This is a forum for friends and members of St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While this specific congregation is the "targeted audience" everyone is welcome and guests are expected!
Do you have routines in your life? Are there activities or interests that you schedule on a regular basis?
Sometime during the season of Lent I added a new activity to my weekly schedule. On Thursday mornings at 8:00 I meet with about twelve to sixteen other people (mostly pastors and ministry leaders from Chambersburg area churches). I’m the only Lutheran. We get together for what is called a Prayer Walk. Each month we meet in the parking lot of an area church, take some time to check-in with one another and pray together. Then we walk the neighborhood and pray for and sometimes with the residents we encounter.
It occurred to me that we all come from various perspectives and traditions. We don’t focus on doctrine or the theology of worship or denominational branding. We gather as friends in Christ and pray for one another and the communities we are called to serve.
I’m telling you this, not to solicit merits, but to witness to the basic, simple, and fundamental power of prayer. Our whole time together is bathed in prayer -- prayers of praise, lament, intercession, petition, gratitude, discernment, etc. We all pray a little differently. Some are silent, many involve arms uplifted or heads bowed. This weekly gathering has become part of my routine. It’s not just one more activity to check off my weekly list, but rather it has become a central and much anticipated part of my own devotional life. Honestly, I can’t imagine not being part of this small group of friends sharing life together.
As we all anticipate slowing resuming some sort of less secluded life, I invite you to consider becoming part of a small group. Consider hosting a small group gathering at your home or in your driveway. Join a group that already exists and invite your friends or our new members or someone else in your life to join you. We all would benefit from making routine the central act of prayer and being blessed by the love and support of friendship with one another and fellowship with Jesus.
We have had a difficult year in so many ways. You know how it has been. Quarantined, restricted, limited — everyone has had challenges living in the midst of the pandemic of Covid-19. We have experienced collective grief as we’ve mourned the death of loved ones and as we’ve had to let go of many routines and familiar practices. Certainly this has had an impact on our life-together as a congregation as well.
However, I just want to rejoice at the ways God has revealed strength, purpose, and grace in so many and unexpected circumstances. You have surpassed expectations in the ways in which you cooperated, contributed, and conspired to let your light shine even in the midst of a dark time. It is a joy to be your pastor and partner in the ministry and mission we share. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and faithfulness this past year!
Looking ahead, we anticipate slowly being able to resume many of our activities and ministries. The days are surely coming! But, as Dr. Fauci says, it’s no time to spike the ball in the end-zone. Re-engaging will be a process and we will be unable to “return” to normal. Our faith is necessary. The future that God is preparing for us will call on our best efforts to practice patience, acceptance, and willingness to do things differently in many respects.
While much has changed, both dramatically and by degree, please know that the basic things, the central things, the essential things will remain constant. We will continue to be a people sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. We will continue to gather together around Word and Sacrament to worship and glorify God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We will continue to be a supportive and giving community of faith — intentionally welcoming others and speaking out because of God’s justice and mercy.
The return to a newsletter is part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen communication and call forth for the engagement and participation of each and every member and friend of our congregation. Please continue to know that the love of Christ that binds us together is the same love that sends us out to serve our neighbor in Christ’s name. Again, thank you for your partnership in this mutual ministry.
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Chambersburg, Pennylvania
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen
Advent Kyrie (for whole season)
Restore us, O God of hosts.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Give us peace and strength in our days.
Come, Christ Jesus.
Be present with us, and we shall be saved.
Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel:Luke 1:26-38
Sermon
Creed and Confession
Apostles’ Creed
Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Confession and Forgiveness
The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.
Silence for reflection.
God and Father of all:
We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ. Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.Amen
Prayers
Offertory
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Holy God, the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait, we praise you for joining us to your people of old. We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness and promise a new earth with peace for all. For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God. We thank you, O God.
We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord, who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world, and proclaims your way of mercy and truth. For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God. We magnify you, O God.
Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word. Nurture our faith with your grace, accompany us with your might, and empower our zeal for your justice and joy. For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God. We praise you, O God.
All praise to you, holy God, today, tomorrow, and forever.Amen Amen
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.Amen
Be at Peace, Christ is with you.Thanks be to God!
Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen
Advent Kyrie
Restore us, O God of hosts.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Give us peace and strength in our days.
Come, Christ Jesus.
Be present with us, and we shall be saved.
Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm: Psalm 126
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sermon
Creed and Confession
Apostles’ Creed
Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Advent Confession and Forgiveness
The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.
Silence for reflection.
God and Father of all:
We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ. Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.Amen
Prayers
Offertory
Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
We praise you, O God, for your creating Word! You set the foundations of the world and gave breath to every living thing. There is no Rock like you. Blessed be God, forevermore; our hearts sing of your mercy and might!
We praise you, O God, for your liberating Word! In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed, you guided them by your strength to the land of promise. Y ou have lifted up the lowly. Blessed be God, forevermore; our hearts sing of your mercy and might!
We praise you, O God, for your life-giving Word! Your Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. You have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servants. Blessed be God, forevermore; our hearts sing of your mercy and might!
Blessed be God, from this time on and forevermore, from the rising of the sun to its setting. With Miriam, Hannah, and Mary, we give you thanks and praise for your creating, liberating, and life-giving Word! Send us forth in the power of your Spirit to sing of your greatness and serve all people, following Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Holy God, the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait, we praise you for joining us to your people of old. We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness and promise a new earth with peace for all. For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God. We thank you, O God.
We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord, who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world, and proclaims your way of mercy and truth. For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God. We magnify you, O God.
Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word. Nurture our faith with your grace, accompany us with your might, and empower our zeal for your justice and joy. For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God. We praise you, O God.
All praise to you, holy God, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen. Amen
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.Amen
Be at Peace, Christ is with you.Thanks be to God!
Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen
Advent Kyrie
Restore us, O God of hosts.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Give us peace and strength in our days.
Come, Christ Jesus.
Be present with us, and we shall be saved.
Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Sermon
Creed and Confession
Apostles’ Creed
Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Advent Confession and Forgiveness
The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.
Silence for reflection.
God and Father of all:
We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ. Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.Amen
Prayers
Offertory
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Holy God, the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait, we praise you for joining us to your people of old. We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness and promise a new earth with peace for all. For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God. We thank you, O God.
We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord, who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world, and proclaims your way of mercy and truth. For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God. We magnify you, O God.
Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word. Nurture our faith with your grace, accompany us with your might, and empower our zeal for your justice and joy. For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God. We praise you, O God.
All praise to you, holy God, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen. Amen
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.Amen
Be at Peace, Christ is with you.Thanks be to God!
Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen
Advent Kyrie
Restore us, O God of hosts.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Give us peace and strength in our days.
Come, Christ Jesus.
Be present with us, and we shall be saved.
Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
Sermon
Creed and Confession
Apostles’ Creed
Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Advent Confession and Forgiveness
The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.
Silence for reflection.
God and Father of all:
We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ. Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.Amen
Prayers
Offertory
Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Holy God, the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait, we praise you for joining us to your people of old. We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness and promise a new earth with peace for all. For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God. We thank you, O God.
We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord, who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world, and proclaims your way of mercy and truth. For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God. We magnify you, O God.
Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word. Nurture our faith with your grace, accompany us with your might, and empower our zeal for your justice and joy. For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God. We praise you, O God.
All praise to you, holy God, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen. Amen
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.Amen
Be at Peace, Christ is with you.Thanks be to God!
Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.
