All Saints Day. Lord, when was it that we saw you thirsty and gave you something to drink? Matthew 25:37

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1 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH P.O. Box 4596, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA Phone: (717) Fax: (717) Web Page: We respond to God s abundant grace by being hearers, proclaimers and doers of the Word. Volume 59, No. 11 THE MESSENGER November 2014 All Saints Day The weekend of November 1 & 2, we will remember the following who have departed this life since All Saints Day 2013, holding a firm conviction that they are safe in God s keeping and remembering their lives with thanksgiving: Charles W. Haberstroh, Jr. Charles R. Moser Alan V. Gillespie James S. Reaver Michael A. Seiler Marian F. Hege Robert C. Nordvall Ronald T. Heiges Luther A. Smith Treva K. Weikert James C. Hoak Florence D. Herring Vernon L. Heflin, Sr. Sherlie M. Little Raymond J. Harper Alice S. Phiel Christine E. Shryock Glenn L. Harner Sarah A. Raffensperger Jefferson E. Kuykendall Dale S. Bringman Nancy E. Wolfe Phyllis E. Swinn Dennis F. Wright Margaret M. Weigle Linda J. Kranias L. Virginia Godman Jeremiah R. Dixon Lona B.P. Helton Hurshel W. Shank, Jr. Irma O. Hopkins Fred J. Krause Cleason G. Fair, Jr. Deloris G. Fidler Roma G. Coshun Richard A. Sarge Cullison Lord, when was it that we saw you thirsty and gave you something to drink? Matthew 25:37 The Children and Youth of St James have been engaging the parable of the sheep and the goats focusing on projects to feed the hungry in September and October (apple gleaning, Ruth s Harvest, God s Global Barnyard) and focusing now on providing clean drinking water to people in developing nations. During Advent, we invite the congregation to join us by contributing to build a well in our sister-synod in Tanzania. The children and youth will decorate Advent envelopes to be used for the Well Project. All contributions collected at the Wednesday Advent services or that are received in the decorated envelopes will be used to provide a community in Tanzania with a well. Thank you for joining us in this project! Sally Hoh and the Youth Ministry Committee

2 Calling all singers, actors & musicians--we are gearing up for this year s CHRISTMAS PAGEANT for Sunday, December 21 from 9:30-10:30 am in the worship area. Rehearsals begin Sunday, November 2 (first 15 minutes of Sunday School for 4 yr. olds - 5 th graders). Extra registration forms are available in the office. Please contact Pete Riley (prfrog@embarqmail.com) or Julie Keyser (ajkeyser@comcast.net) if you have any questions. WORSHIP PREVIEWS November 1 & 2 All Saints Worship Services: Saturday at and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am (Time Change - turn your clock back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.) Readings: Revelation 7:9 17, Psalm 34:1 10, 22, 1 John 3:1 3, Matthew 5:1 12 First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by Social Ministry and World Outreach Committees. Food items collected at all services benefit local food pantries; under the auspices of Social Ministry. Columbarium Dedication at 9:30 am on the second floor of the Sunday School, opposite the elevator. Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am (Christmas Pageant Rehearsals begin as well). November 8 & 9 Pentecost 22 Worship Services: Saturday at and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Amos 5:18 24, Psalm 70, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18, Matthew 25:1 13 Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am (Second Sunday of Service - ages 4-grade 6 will be making Christmas cards to send to soldiers as we use one Sunday a month in sharing our gifts with others.) November 15 & 16 Pentecost 23 Worship Services: Saturday at and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Zephaniah 1:7, 12 18, Psalm 90:1 8[9 11] 12, 1 Thessalonians 5:1 11, Matthew 25:14 30 Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am and Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AT 12:30 PM (Proposed budgets are available in the gathering area. Annual Reports will also be available on November 1.) November 22 & 23 Christ the King Worship Services: Saturday at and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am WATERLIFE Readings: Ezekiel 34:11 16, 20 24, Psalm 95:1 7a, Ephesians 1:15 23, Matthew 25:31 46 Prayers for Healing will be offered at the conclusion of all worship services. Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am and Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. Wednesday, November 26, 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship All are welcome to worship at ST. JAMES for a community celebration of thanksgiving! (Offerings will go to the Gettysburg Ministerium voucher program to help those in need.) November 29 & 30 Advent 1 Worship Services: Saturday at and Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:45 am Readings: Isaiah 64:1 9, Psalm 80:1 7, 17 19, 1 Corinthians 1:3 9, Mark 13:24 37 Fifth Sunday Servant Event benefits Holiday Family Outreach (HFO); under the auspices of Social Ministry. Sunday School for all ages from 9:30-10:30 am and Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. ADVENTure Sunday, November 30, 12 noon, dining room All ages are invited for homemade soup, followed by Advent devotions, activities and crafts. There is no cost and you do not need to bring anything. Invite your friends and family as well!

3 DEATH September 29, 2014 BAPTISM October 12, 2014 WEDDINGS October 3, 2014 October 18, 2014 October 18, 2014 PARISH RECORDS Richard A. Sarge Cullison Isla Grace Arlington Brittany Little & Chris Snyder Amy Snyder & Brett Swope Natalie Andrews & Manny Negron RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS October 5, 2014 Matthew & Lindsey (Egan) Arlington - sponsor Anne Lane October 11, 2014 Maria Levenstein sponsor Donna Mountfort 62 nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY November 30, 1952 Ned D. & Joyce L. Crouse If you have been married 50+ years and want this information published, please contact Debby Nimtz. GETTYSBURG C.A.R.E.S. -- SERVING THE HOMELESS On Monday, October 20, Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. began its third year of providing nightly shelter for those who are homeless in our community. The program began filled to capacity with 30 guests (including 12 children) who are without shelter. We continue to need overnight volunteers, host volunteers, and donated items of food for their evening meals. A list of items needed can be found on the table in the gathering area, and can be brought to the office. (This list will also be printed in the December Messenger.) The next training for volunteers will be held here at St. James on Monday, November 17 at 7 pm. Sign-up in the gathering area. Thank you for your continued support and prayers! SHARING MINISTRY WITH ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, HAMPTON Pastor Mike and Pastor Laura have agreed to enter into a shared agreement with the congregation of St. John Lutheran Church, Hampton, to lead their Sunday morning service of Holy Communion once a month. This congregation is without a called pastor, and is currently being served by a fourth-year student from the Gettysburg Seminary. This student also serves in the Military Reserves; therefore, on one Sunday each month, when Holy Communion is celebrated as part of their Sunday worship, one of our pastors will lead their service, which begins at 9:00 am. This is a beautiful opportunity to share our gifts with another Lutheran congregation! St. James will have a Habitat for Humanity Work Day on Saturday, November 22. We ll need five workers and snacks for the morning. Please contact Shirley Sanders to help at or sandersds@comcast.net. Thank you for your support!! OCTOBER 15, 2014 COUNCIL REPORT - Submitted by Bill Shoemaker, Council Secretary Congregational Meeting: The annual Congregational Meeting is set for Sunday, November 16 at 12:30 pm. There will be a light lunch of veggies, cheese/crackers, cookies, etc. after the late service. Financial Reports: Although income is under the budgeted total through September, our expenditures are also under, so St. James is still in the black. Budget: The Council voted to approve the 2015 budget and send it to the congregation at the November 16 th meeting. All committees are at least level funded, staff received a 2% COLA, and the total expenditures are just under the 2014 expenditures. Only 61 commitment cards were returned by the October 5 th deadline. New Business: Council approved a World Outreach motion to sell scarves on Nov. 22 and 23 to support the Christian Nurses Scholarship Fund of Bangladesh. A motion from Personnel was approved, hiring Karen Lentz as Treasurer beginning January 1, A partnership between St. James and St. John s Lutheran in Hampton was explained to Council. Our pastors will alternate coverage of the 9:00 am Sunday service at St. John s once per month when the Seminarian covering their parish is at Reserves training. Both pastors agreed with the Synod request to assist a sister parish in need of support. Council was encouraged to think of ways St. James might support the ELCA and Lower Susquehanna Synod Always Being Made New campaign and the Gettysburg Seminary s Leadership Circles campaign. Although no decisions were reached, ideas were discussed for consideration at a future meeting. Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S.: Pr. Allwein reported that the overnight program for individuals who are homeless begins Oct. 20 and there are already 31 registered, 8 of whom are children. St. James will host overnight guests the week before and the week of Christmas. Next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00 pm in the Church Library. - 3

4 JOIN AN ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS! ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets in Room 200, end of the main hallway; Judy Leslie, contact. Each week we have timely presentations and discussions. Join us as your schedule allows! Nov. 2 The Reformation and Changes in Church Rituals (2) - Baird Tipson Nov. 9 The Concept of Sacrifice in the Old Testament - Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens Nov. 16 The Important Role of Dietary Laws in the Early Christian Communities - Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens Nov. 23 What were the First Christian Churches Like? - Pastor Emeritus Fritz Foltz Nov. 30 Lecture 15: Sun and Sexuality in Early Scandinavia by Professor John R. Hale discussion GOOD SAMARITAN CLASS meets in Room 303, upper level with an elevator; Nina Dolly, contact. We have a 15 minute opening service with songs, a reading, offering and prayer before the Augsburg Bible Series lesson. Nov. 2 Ron Couchman Ezekiel 43:1-12 Seeking a Place of Peace Nov. 9 Ron Couchman Ezekiel 43:13-21 Suffering and Relishing Special Places Nov. 16 Joe MacDowell Ezekiel 47:3-12 Life Needs Water Nov. 23 Norma Wood Ezekiel 47:13-23 A New Beginning Nov. 30 Ray Hopkins Isaiah 52 Seeking Words of Hope The Stewardship Committee thanks everyone who has returned Commitment Cards. Extra cards are available in the gathering area and can still be mailed or dropped off at the office. If you find it easier to manage your giving online, you may want to consider electronic giving. Most banks provide the option of online bill payment, and you can make arrangements to automatically transfer funds from your checking account to St. James at the interval that is most convenient for you. Bangladesh Fair Trade Scarves Members of the World Outreach Committee will be selling Bangladesh fair trade scarves in the Gathering Area during the weekend of November The scarves will be priced at $15.00 each. The proceeds of the sale will go to provide scholarships for LAMB Hospital nurses to attend the South Asian Christian Nurses Conference, a project supported by our mission partners, Stacy and Utpal Saha who spoke about the conference during their visit with us last July. THE ADAMS RESCUE MISSION is holding a Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser on Friday, November 14 at the Intersection Church (1980 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, near Lake Heritage entrance). Dinner and auction is from 4:00-7:00 pm. Tickets are: $10 adults; $5 children ages 5-12 (pre-order or at the door). For tickets or for more information, please call % of the funds raised benefit the Adams Rescue Mission s work of feeding, clothing, and sheltering the homeless in our communities. Mark your calendars for the third annual HOSPICE TREE OF LIGHT CEREMONY. This years service will be held on Sunday, November 30 th at on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Gettysburg. A reception will follow at the Refectory with Advent Vespers at 7:00 pm in the campus chapel. This service is a joint effort between LSS and Lutheran Home Care & Hospice and allows people to dedicate a light in honor or memory of a loved one. The proceeds will help provide care for hospice families in need. To dedicate a light, visit or call Lutheran Home Care & Hospice provides home health care, in home support, hospice and bereavement services in south central and northeastern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. - 4

5 LWR QUILTING BEE (sponsored by our World Outreach Committee) will be held on Monday & Tuesday, November 10 & 11 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Room 309. Coffee and dessert will be provided; however, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch if you wish. CLEAN SHEETS are the only needed supplies and may be left in the church office until the event. Please register at the sign-up table in the gathering area OR contact Joan Wise at or lbggty@embarqmail.com. You are welcome to help either day! Since 1953, volunteers of the HOLIDAY FAMILY OUTREACH, INC. (HFO) have worked long and hard each year to make sure that low-income families in Adams County have toys for their children and that families, the elderly and those with disabilities have food for the holidays. Through referrals from social agencies and churches, distribution will once again take place at St. James on Saturday, December 13. Last year, HFO provided two new toys for 1,192 children and 1,515 - $25.00 Kennies food certificates to 571 families, elderly and disabled in Adams County. (St. James Fifth Sunday Servant Event will be held the weekend of November 29 & 30 to benefit Holiday Family Outreach.) If you would like to send a monetary donation to Holiday Family Outreach, Inc. you may do so by making a check payable to: HFO, PO Box 4013, Gettysburg, PA or you can also do so online at PLEASE JOIN Holiday Family Outreach, Inc. at St. James on Wednesday, November 12 from 12-2 pm for a Reception of Giving. We will be in the gathering area during that time and any donations made to Holiday Family Outreach, Inc. on that day will be matched by the Gettysburg Community Foundation through a special grant! So please join us for light refreshments and some Christmas Spirit! Gift receipts will be available if you would like to donate in a loved one s name. This is a perfect opportunity to make your annual HFO donation go further. Merry Christmas and Thank You! THANK YOU TO THE ADULTS & YOUTH from St. James and Christ Lutheran Churches who participated in Apple Gleaning 40 bags of apples (1,000 lbs.) for: SCCAP, Adams Rescue Mission, Gettysburg Soup Kitchen, Lutheran Seminary Food Pantry, Ruth s Harvest and the Gettysburg College Afterschool Program! A very special thank you to Phil and Tara Baugher who graciously hosted this event at Adams County Nursery! For when I was hungry, you fed me. Stephen Ministers Care! Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who has been struggling with the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, relocation, divorce, a spiritual crisis, recuperation, single parenthood, or any of countless other life challenges? Our Stephen Ministers can provide them with the focused care, encouragement, and support they need to make it through the crisis. If you know of someone who is hurting, talk with one of our Stephen Leaders: Pastor Michael Allwein ( ext. 205) or Sue Hill ( ). They can talk with you about how we can connect the person you know with one of our Stephen Ministers. It s a great way for you to show you care! Please join us for an informational meeting designed for CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH ALZHEIMER S on Wednesday, December 3 from 10:00 am - 12 noon at St. James. There is no cost. Topics will include Alzheimer s as a brain disease, stigmas around the diagnosis, the social effects of Alzheimer s on both the patient and caregiver, and coping skills for the caregiver. There will be a question and answer time for your own specific questions

6 November 2014 Children & Youth Ministry Dive In! Lord, when was it that we saw you thirsty and gave you something to drink? Matthew 25:37 In September and October, we found some ways to feed the hungry: apple gleaning, filling backpacks with food for elementary children through Ruth s Harvest, collecting offerings in Sunday School to support God s Global Barnyard. In November and December, we ll spend some time thinking about the need for clean drinking water. How can a community rise up out of poverty if they have to walk 3 miles to a river for water? How can parents hope to raise healthy children if their only source of water is contaminated? How can we help?! Perhaps we can use our Advent offerings to build a well in our sister synod in Tanzania. Thank you Apple Gleaners! We collected 1,000 pounds of apples which were distributed to SCCAP, the Seminary, the Rescue Mission, the Soup Kitchen, and Gettysburg College s Center for Public Service Afterschool Program! Thank you to everyone who ate at Hoss s on Oct. 8. $409 was raised for 2015 youth trips! High School Reading Group is starting back up! We meet at the Foltz s home at on Wednesdays: Nov. 5, Dec. 10 and Jan. 28! We re updating our list of college students so we can send care packages this fall before final exams. Please send contact info to Sally Hoh or Jean Uhlig so we don t miss anyone! ADVENTure is back! Sunday, November 30 th at noon in the Dining Room! ALL ages are invited for lunch (homemade soup) followed by Advent devotions, wrapping up with activities and crafts for adults and children. Please invite friends! All are welcome! Drawing of a well by Mynia Fuhrman, grade 3 Middle School Retreat! Youth in 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grades are invited to an overnight retreat at Nawakwa Nov ! Register with Sally Hoh! Winterfest! Youth in 9 th through 12 th grade are invited to attend our synod s Senior High Youth Gathering on January 2 to 4. Harrisburg Quake! Youth in 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade are invited to attend Youth Encounter s Quake on January 16 to 18. Registration forms and deposits are due by November 23 rd! Information about the trips, registration and Medical Info/Parental Consent Forms are available on the Youth bulletin board, in the Youth House, or by contacting Sally Hoh. Our expectation is that youth attending these special events are actively involved in Youth Group and/or Sunday School as well as service projects and fundraisers. If you have questions about the trips or our expectations, please contact Sally. REACH Workcamp! Youth entering 7 th and 8 th grade and Senior High youth not attending the National Youth Gathering are invited to attend Workcamp June 28 to July 4 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio! Please mark your calendars now to avoid schedule conflicts next summer! Elementary Youth Group 3:30-4:15 pm K-2 nd grade in the Youth House (3 rd -5 th grade Jubilant Choir in the Music Room) 4:15-5 pm 3 rd -5 th grade in the Youth House (K-2 nd grade Alleluia Choir in the Music Room) NO Youth Group/Choir on Wed. Nov. 26. MS & HS Youth Group Middle School Youth Group 5:15-6:30 pm Koinonia Choir (6 th -12 th grade) 6:30-7:30 pm High School Youth Group 7:30-9:00 pm NO Breakfast Nov. 26. NO Youth Group Nov. 30.

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 All Saints Food Donations Weekend 8:15 am Communion 9:15 am Fellowship 9:30 am Columbarium Dedication & Christmas Pageant Rehearsals Begin 10:45 am Communion 5:15 pm MS Youth Group 6:30 pm Koinonia Choir 7:30 pm HS Youth Group 3 6:30 pm Property 7:15 pm Study Group 4 2:00 pm Staff Meet 6:30 pm Evangelism 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm Cont. Prayer 7:30 pm Worship & Music NO Child Care Gov. next meeting Jan. 6 at 5:00 pm 5 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am STJCC Chapel 10:30 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups HS Reading Grp 7:00 pm Youth Ministry 6 9:45 am Bible Study 6:00 pm Chris. Ed. 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir 7 6:30 pm Moses at Sight & Sound Women s Retreat DEADLINE 1 All Saints Communion (Reports Available) TIME CHANGE Clocks back 1 hour ======== 8 Pentecost 22 Communion 9 Pentecost 22 8:15 am Communion & youth making Christmas cards to send to soldiers 10:45 am Communion 5:15 pm MS Youth Group 6:30 pm Koinonia Choir 7:30 pm HS Youth Group 10 9:00 am Quilting Bee 7:15 pm Study Group 11 9:00 am Quilting Bee 2:00 pm Staff Meet 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm Personnel 12 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:00 am Executive 9:30 am STJCC Chapel 10:30 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 12:00 pm Reception of Giving 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups 6:00 pm Seminary Dinner 13 9:45 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir 14 Nov. 14 & 15 Camp Nawakwa 15 Pentecost 23 Communion & Prayers for Healing 2:30 pm Middle School Nawakwa Retreat The Messenger DEADLINE 16 Pentecost 23 8:15 am Communion & Prayers for Healing & Pageant Rehearsals 10:45 am Communion & Prayers for Healing * 12:30 pm MEETING 3:00 pm MS Retreat Return 7:30 pm HS Youth Group NO MS Youth Group & NO Koinonia Choir 17 7:00 pm Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. Volunteer Training 7:15 pm Study Group 18 1:30 pm Archives 2:00 pm Staff Meet 5:00 pm Finance 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm Library NO Nov. & Dec. Social Ministry 19 6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am STJCC Chapel 10:00 am Stephen Ministers 10:30 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups 7:00 pm Trp. 79 Comm. 7:00 pm COUNCIL 20 9:45 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Pack 79 Comm. 7:00 pm Pack 79 7:30 pm Adult Choir Christ the King Communion & Fair Trade Scarves for sale November 22 & 23 Habitat for Humanity Work Day 23 Christ the King 8:15 am Communion & Pageant Rehearsals 10:45 am Communion & WATERLIFE 5:15 pm MS Youth Group 6:30 pm Koinonia Choir 7:30 pm HS Youth Group 7:30 pm Martin Luther Ch Youth registration forms and deposits due. 30 Advent 1 5 th Sunday Servant Event 8:15 am Communion & Pageant Rehearsals 10:45 am Communion 12:00 noon ADVENTure NO MS/HS Youth Group & NO Koinonia Choir November 24 11:30 am Volunteer at Soup Kitchen 7:15 pm Study Group 25 2:00 pm Staff Meet 7:00 pm Troop 79 7:00 pm IT 7:00 pm Stewardship 7:00 pm World Outreach *7:15 pm (change) Art & Design 26 8:30 am Messenger Volunteers & Messenger mailed 9:30 am STJCC Chapel 10:30 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl NO MS/HS Breakfast, NO Elementary Choirs & NO Youth Groups * 7:00 pm WORSHIP * 27 Church Office & Child Care CLOSED 28 Church Office & Child Care CLOSED 29 Advent 1 5 th Sunday Servant Event benefits Holiday Family Outreach (HFO) Communion 2014

8 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA PO BOX 4596, GETTYSBURG, PA PLACE POSTAGE HERE The Messenger will next be mailed Wednesday, November 26 th. All churchrelated articles must be ed to before Saturday, November 15 th. REMINDER The Messenger is posted online monthly at LABEL Calling St. James at (717) 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 voic s by immediately pressing their extension number listed below. 201 Mella DeNoma Office & Finance 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 Pr. Laura L. Haupt Interim Pastor lhaupt@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