An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 2/13/2021

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

I post to you my thoughts regarding the lectionary of the day, the Last Sunday after Epiphany.  Also, because I anticipate the Annual Meeting, where we will have conversation regarding the State of the Parish, I do not herewith make additional observations.  I wish and pray for you all the physical warmth of family and friends, and continued efforts against Covid-19.

I bid you pray:

O Sovereign Source of peace, let your people know your enduring peace.  Keep our tongues from evil and our lips from deceit.  Give us courage to speak out when others are being derided, and to be humble in the presence of all.  In a world torn by violence and pain, a world far from wholeness, give us, O Source of all that is good and true and holy, the courage to say: There is one God in heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.  Amen*

O Eternal Source of peace, bless our country, that it may always be a stronghold of peace and its advocate among the nations.  May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes.  Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands, and may the love of Your name hallow every home and every heart.  We praise You, Eternal One, Source of peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who together with the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns one God.  Amen*

O merciful God, giver of life and health, send your blessing, we pray, upon all who are engaged in the ministry of healing.  Grant that they be compassionate in their care for the sick and afflicted, fearless in their efforts to promote the health and well-being of the people in this and other lands, and be strengthened by your grace, for the sake of Him whose Cross is the pledge of victory over all powers of evil, even you Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  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 with you and remain with you and those whom you love this day and for ever. Amen

Your humble fellow traveler in The Way,

CEB+

*adapted from Shaarei Tefillah L’Shabbat (Gates of Prayer for Shabbat: a Gender Sensitive Prayerbook)