Dear Friends,

This Sunday concludes our three-week emphasis on our annual giving and WHY we make commitments to give generously. Our final video exemplifies the connection between what we give and what our giving enables, particularly in the work of children and family ministry. Kari and Drew Diyrli Hermeling share their story of how they came to Saint James, and what now holds them and their family at Saint James.

Our gospel reading on this final annual fund Sunday focuses our attention on God answering prayer. Our final testimony reminds us that very often, our actions and our giving are the vehicles by which God answers prayer and provides what is needed.

A letter of encouragement from us, as your clergy, along with instructions for making a pledge, should have arrived at your home. Please let us know if you did not get it. Copies will also be available at the back of the church.

Click here to pledge online or download the pledge form. Tap

717-397-4858 to call the office with any questions, or click here to email the office. If you'd like to view the other giving videos, click here.

Yours in Christ,

Glenn, Stacey & David

Saturday, October 18 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

As fall approaches, the air turns crisp, the leaves begin to fall, and the days grow shorter. This shifting season invites us to reflect on both the light and the darkness within our lives.

At this Saturday’s men’s gathering, we’ll explore why author Richard Rohr describes times of darkness, uncertainty, and struggle as vital moments for our transformation and growth. Join us as we look at how these experiences can shape and strengthen us on our personal journeys.

Bring a friend and your appetite! For more information, click here to email Paul Peachey.

Saturday, October 18 | Beginning at 1:15 PM

Fountain Prayers Before the Rally

This Saturday, October 18, the No Kings Rally will take place in Lancaster from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Before the rally, some will gather for a brief time of centering prayer, so they can ground themselves in God's presence, holding both conviction and compassion as they take part in a public witness.

Perry Hazeltine, an active participant in Contemplative Tuesdays, will lead the prayers as clergy are away at the Diocesan Convention through Saturday evening. The prayer gathering will remind those present that contemplative practice and faithful action belong together. In this way, even amidst disagreement, we speak and act with love and compassion while rooted in the awareness that all people, even those with whom we disagree, are part of our common life.

Prayer Gathering Location: Saint James Fountain

Time: 1:15 PM before the rally

Rally: 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Binns Park

Sunday, October 19 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

Join Kristy Clark for Bible study, prayer and fellowship in the parish house library. This is a time to get to know each other better and grow in our faith. Women's Bible study meets the 3rd Sunday of the month. Have questions? Please click here to email Kristy Clark.

Sunday, October 19 | 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Forum

In the Parish House

Forum Room

This coming Sunday, Randall will explore the complex ways in which wealth is described in Scripture. On the one hand, wealth is clearly seen to be a blessing of God, for God gives the righteous the power to acquire wealth. On the other hand, Jesus tells us that since we cannot serve God and wealth, we should sell our possessions and give to the poor so that we will have treasure in heaven.

How then are we to understand wealth? Is it a blessing of God for the righteous, for which they should give thanks? Or is it such a serious obstacle to the kingdom of God that we should sell our possessions and give the proceeds to the poor? Join us this Sunday as we explore the many ramifications of wealth in Scripture.

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

Sunday, October 19 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Lancaster Crop Hunger Walk

At Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The Crop Walk is a mission-driven event where funds raised help feed those most vulnerable in our community, as well as support programs addressing food insecurity worldwide. Whether one takes part in the physical walk, helps raise money, or simply donates, you are making a tremendous impact for the greater good. The event is held rain or shine. Free to walk, but donations/pledges are welcome.

1:00 PM Registration

1:30 PM Program

2:00 PM Walk begins

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is located at 64 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA. Click here to learn more and join Team Saint James!

Sunday, October 19 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Youth Group

Pumpkins, Werewolves & Treats, Oh My!

Fall is here, and Youth Group is bringing the festive fun! We’ll share dinner together, then enjoy a cozy (and slightly spooky) night of pumpkin painting, a round of Werewolf, a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Halloween treat-making.

But we’re not keeping the fun to ourselves. Our spooky snacks will be shared with the younger children of Saint James on Sunday, October 26, as well as with the Habitat for Humanity crew and the family moving into their new home.

Teens are also invited to help spread the joy by handing out treats at our intergenerational coffee hour on October 26 at 9:30 AM. A $5 donation, at the door, per teen to help cover pumpkins and supplies, is welcome (but not required).

Bring your fall spirit and a friend. This is going to be a night you do not want to miss! Please register by October 17^th. Click here to register!

All Saints' and All Souls' Season

Remembering our dearly departed

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrate our belonging in Christ. All Saints’ Day honors individuals whose lives reflect the grace of God, providing an opportunity to express gratitude for how that grace shapes human life. It encourages us through the example of the saints, reminding us that sanctity can develop in both ordinary and challenging circumstances.

In contrast, All Souls’ Day allows us to remember those whom we have known personally—who gave us life and nurtured our faith—expressing our gratitude for them before God.

If you have a loved one who died between October 30, 2024, and Monday, October 27, 2025, and would like them to be remembered, there are three ways to submit your name. You can click here to use the form on our website. You can click here to email Kristle Evans, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, or you can tap 717-397-4858 to call the church office.

The name submission deadline is Monday, October 27th.

For the Month of October

Urban Well Yoga Studio News!

During the month of October, newcomers are invited to enjoy complimentary mindful yoga sessions. If you're interested in mindful yoga but uncertain about which style is right for you, this is an excellent opportunity to try gentle or chair yoga and find your best fit!

With the appointment of Sarah Shelton as our Mindful Yoga Studio Coordinator, she will also begin teaching privately at the Urban Well Yoga Studio through her business, Holding Space Yoga. Her new students will receive two free classes in October. For more information about Holding Space Yoga and to contact Sarah, click here.

The Urban Well Yoga Studio is located in the lower level of the Parish house (119 North Duke Street). Click here for session times.

Tuesday, October 21 | 7:00 PM

Healing the Divide

In the weeks ahead, we will focus on improving our communication skills through active listening so that we can better understand the perspectives of those around us and identify any obstacles that may hinder our communication.

This Tuesday, we will practice cultivating curiosity within difficult conversations. By learning to ask effective questions that open up conversations, rather than shut them down, we can deepen our understanding and prevent escalating conflict.

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.

Habitat for Humanity Team Announces October Build Dates

All are invited to join the Saint James and friends Habitat for Humanity team to help with the build in October.

Location: 1021 Walnut Street in Lebanon

Time: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Dates: Wednesday, October 22 through Friday, October 24

Wednesday, October 29 & Thursday, October 30

Meet new homeowner, Estefanye. She will be the first person in her family to own a home. And hopefully, she says, she’ll be the first of many future homeowners in her family.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own home, where I can see my kids grow up and then pass it down to them,” says Estefanye, a 26-year-old single mother of four young children. “I wanted to show my kids that anything can happen if you put in the work.”

If you can't help on site but would like to contribute financially, you can click here to donate online.

For volunteering on the job site, click here to learn more.

Encountering Disability,

Three days of community building

November 1 - 3

Saturday, November 1, beginning at 9:00 AM

Disability, the Arts and Contemplative Practice

A family-friendly, intergenerational day of contemplative experiences, including a labyrinth, movement, poetry, music, sound, and art. There will also be a curated exhibition from the Friendship Community's Heart Gallery and other exhibitors to help us all recognize the gifts we bring that contribute to building community and inclusion together.

The day is divided into morning and afternoon sessions to allow for flexible participation in a variety of experience stations available at different times, catering to various needs, sensitivities, and abilities. Participants are welcome to attend both the morning AND afternoon if they wish; a bring-your-own-lunch space is available, along with many good local restaurants and café options within a couple of blocks of the Saint James campus. Click here for more information and registration.

Sunday, November 2, 11:45 AM

Parish House Forum Room

A Saint for Our Times: Vassar Miller and the Poetry of Disability

A brunch lecture by The Rev. Canon Dr. Judith Maltby following the 10:30 AM worship. $10 contribution at the door appreciated.

Monday, November 3 | Millersville University in the lower level of the Student Memorial Center

Morning Session 10 - 11:45 AM

Encountering Disability in Community Health

Keynote by Marisa Brown, Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability Studies.

Afternoon Session 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Encountering Disability and Public Health Policy

Keynote by Michael Gamel-McCormick, PhD, policy consultant and former academic and administrator and chief disability policy director for Sens. Tom Harkin and Bob Casey. Instrumental in his role on the US Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee and the Special Committee on Aging, and most recently, the US Senate Finance Committee.

Click here for more information and to register for all or part of the event.