You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep scrolling! The January 2026 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 Libby

“Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)

January is a season of new beginnings. The old year has washed away, and 2026 is upon us. It is a time of change and newness, This January is especially meaningful to me, as it begins with our wedding for Hunter and I. Amid all the plans, adjustments, and coordination this past month, I have begun to consider the sacrifice that will happen as we begin our life together – be it closet space, thermostat temperature, what decor we will hang on the walls, or what time we eat dinner. These everyday negotiations are a reminder that change is rarely personal. It impacts the people around us. And yet, when January arrives, we often default to change that begins and ends with ourselves.

So often, we greet the new year with resolutions: to exercise more, eat better, or finally get organized. However well-intentioned, so many of those resolutions are solitary in nature, with results that benefit only us rather than those around us.

Perhaps, instead of traditional January resolutions, this year we might focus on building community, a family of faith, together as one. That work of building a shared life is, in many ways, the work of Christian community.

The early church understood faith as inherently communal. Acts, chapter two, describes believers who “…devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” This commonality is far from the traditional way we view it today. The disciples were not identical by any means, nor had shared interests, but they worked together for the common good, sharing what they had and making sure that everyone was taken care of. Their faith was shown through shared practices that formed them into a people, a family, of faith.

So as we step into 2026, may we consider resolutions that build community, that sacrifice some of our comfort for the community of faith. Maybe that looks like volunteering to help with church on Sundays, sacrificing some precious sleep, or having coffee between services with someone we don’t know instead of the people we typically meet with. Perhaps we can forgive more quickly, assuming good intentions, and releasing held frustrations. Celebrating good news with those in our church family, knowing that our support helps others succeed.

As we enter 2026, may God grant us the courage to be formed not only as individuals, but as a people — committed to living with intention, practicing compassion, and making room for one another, even when it requires sacrifice. And that is work we learn to do together, to make all things new.

With love, Pastor Libby

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY: IT’S ALL JOY

If you think you might like to try a Bible study but don’t want a long term commitment – here’s your chance! The next Wednesday evening Bible study series will be only four weeks long, beginning Wednesday January 21 and concluding February 11. We will meet from 7pm to 8pm in the church library. The study will focus on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, with a theme of Spiritual Joy. Come join us to learn about joy in all things-unfailing, unconquered, humble, holy, and gospel joy! Questions? Contact Lucinda Bringman at 717-253-3742 or lbringman3742@gmail.com

Looking Ahead in 2026

January 2-4 Winterfest (High School Youth Retreat)

January 18 Celebration between services for Pr. Libby and Hunter’s Wedding

January 24 Miracle Workers Christmas Party & Birthday Celebration for Alex

January 25 Reconciling in Christ Sunday

February 15 Benefit Valentine Concert (Jesse Holt)

February 15-17 Fastnachts !!

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

This news is fresh off the presses: The St. James Youth Group will be heading to TeamEffort’s site in Lumberton, North Carolina for workcamp the week of July 12-17, 2026!

If you’re a current middle or high school student looking for the opportunity to nourish friendships, build some practical skills and find God in unexpected places, please consider joining us for our journey six and a half hours south to Lumberton! Each day we will work for six hours to help restore a home, then return to our homesite for worship and fellowship with other churches.

The Lumberton site was ravaged by a hurricane in 2017, which is how TeamEffort made the initial connection. The area is still in need of restoration, including painting, landscaping, ramps, decks, roofs, drywall, framing, sheds, and insulation.

Last year our group of twelve kids and three adults had the chance to stay on UNC Asheville’s campus. This year things won’t be quite as cushy. Instead, we’ll be living with anywhere between 6 to 30 people, in rooms in a renovated warehouse.

On our recreation day we can visit the historic downtown of Lumberton, or we could travel about 90 minutes to a beach to get some sun, sand and splashing after a hard week of work.

Our church will ask each child who attends to contribute between $100 and $200 toward the trip. However, we never want finances to be the reason someone cannot attend. Please chat with me if your child is interested in going but you have concerns about cost.

We’ve asked adults with previous experience to join us, but if you’re 21 or older and feeling ambitious about getting involved in St. James’ youth ministry, please reach out!

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

MUSIC NOTES
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

I spent a week over Thanksgiving visiting my son at the Arctic University in Tromsø, Norway. He was studying there for one semester through the study abroad program at Gettysburg College. Located 217 miles above the arctic circle, Tromsø is a gem of a city located on an island in a fjord surrounded by breathtaking, snow-covered mountains. There was much to see and do, and my family enjoyed our time there. But I also learned the sobering fact that America is not alone in its suppression of native peoples.

The northern parts of Scandinavia are home to the Sámi, the Indigenous people of the region. The Sámi have long relied on fishing, sheep and reindeer herding, and fur trapping. Beginning in the 18th century, colonial policies encouraged Norwegians to move north, claim land, and dominate economic development of traditional Sámi lands. Schools became tools of suppression, banning Sámi languages and pressuring children to abandon traditional ways of life. By the 20th century, intensified assimilation, land dispossession, and outright discrimination were all too common.

Today, despite advances brought about by the establishment of a Norwegian Sámi Parliament, Sámi communities continue to face cultural loss, environmental threats from industrial development and climate change, and ongoing cultural discrimination. Recent national and international efforts, including Norway’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, aim to address the historical and contemporary impacts of assimilation policies.

In the month of January, St. James joins other Reconciling in Christ congregations in recognizing the role of the church in promoting equity among people of all races and cultures, identities, and practices. Dominant cultures throughout history have sought to exploit and erase traditional peoples and the tendency remains. This January 25, as a congregation, we will re-affirm our commitment to work for equity and justice for all of God’s children.

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

WINTER QUILTING

Monday mornings continue to be quilting mornings. When weather permits, our quilters meet in room 309 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am beginning January 12th. Thanks to numerous donations, we have lots of fun fabrics to cut, to pin, and to sew. There is plenty to do for novice and skilled sewists and we welcome anyone who wants to learn! We are a lighthearted group!

We accept donations of used and new cotton flat sheets. Please no microfiber sheets as LWR does not accept them. All are welcome! Come when you can, for as long as you can, and bring a friend!

WORSHIP PREVIEWS

JAN 3RD & 4TH:
2ND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
Preacher: Pastor Fritz Foltz
Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 147:12-20, John 1:1-18
Fellowship, hosted by the Early Learning Center Governance
35th Anniversary Celebration of the Early Learning Center

JAN 10TH & 11TH:
BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29, Matthew 3:13-17

JAN 17TH & 18TH:
2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-11, John 1:29-42

JAN 24TH & 25TH:
RECONCILING IN CHRIST SUNDAY
3RD SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY

In God’s boundless diversity we are made, each of us, in God’s image. We gather in this time and space, breathing in the Spirit’s invitation to connect with one another, learn from one another, and answer Jesus’ call to justice and action. Today we reaffirm our status as a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Genesis 3:8-15, Romans 12:3-5, 9-13, Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 14-20a, Mark 12:28-34

JAN 31ST & FEB 1ST:
4TH SUNDAY AFTER EPHIPHANY

Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15, Matthew 5:1-12

COUNCIL CORNER,
DEC. 17 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved

• Approval of Minutes from Nov. 19, 2025
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report, Church Financials, & ELC Financials
• Acceptance of New Members: none; Pr. Andrew intends to hold a new-members class prior to Lent
  
  Committee /Task Force Reports:
• Other Committee Updates: The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) committee is exploring flexible ways to partner with Pathways to Justice.
• Reports of Special Committees/Task Force: The Incident Management Task Force has completed seven of eight new policy areas and needs another 30 days to finish the document. A draft report will be forwarded to the Executive Committee by Jan. 5, 2026.
  
  New Business
• The Rainbow Rose Center in York that works with the LGBTQ+ community seeks to expand into Adams County and has asked for meeting space in St. James. The group would host (employing its own personnel) three groups: a teen group that would meet on the second Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm; an all-identity adult group that would meet on the third Thursday from 5 pm to 6:30 pm; and a Silver Triangle group that would meet in the late morning (date TBD). Council supported this request.
  Unfinished Business
• By the end of November, the congregation donated $18,712 to SCCAP, and the council matched this with $5,000, for a total of $23,712. This amount is separate from the $100,000 delivered from the congregation that was part of a motion made and adopted at the November annual congregation meeting.
• Council drafted a preliminary congregation covenant document and may finalize it at the January 2026 meeting.
  
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• Council thanked all volunteers who made the annual Breakfast with Santa a success, especially Brad Smith, Kyle Smith, Beth Becker, and Kathy Tosten.
• Common Ground celebrated its first anniversary, and Common Ground Founder Pastor Tom Scornavacchi of Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing served as the featured speaker.
• A reception for retiring sexton Tom Bender was held between services on December 14, and he was thanked with cards, gifts, food and fellowship for his many years of dedicated service to St. James. We wish him well in his retirement!
• A prominent front-page feature published by the Gettysburg Times detailed the St. James congregation’s recent $200,000 donation to several community concerns.
• St. James continues to promote the Songs of Light and Wonder concert scheduled for December 21 in the Worship Space. The free event will be presented by the Master Singers of Virginia.
• Congratulations to Ministerial Field Ed Student Lorie Burke-Garcia on her first sermon.
• The annual Holiday Family Outreach toy giveaway again was a success, and volunteers were praised for their exceptional organizational skills.
• Thank you to all speakers and cantors who participated in the Wednesday evening Advent services.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 21 @ 6:30 pm

Poinsettias & Gifts to World Hunger
Are Given in Memory of

Elinor “Teeny” Bender, given by Tom and Mary Bender
Jack Bucher, given by his wife, Jenny
Dave and Ann Swope, given by their daughters, Donavee, Valerie, and Kim
Pat Crowner, given by David Crowner
Our grandparents, given by Mark & Katy Clowney
Jack Chambers, given by his wife, Nancy
Charles A. Smith, given by Daniel and Lucinda Bringman
Our son, Jason; our parents Richard & Glenna Boyer and John & Theresa Stevens, given by Ken, Judy & Lee Boyer
George Ross Bender, Morris M. Steinour Jr., and Mary C. Steinour, given by Tom and Mary Bender
My grandparents, Bob and Dot Baker, Marlene Mikesell, and Dorothy Garofalo, given by Libby
John Felix, my loving husband and best friend, given by his wife, Kathy Felix
John Baugher, Janel Baugher, and Lou and Jay Auxt, given by Phil and Tara Baugher
Charles Lilley and Jim Lilley, given by Betty Lilley and Vicki Parantha
My son, Jonathan Harpster, given by Dee Wells
Our parents, given by Barbara and Tom Vossler
Our parents, Jack & Rose Verdirame and Ralph & Ada McGregor, given by Matthew & Ila Verdirame Kenneth Unger, given by his wife Gloria
Luther A. Smith, Lois Smith, Evelyn Smith & Randy Smith, given by the Eric & Colleen Smith Family
G. Richard & Glenna Boyer, given by their children Kenneth, Peggy, Anna & Carole
Our Grandparents, Kenneth and Josephine Senft, given by Johanna, Elizabeth, and Andrew Geib
Our Grandparents, Richard and Alice Romaine Geib, given by Johanna, Elizabeth, and Andrew Geib
Paul Kreamer, given by Elaine Schade
Evelyn and Horace Waybright, given by Julie, Jim, Addy, and Sam Dunlop
Trae Brownley, given by Sue Roberts & Becky Smith
Our parents, Raymond & Jean Fair and Samuel & Mary Van Eman, given by Garry & Elizabeth Fair
Salud Nieting, given by Judy and Bill Leslie
Dennis Frankfort, given by his mother Ruth Knaub
Burnell, Nadine & Fern Klinefelter, given by Nancy Klinefelter Heller
Ed & Margie Keyser, given by the Keyser Family
Our sister, Blake Marie Kehr, given by Oliver and Carson Kehr
Sadie Pounder, Joan Miller, and Donna Tayllor, given by The Ya-Yas
Glenn W., and Glenn C. “Skip” Heller, given by Nancy Heller
Anna Wilson Heller Rhodes, given by Nancy Heller
Jason Withrow, Garnet Withrow, and Robert Withrow, given by Sonja and Mark
Catherine Jean Hobbs, given by Thomas Hobbs and Cara Russo & family

Poinsettias & Gifts to World Hunger
Are Given in Honor of

Judy Seilhamer, given by Waldo & Pat Hartman
Our daughter, Pastor Libby, and her fiance, Hunter, given by her parents, MeeCee Baker and Jim Garofalo Jesse Holt Jr., given by Suzanne Hubbard
Our mother, Norma Schweitzer Wood, given by Jenny, Scott, and Denise
Our daughters, Kaia & Leila, given by Dave and Lindsay Haller
Alan and Cindy Zepp, given by Julie, Jim, Addy, and Sam Dunlop
Christina Geib & Hunter Kauffman for caring for our Pastors, given by Daniel & Lucinda Bringman
Nadine Baugher, Alli, Nate, Eliza and Rhea Crowell, given by Phil and Tara Baugher
Pastor Andrew, for his constant support and our ministry here at St. James, given by Libby
Our family, given by Janice and Walter Krug

Christmas Wreaths are Given
in Honor & Memory of

In honor of foster parents, by Kathy & Bill Avery
In appreciation of Katy Clowney, by Norma Wood
In memory of John & Catherine Coughlin, Patricia Coughlin & Steven Bates, and Richard & Muriel Anderson, by Claire & Bob Anderson
In memory of Samuel Green by his wife Peggy, son Travis, & grandchildren Zach & Abby
In memory of John Seilhamer, by Judy Seilhamer

PARISH RECORDS

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
January 27, David & Barbara Hedrick, 58years

Deaths
December 19, Elinor “Teeny” Bender

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, sexton@StJamesGettysburg.org