Letter 1/16/22

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James,

The world’s problem has been solved.  Without naming the classical music station to which I am always tuned, I, along with countless other listeners, learned from a program announcer that January is the most difficult month in our calendar year!  On the one hand, I breathed a sigh of relief, for now we know the cause of our feelings of discomfort, of anxiety, of our dis-ease.  On the other hand, although infuriated by the hubris of that still unnamed program host, I was tempted to forgive him his callousness, because he proceeded immediately to introduce a work by Johann Sebastian Bach, my favorite Baroque composer.  Yet, it simmered in my thoughts that my essential being, my personhood had just been relegated to the trash heap: January is my birth month.  I invite you to read my meditation for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany for my response to that insensitive host.  It is attached.

Of far greater importance than my displeasure with a radio program host is the following announcement:
The ANNUAL MEETING of St. James Episcopal Church, 1170 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, shall be held on Sunday, 14 February 2022.

This warning, issued 30 days prior to said meeting, satisfies the canons of the Diocese and the bylaws of our parish, that we meet at least once a year to conduct the business of a religious community in communion with the Diocese and recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Reports are to be received at that time from the clergy, wardens, and committees of the vestry and parish regarding the State of the Parish.

The hour of the annual meeting is projected as 12 noon, following conclusion of the 10:00 a.m. celebration of Holy Eucharist.  The venue for annual meeting, dependent on state and diocese mandates regarding coronavirus, is projected to be available for in-person (the sanctuary) and via telecommunication, in order to accommodate parishioners whose in-person attendance is hindered by coronavirus.  The Rev’d William Parnell, Canon to the Ordinary, is in continual conversation with the Chancellor of the Diocese and stands at the ready to answer questions of clergy and lay leaders regarding how best to fulfill this obligation.  The venue which I announce here permits such a format.

My further request is that, should your telephone number have changed or you desire to use newly acquired mobile applications, you will please communicate that to me via replay to this email or to our senior warden.  Your attendance is highly desired.

As always, of your charity, I bid you pray for those individuals who place themselves on the frontline of serving those in communities, wherever that may be, who need medical or psychological or practical attention during these challenging times, and especially during the month of January, “the hardest month of the year.”

We pray:
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.  Amen

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, and those whom you love, for ever.  Amen.

Your fellow traveler on the Way,
CEB+