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

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” -1 Corinthians 4:4-8a

As I write this month’s Messenger article, I’m a little over two weeks out from my knee replacement surgery. While it has been an eye-opening experience in many ways, most significantly it has given me a deeper appreciation for the gifts that come to us through life’s varied relationships. Those of you who have undergone major surgery understand.

From the moment I woke up from surgery, I have had to rely on other people for those things I too often take for granted – at home and at church. Something that has been both humbling and challenging, that has led me to do a good bit of reflecting on how truly blessed I am. From my supportive and loving wife Christina – who has been the most wonderful caregiver I could have asked for, taking on all those things around the house and with the kids… to Gabbi and Noah, who have blown me away in their empathy for their old man… to family and friends regularly checking in… to the many extra duties Pastor Libby and our SJLC staff have taken on in my absence… to the countless prayers and cards from all of you. In all of it, at my worst, I have found myself surrounded by the best of others.

The month of February, with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle, is known as the month of love. While we celebrate this love with gifts of chocolate and flowers, those Valentine’s Day legends remind us that this love we celebrate is about so much more. Our saints named Valentine or Valentinus recognized by the church, all martyrs – literally giving their lives for the things of love.

Those of you who have been around long enough have heard me reflect on love as the heart of the Christian faith. At the center of our faith is the Gospel. At the center of the Gospel is Jesus. At the center
of Jesus, the greatest commandment, is love. Not the love expressed through chocolate and flowers (though those are good!), but the sacrificial love of the cross. Love, as described by St. Paul – that is patient and kind, that doesn’t envy or boast, that isn’t proud, that doesn’t dishonor others, that isn’t self-seeking or easily angered, that keeps no record of wrongs, that doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. Love made real in our acts of sacrificial service toward those in need.

As we make our way through this month of love, I wonder how you might share the love of Christ in your own lives. Will you provide a meal for a family in need through our Meal Train? Will you volunteer with Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. or at SCCAP? Will you invite a neighbor to worship or Sunday school? Will you send a card to or visit with one of our homebound friends? Will you pray for an enemy, that the Spirit might be at work in your heart?

Being on the receiving end of caregiving in my recovery hasn’t been an easy thing for me. I’m much more comfortable with giving than receiving. However, it has reminded me of the blessings that come through a family of faith. I am grateful for all of you and your presence at St. James – for your faithfulness and for your love. May we all continue to be messengers of this love, giving of ourselves for a world in need.

With love,
Pastor Andrew

St. James Storytelling: A story of
Gratitude by Paige Betch

Hello friends! You may have seen me these past few months here at church, but the truth is St. James has been a big part of my life for several years. I was recently asked to tell a little bit of my story and share just how much this church has made a difference in my life, and I am honored to share it with all of you!

I will start at the beginning… in 2017 I was in a horrible car accident. I was riding in the front seat of a car with my feet on the dashboard, the music was loud, the windows were down, the air fresh on my face, and life was good. Then all of a sudden it wasn’t. I don’t remember the car going off the road, I only remember waking up after the crash. I was trapped inside the car until the paramedics came and pulled me out. When I got to the hospital, I had many bruises and broken bones as well as a shattered ankle. After months of surgeries and physical therapy the doctors told me they were out of options. My ankle was just not healing and amputation was the only solution. Now I have wrestled the demons of addiction on and off since I was 18, and during this time of my life I turned to the only thing I knew to ease the pain. I began using again and I spiraled fast. It didn’t take long until I was incarcerated at the Adams County prison. I had lost more than my foot. I lost everything.

Eight months later it was finally time to be released but where would I go? My family was sick of my shenanigans, I had no friends to speak of, and I had no place to call home. I was tired and broken and all alone. It was only my faith in God that gave me the strength to fight each day. I clung onto this tiny feeling of hope and somewhere deep inside I knew that God had a plan for me. And sure enough -my prayers had been answered! I found a place at CARES. They didn’t see a drug addict or a criminal or a cripple. They saw me as someone who deserved to be loved, healed and forgiven. And they gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time, a home.

I was incarcerated just two weeks after the amputation stitches were removed, so when I got to the prison I was immediately placed in a wheelchair and I sat there for eight months, literally. When I was released, I was given only a pair of crutches and sent on my way. But while I was at C.A.R.E.S. they made sure I got to my medical appointments and that I was getting the care that I needed. Getting around on crutches in the winter time is not an easy task and my struggle didn’t go unnoticed. One day, after breakfast, I walked into the house and there was a surprise for me. There sat a HUGE box for me to open and inside that box was a knee scooter! No more frozen hands and sore arms from the crutches. This was a gift I’ll never forget, and within minutes I was zooming all around Gettysburg!

It was C.A.R.E.S. who gave me a home, a chance, and held me up when I was weak. I was clothed and fed and more than that, I was cared about. Maybe that’s why they call it C.A.R.E.S.. Because when you feel tired and broken and have nowhere to turn, there IS someone who CARES. Today I am still residing at the same apartment I moved into when I left C.A.R.E.S., 6 years later. And because C.A.R.E.S. made sure I received the medical care that I needed, today I am WALKING!

The blessings just keep coming…. not only do I have a home, but I have remained sober for the past 5 years. My parents have forgiven me and visit me often, and my daughter has forgiven me and our bond now is stronger than ever! She has also blessed me with 2 grandkids who light up when they see me and the only “Gigi” they’ll know is the person I am today. I have a good man in my life who takes care of me, prays with me, and he’s my biggest cheerleader! And with C.A.R.E.S. and St. James working together, I was introduced to several members of the congregation who prayed with me and cared for me, and I just knew that I would be welcomed in church. I started coming to the services here at St. James because I felt that expressing my gratitude through prayer was just not enough.

I wanted to TRULY thank God and PRAISE him for all he has given me. I knew immediately after the first service I attended here at St. James that I was “home.” I am welcomed here despite my tattoos and the bad decisions of my past; I am welcomed here because just like you, I am a child of God.

It is because of all the love and opportunities that C.A.R.E.S. and St. James have given me that I am here today, worshipping along-side you every Sunday. I love my life more now than I ever have and it all began the day I was welcomed into C.A.R.E.S. I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you. And even as I say those words I know they just cannot capture how TRULY THANKFUL I am to you, to all of you. With that little bit of hope I carried through the trenches, I never would have imagined this beautiful life I have now. And it all began when I walked into that little yellow house, when I came to C.A.R.E.S. with nothing but my crutches….

Young At Heart: Keeping Up With The Kids

Adam Michael, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Did you know fingerprints are formed from friction caused by pressure on a baby’s tiny, developing fingers in the womb? In the womb, some molecules promote cell growth while others actively work to prevent growth. The result is two forces acting against one another that leads to the creation of a one-of-a-kind formation. You can scar your fingerprints with a cut, or temporarily lose them through abrasion, acid or certain skin conditions, but fingerprints lost in this way will grow back within a month.

No two people have been found to have the same fingerprints as they are totally unique. However, the majority of humans’ fingerprints are not tested. According to scientists, there were about 117 billion people who have ever lived. The probability of finding the same fingerprint is 1 in 64 billion.

God has chosen each of us to make a unique imprint on the world. At the Wyndham Lancaster Resort, 14 youth from St. James contemplated how they would make their mark during the largest ELCA Winterfest gathering since 2014, during the first weekend in January. The theme of fingerprints not only had us wondering about how we leave our mark, but how God leaves his mark on us everyday through his word and the actions of others.

Leaders challenged us to see the unseen, love the unloved and help those with little hope. We envisioned ways to empower others rather than diminish their confidence, when solving problems. We strived to make the most of our unique abilities. We also discussed the marks we carry, whether it be bruises or scars, internal or external. We learned how telling our survival stories can be a beacon of hope for others experiencing trauma.

Our kids also had a blast smacking one another with pool noodles during human whack-a-mole, eating junk food until 11 pm, and bringing home whoopie cushion and bracelet prizes for being the best at “The Price is Right.”

Every year I look forward to seeing how our kids contribute to conversations with other congregations. I challenge them to give 10 to 20 percent more than they normally would and see what comes of it. This year, at least three kids reported they helped lead chats at their table when no one else would. That makes me one proud youth pastor.

In the coming years, I hope to continue to send a dozen or so kids to Lancaster for Winterfest. Outside of Camp Nawakwa, it was one of the most informative elements of my faith and fellowship formation as a kid. If you have a child in middle school or high school and want to ask more questions about the weekend, please email me at [email protected]

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

Music Notes

Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

Psalms are meant to be sung. Scholars tell us that psalms were sung during ceremonies in the temple precincts of Jerusalem. Many psalms indicate the instrument to be used to accompany them. More than a third are addressed to the Music Director. Although little is known about how the music sounded, it is no wonder that Christians, the earliest being Jewish converts, maintained the cherished tradition of psalm singing.

During the Middle Ages, the Roman Church, gaining power and influence, brought disparate Christian communities into one Latin speaking church. A body of chant was developed to which the psalms and other worship texts would be sung. Later, sixteenth century reformers such as Luther and Calvin were keen to translate the Bible and hold services in the vernacular. To this end, there was an explosion of hymnody, and psalms were considered an important part of this new repertoire. Martin Luther’s most popular hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” is a setting of Psalm 46. In Calvin’s churches, psalms were sung to the exclusion of other hymns. He commissioned the Genevan Psalter, a collection of psalms in French, paraphrased in poetic meter and sung to hymn tunes. Over the years, the number of such collections grew to include such well-known publications as the Scottish Psalter (1564) and the Bay Psalm Book (1640), the first metrical psalter in America.

While Lutherans maintain a tradition of singing prose translations of the psalms to simple chants, allowance is made for other ways of singing them. Several hymns in the ELW are paraphrases of psalms. Examples include Psalm 23, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” (ELW 502) and Psalm 72, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (ELW 311). Sundays and Seasons, the worship planning resource of the ELCA, has authorized the use of “The Psalter for Christian Worship” by Michael Morgan. This publication includes all 150 psalms in poetic meter to be sung to familiar hymn tunes. You may have noticed a shift to the use of metrical psalms in worship here at St. James beginning in January.

The response so far has been positive, many expressing an appreciation of being able to sing psalms together in a way that feels natural.

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

An Invitation From
Evangelism & Fellowship

Pastor Nathan of our Human Capital Campaign suggests growing a church by encouraging our members to become both invitational and engaging. The Evangelism & Fellowship Team has a great suggestion to encourage those two characteristics. Volunteer to become a mentor to one of our new members! If interested in becoming a mentor to a new member, please contact Pastor Libby or a member of the Evangelism & Fellowship Team. Over a period of one year, a mentor will provide special hospitality to the newcomer by doing the following:

• Introduce the newcomer to people and ministries of the church
• Listen to and encourage the newcomer
• Sit with and assist the newcomer in learning the liturgy if desired
• Invite the newcomer to fellowship hour, Sunday School, church events, ministry projects
• Introduce the newcomer to our Instant Church Directory, St. James website, and St. James Facebook page
• Periodically check-in with the newcomer by phone, e-mail, or text
• Provide information about St. James as requested
  
  Another way to become invitational and engaging is to think about a suggestion for a possible Small Group. This is a chance for people to connect outside the walls of St. James. The focus of the Small Group does not have to be church-related, but rather an idea that promotes fellowship in a smaller and more intimate way. The Small Group can set its own focus, schedule, and place to meet. People with the same interests can get together to specifically share that interest. The Small Groups can even be extended to those outside our membership. So consider filling out a Small Group Suggestion Form that can be found next to the suggestion box, under the bulletin board in the main hallway. Be creative and drop your suggestion in the little black suggestion box!
  

Worship Previews

FEBRUARY 1 & 2:
PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD

The Presentation of Our Lord is referred to in some corners of the church as Candlemas because of an ancient tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church in the coming year at the mass celebrated on that day. It was a way of underscoring the truth of Simeon’s confession that this baby Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and a light for glory to Israel. Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 84, Luke 2:22-40
Fellowship, hosted by Scout Troop # 79

FEBRUARY 8 & 9:
5TH SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY

The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.

Souper Bowl Sunday -Bring in non-perishable items (no glass containers) to be donated to SCCAP’s food pantry. Or participate in the Noisy Offering; all money collected will be donated to the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13], 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Psalm 138, Luke 5:1-11

FEBRUARY 15 & 16:
6TH SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY

Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Psalm 1, Luke 6:17-26

FEBRUARY 22 & 23:
7TH SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY

Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40, Luke 6:27-38

Council Corner, January 15 Meeting Highlights

Approval of Minutes from December 18, 2024: Approved

• Treasurer’s Report: K. Lentz reported 2024 ended on a positive note, with giving up more than $49,000 compared to 2023
• ELC Financials; changes were made to the ELC balance sheets to reflect two kinds of accrual
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report: Approved
• Acceptance of New Members: Via affirmation of faith: V. Cucuzza, L. Cucuzza, K. Felix, via baptism: E. “Vinnie” Wilson Foley to be baptized Feb. 9, 2025
• 4th quarter update to the congregation: M. Withrow to present the 2024 year-end wrap up to the congregation at the 1/25/25 service and the 8:15 am service 1/26/25; presentation to the 10:45 am service TBD. The report includes giving, spending & a year-end overview.
• Request from Kyle Smith (Youth Council) for Council to approve Fastnacht fundraiser March 1-4, 2025: Approved
• Council approved a motion to review & discuss the church budget line items of the Christmas/Easter offerings & make them part of the actual giving, instead of being separate, as they currently are.
• Safety within our Church: AEDs – Review & training update to be offered 2/2/25, as a Minute for Mission. First Aid Kits – Volunteers from Council to organize & update Protocol during a Medical “Event:” Security Task Force to meet for the 3rd time. Date TBD.
• Church Van: the Van Committee currently has 3 members but is looking for 2-3 more, with a special request for a parent to serve. A meeting will be scheduled in early February.
• Common Ground Gettysburg – First meeting had to be rescheduled to 2/3/25 in the choir area. Leader M. Withrow emphasized that this is a Christian-based group serving all who are affected by addiction or exposure to addiction of all kinds, and is based on 12-step principles. Coming soon will be a Facebook page and a dedicated email address. All are welcome.
• Four current council members will be ending their terms this summer, and the search is on for candidates. Nominations to be made in April, voting to occur in May.
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• The Evangelism Committee is collecting ideas for the formation of small groups (special interest groups). Ideas are being collected in the dedicated black box in the hallway.
• Congratulations to Brie Smith, Dwight Michael and Ernie Kranias for their recent appearances and win at the annual Dancing with the Local Stars competition.
• 2024 Christmas Eve services were packed and wonderful.
• The Tender Care maternity contributions were delivered by Shirley Sanders; a thank-you note is coming.
• The Youth Committee discussed nominating a youth member to the Council. Candidates must be confirmed in order to vote, but do not need to be confirmed to attend meetings. Glenn Munsee will report back.
• Scout Sunday is Feb. 2, 2025. Scouts may be participating as readers and as assisting ministers.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Mission Fund Committee Requests

At its annual meeting in January of 2010, the Congregation re-affirmed a resolution by Congregation Council to allocate 1/10 of undesignated bequests to support the local and worldwide mission of the church. Starting in 2020, the main source of funding for this mission switched to 30% of the Endowment Fund distributions from its ELCA Fund A.

The purpose of the Mission Fund Committee is to solicit sugges-tions from members of the congregation about organizations or programs to be considered for support, and then to evaluate the suggestions and make specific recommendations to Congregation Council for distribution of the Mission Fund monies. The following received Mission Fund support in 2024 for a total of $11,530:

Lutheran World Relief: Ukraine Regional Task Force $2,000.00
Beit Jala and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches, Palestine $2,000.00
Olive Wood Project, Palestine $5,000.00
Common Ground Recovery Community $2,530.00

The committee is now ready to receive suggestions from members of the congregation for the 2024 distributions from the Mission Fund. If you have an organization or program that you wish to rec-ommend for consideration for possible support, please submit to Claire Anderson by e-mail ([email protected]) or in writing through the church office by noon on Friday, March 3rd. Requests need to include 1) Your name & contact information (telephone and/or e-mail address), 2)The name and contact information of the organization or the program that you are recommending (name of organization or program, name of a person, telephone, address, website, etc.), and 3) The mission of the organization or program and a rationale for support from St. James, including the extent of need for that project.

As the committee develops recommendations for distribution of the Mission Fund monies, it keeps in mind the overall mission of St. James: “We respond to God’s abundant grace by being hearers, proclaimers, and doers of the Word.”

Thank You For Supporting the Scouts

As we celebrate Scout Sunday on February 2, and the birth of scouting, the leaders, scouts and families of Cub Scout Pack 79, Scout Troop 79 Boys, and Troop 79 Girls, sponsored by St. James, would like to thank the congregation for its support.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the leaders that give of their time and talents to work with these young people and to thank the boys and girls and their families who are involved in these programs. I appreciate all of you! Again, thank you to St. James for your continued support. Please remember the youth, their families and the leaders in your prayers as we all try “to do our best, to do our duty, to God and our country.”

Shirley Sanders, Unit Commissioner & Chartered Organization Representative

Parish Records

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
February 10 Thomas & Madeline Gormley 63 years
February 14 Dennis & Becky Carter 55 years
February 16 Charles & Judy Sterner 56 years
February 18 Frank & Hazel George 57 years

Deaths
January 7 Sally Crist
January 22 Ken Unger

St. James Bookmarks

Ready to curl up under a blanket with a good book, as the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall? Check out these titles that are available from the church library.

“A Book of Uncommon Prayer” by Brian Doyle. For anyone who has ever issued a simple prayerful thought aloud, in mind or in heart, this book is for you. Or as Mr. Doyle subtitles it, “100 Celebrations of the Miracle & Muddle of the Ordinary.” In this small, yet powerful, volume of 100 brief prayers and reflections, Doyle addresses such everyday topics as a prayer for cashiers, a prayer for opossums, a prayer of thanks for decent shoes, a prayer for brief things (such as church services), a prayer of thanks for all birds, etc. Prayers for anything and everything including the deeply personal. You will grin, cry, say something naughty, or laugh out loud while being moved by Mr. Boyle’s sensitivity and truthful nuggets, waiting to be consumed in a moment and pondered at leisure.

“The Psychology of Christian Nationalism” by Pamela Cooper-White. If asked, would you identify as a Christian, or an American? Most likely your answer is in the affirmative to one or both. Does that make you a Christian Nationalist in the literal sense of the word? Our changing beliefs in morals and justice, love, and our faith are resulting in increased polarization and toxicity within the country. We wonder if these changes are creating an actual loss or reduction of our democratic values. In this compact, three chapter volume, Cooper-White works to educate and inform us on the history and psychology of this troubling movement and its relationship to white supremacy. Perhaps even more importantly, Cooper-White gives us hope that through maintaining bridges of communication while never losing sight of our common humanity, all may not be lost. This book is an excellent way for us to begin educating ourselves on this highly complex but essential topic.

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, [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]