First Evangelical Lutheran Church

First News First

Volume 49 – Issue 2 February 2017

PASTORAL REFLECTIONSThe winter months can get a little long. I sit in my office this evening, thinking how early it becomes dark. And then I read from John verses about how we live in darkness and Christ brings light into our being and into our world. This year, the season of light, the season of Epiphany is a little longer than usual. It is my favorite liturgical season. All of those ah-ha moments. All of that revelation revealing Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. All of those people taking up their nets and following Jesus!Important things have happened in my life during this season.

I remember one year when I lived in Atlanta when I was in my late 20’s. All Epiphany the pastor’s sermons struck me as something significant. Something about God revealing himself to me. I was definitely moved through the Holy Spirit.

It was in the season of Epiphany when I was baptized at the age of 4 weeks.

It was in the season of Epiphany that I felt called by God to enter into the ministry.

It was in the season of Epiphany when I felt called to attend seminary.

It was in the season of Epiphany that I visited the Holy Land. (talk about an experience of Jesus being revealed!)

This year, the Epiphany season is especially long (all the way to the end of February.) I am certain God will use this extended season to

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reveal himself to us in new and inspiring ways. I look forward to hearing your stories and your epiphanies of God. May the light of Christ shine in you brightly.Pastor Jane Nicholson

CHURCH CALENDARWORSHIP IN FEBRUARY

February 5 – Holy Communion with a culmination of Souper Bowl Sunday and Special Recognitions

February 12 – Scout Sunday

February 19 – Holy Communion

February 26 – Transfiguration Sunday with Holy Communion and the burial of the “Alleluia.”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th – SURPRISE (Shhhhh!)

Come and celebrate the 20th anniversary of Freda Dorand’s commissioning as Associate in Ministry (now Deacon). Her anniversary is February 9th and we wanted to surprise her with flowers and cake following worship. We hope you will be able to join us. Feel free to send a note or card to the church office and we will give it to her that day, if you are unable to be in attendance. If you want to write “surprise” on the envelope – that would be helpful!

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Epiphany The class which pastor leads in meeting room #2, is studying the Biblical lessons that are being preached in the Season of Epiphany. Come and see the light of Christ in new ways.

Lent As Lent begins, we will be looking at some of what Martin Luther as used as teaching and discussion tools. Our

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course will be called: Living Lutheran and will be a discussion of the Augsburg Confession, using some of the Book of Concord as well as the Small Catechism.

CHURCH CALENDARcont…

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Ash Wednesday is March 1. This year we will be having several opportunities for worship on Ash Wednesday. The first two services will be abbreviated with scripture, prayer, and the imposition of ashes. This service will last no longer than 10-15 minutes. The evening service will be our traditional service including Holy Communion. You are welcome to invite friends and neighbors to worship on this day.

Ash Wednesday Worship, March 1

9:30am Imposition of Ashes (Chapel)

5:30pm Imposition of Ashes (Chapel)

7:00pm Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion (Sanctuary)

LARC SOUP DINNERS As the Lenten season approaches we will again be having our Loaf and Ladle dinner here at First Lutheran Church. They will begin on Wednesday, March 8th at 6pm. Please contact Barb Evans (352-8716) if you can help by bringing soup and bread.

LENTEN RETREAT on Saturday, March 4 from 8:30 to 12:00 at St. Luke Lutheran Church (2695 Luther Drive; Chambersburg). Retreat leaders are: Sister Thelma Steiger, HSF, PhD and Sister Jo Ann

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Knight, HSF, MSN. Please call or e-mail to reserve your space. There is no charge. A free-will offering would be appreciated. All are welcome! 717-261-1213 cakfrye@gmail.com

CHURCH CALENDAR cont…HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION - will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 9am to noon. This class is for elementary age children and their parents. If your child is currently receiving communion and you would like them to have a better understanding of the sacrament, or if your child would like to receive Holy Communion in the near future, this class is for you. Please call or e-mail the church office to register.

BULLETIN BOARD…From the Neighborhood Task Team

WHAT DOES IT COST TO HAVE CLEAN CLOTHES?

If you use the Laundromat on W. Washington St. right across the alley from First Lutheran you will need ten quarters ($2.50) for a regular load or fourteen quarters ($3.50) for a large load. Many of our low income neighbors who do not have laundry facilities where they live come here to wash their clothes.

Our Neighborhood Task Team is collecting quarters and plans to have a Laundromat Day on a Sunday in March. On that day we hope

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to provide enough quarters for all visitors to wash one or more loads, plus quarters for the dryers. We need your help! We are asking the congregation to begin saving quarters now so that we will have an adequate supply. There will be collection baskets at the back and side entrances to the sanctuary. (Suggestion: an empty pill container makes a good holder for quarters.)

EVANGELISMWhat does church mean to us?

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton asks this question in one of her columns in Living Lutheran magazine. People often speak about church as a community or family and the good and important work their congregation carries out. Rarely does anyone mention God or speak about an encounter with the transcendent. She says, “I don’t believe our people lack faith or don’t know Jesus, but I wonder if we have lost the language to speak about the love of God that has been given to us in the crucified and risen Christ.”

Maybe we just assume Jesus. Maybe Jesus has become like wallpaper: we know it’s there and everyone can see it, but we don’t have to talk about it. The thing that is uniquely the church is not programs or people but Jesus. If we don’t get that right it doesn’t matter how many programs we come up with.

In Christ through the Spirit, God has invited us into a deeply intimate and loving relationship with God and with each other. Being church is abiding in that love. We are God’s beloved people gathered around word and sacraments. That’s what gives us life. That’s what shapes us. That’s what sends us out into the world to do justice and to love kindness. (Micah 6:8). And this must be the kind of community to which we invite others—because we have received this incredible life-changing gift and want everyone to be touched and claimed and transformed by it too.

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THANK YOU A sincere thank you to the carolers for their

visit and music, and for bringing the lovely poinsettia; and to the youth for their interesting handmade Christmas card.  Wishing you many blessings in the year ahead.

Eleanor Stenger

Dear First Lutheran Congregation,A note of thanks for the gift of $100 at Christmas. I know

each of the employees appreciates being recognized in this way. It is a joy to be serving God in this place with each of you. I look forward to another wonderful year together.

In Christ’s love,Pastor Jane Nicholson

Dear First Lutheran Council and Congregation,Thank you so much for the thoughtful and generous Christmas

gift. My family and I are so appreciative! Thank you, also, for the warm welcome and kindness you have shown to me as your new secretary here at First. It’s a blessing to be here!

Sincerely, Heidi Shenberger

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Pastor Jane and First Lutheran,Please accept my heartfelt thank you for your contribution to

NETwork Ministries.  I cannot begin to express my deep appreciation for your investment in this organization and the future of the children they encourage.  This is our neighborhood, our back yard, our future employees, and potentially, our future leaders.

Tanny Nitterhouse

THANK YOU cont…First Lutheran Church Council and Congregation:

We wish to thank the Council for the generous and thoughtful gifts of money this past Christmas, as well as in the many previous years.

We plan to use the money toward expenses on our next vacation trip in March, to Edisto Island, Carolina. Perhaps it will be much warmer there than in Pennsylvania.

Thanks again.Pastor Charles and Gertrude Kampmeyer

YOUTH AND FAMILIES

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES 

The youth will be serving the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on Tuesday, February 28th 5-6:30 p.m.   Come and support Angeline, our child in Kenya, and enjoy a dinner of pancakes, sausage, applesauce, and various desserts.  All monetary donations will help Angeline with her schooling.  The youth are asking for donations of various items, as well. A giving tree will be in Memorial Hall.  Please bring the donations to church by Sunday, February 26th.   Desserts can be brought the evening of the meal.

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LADIES FELLOWSHIPPlease join us for breakfast on February 15th at 8:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Way Family Restaurant across from Perkins. All ladies welcome! Please contact Mary Lou Jessen at 263-9568 for more information.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Congregational Council Meeting Highlights January 9, 2017

Camping Ministry: Sharon Hardel, from Lutheran Camping Organization board, spoke to us about camping ministry in our synod and encouraged us to send people (kids and adults alike.) She also thanked us for helping with the meal packing event where 22,000 meals were packed in November.

Child Day Care: Building request from an existing day care. More information coming.

Thrivent Brown Bag Program: (2 days per month) need help because Thrivent can no longer support them and have asked if we would be interested. They need assistance in the form of a committee to help the ministry proceed. Pastor to invite Bill Martz to come to February’s Council meeting to give more information.

Seminary Intern: The congregation will vote on January 29 to determine pursuing to have a seminary intern. The following persons have agreed to be on the intern committee: Nancy Fricke, Karen Goodman, Don Mayer, Greg Plasterer, Amanda Rankin, and Ben Yaukey.

Renovation Update:

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Organ: Property Committee will handle electrical issues for the organ project. Finance Committee will review contract for due dates on bills. Restrooms: Evaluations are proceeding.

Nominating Committee: The following people will be recommended to the congregation to be on the nominating committee: Kim Martin, Aloma Dawkins, Bonnie McKenrick, Gertrude Kampmeyer, Bob Hamer, Tom Kriner.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS cont…Annual Meeting Agenda

Constitutional Changes as per ELCA. Approve Schumacher and Kriner as Council members Nominating Committee election Internship Site Confirmation Budget Approval

Elected officers of our congregation:President – Jeffrey DorandVice President – Thomas KrinerSecretary – Kimberly MartinTreasurer - Bonnie McKenrickFinancial Secretary - Carol McCoy

Council Liaisons for 2017 Education: Deb Fleegal Evangelism: Steve Schumacher Finance: Tom Kriner Parish Life: Bonnie McKenrick Property: Jeff Dorand and Paul Holbrook Social Missions: Mary Gotwald Stewardship: Kim Martin Worship and Music: Aloma Dawkins

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Youth Ministry: Christy Burkholder

WELCA WELCA is our congregation’s women’s organization. All women of First Lutheran are welcome to attend any WELCA event or participate in any of our projects.

February Bible Study: Treasure in Clay Jars #3 (Reconciliation as New Creations)

Sister Margaret Circle meets Tuesday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m.

Hostess: Julie Paul Bible Study: Pastor Nicholson

Afternoon Circle meets Monday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor.

Bible Study: Pastor Nicholson

VALENTINE BASKETS for Shut-ins will be assembled on Tuesday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help with the baskets and to deliver them to our shut-ins. Contact Pauline Shearer for more information.

HELPNG HOMELESS YOUTH: GIFT CARDS for national meeting of WELCA presidents needed by February 14. Bring

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Walmart, Target, or VISA gift cards of any amount to your February Circle meeting. Cards will be given to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, a safe house for homeless youth in Minneapolis. Joyce Ray (President of our Lower Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization) will be taking them to the President’s Conference in Chicago.

LUTHER RIDGE BIRTHDAY PARTY will be Tuesday February 21 at 2:00. We have a small party for the residents that share a birthday in February. All are welcome to come and join the fun!

WELCA cont…SERVICE PROJECT: Backpack Program - the backpack program is designed to help meet the nutritional needs of children at risk of hunger during non-school hours, specifically weekends and holidays. Through this program, participating kids will be given special backpacks once each week that will be filled with non- perishable food which can be used to meet their weekend nutritional needs. February suggestions- Protein –Individual containers of Spaghetti and meatballs, Ravioli, Beefaroni, Lasagna. You may bring items to circle meetings or drop in box outside office.

GENERAL GATHERING Tuesday, March 7, 7:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall

PRAYER CHAIN

May we include you in our prayers?Do you have a prayer need that we can help you with?

If so, please call our prayer-chain group leader: Marcia Hunt 717-263-0781

Names are kept on the prayer chain for 1 month. After the one month is over, please contact the office again if you would like to have a

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name on for another month.

HOSPITALIZATIONHOSPITALIZATION . . . Please contact Pastor Nicholson to let her know by calling 264-2015 ext.4 or email at flcpastor@outlook.com . If this is an emergency – feel free to contact Pastor Nicholson at home at 753-3940.

STEWARDSHIPSPECIAL OFFERING ENVELOPE FOR FEBRUARY

In your offering packet for February you will find an envelope marked “NETwork Ministries,” and this envelope may be placed in the offering plate anytime during February.

NETwork Ministries is an urban youth ministry for kids and teens in the Chambersburg area.  Since 1993, they have been committed to sharing in the love of Christ with those who are most vulnerable in the community.  Over 100 youth participate in after-school programs, with the support of over 30 churches.  Fifteen street leaders – high school students – volunteer to help the staff and 200 other volunteers.  This past year 50 youth were sent to local Christ-centered camps.

First Lutheran Church has committed to supporting this project, and your contributions will help in that ministry.  Thank you for your support!

STEWARDSHIP NOTES - WHY GIVE?

For some the answer is God first gave to us, thus through our life we have an opportunity to share God’s generosity with others.  This understanding demonstrates giving is a spiritual issue, not a financial one.  For other Lutherans, the

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answer is also an identity issue.  We are faithful Lutherans and this is what we do – share with others.  This is not an individual experience only, for we are church together, and through our unified giving we do God’s work.

WHAT IS MISSION SUPPORT?

This is the portion of First Lutheran’s regular financial offering that is shared with the Lower Susquehanna Synod.  The Synod then shares a percentage for God’s work that we do together through our ELCA churchwide organizations, both domestically and globally.

STEWARDHIP THOUGHT

Christian giving is to be more delight than drudgery, more privilege than pressure, and more anticipation than anxiety.

CONFERENCE NEWSFebruary 2017

Could a Stephen Minister Be Right For You or Someone You Know?

Everyone goes through painful and difficult times in their lives; whether it is unemployment, grief, loneliness, divorce, terminal illness or other difficulties. During these times, Stephen Ministers stand ready to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christ-centered care.Stephen Ministers are people who have undergone extensive training and meet regularly for supervision and continuing education. They are great listeners and are able to create a caring space where their care receivers are free to share their thoughts, feelings and emotions in a safe, nonjudgmental and confidential setting.

We are blessed in Franklin and Fulton counties to have 20 SpiriTrust Lutheran Stephen Ministers trained and ready to serve. If you or someone you know is going through a painful time and would benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please contact Linda Beaver at 717.264.0737 or lbeaver@spiritrustlutheran.org. In the words of a former care receiver, “Asking for a Stephen Minister is the best thing I could have done for myself.”

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Touch-a-LifeThe SpiriTrust Lutheran Touch-a-Life program in Franklin County has a new volunteer on board who is interested in helping with minor household repairs and outdoor chores. If you or someone you know has a need for a handyman, please call Linda Beaver at 717-264-0737.

DINNER AT THE RIDGE

Dinner at the Ridge will be held at 12:00pm at the Fleck Center on Wednesday, February 8th, 2017.  The cost is $6.75. The menu for February is Creamed Lettuce, Ham Loaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Scalloped Pineapple, Dinner Roll with Butter, Assorted Desserts and Beverages.  Please call 264-3212 to make your reservation.  Deadline for reservations is noon on Friday, February 3rd. For questions or more information, please call Shirley Leister at 263-6957.

MEMBER BIRTHDAYS – FEBRUARYMarsha Munson 2/2 Hannah Egolf 2/14

Nancy Shoop 2/2 Amy Stouffer 2/14

Spencer Hurst 2/3 Victoria Buselli 2/16

Kelci Rote 2/4 Rebecca Grove 2/16

John Huber 2/5 Kay Feight 2/17

Kellen Stepler 2/5 Alison Dubs 2/18

Christopher Boyd 2/6 Dawson McCoy 2/18

Jason Helman 2/7 Alexis Rankin 2/18

Kameron Schuler 2/9 Mary Beth Warner 2/19

Alexander Buselli 2/10 Richard Blair 2/20

Melodie Lensbower 2/10 Gabriella Boyer 2/22

Lisa Sekel 2/10 Patricia Dent 2/24

Rodger Barnhart 2/12 Patricia Hershey 2/25

Diane Book 2/12 Ernest Fricke 2/26Page | 14

Gloria Hammond 2/12 Grace Shindle 2/26

Tara Savary 2/27

COUNCIL MEMBERS 2017President Jeff DorandVice President Thomas Kriner Secretary Kimberly MartinTreasurer Bonnie McKenrickFinancial Secretary Carol McCoyChristy Burkholder, Aloma Dawkins, Deb Fleegal, Mary Gotwald, Paul Holbrook, Steve Schumacher, Pastor Jane Nicholson

Council Liaisons and Committee ChairsChristian Ed Deb Fleegal, (Tim Gotwald, Chair)Evangelism Steve Schumacher, (Nancy Fricke, Chair)Finance Tom Kriner, (Tedd Sloan, Chair)Parish Life Bonnie McKenrick, (Donna Ross, Chair)Property Jeff Dorand and Paul Holbrook, (Paul

Holbrook, Chair)Social Missions Mary Gotwald Stewardship Kim Martin, ( Gertrude Kampmeyer, Chair)Youth Ministry Christy Burkholder, (Rod McKenrick, Chair)Worship & Music Aloma Dawkins, (Gerry Wilson, Chair)Boy Scouts Kim Martin, Chair

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CHURCH STAFF

Pastor The Rev. Jane NicholsonAssistant to the Pastor The Rev. Charles W. KampmeyerAssociate in Ministry for Church Music Freda J. DorandDirector of Children’s Choir Connie WilkinsParish Administrator Heidi ShenbergerFinancial Secretary Carol McCoyTreasurer Bonnie McKenrickCustodian Josh Dorand

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