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 63, No. 01 THE MESSENGER January 2018

MUSINGS from Pastor Mike [to muse (myooz), v. to think, gaze, or say wonderingly]

Three hundred years of experts were completely and utterly wrong in the information they gave Lewis and Clark as they set out on expedition to discover the Pacific Ocean.

A scholar’s mind, a pastor’s heart, and a whimsical flare for writing is what attracted me to this groundbreaking work on Christian leadership, entitled, Canoeing the Mountains. Tod Bolsinger gives us five navigational guides that I think can be helpful to us as we move into a new year:

1.) The world in front of you is nothing like the world behind you. 2.) No one is going to follow you off the map unless they trust you on the map. 3.) In unchartered territory, adaptation is everything. 4.) You can’t go alone, but you haven’t succeeded until you’ve survived the sabotage. 5.) Everybody will be changed (especially the leaders).

This book is about leadership in the church, but I think it is, more importantly, about commitment and engagement by church members into this organization we call “faith community.” If nothing I’ve written thus far on this page is enough to intrigue you, then maybe the title of the epilogue might do it: “Taking the Hill with Grandma!” Here’s a glimpse: “We have to love the kindly grandmas and grandpas, cute little children, cranky aunts and uncles, overcommitted brothers and sisters, sometimes irascible and often inspiring teenagers with whom God has called us to be spiritual family. We are all called to take the hill” [p. 220].

Thank you to our Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee that continues to meet monthly and work tirelessly, making sure we keep an eye on the future. Thank you to so very many of you who make sure this large congregation continues to be energized for mission. We have lots of individuals with the competence, courage and capacity to embrace the future of St. James. I believe there is a place for every one of you!

From my musings point of view, at the beginning of a New Year, let’s sound the call for all of us to be true adventurers for the mission of God in a rapidly changing world. Happy 2018!

Dinner & Worship Assistants Training WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 -- Dinner at 5:15 pm & Training at 6:00 pm

We invite adults and youth of all ages to join us for a time of “creating worship together” as we offer training (or re-training) for ushers, communion assistants, sacristy helpers, bell ringers, acolytes, greeters, flower deliverers, and youth greeters. The meal will be provided. Come as a family, bring your children, join in finding a part for you in our weekend worship services. We will be finished by 7:00 pm. We especially invite those who have considered helping at worship but haven’t known where they fit in! Join us this evening and we will help you find a role that matches your longing!

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

JANUARY 6 & 7 – BAPTISM OF OUR LORD We are called God’s beloved children through our Baptism, and then set on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace. We remember aloud all those baptized over the past year. Readings: Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 First Sunday Fellowship at 9:15 am; hosted by Endowment and Child Care Governance Committees. Food items collected at all services benefit local food pantries; under the auspices of Social Ministry.

Baptism of Our Lord On January 6 & 7, we will acknowledge those baptized since Baptism of Our Lord 2017, 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.”

Thomas M. Butler Reese Avery Banaszek

Izabella McKenzie Cosden Brittney Nicole (Bollinger) Long

Ariana Maddison Cosden Liam Patrick Reilly

Eliza Ruth Crowell John Nicholas Scavitto

Connor James Clowney Jack Vincent Altemose

Anna Grace Reed Emma Kae Smith

Leighton Matthew Witherow Roman Andrew Mauston

JANUARY 13 & 14 – EPIPHANY 2 In John’s gospel, Jesus’ ministry begins with the call of disciples, who then bring others to Jesus. Our invitation to others should be, “Come and see.” Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20], Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51

JANUARY 20 & 21 – EPIPHANY 3 Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the time after Epiphany plays out the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20

JANUARY 27 & 28 – EPIPHANY 4 Sunday morning worship led by the Miracle Workers. They are a group of special needs citizens who met at the Special Olympics and came together in faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Littlestown. They enjoy ministry work and leading worship at their church several times a year. They led Sunday services at St. James this past April 23, too. We hope you’ll attend church that day to see them in action! Prayers of Healing at end of all three worship services. Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR ANDREW: One of the highlighted areas in need of attention from our Holy Cow Congregational Assessment was

congregational care. Since receiving these results, I have shared with staff and our Long Range

Strategic Planning Taskforce that I believe one of the ways to respond to this need may be through

the formation of small groups designated to fill a specific need. Through these conversations, it

feels as though the best place to start would be a group for those mourning the loss of a loved

one. With this, I would like to get feedback from people who would be interested in such a group.

It could be as simple as meeting at a local restaurant once a month for a time of food and fellowship

over lunch. If you would be interested in something like, or have other thoughts, this please contact

me via email (ageib@stjamesgettysburg.org) or phone me at (717) 334-2012 ext. 206.

MISSION SUPPORT CORNER – Extravagant Generosity (Pr. Andrew)

Matthew 2: 11

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and

worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense

and of myrrh.

Throughout the season of Advent, we focused on the theme, Prepare the way: The path from crooked

to straight. We heard members of St. James share stories of how life has not always gone according

to plan, yet through God’s presence, new life has come.

As we move from the season of Christmas and into the season of Epiphany, our focus moves from

the birth of Christ, to how he is revealed first to the Wise Men, and then, to the world. Along with

the Wise Men, we are called to offer our best to Christ, bearing witness to God’s grace and mercy

made true through his birth.

What are some ways that you respond to God’s grace and mercy? How do you, through your

generosity, offer your best to Christ, that His light would shine into the lives of others?

“Financial Peace Course”

Several local churches are jointly coordinating a nine-week course where you’ll learn practical ways

to pay off debt, save for the future, and increase your levels of generosity. This course will walk

you through creating a plan to replace financial worries with financial peace. If you’re interested in

participating in the upcoming Financial Peace course: There will be a class preview on January 3 at

7:00 pm. Classes start on January 10 at 7:00 pm & meet every Wednesday for nine weeks at

Gettysburg United Methodist Church, 30 West High Street. To register go to –

daveramsey.com/findaclass; coordinator’s e-mail is mreaver@fastmail.fm

Thank you to all of the volunteers, donors and St. James office staff who helped

to make this year’s Holiday Outreach Program a huge success! We couldn’t

have done this without you! Over 1,500 families, disabled and elderly people

in Adams County will have a brighter Christmas this year! Thank you!!

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This Haitian art was purchased by a member of the St. James Congregation during the 2017 Global

Mission Festival (sponsored by the World Outreach Committee) and given to St. James Lutheran

Church, in celebration of its partnership with Source of Life Ministries, Haiti. Its location and display

schedule shall be determined by the Art & Design Committee.

DECEMBER 20, 2017 COUNCIL REPORT SUBMITTED BY CRAIG REBER, COUNCIL SECRETARY

MINUTES/CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The Spiritual Gifts Coordinator position has been advertised in The Messenger and bulletins, and on these

websites: Indeed, Synod, and Seminary.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

• Offerings have been increasing over the last month. The Giving Fund is running a deficit; however, the number

is lower than this time last year.

• God on the Ground – A new fund that St. James will be overseeing.

• When the Giving Fund interest is determined, distribution will be decided by Council.

• Treasurer’s Report motioned by Shawn Waybrant, seconded by Jim Lohuis; report approved.

NEW MEMBER: Roman Andrew Mauston/baptism; approved.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

• Pastor Andrew shared that Evangelism has had great success recently. The Advent Mid-week dinners and

worship services enjoyed a great turn out.

OLD BUSINESS:

• The Church Pictorial Directory will come out in February.

• The Budget Shortfall for 2017 was discussed by Jim Lohuis.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Ron Couchman moved that Advent and Christmas Special Giving Fund be given by thirds to: Worship Area

Renewal Fund, Mission Fund, and Current Giving Fund; motion seconded by Shawn Waybrant.

• Property Committee met to discuss and develop a Safety and Emergency Response Policy. Conversations will

continue amongst Staff, Property and Council.

• Council wants to thank our entire Church Staff for all their enthusiasm and hard work.

GOOD FOR GOD:

• Gettysburg Dental Associates will be making a donation for Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S.

• Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. is sleeping overnight at St. James through Christmas morning.

• Source of Life, Haiti Mission Trip – nine members of our congregation will be going!

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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30-10:30 AM

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. Join us!

Jan. 7: “Mountains of the Gods at Angkor (Lecture 29) by Professor John R. Hale” led by Jim & Susan Roach

Jan. 14: “Nonviolence: Through the Eyes of a Conscientious Objector” led by Phil Roth

Jan. 21: “A Frank Discussion of a Hard Topic: Suicide” led by Margaret Swartz

Jan. 28: “Migration is not a Crime” led by Judy Leslie

In January, the EXPLORING FAITH CLASS will be reading and discussing Paul Among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time by Sarah Ruden. The book explores the writings of the evangelist Paul in the context of his time and culture, to recover his original message of freedom and love. Please join us in Room 300, upper level!

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets in Room 303, upper level, elevator available. Winter Series: Faith in Action (lesson stands alone so join us as your schedule allows).

Jan. 7: A Sincere Faith (Daniel 1: 8-21) John Hartzell

Jan. 14: A Bold Faith (Daniel 3:19-23, 26-28) Jennifer Bradshaw

Jan. 21: A Prayer for an Obedient Faith (Daniel 9: 1-19) Jennifer Bradshaw

Jan. 28: A Strong Faith (Daniel 10: 10-19) Ron Couchman

PARISH RECORDS

DEATHS

December 10, 2017 Richard M. Kreisher December 19, 2017 Elizabeth A. Farrar

WEDDINGS

December 9, 2017 Erica Pennington & Adam Hogan

December 16, 2017 Sara Fleshman & Allex Hartzell

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If your child is interested in receiving

FIRST COMMUNION, please contact one of our pastors.

Also, if you would like

to PRE-ARRANGE FUNERAL SERVICES, please talk to a pastor.

During the Christmas Season, Outside Wreaths were given to the glory of God and in loving memory

of Our Parents; and, in loving honor of our Children and Grandchildren by John and Judy Seilhamer.

Poinsettias and/or donations for World Hunger were given to the glory of God and in loving honor of:

The Braband Family by a friend

Family Members by Jack and Sally Crist

Stacey L. Green, Rebecca L. Dooley and family, Lauren E. Hill by Wayne and Susan Hill

Our children, Alana and Hannah by Kim and Michael Guise

Our Children and Grandchildren by Mark & Peggy Terry

Our Faithful Choir Members by Tim and Barbara Braband

St. James Pastors and Staff by Dee Wells

Barbara Vossler-Siemaszko by Tom and Barbara Vossler

A. Lorraine Waybright by Bert and Sherry Waybright

Poinsettias and/or donations for World Hunger were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of:

My grandparents, Ruth and Edgar Allen by John Doerfler

Eloise Auxt by Phil and Tara Baugher

John H. Baugher by Phil and Tara Baugher

Kathleen Blum by her daughter, Carol Widerman

G. Richard and Glenna Boyer by their children and families: Carole, Anna, Peggy and Kenneth

Ned D. Crouse by Joyce Crouse and family

My mother, Mary A. Doerfler by John Doerfler

My grandparents, Mary and Joseph Doerfler by John Doerfler

W. Raymond and Evelyn M. Eiker by their daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Gene Riffle

Dennis Frankfort by his mother, Ruth Frankfort

Our father, Sebastian R. Hafer by Jane, Charlie, Susan and Bob

Our mother, Helen S. Hafer by Jane, Charlie, Susan and Bob

Joel and Lucille Hill, Gary M. Hill, Emmert and Hazel Colestock, John M. Colestock, Robert L. Morris by Wayne and Susan Hill

Calvin Johnson and all our parents: R.H. Johnson, Amelia and Lester and Gladys Starry by Dorothy Johnson, Larry Johnson, and Linda Starry

Margaret J. Keyser by E. Edward Keyser and family

Margie Keyser by The Christianson Family

Charles Kitzmiller by Phyllis Kitzmiller and family

Our parents: Martha and John Knittle and Helen and Michael Terry by Mark and Peggy Terry

Richard Kreisher by his wife, Lynne Kreisher

Harriett Kwitowski by Lexie Crowner

Our Loved Ones by Janice and Walter Krug

Our Loved Ones by Shirley and Dave Sanders and family

Our Parents by Judy and Ken Boyer

Our Parents by Charles and Anne Gomer

J. Herbert and Frances Raymond by Betty Raymond and Eugene Rakestraw

Nelson and Hazel Sixeas by Janet Rice and family

Carol K. Smith by Carroll B. Smith, Jr.

Luther and Lois Smith by Eric and Colleen Smith and family

Michael W. Smith by Carroll B. Smith, Jr.

Charlie Sterner III by his wife Bernadette and son Charlie and family

C.H. and Virginia B. Stevens by Tom and Barbara Vossler

William R. Vossler by Tom and Barbara Vossler - 6 -

“….and behold I bring you tidings of great joy ..."

Heartfelt thanks from all members of the World Outreach Committee to all friends and family of St. James Lutheran Church. Through your generosity we have fulfilled two of our mission goals, i. e., to "educate members about our Global Mission partners and to promote financial support of these partners." We received the following contributions during the Global Mission Festival held November 25 and 26.

$376.30 LWR-Puerto Rico Relief through the sale of chocolate and teas

$315.00 God's Global Barnyard through the sale of Advent ornaments

$ 33.50 Project Gettysburg-Leon through the sale of Nicaraguan coffee

$375.00 Source of Life Ministries through the sale of vanilla, ketchup, and art work

$850.00 Southern Christian Nurses Conference/World Mission Prayer League through the sale of scarves

Total contributions = $1949.80! Furthermore, the World Outreach Committee has committed an additional $500 from its annual budget to LWR-Puerto Rico. What a blessing the St. James Faith Community is! We wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

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

STEPHEN MINISTER TRAINING Please consider enrolling in Stephen Minister Training in the Spring if you are feeling called to this ministry. Dates and times will be available after a class of eight is formed. Stephen Minister training is an engaging, energizing experience that includes a mixture of lecture, video, group discussion, skill practice, and spiritual growth activities.

“The Best 50 Hours of Training You'll Ever Experience!”

Here’s what Stephen Ministers frequently say about their training:

• Stephen Minister training teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others. • You gain insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting. • You develop relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life. • You deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver. • You feel a special bond with those in your class—experiencing real Christian community. • Stephen Minister training is a lot of fun! • To discuss your interest in Stephen Ministry at St. James, please contact our congre- gation's Stephen Ministry leaders: Pastor Mike, Pastor Andrew, Jennifer Bradshaw, or Sue Hill by calling the church office at 717-334-2012. One of the leaders will return your call as soon as possible.

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Happy New Year! This month is full of retreats and a

new schedule for middle and high school youth groups.

Please contact Jess with any questions about the

schedule. Reminder about Youth Breakfast: if school

is delayed 2 hours, breakfast is delayed 2 hours. If

school is cancelled, there is no breakfast.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 3RD: Youth Breakfast is back...

• 6:45 am at the Youth House (121/123 York St.)!

• 5:30pm High School Reading Group at the Foltz’.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 5:00-7:00 PM: Dinner Church with St. John’s Abbottstown and the Upper Adams

Lutheran Churches. Join us for dinner and a quick service while we eat. We will meet at the New Hope Ministries

building in Hanover; they have agreed to let us use their awesome space and might even provide a service project

for us to do while we are there. It will be a great night--I hope you can make it! Please see the ad below!!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH: MS & HS Wednesday Night Youth Group BEGINS!! We will meet for dinner,

discussion, and fellowship from 5:30-7:00 pm. Please come and go as you need, based on your schedule.

JANUARY 12TH-14TH: Middle School at Baltimore Quake.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17TH: MS & HS Wednesday Night Youth Group 5:30-7:00 pm at the Youth House.

JANUARY 19TH-21ST: High School Road Trip Retreat at OC, MD with Delaware/Maryland Synod.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24TH: K-5 Youth Group and Choir are back!!

5:30 pm MS & HS Youth Group at the Youth House (121/123 York St.).

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST: Hoss’s Youth Fundraiser…come support our Youth Groups!!

(MS & HS Youth Group will meet at Hoss’s tonight. Please meet us

at Hoss’s at 5:30 pm, and we’ll get our own table and eat together!!)

SAVE THESE DATES:

FEB. 2ND-4TH: 8th & 9th Grade Washington, DC Retreat

SUNDAY, FEB. 4TH 12 PM: Lunch & Youth Gathering

Meeting in the Youth House. Please try and be there,

as this is an important meeting if you are attending

Houston Youth Gathering!

FEB. 11TH-13TH: FASTNACHTS!! Please sign up to

Order here, or work a shift (or 3!) here.

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

CHURCH OFFICE & CHILD CARE

CLOSED

2

1:30 pm Staff Meeting

(OFFICE CLOSED)

5:00 pm Endowment 6:00 pm Child Care Gov. 6:30 pm Property (note Jan. change) 7:00 pm Evangelism 7:30 pm Worship & Music

3

6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am Child Care Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm High School Reading Group at the Foltz’ 7:00 pm Mission Fund

NO Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups

4

10:00 am Creation Care 6:00 pm Christian Education 7:30 pm Adult Choir

NO Bible Study

5

6 Baptism of Our Lord

Food Donations Weekend

5:30 pm Communion

7 Baptism of Our Lord

Food Donations Weekend

8:15 am Communion 9:15 am Fellowship 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Communion 5:00 pm Dinner Church at New Hope’s Hanover Center

8

7:00 pm Personnel

9

1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)

10

6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 8:30 am Executive 9:30 am Child Care Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Middle & High School Youth Group

NO Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups

11

10:00 am Bible Study

NO Adult Choir

12

Jan. 12-14

Middle School at Baltimore Quake

13 Epiphany 2

5:30 pm Communion

14 Epiphany 2

8:15 am Communion 9:30 am Sunday School Second Sunday of Service 10:45 am Communion

15

The Messenger DEADLINE

16

1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)

7:00 pm Library 7:15 pm Social Ministry

17

6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am Child Care Chapel 10:00 am Stephen Ministers 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Middle & High School Youth Group 7:00 pm COUNCIL

NO Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups

18

10:00 am Bible Study 7:30 pm Adult Choir

19

Jan. 19-21

High School Road Trip Retreat

at OC, MD

w/DE-MD Synod

20 Epiphany 3

5:30 pm Communion

21 Epiphany 3

8:15 am Communion 9:30 am Sunday School

10:45 am Communion

7:30 pm Martin Luther Choir

22

10:00-2:00 pm Quilting 1:30 pm Archives

23

1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)

6:00 pm World Outreach 7:00 pm Mission Support 7:30 pm Art & Design

24

6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:00 am Messenger Volunteers & Messenger mailed 9:30 am Child Care Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups 5:15 pm Dinner followed by 6:00-7:00 pm Worship Assistants Training 5:30 pm Middle & High School Youth Group

25

10:00 am Bible Study 7:30 pm Adult Choir

26

Jan. 26-29

Jess Smith in Houston, Texas for ELCA Youth

Gathering Preview & Continuing Ed.

27 Epiphany 4

5:30 pm Communion & Prayers for Healing

28 Epiphany 4

8:15 am Communion & Prayers for Healing 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Communion & Prayers for Healing

29

30

1:30 pm Staff Meeting (OFFICE CLOSED)

31

6:45 am MS/HS Breakfast 9:30 am Child Care Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Prayer Shawl 3:30 pm Elementary Choirs & Youth Groups 5:30 pm Middle & High School Youth Group at Hoss’s

Hoss’s Youth Fundraiser

FEBRUARY 2-4 Washington, DC Confirmation Retreat at Luther Place

ST. JAMES

LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

PO BOX 4596, GETTYSBURG, PA 17325-4596

The Messenger will next be

processed Wednesday, Jan. 24.

All articles must be e-mailed to

dnimtz@stjamesgettysburg.org

BY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15!

PLACE

POSTAGE

HERE

LABEL

Calling St. James at (717) 334-2012 Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5:30 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 Katheryn M. Clowney Office Manager

kclowney@stjamesgettysburg.org

202 Debra L. Nimtz Administrative Assistant

dnimtz@stjamesgettysburg.org

205 Pr. Michael E. Allwein Senior Pastor

mallwein@stjamesgettysburg.org

206 Pr. Andrew R. Geib Associate Pastor

ageib@stjamesgettysburg.org

207 Jessica L. Smith Youth Minister

youth@stjamesgettysburg.org

209 Timothy E. Braband Minister of Music

tbraband@stjamesgettysburg.org

215 G. Thomas Bender Building Superintendent

sexton@stjamesgettysburg.org