Dear Friends, 

As Easter joys continue to unfold, we rejoice in the fourth Sunday of the month with the Saint James singers at the 10:30 AM service and the traditional Rite I with incense and a larger choir at 8:30 AM. Both these morning services and our evening Vespers service at 5:00 PM offer that rich mix of music and worship styles that make our Sabbath worship and rest so special. 

As wars and national discord continue, I will lead a retreat on May 2nd from 9 -11:30 AM on finding new prayers, understandings and practices that strengthen peace and sustain democracy. Please come for some or all of the time. The afternoon session includes a labyrinth walk. 

Yours in Christ, 

David+

Thursdays, April 23 - May 28 | 7:00 PM

Mercy Seminar

Begins Tonight!

Entirely on Zoom

Peace at the Last:

The meaning of life in the

light of death

With Prof. Randall Zachman & Fr. David Peck

The 2026 Mercy Seminar has been exploring what different faith traditions can teach us about living our best life and dying our best death. How can the certainty of death help create focus and deepen gratitude rather than increase depression and anxiety? Is death really “nothing at all,” a simple “turning out of the lights, or “the gate to eternal life”? 

Term 2 will explore how death has been understood in different traditions of Judaism and Islam as we read and reflect on texts from Hebrew scriptures and the Koran. No prior knowledge is required. Click here to register. Scholarships available.

Friday, April 24 | 10:00 AM

Tree Planting at Crystal Park

Last Fall, the Mission and Justice Ministry Team put out a request to our community for $1,250 to be matched by the Shade Tree Commission for tree planting in the southwest area of Lancaster City (SOWE) to help address tree inequity in that area.

Thanks to the generosity of Saint James friends and parishioners, we exceeded our goal by $530, allowing the commission to plant even more trees so the Crystal Park community will have greater opportunities to enjoy the outdoors during the hot summer months.

The tree planting date is scheduled for Friday, April 24^th at 10:00 AM at Crystal Park. All are invited to attend a short ceremony to celebrate the occasion! Click here for directions.

To learn more about this project and the effects of tree inequity, click here.

Saturday, April 25 | 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Intergenerational Day at

Habitat For Humanity

Youth ages 16 and above are invited to participate in building strength, stability and self-reliance for families who want to improve the place they call home.

This year's location is on Linden Street in Columbia; no experience necessary; on-the-job training is available. Tasks include framing, interior trim and insulation installation. No experience necessary.

To learn more about how you can help, click here.

Sunday, April 26 | 9:00 AM

Saint James Voices 

Calling all Singers for April 26th!



Led by Kate Umble Smucker, the ensemble is open to anyone ages nine and above, with no experience required. The group will rehearse and sing at 9 AM on the 4^th Sunday of each month, then sing at the 10:30 AM service.

If you'd like your music in advance, click here to email Kate.

Sunday, April 26 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour with Randall Zachman

New Forum Series Begins:

Religious and Civil Freedom in the Revolutionary Era

This Sunday, we will consider the arguments of Roger Williams (1603-1683) for the inviolable freedom of religion from interference by the civil government. Williams bases his argument on Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus told his disciples not to pull up the tares, but to let both the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest.

According to Williams, the tares are all other forms of the worship of God outside of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including the worship of Anti-Christians, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans and others. Jesus commands his followers to let these tares grow, thereby prohibiting them from using civil authority to interfere with or punish forms of worship outside the Gospel. Join us this Sunday as we examine the provocative and highly influential appeal of Roger Williams for freedom of religion.

Available in person and via Zoom. Click here to join via Zoom.

Now Accepting Applications through

Friday, May 29th

Saint James Scholarship

We are happy to announce that scholarship applications for the 2026 –2027 academic year are now open.

Thanks to the generosity of our endowment fund, Saint James Episcopal Church is honored to support parishioners pursuing post-secondary education, whether full-time or part-time. Eligibility also includes immediate family members of Saint James staff, including children and grandchildren.

Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 29, 2026, by 12:00 PM (noon)

Decisions Announced: July 3, 2025. Click here to get started in the application process.

Beginning tonight, April 23 | 6 -7:00 PM

Pride Service With St. John's

Calling All Singers

Saint James is excited to be partnering with St. John’s for this year’s Pride Service, which will take place on Saturday, June 13^th, at 7:00 PM at St. John's. The service will feature a community choir performing the Grammy-nominated oratorio, Considering Matthew Shepard, by Craig Hella Johnson.

Rehearsals take place on Thursdays beginning April 23^rd from 6 - 7:00 PM at St. John’s, and continue through June 11^th. To indicate your interest and availability to sing, please click here to email Mark Herr, Minister of Music.

St. John’s is located at 321 West Chestnut Street in downtown Lancaster.

Tuesday, April 28 - June 16 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesdays

with Mission and Justice 

In the Chapel and via Zoom

A contemplative reading of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, a short book by Walter Isaacson, about the central importance of the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence. Copies of the book are now available ($16) in the Parish House Office. Click here to register.

First Friday, May 1 | 9:00 PM

Compline at the Urban Well

Ancient Music and Prayers

for the Modern Soul

Traditionally sung in the tranquil spaces of monasteries, Compline is a series of prayers, sung a cappella, that seek divine protection, peace and restorative rest as day transforms into night. As darkness falls and the day comes to a gentle close, join us in this sacred time of reflection and hope, embracing the stillness and the comfort it brings as we prepare for restful slumber.

Available in person and via live stream. Click here to view the live stream.

Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Praying for Peace & Practicing Nonviolence on World Labyrinth Day

An Urban Well Retreat

In the morning, Father David and others will reflect on what Gandhi’s insights can teach us about nonviolent social change and the spiritual practices that have made them possible over the last century. A live practice session will give participants the opportunity to explore the dynamics and challenges of maintaining a loving and nonviolent Christian witness when encountering threats of abuse or violence.

The afternoon session celebrates World Labyrinth Day with a chance to deepen your personal prayers for peace by walking a labyrinth with others. Registration kindly requested for planning purposes. This is a FREE event. Click here to learn more and register.

Sunday, May 3 | 11:30 AM

The Heart of Mothering

Mothers, daughters, and all women who nurture with love are warmly invited to a special Mother’s Day Brunch in the Parish House Forum Room. This gathering celebrates the heart of mothering in all its forms, whether through parenting, mentorship, friendship, or quiet acts of care.

Enjoy a beautiful meal, connection, and joyful community across generations. Complimentary childcare will be available during the event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 29th.  Click here to register.

Thursday, May 7 | 6:15 - 7:45 PM

Spring Renewal Yoga Series

This 4-week introductory yoga series is designed for both new and returning students seeking a thoughtful, supportive way to reconnect with their bodies. Together, we’ll explore yoga as a practice of whole-person care through movement, breathwork, reflection and gentle wellness education.

Each session offers a different entry point into renewal while building on the previous session in a way that feels accessible, grounded and practical for everyday life. For more information and to register, click here.

Saturday, May 9 | 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Growing in Faith at Saint James

There will be two opportunities for deepening one’s spiritual growth at Saint James and the Urban Well. The day will begin with a shared meal between youth contemplating confirmation and adults exploring membership. Both groups will meet with clergy and share their faith journeys while discussing Church history and its impact on our present practices. There will also be a tour of our beautiful campus. Come and discover what it means to be a member of this vibrant community! Click here to let us know you'll be attending!

Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Women's Gathering

Via Zoom Only

Women’s Gathering is continuing its study of Uncommon Gratitude and the spiritual treasures that can be gained by "giving thanks in all things."

Whether we are grateful for the positive aspects of our lives or facing challenging circumstances, being thankful in all situations is to invite God to perform His miraculous work in and through us.

Available via Zoom only. Click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the link.

Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Churchyard Gravestone Care & Cleaning

Join Cordelia Moyse and Maryann Marotta for some “hands-on" care of our church and nation’s history as we revive the tradition of remembering fallen soldiers and veterans by tending to graves for Memorial Day.

Cleaning supplies and refreshments will be provided. Registration is helpful; click here to let us know you'll be attending.

Saturday, May 16 | 11:00 AM

Intergenerational Hike & Picnic

Lancaster County Park,

Pavilion # 3

All are welcome to enjoy a day of fellowship, food, and time in nature! Our potluck picnic is open to everyone!

The Hike has a limit of 25 spots. Confirmed hikers will set off with a park naturalist from Pavilion #3 at approximately 11:00 AM. Picnic-only attendees will stay in the pavilion and enjoy a presentation by The Grange on soil management and agricultural practices.

The picnic is open to all and is unlimited! You do not have to bring food to attend, just come and enjoy; held rain or shine.

Pavilion #3 is located at 1098 Rockford Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602. Click here to let us know you'll be attending.

April 23, 7:00 PM | Mercy Seminar begins

April 24, 10:00 AM | Tree planting at Crystal Park

April 25, 9:00 AM | Race Against Racism

April 25, 9:00 AM | Habitat for Humanity Intergenerational Build in Columbia

April 26, 10:30 AM | Intergenerational choir sings again with a rehearsal at 9:00 AM

April 28, 7:00 PM | Contemplative Tuesdays resumes

May 1, 9:00 PM | First Friday, Compline: Ancient Music and Prayers for the Modern Soul

May 2, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Praying for Peace & Practicing Nonviolence on World Labyrinth Day, An Urban Well Retreat

May 3, 11:30 AM | The Heart of Mothering

May 7, 6:15 - 7:45 PM | Spring Renewal Yoga Series begins

May 9, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Growing in Faith at Saint James

May 9, 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Women's Gathering

May 13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon | Churchyard Gravestone Care & Cleaning

May 16, 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Upper Room Men's Group

May 16, 11:00 AM | Intergenerational Hike & Picnic

May 16, 7:30 PM | Susquehanna Chorale at Saint James

May 17, 9:30 AM | Women's Bible Study

May 17, 5:00 PM | Youth Group