the hymnals to sing petitions and praises to God.
Sunday, April 10 was Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion. At 10:00 a.m. we gathered for worship amid shouts of Hosanna! and Crucify Him! At the beginning of the week we call Holy, this Sunday prepares us for the days ahead as we experience the dissonance of which we are capable in our lives of Christian discipleship.
Thursday, April 14 is Maundy Thursday. Our Lenten observance comes to an end as we gather for worship this evening at 7:00 p.m. in communion with Christians around the world to begin the celebration of the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This night we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment (Mandate, Mandatum) that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Friday, April 15 is Good Friday. At 12:00 Noon there will be a service called The Way of the Cross. Our Good Friday Liturgy (Tenebrae Service) will be at 7:00 p.m. The Chapel will also be available for personal prayer and meditation.
Sunday, April 17 is The Resurrection of Our Lord / Easter Sunday. Our Festival Service of Worship and Praise will be held at 10:00 a.m. This year we will welcome an ensemble of musicians from the Cumberland Valley School of Music. They will offer special music as well as robust accompaniment to our singing of hymns.
I’m looking forward to the days ahead with you. Please take advantage of this occasion to invite someone to come along to worship. For healing, for hope, for a home in turbulent times, what better place to be than amid the Body of Christ?
In Christ’s love for you,
Christopher Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days in April
April 3: Fifth Sunday in Lent
In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
April 10: Palm Sunday
We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
April 14: Maundy Thursday
Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
April 15: Good Friday
We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.
April 17: Resurrection of our Lord, Easter Sunday
Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
April 24: Second Sunday of Easter
The risen Jesus will return to us again and again.
Sunday Worship Services
- 10 a.m. every Sunday, In-person and online
- Congregational singing
- Communion with bread and common cup / indiv. glasses
- COVID restrictions are completely lifted
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 on pause through Lent.
Holy Week
Special opportunities during the week:
- Maundy Thursday
- 7 p.m.
- Good Friday
- Chapel open for personal prayer 8 a.m.—8:30 p.m.
- Noon (Way of the Cross)
- 7 p.m. (Tenebrae)
- Easter Sunday
- 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
- 10 a.m. Worship with special music
Support
Support Group Update
Luther Ridge AA Meetings are held on Mondays at noon in Fellowship Hall.
Pastoral Visits
If you or a loved one desire a pastoral visit for any reason, please contact Pastor Frye (717-253-0322). Also, please notify the Church office if you are hospitalized or are anticipating surgery (717-261-1213).
Adopt A Highway
First Adopt-a-Highway event for the year! Please contact Rick Lawver in advance to tell him you’d like to help so he can organize the crews. Arrive at St. Luke on April 23 at 8 a.m. sharp.
Each crew (1-3 people) cleans about 1 mile of one side of the road. It takes about an hour (on average) to cover this distance. Anyone 12 years old or older may participate.
Prayer
Confidential prayer requests can be made online.
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!
Education
YOUth
End of School Celebration for Junior High and High School students
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 15. We will celebrate the end of the school year with a Progressive Dinner – appetizers at one restaurant, dinner at another followed by dessert. Join us for this fun time! We will meet at the church at 5:00pm. Sign up on the Education Bulletin Board or by contacting Shelly.
Adult Faith Formation Class
April 17 Faith Formation is canceled and instead, we will celebrate with an Easter Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 a.m. All are welcome!
April 24 we will study the Lectionary.
Starting in May, Pastor Frye will be leading a class called The Basics: Luther’s Catechism part I (Part II to follow in October!). Regardless of whether this is your first time
learning about Luther’s Catechism, or a refresher, join us at 8:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday in May.
A look ahead:
June/July: Ruth, Daniel, and Esther: Stories of Wisdom with Charles Davies
August: Summer Break – no Faith Formation class
Outreach
Second Sunday Fellowship
The second Sunday of every month, we are hosting a time of fellowship and snacks in the Fellowship Hall following Worship. Use this opportunity to invite friends & neighbors to join for worship, or just come along yourself and enjoy the fellowship. Grab one of our blue information cards on your way out of worship to give as a way to invite friends to worship.
Spring Fling Giveaway @ 1st Lutheran
Items are being collected now through April 15. Spring and summer clothing and shoes, bedding and towels, children’s books and adult devotional books are in need.
These events are held to help our neighbors in the Chambersburg area by providing needed items and to share God’s love. Please inform your family, friends and neighbors of this need. We would appreciate their donations as well. Washed and folded items can be dropped off at St. Luke in the donation bin in the hallway by the keypad.
The ‘Spring Fling Giveaway’ will be held on May 14, 2022 at 1st Lutheran Church. If you’re interested in helping at the event, please let Shelly Davies know.
Congregation, Council, Committees
Congregation meeting Highlights February 2022
- The ceiling in Pastor Frye’s library has been repaired
- HVAC system has been addressed
- Pastor Frye’s Ordination Anniversary March 6 with Bishop Penrose Hoover as guest speaker. Light refreshments served after service.
- Donation made to a charity of Pastor Frye’s choice ($500 to Tau Hermitage and a trip to Chautauqua all expenses paid)
- Committee Fair March 13
- Paint Night March 15
- Power packs will start March 31
- Collecting summer clothes and bedding for the Spring Fling to be held May 14 at 1st Lutheran
March Committee Fair
A big THANK YOU to all committees and chairpersons for the time and effort put forth for the Committee Fair a few weeks ago. God used this time to get the information out to those who needed it, and we now have new committee members joining in our efforts. Thanks again!
Fellowship Committee
Easter breakfast is back! Join us before worship on Easter Sunday, April 17 at 8:45 a.m. to celebrate the rising of our Lord together through food and fellowship. All are welcome!
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]