Pentecost Cross Connection
A letter from Pastor Frye:
Dear Family and Friends of St. Luke,
Grace and Peace to you.
In the eighth chapter of his letter to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul spells out the
implications (or ramifications) of our identity as baptized children of God.
14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
Falling back into fear may not be a deliberate decision or conscious action, but it frequently is the result when we cease to live a life of intentionality and vigilance when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus. Inertia and momentum may keep us from falling back in the short term, but sooner or later, when we simply assume and coast, things change.
This season of the church year following the festival of Pentecost is meant to be a season of growth. Our relationship with Jesus and with one another is one that can be strengthened, nurtured, fortified, fed, and cultivated. Just like your vegetable or flower garden, your
relationships benefit from faithful attention. The good news is that God’s faithfulness is new every morning and the promise holds true that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We, now, have been made response able.
What can we do to encourage one another in our life together? If you are mindful of others and can detect where someone else might benefit from a word of reassurance or a gesture of kindness, don’t hold back. If you need understanding or an act of support, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. Effective communication is always a mutual endeavor.
Meanwhile, remember that we are blessed, strengthened, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit! May we be led to bear witness to the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus.
In Christ’s love for you,
Pastor Frye
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Worship
Sundays and Special Days
May 26 *The Holy Trinity; When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an everyday, intimate parental address), the Spirit prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him.
June 2 *2nd Sunday after Pentecost; Our worship and our religious way of life are to lead to restoration: the hungry being fed and the sick being healed.
June 9 *3rd Sunday after Pentecost; Those with whom we sing and pray this day are Jesus’ family. New Members & 2nd Sunday Fellowship
June 16 *4th Sunday after Pentecost; It may not appear all that impressive, but while nobody’s looking it grows with a power beyond our understanding.
June 23 *5th Sunday after Pentecost; We also listen to him and are called to believe in the power of God’s word in him, a power greater than all that we fear.
June 30 *6th Sunday after Pentecost; We dare to touch Jesus in our “uncleanness” and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider.
July 7 *7th Sunday after Pentecost; The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
July 14 *8th Sunday after Pentecost; We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love.
July 21 *9th Sunday after Pentecost; We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
July 28 *10th Sunday after Pentecost; Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6.
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!
Vespers in the Park
Join us for worship and fellowship, with snacks! Summer Vespers in the Park –June 15 (Pavilion #2), July 20 (Pavilion #3), & August 17(Pavilion #3), at 6:00 p.m. at Greene Township Park. Invite a friend!
Church Records
Baptisms
Whitney Waters—May 12, 2024
New Members
Interested in joining St. Luke. Find out more by contacting Pastor Frye or Shelly Davies. We will receive new members on June 9 during worship.
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. Giving is up 2.85% compared to last year at this time.
| April 2024 | YTD 2024 | |
| Total Income | $23,695.51 | $132,001.52 |
| Total Expenditures | $33,785.84 | $150,773.78 |
| Net Income | -$10,108.07 | -$18,004.82 |
Education
How We Worship as Lutherans
If you’ve been wondering about why we do things in the Lutheran church the way we do, you’re in luck! Over the next several weeks, Pastor Frye will give an overview of the church year and different elements of the worship service each week, in just three minutes. Be sure to be in your pew by 9:55!
Vacation Bible School
Mark your calendars and invite your friends! This years VBS—God’s New Creation, will take place July 7-11 from 5:30-8:00pm. VBS is open to all children from age 4—12. Sign up via our website or paper form at the church. Share the news with your friends.
Tuesday Book Group
Did you know that a group of eager learners meet each Tuesday morning to read and share their insights? This group meets via Zoom, so you can even attend in your pajamas! They will be starting a NEW book, May 21 – Richard Rohr’s Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality. Join the group for one book, or many—it’s up to you! Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome to join.
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation classes are taught by the members of the church. A degree in theology is not necessary, but a heart to lead and share is. If you have something you’d like to lead, please contact Shelly.
Outreach
Inside Scoop Takeover
Who doesn’t love an evening out enjoying some ice cream? Join us for a takeover of the Inside Scoop! We will spend some time fellowshipping over ice cream sundaes, ice cream cones, ice cream shakes, and more ice cream! The Inside Scoop is owned by our own, Michael Peters, and will be open on Monday, July 1 at 6pm for just us!
Clothing Donations
Each month, St. Luke donates over 20 bags of clothing to local organizations that get it to those who need it most. The stewardship of reusing clothing keeps that clothing from filling our landfills. Thank you for your generosity and keep the ‘current season’ clothing coming! Drop off by the keypad door.
Stephen Ministry
Consider reaching out to our community through Stephen Ministry. If you feel a tug at your heart, speak to Carol Angstadt, Cheryl Vorhauer, or Pastor Frye for more information.
Faith Night @ the Senators
Mark your calendars now for our trip to the Senators for a game followed by fireworks. Friday, June 21 –we will meet at the church at 4:45pm and travel together. Sign up on the bulletin board.
Back to School Preparation
Join 1st Lutheran and other local churches by providing Chambersburg area children with new underwear (brief style) and socks (low cut) for the start of the school year. We also are collecting the fabric style tote bags that you often get at festivals. Monetary donations for us to purchase items will also be accepted. Please make your checks out to St. Luke and put ‘Back to School’ in the memo. All items can be placed in the labeled box by the key-pad door by July 28.
Pentecost Projects
“God’s Work. Our Hands.”
Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry
This ministry supports people who come to our area to work in orchards and agricultural fields. The ministry provides pastoral care, recreation, advocacy, and comfort items such as personal care kits, blankets, hoodies or sweatshirts & hats.
As one of our Pentecost Projects and our “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Project we will be collecting items throughout the summer. We will get together to pack personal care packs on Sunday, September 8 following worship. Please join us to help pack. You can also choose to donate items for warmth, as listed below.
PERSONAL CARE KITS
either completed kits or items to be assembled into kits – No trial sizes, please!
Shampoo, Razor, Toothbrush, Soap, Shaving Cream, Toothpaste, Bath towel, Comb, Deodorant
FOR WARMTH
new or gently used Blankets, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Knit hats
We will also be visiting one of the Migrant communities later this summer. Look for more details to come!
Place items in labeled bins located by the keypad door. Financial donations for purchase of items can also be made. Make checks to St. Luke with ‘FFCM’ in the memo line.
Chambersburg Homeless Shelter
The Franklin County Homeless Shelter provides temporary emergency lodging for individuals who have lost their homes. The shelter serves families as space is available. The stay at the shelter for an individual or family is brief, usually 14 – 30 days. The staff works with their residents to find affordable housing.
SHELTER NEEDS
toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, plastic utensils, cleaning supplies (anti-bacterial spray), and canned soup.
Our donations help the shelter meet immediate needs, while focusing their limited resources on finding permanent solutions for the homeless.
For more information go to www.sccap.org/ homeless-services
Place items in the labeled bins located by the keypad door throughout Pentecost.
Widow’s Project
Many Tanzanian widows in the Mwakaleli District of the Konde Diocese, which includes the Kandete Parish (our sister congregation), have very little or no support. They now can participate in a micro-bank from which they get a loan to start a small business.
The business may be a bakery, food cart, growing produce, raising animals, sewing, or similar home-based endeavors. After several months of running their business, the widows are able to pay back their loan – making this a project that keeps giving.
Rev. Kumbuka Mwasanguti, District Pastor, spearheads the project. Donations will expand this opportunity to more needy widows.
Make checks to St. Luke with “Widows’ Project” in the memo line.
Council Highlights
APRIL 2024
· Constitution & Bylaws are up to date
· Audit Report was approved
· Memorial Garden Project is completed
· There will be 3 Pentecost projects: Fruitbelt Farmworkers Christian Ministry, Widow’s Project in the Kandete Parish, and the Chambersburg Homeless Shelter
2024 Graduates
Owen Spiese graduates from Chambersburg Area Senior High School on May 31, 2024. After graduation, Owen will be working with his uncle on an Utz chips distribution route. After working alongside his uncle for a few months, Owen will be operating his own distribution route. Owen also plans to attend a trade school in the evening to become a certified electrician. Owen has attended St. Luke Lutheran Church for his entire life. Congratulations Owen!
Ella Jones graduates from Shippensburg Area Senior High School on May 28, 2024. While attending high school Ella travelled the country on school trips. In the fall, Ella will be pursuing an education degree at Shippensburg University. Ella has received 3 scholarships, the Raider Success scholarship, the Shippensburg Area Education Association Scholarship Grant, and the ESS Source 4 Teachers Scholarship. Ella has attended St. Luke for 17 years and appreciates the unconditional support throughout her life. Congratulations Ella!
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]