From Father David
This fall Saint James and the Urban Well are offering outstanding spiritual growth opportunities which range from a day trip to explore Buddhist art and spirituality, to a free Tuesday night series on Contemplative Citizenship and a 35-week exploration of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Contemplative Citizenship
Beginning Tuesday, September 13th at 7 PM in the chapel and running through November 8th, Fr. David will introduce a prayer practice followed by a discussion on contemplative citizenship. Each session presents a democracy-strengthening idea or practice that can be implemented in our own way, regardless of our political perspective. This is a free series and no registration is needed.
Learning from Buddhism
In the last week of September, there are three opportunities to meet and learn together in-person or online to explore Buddhist art, compassion-teaching and the rich depths of Buddhist-Christian dialogue. See below for more details.
Spiritual Exercises
In October, the spiritual exercise of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491 - 1556) will be offered by spiritual director, Pat Latshaw. The exercises are the gold standard of spiritual growth and require a 35-week commitment to regular prayer and a weekly group meeting. Scholarships will be available. Email Fr. David if interested.
All this is in addition to our weekly and monthly opportunities including mindful yoga, morning meditation, daily offices, nightly compline, Women’s Gathering, The Upper Room Men's Group, First Friday Compline and monthly Saturday night Masses!
With love and mercy,
David+
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Wednesday, September 28 | 9 AM - 5 PM
Trip to the Walters Art Museum via Coach Bus
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Join Fr. David Peck and Prof. Randall Zachman on a trip to the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland to view an exquisite collection of Buddhist art from the 2nd or 3rd century. Click here for more info.
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Saturday, October 1 | 9:30 AM - 3 PM
A Retreat with Grace Song
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In person and streamed with Grace Song,
Fr. David and Prof. Randall Zachman
Come join a day-long workshop to stimulate head, heart and body! This workshop is for people anchored in a Christian contemplative tradition who want to explore the insights that Buddhism offers for inner and outer peace building. Click here for more info.
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Thursday, October 6 | 7 - 8:30 PM
Mercy Seminar
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In this term's Mercy Seminar, we will look at the ways contemporary Buddhists and today’s Christian theologians have come to understand and appreciate each other’s beliefs. Click here for more info. |
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This Weekend at Saint James |
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First Friday, September 2 | 9 PM
Compline: Ancient Music and Prayers
for the Modern Soul
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Join us this Friday evening as we continue a tradition that dates back to the 6th century and continues today around the world. Compline is based on the closing time of prayer in the Daily Office, or monastic cycle of prayer. It is spoken or sung in monasteries around 9 PM when darkness has fallen and bedtime is near. Sung a capella by candlelight in our softly lit sanctuary, our prayers are inspired by the need for divine protection, peace and rest. Click here to view the service via livestream.
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Sunday, September 4 | 10:30 Mass
Nursery Care and Children's Chapel Resume
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Nursery care during the 10:30 AM service resumes this Sunday morning.
For more info on our nursery policy and procedures, click here. |
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Children's Chapel during
the 10:30 AM Mass
With Diane Raymond
After the opening Collect, children and youth ages 3 and above are invited to the front of the sanctuary to make their way to the chapel to participate in songs, prayers, brief meditation and storytelling with Godly Play teacher, Diane Raymond. Children return to the sanctuary at the passing of the peace.
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Sunday, September 4 | After the 10:30 AM Mass
Usher's Luncheon
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All ushers are invited to attend a luncheon on Sunday, September 4th after the 10:30 AM Mass. We will be reviewing policies and procedures related to COVID, upcoming Saturday night services, first aid training, and safety and security. Kindly let head usher George Finney know you'll be attending. Click here to send him an email. |
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Wednesday, September 7 | 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal Resumes
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Make a Joyful Noise!
The Saint James Choir will begin its season right after Labor Day. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in preparation for the 10:30 Sunday services.
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Saturday, September 10 | 5 PM
Saturday Night Mass | Featuring music of The Beatles
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Presented once a month, these masses offer something new and surprising to inspire and challenge you in your faith journey.
A broad array of live music features favorite artists from the past, contemporary artists and contemplative themes while being integrated into traditional Episcopal liturgy. The September 10th mass will include music from The Beatles.
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Sunday, September 25 | 4 PM
Early World Music at Saint James
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ALBA Consort presents:
Dancing Over the Caucasus to the Sea - A fabulous journey through early music from Persia to Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, North Africa, Italy and Iberia.
Bridging the ancient to the present with songs, compelling dances and virtuosic improvisations, ALBA illuminates melodies, dynamic rhythms, improvisation traditions and the poetry of the Mediterranean with voice, oud, baroque guitar, lute, theorbo and percussion. Click here for more info and tickets.
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Children, Youth and Families |
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Sunday, September 11 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Global Philanthropy Leaders Program for Youth
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Parish house library
For Youth in grades 8 - 12
Saint James is hosting a youth-led impact investing program to give high schoolers exposure to and experience with the basics of investing and microlending while growing in their faith in a relaxed setting with friends (and food!)
The group will meet monthly for six sessions in the parish house library beginning September 11th. Each session will follow a prepared curriculum including video instruction, group discussion, activities and special guests.
Lunch from Lancaster-based restaurant entrepreneurs receiving microloans from ASSETS will be provided. Participants will receive $250 to choose and manage a portfolio of microloans through Kiva.org on their own time.
Click here for more info on the Global Philanthropy Leaders program.
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Sunday, September 18 | following the 10:30 Mass
CYF Gathering
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Grab your snacks from the lemonade social and join us for a brief meeting to review the year ahead. Please click here to update your information and share your children's t-shirt sizes.
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September 19 - December 17
90 Day Bible Challenge
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Small Group Study Worship and Learning |
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Saturday, September 17 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM EDT
The Upper Room Men's Group
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In the parish house forum room
Join men of all age for breakfast and great discussion!
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Saturday, September 17 | 10 - 11:30 AM EDT
Women's Gathering Resumes Via Zoom
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Join us in September when we discuss Memories and Miracles: Stories and Reflections on Russians from an American Missionary by Saint James parishioner, Mary Theresa Webb.
This insightful memoir tells the tale of her missionary work in the former Soviet Union and the legacy of organizations dedicated to service and world peace.
If you'd like to attend, please click here to email Lorraine Rollo for the Zoom link.
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Wednesday, September 21 | 3PM
Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley
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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 to attend!
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Saturday, September 24 | 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
American Red Cross Training
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First aid training helps one identify and respond to common accidents such as fractures, lacerations, allergic reactions,
accidental poisoning and diabetic emergencies.
CPR/AED training provides participants with hands-on practice in the event of a seizure, stroke, loss of consciousness or cardiac emergency.
Training classes include the following:
~ 2-year certifications
~ Free digital training material
~ Free digital certificates
Coffee, water, snacks and a light lunch will be provided.
Click here to register. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 15th
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Opportunities for Ministry |
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Caring Ministry for Kimberlee, Jonathan and Baby Lillian Colon
In May 2022, while seven months pregnant with their first child, Kimberlee Peifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Both Kimberlee and Jonathan are dedicated members of Saint James. Jonathan has been involved in CYF ministries, and Kimberlee was our former director of contemplative prayer and practices.
As the entire family moves through Kimberlee's breast cancer journey, we as their Saint James family have been invited to express our love and support through Caring Bridge. Click here to read more about their daily journey and how you can help.
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Last call for Ollie's Closet School Supply Drive Concludes this Sunday!
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Help us stock the closet!
Simply take a card from the door in the narthex. It tells you what to buy, and on the back, it tells you where it can be purchased! It's that easy!
Monetary donations to Ollie's Closet can also be made online or by check. Make your check payable to Saint James with a note indicating it is to be used for Carter and MacRae Elementary School.
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Notes of Praise and Encouragement
Notes of encouragement are always a big hit with teachers and students alike. Stop by the narthex on your way to a Sunday morning service and join us in writing as many notes as we can to be given to students throughout the school year!
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Addiction & Recovery Ministry
Help is needed
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The Addiction and Recovery Team’s
11th Step ministry at Saint James is
looking for compassionate volunteers
willing to serve as hosts during our NA
Tuesday and Thursday night meetings from 6:30 PM - 830 PM in the forum room.
The role is simple; you are the first face of the church they will
see, so greeting at the door with a “hello” and directing members to the forum room is all that is asked.
Have questions? Click here to email Debbi Miller.
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September 2, 9 PM: Compline at the Urban Well: Ancient Prayers and Music for the Modern Soul
September 4: Ollie's Closet School Supply Drive ends
September 4, 11:45 AM: Ushers' luncheon in the parish house forum room
September 7, 6:30 PM: Choir Rehearsal resumes
September 10, 5 PM: Saturday Night Mass featuring music by The Beatles
September 11, 11:30 AM - 1 PM: Global Philanthropy Leaders Program for Youth
September 17, 8:30 - 10:30 AM: The Upper Room Men's Group in the parish house forum room
September 17, 10 - 11:30 AM EDT: Women's Gathering via Zoom
September 18, following the 10:30 Mass: CYF Gathering
September 21, 3 PM: Holy Eucharist at Willow Valley
September 24, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM: American Red Cross training; parish house forum room
September 25, 4 PM: Early Music concert with ALBA Consort
September 28: Trip to Walters Art Museum
October 1, 9:30 AM - 3 PM: Retreat with Grace Song
October 6, 7 - 8:30 PM: Mercy Seminar begins and continues on Thursday evenings through November 10th
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