You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep
scrolling! The October 2026 Events Calendar at St. James Lutheran Church is below.

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

A Message From Pastor Libby

Friend butterfly, friend butterfly, go fetch them one and all!
I’m waiting here to welcome every guest;
And tell them it is Michaelmas, and soon the leaves will fall,
But I think Autumn sunshine is the best!
—Cicely Mary Barker

As you are reading this article, Hunter and I are either traveling to, or recently returned from a trip to Ireland and Scotland. These countries have always been “bucket list” destinations for me, and while a week is not enough time to fully explore either one, we are grateful for the opportunity to get away and experience a little bit of both.

While we are in Ireland, September 29 marks Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. In Lutheran and Anglican traditions, it is a day set aside to remember Michael and the angels and their witness to God’s protection and care.

Like many old feast days, Michaelmas also accumulated its share of local traditions. According to one bit of Irish folklore, when the devil fell from heaven, he landed in a blackberry bush and spoiled the berries—so you should never eat blackberries after Michaelmas! Goose was traditionally served for dinner, with the belief that eating goose on Michaelmas would bring prosperity in the year ahead. Interestingly enough, that tradition made its way across the Atlantic and is still celebrated as “Goose Day” in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, not far from where I grew up.

But Michaelmas was about more than blackberries and geese.

Historically, it marked an important turning point in the year. The harvest was coming to an end. Rents and accounts were settled. On some medieval estates a new reeve, responsible for overseeing the manor, was chosen. Hiring fairs were held as workers found positions for the year ahead. One agricultural year was ending, and another was beginning.

We may no longer schedule our calendars around the harvest calendar, but we can still feel the seasons changing around us. The evenings get cooler, the days get shorter, leaves are changing color and begin to fall. Our lives have seasons, too. There are seasons where we plant, seasons where we are patient for growth, and seasons where we celebrate what has grown and give thanks for the harvest. And there are seasons where we let go of the things that no longer serve us in order for something new to begin.

At Michaelmas, people stopped to reckon with what was owed before moving into another year. Maybe there is something worthwhile in doing that in our own lives, too—not balancing financial ledgers, necessarily, but taking an honest look at the accounts we carry with one another and with ourselves.

What have we gathered this year that we are thankful for? What needs to be settled or sorted out with our neighbors, ourselves, or with God? What needs to be carried forward and continued, and what needs to be left behind as one season gives way to another?

Perhaps this traditional Michaelmas practice offers us a good spiritual practice for October: Take a moment to settle the accounts. Give thanks for what has been gathered. Tend to what remains unfinished. Make peace where we can. And then, trusting in the God who has been with us through every season, step faithfully into the next one.

With love,
Pastor Libby

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St. James Bookmarks

New titles continue to arrive in the St. James library. These selections, one for young readers and one for adults, are just two that you can find on the new arrivals book cart.

“I Know How to Draw an Owl” by Hilary Horder Hippely
In this story, Belle’s teacher gives her class an art project—drawing an owl. She is amazed that Belle’s owl appears so lifelike. Author Hilary Horder Hippely shares with her young readers that Belle is homeless, and that she and her mother are currently living in their old car, sleeping each night in the park. A friendly nearby owl seems to be watching over them as they sleep, an owl that Belle regards as her friend. As the story draws to a close, a new boy arrives in Belle’s class, and Belle tries to share this caring and protection with him.

Ms. Hippely energizes this simple story with uncluttered, descriptive text which attempts to explain the realities of a complex, societal problem to ages 4-8. Illustrator Matt James creates a pensive mood with his striking use of jet black and muted colors throughout.

“Solito” by Javier Zamora
In his recent memoir, “Solito,” Poet Javier Zamora has created a powerful recounting of his two month odyssey from El Salvador to the United States, to reunite with his parents. Javier revisits his 9 year old self on perilous boat rides, desert treks, and so much more, where danger is a constant threat. At the same time he also experiences moments of unexpected love and caring from his fellow travelers as they create a semblance of family. This timely examination of the human spirit as it seeks a better life is truly humbling and thought provoking.

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Young at Heart:
Keeping Up With the Kids

Adam Michael,
Dir. of Youth & Family Ministry

Youth festivities are underway for the fall and we have some big events coming up soon! We hope to see several church members at all of our events in October!

Recycle Bicycle Donation- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3: St. James will host its annual Recycle Bicycle donation! Accepting bikes that are too small or no longer in use, extra helmets, & bike racks. Recycle Bicycle will repair them, make sure they are in safe working order, and give them to a rider in need in the greater Harrisburg area or overseas.

Middle and high school students are needed to help with the event! Please let Adam know if your child will help with the event.

First WaterLife Service -10:45 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 4: We will be rolling out our first WaterLife service for the 2026-27 school year on this date, featuring our Jesus Take the Reel, fishing-themed study! We’d love to have all members of K-5 youth group there to help us celebrate and show off what we’ve learned.

Youth Night at Fields of Adventure – 4-9 p.m., Saturday Oct. 10: Meet us at Fields of Adventure for an evening of fun and festivities with our church family. Pay $5 per person in advance and the youth group will cover the rest of the entrance fee! If you haven’t signed up using the link in your email, get in touch with Adam to take advantage of the cost savings and give us a head count for the evening!

St. James Halloween Bash -5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20: Save the date to wear your costume and wait on the annual Halloween parade here at St. James! Calling all middle and high school student and adult volunteers, we need help to prepare for and celebrate this year’s bash! We are recruiting people to be responsible for games, crafts, and food distribution. The more the merrier!

In Christ’s love,
Adam Michael
Youth and Family Director St. James Lutheran Church

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Music Notes

Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

As most of you know, I am now a grandfather. I will cherish this role and each moment I have with my new grandson. Many of you have told me just how much you enjoy being a grandparent and I am ready to begin that journey now, too.

It seems not very long ago that I held my own daughter in my arms as a brand-new dad. Now she herself is a mom and is going to be great at it, just like her mother is. And I am certain that my daughter’s husband is experiencing much of the same pride and joy and love that I felt when I held my children for the first time.

So, as I reflected upon the events of the last few weeks, the words of a familiar hymn came to mind. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” reminds us that God remains a faithful presence even as one generation succeeds to another.


O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home:

A thousand ages in your sight are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all our years away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day

Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home.

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.

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Worship Previews

October 3rd & 4th:
19th Sunday After Pentecost

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 80:7-15, Matthew 21:33-46
Fellowship @ 9:30 am provided by Seekers Sunday School class and Reconciling in Christ Committee

October 10th & 11th:
20th Sunday After Pentecost

In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 25:1-9, Philippians 4:1-9, Psalm 23, Matthew 22:1-14

October 17th &18th:
21st Sunday After Pentecost

In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us
that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Isaiah 45:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13], Matthew 22:15-22

October 24th & 25th:
Reformation Sunday

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46, John 8:31-36

October 31st & November 1st:
All Saint’s Day

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22, Matthew 5:1-12

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Council Corner, Sept. 16
Meeting Highlights

En Bloc Agenda: Approved

• Approval of Minutes from August 19, 2026
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report & Church Financials
  
  Unfinished Business
  Youth and Community Visioning Update: According to Pastor Andrew, the architect has submitted a questionnaire regarding the overall vision for the proposed new youth space (usage, staff, community outreach, etc.). She also submitted a proposed fee schedule.
  CARES Update: According to Pastor Andrew, the closing on the new CARES building is scheduled on or about September 30, and it initially will house the administrative offices and the breakfast space. St. James will continue to host the overnight shelter for at least the first few months.
  2026-2027 Council Mission discussion: As evangelists, we know why we go out into the community (because Jesus has instructed us to) but we still have problems articulating why. We continue to discuss how to get from “needs work” on this point to “excellent,” and council members can act as the leaders as we get the congregation involved in 2027. Next assignment is to come up with a one-line explanation.
  
  New Business
  2027 Budget Review / Approval: Council moved, seconded and adopted the proposed budgets for 2027; they will be presented to the congregation for discussion at the November annual meeting.
  2027 Sharing Ministry Proposal / Approval : Council moved, seconded and voted to adopt this budget.
  Open call for new business: The council voted to decline a request from former St. James pastor Mike Allwein to sell his new book, “Horizons: A Spiritual Memoir of Wonderment,” on church premises. The book currently is available on Amazon.
  
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• Ann Ketterman was surprised to be recognized by a former C.A.R.E.S. guest, after many years of volunteering with overnights.
• ELC member Paige Betch announced with great sorrow that she will be leaving the church and the area to move closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Paige has been a valued member at St. James, serving in many volunteer positions, particularly with the Youth Group.
• Congratulations to Mark Clowney regarding his new role as Adams County Commissioner, replacing Marty Qually, who is moving on to serve with the PA State Department of Agriculture.
  
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM

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Welcome to Our Ministerial Field
Education Student – Dylan Brown !

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dylan is joining the ULS community for the first time this fall. His background is in church music, and he is now discerning a call to Word and Sacrament with the ELCA. He recently completed a two-year service with Central Europe Teachers teaching English in Slovakia, and before that he served a year through Young Adults in Global Mission in the United Kingdom. He is excited about his opportunity to be at St. James as a Field Ed student this year! You will likely see Dylan during worship over the next few months. Please extend a warm welcome to him while he is at St. James !

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C.A.R.E.S. Breakfasts Update

The past few years an article requesting cooks for C.A.R.E.S. breakfasts appeared in the October Messenger. During those years a definitive program arrangement and breakfast schedule were available. However, C.A.R.E.S. scheduling is very much up in the air at this point. Here is an update on where things stand.

At the time this article was written (late September), C.A.R.E.S. was scheduled to settle on the property at 25 S. Washington Street on September 30. This leaves only about 30 days before the opening of the C.A.R.E.S. emergency shelter for the 2026-27 season. While some members of the C.A.R.E.S. board would like to try to begin occupancy at the new facility in early November, others on the board do not see this happening until January 2027, and still others think it will take the entire season to prepare the new facility and be ready to open at the start of the 2027-28 C.A.R.E.S. season. There are many things that need to be considered and completed at 25 S. Washington Street before C.A.R.E.S. opens there.

In the meantime, C.A.R.E.S. may need to resume parts of the program as we have the past three years at St. James in the Slentz House for the Resource Center, on the third floor for overnights, or at the Youth House for breakfasts. There is a possibility that we will be able to begin the Resource Center and breakfasts at 25 S. Washington St. and only have the overnights at St. James. The timeline for C.A.R.E.S. to make the move to the new building (which will eventually be the site for all of the above services) will be determined in the next month. So, stay tuned. You will be informed if and when St. James volunteers will be needed for breakfasts during this C.A.R.E.S. season.

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Parish Records

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
October 10, Bob & Joanne Heflin, 73 years
October 20, Glenn & Jane Blocher, 58 years
October 21, Greg & Vicky Daskivich, 54 years
October 25, Mike & Miriam Pinko, 57 years

Baptisms
September 26 – Maeve Re, Vance Re, Ava Re

Deaths
September 25 Jim Roach

Visiting St. James or
Calling (717-334-2012)

Office Hours:
Monday—office closed
Tuesday—Friday, 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays until 5:30 pm

201, Katy Clowney, Church Administrator, kclowney@StJamesGettysburg.org
202, Julie Albert, Administrative Coordinator, jalbert@StJamesGettysburg.org
203, Adam Michael, (off on Fridays), Director of Youth & Family Ministry, youth@StJamesGettysburg.org
205, Pr. Libby Baker-Mikesell, (off on Fridays), Associate Pastor, lbakermikesell@StJamesGettysburg.org
206, Pr. Andrew R. Geib, (off on Fridays), Lead Pastor, ageib@StJamesGettysburg.org
207, Jonathan Noel, (off on Fridays), Minister of Music, jnoel@StJamesGettysburg.org
215, Todd Izydorski, (off on Fridays), Building Superintendent, tizydorski@StJamesGettysburg.org