ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH P.O. Box 4596, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325-4596

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

Web Page: www.stjamesgettysburg.org

E-mail: office@stjamesgettysburg.org “We respond to God’s abundant grace by being hearers, proclaimers and doers of the Word.”

Volume 60, No. 08 THE MESSENGER August 2015

Pastor Laura’s last day with us will be Sunday, July 26th. On that day from 9:30-10:30 am, there will be an opportunity during the Congregation Council fellowship in the gathering area, to say “Thank You and Godspeed” to Pr. Laura. Andrew Geib has accepted the call to be our Associate Pastor and will begin Monday, July 27th.

We welcome Associate Pastor, Andrew R. Geib!

Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ!

Over the past few months I have had the joy of meeting and getting to know Pastor Mike, the St. James staff, as well as a number of you throughout the various stages of the call process. In all of this, I have been able to hear and see some wonderful things about the faith and love of the community here at St. James, something that, no doubt, I will only witness more of as I serve as your associate pastor.

My wife, Olivia and I would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for your faithfulness and prayerful support throughout the past few months, and look forward to getting to know all of you in the months to come. We would also like to thank members of the Call Committee, the Congregation Council, Pastor Mike, and all of the staff for their hard work and dedication to the Church and St. James throughout the process of calling an associate pastor. Olivia and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of St. James and begin this new chapter of our lives in Gettysburg. I look forward to the years to come, to getting to know all of you, and to serving Christ by your sides. Blessings! ~Andrew

Welcome on this day. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to be ministers of reconciliation both in the church and in the world. Through our baptism we are 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. As a community of faith, we proclaim this statement of welcome.

WORSHIP PREVIEWS August 1 & 2 – Pentecost 10 Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Exodus 16:2–4, 9–15, Psalm 78:23–29, Ephesians 4:1–16, John 6:24–35 First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by Executive, Fellowship and Finance Committees. Items collected at all services benefit local food pantries; under the auspices of Social Ministry. Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am.

August 8 & 9 – Pentecost 11 Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: 1 Kings 19:4–8, Psalm 34:1–8, Ephesians 4:25—5:2, John 6:35, 41–51 Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am.

August 15 & 16 – Pentecost 12 Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Proverbs 9:1–6, Psalm 34:9–14, Ephesians 5:15–20, John 6:51–58 Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am.

August 22 & 23 – Pentecost 13 Worship Services & Prayers for Healing: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Joshua 24:1–2a, 14–18, Psalm 34:15–22, Ephesians 6:10–20, John 6:56–69 Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am.

August 29 & 30 – Pentecost 14 Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9, Psalm 15, James 1:17–27, Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 Fifth Sunday Servant Event (under the auspices of our Social Ministry Committee) benefits Tender Care Pregnancy Center, Inc. Please stop at the main hallway Giving Branch to see what donations are needed. Sunday School for ADULTS from 9:30-10:30 am and CAMPING SUNDAY in the worship area!

CAMPING SUNDAY IS AUGUST 30! The youth who attended the National Youth Gathering and Reach Workcamp and children who attended Nawakwa and Kirchenwald will share their experiences with the congregation from 9:30-10:30 am in the worship area. This is NOT just for families. It’s for all our members who encourage our children and youth in so many ways. Come see what your support allowed us to do this summer!

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Praise Fest at Rec Park Amphitheater On Saturday, August 1, St. James is partnering with seven other churches in the community to sponsor a Praise Fest, from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. This event will include live music (4-5 bands), children’s activities, free food, and a message given by Pastor Gerry Stoltzfoos from Freedom Valley Church. There will also be opportunities for sharing prayer requests and lots of fellowship and fun! This is the second year this event has been held, as St. James continues to help lead a community initiative for churches and congregations to work together in bringing a greater presence of the Gospel’s Good News beyond the walls of this congregation. Such ministries as Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S., Ruth’s Harvest, “Ashes To Go” on Ash Wednesday, have been an outgrowth of this “God On the Ground” initiative. Our Evangelism Committee is supporting this event with some funding and our Fellowship Committee is providing some food. Plan to join us for some or part of this community event!

CONFIRMATION TEACHERS NEEDED: Looking for a few individuals passionate about teaching and sharing their faith with teens on Sunday mornings. Will you join our team of Confirmation teachers? Great working conditions! Brand new curriculum! Fun people to work with! Spiritual benefits abound! If intrigued, interested, or have questions, please contact Pastor Mike.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study with Pastor Mike to begin September 30!

As we move into the fall time of the year, Pastor Mike will resume the

Wednesday morning Bible Study, which was led by Pastor Laura the past year.

The format will follow the Bible Workbench model, using the upcoming Sunday

scriptures as a birthing process to discover God revealed in our daily lives.

Weekly, we will focus on only one of the three weekly scriptures, to be decided

a month in advance. Pastor Mike will use excerpts from literature to highlight

God’s workings in our lives, as well as well-known scripture scholars to

highlight a creative way of discovering God’s word giving new life to our daily

lives. We’ll meet from 10:00 – 11:30 am each week in the church library.

Come as you are able. Stay as long as you are able!

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CAREGIVERS (funeral reception ministry) could use one or two large clear

glass bowls, app. 10 inches across). We do not need punch bowls. If you have a

bowl that you are no longer using, please bring it to the church office. Thank you!

Two Upcoming Summer Musical Events

Come hear the Village Brass and organist Timothy Braband in a celebration

entitled “Handel’s Diary” on Sunday, August 2 at 2:30 pm in the Nicarry

Meetinghouse at Cross Keys Village. The program centers on the music

and life of G. F. Handel and will include many favorites: Royal Fireworks,

Water Music and the Hallelujah Chorus scored for brass and organ.

On Saturday, August 8 at 7:30 pm in the worship space of St. James

Lutheran Church, pianist Kim Carney and saxophonist Joshua Heaney

will present a recital of solo and duo repertoire. The recital will showcase a

variety of music, ranging from the music of J.S. Bach to classic rags, and a

premiere of a new piece by Coleman Rowlett. Kim and Joshua are both

recent graduates of Susquehanna University where they both studied music.

This is their first collaborative effort. Come and enjoy these young

musicians in concert.

The annual gift drive for SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at

Gettysburg Auxiliary is in full swing through September 19th

.

Sandy Speck is our congregation representative. Place your

contribution in an envelope marked SpiritTrust Auxiliary and mail to

the church office or place in the offering plate. You are invited to

speak to Gareth “Lefty” Biser or Sandy for more information.

Mark your calendars for the SpiriTrust event which will be held on

Saturday, September 19 from 8 am – 2 pm. We continue to ask for

prayers for our residents and thank you for your support!

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PARISH RECORDS

DEATHS

June 21, 2015 Jean B. Raffensperger

July 4, 2015 Rhoda T. Hartzell

BAPTISM

July 25, 2015 Jessica Rachael (Blank) Main

WEDDING

June 27, 2015 Allison Baugher & Nathan Crowell

50+ WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

August 9, 1946 Wilbur A., Jr. & Jean E. Rudisill 69 years

August 22, 1948 Edward H. & T. Ruth Carbaugh 67 years

August 25, 1963 Kenneth E. & Gloria A. Unger 52 years

August 26, 1951 Martin L. & Catherine S. Crabill 64 years

JOIN AN ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS!

ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets in Room 200, at the end of the main hallway (contact person is Judy Leslie). Each week we enjoy timely presentations and discussions. All ages are welcome!

Aug. 2 “Life in Southern Africa: HIV/AIDS” led by Susan & Jim Roach

Aug. 9 “Life in Southern Africa: Daily Life” led by Ray Hopkins and Judy & Bill Leslie

Aug. 16 “Our Community - Putting our Faith into Action” led by Tom Jolin

Aug. 23 “Ongoing Debates in the Bible” led by Judy Young

Aug. 30 “Camping Sunday” led by St. James Youth (WORSHIP AREA)

GOOD SAMARITAN CLASS meets in Room 303, at the upper level with an elevator (contact person is Nina Dolly). We have a 15 min. opening, reading, offering prayer, followed by a Bible lesson.

Aug. 2 Pr. Mike

Aug. 9 Ron Couchman

Aug. 16 Ron Couchman

Aug. 23 Joe MacDowell

Aug. 30 Janet Landon

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If you are interested in joining St. James,

please contact Pr. Mike at 334-2012 ext.

205 or mallwein@stjamesgettysburg.org.

Reimagining Faith Formation for the 21st Century

Teaching faith to our children and adults is more than Sunday school on a Sunday

morning!!!!! Is this possible? You bet it is! In fact, it is absolutely necessary!

St. James has joined with other congregations in our synod to look closely at how we

might be able to become better integrated in the way we pass on our faith to the next

generation. As a congregation we have been very good in our role of

intergenerational family faith practice at home; strong congregational community

relationships and church life, especially Sunday worship; weekly Sunday school and

youth programs. Over the years, we’ve depended mainly on church and family to

transmit faith from one generation to the next, very often in a very formalized

manner. Faith formation in the 21st century is already beginning to look different. It

is time to reimage how we might best pass on our faith and traditions to the next

generation. This will relate to curriculum, use of technology, intergenerational

church life and events, and many more possibilities.

As we begin to envision Christian faith more deliberately, as a way of the head, the

heart, and the hands—informing, forming, and transforming people in Christian faith

and identity, we are looking for individuals who are passionately interested in

helping St. James move in this direction. Our Evangelism Committee has already

committed the monies ($250) to begin this process. We are organizing a team of

people to form a St. James Faith Formation website. The website would develop

and organize resources for ALL ages to assist in life-long learning. Materials would

be available for parents, grandparents, singles, couples, young families, teens, and

children and would include Bible studies, resources for book groups, Advent or

Lenten materials, etc. There are two upcoming workshops, October 24 and

December 5, where we would absolutely be delighted for several individuals to join

Sally Hoh and Pastor Mike at these workshops, in this exciting and necessary venture

for the future of St. James and the future of the church. If interested, please contact

either Sally or Pastor Mike by mid-September of your intent.

OASIS MINISTRIES is offering a retreat on Friday, August 21 from 10:00 am –

3:00 pm at Mt. Gretna. Please join Cindy Garis as she talks about “Summer De-

Stress: A Mindful Approach to Stress Reduction.” Cost is $50 - $75 as you are

able. You can register at http://www.oasismin.org/SummerDe-Stress.htm#Price

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“Preparing Through Life for End of Life – Interactive Resource Fair to

Help Plan and Prepare for End of Life” will be offered free of charge on

Saturday, September 26 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Gettysburg Presbyterian

Church, Baltimore Street. Topics include: Advanced Directives and/or

Living Wills, Pre-Planning for Funerals, Estate Planning, Grief Support,

Home Care, Nursing Care, Hospice and much more. Join us! (This event

is sponsored by the End of Life Committee, an affiliate of Healthy Adams

County.)

THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE invites you to join us for a free

financial educational series called More Than Money Matters®. It’s a five

session series, created by Thrivent Financial, that’s designed to equip you with

tools and information to help you manage your money wisely and make

spending decisions that align with your goals and values. During the work-

shop, you’ll learn how to:

Set SMART goals.

Find money to save.

Understand credit and debt.

Put it all together by creating a budget to help manage your finances.

This free educational workshop will be offered at St. James on Sunday evenings

at 6:00 pm. A light dinner will be served, followed by the workshop. The series

begins on Sunday, October 4 and runs through Sunday, November 1. Please

pre-register by signing up in the gathering area.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2016

We missed this year, but let's plan some activities to celebrate Earth Day next year (April 22

& Earth Day Sunday, April 26) to recognize our role as stewards of God's magnificent

creation. We can have fun, learn something, and both enjoy and tend the earth. Will you

share your ideas of activities, speakers, needs that we might incorporate? Will you help plan a

memorable event? We've got plenty of time but let's get the ball rolling and JUST DO IT!

Sign up in the gathering area and you will be contacted.

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August 2015

Children &

Youth Ministry

Dive In!

“The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark 1:1

Jesus’ story begins with his birth, ministry, death and resurrection, but continues through his

followers as they serve. We are part of the

Good News of Jesus Christ!

A huge Thank You to everyone who donated

diapers for Detroit! The response was overwhelming. Families in Detroit are very grateful for your compassion.

Thank you also for all your prayers and

support for the 30 Middle School and High

School youth who attended Reach Workcamp and the ELCA National Youth Gathering this summer! Both trips were outstanding in ways that are hard to describe in words. Please attend Camping Sunday on August 30 to hear our stories!

Lock In for children in Kindergarten, 1st and

2nd grade begins at 6 pm on Saturday, August 8 in the Youth House! Friends are welcome! Bring a sleeping bag, pillow and snack to share. Breakfast is provided. We’ll get up in time to worship at the 8:15 am service on Sunday. Please RSVP to youth@stjamesgettysburg.org!

Lock In for children in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade

begins at 6 pm on Saturday, August 15 in the Youth House! Same details as above! Friends are welcome. Please RSVP!

Middle School and High School youth are invited

to watch “God’s Not Dead” in the Youth

House on Sunday, August 9! We’ll begin with pizza at 5 pm and wrap up around 8 pm. All are welcome!

Drawing by Olivia Braun, age 7 & Mynia Fuhrman, age 9 Children, youth and their families are invited to meet at Gateway Theater at 9:45 am on Wednesday, August 5 to see “How to Train Your Dragon 2” together. The movie begins at 10 am and is free. Please let Sally know if you need a ride from the church.

Camping Sunday is August 30! The youth

who attended the National Youth Gathering and Reach Workcamp and children who attended Nawakwa and Kirchenwald will share their experiences with the congregation at 9:30 am in the worship area during the Sunday School hour. This is NOT just for families. It’s for all our members who encourage our children and youth in so many ways. Come see what your support allowed us to do this summer!

Our annual Back to School Picnic will take

place at noon on Sunday, August 30! Children, youth and their families are invited! Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share.

Wednesday Morning Breakfasts for Middle

and High School Youth resume Wednesday, August 26 at 6:45 am! Join us for a delicious start to your day! Adults interested in helping should please speak with Sally Hoh. We could use help at 7:15 am washing dishes.

Mark your calendars for “God’s Work, Our Hands, Our Voices” Day of Service taking

place on Sunday, September 13!

Follow us on Facebook at We<3 St James YG!! or St James Lutheran Church Gettysburg, PA.

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA Welcome to long-time Lutherans, Christians from every tradition, and people new to faith.

Welcome to all who have no church home, want to follow Christ, have doubts, or do not believe.

Welcome to new visitors and old friends.

Welcome to people of every age and size, color and culture, every sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status,

marital status, ability and challenge.

Welcome to believers and questioners, and to questioning believers.

This is a place where you are welcome to celebrate and sorrow, rejoice and recover. This is a place where lives are made new.

Come and listen for the Holy Spirit calling you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 Food Donations

Weekend

8:15 am Communion

9:15 am Fellowship

9:30 am ADULT

Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

2:30 pm “Handel’s

Diary” w/Tim Braband

(Cross Keys Village)

3 12:30 pm STJCCC

Kids’ Club Chapel

6:30 pm Property

4 12:00 noon

World Outreach at

El Costeno followed

by 1:00 pm meeting

2:00 pm Staff Meet

6:30 pm

Evangelism

7:00 pm Troop 79

NO Child Care Gov.

& NO Worship & Music

5 9:30 am STJCCC Chapel

9:45 am “How to Train

Your Dragon 2”- Gateway

10:30 am Bible Study

10:30 am Prayer Shawl

7:00 pm Youth Ministry

6

NO Chris. Ed.

7

1

5:30 pm

Communion

4:00 pm Praise Fest

(Rec Park)

6:00 pm K, 1st, 2nd

Lock-In

==============

8

5:30 pm

Communion

7:30 pm Recital

(St. James)

9 8:15 am Communion

9:30 am ADULT

Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

5:00 pm MS/HS Pizza

&“God’s Not Dead”

10

12:30 pm STJCCC

Kids’ Club Chapel

4:45 pm

Endowment

7:00 pm Personnel

11 2:00 pm Staff Meet

7:00 pm Troop 79

12 9:00 am Executive

9:30 am STJCCC Chapel

10:30 am Bible Study

10:30 am Prayer Shawl

13 6:00 pm Chris. Ed.

(note night change)

14

15 5:30 pm

Communion

6:00 pm 3rd, 4th, 5th

Lock-In

The Messenger

DEADLINE

16 8:15 am Communion

9:30 am ADULT

Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

17 12:30 pm STJCCC

Kids’ Club Chapel

(last summer one)

18 1:30 pm Archives

2:00 pm Staff Meet

5:00 pm Finance

7:00 pm Troop 79

7:00 pm Library

7:15 pm

Social Ministry

19 Gbg. School Starts

10:00 am

Stephen Ministers

10:30 am Bible Study

10:30 am Prayer Shawl

7:00 pm Trp. 79 Comm.

7:00 pm COUNCIL

20

21

22 5:30 pm

Communion &

Prayers for Healing

23 8:15 am Communion

& Prayers for Healing

9:30 am ADULT

Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

& Prayers for Healing

24 11:30 am

Volunteer at

Soup Kitchen

25 2:00 pm Staff Meet

4:30 pm C.A.R.E.S.

Board of Directors

7:00 pm Troop 79

7:00 pm

Stewardship

7:30 pm

Art & Design

NO World Outreach

26 6:45 am FIRST

MS/HS Breakfast

8:30 am

Messenger Volunteers

& Messenger mailed

9:30 am STJCCC Chapel

10:30 am Bible Study

10:30 am Prayer Shawl

27

28

29 5th Sunday Servant

Event benefits

Tender Care

Pregnancy Center

5:30 pm

Communion

30 5th Sunday Servant

Event benefits Tender

Care Pregnancy Center 8:15 am Communion

9:30 am ADULT

Sunday School &

Camping Sunday

10:45 am Communion

12:00 noon

Back-to-School Picnic

31

ST. JAMES

LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

PO BOX 4596, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325-4596

The Messenger will next be processed Wednesday, August 26th. All church-related articles must be e-mailed to dnimtz@stjamesgettysburg.org before Saturday, August 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

cdenoma@stjamesgettysburg.org

202 Debra L. Nimtz Administrative Assistant

dnimtz@stjamesgettysburg.org

203 Katherine A. Johnson Administrative Assistant

office@stjamesgettysburg.org

205 Pr. Michael E. Allwein Senior Pastor

mallwein@stjamesgettysburg.org

206 Andrew R. Geib Associate Pastor

ageib@stjamesgettysburg.org

207 Sally Hoh Youth Minister

youth@stjamesgettysburg.org

209 Timothy E. Braband Minister of Music

tbraband@stjamesgettysburg.org

215 G. Thomas Bender Building Superintendent

sexton@stjamesgettysburg.org