The Messenger – September 2026
You can download a copy of the Messenger with graphics, or if you just want to read the text, keep scrolling! The September 2026 Events Calendar at St. James Lutheran Church is below.
All of our community events are posted on our our events page, be sure to check them out !
A Message From Pastor Andrew
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” ~John 1:1-5
Our alternate readings for the first weekend in September bring us back to the beginning. We hear first from Genesis – the account of God creating the heavens and the earth. Of transforming chaos into order, shining light amidst the darkness, separating the waters from the waters, bringing forth life in its many forms, and charging humankind – made in God’s image – to tend to and care for all of it. Our Psalm for the weekend, a psalm of praise – sings praises to the Lord for creation’s splendor, for raising up faithful servants and adorning them with strength to be sovereigns of the earth. As we look to the New Testament, our reading from Acts and our Gospel from St. John reflect on this beginning, reminding the faithful that all we are and all we have – our very lives – is not ours but the Creator’s. Giving to all mortals, life and breath – allotting the times of their existence, that they would search for God and find him.
Throughout rabbinic midrash, the rabbis remind us that humans are to serve as the living bridge between heaven and earth through our “moral and physical” action, directing our attention to the reality outside of ourselves. Created in the image of God, we are to live in the image of God. Our attention, not only to be directed upwards towards the heavens, but downwards towards the earth. Our activity in the world – our interactions with creation and our neighbor, an extension of God’s activity in creation.
Under this belief, in my Congregational Stewardship class back in seminary, Dr. Marty Stevens drilled it into our heads that stewardship – oikonomia in the Greek – is defined as “house management.” The “steward” (you and I) – not the owner of anything, but managers of God’s property… temporary caretakers, called to serve and care for that which God has made.
As fall approaches, September has long been a time within the life of the church to draw special attention to our lives as God’s stewards. As the year came to an end, the ancient church collected the final harvest and distributed the grain to those in need in gratitude for God’s abundant generosity. As the years went on, it became a time in which congregations began to draft budgets, asking members to pledge their time, talent, and treasure for the upcoming year.
Here at St. James, leadership has worked hard to transform how we think about stewardship. From something we “have” to do (the law), to something we “have been blessed” to do (the gospel). That through Christ – His death and resurrection – we have been freed and forgiven to be a blessing to others as he has been to us. It is out of this central tenant of our faith, and your generous response, that we have been able to care for and serve those in multiple ways – most recently our congregational vote to gift Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. with up to $200,000 from our endowment for the purchase of a permanent building for their resource center and overnight accommodations.
As summer comes to a close and autumn begins, bringing with it signs of new life and new beginnings, take the time to reflect on the abundance of God’s creation at work – notice the green leaves shifting to gold and yellow, the days becoming shorter, gardens and fields yielding their crops – and pause to give thanks. Like the autumn harvest, our shared ministry is to be distributed in gratitude for God’s generosity – not out of obligation, but with grateful hearts.
This fall, as we gather surrounded by God’s abundant blessings, let us remember that we have been blessed in order to provide a blessing to others. May we give joyfully, serve faithfully, and trust that in all of it God will continue to use the gifts we offer to bring healing, hope, and new life.
With love,
Pastor Andrew
St. James Bookmarks
Check out these titles available on the book cart now!
“We the Women” by Norah O’Donnell
As America’s 250th anniversary year begins to wind down, St. James Library would like to announce We the Women by Norah O’Donnell, a memoir collection devoted to an extensive examination of little known female “heroines,” and the multitude of gifts they have contributed to America. Through written documents, photos, and interviews, O’Donnell traces the contributions of more than 30 women from 1776 to the present day, and in so doing leads the reader through the time line of our nation’s history.
Divided into 50 year segments, the reader may discover Mary Katharine Goddard who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, the lawyer Belva Lockwood, and the aviator Katharine Wright, to name just a few. At the same time, O’Donnell also focuses on the centuries long fight to make women’s rights as valid as those of the men who signed the original declaration.
This delightfully approachable volume brings these little known mothers of our country to life while granting them the appreciation they richly deserve. Please look for it on the library book cart this month. Try opening it at random and enjoy.
“Fen, Bog, and Swamp” by Annie Proulx
For those of us concerned about rapidly vanishing wetlands, both world wide as well as in the United States, author Annie Proulx’s Fen, Bog, and Swamp provides “a short history of peatland destruction and it’s role in the climate crisis.”
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize as well as the National Book Award, Ms. Proulx traces the role that wetlands played in the environment of the 16th Century UK to the Amazon rain forest of today, and how greed and exploitation have continued to deplete this critical part of the planet’s check and balance system. Check out Ms.’s Proulx’s examination of one of the most critical forces effecting climate change today, in this recent acquisition that you can find on our book cart this month.
Young At Heart: Keeping up with The Kids
Adam Michael, Dir. of Youth & Family Ministry
What does it mean to be in relationship with Jesus?
There’s probably a lot of different answers to that question, but hopefully it means allowing him to influence our lives and our faith, particularly in moments we feel drawn by temptation or unworthiness.
In the 2026-27 school year, our elementary school kids will spend time thinking about this in a unique way – through the eyes of a fish – with our theme, “Jesus Take the Reel!”
We all know Jesus is a fisherman of people. And when we get too far outside of our relationship with God, he has a pretty profound way of reeling us in.
I’d like you to imagine that you are a fish swimming freely in a nice, calm pond. There’s plenty of room to adventure, explore, grow, and build God’s kingdom.
Hovering above you on the surface of the water is a boat with our good friend JC, working a unique reel that only the son of a carpenter could create. This line isn’t baited with a worm and a hook. It’s got a special lure that brings us back from the things that pull us away from God.
Now, outside our pond is a ferocious, stormy ocean. From under the water, those choppy waves may seem exciting, but Jesus knows when we’ve ventured too far out, and when we’re chasing prizes beyond God’s will.
Sometimes the world tempts us with power, control, popularity, riches and fame. Other times, we succumb to defining ourselves by our value within society. At our worst, we feel useless, senseless, or starved, whether for food or meaning.
No matter what we’ve allowed to define us when we get out of relationship with God, there’s Jesus, sitting calmly in his boat, ready to reel us in. He’s baiting his hook with gentleness, curiosity, understanding, trust in one another, compassion, or humility. He wants us to be forgiving, to strive for justice, and live a life of gratitude for what we have, rather than to lust for or be defined by what we don’t.
We plan to look at stories from the Old and New Testament, searching for the ways God is teaching us how to live into the light. No matter how far out to sea we find ourselves, all we have to do is take a nibble, let ourselves be taken by the Holy Spirit, and watch the Lord work.
In Christ’s love,
Adam Michael
Youth and Family Director St. James Lutheran Church
Looking for a way to support Gettysburg area youth? During September, St. James will be collecting donations for the Access Scholarship, which allows low income stu-dents to take “College in the Classroom” courses while still in high school. Donations can be placed in the offering plate. Checks can be made to St. James Lutheran Church, memo line “GASD.”
Music Notes
Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music
Sometimes a single musical moment can open the door to an entirely new chapter. For Julie Strickland, that moment came when she discovered the organ. Julie is a recipient of the Braband Organ Scholarship and recently began lessons with Ethan Draper at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover. Established in honor of Tim and Barbara Braband’s 45 years of music ministry, the scholarship encourages others to discover the joy of serving as church organists. I recently spoke with Julie about what inspired her musical adventure and where it might lead.
What inspired you to learn the organ? I’ve been fascinated by the organ for as long as I can remember. Over the last five years, I began attending more recitals and listening regularly to classical and Baroque organ music. The path to lessons, however, was quite remarkable. During the COVID era, I attended a Music, Gettysburg! recital featuring internationally acclaimed Peggy Haas Howell and Wayne Hill. I was there with John McKay, Artistic Director of The Gettysburg Choral Society, which we co-founded in 2017. I was awestruck by Peggy’s performance and remember saying how wonderful it would be if she could accompany our chorus. As fate would have it, she became our accompanist for our Christmas concerts from 2023 through 2025. During that time, I got to know Peggy and became involved with her music ministry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. During our 2025 Christmas concerts, Peggy asked me to pull stops for her on the Andover organ. I was terrified and excited. I had never touched an organ before. Yet she trusted me with that responsibility. The moment I laid my hands on the instrument, something clicked. Being so close to the organ during the performance sparked a curiosity that quickly became a desire to learn. Through Peggy, I discovered the American Guild of Organists and joined my local chapter in spring 2025. I was warmly welcomed and encouraged to begin lessons. Now, two months into my studies, I couldn’t be happier. Attending the AGO National Convention in St. Louis this summer was another highlight, allowing me to learn from inspiring musicians, hear extraordinary performances, and make wonderful new connections.
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you? Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. It motivates me to take my studies seriously and reminds me that others believe in my potential. I am deeply grateful for that encouragement and am committed to working hard and improving.
What are you most looking forward to learning through your lessons? One day, I’d love to play Widor’s Toccata. That’s an ambitious long-term goal! I’ve also discovered just how different the organ is from the piano. While piano skills are helpful, organ playing is truly its own instrument, with unique techniques and challenges. That discovery has made learning even more fascinating.
What has been your proudest musical accomplishment to date? Helping found The Gettysburg Choral Society has been my proudest musical accomplishment. Seeing it flourish and bring high-quality choral music to our community through free performances has been incredibly rewarding. It has also introduced me to lifelong friends, meaningful collaborations, and opportunities I never imagined—including ultimately leading me to study the organ.
What are your long-term goals as an organist or musician? My goal is simply to keep learning and growing for the rest of my life. I hope to continue studying the organ, serving the musical organizations I love, and embracing new opportunities. One exciting adventure ahead is traveling next August to sing with Peggy’s church choir during its residency at Canterbury Cathedral in England. Sometimes I think about how all of this began with attending a single organ recital. Music has an amazing way of opening unexpected doors.
If you could thank the scholarship donors in one message, what would you say? Thank you for making organ study accessible to everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or financial status! Your generosity is investing not only in individual students but also in the future of this extraordinary instrument. I hope to be an enthusiastic ambassador for the organ by sharing its beauty and inspiring more people to discover and appreciate it.
Is there anything about your story or musical journey that people might not know but you’d like to share? One highlight of my musical life was attending a Christmas concert by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square with my mother. It remains one of the most inspiring performances I’ve ever experienced. This summer brought another unforgettable moment. At the AGO National Convention, Mack Wilberg, Music Director of The Tabernacle Choir, led a hymn festival featuring a hymn he had been commissioned to compose. Having the opportunity to sing under his direction was truly magical, and I later met him during his composer spotlight session. As a musician, I constantly seek opportunities to learn from the very best. Those experiences continue to inspire me to grow, improve, and pursue excellence in my own musical journey.
Worship Previews
SEPTEMBER 5 & 6
15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today’s gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-11, Romans 13:8-14j, Psalm 119:33-40, Matthew 18:15-20
SEPTEMBER 12 & 13
16TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
In today’s second reading Paul questions why we judge one another, since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12, Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13, Matthew 18:21-35
Fellowship @ 9:30 am in honor of and appreciation for all St. James Volunteers, hosted by Church Council
SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.
Preacher: Pastor Libby Baker-Mikesell
Readings: Jonah 3:10—4:11, Philippians 1:21-30j, Psalm 145:1-8, Matthew 20:1-16
SEPTEMBER 26 & 27
18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.
Preacher: Pastor Andrew Geib
Readings: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Philippians 2:1-13, Psalm 25:1-9, Matthew 21:23-32
COUNCIL CORNER
AUGUST 19 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
En Bloc Agenda: Approved
- Approval of Minutes from July 15, 2026
- Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report & Church Financials
- Acceptance of New Members via baptism – Maeve Re, Vance Re, Ava Re
Council suspended proceedings to break into an Executive Session, excusing Pr. Andrew, Pr. Libby and Katy Clowney. During this time, the group discussed and passed motions forwarded from the Personnel Committee.
Committee Reports:
World Outreach Committee Update: Committee to meet Aug. 24 to firm up the 2027 budget. The Committee continues to work with Gettysburg College regarding an International Students welcome luncheon and ongoing activities into the fall.
Finance Committee Update: All committees need to turn in their budgets as soon as possible.
Endowment Committee Update: The Committee will earmark the following 2 initiatives for funding from its Ministry Catalyst fund: $1,500 to Holiday Outreach $10,000 to Moonsong, a suicide-awareness program targeting Gettysburg HS and MS students. Students will have the opportunity to create posters for the program, and those posters will be judged and awards given for the top 3 submissions. In addition, the winning posters will be reproduced professionally, and there may be a follow-up exhibit and dinner during which the original posters could be auctioned.
Property Committee Update: Three condenser units dating from 1991 need to be replaced, including two 10-ton units for the nave and one 7.5-ton unit for the music room, and adjacent offices and storage spaces. A proposal from Holtzople (the only company that can do this type of work) estimates the cost to be $99,901; funding sources have already been approved and are specific to the building. The Committee asks that Council approve the estimate; the contract requires $33,000 down and the rest upon installation in the next 3-4 months. The funding will come from Capital Campaign funds ($63,000), restricted building funds ($24,000) and endowment building funds ($13,000). If more funding is needed, it could come from unrestricted bequests, memorials or the van fund. The motion was made, seconded and approved.
Council Liaison Update: The St. James standing committees will be reviewed at the Sept. meeting to decide whether members want to stay in their current roles or if they want to switch committees.
Unfinished Business:
2026-2027 Council Mission discussion: Discussion continues regarding Council’s proposed Evangelism initiative for the coming year. At the Sept. meeting, Council will discuss how it sees evangelism working at St. James today and what we need to do as a church to connect our faith with our outreach.
Recognition of Church Volunteers – Sun. 9/13/26: Council will sponsor a reception to honor all volunteers.
Special Congregation Meeting: Aug. 23 at noon to vote on providing a gift from the church’s Endowment Fund in an amount up to **$120,000 to the C.A.R.E.S. Board for the purchase of a facility that would house the Resource Center and Overnight Shelter. This gift is only for the purchase of a building; if there is no deal, there will be no gift.
New Business:
Spiritual Care at Gettysburg College: Due to the recent resignation of the Gettysburg College chaplain. Pastors Andrew & Libby were asked by the College to provide students with pastoral care. Request denied due to current pastoral time restraints. Access Scholarship from Dollars for Scholars: Council approved a request from the Evangelism/Fellowship Committee to allow a free-will fundraiser during all services in September to benefit this program which provides funding for low-income high school students to take “College in the Classroom” courses so they can earn college credit while in high school. Council also approved matching funds up to $2,500.
Braband Organ Scholarship Program: Council approved the administrative policy of this program that “exists to enhance the rich Lutheran tradition of a vibrant musical life in congregational worship, primarily by the development of church organists.”
Good for Church/Good for God/Good for Council
Washington DC Youth Trip: youth group visited Washington, DC, to see the zoo and several museums. Kudos to Adam Michael for doing such a great job with the kids, including their presentation about their work camp experience at services earlier this month.
Pastor Andrew’s vacation: Pr. Andrew & family enjoyed their vacation in the Carolinas, and thank you to Pr. Libby and church staff for all their hard work during his absence.
VisiTeam: this new ministry will be overseen by the Stephen Ministry group.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30 pm
**At the Congregation Meeting held on August 23, 2026, there was a motion to amend the amount of the C.A.R.E.S. Board donation to $200,000. This motion was adopted and approved via a vote of 127 (yes) to 7 (no).
Scouting News
This new quarterly article will highlight some of the events that are happening with our Scouting units: Pack, Troop and Crew 79. The Pack meets on Thursday evenings and the Troop and Crew meet on Tuesday evenings.
We would like to recognize our Eagle Scouts. We are recognizing those that have earned this award from 2024 to the present. We are proud of these scouts and will continue to congratulate these young adults. Keep an eye out for the next edition of Scouting News and thank you for your continued support!
Shirley Sanders, Chartered Organization Rep.
Parish Notes
50+ Wedding Anniversaries
September 1, Joe & Kay MacDowell, 61 years
September 12, Ed & Sam Main, 51 years
September 17, John & Mary Stevenson, 65 years
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, tizydorski@StJamesGettysburg.org