Baptism of Our Lord - stjamesgettysburg.com

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA PO Box 4596, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325-4596

Phone: (717) 334-2012 Fax: (717) 334-3596

Website: www.stjamesgettysburg.org

“We respond to God’s abundant grace by being

hearers, proclaimers and doers of the Word.”

Volume 62, No. 01 THE MESSENGER January 2017

Baptism of Our Lord On January 7 & 8 we will acknowledge those baptized since Baptism of Our Lord 2016, including these families in prayer as they continue to grow in their faith. “We welcome you into the body of Christ and the mission we share. Join us as we give praise to God and bear God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.”

Ashtyn Taylor Kraus Trey Donavon Swope

Addison Riley Hagarman

Avery Elizabeth Hagarman

Avalynn Grace Wertz

Melissa Ann Gladfelter

Jordan Mikae Gladfelter

Kingston James Gladfelter

Kohan Genevieve Gladfelter

Ava Grace Hawkins

Brycen Bishop Nicholas

Elliot Ryan Johnson

Tristan Robert Trostle

Zachary Ryan Green

Abigail Georginna Green

Ashya Taylor Lady

Blake Matthew Lady

Izabelle Jozlyn Lady

Taylor Lee Asper

Holt William Leedy

Zoey Lin Norkus

Duncan Laurence Bernard

Claire Elizabeth Shoemaker

Walker Shae Zeitler

We dedicated a new banner on December 18, given in honor of Jerry and Linda Neth’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrated on December 12, 2014. The gift is given by Nancy (Neth) and Darrel Thomas, Jim and Rosa Neth, David and Jordic Neth. The banner is designed by artist Geoff Thulin with stitching by Joan Wise and follow-up work by the St. James Art and Design Committee. The Property Committee was instrumental in the hanging of the banner.

Artist Geoffrey Thulin writes about his design: “I designed the new banner recently installed in the worship

area with an eye on the big picture of Creation. It celebrates the totality of the universe and all that is

contained therein. The earth is represented in green and blue in the foreground, and our moon is in the

upper left. The white disk rimmed in red and copper symbolizes our star, the sun, and the yellow rays, the

gift of light and life. These rays take on another meaning of light and life, as they form a cross and the sun

becomes the Son. God, the Creator, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is present everywhere. I have echoed some

elements found in our beautiful stained glass windows, as well as other places in the building.”

WORSHIP: Saturday 5:30 pm & Sunday 8:15 & 10:45 am Sunday School from 9:30-10:30 am

Name of Jesus – December 31 & January 1 We begin a New Year knowing that we are called Christian by virtue of our baptism. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year. Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 8, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:15-21; NO YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by Endowment, Child Care Governance and History and Archives Committees. Food items collected at all services benefit local food pantries; under the auspices of Social Ministry.

Baptism of Our Lord – January 7 & 8 In the waters of baptism we are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Naming of Recently Baptized; Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 On January 9 at 9:30 am during the Sunday School hour, Vinton Smith, a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg and a frequent visitor to Africa on behalf of Elanco, Heifer International and the ELCA, will visit with the children, K – 5th grade to share with them how the animals that they purchase with their Sunday School offerings through the ELCA God’s Global Barnyard program help kids in Africa to live better and healthier lives. Parents are welcome to join their children for this informative program about the global mission of the church.

CHORAL EVENSONG – Sunday, January 8 at 5:00 pm The St. James Adult Choir, will present a musical event celebrating the conclusion of the Christmas season on Sunday, January 8th at 5:00 pm in the worship area. Choral anthems and congregational song will be presented within the sung Evening Prayer liturgy, a quiet order centered in praise, prayer and reflection on the scriptures. The featured work in the service will be J. S. Bach’s cantata no. 142 “To Us a Child is Given” scored for choir, orchestra and soloists: Tom Bender, Kay MacDowell, Ed Riggs. The invitation to attend the program extends to all. Come support your choir musicians, who give countless hours in faithful service to the worship life of St. James.

Epiphany 2 – January 14 & 15 Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42

Epiphany 3 – January 21 & 22 Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. Prayers for Healing; Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23

Epiphany 4 – January 28 & 29 Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed; the poor, mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 Fifth Sunday Servant Event benefits Adams Rescue Mission; under the auspices of Social Ministry.

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THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY (currently led by Pr. Andrew, reading the book

of Job) resumes meeting January 5 at 10:00 am in the gathering area. Everyone is welcome!

ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets in room 200, at the end of the main hallway; Judy Leslie,

contact. Every Sunday we enjoy timely presentations and discussions. Please join us!

Jan. 1 Happy New Year!

Jan. 8 “Sacrament of the Everyday” led by Jerry Christianson

Jan. 15 “Tales from the Cotton Patch” led by Lynn and Dottie Cairns

Jan. 22 “Growing up in a Deaf Community” led by Walter Krug

Jan. 29 “Cosmic Hub at Stonehenge - Lecture 26” by Prof. John R. Hale” led by Judy Leslie

Members of the Adult Discussion Class are proud to serve St. James and others locally and worldwide. This year,

our benevolent class members provided over $5,600.00 to the following: SCCAP, St. James Earth Day Projects,

Project GAIA (cook stoves), St. James Cub Scout Pack 79, St. James and Christ Lutheran Refugee Resettlement

Fund, Survivors, Inc., First Family Health Care Gettysburg Center, Adams County Literacy Council, over twenty-

nine Christmas gifts to Circles Program (SCCAP) family members, and Refugee Rent Fund for the new families.

GOOD SAMARITAN CLASS meets in Room 303, at the upper level with an elevator; Nina Dolly,

contact. We have a 15-minute opening, reading, offering prayer and Bible lesson. Everyone is welcome

to join us as Debby Luquette leads us in study of the Psalms, every Sunday in January.

PARISH RECORDS DEATHS

November 26, 2016 Jean M. Racer

December 1, 2016 Jill A. Snyder

December 4, 2016 Julia M. Thomas

December 15, 2016 Sebastian R. Hafer

NEW MEMBER

December 11, 2016 April S. Triller

BAPTISMS

December 11, 2016 Duncan Laurence Bernard

December 24, 2016 Claire Elizabeth Shoemaker

December 24, 2016 Walker Shae Zeitler

WORLD HUNGER ENVELOPES

Following the Christmas gift season, we ask you to remember those around the world with a

gift of life. World Hunger envelopes are enclosed in January’s offering envelopes and allows

us to share Christ’s love.

WORLD OUTREACH COMMITTEE

The World Outreach Committee has learned that Project Gettysburg/Leon is planning a small

group, nine-day visit to Nicaragua in early August 2017 and would welcome participants from

St. James. While the central goals of the project are to share cultures and to support sustainable

development in Nicaragua, the specific focus of the trip will reflect the interests of the group.

Several years ago, a young agricultural student, Javier Gutierrez, visited with us at St. James

to express appreciation for our mission fund support toward his educational expenses. This

would be an excellent time to see how that support has changed his rural community. For more

information, please email [email protected] or call him at 334-6490.

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54 QUILTS were made November 7 & 8, blessed at worship services December 10 & 11,

and delivered to LWR. Our thanks to: Charlotte Baltera, Jean Clapper, Sally Crist, Nina

Dolly, Greta Englund, Kathy Evans, Beth Gardner, Marian Gastley, Sue Hill, Roberta Hughes,

Margie Keyser, Carol King, Jackie Krebs, Barbara Nicks, Ila Verdirame, Joan Wise, and Anne

Young; sponsored by our World Outreach Committee.

A special thanks to Margie Keyser and Joan Wise for overseeing this incredible ministry for

at least the past 10 years, which have resulted in approximately 1,100 quilts being made! And

welcome to Kathy Reider and Martha Wolf, who will be setting up quilting dates in the spring.

Be watching The Messenger for future details!

DECEMBER 21, 2016 COUNCIL REPORT Submitted by Council Secretary Craig Reber

Karen Lentz Treasurer’s Report - Budget is very close to last year. Benevolent Budget Commitment will not

be reached for the year due to deficient in offering. Fourth quarter pay out would be based on the actual giving,

equal to 25% of available funds. Motioned by Ron Couchman, seconded; motion did not pass. Treasurer will pay

out the Benevolence Fund in full from the budget. Motion to approve the report, Barb Vossler, seconded by Cindy

Scott.

New Members - Motion to accept new members presented by Jim Lohuis, seconded by Shawn Waybrant.

Announcements - Cindy Scott mentioned that Advent Suppers and Services were a big success, well put together,

with many Child Care families also present.

Barb Vossler reminded Council that committees are supposed to be sending meeting minutes to Council, which

hasn’t been happening.

November Council minutes approved.

Old Business - Recognition event for Jennifer Bradshaw’s consecration scheduled for February 5th.

New Business - Need to fill open council seat – Sharon Kaya has been presented as a candidate. Motion to vote

her onto Council presented by Ron Couchman, seconded by Brienna Waybrant.

Motion to appoint a working group to coordinate the St. James congregation responses to ELCA Always Being

Made New Campaign for the campaigns remaining years. Motion presented by Ron Couchman, seconded by

Cindy Scott. Jim Lohuis moves to call question to vote, seconded by Cindy Scott--to form the working group.

Ron Couchman moved to have Council authorize the establishment of a LWR Haiti account at St. James to collect

money to support LWR for the $10,000 already granted to Source of Life Ministries for hurricane recovery

expenses; motion passed.

Good for God - Received a large donation for scholarships, for youth who attended Camp Nawakwa.

SAVE THE DATE TO ATTEND A PLANNED GIVING PRESENTATION and to think

about what you want your legacy to be. Seating is limited so mark your calendar for either:

Sunday, March 19th after church; Thursday, March 23 at noon; or Thursday, March

23 at 5:30 pm. A light meal will be provided. More details will follow.

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RECONCILING IN CHRIST TASK FORCE

Over 500 Lutheran faith communities in the United States and Canada will be observing Reconciling in Christ Sunday on January 29, 2017. That is an appropriate time for us at St. James to renew our commitment to our Welcome Statement that appears in the church bulletin every weekend, announcing to all who worship with us that we are a welcoming and inclusive community, reconciled to God through the saving grace of Christ Jesus and challenged by the Gospel to be agents of healing and love within our church and society. Members of the RIC Task Force will be in the hallway between services on that Sunday to chat with you about the statement, to share information about the RIC program, to learn of your concerns, and to hear your own personal stories of welcome.

STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE

Does it ever seem to you that life is getting more and more hectic, that expectations are higher and higher, that time is more and more scarce? The Stewardship Committee would like to encourage all of us to cultivate simplicity. Simplicity, simply put, means embracing the statement, “Less is more.” Right away, we may think of simplicity in terms of less stuff – less stuff to move, less stuff to keep track of, less stuff to clean, less stuff to look at. Cultivating simplicity also involves less stress. Cultivating simplicity allows us to jump off the treadmill, climb out of the hamster wheel, step out of the one-way traffic, and live the abundant life God intends for all creation. As people of faith, we know that the abundant life God intends does not consist in the abundance of possessions or the abundance of achievements or the abundance of bank accounts. The abundant life is the result of a deep and abiding relationship with God and the satisfying joy of generosity to others. (In the next five issues of The Messenger, the Stewardship Committee will share five ideas for cultivating simplicity. Stay tuned!)

CREATION CARE FOLLOW-UP

“Ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you . . .” Job 12:8a

It's cold now, but before long the sap will start running, tree buds will break and the dandelions will be blooming. Are you interested in Earth Day activities? Do you want to help plan a few for St. James? Let us know--put your contact information on the sheet in the gathering area. We'll start meeting for the spring in January.

Lessons of the Leaves: Do you need ideas for a New Year's Resolution? Turn over a new 'leaf!'

* This year, resolve to use resources wisely.

* Include creation care in daily prayers.

* Create recyclable art.

* Think about your investments. How to they impact climate change and natural resource use? Could you donate directly to help organizations which support a healthy earth?

* Carry out more of your business using paperless, on-line resources

* Use reusable containers for leftovers, rather than plastic baggies and plastic wrap

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January 2017 Youth News

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 4th at 5:30 pm HS READING GROUP at the Foltz Home! Hope to see you there! (Snow date will be Thursday, January 5th at 5:30 pm.)

January 6-8th Youth Minister Jess Smith and Pastor Andrew will travel to Lancaster with the high school youth for WINTERFEST, the synod’s senior high retreat! If you are going and have not turned in your covenant and medical form to Jess, please do so ASAP.

Thursday, January 12th we will be PACKING BACKPACKS for Ruth’s Harvest. Any middle or high school student is welcome to help! Meet at the Youth House (121/123 York St.) after school for a snack and we will walk over to Lincoln Elementary School to pack at 3:30 pm. Please arrange to be picked up at Lincoln at 4:30 pm.

January 15th-16th all middle and high school youth are invited to a 30-HOUR FAMINE LOCK-IN at St. Paul Lutheran, ELCA in Biglerville! We are partnering with some of the churches in Upper Adams County to spread awareness about the hunger that is experienced by our neighbors! (Don’t worry, there will be snacks available for those that need them!) If you have more questions or did not receive information from Jess in the mail, please ask.

January 20-22nd the middle school youth will be in HARRISBURG FOR QUAKE! If you are signed up for this retreat and have not filled out your medical form yet, please do it and give it to Jess ASAP!

Wednesday, January 25th, regular WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON YOUTH GROUP programming will begin again! Jess and Mr. Braband appreciate having the

beginning of January to rest and plan for the rest of the school year!

Friday January 27th is FAMILY SKATE NIGHT at Magic Elm Skateland in Hanover! Come out between 4:30-6:30 pm on Friday night for $6 rental and admission for roller skating. If you have questions, please ask Jess ([email protected] or 334-2012 ext. 207)!

There will be NO SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH GROUPS OR KOINONIA

CHOIR in January due to our busy retreat schedule! See you in February

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A SPECIAL REQUEST TO YOU – As our Federal tax year ends, taxpayers often consider making various types of charitable donations. This year, there’s an additional opportunity for St James members to assist someone in need. Please consider the following: Do you have an older, mechanically sound vehicle you’ve considered donating? Please help one of our Burmese families in need of transportation. Your generous donation will provide a much-needed service to the family. Especially, traveling to their daily workplaces. And, adding to the convenience of shopping trips, doctor visits, etc., that we usually take for granted. Please consider helping - by donating. Thank you. Point-of-contact for St. James is Ray Hopkins at [email protected] and for Christ Lutheran is Anne Douds at [email protected].

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 Name of Jesus Food Donations Weekend

8:15 am Communion 9:15 am Fellowship

NO Youth Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

2 6:30 pm Property

3 2:00 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED) 6:00 pm Child Care Gov. 7:00 pm Evangelism 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:30 pm Worship & Music

4 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am STJCCC Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm HS Reading Group NO Elementary Choirs & NO Youth Groups

5 10:00 am Bible Study 6:00 pm Chris. Ed. 5:30 pm HS Reading Group (Snow Date) 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir

6 Jan. 6-8

HS Winterfest Lancaster, PA

7 Baptism of

Our Lord 5:30 pm Communion

8 Baptism of

Our Lord 8:15 am Communion 9:30 am Sunday School Second Sunday of Service 10:45 am Communion 5:00 pm Choral Evensong

9 7:00 pm Personnel

10 2:00 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED) 5:00 pm Finance 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:30 pm Art & Design

11 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am STJCCC Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 4:30 pm Executive NO Elementary Choirs & NO Youth Groups

12 10:00 am Bible Study 3:30 pm MS/HS Packing Backpacks Ruth’s Harvest 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir

13

14 Epiphany 2

5:30 pm Communion

15 Epiphany 2 8:15 am Communion 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Communion

Jan. 15-16 MS/HS 30 Hour Famine

Biglerville, PA

The Messenger DEADLINE

16 6:00 pm Mission Fund

17 9:00 am Gbg. Conference 2:00 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED) 5:30 pm Long-Range Strategic Planning 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm Library NO Social Ministry

18 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 8:00 am Gbg. Ministerium 9:30 am STJCCC Chapel 10:00 am Stephen Ministers 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 7:00 pm Troop 79 Comm. 7:00 pm COUNCIL NO Elementary Choirs & NO Youth Groups

19 10:00 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Pack 79 Comm. 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir

20 Jan. 20-22 Synod Quake Harrisburg,

PA

21 Epiphany 3

5:30 pm

Communion & Prayers for Healing

22 Epiphany 3 8:15 am Communion & Prayers for Healing 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Communion & Prayers for Healing 7:30 pm Martin Luther Choir

23 11:30 am Volunteer at Soup Kitchen 1:30 pm Archives

24 2:00 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED) 4:30 pm C.A.R.E.S. Board of Directors 6:00 pm World Outreach 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm Stewardship 7:30 pm Art & Design

25 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:00 am Messenger Volunteers & Messenger mailed 9:30 am STJCCC Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups MEET 7:00 pm Pr. Mike’s Mutual Ministry

26 10:00 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir

27 4:30 pm Family

Skate Night Magic Elm,

Hanover

28 Epiphany 4 5th Sunday

Servant Event benefits Adams Rescue Mission

5:30 pm Communion

29 Epiphany 4 RIC Sunday

5th Sunday Servant Event – Adams Rescue Mission

8:15 am Communion 9:30 am Sunday School & RIC Committee Members

(in the hallway) 10:45 am Communion

30

31 2:00 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED) 7:00 pm Troop 79

ST. JAMES

LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

PO BOX 4596, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325-4596

The Messenger will next be

processed Wednesday, January 25th.

Please e-mail all articles to

[email protected] by

Sunday, January 15th.

PLACE

POSTAGE

HERE

LABEL

Calling St. James at (717) 334-2012 Church Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

When calling our church office, you will reach the automated

phone system. Please leave a message on staff members’ voice-

mails by immediately pressing their extension number listed below.

201 Mella DeNoma Office Manager

[email protected]

202 Debra L. Nimtz Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

205 Pr. Michael E. Allwein Senior Pastor

[email protected]

206 Pr. Andrew R. Geib Associate Pastor

[email protected]

207 Jessica L. Smith Youth Minister

[email protected]

209 Timothy E. Braband Minister of Music

[email protected]

215 G. Thomas Bender Building Superintendent

[email protected]