NEWS

First Lutheran is delighted to host the second concert in a summer series being offered by local singers Nina Cline (soprano), Leah Kaye Serr (mezzo-soprano), Christyan Seay (tenor), and Matthew Robinson (baritone), with Daniel Dorty, collaborative pianist, featuring solo and ensemble selections of opera, operetta, musical theater and sacred music.

The concert is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken.

Parking is available on High Street (unmetered on our block), our large main parking lot (accessed via High Street) and our overflow lot (accessed via Liberty Avenue).

Join us for a wonderful afternoon of music!

Pictured: Nina, Leah, Christyan and Matthew at the first concert of the series on June 23 at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Cathedral in Harrisburg.

On Sunday, June 22nd, we will hold one communion service at 9:15 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast in the Martin Luther Room. This is an opportunity for our two worshiping communities – the ‘early’ folks and the ‘late’ folks – to gather together around Christ’s table…and then the breakfast table! All are invited!

Scenes from a past Fellowship Sunday breakfast!

Our celebration of Easter lasts a “week of weeks” (seven Sundays). Please join us throughout the Easter season, a joyous and hopeful time for the people of God!

Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

We are delighted to announce that the renovation of 132 East High Street, Carlisle, has begun!

The 100+ year old house, owned by First Lutheran since 1997 and sitting on a parcel of its property at the corner of East High and South Bedford, was gifted by the congregation to Safe Harbour in December 2023. Safe Harbour, a non-profit, provides a continuum of services to people experiencing homelessness in Cumberland County.

Safe Harbour has received a number of grants to renovate the house into three affordable housing units.

Since the building already exists, a ground-breaking wasn’t appropriate – so several folks (including Pastor Leber) got to take a sledgehammer to a wall inside!

Our congregation is grateful to be able to help increase the number of (desperately-needed) affordable housing units in our community, and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors to our block when the renovations are completed in 12-14 months!

Special thanks to the Borough of Carlisle and HARB for their help and support during this process.

We rejoice with Mary, the servant of the Lord, as we celebrate the fourth and final Sunday of Advent this Sunday. “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

We will follow our normal Sunday morning worship schedule, with holy communion at 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Join us as we prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth!

Pictured above is Mary, displayed each December at our door on High Street to bless our neighborhood and passers-by.

Each year, the Salvation Army Angel Tree Project provides Christmas gifts to hundreds of children in our community. Thanks to all who have already taken an angel tree tag! A few tags are left if you still would like to participate. Gifts are due at the church no later than Monday, November 25. Items should be placed in a large black plastic bag (one for each child) with the angel tag attached to the bag.

Thank you for your generosity toward our community!

Sunday morning adult faith formation has resumed! We gather from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. in room 22 (upper level of the Christian Education wing). 

Myths about Religion and Politics in America – September 10, 17 & 24 – Dr. Sarah Niebler

Slavery, Religion and the Civil War – October 8, 15, & 22 – Richard Wood

Coffee and tea is available in the Atrium following faith formation, from 10-10:15 a.m.

Join us!

Chancel Choir rehearsals resumed on Thursday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room (lower level). The choir, lead by David Erickson, will rehearse most Thursdays this fall and sing during the 10:30 a.m. worship service 1-2 times a month. The choir will also begin preparing music for the December 17th service of Lessons and Carols.

Please consider joining the Chancel Choir to “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord”. It’s not too late! Contact David with any questions, dve@pa.net or (717) 602-7736 (cell).

Thanks to all who helped us celebrate “Christmas in July”! Hundreds of “care kits” – socks for men, women and children filled with personal hygiene items and snacks – were assembled from your donations.

The care kits were blessed during worship on Sunday, September 3, and are being distributed through the Community CARES locations in Shippensburg and Carlisle. 

Community CARES provides emergency shelter, resources, and supportive services to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and First Lutheran is grateful to be able to support its ministries.

May we be inspired all year long by the joy, peace and hope of Christmas!

Our next Fine Arts at First concert will be a bit jazzy. The Creswell Club Dixieland Quintet, who specializes in traditional Jazz music, will be performing at First Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 4 p.m.

The Creswell Club is led by bassist Dan Martin and features Betina Hershey (vocals/guitar), Nick Russo (guitar/banjo), Danny Tobias (trumpet) and Dan Monaghan (drums). They’ve played with Cécile McLorin, Bruce Barth, Jon Batiste, Vince Giordano, the Nighthawks, and so many others.

Come on out for a musical treat. Concert admission is free, and open to the Public. A freewill offering will gladly be accepted.