Dear Friends in Christ,

“To make a right beginning” has guided us through this Lenten season. And this Sunday, we stand at a threshold of beginnings.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week—the turning toward Jerusalem, toward the cross, toward the mystery at the heart of our faith. It is a day filled with movement and emotion: palms raised, voices lifted, hope alive. Beginnings often feel this way—full of energy, full of promise.

And yet, we know how quickly that energy can fade.

The crowds who cry “Hosanna!” will soon fall silent. The journey of Holy Week reminds us that faith is not sustained by a single moment of enthusiasm, but by a life of daily returning—daily choosing.

That is why the question we will ask our children in the Children's Communion Welcome is so profound:

“Whether this is your first time participating in communion or a time of deepening your commitment… do you wish to share regularly in this sacred meal?”

It is a beginning—but also a continuation. A yes that must be lived again and again.

This is true for all of us.

The Christian life is not one beginning, but many. Not one commitment, but a continual renewal—returning to the table, returning to Christ, returning to love.

As we enter this Holy Week, may we receive it not only with excitement but also with a quiet and steady willingness to begin again.

God's peace,

Stacey+

Saturday, March 28 | 9:30 AM

Living in the World Nonviolently

In the Parish House Forum Room

At 9:30 AM, Fr. David will lead a brief meditation practice, and Mother Stacey will lead a time of simple singing for those gathering as part of an act of witness later in Reservoir Park.

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-talented 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.

Sunday, March 29 | 8:30 & 10:30 AM

Palm Sunday Services

8:30 & 10:30 AM

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds waved palm branches and shouted, "Hosanna in the Highest," thus fulfilling a biblical prophecy of a king arriving in humility on a donkey, acting as a pivotal moment before the Passion.

If you would like to participate in the procession, feel free to leave your belongings in the pew and join the clergy and choir at the cloister fountain, for the 8:30 AM Mass or at the gazebo, for the 10:30 AM Mass.

A Children’s

Communion Welcome

We will also celebrate the culmination of our Children’s Chapel Eucharist series. Over the past weeks, children have gathered to explore the meaning of Holy Communion, learning about the altar, the elements of bread and wine, and the ways we experience Christ’s presence in this shared meal.

During the 10:30 AM service, after Children’s Chapel, ALL children will be invited to the altar to receive Communion. Whether this is their First Communion or a moment to deepen their connection, all children are welcome to come forward and reflect on what it means to gather at the table together as a church family.

Sunday, March 29 | 9:30 AM

Coffee Hour in the Narthex

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for a delightful time of good conversation and fellowship in the narthex between the 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses. This gathering provides a wonderful opportunity to catch up with fellow parishioners, share stories, and strengthen our community bonds. Whether you are a long-time member or new to our parish, we encourage you to come and meet other 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.

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

All ages are invited to gather with clergy and StephJo 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, its service organizations and the people they serve.

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. Click here to learn more about parishioner Dorry Thayne and her art.

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.

Coming in Eastertide

Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Women's Gathering

Via Zoom Only

Women's Gathering continues to explore during Eastertide, focusing on how stories help us grow as Christians and better follow Jesus' example of love and service.

If you'd like to attend, click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom link.

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

Saturday, April 25; 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Habitat For Humanity

There are two opportunities to join the Saint James Habitat for Humanity team in April. This year's location for both is on Linden Street in Columbia, where five new townhomes are being built.

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.

April 25th

Intergenerational Day

Youth ages 16 and above are invited to participate in an intergenerational build on Saturday, April 25th, from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM, at the Linden Street build in Columbia.

Tasks for both opportunities include framing, interior trim and insulation installation. No experience necessary.

To learn more about how you can help, click here.

Thursdays, April 23 - June 4 | 7:00 PM

Mercy Seminar Begins

Entirely on Zoom

Peace at the Last:

The meaning of life in the light of death

With Prof. Randall Zachman & Fr. David Peck

The 2026 Mercy Seminar has been exploring what different faith traditions can teach us about living our best life and dying our best death. How can the certainty of death help create focus and deepen gratitude rather than increase depression and anxiety? Is death really “nothing at all,” a simple “turning out of the lights, or “the gate to eternal life”?

Term 2 will explore how death has been understood in different traditions of Judaism and Islam as we read and reflect on texts from Hebrew scriptures and the Koran. No prior knowledge is required. Click here to register. Scholarships available.