ANNUAL MEETING POSTPONED UNTIL 9:30 AM FEBRUARY 1, 2026

With the anticipated arrival of over a foot of snow this Sunday and the city's standard practice of declaring a snow emergency in such events that prevents on-street parking, Vestry has determined that postponing the annual meeting by one week is the only sensible course of action. The election of vestry members will proceed in its usual way according to the bylaws, with polls remaining open for an additional week. The last day to cast paper or absentee ballots in person or by mail is Sunday, up to the 10:30 AM service on February 1st.

SIMPLE WORSHIP PLANNED AS SCHEDULED

8:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM

With a Rectory next to church, the vagaries of weather prediction, the needs of unsheltered people and that sense of delight in the wonder of a major snowfall, it is our custom to try to hold services for those in the neighborhood who wish and are able to safely walk to church on snow-covered streets and sidewalks. The Rector usually leads shortened, simplified worship services that require no music, volunteers, or risk-taking by anyone. It is our practice, when possible, during weather emergencies, to serve as a warming station during service times (or extended times) for those who need it. (If you live downtown and might on occasion be available to attend a winter warming or summer cooling station, please let the office know.) There will not be children’s chapel. It is unknown whether livestream will be available.

Please check the website for updated information. It is likely that the weather event will impact Monday's events on campus, such as yoga. Staff and volunteers often need to follow school district protocols, and thus, SDOL determinations can serve as a useful guide for canceling some regularly scheduled events.

David+

Our 2026 Vestry Elections are Underway!

Thank you to all who have already cast their ballot. If you haven't voted and are not sure who to vote for, click here to read the candidate bios on our website.

1. Online by going to the Saint James website (click here) and using our online ballot until 10:30 AM on Sunday, February 1st.

2. By paper ballot available in the narthex between the 8:30 AM and the start of the 10:30 AM masses on Sunday, February 1st.

In case you are wondering, to vote in our annual elections, you must:

Be a baptized Christian who considers yourself to be identified with the Parish of Saint James Episcopal Church and regard it as your regular place of worship.

Be sixteen (16) years of age or older and for at least six (6) months have been a worshipper and communicant in good standing (receive Holy Communion) in this Parish.

Ready to cast your ballot? Click here to go directly to the ballot page.

ALL ARE INVITED TO

THE ORDINATION OF

JOSEPH EDWARD PRITCHETT

To The Sacred Order of Priests

In Christ's One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

January 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM

St. John's Episcopal Church

321 West Chestnut St.

Lancaster, PA 17603

Click here to view via livestream.

Sunday, February 1 | 9:30 AM

Annual Church Meeting Rescheduled

In person and via livestream

Gather with us on February 1st at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary for our annual meeting, when Fr. David and vestry leadership will present a new annual report highlighting the growth of our parish, along with what's on the horizon for Saint James. Click here to join via livestream.

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.

Tuesday, February 10 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesdays Resumes

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 | 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 | 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!

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.

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.

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.

In a Greater Light

We pray for the soul of Philip Ritter, who died on December 31, 2025. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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