Dear Beloved in Christ,

This Sunday, we hear a portion Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, when he says to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.”

These are familiar words—but they are anything but gentle. When Jesus calls his disciples salt and light, he is naming their identity before assigning them a task. Salt preserves and brings out what is real. Light reveals what is hidden. Jesus is not offering a compliment or a challenge to try harder; he is telling his followers who they already are—and inviting them to live from that truth in a way that changes the flavor of the world and makes visible another way of being.

In the chapters that follow in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus will press this calling even further—toward loving enemies, refusing retaliation, and choosing the hard, transforming work of nonviolence. These teachings are not abstract ideals. They are practices that shape who we are and how we live, especially when the world feels sharp, divided, or afraid.

As a congregation, we are entering a season of intentional formation around this call.

This Sunday, our Sunday Forum resumes with a focus on “Love Your Enemies.” Together, we will examine Jesus's challenging commandment through the lens of Jewish and Christian traditions and sacred writings as understood by theologians throughout history, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Howard Thurman, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Then, beginning Tuesday, February 10, Contemplative Tuesdays will launch a seven-week series centered on the question: What kind of person must I become to live non-violently in the world?

Through scripture, contemplative practice, and the wisdom of those who have walked this path before us, we will tend to the inner work that makes nonviolence possible—not as passivity, but as grounded, courageous love.

These offerings—along with many others unfolding through Lent and into Easter—are connected by a single thread: the formation of a people who can live Jesus’ way from the inside out. Nonviolence is not something we simply decide to do; it is something we are slowly shaped into. It requires prayer, practice, honesty, and community.

Jesus calls us salt and light not because we have it all figured out, but because the world needs people willing to be formed by love that does not mirror the violence around it.

God's peace,

Stacey+

Friday, February 6 | 9:00 PM

Compline: Ancient Music and Prayers for the Modern Soul

Compline returns under the direction of Peter Lewis

Looking for a soothing way to end your day? Visit our sanctuary at 9 PM for Gregorian chant and prayers from the 15th century. The music, all sung a cappella, along with our candlelit sanctuary and beautiful acoustics will do just that! Available in person and online. Click here to view via livestream.

Sunday, February 8 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour with Randall Zachman

Love Your Enemies

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'" (Matthew 5:43-44). This Sunday, we will examine what the Old Testament says about how we should treat our enemies. Does the Old Testament really instruct us to hate our enemies, or does it encourage us to avoid harboring hatred in our hearts for others?

Join us this Sunday as we delve into the insights of the Old Testament and the Jewish tradition regarding the attitude we should adopt toward our enemies.

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

Sunday, February 8 | 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 10 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesdays Resumes

In the Chapel

In Person and via Zoom

Contemplative Tuesdays will resume on Tuesday, February 10, for a series exploring the question: What kind of person must I become to live non-violently?

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.

Thursdays, February 12th - July 16th | 6:30 PM

New Sacred Ground Circle Being Offered

Every other week on Thursday

6:30 - 8:30 AM EST

Online only

Beginning on February 12th, the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna* is offering Sacred Ground, the 11-part series on racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries and our society.

Part of Becoming Beloved Community, Sacred Ground is a faith-based film-and-reading dialogue on race. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.

The sessions will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 PM EST, on every other Thursday from February 12th to July 16th.

Click here to learn more and register. After registering, one of the facilitators will contact you to discuss participation expectations and answer any questions. Our own Lissa Olsen is one of the facilitators.

*The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna was formed from the reunification of the Episcopal Dioceses of Central Pennsylvania and Bethlehem, effective January 1, 2026.

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

Women's Bible Study

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

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 RSVP by February 9th. Click Here to register. We hope to see you there for this joyful tradition!

Sunday, February 15 | 5:00–6:30 PM

Youth Group Vespers and Dinner

In the Chapel and 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 by February 11 so we can plan appropriately for dinner. Click Here to register or simply email StephJo: stephjo@saintjameslancaster.org

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.

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.