Dear Friends,

This weekend marks the conclusion of an amazing run of special fall weekend celebrations and events at Saint James. On Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, in the Parish House forum room, a special art exhibition featuring the work of students from the School District of Lancaster showcases their pieces on the theme of climate change.

In church, the All Souls Compline at 9 PM will be our time to light candles and remember those friends and family, naming those who have died this past year. Then the Love Supreme John Coltrane Saturday Night Mass, and as a high point of it all, the Bishop’s Visitation on Sunday morning will fill us with vision and hope for a reunited Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna in which Saint James plays an important part, along with all the other parishes within it. Poppies will be distributed on Sunday to veterans or those visiting them after the services.

Bishop Audrey will preach and preside at both Sunday services and share in a special Q&A time during Forum Hour. She will bring the excitement and vision for a reunited Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna, which comes into effect on January 1st. The united diocese brings back into one fold, what became two dioceses when our diocese of Central Pennsylvania (1904) helped the Diocese of Bethlehem (1909) become independent. 

At last month’s diocesan convention in Scranton, Saint James delegates rejoiced in her unanimous election as the first bishop of the reunited dioceses, with Bishop Kevin Nichols, the bishop of the former diocese of Bethlehem, serving as her assisting bishop throughout the united diocese. The Vestry will meet formally with her during a lunch session as we reflect on the ministry and mission horizons of both the parish and diocese together. 

Come with a friend to experience the pioneering music and Christian mysticism of John Coltrane as the Ryan Kauffman Quartet bring a brilliant, energizing and deeply spiritual experience of sound and worship.  Our growing cohort of younger Saint James community who are mostly in their twenties and thirties will head out to Southern Market for some food and drinks after the mass.

Yours in Christ,

David, Stacey & Glenn

Friday, November 7 | 4 - 7 PM

Saint James to Host

Youth Climate Art Contest

In the Parish House

Saint James is proud to host Lancaster County’s first-ever Youth Climate Art Contest, presented by RegenAll, on Friday, November 7, from 4 – 7 PM in the Parish House.

Students from across the School District of Lancaster and the county will share their creative visions of a “green future”, offering hope and inspiration for a more sustainable world. This special event serves as a prelude to RegenAll’s 3rd Annual Climate Summit and aims to encourage collaboration between young people, community members, and local decision-makers in shaping a brighter environmental future.

The winning artwork will be displayed at the Climate Summit on Saturday, November 8, at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

All are welcome to attend this celebration of creativity and care for creation!

Friday, November 7 | 9 PM

First Friday Compline:

A Remembrance of All Souls

Ancient Music and Prayers for All Souls



Join us on Friday, November 7th, for a solemn service in remembrance of All Souls. This poignant gathering will honor the faithfully departed through music, prayers and scriptures that convey hope in the resurrection.

Compline will begin with the Gregorian chant, Lux Aeterna, followed by readings of Psalm 23 and Psalm 130, offering comfort through their ancient texts. As names of the recently departed are read, John Tavener's Song for Athene will play alongside a low organ drone, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere.

The evening concludes with the Salve Regina and a final blessing, inviting the community to gather for remembrance and solace. Available in person and via livestream.

Saturday, November 8 | 10 - 11:30 AM

Women's Gathering

Via Zoom

In his latest work, Richard Rohr presents a hopeful model for compassionate living in a violent world, by drawing on the wisdom of the Hebrew prophets.

November's discussion will be from the prophet, Ezekiel (37:4-5) Prophesy over these bones, make them live. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. What are your thoughts on Rohr's commentary: "Our job, too, is to breathe together with God upon the dry bones that are always present throughout our world and make them live, just as God has breathed on ours."

Gather with us on November 8th to learn more about wisdom and hope for living in troubled times. Click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom invitation.

Saturday, November 8 | 5:00 PM

Saturday Night Mass

A Love Supreme was Coltrane's musical declaration of his spirituality and faith in a loving God, who supported him as he struggled with drug addiction and other personal challenges in his past.



In the liner notes, Coltrane expressed, “I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music,” describing his plea to a universal, divine force. “I feel this has been granted through His grace.” Gather with us on November 8th as we journey towards a Love Supreme. Available in person and via livestream.

Sunday, November 9 | 9:30 AM

Bishop Audrey Joins us for Forum Hour

Join Bishop Audrey during forum hour for a meet and greet along with a Q&A session about her work on the reunification process—what all was involved and how it came about!

Tuesday, November 11 | 11:00 AM

Veteran's Day Ringing of the Bell

All are invited to join US Navy veteran Nate Graham on Tuesday, November 11th, at 11 AM for a moment of silence and a tolling of our steeple bell 21 times in honor of Veterans’ Day and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Attendees are welcome to listen outdoors or to sit in the sanctuary during this brief time of prayerful observance.

The tradition began on November 11, 1918 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany after more than four years of world-wide war. As a practice of contemplative citizenship, we are invited to pause for a moment of stillness and silence, as we pray for peace in our communities and throughout the world.

Tuesday, November 11 | 7:00 PM

Healing the Divide

Responding to Reactivity

with Compassion

Next week's topic is Increasing Capacity for Empathy, focusing on both ourselves and others. We will explore the question, Can we experience reconciliation and forgiveness during difficult conversations?

During this session, we will stay together as a large group to witness and reflect on role-play scenarios that address some pressing issues causing deep divisions today. We’ll approach these scenarios with curiosity, compassion and a commitment to practicing presence—learning how to remain connected even when discussing challenging topics.

It's not too late to register for these sessions! The group meets in person and via Zoom on Tuesday evenings through November 18th, in the Chapel, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Click here to register, and we'll send you the Zoom link.

Saturday, November 15 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

Redemption, Trust and Transformation: Lessons from the Wild Horse Program at Four Mile Correctional Facility

At Four Mile Correctional Facility in Colorado, inmates participate in a unique rehabilitation program by training wild mustangs. Two men, Justin Leonard and Matthew Kurvink, share how the process has impacted their personal growth by teaching them patience, trust and how to rebuild broken parts of their lives. The horses, fearful and untamed, mirror the inmates' own emotional and spiritual journeys. Through consistency, humility, and love, change becomes possible for both humans and animals.

We will share how these experiences connect to our daily lives and journeys. The morning menu will be a breakfast casserole, biscuits, coffee & juice. Have questions? Click here to email Chuck Smith.

Sunday, November 16 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

All women are invited to join Julie Peachey on November 16th at 9:30 AM in the parish house library for Women's Bible Study

The format is simple; we will read this month's passage from the Lectionary, Luke 21:5-19, followed by discussion and prayer. If we have a large group, we'll break into smaller groups so that everyone has time to share.

Women's Bible study meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Click here to email Kristy Clark for more info.

Sunday, November 16 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Youth Group

Youth Group Bowling Night!

Leisure Lanes

3440 Columbia Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603

Join us for a night of strikes, spares and plenty of laughs as Youth Group heads to Leisure Lanes for some bowling fun! We’ll meet right at the bowling alley, just reach out if you need a ride and we’ll help make it happen.

Pizza is on us! Each youth is invited to bring $5 if able to help cover costs (but don’t let that stop you from coming!). Please RSVP by Thursday, November 13th so we can save enough lanes for everyone to bowl.

Come hungry, bring your best bowling form (or your funniest one), and get ready for a great night with friends! For teens grades 6 - 12. Click here to register.

Wednesday, November 19 | 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!



November 7, 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Regenall & School District of Lancaster Art Event

November 7, 9:00 PM | First Friday Compline: Ancient Music and Prayers for All Souls

November 8, 10:00 AM | Women's Gathering

November 8, 5:00 PM | Saturday Night Mass, John Coltrane & A Love Supreme

November 9 | Bishop Audrey Scanlan visits Saint James for both services and forum hour

November 11, 7 - 8:00 PM | Contemplative Tuesdays, Healing the Divide, with Jen Donovan

November 15, 8:30 AM | Upper Room Men’s Group

November 16, 9:30 AM | Women’s Bible Study

November 16, 9:30 AM | Newcomer coffee hour in the Rectory

November 16, 5:00 PM | Youth Group

November 18, 7 - 8:00 PM | Concluding session of Healing the Divide, with Jen Donovan

November 19, 3:00 PM | Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley

November 27 & 28 | Campus closed for Thanksgiving

November 30, 11:30 AM | Commemoration of the Feast of Saint Andrew

November 30, 11:30 AM | Advent wreath making and Christmas cookie baking