You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep scrolling! The April 2025 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

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.

-Luke 24:1-9

There is much to unpack in the Easter story. Far more than any one sermon or newsletter article could possibly get at. Theologians and Bible scholars have spent countless hours attempting to make sense of the resurrection alone. How did it happen? Did God raise Jesus? Did Jesus raise himself? What did Jesus do with his time between death and life? Are we raised to new life immediately after death or do we wait in some sort of space until the time of Jesus’ return? What does it all mean for us? For the world?

All of these questions and those similar, point to the mystery of God – the many unknowns around how God works we simply can’t explain. In moments such as these, when we find ourselves with more questions than answers, Luther directs us to focus on what we do know – what we can say with some certainty about who God is and how God works. For Luther, nothing clearer than God’s sacrifice on the cross – God in Christ giving his life out of love for the world.

As people of faith who claim the name of Christ, we are to model our lives after His – to be his disciples. In all the mystery of how and why things happen in the ways that they do, in all the debates around what is truth and what is not, in our disagreements about how things should be governed and how we are to interact with the world around us, our words and deeds should be rooted in the things of
sacrificial love. As Luther put it in his Easter Book, “We are Christian because we cling to One who died and rose again and is no longer here.”

On Good Friday, as Jesus breathed his last, the sun was darkened. On Easter, with new life breaking forth from the empty tomb, the Son brought forth the light that cannot be extinguished. In the uncertainties of life, when you are perplexed and afraid, when things of darkness and death appear to be winning the battle over light and life, may the hope of the resurrection be your hope and your guide – for only then is there newness of life. Offer a kind word to someone who is struggling. Share a few bucks with a person down on their luck. Smile at a passerby. Hold a door for a parent wrangling their little ones. Refrain from yelling at the person who cuts you off in traffic. Apologize to someone who you’ve wronged. Invite a friend to church. Refrain from undue judgements. See the best in your neighbor. When in doubt, look to Christ.

With love,
~Pastor Andrew

Lenten Midweek Services

Midweek Lenten services continue this month. On Wednesdays, soup and bread is provided for a community meal at 5:15 pm, followed by a worship service at 6:30 pm.

St. James Storytelling:
A Message From Christina Geib

A year after leaving an abusive relationship, I found myself navigating life as a single mother, burdened with mistrust and apprehension. Seeking solace and community, I walked through the doors of St. James, uncertain of what to expect. I grew up in a Lutheran church so walking into St. James, in a way, felt like coming “home.” From the moment I entered, the warmth and genuine kindness of the congregation enveloped me, dissolving my fears that I may not be accepted as a single mom, and about starting over.

Initially, it was the spirit of acceptance that drew me in. Members of St. James didn’t just offer polite greetings; they extended heartfelt invitations to join small groups, community events, and prayer meetings. This inclusivity made me feel seen and valued during a time when I felt most invisible.

As I became more involved, I discovered a profound sense of belonging. The church’s commitment to service, justice, and outreach resonated deeply with me, providing opportunities to connect with others and contribute meaningfully. The sermons, rich with messages of hope and resilience, seemed tailored to my journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and love.

What truly anchors me at St. James are the remarkable women who have become my surrogate family. Having grown up without a maternal figure, I yearned for that nurturing presence. At St. James, I found not just one, but many maternal figures who offered wisdom, support, and unconditional love. They have walked beside me, sharing in my struggles and celebrating my victories, embodying the essence of Christian fellowship.

St. James is more than a place of worship; it’s a sanctuary where broken hearts are mended, trust is rebuilt, and faith is restored. The church’s unwavering support has been instrumental in my healing process, teaching me the power of community and the boundless nature of God’s love.

In sharing my story, I hope to convey the transformative impact of St. James. It’s a testament to what a compassionate and welcoming congregation can offer to those seeking refuge and connection. For me, St. James is not just a church; it’s home.

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

FASTNACHT THANK YOU

This year’s Fastnacht sale was once again a smashing success. The church produced 1,843 dozen savory treats for the community and sold nearly all of them! The ones that remained were donated to various community organizations around Adams County.

I am amazed and energized to see nearly 90 families commit to this project annually. A special thank you goes to Brad, Carole, Eric and Kyle Smith, as well as Emily Harte and Katy Clowney for their efforts in organizing this year.

We know for some it’s more physically rigorous to contribute each year, so please know your efforts are especially appreciated and we’re looking to make accommodations to take some stress off of aching joints. Please let us know if you have any ideas!

This year’s proceeds will be used to fund our TeamEffort Workcamp trip to East Asheville, North Carolina, where we will be helping with hurricane relief efforts from June 22-27. We are taking 14 youth and 3 adults on the trip. We will have more information to share in the coming months about this trip!

FEELING OUT JUDGEMENT

Over the course of the year, our elementary school youth group has taken deep dives into friendship, confidence, and bravery during our renovation theme. Our goal is to break down each of these concepts as we think about them and provide some reinforcing structure and accentuating notes from the Bible, and more specifically, Jesus, to give us a new understanding.

This past six weeks, our kids have worked hard to understand judgement. In church circles, we don’t like to think of judgement as a good thing, mostly because Jesus teaches us “judge not, lest ye be judged.” But judgement, first and foremost, is about decision making. We can choose to be impulsive, or to do nothing at all. We can choose to follow the pack or we can be thoughtful in our approach, which may lead us to a number of different destinations.

We know that ultimate judgement comes from God, but kids do have to make decisions about who they will spend their time with and how they can impact their peers. So, we refocused our goals to be curious and empathetic of the circumstances that lead a person to make destructive decisions. We worked out ways to be helpful rather than critical, looking to positively affirm or gently critique behaviors without condemning people.

We also talked about what we can do when we judge people incorrectly. There may be no better example of this than when a sinless man, Jesus, is sent to the cross for allegedly sinful behavior. As Christians, we cannot undo the past, but God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to love our enemies, and to mend our relationships with those who we have wronged. Acts of repentance and forgiveness can go a long way toward living into the kingdom of God.

Our last lesson took a look at Jesus’ approach to God’s laws. From time to time, Jesus would break the ten commandments to serve God’s greater purpose of loving one another. Days on which he and his disciples would work on the Sabbath to feed or heal people are a perfect example of this. Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath. That any law that prevents us from loving one another should be challenged in good faith to the greatest commandment of all, to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In Christ’s Love,
Adam Michael Youth & Family Director St. James Lutheran Church

Music Notes
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

Jacques Launay recently published an article* on the research website of the University of Oxford touting the benefits of singing in a choir. Among his findings are some physiological benefits of singing which I summarize here.

Singing benefits both the body and the brain. All music exercises the brain, but singing improves breathing, posture, and muscle tension. It can aid in pain relief by releasing endorphins.

There’s evidence suggesting music boosts the immune system by lowering stress hormones like cortisol and increasing Immunoglobulin A, which helps fight illness. Cultures around the world have long used music in healing rituals, and it is still part of modern therapies to improve mental health, breathing issues, and language impairments.

One of the best things about singing is that anyone can do it, no matter how much they might protest. The powerful therapeutic effects are well-noted. Regular choir members report that learning new songs sharpens their memory and provides cognitive stimulation. Plus, the sense of satisfaction from singing together activates the brain’s reward system, triggering the release of dopamine, which makes people want to keep singing.

Our choir members know firsthand the benefits of singing, but I would venture to say that all who engage themselves fully in singing hymns and liturgy in our weekly worship services can receive many of these same benefits. As we finish our Lenten journey and prepare to sing our Easter praises, let us remember that singing is good not only for our souls, but our bodies as well.

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel
*www.ox.ac.uk/research/choir-singing-improves-health-happiness-–-and-perfect-icebreaker

ENSEMBLE132 CONCERT

Join us on April 8 at 7:30 pm at St. James to experience ensemble 132. ensemble132 is an “American collective of soloists and chamber musicians of the highest caliber, uniting with a shared mission to reimagine the chamber music landscape.” This is the last concert of the Gettysburg Community Concert Association’s (GCCA) 2024-2025 season. GCCA members can attend for free, or tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.

Worship Previews

April 5th & 6th: 5th Sunday in Lent

Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading Paul recalls his transformation from the persecutor Saul into an apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 126, John 12:1-8
Fellowship, hosted by Faith & Fellowship and Social Ministry

April 12 & 13: Palm Sunday

Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock, accuse, or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16, Luke 22:14—23:56

April 19 & 20: Easter Sunday

“The last enemy to be destroyed is death,” Paul writes. Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Luke 24:1-12

April 26 & 27: 2nd Sunday of Easter

In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, Psalm 118:14-29, John 20:19-31

Council Corner,
March 19 Meeting Minutes

• Approval of Minutes from February 19, 2025: Approved
• Early Learning Center (ELC) update: Council was updated regarding the state of the ac/heating in the ELC; there is an imbalance due to temp. fluctuations. SJLC Prop. Chair and SJLC Sexton to look into options to address this issue. ELC has concerns about the condition of the play yard (grass area) – options discussed include artificial turf, SOD, or re-seeding. SJLC Property Committee to further review and investigate play yard options within 60 days, and present info. to council for review. ELC would like to have a separate part of the play yard be dedicated to the babies, in a protected and fenced area.
• Treasurer’s Report: There may have been some decrease in attendance and giving in Feb. 2025 when compared with Jan. 2025. Building repair and maintenance has been higher than expected and, if this trend continues, costs will exceed budgeted funds for the year. There are other funds available for larger, unexpected projects so that building funds will not be depleted. Utilities are unusually high right now. Acceptance of Treasure’s Report: moved, seconded and adopted.
• Upcoming Baptisms: W. Snyder, N. Culver, L. Robinson, H. Urai. Accepted by council.
• Safety Within St. James: CPR training will be available in two different formats. A “friends and family” 1 hr. training is scheduled for 4/23 or 5/14. A more intense CPR certification program has not been scheduled.
• Update on Church Committee Budgets: quarterly review of budgets to occur in April.
• Church Van Committee Update: the 2nd meeting was held 3/17, & more committee members are sought, especially a youth parent.
• Common Ground Gettysburg March 3 Recap: Attendance was over 20 people. Moving forward, attendees will be permitted to speak during the service. The group may be in the process of being designated an official synod worship group; using potential seed money, the Common Ground model could be rolled out ELCA-wide. Pr. Andrew and M. Withrow may attend a mission training in the fall in Chicago. The next meeting is 4/7 at 6:30 pm.
• Church Council elections: Four seats on the Council to open this spring, with a congregational vote scheduled for 5/17-18. Anyone running for those seats must turn in a bio to K. Clowney this month. No youth member will be considered at this time, but the idea of adding a designated “young adult” member (aged 18-30) could be under consideration; this would require an amendment to the church constitution via a vote at next November’s annual congregation meeting.
• Affordable Housing in Adams County: Pr. Andrew and K. Clowney attended a recent meeting about affordable housing in Adams County. More than 90% of the current CARES residents have no permanent housing at this time, and there is none available. The group discussed possible housing solutions. A SCCAP At Home meeting will be held at St. James on 6/21, but will not be open to the public.
  Good for Church, Good for God, Good for Council
• Common Ground is an amazing program so far
• 5th Sunday Servant event this month to benefit the ELC.
• A big thanks to all who have helped so far with the Lenten “Soup and Bread” dinners
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 16, following Lenten worship

2025 Easter Flower List

Palm branches are given in loving memory of Guy E. and Sarah A. Raffensperger
by their children and spouses.
The Pascal Candle is given in loving memory of Treva Weikert by the Redding Family.

Easter Flowers & Gifts to World Hunger Relief Given in Honor of
Carole J. Smith, and Sue Currens, and given by Anne Bucher Lane
Elinor “Teeny” Bender, and given by Tom & Mary Bender
Jesse Holt, and given by Suzanne Hubbard
My children Devin and Caleb, and given by Sue Currens
Nadine Baugher; Alli, Nate, Eliza and Rhea Crowell, and given by Phil & Tara Baugher
Our grandchildren Addison and Emma Smith, Audriana, Greyson, Charlotte, and Emilia DeCola, and given by Brent and Karen Smith
Our granddaughters, Bella & Gabby, and given by Ken & Judy Boyer
Pastor Andrew and Pastor Libby, and given by their friends
The St. James “Welcome to All,” and given by Ron Couchman
The St. James Staff: Karen, Tom, Julie, Katy, Jonathan, Adam, Libby, & Andrew, and given by Dee Wells Violet Alms Hirsch, and given by Sherri Alms and Bob Omberg

Easter Flowers & Gifts to World Hunger Relief Given in Memory of
Catherine Jean Hobbs and given by Thomas Hobbs, Cara & Briah Russo
Charles E. and A. Lois Gomer, and Donald C. and Lona B. Helton, and given by their children
Charlie & Anne Gomer
Charles Lilley, Jim Lilley, and Fred Parantha, and given by Betty Lilley and Vicki Parantha
David P. and Anna M. Swope, and given by their loving daughters Donavee, Valerie and Kim
Emmy Lu Daly, and given by Sherri Alms and Bob Omberg
George Bender, and given by his family
George Ross Bender, Morris M. and Mary Caroline Steinour, and given by Tom & Mary Bender
Greg Weber and given by his wife Gwen Weber, and children Justin and Colleen Wallen
John Felix, by his wife Kathy Felix
Our parents Raymond & Kathleen Blum, and Neil & Carol Kessel, and given by
Carol Widerman & Dan Kessel
Jack Bucher, and given by his wife, Jenny
Jay and Lou Auxt, John Baugher, and Janel Baugher, and given by Phil and Tara Baugher
John Seilhamer, and given by his family
Kermit & Catherine Spence and David & Adrena Isenberger, and given by
Lyn and Sam Isenberger
Luther A. Smith, Lois Smith, Evelyn Smith and Randy Smith, and given by Eric & Colleen Smith and family My sister Ali, and given by Sue Currens
Our beautiful daughter, Blake Marie Kehr, and given by Matt, Heather, Oliver & Carson Kehr
Our Grandparents, Kenneth C. and Josephine Haugen Senft, and Richard E. and Alice Romaine Geib, and given by Johanna Kiehl, Elizabeth Ashoka, and Andrew Geib
Our parents Ralph & Ada McGregor, and Jack & Rose Verdirame, and given by
Matthew and Ila Verdirame
Our son Jason, and our parents, and given by Ken & Judy Boyer
Pat Crowner, and given by her husband, Dave
Patricia A. Martin, and given by Jason, Kerri, Drew, and Gavin Cole
Sandy Alleman and Brian Ogurcak, and given by Shirley Sanders and family
Skip Heller, Glenn W. Heller, Anna Mae Rhodes, G. Bernell, Nadine Klinefelter and Fern Klinefelter, and given by Nancy Heller
Salud Nieting, and given by Bill & Judy Leslie
Rev. Martin T. Young, and given by Anne, Michelle, Mark and family
Our grandparents, and given by Mark & Katy Clowney

Parish Records

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
April 2, Waldo and Patricia Hartman, 65 years
April 3, Carl and Nancy Yingling, 60 years
April 8, Bill and Paula Shoemaker, 53 years
April 15, Barry and Sharon Keckler, 58 years
April 15, Lou and Priscilla Shuba, 58 years
April 29, Wally and Gail Crum, 58 years

Deaths
March 23, Lois Epley

St. James Bookmarks

Look for these recent acquisitions to soon appear on the library book cart.

“All My Stripes” by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
This sensitive, beautifully illustrated PreK-2nd grade book tells the story of Zane, a young boy born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or what he refers to as his “autism stripe.” Zane worries about being perceived as different and unable to interact with his fellow classmates. As the story progresses, Zane and his mama work to create acceptance for him in the classroom, and to discover all the ways both positive, and not, which make him uniquely himself. (This book may also help build acceptance in any child or adult narrator experiencing a special need or circumstance at this time.) The book ends with a reading guide explaining in depth the meaning of each school day incident, plus an addendum entitled: Note to Parents and Caregivers. This brief, yet comprehensive, guide to autism provides a basic understanding of a condition diagnosed in 1 out of 68 children.

As you read the title, “Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” you might mistakenly assume that Jose Antonio Vargas is writing about the many issues concerning illegal immigration in this country. Instead, in his Pulitzer Prize winning memoir, Mr. Vargas presents the complexities of being an undocumented 12 year old Filipino sent to this country with fake papers and no clear path to citizenship. His story tells of growing up as a functioning “American,” having to hide and assimilate in plain site while experiencing nowhere to really belong, to call home. This book speaks to the day, year, and period of history through which we are living. Let it speak to you.

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 Tom Bender, off on Fridays, Building Superintendent, sexton@StJamesGettysburg.org