Epiphany Cross Connection
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
+ Grace and Peace
In our tradition, when a baptized Christian affirms the faith (often called confirmation) the presiding minister addresses those making public affirmation of baptism and asks the question: Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
RESPONSE: We do, and ask God to help and guide us. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 236)
So begins a daily claiming and re-discovering of the God-given gifts of discipleship. These gifts overlap and are intertwined as one gift flows into another and into faithful living. The thing is, we often assume “we got this” and get caught up in and distracted by the rhythms and routines of life. Our discipleship can easily become neglected or secondary. God would like each and all of us to become more intentional about the practice of our faith walk with Jesus as disciples. One might call it our primary purpose. These five gifts of discipleship serve as a good place to start (and a good place to remain!).
It may seem too soon to consider a Lenten discipline. However, Lent is an ideal season of the church year to promote the five gifts of discipleship. So, I invite you to mark your calendars now and plan to join me as we explore living our baptism through these faith practices beginning on Sunday, March 9. In the meantime, take time to read Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which we will ground our study and reflection.
In Christ’s love for you,
Pastor Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days
January 5 *2nd Sunday of Christmas; Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person.
January 6 *Epiphany; 7:00pm. The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
January 12 *Baptism of Our Lord; On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine. 2nd Sunday Fellowship
January 19 *2nd Sunday after Epiphany; The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery.
January 26 *Third Sunday after Epiphany; God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture.
February 2 *Fourth Sunday after Epiphany; Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world.
February 9 *Fifth Sunday after Epiphany; The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory.
February 16 *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 23 *Seventh Sunday after Epiphany; The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided.
March 2 *Transfiguration of Our Lord; Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world.
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!
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 26 following worship, join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting where we will vote in our new council representatives as well as approve the 2025 budget.
Financial Reminder
Your new offering envelopes have the category ‘Capital Projects’ which will go to building upkeep and improvements. Thank you for your giving!
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.
| November 2024 | YTD 2024 | |
| Total Income | $27, 548.86 | $382,920.58 |
| Total Expenditures | $31,759.94 | $400,708.71 |
| Net Income | -$4,211.08 | -$17,788.13 |
The LSS & a New Bishop
This year, the Lower Susquehanna Synod (LSS) is in the process of calling a new Bishop. Please be in prayer for the process.
If you are interested in being a part of the LSS Council and learning more about what that means—please contact Shelly Davies.
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.
Adult Faith Formation
Coming in January we will offer a 7-week study on Prayer. In this 7-session study, join with six beloved Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own.
Join us starting in Lent for a 5-week study on Living Your Baptism—5 Gifts of Discipleship.
Join us each Sunday at 8:45am in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
Youth Group
January 17 —Snow Tubing; Join us Friday night at 4:30pm to head to Whitetail to go snow tubing. Sign up on the bulletin board.
February—Swimming!; More information to come!
Outreach
Christmas Project—Teens of Abraxas
We were able to donate everything we planned to, plus more! Thank you for your generosity!! In addition to what we planned (60 personal care packs, 30 devotional books, and Xbox game system, 4 controllers, and 3 games), we also donated 120 boxes of crayons, 12 chess boards, 3 jump ropes, ping pong net and paddles, 2 push up boards, and 6 more Xbox games. Thank you!
Soup, Sandwich, & Sweet Luncheon
Join us on Sunday, January 12 following worship for lunch. No need to sign up, just come and spend time eating and getting to know your fellow church members. Consider sharing with someone what you hope to accomplish this new year. Hope to see you there!
Monthly Chapel Services with Holy Communion
Did you know that Pastor Frye hosts monthly chapel services in two locations? Join us for worship with holy communion at either of the following locations, and invite your friends!
Luther Ridge – Join us Tuesday, January 7 @1:00 pm in the Chapel at the Inn at Luther Ridge.
Menno Haven – Join us the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00pm in the Arbor Room off the main Dining Room at Village Square.
Council Highlights
December 2024
-Giving is up 1.79%
-Annual Congregational Meeting will be January 26, 2025
-Constitution and By-laws changes have been finalized and resubmitted.
-Regular maintenance done to sprinklers.
-Sanctuary piano was tuned.
-A Family restroom was completed and is now available in the back hallway—remember to lock the door!
St. Luke Library
Book Highlight: Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
“For one-thousand years men have denied her existence-Pope Joan, the Woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to rule Christianity for two years. Now this compelling novel animates the legend with a portrait of any unforgettable woman who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept.”
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]