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

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ”
-Matthew 3:3b

Throughout the Bible the wilderness is described as a desolate and deserted place, void of civilization. It is the space beyond the limits of settlement and of government control – disorderly and dangerous, home to wild beasts and savage wandering tribes, of fiery serpents and scorpions. The Rabbis note that 3/4 of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) tells the story of Israel’s wanderings in the B’midbar – the wilderness. Day after day, the Israelites traveling from place to place, bewildered and disoriented in their search for the promised land. New Testament scholars describe the wilderness as the natural habitat for evil spirits – a waterless place of temptation, where human vulnerability is exposed and divine provision is necessary for survival.

And yet, it is in such a place that God repeatedly meets God’s people – where manna is provided and God’s voice is heard, where spiritual formation and personal transformation take place. The book of Numbers describing, “From wilderness, there is a gift.” The belief, that in the wilderness, with all of its’ challenges, is where one can truly experience the hope and promise of God’s abiding presence.

As we enter into the month of December, we embark yet again into the season of Advent, the season of waiting and anticipation for the birth of our Savior and for his return. The season, like those characters of scripture, in which we are drawn into wilderness places of our own – called to prepare the way of the Lord. This preparing that the Baptist calls us to, begins with a state of perpetual repentance – the ritual act of continuous confession. Repentance, not a one-time event but a life-long one. That which our dear Dr. Luther deems the entire life of believers.

At the time that John the Baptist was growing up, there was a community of monastic Jews living near the Dead Sea known as the Essenes. They were a group known to have taken in orphaned boys and young men, who sought to separate themselves from all they considered to be sinful, to live lives in radical devotion to God.

While some believe that the Baptist grew up among the Essene community rather than in the “hill country of Judea” where he was born, John’s ministry was not one of separation and exclusion. Both Matthew and Luke depict John’s ministry as invitational and inclusive – reaching out to sinners in his belief that God wanted to forgive them and rescue them.

It’s easy to feel that acts of true repentance are in increasingly short supply these days. That we have become a culture who would rather excuse, deny, and deflect than take responsibility for – from the rich and famous, to our nation’s leaders, to those closest to us, to us ourselves (if we’re honest about it). A culture that would rather avoid and downplay our sins than repent for them.

But this is not who we, as people of faith, are called to be. The church is not to be an exclusive club for perfect saints (as if that’s possible), but a hospital for sinners. A place where each of us can come in our brokenness, amidst the wilderness moments of our lives, and stand on the shores of baptismal grace – trusting that in our repentance and through the hope and promise of God’s abiding presence, the Baptist’s call would become our reality. That the way of the Lord would be prepared & His paths would be made straight.

So, people of the wilderness, what sin do you need to repent for? What wrong do you need to right? What hurt do you need to mend? Who do you need to reconcile with? How does your heart need to change, that you might live fully into the life God in Christ has prepared for you – that you might prepare for Him to be born in you and live through you? This is the work of Advent. What our waiting and preparing is all about. Say “I’m sorry” and mean it. Turn away from those things that draw you from God and separate you from your neighbor. Practice acts of mercy. Extend grace. And, in all things, love. For Christ’s Advent is not only a past event or a future promise, but a present gift. Not something to be kept or hidden, but proclaimed loudly for all the world to hear!

With love, Pastor Andrew

ST. JAMES STORYTELLING
A MESSAGE FROM KIRBY SCOTT

When I try to reflect on how my wife, Kristine, and I found St. James and became members, our story needs some context. I was raised in a traditional Baptist home, with faith, love, and deep religious beliefs as part of my daily life.

My wife was raised in a devout Catholic home, with the same atmosphere in her life. In my family, the church was a compass for living, and having Pastors and Bishops as uncles kept me grounded in faith throughout my life.

Life’s major events, with one of them being marriage, brought decisions and shaped our paths within the church. I went through the reconciliation process and converted to Catholicism while living in New Jersey. A large part was due to the Priest who presided over the church. Kristine was a Lector, our children received communion and confirmation, and we were engaged in all aspects of the church.

After retirement, we moved to Gettysburg to be closer to my wife’s elderly mother. We both needed and wanted a religious base for moving forward. Our search for a church began by attending different services at local churches, and ultimately we stopped searching after visiting St. James. My wife and I both experienced an inviting feeling and overwhelming warmth during our visit. The sermon from Pastor Andrew moved me, not only with the message, but also with the messenger.

When we inquired about becoming members, Pastor Andrew visited us at our home. Coincidentally, during that time, our family was also dealing with personal hardships and trials. Although we were not anticipating any direction regarding our personal situation during the visit, our conversation did encompass the issues that we were facing. My observation of Pastor Andrew was that he is a man of strength in his faith, with a commitment to serving, and a genuine spirit that truly cares.

I know Kristine and I have made the right decision in becoming members of St. James. I hope we can be an extension of all that we have received from St. James, as we are committed in our faith and service to the church.

YOUNG AT HEART: KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS
Adam Michael, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

The Christmas season is finally here, and for the first time in this youth pastor’s career, the youth are ready!

Over the last couple of years, our youth have worked on telling stories using purchased scripts. One year, paper bag puppets shined light on the miracle of Jesus’ birth. The next, Santa learned the season is not all about him.

Through each twist and turn, our high schoolers have been taking notes. This year, they wanted to try their own hand at crafting the message. Join us at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 21 as we watch a procrastinating high school student try to conjure up a last-minute book report on the nativity by asking AI to blend all the Christmas stories together. He or she may get more than they bargained for…

There’s more than one way to wait out the birth of Christ at St. James. In addition to our wonderful midweek Advent services, please make sure to stop by or even volunteer to help with our Breakfast with Santa event, on Saturday Dec. 6 from 8-11 a.m. We’ll have festive games, music and decorations, a pancake, sausage and egg meal, and a chance to sit down with the big guy to discuss Christmas lists, or ask him any other questions that are on your mind.

We hope you’ll come see what our kids have been cooking up this Christmas season!

MUSIC NOTES
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

From Rockwell-like paintings of choristers to tales of wassailing villagers. From merry carolers contrasting with Dickens’ Scrooge, to the sound of a choir singing “O Holy Night” as Kevin finds himself alone on Christmas Eve in the original Home Alone movie, there is perhaps no other holiday that conjures up the sights and sounds of choirs quite like Christmas.

Gettysburg has several excellent choirs that will be presenting Christmas programs in December, and I hope you will support them. In addition to those programs, we are pleased to announce that the Master Singers of Viriginia will present a Christmas concert in our worship space on Sunday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. The Master Singers of Virginia is a select, auditioned, volunteer ensemble of 42 singers. Now in its 31st season, the ensemble is led by Dr. Don Schade. If that name is familiar to you, it is because Don and Elaine are active members of St. James!

The mission of the Master Singers of Virginia is to enrich, educate and entertain audiences by providing high quality artistic programs in Northern Virginia and beyond; to give residents of the region the opportunity to hear and perform beautiful and challenging choral music; to encourage youth to become involved in choral music; and to increase awareness of and support for the arts throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area.

The program at St. James is entitled “Songs of Light and Wonder: Sacred mystery and sparkling joy in a season of hope.” The free concert invites you to enter the warmth and wonder of the holidays with shimmering choral works and festive favorites. From the radiant beauty of Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque and Glow, to beloved carols like Silent Night and Ding Dong! Merrily on High, the program celebrates light born in darkness and the joy of the season. We are making this program available at no charge as a good-will gesture to our community. No tickets needed!

I invite you to explore the ensemble’s website, msva.org, where you can hear past performances, learn more about the ensemble, and read Dr. Schade’s impressive biography. Invite your family and friends; this is a not-to-miss opportunity and sure to be a highlight of the Christmas season!

God’s Blessings, Jonathan Noel

WORSHIP PREVIEWS

DEC. 6TH & 7TH:
2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Steele (Global Refuge)
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, Matthew 3:1-12
Fellowship, hosted by the History & Archives and Christian Education Committees

DEC. 13TH & 14TH:
3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10, Matthew 11:2-11
Retirement Celebration for Tom Bender, Building Superintendent at 9:30 am on Sunday 12/14

DEC. 20TH & 21ST:
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-
us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. Preacher: Lorie Burke-Garcia
Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Matthew 1:18-25

DEC. 24TH: NATIVITY OF OUR LORD:
CHRISTMAS EVE

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96, Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

DEC. 27TH & 28TH:
1ST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.
Lessons & Carols
Readings: Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23

COUNCIL CORNER, NOVEMBER 19
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved

• Approval of Minutes from Oct. 15, 2025
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report & ELC Financials
  
  Committee /Task Force Reports:
• Finance Committee – Bill Shoemaker will serve as chairman for 1 year; Tom Uhlig and Bob Cook have joined as new members.
• Social Ministry Committee – hosting a dinner on 12/4 for seminarians, new 5th Sunday events are in the works for 2026.
  
  Unfinished Business
• Update on SCCAP funding campaign: $14,620 was collected for SCCAP in the last 2 weeks (consisting of personal donations & $5,000 in endowment funds pledged by the council). The campaign remains open to the end of November.
• Recap of Annual Congregation Meeting: The congregation voted to distribute $200,000 to SCCAP and to community ministry. The $100,000 pledged to SCCAP to be distributed soon, and Council President M. Withrow proposed that the $100,000 pledged to community concerns be broken up in the following manner: Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. ($50,000), Adams County Rescue Mission ($40,000 to be used to help establish an emergency women’s shelter), Gettysburg Area Ministerium ($5,000 for the voucher program), St. James family in need of a new heating system for their home ($5,000). Motion to spend the $100,000 pledged to community mission in four ways was passed.
  
  New Business
• Approval of St. James members attending the Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly in 2026: Sally Kopp and Steve Kopp will represent St. James, and there are openings for 3 more representatives (youth rep, young adult rep, and person of color).
• Covenant Discussion: Council began discussions on how to craft a church covenant that would guide congregants in ways to live into their commitment to God, the church, and the community. Once the document is complete, it will be presented to the congregation.
  
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• The annual congregation meeting was a rousing success, and this is the best church ever!
• Advent begins on November 30. Dinner and Advent services will be held on Wednesday evenings 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17.
• All Christmas Eve services will be unique, with something for everyone.
• Everyone is invited to Breakfast with Santa on Sat. 12/6.
• The Master Singers of Virginia will present a free Christmas concert at St. James on Sun 12/21.
  
  Before Our Next Meeting: Council members will continue to think about what should be included in the St. James covenant.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 17 following the Advent service

Advent Holy Land Photo Sales

St. James will have Holy Land photos available for purchase during Advent. These photos are from the works of our fabulous photographer’s company “Shiraz Productions.” Prints will be available in a variety of sizes; mats and frames are not included. Please keep an eye out for them in the hallway and place your order. We anticipate having orders available before Christmas. Proceeds from the photo sales will benefit our Palestinian Christian friends in the Holy Land.

If you previously ordered products in the fall from the Holy Land, this order is currently being held at the Tel Aviv airport. We are working on a different shipping method for any “pre-orders” to expedite the arrival of these products. Please continue to keep both of these projects in your prayers.

Parish Records

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
December 9, Dave & Shirley Sanders, 50 years
December 9, Harold & Mindy Plank, 69 years
December 12, Jerry & Linda Neth, 61 years
December 27, Pete & Martha Riley, 56 years
December 30, Steve & Sally Kopp, 53 years

St. James Book Marks

Merry Christmas, St. James!

Advent and the Christmas holidays are here once again, and our church library is doing its best to help you prepare for the season with a rotating display of holiday books selected by the library committee.

Stop by our book cart to find collections of Advent meditations for personal and/or family worship, plus a large, varied collection of sacred and secular holiday books filled with the joy, wonder, and love of this special season. As always, a book sign out box will be available.

Wishing you continued happy reading now and in the New Year!

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