Headlines & Happenings | September 24, 2026

Thursday, September 24, 7:00 PM

The Mercy Seminar with Prof. Randall Zachman, Fr. David Peck

Begins Tonight!

With Prof. Randall Zachman, hosted by Fr. David

Entirely on Zoom

Term 3 focuses on Christian understandings of resurrection and eternal life, beginning with the hope of future resurrection life in Paul's letters and the expectation of eternal life now in the Gospel of John. We will follow the development of these themes in Christian and Spiritualist traditions, including Emanuel Swedenborg's provocative visions of the soul's journey after death.

Classes meet on six consecutive Thursday evenings via Zoom from 7:00 to 8:30 PM EST. Each term stands alone, but when taken together, offers a layered understanding as our knowledge of the issues increases. All sessions are recorded and available to participants for viewing at any time. Click here to learn more and register for Term 3.

Sunday, September 27 | 9:30 AM

Forum with Randall Zachman and

Mother Stacey Carpenter

In the Parish House

Forum Room

The Book of Common Prayer asks us to recite the Apostles' Creed at Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as at every baptism, and the Nicene Creed at every Eucharist. Besides these creeds of the church catholic, what is the doctrine which all Episcopalians are committed to uphold? Lutherans commit themselves to the teaching of the Book of Concord. Christian Reformed Christians uphold the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Synod of Dort. Roman Catholics pledge to be faithful to every authoritative teaching of the Magisterium, including the Decrees of the Council of Trent and the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

By comparison, the 1979 Book of Common Prayer teaches us to uphold the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, as these are seen to be "the sufficient statement of the Christian faith." Join Mother Stacey and Randall this Sunday as they explore the significance of this limitation of authoritative doctrine to the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. We will have several Books of Common Prayer available to reference, but please feel free to bring your own from home. Available in person and via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom link.

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 on us 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.

Sunday, September 27 | 9:00 AM

Saint James Voices

Calling all Singers!

Led by Kate Umble Smucker, the ensemble is open to anyone ages nine and above, with no experience required. The group will rehearse at 9:00 AM and then sing at the 10:30 AM service.

If you'd like your music in advance, click here to email Kate.

Tuesday, September 29 | 5:30 - 6:45 PM

The Practice of Recovery

Yoga, the twelve steps, and a

path for everyone to explore healing and renewal

in our daily lives

In the Urban Well Yoga Studio, lower level of the Parish House located at 119 North Duke Street.

Led by Sarah Shelton, Urban Well Yoga Studio Coordinator, and The Reverend Stacey Carpenter, Associate Rector at Saint James.

Join us for this final session of our series exploring recovery, healing, and embodied practice in everyday life. This series is rooted in the wisdom of the 12 Steps, something that the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous believed everyone could benefit from.

Recovery is not limited to one experience or one path. Many of us are recovering from something—alcohol or substance use, codependency, grief, stress, burnout, perfectionism, anxiety, illness, major life transitions, old patterns, or the places where we have felt disconnected from ourselves, others, our bodies, or a sense of meaning. Please register for planning purposes. Click here for more information and registration.

Saturday, October 3 | 5:00 PM

Saturday Night Mass

Instruments of Peace:

Standing in the

Space Between

For the Feast of Saint Francis, we will gather to reflect on scripture, prayers, and music that focus on being instruments of peace. The Mass will feature local singer-songwriter Liz Fulmer on acoustic guitar, performing original faith-based songs and cover tunes, including Sarah McLachlan's "Prayer of Saint Francis.

This Mass will lead into a 5-week Contemplative Citizenship series that gives people contemplative tools as they enter the midterm election season.

Available in person and via livestream. Click here to view via livestream.

Sunday, October 11 | 11:45 AM

Revolutionary Text Lecture and Brunch

Parish House Forum Room

Join Professor Randall Zachman to explore the thinking behind George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Jewish congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in which he wrote that the new nation gives no sanction to bigotry nor assistance to persecution. Today, the letter is considered a stepping stone for the First Amendment that would come the following year.

Registration is required for catering with a suggested donation of $25 for adults. Registration deadline: October 5^th.

Click here to register.

The Chrysalis Chronicles

Have you heard about The Chrysalis Chronicles happening in CYF? What began with the children discovering more than ten Black Swallowtail caterpillars feasting on the fennel in our Children’s Garden has become an ongoing exploration of Creation Care, curiosity, and wonder.

The children have watched Black Swallowtail caterpillars form their chrysalises and celebrated as the first butterfly emerged. Along the way, they discovered Monarch caterpillars making themselves at home in the new native plant garden along the Cherry Street wall, happily munching on the milkweed. Now we’re observing the differences between these two species and following their transformations.

Through The Chrysalis Chronicles, our children are learning to slow down, notice the life around them, ask questions, and care for the creatures and plants that share our churchyard. It has been a wonderful way to experience Creation Care not simply as something we talk about, but as something we practice together.

We invite everyone in our Saint James community to take a look at the gardens and follow along with The Chrysalis Chronicles! There is always something new to discover.

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.” We will begin this initiative at our Saturday Night Mass on October 3, with local musician and pastor Liz Fulmer leading music that inspires us to embody God’s peace in our lives.

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.

Sunday, October 18 | 1:30 PM

CROP Hunger Walk

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

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

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

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 - 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. There are 10 volunteer slots available for each day, 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 at Saint James for a festive afternoon celebrating all things fall! Sunday, October 25th, from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, we’ll gather for a fun-filled Fall Harvest Festival for all ages.

Paint your own pumpkin, enjoy delicious fall treats and tasty food, and join in on games and activities for the whole family. Whether you’re little or big, there will be something to enjoy as we celebrate the beauty, joy and abundance of the Fall season together. More details coming soon!