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

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

It is likely not a surprise that my family is a “Turkey Trot” family. Each Thanksgiving morning, we get up, eat some breakfast, and drive to Newport, PA for their annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot. There are two choices – a 5k and a 10k- 3.1 and 6.2 miles, respectively. It’s a small-town high school reunion, complete with fun t-shirts, costumes, and, at the end, a bowl of my favorite turkey and rice soup, straight from a giant crock at the finish line.

The course is the same each year – we loop by the river – a flat first mile- before we begin the climb up a steep hill in front of the fairgrounds. The next two miles of the 10k are uphill, and if I am being honest, each time I run the 10k and get to the 5k turnaround, I want to turn there. I don’t want to run up two solid miles of hills (who would?). My thoughts get the better of me – I don’t want to do this. Why am I doing this? I want to eat some turkey rice soup and go home.

For some of us, the holidays can feel like we are approaching a two mile hill of our own. The holiday season is full of plans, of things to do, people to see, and things to cook. It is hard to be fully present during any of it – especially in a world that seems to never stop moving. And yet, others are experiencing their first or second holiday without loved ones. We are adjusting to a new life, new livelihoods, new traditions without our loved ones here on earth. Facing the holiday season can feel like an insurmountable hill of its own.

For others, this season might bring its own unique challenges — perhaps an empty chair at the table, a move to a new home, a strained relationship, or the quiet ache of loneliness in the midst of holiday noise and friends’ plans. What should feel like a season of hope and thanksgiving can easily be one that is bittersweet and painful.

But even as the climb feels steep, we are reminded that we do not walk or run it alone. We are surrounded by a God who loves us and who runs, walks, or crawls up those hills with us, cheering for us along the way.

This year, I am especially grateful for our community here at St. James. We are a church that looks out for one another on the climb — offering a word of encouragement, a hug, a prayer, or simply our presence. Whatever this season brings for you, if it is a season of joy, a season of thanksgiving, or a season of transition, may we work constantly to show up for each other, to cheer each other on, and help each other face the “hills” that this season may bring.

With love,
Pastor Libby

PARISH RECORDS

50+ Wedding Anniversaries
November 20, Dave & Brenda Heberling, 55 years
November 30, Leon & Pam Pisano, 51 years

Deaths
October 2, C. Willilam DeHaas

New Members Received October 5
Rev. Fredrica K. Meitzen
Gretchen Carlson
Todd Izydorski
Deborah Clarke
Joseph Harner
Gwen Weber
Janice & Walter Krug
George & Joyce Bielen
Valentina & Leo Cucuzza
Austin Schaffer

MISSION FUND IN ACTION 2025

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. Total allocations for 2025 were $12,966. This month the Mission Fund Committee recognizes the organizations receiving funds through the 2025 Mission Fund contributions.

Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR): ($3,966) LDR provides aid for recovery efforts brought on by recent natural disasters in the United States. Thousands of people across the US have been impacted and suffered severe losses due to hurricanes and other severe weather, flooding and wildfires. LDR continues to support and accompany communities affected by the 2022 floods; the 2024 hurricanes, and severe weather disasters in the mid-South and Northeastern regions of the United States; the wildfires in the western US; and the severe 2024 winter weather conditions impacting the Southern states. Long-term recovery may include repairing water-damaged homes, disaster case management and supporting vulnerable populations. In 2025 hurricanes, severe rainstorms and flooding have pummeled the Midwest and eastern states through the late winter and early spring.

LDR works with ELCA synods, social ministry organizations and community-based groups to support local responses providing immediate relief, such as water, food, clothing, gift cards, tarps and other needs as well as a commitment to recovery in communities for months and years to come. Lutheran Disaster Response provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, attention to unmet needs, and emotional and spiritual care.

ELCA Fund for Leaders Scholarship: ($1,000) This scholarship program supports students attending ELCA seminaries. By making seminary more affordable, the ELCA Fund for Leaders enables more future ministers to go to seminary and helps them graduate with less debt, empowering those whom God calls into ministry to “go and serve as the church needs and the Holy Spirit leads.” The committee did not recommend a donation to the Lutheran Diaconal Association scholarship fund.

Gettysburg Community Theater-The Penguin Project: ($1,500): The Penguin Project is a nationwide project designed to make it possible for children with developmental disabilities to participate in live theater. Locally, Gettysburg Community Theater (GCT) works to engage children in our community. According to Dave Hedricks who has attended several of their shows at the GCT, Dave has been “impressed with both the participants and their individual on-stage mentors. While the GCT has produced these shows in their own small playhouse and larger venues such as the Majestic, the performers like doing multiple shows for the smaller audience at GCT.” Children in our St. James family have participated for many years and have enjoyed acting, mentoring, and making new friends through the Penguin Project.

Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry (FFCM): ($4,000) The mission of FFCM is to reach out to over 2,500 farm workers who provide skilled pruning, planting, thinning, and harvest work in the orchards of South-Central Pennsylvania. By providing the workers with basic needs as well as forming relationships, the ministry makes a difference in their lives by “living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ to love God by loving our neighbors!” Additionally, FFCM exists to build relationships with workers while providing them with spiritual care. The goal, along with churches and community groups, is to visit the workers and build relationships while sharing Jesus. Pastor Amy Wagner, on behalf of our Gettysburg Lutheran Pastor Conference, learned that immigrant farm employees and families are experiencing an increased need for Christian counseling, transportation, childcare security, groceries and other supplies. Immigrant families who are now permanent residents are integral contributors to our community. Many seasonal farm employees are now hired through the legal process of the H2A Guestworker Program, and they return to their home countries each year. The money they earn sustains their home farm operations/other livelihoods, which in turn provide food, health and educational security for their families. Our Fruitbelt orchards are family owned, and growers recognize their guest workers as valued “orchard family members,” which leads to many employees returning to the same orchard year after year. After returning to their homes, orchard employees often give back to their local communities through charitable church and school projects. It is in this spirit of Christian giving that St. James has an opportunity to provide loving support for our immigrant neighbors.

Refugee Resettlement Partnership (RRP) Education Fund: ($2,000)The RRP, a coalition of area churches and a cadre of volunteers, sponsored two Afghan families: one family of 10 (now 11) and a second family of 4. The families have been here for 3 years with approximately 6 months of financial help from the resettlement agency and financial help, as needed, from the partnership. The families are learning English, have found jobs, and have learned to drive. The children are thriving in school and participating in community activities. The partnership has helped them apply for benefits, provided transportation, literacy training, job and college application processes, and helped them acclimate to both Gettysburg and American culture. The partnership has also guided them through the hurdles of immigration and helped them become legal permanent residents.

Two of the young people have graduated from Gettysburg High School and have been accepted at Gettysburg College. A sibling is in his third year of college; members of both families would like to pursue other training opportunities. This contribution supports RRP’s fundraising initiative Up We Go, under the umbrella of the Gettysburg Ministerium 501(c)(3).

The Hartley Residence: ($500) For the past two years the Hartley residence has been working to establish a non-profit residency program in Aspers, PA. Their mission is to invite those in need of restoration to rest in their retreat space, work creatively, and immerse themselves in nature and community at the Hartley Residence. In their websites and art, they affirm that they are “directly informed by our experiences with the contemplative tradition of the Judeo-Christian faith and offer retreats, events, and programming for people of all backgrounds.” This vision of inclusivity mirrors the language in St. James welcome statement. This contribution supports their fundraising effort to build a timber frame cabin and provide guests with overnight lodging during the retreat time at the residence. The Hartley Residence is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Worship Previews

NOV. 1ST & 2ND:
ALL SAINT’S SUNDAY

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Psalm 149, Luke 6:20-31
Fellowship, hosted by the Finance and Personnel Committees

NOV. 8TH & 9TH:
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Job 19:23-27a, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 17:1-9, Luke 20:27-38

NOV. 15TH & 16TH:
23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”
Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Malachi 4:1-2a, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Psalm 98, Luke 21:5-19

NOV. 22ND & 23RD:
CHRIST THE KING

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Psalm 46, Luke 23:33-43

NOV. 29TH & 30TH:
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God. Preacher: Pastor Andrew R. Geib
Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122, Matthew 24:36-44

COUNCIL CORNER, OCTOBER 15 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

En Bloc Agenda: Approved

• Approval of Minutes from Sept. 17, 2025
• Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report, Church Financials & ELCA Financials
• Financial update to congregation will occur 10/25/25 and 10/26/25, at services
  
  Acceptance of New Members: Via affirmation of Faith: Andrew Carlson & Elizabeth Miles. Motion to approve, seconded & passed.
  
  Committee Reports:
• Incident Management Assessment Task Force –upcoming meeting with immigration attorney, policy/procedure manual for review by Nov 1st
• Creative Financial Task Force – meeting with accountant for financial review of last 3 years
• Van Task Force-not much activity, discussion regarding insurance, maintenance, gas, etc (do not want to put additional work on administrative staff of church)
  
  Unfinished Business: Mission of 2025-2026 Council Discussion-Item moved to New Business
  
  New Business
• Election of Council Member to fulfill term through 6/30/26—vote conducted by paper ballot and Kristine Scott was chosen and will fulfill the vacancy for the rest of the term.
• Approval of Parking Meter Payment for Annual Congregation Meeting– G. Scavitto will talk with A. Michael about youth feeding the meters during the meeting. Meeting will not be available via Zoom this year.
• Saint James Early Learning Center (ELC) Budget review- deficit budget, $21,000 will be used from the reserve to balance budget, some concern about whether food funding from the state will continue, motion passed to forward budget to Congregation at annual meeting.
• Sharing Ministry Budget Review-decrease in scholarship for ELC ($6,000 to $2,000), Motion passed forward to Congregation at annual meeting
• Endowment Committee -will have 2 openings on Committee (1 resignation and 1 term ends), nominees to be approved by council via email, and then voted on at congregation meeting
• Synod Assembly Candidates – need candidates to attend the annual Synod Assembly for vote at Congregational Meeting
• Information: Pathways Into Racial Justice – local community group to build community across different races, potluck at St. James 10/26 at 5:30pm (speaker will be talking about how to effectively speak at school board meetings)
• Information: National Coming Out Day-Gettysburg College -Pr. Libby and Pr. Andrew attended among others, much hesitancy around churches, St. James was the only church there
• Wedding approvals -Denton Showers and Sarah Sharp, Motion passed
• Mission of 2025-2026 Council Discussion (Paragraph from the Saint James Welcome Statement): Covenant Presentation by Pr. Andrew was viewed & “The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective” was given for all council members to read before Nov. meeting, Council will be moving to create a covenant document
  
  Open call for other New Business
  Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
• Representatives from Konde Diocese in Tanzania will be here 10/18 and 10/19
• Common Ground is coming up on 1 year anniversary and is growing (Dec 1st: the founder of Common Ground will be speaking)
  
  Prior to Next Meeting
• Synod Assembly candidates are needed
• Email to approve Endowment Committee candidates for forwarding to Congregational meeting will be sent
• Review social statement & covenant presentation provided by Pastor Andrew
  Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 19 @ 6:30 pm

Pointsettias & Donations
for World Hunger Relief

Help us decorate our worship space for the holidays. We will have poinsettias and Christmas trees, along with lights and greenery in the windows, to add a special sentiment to the worship space.

The poinsettias are made possible by church members who place them in honor of or in memory of loved ones. St. James members also have the opportunity 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!

Orders can be placed online at stjamesGettysburg.org/poinsettias until November 24. All checks are payable to St. James Sacristy, and should be mailed to Dee Wells, 179 Battalion Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17325 A list of all donors will be included in the January Messenger. After the Christmas Morning Worship Service, you can take your poinsettia home to enjoy.

All Saints Sunday
November 2, 2025

We begin the month of November with All Saints Sunday. The day of the Church year that we draw our attention to the saints. Those who have gone before and those of us who continue to walk as yet by faith. We remember in prayer:

Catherine “Jean” Hobbs
Mary Vaughn
Doug Eyer
Sally Crist
Ken Unger
Brian Ogurcak
Sandy Alleman
Michael Pounder
Charles A. Smith
Dick Mountfort
Lois Epley
Judy Yingling
Linda Little
Garnet Withrow
Barbara Sanders
Darlene Hardman
Sharon Keckler
James H. Stevens
Linda Utz
Trae Brownley
Eric Williams
Carroll Fink
Kathy Platzer
Ellen Novak
Jude Ginter
Frank Urban
Shelley Foreman
Marlene Price
Hazel George
Hilda Koontz
Vestal Kottcamp
Betsy Griffiths
Bill DeHaas
Diane Fetters
Anna Marye
Dennis Hardman

St. James Book Marks

Consider these new editions to the church library if you are looking for a new read as temperatures drop, and many of us transition to indoor activities.

“Invisible Child” by Andrea Elliott
In her Pulitzer Prize winning nonfiction “Invisible Child,” author Andrea Elliott presents a stunning, in depth examination of “poverty, survival, and hope in an American City.” It is told through eight years in the life-of young Dasani, coming of age during a time of a growing homeless crisis and ever widening wealth gaps, while also tracking the life of her ancestors from slavery through the great Northern Migration.

Dasani works to protect and guide her siblings through a world filled with hunger, racism, violence, drugs, and foster care. Elliot highlights Dasani’s resilience and power as she works to protect her family while eventually being offered a possible opportunity to escape poverty for herself at a boarding school. This book is hailed as an amazing, all consuming read, and will soon be appearing on our book cart.

“Maddi’s Fridge” by Lois Brandt
This book explores the dual themes of child food insecurity and poverty through the eyes of two best friends, Sofia and Maddi. Sofia begins to notice that Maddi’s kitchen ‘fridge is always very poorly stocked in contrast to the one in her own home. She wonders how to share her concerns for her friend with her parents, without breaking a promise not to tell.

This book is aimed for K-2nd grade readers, and explores these current social concerns along with lessons on trust, empathy, friendship, and helping others. The book’s colorful pages tell the tale with gentle humor and cartoon like illustrations to grab a young reader’s attention. Check our book cart for its arrival.

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