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

Throughout his ministry, my paternal grandfather took thirty-six pilgrimages to the Holy Land with people from the various congregations he served. My first trip to Israel was his last. I remember sitting with him before we left on that trip – listening to him talk about the impact these pilgrimages have on an individual’s faith life, and the relationships that are formed in spending two weeks together in a foreign land. This was certainly true for me in our time together years ago, walking in the footsteps of Jesus – a trip, in part, that led me to discern the call to ordained ministry.

Two years ago, I was able to co-lead a trip to the Holy Land with Pastor Richard Michael – one of the great friendships of my grandfather’s life. It was wonderful to be back in the land – to visit those significant sites of Jesus’ life and ministry, to walk the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, to be with the people of Bethlehem. All the more wonderful, as my grandfather experienced throughout his ministry, were the relationships formed and fostered with those who came.

With pilgrimages to the Holy Land coming to a halt following the Hammas attack in October of 2023 , and the ensuing genocide that continues with no end in sight, through conversations with Pastor Michael and Good Shepherd Travel, the decision was made to organize a trip to Greece and Turkey to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul. And so, nearly fifty of us from St. James and Trinity Staten Island traveled from the States to spend nearly two weeks together. As I shared in my sermon following our return – we listened and learned, we ate and ate some more, we laughed and cried, and we deepened our faith.

Along with the relationships strengthened and built, the faith piece was obviously at the heart of our time away. Traveling from place to place, we experienced a glimpse of what it was like for Paul to spread the Good News of God in Christ. Walking for weeks on end, navigating rough terrain and treacherous waters, evading dangerous wildlife, enduring imprisonment and persecution, risking life and limb to share the Gospel and establish communities of faith. When held up against the injustice of our world today, you couldn’t help but reflect in a deeper way on our role in it all as people of faith.

A highlight of the trip for me, took place in Philippi – one of the most significant historical and biblical sites in existence today. Not far from the place where St. Paul was arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for casting out a spirit from a slave girl, is the site of Lydia’s baptism – the first Christian baptism in all of Europe. As we were getting ready to begin our Affirmation of Baptism service along the water, Anthony asked me if I would baptize him. And so, following the affirmation, we made our way down to the creek. Pouring water over his head, we echoed those words of grace: Child of God, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And with this, Anthony was brought to new birth.

You and I, and all the baptized, given new birth by water and the Word, are to continue in the covenant God made with us in baptism. To live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. So, let us respond with the saints before us, we do, and we ask God to help and guide us!

With love,
~Pastor Andrew

St. James Storytelling:
A Message From Kathy Felix

*This article was written in Dec. 2024. Kathy joined St. James on 2/16/25.

My journey to St. James started even before I realized I would be attending. My husband, John, became sick near the end of Feb. 2024, and ended up with a bacterial staph infection which attached itself to his mitral valve. He had to have an artificial value replacement. After a month in the hospital he was sent home to recover. He was on his way to healing, and the doctors felt he needed to return to work so they released him. He went back for a few weeks and just couldn’t work. He returned to the doctors, and they said he went back too early and directed him to take off work from July 3 – 23. The doctor said he would be healthy and strong by July 23. Unfortunately, he collapsed at our home on July 16, he never “came to,” and passed away on July 20th.

The day he passed away my granddaughter Jacilyn flew home from a St. James church trip. She came straight to the hospital to say her goodbyes. We talked on the way back home. I was telling Jacilyn how lost I was and wanted to know if John really went to heaven, so I would be able to see him again. A few weeks went by, and I felt myself settling into a dark place.

That is when I decided to go to one service at St. James because Jacilyn found a lot of help by attending the youth group. I looked at the St James website. I looked up information about the Lutheran religion, and decided I needed to do something to help myself. The church John and I had attended for years hadn’t reached out to me. I felt that it was not the right avenue to return there.

So, the morning of August 4th I got up and set out to attend 1 or 2 times. I wasn’t sure that is what I needed. All I knew is I needed to find out if John truly went to heaven, and if I was going to make it through all the grieving. I got to the church, parked my car and as I walked in, people were saying good morning. The greeter at the door was smiling. Then during the service sharing “peace be with you,” I can’t even remember how many people came up to me welcoming me even though they hadn’t met me there before. I was able to take communion and really enjoyed the service. When the service was over, several people came up to me and told me they hoped I returned, or “hope to see you next Sunday.”

The work week passed, and I was feeling like I wanted to go back. The 2nd week when I attended, people actually remembered it was my 2nd time. They said things like “glad you made it back.” A few people asked me where I lived and where I used to attend. I realized many people were raised Catholic, and then for a while went to a Methodist church. Then they found a good fit at St. James. After my 2nd time attending, I thought St. James may be a good fit for me too. I continued to go and one Sunday I asked Cathy, a lady at church that made sure to greet me each Sunday, about Sunday school. I now go to the same class she attends, and Lucinda leads it, and she is awesome. I also met Emily and then afterwards saw her at the grocery store. She was wonderful and we exchanged cell numbers.

Once I realized I felt so comfortable there, I signed up to be part of the dinner group. This was outside my comfort zone, going to a stranger’s house with everyone else being a couple. I was afraid of being a 3rd wheel. Everyone in our group has been very welcoming and I didn’t feel like a 3rd wheel. Diane and Doug, that hosted the first dinner party, were terrific. After the dinner Diane and I talked. Now we sit together at church. This gave me a little confidence, so I signed up to serve as a greeter and an usher. Things were going great, as everyone was friendly, helpful and made me feel at home.

I realized while this was helping me with my grief, I still didn’t know for sure if John went to heaven. I felt like he must have but still wasn’t 100% sure. So, after service I went home and completed the application to be a member. I knew I would have to talk one on one with Pr. Andrew. Our conversation was the best talk I have had since John’s passing. Pr. Andrew let me talk and talk. Pr. Andrew looked right at me after I talked for over 45 minutes, and told me there is no doubt at all that John is in heaven. Attending the services for a couple months and listening to Pr. Andrew, Pr. Libby and then having the meeting with Pr. Andrew helped me realize that John is in heaven, and I will see him again.

Though I am not a member yet, as I am waiting for the next new member class, I began signing up for every activity I could. I donated bikes for kids that need them. I went to the apple picking, and church picnic where I met so many more people. Santa Breakfast was so much fun. At every event, I was getting to know more and more people.

I took a chance and wrote a piece for the Advent Devotional. Sharing my personal feelings has never been my strong suit. This really helped me, and Pr. Libby gave me encouragement through the entire process. Since then, I felt more and more like I could share at church, and I had met a group of people that really cared about me. I feel like I have a second family, my church family. Going to the weekly dinners on Wednesdays, and the services after, has been great. My church family just keeps growing.

I am so thankful for everyone here at St. James. I feel like I am already a member of the St. James family and being an “actual member” is only a formality.

Young At Heart: Keeping Up With The Kids

Adam Michael, Dir. of Youth & Family Ministry

Workcamp has returned for St. James Lutheran Church!

For the first time in at least five years, St. James will be sending kids, 14 of them, in fact, down south to help those in desperate need of home and property restoration!

Aiden and Anden Dutrow, Isabella and Christian DiCampli, Ikey and Lucy Heaton, Thomas Uraithang and Jeremiah Sawmtheen, Morgan Smith, Savannah Munsee, Jacob Murphy, Gabbi Scavitto, Bri Howe, and Chase Drechsler, along with adults Mark Clowney, Tina Young and myself will be headed to East Asheville, North Carolina to help with hurricane relief and recovery from June 22 through June 27.

We will be traveling seven and a half hours and just under 500 miles to meet our guides on the campus of UNC Asheville. We’ll be taking on jobs like painting, landscaping, building ramps, decks and roofs, or helping with framing, drywall and insulation in the houses of residents in need.

In September 2024, Asheville was one of the places most devastated by Hurricane Helene, due to the severity of flooding during and after the storm. The Category 4 hurricane, which brought 140-mile per hour winds was unique in how far inland its devastation reached. Western North Carolina was struck with tornados and 30 inches of rain in just a few days. According to local reports in the area, Swannanoa River at Biltmore in Asheville reached flood levels not seen since 1791, rising 19 feet and cresting at 26.6 feet, 10 feet higher than the level designated as a “major flood stage.”

Several businesses in the area have struggled to reopen or remain open since the hurricane, so we will also be supporting a vulnerable economic area by purchasing a few meals and going on a tour while we are there.

This trip should challenge the work ethic, technical skills and teamwork of a lot of our kids, and our youth pastor, so we could really use your prayers as we take on this endeavor. Look forward to hearing from us sometime in July when we recount our trip!

CONGRATS TO THOSE MOVING ON !

The end of May and the start of June will bring new chapters for several young members of our church. First, congratulations to our confirmation class of 2025, which will include Sam Dunlop, Gabbi Scavitto, Caden Miller, Bri Howe, Jeremiah Sawmtheen, Aiden Dutrow and Noah Puckett. It’s been amazing to watch you grow into the young adults you are, and I look forward to seeing how you continue to contribute to our church community! Don’t forget to volunteer and to vote!

I also want to extend a warm congratulations to Addy Dunlop, Jeze Abma, Blayne Miller, Jacilyn Windsor, David Langman, Connor Hazel and Alex Cunningham, who have graduated from their respective high schools in May. I will serve every member of our youth group to the best of my ability, but I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for this class of kids. They were a part of my interview process at St. James and I will always remember them as the ones who chose me to be a mentor in their lives. I’m so proud of all the ways you are bold, courageous, and accommodating in your love for one another, and all those we encounter. It feels like the last four years have passed by in a blink. Remember, no matter what happens, I’m always a phone call or text away!

In Christ’s love,
Adam Michael

Our senior high youth group gathering for one last week before summer begins.

Music Notes

Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

Think of a time when you were at a concert, a party, or an amusement park and thought to yourself, “There’s a lot of energy here.” You were feeling happy. You enjoyed the experience and the people you were with. You laughed aloud. You were caught up in the energy of the experience and tried something new, even risky, like that roller coaster you now regret riding. Adrenaline kept you from getting tired and you were able to make the best of the day and the experiences. If given the chance, you would do it again.

I have noticed a similar energy in the room as we gather for worship. It differs from week to week. Christmas and Easter burst with energy. The church is full, and we know something special is happening. Occasionally there is an off Sunday when the numbers are lower, the singing not so vigorous, and the energy level sags. Fortunately, there is a decent energy level at St. James most weeks.

It has been a long time since I took any science classes. But one thing I recall from physics is that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. There is an energy transfer that happens among us when we gather for worship. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon those who were gathered in worship that day, not to those who stayed home. God works among those who are gathered in community.

We can support and encourage one another by our very presence! By simply showing up we add energy to the room that, all added up, is palpable. How often do we come to church feeling down only to leave feeling uplifted, supported, and encouraged? Let the church be a place of energy transfer and renewal; a place to recharge spiritual batteries and renew spirits.

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

Worship Previews

MAY 31ST & JUNE 1ST:
7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97, John 17:20-26
Fellowship, hosted by Sunday School Appreciation and Worship & Music

JUNE 7TH & 8TH:
DAY OF PENTECOST

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world. Preacher: Pr. Libby Baker-Mikesell (6/7), Bishop Dunlop (6/8)
Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 14:8-17 [25-27]

JUNE 14TH & 15TH:
1ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15

JUNE 21ST & 22ND:
2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus until he comes again. It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.”
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 65:1-9, Galatians 3:23-29, Psalm 22:19-28, Luke 8:26-39

JUNE 28TH & 29TH:
3RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We have no good apart from God. That makes Jesus’ call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, and patience. This is freedom to not be imprisoned by anything that would keep us from the fullness of the life God has given us. This is the path of life. Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 16, Luke 9:51-62

COUNCIL CORNER,
MAY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved
· Approval of Minutes from April 16, 2025
· Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report, Church Financials, & ELC Financials

Acceptance of New Members
Via affirmation of faith: none
Via baptism: Ethan Schade, Naomi Culver, Anthony LaRochelle, Sylvia Hurry

SJLC Property Committee Updates

• Update on the refurbishment of the ELC play area from Brad Smith, Property Chair: The price to replace with sod is $8,000, while prices for Astroturf vary from $14,500 – $30,000. It is believed that Astroturf is the best option. Brad has been waiting for a call back from the lowest bidder; the second lowest bidder has submitted a bid of $18,500. Astroturf could be installed in 3-5 days, following acceptance of a bid.
• Update on ELC heating and cooling issues from Brad Smith, Property Chair: Brad and Gary Smith have spent hours tracing the heating system and its wiring manually to get uniform heat everywhere in the ELC; the thermostats have not been working properly. A plan is in the works to remedy this situation. Brad also has spoken with M&M Heating and Cooling to put a mini split system in two ELC rooms; the vents in rooms 100, 101 and 102 have been adjusted.
  
  Motion recommendation from the SJLC Finance Committee
• The Committee recommends an undesignated bequest of $1,634.66 received from Dottie Johnson be given to the SJLC Social Ministry Committee. The motion was seconded and carried.
  
  SJLC Council election results
• The following SJLC members were elected to the Council: Emily Harte, Ann Ketterman, Will Lane and Ed Main along with Youth Representative Gabbi Scavitto. Officers will be elected at the
  June 18 Council meeting. Council member Janina Kloster tendered her resignation, citing a family move to York, and Council will be naming an SJLC member to serve out her term.
  
  New Fidelity account for stocks/bonds bequests
• Council was asked to approve a new Fidelity account to receive stocks and bonds rendered by SJLC members who want to give to the church in that manner. The recommendation was approved.
  
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• The York Early Learning Committee nominated the staff of our ELC for the Outstanding Early Learning Professional Award; ELC staff were recognized April 11 at a banquet. The award was given to ELC based on nominations by families within the program.
• The recent trip to Greece and Turkey, led by Pastor Andrew, was a wonderful experience for all who traveled with the group. Pastor Libby was cited for her leadership during the two weeks when Pastor Andrew was gone. According to some of the 41 congregants who walked Paul’s path, the trip was “amazing,” “life changing,” “a faith-building experience,” and a way to forge new relationships. Pastor Andrew noted, “You don’t get an opportunity to do something like this [often]; we were blessed to have wonderful people in the group to help along the way.”
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 18 @ 6:30 pm

Looking Ahead –
Upcoming June Events

St. James Book Marks

As the temperatures start to rise, find a cool, shady spot, or lounge in the sun, and enjoy one of these recent acquisitions from the St. James’ book cart. The library has selections for readers of all ages.

“Grace Can Lead Me Home” by Kevin Nye
Homelessness. As a Christian, what do we think or feel when hearing that word? Discomfort, sadness, helplessness, politics? All of the above? In this recent publication, Kevin Nye explores the myriad aspects of this highly complex worldwide issue from his role as advocate, service provider, and pastor. Nye humanizes the roles that addiction, mental health, the economy, and availability have on this population, and reexamines our theological approach in light of a “grace filled” response. Readable and informative, this selection awakens a call to our Christian social conscience.

“Making a Difference” by Stacey Bauer
This selection is a guide to the world changing efforts of individual young people who have recognized and are solving special needs, one project at a time. For example, we meet, Jason -animal ambassador, Felix -tree planter, and Galilea – who provides “unicorn” comfort for sick children, to name just three. This fun read has a unique layout, filled with interesting facts, color photos, and quotes. It is aimed at grade levels 2-5, and is the first in the inspirational series, “Young Change Makers.”

Parish Records

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
June 5, Fritz & Faith Foltz, 65 years
June 7, Dick & Ruth Jean Unger, 73 years
June 8, Tom & Barbara Vossler, 57years
June 9, Jon & Betsy Griffiths, 57years
June 15, Tom & Deborah Altemose, 51 years
June 16, Wayne & Sue Hill, 52 years
June 17, Richard & Susan Henry, 58 years
June 20, Daniel & Mary Folkemer, 55 years
June 27, Jim & Susan Roach, 55 years
June 28, Dick & Greta Englund, 67 years
June 29, Ed & Doris Groft, 63 years

Baptisms
April 20, Luka Robinson
April 27, Hudson Urai
May 18, Oliver & Carson Kehr
May 24, Naomi Culver
May 25, Ethan Schade

Deaths
May 9, Sharon Keckler

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