"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe"

Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Christ,

On Easter Sunday, we celebrated the central tenant of the Christian faith and the Christian story: That Jesus of Nazareth, once dead, now lives. As we now move into and through the 50 Great Days of Eastertide, the focus in this first week is on the most basic element of our life in Christ: What do we believe? The apostle Thomas, best remembered for his refusal to believe without seeing, sets the stage for all that follows. Thomas gets his wish: Jesus reappears to him, as he did to his brothers, showing him his hands and his side. But at the end of this encounter, Jesus utters words that will apply to every soul who comes after those first witnesses: the reminder that from that point to today, belief in him and his resurrected life will have to happen apart from seeing. At least "seeing" in the literal sense of the word.

Easter Sunday was a glorious day. But it was, for us who are "Easter People", the beginning of the story and the journey. Come join us on this second Sunday in Eastertide as we begin that journey anew.

Yours in the Risen Christ,

Fr. Glenn + Fr. David + Mother Stacey +

Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Women's Gathering

Via Zoom Only

Women's Gathering continues to explore during Eastertide, focusing on how stories help us grow as Christians and better follow Jesus' example of love and service.

If you'd like to attend, click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom link.

Sunday, April 12 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour Returns

Our Forum series on "Love Your Enemies" resumes this Sunday with an examination of the interpretation of this command by Jesus by Howard Thurman (1899-1981).

In his book, Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), Thurman examines how Jesus' teachings were meant for disinherited Jews under Roman rule, particularly the command to love one’s enemies. He emphasizes that hatred harms both the perpetrator and the victim. Applying this to African Americans facing racism, he urges: “Love the enemy. Seek ways to share mutual worth and value.” He encourages understanding the individual within the framework of common humanity. Join us this Sunday to explore Thurman's interpretation of loving enemies in the context of those oppressed.

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

Monday, April 13

Race Against Racism Early Bird Registration

Mark Your Calendars for

Saturday, April 25th!

Be part of the nation’s longest-running Race Against Racism on Saturday, April 25, and help us eliminate racism, empower women and build a future where equity knows no bounds. JOIN THE SAINT JAMES team! It's easy. Just click here, type in Saint James Harriers in the team/group box, click the "join" button, fill in your info and pay $40.

The deadline for joining the team is April 13th.

Wednesday, April 15 - Friday, April 17

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

Habitat For Humanity

There are two opportunities to join the Saint James Habitat for Humanity team in April. This year's location for both is on Linden Street in Columbia, where five new townhomes are being built.

Meet Stephanie, who, almost 4 years ago, was living out of her car with three of her daughters, ages 9, 10 and 14. She had recently gotten out of a toxic relationship, which led to prolonged mental and physical struggles, including paralyzing anxiety at the thought of returning to her nursing job, where she'd worked for the previous 13 years. Read more about Stephanie's amazing journey.

April 25th

Intergenerational Day

Youth ages 16 and above are invited to participate in an intergenerational build on Saturday, April 25th, from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM, at the Linden Street build in Columbia.

Tasks for both opportunities include framing, interior trim and insulation installation. No experience necessary.

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

Saturday, April 18 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

Baseball Opening Season: Faith, Hope and New Beginnings

As spring flowers begin to bloom and the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air, it signals a new baseball season filled with hope and possibility. Every team starts with a clean slate—just like us in our spiritual lives. Opening day reminds us that we can recommit to our relationship with God, embracing each day as a fresh start.

Gather with us on April 18th as we explore our faith journeys from opening day through the long season, team over individual, discipline and preparation, hope and anticipation, the crowd and community, and God in the ordinary.

Menu: Breakfast casseroles (including a vegetarian option), biscuits, stewed apples, coffee and juice. For more info, click here to email Chuck Smith.

Resurrection and Redemption

A Saturday Night Mass for Peace and Nonviolence

Saturday, April 18 | 5:00PM | In person and streamed

Throughout history, movements for justice have sung their way forward. From the freedom songs of the Ancient Israelites to the Civil Rights Movement to the Singing Resistance Movement forming across the country today, singing has been a powerful act of non-violent resistance and hope.

This special Saturday night Mass weaves together scripture, common prayer, and music offered by local artists and community leaders. Together we will learn and sing songs of freedom, courage, and love—songs that can travel with us beyond the walls of the church and into the world.

Sunday, April 19 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

Join the women of our parish for a transformative journey of Bible study, prayer and fellowship in the parish house library. This gathering is an opportunity to deepen your relationships, share your experiences, and grow in faith together as we explore the Word of God. Women’s Bible Study meets on the third Sunday of each month. The first session will focus on 1 Peter 1:3–9. Come, and be a part of this uplifting community! For more information, Click Here to email Ashley Ramsay.

Sunday, April 19 | 5 - 6:30 PM

Youth Group

Create Your Own Labyrinth

Join us for a creative and reflective evening as we make our own labyrinths out of clay to take home. Dinner will be provided, and all are welcome.

As we get ready for the Urban Well Retreat on World Labyrinth Day (May 2), we’ll explore the labyrinth as a way to connect with God in a calm and personal way. This ancient practice invites us to slow down, clear our minds, and become more aware of God’s presence within us and around us.

Together, we’ll discover how this simple practice can open space for prayer, reflection, and deeper connection in everyday life.

Bring a friend, come hungry, and join us for a night to create, relax, and connect. We’d love to see you there! Please RSVP by April 16^th. Click here to let us know you'll be attending.

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

Mercy Seminar Begins

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.

Sunday, April 26 | 9:00 AM

Saint James Voices

Calling all Singers!

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.

Tuesday, April 28 - June 6 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesdays

with Mission and Justice

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, purchased from a local Lancaster bookstore, will be available for purchase ($16) in the parish house beginning April 13^th. Click here to register and for the Zoom link.

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

Urban Well Retreat: Praying for Peace & Practicing Nonviolence on World Labyrinth Day

On World Labyrinth Day

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. 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!

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.