Headlines & Happenings | October 8, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

This Sunday’s morning liturgies is the second of three special homilies and video presentations to highlight an aspect of our ministries and giving at Saint James. This Sunday morning, my homily will rejoice in our music and worship ministries and, in particular, the remarkable giving of time and talents from our choir. We will see and celebrate the work of Peter Lewis and the choir and hear from Kate Umble Smucker as she speaks about Saint James Voices and the place of music, worship and prayer in our lives. If you missed last week's opening video about how our buildings and grounds are so important to our ministry, click here.

At 5:00 PM in our evening worship of Vespers, Kate explores the lives and teachings of the saints by using the Feast of Theresa of Avila, whose guided meditation on how the silkworm becomes a butterfly is her way of understanding how the heart of Christ can be born in us even though Christ died for us. This will be a beautiful time combining scriptures, Taize chant and the use of two short videos along with Theresa's writing to reflect on how biology and spirituality have, since the Middle Ages offered a transformational eco-spirituality for Christians and others in our age. In this evening worship, we will explore what our parish's children experience with StephJo, who are discovering their own spirituality in Children's Chapel through this metaphor.

Yours in Christ,

David+

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

Women's Gathering

Women's Gathering continues its discussion of James Martin's confessional memoir, Work in Progress. Fr. Martin highlights, with humor and compassion, how his younger self learned about life through summer jobs. He describes formative influences, explains his difficult transition from corporate to Jesuit life, acknowledges his failings and asks for forgiveness.

If you are interested in a spiritual reflection on "bothering to love," please join us. Click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom link.

Sunday, October 11 | 9:30 AM

Women's Bible Study

Parish House Library

Join the women of our parish for a transformative journey of Bible study, prayer and fellowship in the parish house library. This gathering is an opportunity to deepen your relationships, share your experiences, and grow in faith together.

On October 11th, Ashley Ramsay will guide us as we explore Isaiah 25:1-12. This passage highlights God’s protection of the weak and brokenhearted, as He steadies and shelters His people through storms while we joyfully wait for His saving grace.

For more information, click here to email Ashley.

Sunday Evenings | 5:00 PM

Vespers at the Urban Well

In the Chapel

Join us Sunday evenings for Vespers, a warm and inviting weekly gathering in the serene surroundings of the Saint James Chapel. This quiet, reflective service embraces Christianity's rich prayer traditions and the embodied practices that nurture our spiritual lives today.

Gather with us for uplifting singing, find solace in moments of silence, and choose the posture that feels most comfortable as we open our hearts to listen for God’s voice and center ourselves for the week ahead. We have meditation cushions and chairs available for your comfort. We’ll celebrate Holy Communion on the third Sunday of the month. In person only. Everyone is welcome—come as you are!

Thank You for Moving Up!

A big thank you to everyone who moved a little closer to the front last Sunday! It was wonderful to have more of our community gathered together, and we could truly feel the difference, and so could our friends joining us via livestream. The church felt more connected, and your clergy, choir and servers loved having you a little closer!

So, let’s keep it going! Just two rows forward is all it takes to help us create an even more connected and welcoming space for worship.

Tuesday, October 13 | 7:00 PM

Contemplative Citizenship Begins

Lord, make me an

instrument of your peace

Tuesdays, Oct 13 – Nov 10

7:00 – 8:00 PM

In person and via Zoom

This Fall, our worship and teaching will be guided by a single line from the Prayer of Saint Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

On Tuesday, October 13, we will start a 5-week Fall Contemplative Citizenship series in which we will reflect on various lines from the prayer, exploring what it means to embody this prayer in both our personal lives and in our civic responsibilities, especially during this election season when our country feels divided and stressed. Click here for more info and to register for the Zoom link.

All Saints and All Souls Season

Remembering our dearly departed

All Saints All Souls season is a time to remember the deceased, including martyrs, saints and all those in the faith who have passed into a greater light. If you have a loved one who died between October 28, 2025 and Monday, October 26, 2026 and would like them to be remembered, click here to use the form on our website to submit their name.

You may also submit names by calling the church office at 717-397-4858. Or click here to email your submission to Kristle Evans, Pastoral Care Coordinator. The name submission deadline is Tuesday, October 27th.

Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

Parish House Forum Room

The Gentle Art of Swedish

Death Cleaning

For our next gathering, led by Hugh Scott, we’ll tackle a topic that is both practical and, perhaps, a little uncomfortable: “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.”

Despite the rather blunt title, Swedish death cleaning isn’t really about death. It’s about taking a thoughtful look at the possessions, memories, obligations, and “stuff” we accumulate over a lifetime, and deciding what is truly worth keeping, what might be better given away, and what we can finally let go.

A spiritual dimension is worth exploring. As Christians, we talk about stewardship, simplicity, generosity, letting go and what it means to live faithfully in the time we have. Perhaps “cleaning house” can be about more than closets and attics.

Come prepared to share your thoughts, experiences, and perhaps a few stories about the things you simply cannot bring yourself to throw away. And no, we will not be conducting an actual Swedish death cleaning at the meeting! Join us for another meaningful discussion and time together. Come hungry and bring a friend!

Sunday, October 18 | 1:00 PM

Youth Group at the CROP Hunger Walk

This month, Youth Group is heading out into the community! Instead of our usual Sunday evening gathering, we’ll meet at 1:00 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to take part in the CROP Hunger Walk.

This annual event brings people together to fight hunger and support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. As a Youth Group, we’ll have the opportunity to put our faith into action by walking alongside others in our community and supporting the Lancaster County Food Hub.

The event is held rain or shine. Walking is free, and donations are welcome. Click here to learn more and join the Saint James Team.

Whether you walk, raise money, or simply show up to support the cause, every step makes a difference.

Sunday, October 18 | 1:00 PM

CROP Hunger Walk

At Annunciation Greek

Orthodox Church

The Crop Walk is a mission-driven event where funds raised help feed the most vulnerable in our community and support programs addressing food insecurity worldwide. Whether you take part in the physical walk, help raise money, or simply donate, you make a tremendous impact for the greater good.

Poverty is not a choice. Every Neighbor Matters. Every day, thousands of our neighbors face impossible choices: to buy groceries or pay the rent, replace worn-out clothes or fill a prescription, find a safe place to sleep or simply make it through another day. The Lancaster County Food Hub believes no one should have to face those choices alone.

Every day, the dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners come together to provide nourishing food, free clothing and supportive outreach services for neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing instability. These aren't just programs. They're pathways to dignity, hope and opportunity.

The Lancaster County Food Hub uses funds raised through the CROP Hunger Walk to help provide food and hope to families and individuals struggling with hunger in our community.

Click here to learn more and join the Saint James Team.

If you have any questions or concerns, please click here to email Bradden Weaver or call 717-466-9768.

The event is held rain or shine. Free to walk, but donations/pledges are welcome. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is located at 64 Hershey Avenue in Lancaster, 17603.

Wednesday, October 21 | 3:00 PM

Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley

Willow Valley residents are warmly invited to come together with clergy and staff from Saint James and Holy Trinity Lutheran churches to celebrate Holy Eucharist in the Manor North Auditorium on the third floor of the main building in Manor North. All are welcome to join us for this meaningful occasion; feel free to bring a friend!

October 21, 2026

Fall Habitat for Humanity Build Begins

This October, work will continue for new Habitat homeowners, Stephanie and Donesha, on Linden Street in Columbia.

For the Saint James crew, work is scheduled from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 21
Friday, October 23
Friday, October 30

All volunteers are welcome, regardless of experience. Work can range from finishing work such as caulking, painting, appliance installation and cleaning. If this is your first time volunteering with Habitat, you will need to complete a short online safety course before signing up for your dates. Each day has 10 volunteer slots, so good fun and community will abound. Please pack a lunch and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated on the job!

Click here for more information and registration.

Sunday, October 25 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Fall Harvest Festival

Mark your Calendars!

Join us in the Parish House for a festive afternoon celebrating all things fall! We’ll gather for a fun-filled Fall Harvest Festival for all ages.

We’ll have lunch together, plus pumpkin painting, delicious fall treats and games and activities for the whole family. Sign up here to bring a dish or other item to share, or simply sign up to let us know you’re coming!

Whether you’re little or big, you'll find something to enjoy as we celebrate the beauty, joy and abundance of the fall season together.

Wednesday, November 4 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Churchyard Gravestone Care and Cleaning

Join Cordelia Moyse and Maryann Marotta for some hands-on care of our church and nation’s history in the season of remembrance for departed family members, friends and parishioners. Cleaning supplies and refreshments will be provided. We’ll begin our time together at the gazebo.

Please wear work clothes and enclosed shoes or boots, and bring some elbow grease! Refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required for planning purposes and to allow for last-minute cancellation due to churchyard conditions and the weather forecast. Click here to register.