You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep scrolling! The August 2024 Events Calendar at St. James Lutheran Church is below.

All of our community events are posted on our events page, be sure to check them out!

A Message From Pastor Andrew

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

  ~John 6:35

It is the hope of most church staff (pastors included) that the summer months provide a bit of respite from the business of the year.  In my nine years in ministry, this rarely ends up being the case;  it feels like this summer has been especially busy here at St. James. 

In addition to the weekly things (pastoral visits, committee meetings, sermon writing, Bible study prep, worship, etc.), we’ve had youth events virtually every week, a visit from Brian Palmer – our missionary in Liberia, kids at Camp Nawakwa to be visited, music concerts, the National Youth Gathering, a mission trip to Guatemala, weddings, and so many funerals I have almost lost count.  As it happens, on top of these church things, Christina and I (along with help from grandparents) have juggled those normal young parent related things – getting Gabbi off to dance most evenings of the week and Noah off to soccer, organizing time with friends and family, and trying to find time together.  In all of this, one can easily feel a bit overwhelmed.  You’ve been there.  You understand. 

Our gospel for the first weekend of the month brings us one of John’s most famous verses.  From the mouth of Jesus, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”   In the chaotic nature of life, Jesus reminds the faithful that in him we are fed and nourished, refreshed and cared for.  But what does this mean?  How exactly does this work?

In a recent conversation with a good pastor friend, we found ourselves lamenting about the challenges of ministry – the hours, the weight of carrying people’s life burdens, the grief that comes with burying beloved parishioners, balancing “church” with family… the list goes on…  Libby and I have had similar conversations since her ordination.  While few reading this newsletter have served the church as part of the ordained, you can no doubt relate to such things in your own way.

So, what does it mean to be fed and nourished by Jesus amidst such things?  To be refreshed and cared for?  To be filled with the bread of life? 

I suppose it’s different for each of us.  For me, at this point in my ministry, I probably feel it the most during our Thursday morning Bible study.  There is an energy in the room as we ask difficult questions and have difficult conversations.  Certainly, I feel it in worship – I always leave feeling better than before I came.  I have no doubt our kids, along with Adam and Pastor Libby, felt it in their time away at the National Gathering.  I know for sure that our folks in Guatemala felt it as they walked alongside the children served by Tree4Hope. 

As you go about your summer, in the business of life, how are you fed and nourished by Jesus?  How do you use this nourishment to refresh and care for others?  How might you share it here at St. James and in our local community?  The world can be a tough place at times.  One that too often asks too much of us.  But in Jesus, the bread of life, there is always more than enough. 

With love,
~Pastor Andrew

Habitat For Humanity Work Day – September 7

St. James has a scheduled Work Day with Habitat for Humanity at the Littlestown house (41-43 Craftway Drive, Littlestown) on September 7th from 8:00 AM-  12 noon. We will be providing the morning snack and 3-4 workers. We are a covenant church that supports Habitat for Humanity builds in our community. If you are able to help in any way or have any questions, please contact Shirley Sanders at [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your continued support of this worthwhile cause!

A Message From Pastor Libby

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” -Psalm 139:14

When I started as your new pastor this March, there was one event above all the others that I was excited for: the 2024 ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. I did not have the opportunity to attend when I was in high school, and was looking forward to spending a week with Lutheran youth from around the country. In July, Adam and I had the amazing opportunity to take eight of our high schoolers to the Gathering and learn more about our faith with 16,000 young adults and volunteers.

Each National Youth Gathering has a theme for the week that presents a challenge to Gathering attendees. The theme for the week, Created to Be, challenged us to consider who God has made us to be, and the courage to live into that holy space. Each day we were there presented  a different challenge: to live as we are Created to Be: bravely, authentically, freely, and disruptively. 

The theme  for the week is fitting; living authentically has been a common denominator in my conversations in our community. One such conversation was held over coffee last week with a dear friend. We talked at length about God creating us and the difficulties of loving the person we are created to be. The conversation eventually turned to all humans being created in God’s image. We discussed how it’s often difficult to comprehend a God who comprises all of our images, and even more difficult if we struggle to embrace and love who God created us to be. 

All of us, in some capacity, struggle with something about ourselves; be it our physical appearance or abilities; our emotional health, or accepting changing life circumstances. Often, we find ourselves asking questions like, “How can I be made in the image of God?” God doesn’t look like me, or have my medical conditions or my mobility issues.”

The opening session of the National Youth Gathering was full of reminders that we are Created to Be: You are Enough.  We were reminded that all of us were beautifully and wonderfully made, just as we are meant to be. We are not made in God’s physical image, for God does not have a human form or conform to our human understanding. God exists far beyond our understanding. It is our unique selves that show the breadth of God’s creativity, and the essence of God that exists in us all.

The week at National Youth Gathering left me proud of our high schoolers for embracing their unique and beautiful selves. They got excited over the smallest things, like cows and wintergreen mints, loved each other through some difficult times, and came together learning more about themselves and the God who created them.  May we too have such courage. 

With Love,
Pastor Libby 

Young At Heart: Keeping Up With The Kids
Adam Michael, Dir. of Youth & Family Ministry

New Orleans was an absolute blast!

For myself and for the youth that St. James sent to spend six days renewing our faith, in “The Big Easy,” – thank you from the bottom of our hearts for providing this opportunity!!
At the time I am writing this, we are still wrapping up our week and are very busy in the city, so it may feel a bit more “rambly” than usual.  Since Pastor Libby tackled the theological and worshipful elements of our trip, I wanted to provide a few snippets of our interactions beyond the Smoothie King Convention Center (which hosted the National Youth Gathering).

I hope every one of our kids comes home with a different story to tell, whether it’s getting a bite of gator meat for the first time, hanging out with a bunch of rowdy Texans, tormenting St. John’s Abbottstown Pastor Shawn Burkebile with some afternoon knocks on his door, or racing through a rainstorm to get washed up for worship.

Here are a few fun legends we heard along the way.

Jean Lafitte was a famous pirate that helped us win the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Later, he represented a threat to the U.S. economy. The Louisiana Governor once put a $500 bounty on his head and the swashbuckler responded in kind by placing a $5,000 dollar bounty on the head of the governor!

Alligators really like marshmallows, though they’re not too picky about what they eat. One might think sugar is not so good for their diet, but it would take eating more than 800 of the puffy white treats to cause a medical issue – likely just gas – according to our swamp boat driver. “So if you ever see a gator acomin’ up the river and he has some bubbles behind him, know he’s probably eaten a few too many marshmallows.”

Marie Laveau, also known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, was a famous voodoo priestess. She was thought to be a clairvoyant heroine of women who’d been cheated on. She’d arrive on the doorstep of the husband and give him three days to repent while demanding a fee for her silence.  Scholars believe she learned most of her dirt listening to gossip while working as a hairdresser. She was said not to age beyond 31 years old. She allegedly pulled off this illusion by naming all of her daughters Marie as well, passing the family business down to those that most resembled her.

We spent the early part of the week sightseeing, and then got our hands dirty on Wednesday, when we joined forces with UNITY of Greater New Orleans. We put a new coat of paint on some of the public areas in one of the buildings they support. The organization unites 60 religious, government and non-profit agencies to prevent, reduce and end homelessness. They do this by finding permanent housing for those with disabilities or chronic homelessness, by providing temporary housing and case management for able-bodied people in transition, and by warehousing furniture and household items in anticipation of a person with a desperate moment of need. We worked out of the Sacred Heart Apartments and met many wonderful full-time, part-time, and volunteer workers who help 109 individuals with permanent housing. It was our honor to help. If you feel moved to learn more or make a donation,
visit https://unitygno.org.

Upcoming August Youth Events

Aug. 7, 1-5 p.m.
   H.S. Trampoline Park trip

Aug. 10
Pool Party at The Dunlop’s

Aug. 17-18
E.S. Mini Work Camp

Music Notes: Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

Renewal

For many, summer is a time of renewal. We travel to new places to gain a fresh perspective or get away to a favorite spot to refresh our minds and spirits. We may go on retreat, exercise more, expand our minds through continuing education, or find solitude in communing with nature.

After all the retreats, sports camps, band camps, vacation rentals, and toes in the sand are done, we are, hopefully, refreshed and energized to renew our commitments to our work, our families, and our faith communities.  Among the new hymns in the supplement, All Creation Sings, is one that I believe makes this connection between nature and our sense of purpose.

As Rivers Flow from a Distant Spring

1 As rivers flow from a distant spring
to quench our thirst and feed the earth,
so let our lives flow from you, our Source,
to counter death and nurture birth.

2 As trees rise up from the forest floor
by roots that feed each limb above,
so let our lives rise in praise to you
from hearts we root in your deep love.

3 As woods make shelter within its shade
for beasts to feed and birds to nest,
so let our lives be a sheltered space,
a refuge for the worn to rest.

4 So let us praise you, Creator God,
for worlds that witness to your care,
that show your presence in ev’ry place,
your glory shining ev’rywhere.

Text: David Bjorlin, b. 1984, Text © 2020 GIA Publications, Inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved.

As Rivers Flow from a Distant Spring is reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net #A-707473.

Worship Previews:

August 3 & 4: 11th Sunday After Pentecost
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.

Preacher:       Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 Ephesians 4:1-16
  Psalm 78:23-29 John 6:24-35
Fellowship,  hosted by Landscape and Evangelism Committees


August 10 & 11: 12th Sunday After Pentecost
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other.

Preacher:  Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8                       Ephesians 4:25—5:2
                 Psalm 34:1-8                          John 6:35, 41-51


August 17 & 18: 13th Sunday After Pentecost
Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John’s gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood.  John’s gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord’s supper, but here we can’t help hearing Jesus’ words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share .

Preacher:  Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6                Ephesians 5:15-20
                  Psalm 34:9-14                 John 6:51-58

August 24 & 25: 14th Sunday After Pentecost
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.
 
Preacher:  Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18            Ephesians 6:10-20
                  Psalm 34:15-22                      John 6:56-69

August 31 & September 1: 15th Sunday After Pentecost
Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God’s law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts.

Preacher:  Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9       James 1:17-27
                 Psalm 15                               Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Council Corner, July 17 Meeting Highlights

New Business:

• Approval of Minutes from June 19, 2024 – Unanimous Approval

• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report – Unanimous Approval

             * Church Financials

             *  ELC Financials

             *  Church Vitality Update

                     *  Alan Haynes will provide quarterly update to
                          congregation July 20th and July 21st*

• Acceptance of New Members – Unanimous Approval

              *  Via affirmation of faith:

               *  Via baptism: Lauren Austin, 10:45AM service July 21st

• Share Point Usage – Katy Clowney provided a presentation to Council

• Church Council Orientation and Overview

                *  Alan Haynes, Council President, presented information to members regarding contact information, serving on Committees, and expectations during the next year

• Council Mission for the year

  *  Alan Haynes, Council President, asked members to help determine the mission of the Council for the next year.  A few ideas were discussed and members were asked to bring ideas to the August meeting.

* Council Members were asked to invite others to the August 14, 2024 concert at St. James featuring Jonathan Rundman.

• Various Committees of the church will give presentations at Council meetings throughout the year.  Members of the Finance Committee will attend the August Council Meeting.

Good for Council – Good for Church – Good for God

• Congregation continues the increase in giving in 2024.

• The mission group to Guatemala will return this week after a successful trip.

• Eight youth accompanied by Adam Michael and Pr. Libby Baker-Mikesell are attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
  
• Appreciation was voiced to Council for the discussion and input during this meeting.
  
  Next Meeting: Wednesday August 21 @ 6:30 pm

St. James Bookmarks

Encourage the youngster in your life to take a break from the summer heat and enjoy a good book!  These new additions will appear shortly on the library book cart and are ready for check out.  These titles will appeal to younger readers, but the library contains plenty of options for adult readers as well. 

1.  “Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied
This award winning  picture book for ages 4-8 tells the story of a young girl who, when asked where she is from, “really from,”  has a problem finding a correct answer.  Her grandfather teaches her how to her appreciate her Argentinian heritage while trying  to find acceptance in a new country. The dual themes of self-acceptance and identity will
appeal to readers of all ages.

2.  “The Magic and Mystery of Trees” by Jen Green
This beautifully illustrated nature book pays homage to these mighty plant organisms by examining every part of a tree, each playing its own important role in that tree’s growth, as well as in the forest itself.  Readers aged 3-8, or in grades 2-4, will likely never again see any tree quite the same way.

3.  “Harbor Me”  by Jaqueline Woodson
This middle school novel introduces the readers to 6 fifth and sixth grade students who get together in a weekly chat room where they feel free to discuss their stories and struggles without any adults intruding.  As they discuss their fears and feelings, they receive support from each other and become braver and more ready to face the future.

A Note From the Creation Care Task Force

“Tweet, Chirp, Squack, Brrrrrrrt, Whistle, Peep, Trill!” It’s just after five a.m., and the alarm doesn’t go off until seven.  Yet the beauty of the avian symphony coming through the window at just before dawn brings great joy.

Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colors
And made their tiny wings

As we encounter a world with so many problems which trouble us, as Lutherans, nature is always there to heal. Yet we can do our part to heal nature: plant native pollinators, feed birds, provide a source of water for the critters, leave some of our grass longer to encourage fireflies, and plant more trees.

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
‘Twas God that made them all

There is a great peace which can be found by being in God’s creation.  Smell the flowers. Sit in the shade of a tree. Feel the breeze and sunshine on your face, or even the raindrops. And especially, enjoy the avian symphony !

Parish Records

Deaths
           July 6          Connie Hutchison
           July 16        Pat Crowner
          
Baptism
            July 21       Lauren Austin

50+ Wedding Anniversaries     
          
  August 3        Ronald & Sarah Roache                  50 Years                             
August 15      Bill & Judy Leslie                             54 Years
           August 21      Terry and Jane Fox                         59 Years
           August 24      Charles & Debbie Raffensperger    55 Years
           August 25      Ken & Gloria Unger                         61 Years
           August 26      Martin and Catherine Crabill          73 years

Battery & Cork Recycling –
Round #2

Beginning  August 4,  the St. James community will begin collecting batteries and corks for another round of recycling.  We began recycling batteries during the pandemic, and corks in 2023.  To date, we have recycled over 400 pounds of batteries and 75 pounds of corks!!
The postage for these projects is the primary expense and postage costs are increasing.  Beginning in August, participants will have the opportunity to contribute financially to keep these earth-friendly projects going.  On the first Sunday of the month between services, beginning on August 4, a member of the Creation Care Task Force will be in the gathering area with a sign and a donation box. Whether it is your loose change, several dollars, or the cost of a box – we can all pitch in so that battery and cork recycling can continue to happen at St. James!

Visiting St. James

Office Hours: 
Monday—office closed
Tuesday—Friday, 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m.

Calling St. James at 717-334-2012

201     Katy Clowney
          Church Administrator
          [email protected] 

202  Julie Albert
          Administrative Coordinator
          [email protected]      

203     Adam Michael, off on Fridays
          Director of Youth & Family Ministry
[email protected] 

205   Pr. Libby Baker-Mikesell, off on Fridays
Associate Pastor
[email protected]

206 Pr. Andrew R. Geib, off on Fridays
Lead Pastor
[email protected] 

207 Jonathan Noel, off on Fridays
Minister of Music
[email protected] 

215 Tom Bender, off on Fridays
Building Superintendent
[email protected]