Dear Friends,

Embodying Prayer

Embodied prayer takes many forms—from the more obvious practices of kneeling in church and singing hymns to practices we can make prayerful, such as walking meditation or yoga. The Vespers service this Sunday at 5:00 PM will reflect on receiving Holy Communion as an embodied practice.

Embodied prayer as part of social and political protest has also been explored during Contemplative Tuesday nights in our study of non-violence. The current forum series on Praying for Our Enemies, along with the practice of metta prayer at Vespers, has also touched on this. In the coming weeks, two further opportunities will invite us to explore these connections more deeply.

On Thursday, March 19, from 6 - 8:00 PM, Singing Resistance—a Lancaster chapter of a community movement led by Liz Fulmer of Grandview Church—will lead a workshop in the sanctuary on community singing as a form of peaceful protest. Click here to register.

Then on Saturday, March 28, at 9:30 AM in the Parish House Forum Room, I will again teach a form of meditation and disciplined prayer for those who may wish to attend a planned public demonstration in Reservoir Park. Beginning with contemplative practice helps ensure a spiritual grounding rooted in Christian love and non-violence, rather than simply bringing more reactive anger, shaming or the “us and them” thinking that characterizes so much of our unhelpful political discourse.

“Can we start again, Lord?”

This lovely and confident plea—sung by Mary Magdalene to Jesus in our Superstar Mass on Saturday, March 28—reminds us of what is always available through sacramental confession.

During Holy Week, clergy will be available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM for the simple Rite of Reconciliation from the Book of Common Prayer (p. 447). The rite takes about fifteen minutes. Short prayers and scriptures are read, followed by a confidential and non-judgmental opportunity to unburden one’s conscience by sharing painful moments of disappointment, failure or repeated patterns of behavior that cause shame or grief.

Through seeking the renewing grace of God, we receive absolution and the assurance of God’s mercy—and with it the freedom and joy it brings to our lives.

Clergy are trained in the art of holy forgetting. Just as God no longer remembers our sins, the confidentiality of confession means no part of the conversation is ever recollected by the clergy. The rite concludes with the priest asking the penitent to pray for them, who is also a sinner.

Other times for confession and spiritual counsel are available by appointment. Please write or call the office to request time with a particular priest or speak with clergy directly to arrange a convenient time. Clergy meet privately one-to-one in the chapel or another quiet space.

Through the renewal of mercy and joy that comes from the assurance of forgiveness, we move toward the great goal of Lent: to make a new and right beginning with the Lord.

Yours in Christ,

David+

Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM EDT

Women's Gathering

Via Zoom

Women's Gathering walks through Lent with Sister Joan Chittister, OSB and former Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Rowan Williams and their book, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is, in which the authors offer us a sweeping set of things and circumstances to be grateful for.

Some are things we naturally feel grateful for, but when set alongside other things—hardships, suffering and death—we begin to see that life itself is an exercise in learning to sing alleluia in this life, in order to recognize the face of God hidden in the recesses of time. In this series of reflections, it becomes clear that singing alleluia is not a way to escape reality but a way of being receptive to what is now and what is to come.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on uncommon gratitude and its power in our lives. Click here to email Lorrain Rollo for the Zoom link.

Sunday, March 15 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

In the parish house library

Join the women of our parish for a transformative journey of Bible study, prayer and fellowship in an opportunity to share your experiences, deepen your relationships and grow in faith together.

This month, Julie Peachey will lead the group in a study on John 9:1-41. They will reflect on what it means to be spiritually blind and how the season of Lent can illuminate lives. Women's Bible study meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Come and be a part of this uplifting community!

Have questions? Please click here to email Julie Peachey.

Sunday, March 15 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour with Randall Zachman

Love Your Enemies

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a Lutheran theologian and pastor who is best known for being a prominent member of the Confessing Church, which resisted the reign of the Nazis in Germany (leading to his being hanged by the Nazis in 1945). Bonhoeffer wrote The Cost of Discipleship in 1937, and in it he insists that Jesus wants the disciples to be "extraordinary."

Evidence of this extraordinariness is found in the fact that the first time Jesus introduces the word "love" in the Sermon on the Mount, he does so in terms of his command to love our enemies. By "commanding only love for enemies, he shows what he means by love." In other words, we have no idea what Jesus means by "love" if we do not seek to understand love as being specifically directed to our enemy. Any other kind of love is ordinary, self-evident, and common to all people, and not unique to the disciples of Jesus. Join us this Sunday as we explore Bonhoeffer's insights into the extraordinary character of Jesus's understanding of love.

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

Sunday, March 15 | 5:00 PM

Vespers at the Urban Well

In the Chapel

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. Looking forward to seeing you there! In the Chapel; in-person only.

Sunday, March 15 | 2:30 PM

Youth Group at the Lancaster Symphony

Youth Group & Families

You’re Invited!

On Sunday, March 15th at 2:30 PM, our Youth Group and families are invited to attend an extraordinary concert FREE OF CHARGE — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and LancasterHistory are partnering for a powerful performance celebrating Lancaster’s own Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith.

The highlight of the afternoon will be the world premiere of Second Founding, a brand-new orchestral suite composed by Saint James parishioner Michael Wege. This incredible piece tells the story of Stevens and Smith. Other moving pieces will be Copland’s Lincoln Portrait and Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony. Experience an unforgettable afternoon where music and history unite to tell the story of America’s past, present, and future.

This is more than a concert — it’s a chance to:

Hear history come alive through music
Celebrate Lancaster’s role in the ongoing story of freedom and equality
Support a fellow Saint James parishioner
Experience a world premiere performance

Location: Gardner Theatre at Lancaster Country Day School

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Time: 2:30 PM

Cost: FREE for Youth Group & families

RSVP: Tickets are limited. Click here to email StephJo Wise and reserve your spot. First-come, first-served!

Tuesday, March 17 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Tuesdays

In the Chapel

In Person and via Zoom

What kind of person do I need to become in order to live non-violently in the world?

Through guided reflection, conversations, and practical exercises, we'll explore how inner transformation shapes our actions and how a compassionate presence fosters loving resistance in the world.

Click here to register for Contemplative Tuesdays.

Wednesday, March 18 | 3:00 PM

Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley

Willow Valley residents are invited to join clergy and staff from Saint James and Holy Trinity Lutheran churches to celebrate Holy Eucharist in Manor North Auditorium, located on the third floor of the main building in Manor North. All are welcome; bring a friend!

Thursday, March 19 | 6 - 8:00 PM

Singing Resistance Lancaster

All are invited to the Singing Resistance Lancaster rehearsal in the Saint James sanctuary on Thursday, March 19, from

6 - 8:00 PM.

Core purpose of Lancaster Sing Resistance:

Teach simple, singable songs to as many people as possible, using the Minneapolis Singing Resistance songbook
Gather potential song-leaders to be present for an event so that, as actions come up, we'll have a group of "on call" leaders who can help provide musical support/presence
Clearly define the role of music and group singing as a means of resistance, peacemaking, community care and community identity.
Create JOY! LOVE! COMMUNITY! PEACE! through Singing Resistance

Your registration is helpful for planning purposes. Click here to register if you'd like to join in this movement.

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

Upper Room Men's Group

Join the Upper Room Men's Group for breakfast in the parish house forum room on March 21st. The group will discuss one of the most recognized hymns in the English-speaking world, "Amazing Grace."

Written in 1772 by John Newton, a rebellious slave trader, the hymn remains significant today for various reasons, including its deep-rooted story and the powerful message of grace it conveys.

Understanding grace and its theological implications can transform our perspective on life's challenges, encouraging self-reflection and providing solace during difficult times. It offers comfort and hope, guiding us through uncertainty and reminding us of the strength we can draw from it.

Breakfast menu: A traditional, old-fashioned breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy & biscuits, potato patties, coffee, juice. Bring a friend and your appetite!

Sunday, March 22 | 10:30 AM

Saint James Voices at 10:30 AM Mass

An intergenerational Sunday choir

on March 22nd!

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 Mass.

Click here to download the music for March 22nd. Copies will also be available this Sunday in the Chapel.

For more information and to let Kate know you'll be singing, click here to email Kate Smucker.

Friday, March 26 | 5:00 PM

Easter Memorial Flowers

As our Easter celebration approaches, we invite you to honor or memorialize a loved one by donating Easter flowers for our sanctuary. Click here to visit our Easter flower giving form. In the memo box, type in the name of the person you would like to honor or memorialize. If you are ordering multiple flowers and run out of space in the memo box, simply make your donation, type “list to Kristen” in the memo box and click here to email Kate Umble Smucker, our office administrator, the list of names. The submission deadline is Thursday, March 26th.

Saturday, March 28 | 5:00 PM

Jesus Christ: A Super Star & Mass

Join us for a very special mass on the eve of Palm Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the music from Jesus Christ Superstar.

The mass takes us through Holy Week, with the iconic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice providing the backdrop of the Last Supper, Jesus’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the trial before Pilate. With a live band, a multi-generational ensemble, and the congregation joining us in singing the timeless songs from the musical, we invite you to journey with us as we present a Jesus Christ Super Star and Mass. Available in person only.

The Pascal Triduum Begins

The Triduum (TRID-yoo-uhm) starts at sunset on Maundy Thursday (April 2) and continues through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, culminating with the Easter Vigil and the kindling of the new fire at sunset Saturday night.

Maundy Thursday, April 2 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Bible Foods & Table Graces Dinner With Prayers for Peace

A family meal for all who

seek peace in Jerusalem

Come join us (with or without a Mediterranean dish) to share a meal with special readings and prayers for peace in the diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Seasoned chefs Paul Hoffer and Tim Mackey will be preparing a delicious feast featuring succulent lamb and fresh fish. To complement this culinary delight, we invite you to bring a side dish or dessert inspired by biblical themes to share in a potluck-style gathering. Consider dishes that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine, such as creamy hummus, warm pita bread, savory olives, refreshing salads, or crispy falafel.

Click here to let us know you’ll be attending. Surprise us with the dish you’ll be bringing!

Maundy Thursday, April 2 | 7:30 PM

Holy Eucharist with Foot-Washing

and Stripping of the Altar

This service commemorates the institution of Holy Communion by Jesus and his commandment to love one another as He loved us. We recount Jesus' last supper with the disciples, being betrayed and waiting in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Click here to view the service from our streaming services page.

Maundy Thursday, April 2 - 9 PM through Good Friday, April 3 - 7 AM

The Chapel Vigil with the Blessed Sacrament

The Chapel Vigil, facilitated by the Daughters of the King, will be held in-person in the Saint James Chapel, beginning at 9:00 PM on Maundy Thursday, April 2, and concluding at 7:00 AM on Good Friday, April 3, with morning meditation and the sharing of the Blessed Sacrament. Participants are encouraged to bring their own meditations, prayers and/or prayer beads.

Please pre-register for the hour(s) you wish to “keep watch in the garden” by clicking here. Participants will receive a special code to enter the Chapel doors.

For more information about the Gethsemane Chapel Vigil or help signing up, please email Kristle Evans here.

Good Friday, April 3 | 6:45 AM

Silent Meditation

In the Chapel

Join clergy in the chapel at the end of the Maundy Thursday overnight vigil for silent meditation and reverent consumption of the Blessed Sacrament. Available in person only.

Good Friday, April 3 | 9:30 AM

Intergenerational Walk of Witness

with Stations of the Cross

Gather with clergy at the cloister fountain to begin a contemplative prayer walk around the neighborhood. We will reflect on the world’s need for Christ and his resurrection while pausing to offer prayers for the city of Lancaster and the people it serves.

Good Friday, April 3 | 12:00 PM

Iconographer, Dorothy Thayne, and Fr. David, lead reflections and prayers.

In the Chapel

In person only

Artist-in-Residence and iconographer, Dorothy Thayne, along with Fr. David Peck lead reflections and prayers with the icons of Christ-Extreme Humility and The Lamentation of Christ.

Good Friday, April 3 | 7:30 PM

Veneration of the Cross

The tradition of venerating the cross began in the 4th century with a Spanish nun who, on Holy Friday, would display parts of the holy wood of the cross on which Christ died, for veneration by pilgrims. This custom made its way into several liturgies as part of the Triduum, the three-day period from Maundy Thursday through Saturday, Easter Eve.

We venerate the cross not because Christ died on it but because by the cross, salvation has entered the whole world.

Click here to view the service from our streaming services page.

Saturday, April 4 | 7:30 PM

Easter Vigil & Lighting of the Easter Fire

This is the first and central liturgy of Easter. Beginning Saturday evening in holy darkness out of which the Easter fire is kindled and candles are lit, we recount from our scriptures the saving works of God. Click here to visit our streaming services page

Sunday, April 5

Easter Sunday Masses

Our Easter celebration begins in the stillness of the morning with a 6:30 AM sunrise service with music by parishioners in the churchyard.

At the 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses, the clergy of Saint James will share in the joyful celebration of the Easter Mass. Our worship music will include an extended prelude and postlude with Epiphany Brass, organ and timpani.

Click here to view the 10:30 AM Mass from our streaming services page.

Sunday, April 5 | 9:30 AM

Eggstravaganza Family Easter Egg Hunt

Our time together will begin with a few words of reflection on the resurrection of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ followed by a song and the search for Easter eggs! A color coding system is used to ensure children of all ages have fun hunting for eggs hidden just for them. Children are asked to bring their own basket. All children must be accompanied by and adult.