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

If you were to engage my lovely wife in conversation around some of my habits, in addition to telling you that I am incapable of sitting still and that my sneeze is unnecessarily too loud, she would likely reflect that I am a hoarder of things – especially, anything sentimental. While I am nowhere near as bad as my father and his father before him, I admit, I have a difficult time getting rid of things passed down.

At the top of the list of these sentimental items are two books written by my pastor grandfather, the Rev. Kenneth Senft. Writings that not only allow me to connect with my grandfather beyond the grave but continue to shape my ministry. In his book, New Life in the Parish – Making the Local Church a Vital Factor in a Changing World, my grandfather paints a picture of congregational life across various contexts of society, acknowledging in his introduction that the congregation is in trouble.

While the book was published back in 1970, it speaks to life in the parish today. If you read Pr. Libby’s Messenger article from July, reflecting on our recent Synod Assembly, you know that the Church is indeed in trouble. While Christianity is the largest religion in the world, faith participation here in the United States is in a steady decline – 42% of people regularly attending worship in 2005 fell to 30% in 2025. Across the ELCA, 45% of congregations are unable to afford a fulltime pastor, with 61% of congregations here in the Lower Susquehanna Synod worshipping less than 50 people.

If you were to read through the various studies and surveys on church decline, you would find many of the same explanations. Distrust in institutions. Clergy scandals and abuse. And the big one for us today, tensions between religious identity and political positions. Then there are the countless other excuses we make – it’s boring, I got out of the habit, I’m spiritual not religious, there’s no one my age… the list goes on.

Regardless of the why, the fact remains – church participation across traditions is in decline. So, what now?

At the heart of my grandfather’s book is the need for community. Here, he reflects on the importance of the congregation’s image of itself. If the congregation views itself as the people of God, adhering
tightly to its own specific doctrine, it will tend to become an exclusive community, judging those outside its ranks. If the congregation sees itself as a place for growing, learning, serving, and becoming, it will tend to become an inclusive community – a place open to others, with a fellowship in which understanding and love can increase.

While we Lutherans certainly have plenty of our own doctrine, I would like to think that St. James is the latter of these two. A place where people from all walks of life can come together in community regardless of our differences to grow and learn, serve and become, where understanding and love can flourish.

At the same time, I recognize this doesn’t work for all. As it was forty plus years ago, when my grandfather published his book, we live in a world that is at odds with the message Jesus came to bring. That struggles with differences and disagreements. That would rather avoid than understand. That would rather cling to its own beliefs about how the world should work than develop and grow into what God created it to be. And so, still today the congregation is in trouble. And for this, this pastor’s heart aches.

The truth is, comparatively, St. James is doing very well. While our worship attendance has been down a bit due to summer vacations and camps, it is pretty good when held up to many other congregations across the country. We have visitors at most of our weekend services and continue to have new people interested in membership. Our giving is strong. We are witnessing to the good news of God in Christ in our caring for the least, feeding the hungry, and housing the unhoused.

With these things and more, we have a lot to offer our local community. Our world, near and far, is in desperate need of the hope and promise Christ came to bring. So, share it and be it. Come to church and bring others with you. Call that person you haven’t seen in a while and tell them you miss them. Assist with worship and get involved in the life of the congregation. Come to Bible study. Sign up for a small group. Love God. Love each other. And know that we love you.

With love, Pastor Andrew

ST. JAMES STORYTELLING:
A MESSAGE FROM BARABARA NICKS

I have been a member of St. James off and on for over 68 years. I was married here twice, two of my three children were baptized here, and I have worshiped here most every Sunday for the last fifty years. Over these fifty years, I have sung on the choir, gone to Sunday School, and served as a Stephen Minister for approximately 18 years. I have given many home communions to shut-ins over the last 25 years. My husband, Milt, and I ushered at the early services for many years, and I joined the women’s quilting group approximately 11 years ago. I have found many wonderful friends along the way.

God has truly blessed the congregation here at St. James by sending us the most wonderful, helpful, loving ministers that any congregation could ask for. Pr. Keyser and Pr. Foltz walked with me and gave me the support I needed as I was going through a very difficult divorce while raising my three children, ages, 11, 12 and 14.

Then with God’s help, and that of my sister and brother-in-law, I found the love of my life, Milt, and a wonderful stepfather to my teenage children. Milt and I had a little over 42 years together before the Lord called Milt home.

Once again even during COVID, our ministers, Pr. Mike and Pr. Andrew, were always there to give me their loving support when I needed it the most.

Today we are blessed to have Pr. Andrew and Pr. Libby with us to turn to during our times of trials and sorrows, to help us in any way possible. God has also blessed us with a wonderful staff here at St. James, and they are always willing to help in any way they can.

St. James has truly been a place where my faith in God has grown and taken me places I never thought possible. I want to thank all of the St. James family for all you have blessed me with.

God Bless you all,
Barbara Nicks

CONSIDERING MEMBERSHIP
AT ST. JAMES ?

We are excited to welcome new members to our St. James family this September! A New Member Orientation class will be held on September 14 at 12:00 PM, following the late service.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, we invite you to attend the class and complete the Membership Form, located under the “Connect” tab on our website.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to meet one-on-one before the class, please feel free to email Pastor Andrew or Pastor Libby. We would be happy to connect with you. We look forward to walking this faith journey together!

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

Through four hot, muggy days in June, 14 of our best and brightest youth joined Mark Clowney, Tina Young and I on a trip to Asheville, North Carolina, for the first workcamp St. James has attended in at least five years.

Our job was to rebuild a deck, a fence and a garden, and paint a shed for a single mother and her two children who were affected by Hurricane Helene last fall. We joined seven other churches helping to rebuild neighborhoods in Asheville and Waynesville, N.C..

We completed all but the last couple steps of our mission, so our kids asked if we’d get to see what our sponsor’s yard looked like when it was fully completed. We told them it’s possible, but not likely, and that might even be a good lesson for them.

We revisited the story of Moses leading his people toward the promised land. One of God’s most important servants, Moses knew he’d never see the place where the next generation flourished, but he still never lost his purpose in helping the Israelites get there. He understood that in God’s story, the best we can do is play our part, remind those who come next how we got here, and find our peace in leaving the people we serve better than we found them. The reward is in the journey, not the destination.

Our kids got to hear how, weeks before we arrived, the neighborhood we were working in was still littered with debris, rusted and ruined appliances and broken fences. We learned about the fear people felt last fall when Hurricane Helene turned a beautiful babbling brook into a raging river that swept through their homes and properties, leaving them soaked and battered. Many residents left during the storm, not knowing if they’d see their homes again. Others stayed to take care of the property or loved ones who were medically bound.

We learned how TeamEffort Missions had canvassed the neighborhood in Waynesville, N.C. looking for people who needed help. Initially, only one person was humble and daring enough to receive it.

As neighbors watched teenagers lift busted refrigerators, rusty washers and broken branches into dump trucks, they began to become curious. Residents then saw the work that was completed, building a fence and a porch, replacing a roof, and replacing drywall without charging the owner a dime, and this really got their attention.

TeamEffort leaders explained their mission of Christian service and love, and slowly hardened hearts began to soften. A few more people accepted help, then dozens more, and a two-week mission turned into more than four weeks in the same neighborhood. Excited neighbors are now giving what they can — popsicles, epsom salts, restaurant recommendations — to thank the kids and leaders who have helped restore some dignity to a neighborhood that many believe was overlooked during initial relief efforts.

So yes, our kids won’t get the credit they might want for their role in the rebuild, nor the certainty that it went just as they envisioned. Because this is God’s story, not ours. And as we learned at Winterfest in January, you don’t need to be named in the canon to confidently and humbly know you contributed to the grand scheme. And Moses teaches us you don’t need to see the end result, for efforts to be worthwhile.

That’s the message Jesus came to teach. Death comes for us all, but while we’re here — through our words and deeds — we can continue to inspire others to tell the story long after we’re gone. That’s resurrection — of a town, of a people, of dignity and hope.

Our kids want to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible, especially the congregation and community that continues to fund our mission!

In Christ’s love,
Adam Michael, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

MUSIC NOTES
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

Give Choir a Try!

You have been thinking about joining the choir but keep putting it off. You have an excuse like, “I don’t have a good voice,” or “I can’t read music,” or “I can’t make another commitment right now.” Well, rest assured, no matter what your excuse, you do have a place in the choir! A new “season” begins in September. What better time is there to join in the fun?

There are two choirs to choose from, and each is structured differently to accommodate various needs. The Martin Luther Choir sings at the 8:15 service twice a month, on the second and fourth Sundays. The music is simple enough to learn during a brief rehearsal twenty minutes prior to the service. The secret sauce is an email that I send to singers early in the week with a PDF of the music and a video or sound clip so that singers can preview the music at home and arrive feeling prepared.

The St. James Choir sings at the 10:45 service most every Sunday. The music is learned during rehearsals held from 7:00-8:30 each Thursday evening. These midweek rehearsals allow the singers to learn more complex music and to work weeks ahead, helping everyone to become confident and to refine their sound. The St. James Choir also sings for special services, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.

On Reformation Sunday, October 26, the Martin Luther Choir and the St. James Choir will combine forces to present a cantata by Dietrich Buxtehude accompanied by strings during both morning services.

Let this fall be the start of something new for you. Please contact me or speak with a choir member if you want to know more or just show up and give choir a try!

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

*New voices are always welcomed in our choir groups! Contact Jonathan Noel for questions about either choir or other opportunities to serve through music.

Worship Preview

AUG. 2ND & 3RD:
8TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 49:1-12, Luke 12:13-21
Fellowship, hosted by the Landscape and Evangelism Committees

AUG. 9TH & 10TH:
9TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Genesis 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Psalm 33:12-22, Luke 12:32-40

AUG. 16TH & 17TH:
10TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Jeremiah 23:23-29, Hebrews 11:29—12:2, Psalm 82, Luke 12:49-56

AUG 23RD & 24TH:
11TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing. Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 58:9b-14, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 103:1-8, Luke 13:10-17

AUG 30TH & 31ST:
12TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at Christ’s banquet table. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Proverbs 25:6-7a, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Psalm 112, Luke 14:1, 7-14

COUNCIL CORNER
JULY 16 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved

• Approval of Minutes from June 18, 2025
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report & ELC Financials
  
  Church Financials – A motion was made, seconded and voted to pay for the replacement outdoor A/C unit and associated mini split heads that service the ELC (cost: $10,950) from the SJLC Building Fund.
  
  Committee Reports (refer to various meeting minutes in folder)
• Early Learning Center Governance Committee – A motion to approve a fundraiser celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ELC, aimed at financing the purchase of tables, chairs, bookshelves, rugs and large toys for classrooms was made, seconded and approved. The aim is to raise $35,000 during the period of October 2025 through January 2026.
  
  Old Business
• Update on van purchase: Alan Haynes said the committee last met in May and is looking for a new committee chair.
• Update on increasing the number of handicapped parking spaces: New signs are being purchased to mark the increased the number of spaces (now 10).
• Update on ELC play yard: The new artificial turf has been installed, and the children are enjoying it.
• Update on the new boiler at the Scout camp: The boiler has been installed.
  
  New Business
• At the August meeting, the council will address its 2025/2026 mission that will include ways to increase congregational involvement in the following categories: attendance, church activities and committees, and carrying Jesus’ message to potential new members (refer to Bishop Dunlop’s presentation at the recent Synod gathering).
  
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• The council welcomed its three new members – Emily Hart, Gabbi Scavitto and Don Schade – to their first official meeting.
• Mark Withrow said attendance at the monthly Common Ground service has continued to increase, with one participant noting the service “is a safe place to feel the love of God.” All are welcome at this service.
• Pastor Andrew noted that the St. James family really has stepped up to help our Scout troop deal with the recent suicide of one of its own. Some family members of the scout have been attending services.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 20 @ 6:30 pm
  
  

Congregation Council Update: Any member of the congregation is welcome to attend Congregation Council meetings. The meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm in the church library. Discussions are held regarding the life of our church. Please be aware that in the interest of good order and efficiency of the meeting agenda, attendees other than council may not be given an opportunity at that time to speak at a meeting. Your ideas or comments should be presented to any council member, or brought to the Executive Committee ahead of time, so they may be addressed and added to the council agenda. Thank you.

St. James Book Marks

August’s featured titles are great options for adult and younger readers alike, who are looking for an activity to fill summertime days. Look for them to be arriving on the book cart very soon!

“Caste, The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson In her bestseller, Wilkerson examines the question of What is caste? “Caste is the granting or withholding of respect, status, honor, attention, privileges, resources, benefit of the doubt, and human kindness to someone on the basis of their perceived rank or standing in the hierarchy.” In her recent publication, the Pulitzer Prize winner examines how these unspoken artificial and destructive separations, largely determined by one population’s control by power, have greatly influenced the America we know today. While investigating this premise, Wilkerson also draws a direct connection of caste to the development of both Nazi Germany and India. This articulate volume proves to be both provocative and disturbing.

“The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig
While growing up, did you ever have a moment when you felt that you were being totally ignored? How frustrating and lonely did that feel? Brian is “The Invisible Boy” in Trudy Ludwig’s poignant story of a little boy ignored and not accepted by his fellow classmates, until a new student named Justin arrives on the scene and chooses Brian to be his partner.

Brian, the child virtually invisible while in plain sight, is initially colored in shades of grey which gradually transform into a full pallet of colors as he and Justin join in a project which allows Brian to show his true talents and earn acceptance among his peers. Justin’s simple act of kindness and inclusion is easy for young readers to appreciate. This delightful addition to our library’s children’s collection is perfect for Grades K-3, featuring simple, uncomplicated text accompanied by soft yet vibrant illustrations by Patrice Barton.

PARISH RECORDS

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
August 3, Ronald & Sarah Roache, 51 Years
August 15, Bill & Judy Leslie, 55 Years
August 21, Terry and Jane Fox, 60 Years
August 24, Charles & Debbie Raffensperger, 56 Years
August 26, Martin and Catherine Crabill, 74 years

Baptisms
July 6, Lincoln Gomer and Elizabeth “Zizi’ Gomer

Please keep in prayer our 4 church members, Pete Bender, Sue Currens, Paige Betch, & Chris Waybright who are traveling to help at the orphanage and Hope Academy which Tree4Hope oversees in Guatemala.

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