Dear Friends,

GET READY FOR LENT!

Join us for a Saturday night Mass at 5pm with StephJo singing songs by Dylan and friends to renew the love in all our hearts. Sunday brings our all-age Pancake Brunch after the 10:30am service on Sunday; and youth group are invited to pray with some yoga and contemplative Taize experience led by Father David at Kate Umble Smucker at the 5pm Contemplative Mass.

Ash Wednesday is one of the deepest days of the Christian year, when all Christians, if able, should receive the imposition of ashes. The theme for this season of Lent at Saint James is “Making a Right Beginning…” On Ash Wednesday, we will offer prayer resources for the whole parish to help us keep a holy Lent by committing to a simple daily prayer practice—one that will carry us through Lent and into Holy Week, keeping us connected to Christ and to one another.

Ash Wednesday services in the sanctuary at 7:30am and 12pm is a short and simple service. Willow Valley at 3pm and the family service at back at Saint James at 5:30pm and finally a choral eucharist at 7:30pm.

Let us all make a right start and rejoice with all the saints in the mercy of God!

Yours in Christ,

David+ Stacey+ Glenn+

Wednesday, February 18

Ash Wednesday Services

Observe the beginning of Lent—a season of introspection, fasting, and prayer, symbolic of the 40 days and nights Jesus spent in the wilderness in prayer and fasting.

Ash Wednesday services:

7:30 AM
12:00 PM
3:00 PM at Willow Valley in Manor North Auditorium
5:30 PM Children, Youth & Family Ash Wednesday Mass in the chapel
7:30 PM

Unless indicated otherwise, all services are in the sanctuary at Saint James. The 7:30 PM service will be streamed.

*Morning meditation and evening prayer will not be held on Ash Wednesday

Saturday, February 14 | 10:00 - 11:30, Via Zoom

Women's Gathering

Women's Gathering journeys toward Ash Wednesday with internationally celebrated poet, David Whyte, and his book, The House of Belonging.

Whyte invites us on an intimate journey of self-discovery, illuminating the often solitary path toward finding our true identity and voice. He beautifully weaves together the elements of belonging—homes, places, times, creatures, and the enchanting "miraculous otherness" that surrounds us.

David’s insights inspire us to embrace a life filled with deep appreciation and compassion for all living beings, fostering an unbreakable connection to the world. If you seek to deepen your understanding of love and faith, we warmly invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Let us come together to explore and celebrate the profound bonds that unite us all. Click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom invitation.

Saturday, February 14 | 5:00 PM

Saturday Night Mass

Embrace the spirit of love this Valentine's Day as we gather for a heartfelt mass, "Love's Shelter From the Storm." Join us in a celebration of connection and devotion, featuring StephJo Wise singing the timeless music of Bob Dylan, alongside other beautiful love songs.

This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together to renew their vows to God and to one another, creating a sacred space for love, unity and hope. Let's uplift our hearts and inspire one another as we celebrate the power of love in our lives that can help transform the world!

Available in person and via livestream. Click here to view via livestream.

Sunday, February 15 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM

Saint James Voices Begin

A new once-a-month

intergenerational Sunday choir

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, beginning February 22^nd.

The first gathering is a meet-and-greet on February 15th at 9:00 AM in the chapel. For more information, click here to email Kate Smucker.

Sunday, February 15 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour with Randall Zachman

Love Your Enemies

"But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:44-45).

Jesus clearly and repeatedly teaches his disciples that they will be persecuted and hated for following him, while also continually commanding them to love those who hate them, pray for those who persecute them, and bless those who curse them. We will examine the many passages in which Jesus addresses this issue, making it clear that loving our enemies is essential to our identity as disciples of Jesus.

In the following Sundays, through April 19, we will examine the way this teaching has been understood throughout the Christian tradition, culminating in a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this passage. Join us this Sunday as we explore the way Jesus challenges our usual practice of only loving those who first love us.

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

Sunday, February 15 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

In the Parish House Library

All women are invited to join Susan Clough Peachey on February 15th at 9:30 AM in the parish house library for Women's Bible Study.

Susan will lead the group on a study of Matthew 17:1-9, the Transfiguration. Women are invited to bring their favorite version of the Bible.

Women's Bible study meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Click here to email Kristy Clark for more info.

Sunday, February 15 | 11:45 AM

Mardi Gras Pancake Brunch

It's Not Too Late to Join In!

Join us for a festive Mardi Gras Pancake Brunch on Sunday, February 15, following the 10:30 AM service from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM in the Forum Room. All are welcome to enjoy a delicious pancake feast!

The brunch is pay-what-you-will, with a suggested donation of $5 per person and a maximum of $20 per family. Proceeds will support future Children, Youth and Family (CYF) programs at Saint James.

To help us plan, please Click Here to register or email stephjo@saintjameslancaster.org . We hope to see you there for this joyful tradition!

Sunday, February 15 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Youth Group Vespers and Dinner

Chapel & Parish House Forum Room

Youth Group is invited to gather for a quiet, candlelit Vespers service designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit. This shorter, contemplative service draws on rich prayer traditions and embodied practices, using simple chant, silence, and reflection to offer a gentle pause at the close of the weekend and a renewing reset for the week ahead. All are welcome. Come as you are.

Following the service, Youth Group will head to the Parish House Forum Room to share a delicious dinner and reflect together on the experience.

Please RSVP so we can plan appropriately for dinner. Click Here to register or email stephjo@saintjameslancaster.org

Sunday, February 15 | 5:00 PM

Vespers in the Chapel

A contemplative candlelit service to nurture mind, body, and spirit

Join us for Vespers, a warm and inviting weekly gathering in the serene surroundings of the Saint James Chapel. This quiet, reflective service embraces the rich prayer traditions of Christianity and the embodied practices that nurture our spiritual lives today. Everyone is welcome - come as you are!

Engage in uplifting singing, find solace in moments of silence, and choose the posture that feels most comfortable for you as we open our hearts to listen for God’s voice. We have meditation cushions, yoga mats, and chairs available for your comfort. We’ll celebrate Holy Communion on the third Sunday of the month. We can’t wait to see you there! In the Chapel;

in-person only.

Tuesday, February 17 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesday

In the Chapel

In Person and via Zoom

Contemplative Tuesday continues this week with exploring the question: What kind of person must I become to live non-violently in the world?

Together, we will reflect on what we mean by non-violence—and what we mean by violence—drawing from scripture, contemplative practice, and the wisdom of those throughout history who have wrestled with this question before us. Through guided reflection, shared conversation and embodied practices, we will explore how inner formation shapes outer action, and how a grounded, compassionate presence becomes the foundation for loving resistance in the world.

Click here to register for Contemplative Tuesdays.

Wednesday, February 18 | 5:30 PM

CYF Ash Wednesday Service

The Children, Youth & Family Ash Wednesday service will offer families a chance to reflect and enter this sacred season together. This service will also include a special Alleluia Scavenger Hunt in the Church.

Together, we will find the hidden Alleluias and tuck them away for the season of Lent, only to joyfully release them on Easter morning! For more info, click here to email StephJo Wise, Director of Children, Youth and Families.

Thursdays, February 19 - March 26 | 7 - 8:00 PM

Mercy Seminar

Thursday Evenings,

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Via Zoom

Now in its seventh year, the 2026 Mercy Seminar invites you to explore the profound insights that different faith traditions offer about embracing life and navigating death with grace. How can the certainty of death inspire us to cultivate a deeper focus and a heart full of gratitude, transforming potential feelings of anxiety into a courageous appreciation for the present moment? Is death merely “nothing at all,” or does it open the gateway to an eternal adventure beyond this life?

Join us as we delve into selected sacred readings from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scriptures, along with enlightening contemporary secular spiritual writings. Together, we will uncover the wisdom that encourages us to live our best lives and face death not with fear, but with hope and understanding. Click here for more information and registration.

Saturday, February 21 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

Parish House Forum Room

Ever felt like you’re reading the Bible but missing the "blueprint"? Join us for breakfast as Bruce Nickles leads a practical session on How to Interpret the Bible.

What We’ll Tackle:

The Big Picture: Understanding the one cohesive story of Scripture.
The "Agenda" Trap: Learning to let the Bible speak for itself instead of "agendizing" it to support our own opinions.
The Original Audience: When God speaks in the Old Testament, is He speaking to you? We’ll discuss how to bridge the gap between ancient commands and modern life.
Context over Feeling: Avoiding the trap of "over-personalizing" verses to mean whatever we want them to mean.
Cracking the Code: Distinguishing between literal and figurative language.
Real-World Impact: Why bad interpretation leads to bad application—and how to get it right.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16

We are a welcoming group of men from ages 18-92 so if this will be your first time or you are a regular, bring a friend for good fellowship and discussion. Chuck will be cooking up a hearty winter menu of baked oatmeal, sausage links, stewed apples and coffee, tea and juice.

Sunday, February 22 | 11:45 AM

The Order of the Daughters of the King

Short Information Session

Following the 10:30 AM Mass

Parish House Meeting Room

Are you curious about deepening your spiritual life and what it means to take an oath of prayer, service and evangelism? We invite women of our parish to join our chapter meeting for a short information session to learn more about The Order of the Daughters of the King to see if you would like to enter into a period of discernment.

For more information and to RSVP, click here to email Kristle Evans, President, Harriet Lane Johnston Daughters of the King.

Do you have a willing heart and a desire to help others worship—near and far?

We are looking for new members to join our Tech Team, the volunteers who make our Sunday services—and our monthly Friday and Saturday liturgies—accessible through livestream.

No prior experience is needed; we will provide all the training and support you need. If you can press a button, follow a simple checklist, and serve with care, you can help extend our worship beyond the walls of the church. Join us in this quiet but powerful ministry of welcome.

For more information reach out to Mother Stacey: stacey@saintjameslancaster.org and Jeremiah Velez: tech@saintjameslancaster.org

In a Greater Light

We pray for the soul of Millicent (Millie) Fry, who died on February 12th. Her service will be at Saint James on Saturday, February 21st, details forthcoming. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.