Dear Friends in Christ,

Summer is almost upon us. It is a time of year when many of us settle into rhythms that invite us to go deeper—taking advantage of longer daylight hours to enjoy the outdoors, slow down, and reconnect with the people and places we love.

Summer is also a season that invites us to go deeper into scripture. In the church’s life, it is often a time when we dwell more intentionally in one portion of the Epistles, allowing their words to unfold over time.

Beginning this Sunday through the first Sunday in September, we will be reading through portions of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, considered by many to be his greatest letter. Fathers David, Glenn, and I will be highlighting Romans in our preaching throughout the summer, giving us the opportunity to take its meaning into our hearts, minds, and spirits—joining the generations who have been shaped by these words before us.

I encourage you to spend time with Romans beyond Sunday mornings—reading it at home, returning to passages that speak to you, and allowing its message to unfold over time. In this season of longer days and deeper rhythms, may we also grow deeper in faith, hope, and love.

God's peace,

Stacey+

Friday, June 5 | 9:00 PM

First Friday Compline at the Urban Well

Ancient Music and Prayers

for the Modern Soul

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.

Saturday and Sunday, June 6 & 7 | 1 - 4 PM

Saint James to Participate in an Open House as Part of the 250th Anniversary Celebration.

As part of our community's celebration of America's 250th, Saint James will participate in the celebration of the history of Lancaster City Congregations. In an effort led by Holy Trinity Lutheran, nine faith communities will host open houses in June. Saint James will be open to the public for exploration of the church and churchyard this weekend, June 6 & 7, from 1 - 4 PM.

Sunday, June 7 | 9:30 AM

Forum Hour With Randall Zachman

In the Parish House Forum Room

Our discussion of the spirit of religious and civic freedom in the era of the American Revolution continues with John Witherspoon's (1723-1794) contribution. Witherspoon was a Scottish Presbyterian pastor who was called to be the President of what would become Princeton University in 1768, and he was the only ordained minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.

In 1776, Witherspoon preached a sermon on the providence of God in which he supported the Patriot struggle against England, since he saw civic freedom as the basis of religious freedom. Witherspoon goes on to insist that "he is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion." Hence, he ends his sermon with this prayer: "God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable." Join us this Sunday as we explore Witherspoon's insights into the inseparability of true religion and civic freedom in America.

Available in person and via Zoom.

Click here to join via Zoom.

Beginning Sunday, June 7th

Summer Fellowship Before and

After the 10:30 AM Service

Stop by the narthex Sunday, June 7 to Sunday, September 6 for coffee, lemonade and treats between services or after the 10:30 AM service. Enjoy this casual time to greet friends, catch up with long-time parishioners and introduce yourself to someone new!

Want to take part in this hospitality ministry? All you need to do is simply be present at the cookies/lemonade/coffee table to greet parishioners and visitors. Saint James will provide the coffee, lemonade and treats. Click here to sign up for this ministry. Have questions? Click here to email Andrew Flinchbaugh

Walking the Camino Portuguese

Coastal Route in 2027

Step away from the ordinary and into a sacred journey. Join Mother Stacey+ and Dr. Randall Zachman for a 12-day pilgrimage along the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route, May 17-28, 2027. Together, we will walk just over 100 km (64 miles), following the ancient path of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.

This pilgrimage is an invitation—to slow down, to listen, and to draw nearer to God. Grounded in our theme, “Draw Near to God” (James 4:8), each step becomes part of a deeper spiritual journey. As Christian George writes, pilgrimage is “a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey that goes inward, upward, and outward.” Along the way, we will share in prayer, reflection, and community, discovering not only new landscapes but also new depths within ourselves and our faith.

Whether you are seeking renewal, clarity, or simply the grace of walking with others on a sacred path, this journey offers space for transformation.

Information sessions will be held on Zoom at 7:00 PM on:

• Click here to join the Thursday, June 18 meeting
• Click here to join the Thursday, June 25 meeting

Please click here to contact Mother Stacey+ with any questions or to express your interest.

Sunday, June 21 | 5:00 PM

Pride Celebration and Holy Eucharist

Saint James and the Urban Well Celebrate Pride Worship Service will be on the weekend of Lancaster Pride, Sunday, June 21st, at 5:00 PM. This special service will be a heartfelt blend of celebration and reflection, expressed through inspiring words and music. You are welcome just as you are; join us for this inclusive and joyous occasion! All offerings collected during the service will be donated to organizations that support the work of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

~ Upcoming Events ~

New Podcast Now Live

Faith, Loyalty and Revolution

The first of a three-part Contemplative Citizenship series is now available on Podbean, Amazon and Spotify. If you'd like to hear it from our website, click here!

In this series, we explore with intellectual rigor and a contemplative spirit how our history as American citizens and as a faith community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has shaped us and others. In 1776, Lancaster was a thriving frontier town, and Saint James was at the heart of it. When revolution came, it tore the congregation apart. One member signed the Declaration of Independence. While many others enthusiastically embraced the patriot cause, the rector remained true to the King. And for a time, the church doors were nailed shut.

Parish historian Dr. Cordelia Moyse takes us back to meet the community that lived through it and asks what their choices might say about ours today.



Sunday, June 14 | 11:45 AM

Sunday Brunch Revolutionary

Texts Lecture Series

Parish House Forum Room

Catered by the Hamilton Club

Many texts containing “revolutionary ideas” have shaped American history and identity, not just one. Our Christian calling as citizens of this great country is to help Rejoice, Repair and Renew our national life. In a special Sunday Brunch Lectures series in honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, thought-leading social historians and theologians will reflect on a range of radical texts that challenge, expand or declare unfulfilled the rights and aspirations set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Registration is required for catering, with a suggested donation of $25 for adults. Click here for more information and registration.



Saturday, July 4 | 10:00 AM

Reading of the

Declaration of Independence

In the Churchyard

Join us for brief morning prayers, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a singing of our National Anthem.

Sunday, July 5 | 2:00 PM

Reading Frederick Douglas Together at Bethel AME 450 E Strawberry Street 

We meet at historic Bethel Church, a center of Black Christian liberation, to read together with the African American Historical Society, Frederick Douglass’s prophetic call to American churches, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Sunday, July 12 | 11:45 AM -1:30 PM

Revolutionary Texts Lecture Series No. 2 

In the Parish House Forum Room

Catered by the Hamilton Club

Join parishioner and vestry member Dr. Drew Hermeling to explore the Two Row Wampum Treaty of 1613 between the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) and the colonial Dutch government, which is spiritually and culturally important to indigenous social history and American socio-political understanding.

Registration is required for catering, with a suggested donation of $25 for adults. Click here for more information and registration.

Sunday Morning Children's

Chapel and Nursery to Pause June 7 - July 12

Children's Chapel, offered during the 10:30 AM service during the school year, will pause from June 7th through July 12th.

Parents are welcome to visit our kids' cache of coloring books,

crayons and fidget toys located in the bell tower!

Children's Chapel and nursery will resume on July 19th.

Wednesday, June 17 | 3:00 PM

Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley

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

Saturday, June 20 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Upper Room Men's Group

As summer approaches, we are reminded of childhood memories and adventures, including time spent in treehouses. Our discussion on June 20 will center on "What does your life's treehouse look like?"

Many of us imagine a treehouse as a sanctuary—a place for refuge, perspective, friendship, imagination, and sometimes even solitude. In many ways, our lives resemble a treehouse, something we build over time through faith, relationships, work, experiences, struggles, and purpose.

Together, we will reflect on our foundations: what gives our lives stability, whom we invite into our inner circle, the type of shelter we provide for others, and which parts of our lives may need repair or rebuilding.

Back by popular request, shrimp and grits, biscuits, coffee and juice, along with scrambled eggs, will be served. Looking forward to a meaningful and insightful time together!

Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17

Intergenerational Service Trip & Retreat at Brookland Retreat Center

Saint James youth, adults, and families are invited to join us for an intergenerational service and retreat experience at the Brookland Retreat Center in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Northern Tier. This trip is open to rising 7th graders and older.

Now in its fifth year, Saint James folks and friends will return to Potter County to partner in meaningful service projects focused on conservancy and restoration, alongside learning on indigenous sacred grounds and engaging in contemplative practices. Together, we will live, work, pray, and play in a place known for its forests, streams, state parks, and wide-open skies.

In addition to service, the week will include time for hiking, swimming, stargazing, and community building. Service and retreat experiences like this can be deeply transformative, strengthening our connections with one another while working to assist the lives of others.

Interested in joining? Please Click Here to email StephJo ASAP to express your interest and to learn more! Or, click here to sign up.

Summer Camps at Saint James

Creator's Camp:

Making & Growing Together!

This faith-infused creative journey combines art, music, theater, gardening, cooking, mindfulness and more, where kids learn to create and nurture! The week wraps up with a heartwarming final sharing when families and friends can cheer on their young creators and see their beautiful lights shine!

Rising Kindergarten – Rising 6th Grade

Dates: July 27 - 31

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Ages 3 – 5: Little Sprouts Camp

Dates: August 3–7

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Click Here to register and learn more!

*Scholarships are available! To apply for a scholarship or with any questions, click here to email the Director of Children, Youth & Families, StephJo Wise.

Pastoral Care at

Saint James

Pastoral care ministries at Saint James support parishioners at life’s major turning points, as well as during extended periods of disability and recovery. A team of clergy and lay persons provide timely, professional pastoral care in an intimate and confidential manner. Our team respects parishioners’ rights to privacy and keeps strictly confidential all information about anyone receiving pastoral care. Click here for more information about pastoral care, or click here to email Kristle Evans, Pastoral Care Coordinator



June 5, 9:00 PM | First Friday Compline at the Urban Well  

June 14, 11:45 AM | Sunday Brunch Revolutionary Texts Lecture Series

June 16, 7:00-8:00 PM | Contemplative Tuesday

June 17, 3:00 PM | Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley

June 19 | Offices closed in observance of Juneteenth

June 20, 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Upper Room Men's Group

June 21, 5:00 PM | Pride Celebration & Holy Eucharist

June 27, 5:00 PM | Saturday Night Brass Mass

June 28, 10:30 AM | Saint James Voices

July 3, 9:00 PM | First Friday Compline at the Urban Well

July 4, 10:00 AM | Reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Churchyard  

July 5, 2:00 PM | Reading Frederick Douglas Together at Bethel AME 450 E Strawberry Street 

July 12, 11:45 AM -1:30 PM | Revolutionary Texts Lecture Series No. 2 

July 13 - 17 | Intergenerational Service & Retreat Journey

July 18, 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Upper Room Men's Group

July 19, 10:30 AM | Nursery and Children’s Chapel Resume  

July 25, 5:00 PM | Saturday night Mass with April Hartman of Apes of State 

July 26, 5:00 PM | Patronal Feast & Holy Eucharist 

July 27 - 31, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Creator's Camp for rising K - 6th grade

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