Dear Friends in Christ,

This coming Sunday’s Psalm, Psalm 130, gives us words of longing and waiting:

“I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; in his word is my hope. My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”

I love these verses for the intimacy they draw us into. In them, we hear the voice of a people who have hit bottom

—

and discovered that even there, God is not absent.

It is the voice of those learning that grace is not earned,

but waited for… trusted… received.

As we continue our Lenten journey of making a right beginning, and as Holy Week draws near, these words meet us in a world that can feel unsteady—marked by uncertainty, conflict, and a pace that rarely slows.

And so I wonder:

Where are you being called to cry out to God—from the depths—about the broken places in your life and in our world?

And when you do cry out,

can you do so with the hope of the psalmist—

who trusts that no matter how deep the night,

morning will come?

If there is something you are carrying and need to cry out before God, the Rite of Reconciliation is available as a space to do so. In this season of Lent—when we are invited to make a right beginning—this can be a meaningful way to begin again, grounded in God’s grace. You are welcome to reach out to the parish office to schedule a time with Father David, Mother Stacey, or Father Glenn during Holy Week.

God's peace,

Stacey+

Tonight! 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 | 9:30 AM

Coffee Hour in the Narthex

All are invited to enjoy good conversation and fellowship in the narthex between the 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses. Get caught up with fellow parishioners and meet new members while sipping on your favorite coffee or tea.

The Love Your Enemies series resumes on April 12th with Randall Zachman sharing his thoughts on Howard Thurman.

Sunday, March 22 | 10:30 AM

Saint James Voices at 10:30 AM Mass

An intergenerational Sunday choir

this Sunday!

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.

Sunday, March 22 | 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. Note: there will not be Vespers on Easter Sunday.

Tuesday, March 24 | 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.

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, 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 and song, followed by the joyful search for Easter eggs! A color-coding system is used to ensure that 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 an adult. We will have coffee, juice and treats. Click here to email StephJo if you are interested in bringing a treat to share.

Monday, April 13

Race Against Racism Early Bird Registration

Mark Your Calendars for

Saturday, April 25th!

Be part of the nation’s longest-running Race Against Racism on Saturday, April 25, and help us eliminate racism, empower women and build a future where equity knows no bounds. JOIN THE SAINT JAMES team! It's easy. Just click here, type in Saint James Harriers in the team/group box, click the "join" button, fill in your info and pay $40.

The deadline for joining the team is April 13th.

Wednesday, April 15 - Friday, April 17;

7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Habitat For Humanity

All are invited to join the Saint James Habitat for Humanity team for April's workdays. This year's location is on Linden Street in Columbia, where five new townhomes are being built across from the Turkey Hill Experience. Tasks include framing, interior trim and insulation installation. No experience necessary. To learn more about how you can help, click here.

Meet Stephanie, who, almost 4 years ago, was living out of her car with three of her daughters, ages 9, 10 and 14. She had recently gotten out of a toxic relationship, which led to prolonged mental and physical struggles, including paralyzing anxiety at the thought of returning to her nursing job, where she'd worked for the previous 13 years. Read more about Stephanie's amazing journey.