You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep scrolling! The May2025 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

This month, we will confirm seven of our St. James Youth: Sam Dunlop, Caden Miller, Gabbi Scavitto, Bri Howe, Jeremiah Sawmtheen, Aiden Dutrow, and Noah Puckett, and announce them as the newest members of St. James, Gettysburg. As we prepare to confirm these youth, I am reminded of my own Confirmation – held at Port Royal Lutheran Church on May 27th, 2012. As per Port Royal tradition, I recited our favorite Bible verses – mine was 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7: “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.”

As I stood as the lone confirmand, reciting the promises once spoken on my behalf at baptism, I felt the weight—and the joy—of taking responsibility for my own faith. It was a turning point, a moment of stepping forward with intention. My pastor, Charles Hershberger, captured it perfectly when he said, “Libby, you’ve just received your faith-based pilot’s license.”

That phrase has stayed with me. It’s a reminder that confirmation isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. It’s about learning to navigate, to trust, and to actively engage in where God is calling us next.

As we now welcome our newest confirmands into the life of St. James, we celebrate that same milestone in their lives. We are reminded that faith is not passive. Faith is participatory. Each of us is invited, through baptism, confirmation, or affirmation of baptism to take control of our faith journey, to rediscover our beliefs, our reasons “why.”

Let the newness of life, brought into being through the Easter promise of resurrection life, remind us of the power we have over our faith journeys. This month, let us revisit our own Confirmations. Reread your Confirmation verse. Reflect on your spiritual growth. And most importantly, reach out—encourage our confirmands, pray for them, and share your own story of faith. Your presence, your prayers, and your stories can help remind them—and all of us—that the journey of faith is one we never walk alone.

With love,
Pastor Libby

* This year, Confirmation will take place on June 8-Pentecost Sunday. Bishop Dunlop will be preaching at St. James on this date.

Thank You From The Holy Land

A Message from Elias Ghareeb in Bethlehem, Israel:

Elias has stated many times how appreciative he and the artisans in the Holy Land are of Pr. Andrew and the members of St James. Your generosity and appreciation of items from the “Touch of Grace” catalog have made an impact during these difficult times. Elias states that “St James has done more than any church in USA.” Thanks to each of you for helping through purchasing, praying, and extending your kindness!

We will be placing another order in June. If interested in ordering from the mini-catalog, please see Carole Smith (after she returns from Greece) or Chris Waybright.

ST. JAMES STORYTELLING:
A MESSAGE FROM MARK WITHROW

I first came to St. James through the side door on Stratton Street on a Thursday afternoon in 2019. My wife, Sonja, and I had recently moved to Gettysburg full-time. I came to St. James a few times each week through the Stratton Street entrance and went downstairs to a noon time meeting. I found it amazing and wonderful that one church would have so many AA meetings each week. I had moved from Virginia where groups were fortunate to find a church that would host one meeting a week. And here at St. James there were 20-30 people every day, sometimes twice a day, six days a week! What a welcoming and service-oriented church!

And then March 2020 came and everything closed. And in May another St. James miracle occurred! The church was opened once a day only for AA meetings. Even though attendance at meetings was low, St. James Lutheran Church was key in saving lives and helping many to maintain on-going sobriety. Again, what a welcoming and service-oriented church!

Finding a new church home when you move to a new town seemed overwhelming. We had been members of a church in Virginia; sat in the same pew each Sunday, the same people sat beside us each week, etc. For me the welcoming and service-oriented church I had been coming to for meetings seemed like the place to come to worship. We first came to services on Saturday evening and enjoyed the intimate and simple service. We were welcomed by church members and the messages in the sermons kept us coming back. Due to a conflict one Saturday night we came to the 10:45 Sunday service one weekend. We were greeted by many, heard the choir and music, and felt like we had found our church home.

Pastor Andrew reached out, and meeting with him made me think I had known him for a long, long time. The Holy Spirit was apparent that day. I looked forward to each Sunday. My spirit was being fed in so many ways. Each time I came to St. James I left feeling refreshed and renewed. That feeling has continued over the years.

I know I was led here by the Holy Spirit and I found myself wanting to be of service to God in any way I could. Ask and you shall receive! Soon I found myself spending the night standing over a very hot bin of grease making something called fastnachts! You get to know a group of people when you stand with them overnight making these crazy and delicious pastries. Another community within the church! The opportunity to be an usher became available and is a great way to get to know other church members while being of service. I was encouraged to come to Thursday morning Bible study. What a fun group that is and we learn at the same time. Another community within the church! And I was asked to be a member of the Congregation Council. This is such a rewarding opportunity to be of service.

Spiritual growth is a part of St. James. There is so much love and compassion and community throughout this church. St. James is not just a place of worship. This is a place where God’s love is abundant and ALL are welcome. I will keep coming back!

LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITOL

LAMPa, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, will hold a “Lutheran Day at the Capitol” on May 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Camp Hill. The day will begin with seminars covering topics to include homelessness, food insecurity, and climate issues. Participants will have a chance to attend two sessions that they choose. Lunch will be offered, and at that time participants will be given suggestions as to how to communicate with your State Legislators. All Participants will be provided bus transportation to the Capital, and will then be brought back to Trinity Church.

The cost for the day is $60.00. For more information and to register, visit www.lutheranadvocacypa.com.
Take this opportunity to let your state representatives and senators know about your concerns !

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

Throughout April and into May, our youth group has focused on what it means to have a Christian work ethic.

My generation was brought up to understand that work came before play. We were to finish the job we started, and we were to improve our method as often as possible. For some people, that works out just fine. For others, it leads to burnout.

It turns out there’s a delicate and personal balance to taking pride in our work, pushing our limits, remaining ethical by God’s standards, and finding time for rest. For those stuck in constant work mode, it’s hard to step away long enough to consider whether they could take a better approach.

To help kids think about work ethic, we decided we needed to see how hard they were willing to work! First we had to provide a little motivation. Working with our World Outreach Committee and church members, our youth aim to pack 120 personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Each kit includes a light-weight bath towel, 2-3 bars of soap, an adult-sized toothbrush, a wide-toothed comb, and a metal nail clipper, costing roughly $15-$20 collectively. You can scan the QR code to sign up to donate items for the kits.

Since most elementary kids don’t have income, our youth committee agreed to donate five dollars toward the cause for every chore or task the kids performed in the month of April at home, at school or on a practice field that went beyond their normal responsibilities. To make sure they were equipped for the job, we spent one week teaching the kids how to sweep floors, wash windows, scrub dishes, dust furniture, and load and unload the dishwasher. Many were shocked by how delighted they were to know how to contribute at home in new ways.

Next, we looked at Biblical texts related to work ethic. Like the passage in Proverbs 6 suggests, we looked to the always busy, always cooperative ant for one standard. Then we asked the kids to think about which animal works best as an avatar for their own work ethic or personality.

In the weeks that followed, we talked about the importance of stewardship while planting seeds. We also studied the Levitical code for gleaning, leaving 10 percent of our production for those who cannot afford it. Through this, we will discuss how our work should focus on others and be done for the glory of God.

In May, we will shift our focus toward making time for God and for rest, by looking at Ecclesiastes, in a verse that’s been paraphrased as “eat, drink & be merry.”

On May 18, we will celebrate our final WaterLife celebration where we will bless the Lutheran World Relief personal care kits our youth group prepares.

In Christ’s Love,

Adam Michael, Youth & Family Director

MUSIC NOTES
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music

As I sit to write this article for the month of May there is just one thing on my mind: my daughter’s wedding. I have been reminiscing a lot recently, wondering where all the years went. And they flew by. I remember reading to her every night at bedtime. I remember her first Pre-K dance recital, and the subsequent years of driving her to dance class three or four nights a week. I remember summers at the community pool, then high school swim meets. Then, COVID shutting down her senior year of high school and having to graduate “virtually.” More recently I supported her through college, encouraging her when the going got tough, and rejoicing with her as she received her biology degree.

In May, I will witness another big milestone in her life. She will marry Sam, her boyfriend of three years. Marian and I liked Sam the first time we met him. As we got to know him better, and as we saw the two of them work on their relationship, we knew they were meant for each other. We know that they can work through whatever obstacles may come their way.

We look forward to seeing what life holds for them. Sarah begins graduate school online this fall to become a registered dietician. Sam is a nurse and soon-to-be naval officer. They will be a military family. That may take them far from south central PA and that will be hard for Marian and I. However, we will enjoy traveling to visit them.

I know that many of you have not met my family because they go to a different church, but I hope that by sharing this news you might get to know us just a bit better. As always, thank you for your love and support.

God’s Blessings,
Jonathan Noel

GETTYSBURG C.A.R.E.S. THANK YOU

The Board of Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. sincerely thanks the people of St. James Lutheran, for once again offering their facilities to serve the unsheltered this past season. The last overnight was April 13. The program was at capacity (30) after just one month of opening this season, and additional people sought shelter but had to be turned away. For most of the season there were 4-7 children, and an equal split between male and female residents.

The following churches participated by serving breakfast to C.A.R.E.S. guests each morning: St. James, First Baptist, Freedom Valley, Trinity UCC, Christ Lutheran, Gettysburg Presbyterian, Foursquare Gospel, United Methodist, Church of the Brethren, and Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian. For the first time this year, a civic organization, the Arendtsville Lions, also took a two-week turn. Each morning about 25 breakfasts were served. St. James’ youth cooked and served each Sunday. The churches served the other 6 days of the week. The 10 churches and Lions Club listed above, provided hundreds of volunteers who cooked. Volunteers from the above churches also washed 130 bags of blankets throughout the season.

Each night, two volunteers from the Adams County community stayed with our C.A.R.E.S. guests at St. James from 8 PM until 7 AM. The program paid an overnight staff member each night who stayed up all night and monitored the upper level of the church.

Unfortunately, as the season closed, director Debi Little had much difficulty finding housing for C.A.R.E.S. residents. There is little available low-income housing in the Gettysburg area. About a year and a half ago, C.A.R.E.S. received a grant to purchase a property. C.A.R.E.S. is currently in the process of purchasing a 2-unit home on Chambersburg Street. The intent is to provide low-income housing for two families. The Adams Rescue Mission will assist with management of the property, as they already have a 5-unit property for low-income folks, also on Chambersburg Street.

Please keep Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. and the people it serves in your prayers.

WORSHIP PREVIEWS

MAY 3RD & 4TH:
3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Acts 9:1-6 [7-20], Revelation 5:11-14, Psalm 30, John 21:1-19
Fellowship, hosted by Exploring Faith Class and Movers & Shakers

MAY 10TH & 11TH:
4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Imad Haddad
Readings: Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23, John 10:22-30

MAY 17TH & 18TH:
5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148, John 13:31-35

MAY 24TH & 25TH:
6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5, Psalm 67, John 14:23-29

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

COUNCIL CORNER
APRIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved
· Approval of Minutes from March 19, 2025
· Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report (Church & ELC Financials)
· Acceptance of New Members: Via affirmation of faith: none, Via baptism: Carson and Oliver Kehr

• Discussion and Vote on how to fund renovation of grass/playground area used by the SJLC-ELC and Youth: The Property Committee is working with a few companies to provide cost estimates for either sod or artificial grass for the grass/playground area discussed at the March Council meeting (turf is estimated to last for 15 yrs). Once the best solution is determined, the hope is to proceed with scheduling to take advantage of the season. Due to the variance of pricing estimates, it is difficult to put a “cap” on the amount approved. It is recommended that the Property Committee choose the best solution for our needs at the best price, based on value and quality. As such, the Property Committee recommends dividends from the Property Endowment be used ($21,865.31 is available as of 12/31/2024, and $16,000 has been requested by the Property Committee). A motion was approved to refer the final decision to the Property Committee for action.
• 1st Quarter update on budget and financial conditions: M. Withrow and A. Haynes to present to the congregation during the April 26-27 services. According to M. Withrow, actual giving is higher this year than during the same period in 2024, and expenses have increased @ $2700 due to higher utility costs. Attendance remains fairly constant, in the mid 200s for three services each weekend.
• Council Elections Timeline: Nominations to be accepted from the floor during services on April 26/27, with a special congregation meeting that opens at the 5:30 pm Saturday evening worship and closes at the end of the 10:45 am worship service. Current nominees who have submitted bios include Anne Ketterman, Will Lane, and Ed Main. Nominees will be announced services on 4/26 and 4/27. Any nominations from the floor will have until April 30 to get their bio and photo to K. Clowney. Council elections will take place May 17/18, 2025.
• Motion to approve the SJLC Mission Fund Committee’s choices for 2025 funding: The Mission Fund Committee proposes allocations from the Mission Fund to the following groups this year: Lutheran Disaster Relief ($3,966), Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry ($4,000), Refugee Resettlement Partnership Education Fund ($2,000), Gettysburg Community Theater Penguin Project ($1,500), ELCA Fund for Leaders Scholarship ($1,000), The Hartley Residence ($500). The motion was approved.
• Motion for SJLC to fund a new boiler for the Boy Scout cabin: The old boiler in the Scout cabin cannot be repaired further, and a new one is necessary. A motion to fund the entire project via the SJLC Endowment fund was made and approved.
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• Speakers at this year’s Wed. Lenten services were great and the wonderful soup and bread dinners attracted a large turnout.
• 14 people signed up for the “friends and family” CPR class scheduled for April 23.
• Common Ground services have been attended by 20+ worshippers each month, and leader Mark Withrow says a community is forming.
• The Greece/Turkey church tour, led by Pr. Andrew, takes off April 25. Pr. Michael was forced to withdraw as a leader due to ongoing health concerns.
• Kudos to the children who have been baptized recently and those who have/will make their first communions.
• Many thanks to the SJLC staff, which always gives its all.
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 21 @ 6:30 pm

Join Us At PRIDE

This year, PRIDE is on Saturday, May 31. PRIDE is a joyful, family friendly celebration on and around the Gettysburg square. It’s a great chance to show and tell the community about our welcoming congregation… and it’s EASY and FUN to participate! Here are some of the ways you can engage:

Come to the party! PRIDE booths are located around the square; just come and spend some time walking around! You can wear your St. James t-shirt if you’d like. Greet people, stop at the different booths… It’s fun!

Come to the St. James booth! New this year, we’ll have a photo booth so people can make a memory of the day. We will also have treats for people and dogs, information about St. James and espe-cially our youth program, plus friendly and welcoming members greeting visitors.

Join us at the booth! You are a marvelous spokesperson for the love and compassion of our community. Be part of the team that greets people and lets them know where we are located; just have a little chat. You’ll learn more about another human being and feel great!

Walk in the PRIDE-fest march! The march forms on Carlisle St. @ 1:00 pm. We’ll take our banner from the booth & join the march.

Wave to the marchers as they pass St. James! We’ll have banners outside the church, and members standing along Stratton St. to proclaim our welcome, from about 1-2 pm, during the march.

There are so many ways you can participate and be an ambassador for what you value about our community here at St. James! Even though it’s a busy weekend, we would love it if you could join us for an hour or two, anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Have questions? Want to sign up? Talk to Ron Couchman, Shirley Armstrong, Baird Tipson, Deb Smith, Judy Leslie, or Denise Wood.

Small Group Updates

Small Group Sign Ups are ENDING May 15!

Six interesting and varied Small Groups have now been formed and the sign up sheets are still on the side table in the main hallway under the bulletin board. The Small Groups and Leaders are as follows

1. Sustainable Living for Creation—Debby Luquette and Emily Harte
   2. Walking Group—Bridget Munsee
   3. Games—Michele Jewell
   4. A Hootenanny—Sharon Kaya
   5. Needlework—Debra Baker
   6. Women’s Group—Megan Fitzpatrick
   
   Please sign up before the May 15th deadline! For additional information, direct your questions to the various group leaders listed on the bulletin board or sign up sheets. Watch for any updates on the bulletin board or the video announcements prior to our worship services.

PARISH RECORDS

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
May 14, Barry & Donna Bixler, 64 years
May 22, Jerry & Sandra Mills, 60 years

Deaths
March 31, Linda Little
April 21, Darlene Hardman

St. James Book Marks & Book Giveaway

Focusing on the natural world and the environment, the following titles can be found on our library book cart.

“What if We Get it Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Subtitled “Visions of Climate Futures” and published in 2024, this volume is the perfect follow up for the annual observance of Earth Day. Through a multitude of in depth interviews, Ms. Johnson presents current thinking about and possible solutions for the most troubling environmental challenges of our times. This is a book of hope even while taking a unique and comprehensive approach on increasingly difficult and divisive topics. It is a delightful, thoughtful read.

“I Wonder Who Lives in that Tree” by Scott Bryan, illustrations by Emma Bryan. Winner of a 5 star Reader’s Favorite Award, this quick read is filled with sweet, rhyming verses and delicate watercolor illustrations. The simple text pays homage to the “What if We Get it Right?” world of natural creatures possibly living in a certain hollow tree on Blood Mountain, Georgia. Mr. Bryan’s tribute to a child’s natural world is perfect for ages 2-6.

Attention all Readers—Free Books !
Our St. James Library continues to grow through recent donations and purchases, and finds a pressing need for additional shelf space. With this goal in mind, the library is removing a few books from the shelves and books will be available “free to a good home.” Giveaway books will be displayed during the weekends of May 17-18 and May 24-25, in the hallway across from the Gathering Area.

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