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

Monday book studies have quickly become one of the high points in my week. Come 3:00 on Monday afternoon, you will find a group of 20 or so church members in our gathering area chatting, snacking, and discussing our book of the season. This winter and spring, we are working our way through C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” It is a 75 year old story about the Pevensie children and their adventures in the land of Narnia.

It amazes me how a children’s story can hold so much meaning for us beyond our childhood. The first few weeks have been full of conversations around childlike curiosity, new beginnings, personal bias, and more recently, temptation. We read about Lucy’s trip into the land beyond the wardrobe, the temptation of Mr. Tumnus to turn her over to the White Witch, and her brother’s temptation to bring all the siblings to Narnia in exchange for power (and Turkish Delights!).

Soon, we will be in the season of Lent, a time of repentance and of reflection. A time that, for many of us, focuses on limiting temptation. We will create spiritual practices full of limiting temptation – giving up added sugar or our evening glasses of wine, eating more vegetables, or staying off of our social media accounts. It is a time of intentional introspection – a time for us to reflect on our own temptations, and limit them to draw us closer to Christ and his suffering.

As much as we hate to admit it, we are tempted by the things of this world. We struggle with harsh judgements about our neighbors. We feel the urge to turn to social media to air our grievances or engage in dialogue in ways that we would be hesitant to in person. We are tempted to keep our calendars full and put off responsibilities until a time when it is more convenient. We are tempted to consume things that are not good for our bodies or our minds – be it junk food, excessive news coverage, or alcohol. We are tempted to use our own power to exert influence over others.

This Lenten season, may we remember Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

As we begin the forty days of Lent, may we refrain from the things that tempt us – that keep us from loving ourselves or our neighbor as ourselves. When we are tempted – because we will be- may we know that we are never alone. For God goes before us, with us, and beside us, helping us endure the temptations of this Earth and encouraging us to draw closer to Him.

With love,
Pastor Libby

Midweek Lenten services begin this month. On Wednesdays, soup and bread is provided for a community meal at 5:15 pm, followed by a worship service at 6:30 pm.

St. James Storytelling:
A Letter from Donna Mountfort

The following typed letter was found on Katy Clowney’s desk one morning in August 2023, written by Katy’s good friend, Donna Mountfort. Donna and her husband, Dick, had decided to make the move to a retirement community in Chambersburg and they were leaving Gettysburg.

Katy was touched by Donna’s note. However, it wasn’t necessarily a note just for Katy. It was a note for the entire congregation. Donna gave permission for her letter to be shared with the congregation at an appropriate time. While St. James’ doors are not literally “wide open” any longer, Donna’s testament around our small Saturday evening services demonstrates the sense of community, friendship, and faith that we strive to share each and every week at St. James Lutheran Church.

Because it was short.

“Because it was short” was always my flippant reply when asked why I came to the Saturday evening service. And, it is and I am, but I would be remiss if I did not point out the real reasons why I enjoyed the Saturday evening service.

Being part of the “Golden Girls pew,” according to Pastor Andrew, points to the camaraderie of all the folks filling the pews. Sharing news about surgeries, illnesses, travels, happenings, ups and downs, and in and outs demonstrates the caring and kinship of us Saturday folks.

Standing as one group during communion creates a sense of family. Each of us using our voice to sing hymns of praise and listening to thought-provoking messages (and we get to hear the sermon first!) illustrates the gifts of meaningful worship.

Caring for others, reaching out into the community, supporting programs that help others and inviting individuals and groups into our building all define the philosophy of “doors wide open; all are welcome!”

Relocating is the right decision for us, but finding a new church home with a supportive staff, caring congregation, with the same mission as St. James and offering a Saturday evening service will be a challenge.

Blessings to you all,
Donna

Van Committee Update

The St. James Van Committee (Alan Haynes, Dennis Carter, & Tom Uhlig) met recently to discuss acquiring a passenger van for the church. We agreed to seek the congregation’s input to answer the question, “why do we need a van?” Having a van can support our mission in many ways. It will make it easier to move groups of people, including our Youth Group, to places like Camp Nawakwa, work camps and other activities that now require multiple vehicles (sometimes rented) and drivers. We can also use it to provide rides to church and other events for people without reliable transportation, or those who worry about parking.

As this work continues, we invite our committees and members to provide input and ideas on how the van can help support our mission. We also began discussion to draft a Church Van policy to outline procedures to be followed for van usage, maintenance and safety. Please contact any member of the Van Committee with your ideas.

Young At Heart: Keeping Up with The Kids

Adam Michael, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Before your summer calendar fills up, consider sending your kids or grandkids to Camp Nawakwa!

There’s no greater place for a kid to spend a week in Adams County than the 96-year-old hillside camp in Arendtsville. The site features two long rows of cabins with bunkbeds and restrooms, several recreation fields, a recreation hall, several outdoor chapel areas, a large cafeteria, and a pool. Whether playing or praying, swimming or studying the Bible, every event at Nawakwa is designed to help kids strengthen relationships with their friends, and to get in touch with God.

Camps run from June 22 through early August, with opportunities for kids as young as kindergarten through high school. Family camps also help bring friends together from all edges of the Synod.

Whether they experienced a weekend retreat or a week at overnight camp, many members of our congregation hold memories of Nawakwa near and dear to their heart. So much so that we have a special fund to reduce the cost of camp by $200 for any kid who is either a member of our youth group or congregation. Last year, we were able to sponsor 30 such scholarships. We never want financial hardship to be a reason a child cannot attend, so please reach out to Adam at youth@stjamesgettysburg.org for more information on discounts and scholarships.

If you’re interested in making a donation to this fund, please see Katy in the church office. For more information about Nawakwa and other local Lutheran camping opportunities, visit www.lutherancamping.org

Camp Nawakwa will hold events on March 16 and April 6, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. that allow prospective campers to take a tour of the facilities, meet with members of the summer staff, and find out what camp is all about. Those who attend will receive a $10 gift certificate for the camp store!

Late in March, we’ll have more opportunities to educate our kids on the experiences and benefits of camp. Be on the lookout for more information in your weekly eblast.

Upcoming Youth Events – Save The Date

Mark your calendars and get ready for another week of adventures at Vacation Bible School ! From June 2-6, youth will have the opportunity to explore stories of the Bible through games, activities, and lessons. Volunteers will be needed to help lead art, music, and snack stations. Contact Adam Michael to sign up to volunteer. You will be part of a fun week and be able to share God’s love with our youth !!

June is a busy month for St. James’ youth, as Confirmation Camp will be held June 8-13, and Workcamp is taking place June 22-27. Contact Adam Michael (youth@stjamesgettysburg.org) with any questions. More details will be coming in the following months.

Music Notes
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

This was a difficult winter. We experienced hazardous travel conditions, numerous closures, and a bad flu season. Let’s take heart! Spring is coming! I share the words of this Lenten hymn from the pen of Mary Louise Bringle.

As the winter days grow longer, drawing short the hours of night;
as our eager expectation waits for Easter’s dawning light—
yearning people, here we gather, turning watchful eyes to you:
God who blesses earth with springtime, shine within our world anew!

As the vines burst into blossom, fragrant in the morning air,
lifting spirits with their sweetness, luring hearts to thankful prayer
Lenten people, here we gather, seeking lives refreshed from sin.
God who blesses earth with springtime, bloom within our hearts again!

As we journey through this season, pilgrims through a thirsty land,
quench us with your living presence; guide us with your loving hand.
Wand’ring people, here we gather, called to rest along our way.
God who blesses earth with springtime, grant us sabbath joy this day!

Gods Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

As the Winter Days Grow Longer (All Creation Sings #924). Text, Mary Louise Bringle, b. 1953 © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net #A-707473.
MUSIC NOTES Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

A New Practice For Lent:
An Invitation From the Creation Care Task Force

The Creation Care Task Force is offering you an environmentally friendly choice of Lenten discipline this year. Lent is a time for contemplation, often paired with a discipline that helps the Christian focus. It is also long enough for an adherent to practice a better discipline so it becomes a good habit, replacing a less desirable habit.

A study published in Nature this month, along with several others appearing over the last few months, shows how pervasive plastic has become in the last 70 years. As bad as an island of plastic trash in the ocean is, threatening the lives of animals that mistake it for food, microscopic pieces of plastic are showing up in our bodies as well. A recently published article in Nature caps a series of articles demonstrating that microplastics, tiny pieces and threads of plastic, have been found inside the human body. It is ingested and inhaled, it crosses from the intestines and lungs to the blood into internal organs. In the recent Nature article, the study tells us that scientists have now found microplastics in the human brain.

We would like you to accompany us on a Lenten Adventure to see our way past single use plastic. Not all of it, not all at once. Once a week, we’ll offer a tip, and if you choose, you can join us as you try to decrease your use, too. Check the eblast with the week’s focus exercise, and an accompanying Bible verse, hymn stanza, or contemplative quote. If you are not already receiving the eblast, use this QR code to sign up to receive it.

Realistically, we know this won’t change the world, but we hope that this brings awareness of how plastic use is not just changing the world but changing us. Let’s take our role as caretakers of God’s creation seriously.

Worship Previews

MARCH 1 & 2: TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2, Psalm 99, Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]
Fellowship, hosted by Adult Discussion Group & the Creation Care Task Force

MARCH 8 & 9: 1ST SUNDAY OF LENT

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-1, Romans 10:8b-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Luke 4:1-13

MARCH 15 & 16: 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17—4:1, Psalm 27, Luke 13:31-35

MARCH 22 & 23: 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT

The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalm 63:1-8, Luke 13:1-9

MARCH 29 & 30: 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Psalm 32, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
WaterLife Children’s Service @ 10:45 am

COUNCIL CORNER, FEBRUARY 19
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

• Approval of Minutes from January 15, 2025: Approved

• Treasurer’s Report: K. Lentz reported that in January, overall revenue was positive. There were a few annual offerings included in the report with a net income of $25,166.92. Financial reports were passed unanimously.
• 16 new members were accepted as presented.
• A request from the Refugee Resettlement Program (RPP) to use the building on May 3rd for a fundraiser was approved.
• Evangelism Committee projects: fellowship opportunities include Lenten and Advent mid-week meals, dinner groups, & new member classes. Evangelism is working to implement small groups, a women’s retreat, family movie night, and to fund a Dollars For Scholars scholarship.
• Security Task Force updates: the task force continues to work towards ensuring safety of members and visitors. The task force has begun to draft a security procedure policy and recommends a security guard, monitoring hallways during worship, or locking doors after worship has begun. Proposal to be brought before council for approval.
• J. Flanagan provided a Minute for Mission about the new AEDs & First Aid Kits. Members of the congregation have approached him for a potential First Aid/CPR Training. First Aid kits have been ordered. Kits are on top of the hallway AED devices. Congregation to be informed of both aid devices. The security task force will include a section on medical devices in their proposal.
• Financial committee to work on a thorough understanding of the church budget & available funds and communicate with Council.
• The church van taskforce held their first meeting on Feb. 17th. The task force is focusing on increasing membership. A policy is in place regarding the van and its usage.
• M. Withrow reported that 25 people were present at the first Common Ground worship service. Common Ground will begin the process of becoming a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Committee.
• A. Ketterman, W. Lane, and E. Main will end their 1st terms on Council this year. Those interested in running for a 2nd term should create a bio. S. Sanders will end her final term on Council in July 2025. We will elect new members in May. A. Ketterman will serve as the Council Liaison to Creation Care. No new information regarding a youth member for Council. Pr. Libby to be in touch with the Synod staff regarding clarification of this role.
• Evangelism committees & new members: Using an easily shared welcome statement or Messenger calendar would be helpful. Family bowling on 2/23 is an opportunity for engagement.
  Good for Church, Good for God, Good for Council
• G. Munsee highlighted the letter sent with donations from the year. All givers receive a letter from the congregation.
• M. Withrow noted that the Valentine’s Day Benefit Concert on 2/16/25 was well attended & well performed.
• Pr. Libby noted that there have been several visitors in church over the last month.
• Pr. Andrew has been in touch with a youth regarding mentorship and church involvement.
• Both pastors attended a Synod Conference meeting that uplifted the struggling status in Upper Adams County. Several congregations are considering leaving the ELCA, closing, merging, or consolidating with other local congregations.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 19 following Advent worship

St. James Bookmarks

This month’s featured library selections are for our younger readers. Look for these titles in the coming weeks.

“Who Sang the First Song?” by Ellie Holcomb
The lovely, rhyming text of this colorful board book celebrates the first song as having been created and sung by God. Each of Earth’s creatures is then gifted with it’s own wondrous song. Kayla Harren’s glowing, arresting illustrations may inspire thoughtful dis-cussion in pre school readers. Appearing soon on the library book cart.

“The Boy at the Back of the Class” by Onjali Q. Tauf
Nine year old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee, arrives in Mrs. Kahn’s class-room. Although he is quiet and mostly unsmiling, the other kids eventually learn that he is a war refugee who has been separated from his family. A group of his fellow students come up with their greatest “idea in the world,” a plan to reunite Ahmed with his family. As the status of immigrants and refugees continues to be a source of international discussion and concern, this story, told from a child’s perspective, underlines the values of kindness and friend-ship, and the importance of home. This book is recommended for ages 8-12 and will soon be on the book cart.

March “Fifth Sunday Servant Event”

St. James will be collecting items for our own Early Learning Center (ELC) for the 5th Sunday Servant Event in March. Look for the branch outside of the worship space. Items should be returned by the weekend of March 29 and 30. The ELC is in the need of the following items: post it notes (any size), AA & AAA Batteries, cereal (Life, Kix, Rice Krispies, Shredded Mini Wheats), markers(thick and thin), Dry Erase markers, paper towels, baby wipes, tissues, Clorox wipes, Lysol, card stock (white or colored), coffee filters, watercolors, Sharpies, masking tape, small paper plates, Play doh, glue sticks, liquid glue bottles- regular size, Ziplock Bags (any size), stickers (any kind), kitchen wash cloths.

Small Group Suggestion Box

Please continue to think of suggestions for a possible Small Group. A Small Group 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 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 their interests. The Small Groups can even be extended to those outside our membership.

Please fill 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! The Small Groups that have already been suggested are: Walking Small Group, Games Small Group, Needlework Small Group, A Hootenanny Small Group, and a Sustainable Living for Creation Small Group. Look for additional details in the coming weeks!

PARISH RECORDS

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
March 31 Eugene & Nancy Rifle 68 years

Deaths
November 25, 2024 Mary Vaughn

Baptisms
February 9 E. “Vinnie” Wilson Foley

New Members – February 16
Hunter Kauffman
Betty Lilley
Vicky Parantha
Lisa and William “Lee” Leonard
Deb Smith
Matt, Heather, Carson & Oliver Kehr
Barb and Ray Heffner
Kathy Felix
Sally and Steve Kopp

Easter Lilies & Tulips

Honor or memorialize your family members or friends by purchasing Easter flowers which will adorn the sanctuary for Easter Sunday. Tulips and Lilies will be available for $12.50 each. You may also choose to donate funds to the ELCA’s World Hunger Relief Fund, and provide the gift of life for those who hunger. You can sign up for either, or both! A list of all donors will be included in the Messenger and worship bulletins. You may take your flower(s) home after the 10:45 a.m. Easter Service.

Scan the QR code to place an order or contact Dee Wells. All checks are payable to St. James Sacristy, and should be mailed to Dee Wells, 179 Battalion Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Orders need to be placed by Wednesday, March 19.

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