Pentecost I 2026 Cross Connection
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
+ Grace and Peace
Our prayers of intercession on a recent Sunday included the following:
Bless those experiencing significant transitions in life such as graduation, retirement, new employment, and accompany us in our prayers during these times. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Periods of transition can be intimidating even when the change we are anticipating or experiencing is preferred. Transitions from one way of doing things to another frequently involve moving through grief even as we may be excited about a new beginning. Some transitions are more common than others. Sometimes changes are thrust upon us with little warning or are the result of circumstances beyond our control (following an accident, a death, a diagnosis, or a decision to downsize or relocate).
And so, it is good to pray for God’s blessing upon us and all those experiencing significant transitions. The challenge may be that we may try to ride out periods of transition without soliciting another’s prayers – to say nothing of their advice or counsel.
While we refer to our life of faith as one we live in community with others, the truth is we tend to be very selective of our participation in community. Maybe because of some of the more obvious liabilities of life together, we have been conditioned to hold back. We tend to be reluctant to share with one another those things that weigh heavily on our hearts or challenge our ability to move gracefully through each day. Many factors influence our decisions to share or not to share and to what extent. Past experiences of judgement, feelings of shame, regret, resentment, and anger can condition us to calibrate our willingness to be authentic, open, and honest. I get it.
However, this is why we may need to be both more intentional and collaborative in our life together as disciples of Jesus as those still on our earthly pilgrimage. God created us to be in community. We were not designed to thrive in isolation or in the pretentions of persistent privacy. Therefore, during these weeks after Pentecost ahead of us, let us all lean into the gift of Holy Spirit and risk a bit of vulnerability with a trusted friend, a Stephen Minister, or fellow child of God.
In Christ’s love for you,
Pastor Frye
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Worship
Vespers in the Park
Throughout the Summer months, we will gather for Vespers (Evening Prayer) and fellowship on the third Saturday of each month at 6:00 PM.
June 20, July18, August15
Greene Township Park (Just off Scotland Main Street at Elevator Street)
If you would like to participate in leading the service or reading one of the scriptures, please let Pastor Frye know.
Baptism
Teagan Michael Ocker, son of Logan and Makenzie Ocker, received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on Sunday, May 10, 2026
Support
Council Concisely, May 18, 2026
- Walk Fahnestock Scholarship has been advertised with a deadline of June 1.
- YTD Budgeted surplus is $5859.66
- YTD Budgeted and Non-Budgeted deficit is $2241.77
- Teagon Ocker baptism on May 10
- Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism on May 24 for Jasmine Lehman, Christina Yarma, Reece Chestnut and Alli McGehee
- VBS to be held July 26-30
- HVAC repaired
Loren Gillings
Loren Gillings is the new Office and Communication Manager. She lives in Waynesboro. She also works at a local restaurant and works part-time during the school year at Washington County Public Schools in Maryland. She enjoys photography, hiking and painting.
Her office hours are:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am- 2:00 pm.
Outreach
St. Seraphim Center, 213 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17201
The St. Seraphim Center is a ministry of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Our mission is to feed the needy in the Chambersburg area. The Center serves lunch to some 35 to 45 guests twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays, which compliments the lunch schedule of the Salvation Army down the street.
The Center is well-recognized as a welcoming community center in the Chambersburg area. On a typical Thursday or Saturday, the volunteers arrive around 9:00 a.m. They prepare for the day by making hot dogs and soup and setting out sandwiches and baked goods.
The doors open at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m. The Center has a friendly community atmosphere. Volunteers from the local area assist in this ministry. There have been a number of times visitors to the center have needed someone with a listening ear and on occasion have requested prayer. A Bible study is offered on Thursdays after the kitchen closes at 1:00 PM.
St. Luke has been part of this ministry for several years. We serve on average one Saturday a month. We are grateful for the willing volunteers who serve the center as well as members who provide monetary support, soups, chili, hot dogs, rolls and baked good to share.
How can you help? FIrst, prayers for St. Seraphim Center, their clients, the wiling volunteers and that our presence may be a blessing to those who visit the center for a meal. Also, look for information in our announcements about dates St, Luke will serve and the needed supplies,
If you would like to be part of this ministry by volunteering, providing supplies or if you have any questions, please see Sherry Fahnestock for more information.
Joshua- Live on stage at Sight and Sound Theater
Call Eleanor Ostrasky @ 717-263-1028
Thursday, August 6th, 2026 Cost is $180 due by June 26th, 2026
Education
Vacation Bible School– Champions for Christ
(VBS) will be held July 26-30 (Sunday- Thursday) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Ages 5-11
VBS could not happen without the help of the whole church body. Some of you may volunteer your time and talents in one of the many possible areas and some of you will pray for the children and leaders as plans are underway.
If you have any questions about this ministry, please reach out to Heather Goetz or Janet Lundblad.
Faith Formation
Faith Formation classes will end May 31st for summer break. Will resume in August.
Summer Camp at Kirchenwald & Nawakwa
If interested in going to camp reach out to Heather Goetz!
Walk-Fahnestock Scholarship
The scholarship will be available for students who are pursuing post-secondary education for the 2026-2027 school year. Full time, part time, or continuing education courses are all eligible for scholarship funds.
Applications are available from the church office or Jodi Forrester (717-552-4964 or [email protected]. Applications and supporting paperwork should be received by the office or Jodi by May 31, 2026. Any questions, please contact Jodi at the above number or email.
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]
