Dear Friends,

This Sunday, as we keep the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas), several important moments in the life of our parish will take place: our postponed Annual Meeting at 9:30 AM, the election of new Vestry members, and the launch of our new weekly 5:00 PM Vespers evening prayer service. At the 10:30 AM service, a traditional Candlemas procession led by children will open the liturgy—a joyful sight, whether you join us in person or online.

Click here to access our 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Budget, along with a Vestry bylaw change that has been approved by the Vestry and will be presented for ratification at the Annual Meeting.

The sidewalks on Duke Street and Orange Street are clear and accessible. Parking is available nearby in both the Duke Street and Christian Street garages, which are free on Sunday mornings. The Annual Meeting at 9:30 AM and the 10:30 AM service will be part of a continuous livestream. Click here to view the meeting and service.

Yours in Christ,

David+

2026 Vestry Elections Continue

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

There are two ways to vote:

1. Online by going directly to the online ballot until 10:30 AM on Sunday, February 1st. Click here to cast your ballot.

2. A paper ballot is available in the narthex between 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.

Sunday, February 1 | 9:30 AM

Annual Church Meeting This Sunday

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.

Sunday, February 1 | 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.

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 Resumes

Love Your Enemies

The Forum Hour winter series, Love Your Enemies, 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.

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!

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.

In a Greater Light

We pray for the soul of Bernhard (Bernie) Stahl, husband of Karen and father of Julie Peachey and John Stahl, who died on January 28th. His service will be at Saint James on the afternoon of Saturday, February 7th, at 2:00 PM. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

We hold Mother Stacey in our prayers as she inters the ashes of her mother, Rosemary Gartner, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her passing.

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