First Friday, March 6 | 6:30 PM

Unbound: Poetry, Presence and the

Art of Becoming

The Ware Center

42 N. Prince St.

Join the Urban Well for an evening of contemplative reflection and poetic performance, exploring the intersection of disability, spirituality, and the arts. This first Friday event features poetry, visual arts, and guided contemplative practice. Unbound honors the legacy of poet and disability rights activist, Vassar Miller and other artists whose voices transcend limitation and invite us into deeper belonging.

Performance contributions by Schreiber Center's modern band, the UnSinkables and artists from The Arc Lancaster Lebanon and United Disability Services. FREE EVENT

First Friday, March 6 | 9:00 PM

Compline: Ancient Music and

Prayers for the Modern Soul

After the event at the Ware Center, we invite you to experience the serene beauty of Compline, an ancient office that has inspired souls since the 6th century.

Traditionally sung in the tranquil spaces of monasteries, Compline is a series of prayers, sung a cappella, that seek divine protection, peace and restorative rest as day transforms into night. As darkness falls and the day comes to a gentle close, join us in this sacred time of reflection and hope, embracing the stillness and the comfort it brings as we prepare for restful slumber.

Available in person and via live stream. Click here to view the live stream.

Lent Continues at

Saint James

This season of Lent at Saint James invites us to embrace the theme of Making a Right Beginning. As we journey toward Easter, we have the wonderful opportunity to deepen our connection with Christ and with each other. To nurture our spiritual growth, we’ve created prayer resources to encourage a simple yet profound daily prayer practice. Let this be a time of reflection and renewal, guiding us into the heart of Holy Week. Together, let’s commit to this journey of faith, finding strength and inspiration in our shared devotion.

The resources are available in the narthex, or click here to download a PDF file.

Sunday, March 8 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour with Randall Zachman

Love Your Enemies

At the time of John Calvin, groups of believers in Europe and England concluded that baptism was only valid if it came after one had heard the gospel, repented and promised to lead a new life following the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

They saw infant baptism as nothing more than a "baby's bath," and they pointed out that those baptized as infants did not follow the teachings of Jesus, including loving their enemies, praying for the persecutors and blessing those who cursed them. In response, Roman, Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican church leaders and rulers persecuted, tortured and executed those they came to call "Anabaptists."

One such Anabaptist martyr is Dirk Willems, whose unique story is one of the most compelling examples of loving one's enemies in the Christian tradition. Join us this Sunday as we examine the testimony of the Anabaptists regarding loving our enemies and doing good to those who hate us.

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

Sunday, March 8 | 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.

Tuesday, March 10 | 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.

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 | 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. Email stephjo@saintjameslancaster ASAP to reserve your spot. First-come, first-served!

Latest Phishing Attempts

There is a routine and regular scam in which someone pretending to be clergy sends a fraudulent email or text asking for money or to meet privately, a tactic commonly known as phishing.

The emails are typically from a made-up Gmail account or a cell phone number and are unrelated to a Saint James email address. The origin of the data hack is unknown, and unfortunately, these phishing attempts happen all too frequently.

Please remember that no clergy or staff from Saint James will ever solicit odd or urgent personal or financial gifts via email or text message. If you receive a phishing email or text, do not open it. Instead, delete the email from your inbox and remove the text from your phone's messaging app.

Parking News

On Sunday mornings, if you enter the Duke or Christian Street garages before 11:00 AM, you have 4 hours of free parking. On-street parking is also free on Sundays.

Note that the former library lot is now a construction zone and is NOT available for parking at any time.

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!

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. Men of all ages are welcome to enjoy a time of food, fellowship, and engaging discussions on some of today's most important topics. 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.

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 Kristen Vieldhouse, our office administrator, the list of names. The submission deadline is Thursday, March 26th.

Sunday, 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.

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!

The Mass for Maundy Thursday with foot washing at 7:30 PM follows the meal.

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.