An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 3/6/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

As more and more of our citizenry receive vaccinations, thoughts turn all the more towards regathering in our more formal worship spaces.  To that end, our bishops have sent to clergy, parish administrators, wardens, and other designated leaders in parish, an update on expectations for regathering.  The letter was posted Thursday, 4 March.  Should you care to read the letter in its entirety, you may so do at:  https://www.diomass.org/news/diocesan-news/march-4-pastoral-letter-renewed-covid-19-guidelines. 

I call your attention specifically to the section highlighted “Hopeful Signs and Tempering Cautions.”  I do so, for as they state further in their epistle ‘we are tired of Covid, but Covid is not tired of us.’  That is to say, after sequestering, lock-down, and social-distancing to the point of feeling isolated—especially among our elderly—and with the sun greeting us each day with a brighter glow, we are apt to throw caution to the wind, and thereby force a return to an earlier stage.  Even as our governor approves a relaxing of restrictions, local and diocesan guidelines (with a diocesan caution) remain in place. 

We at St. James are particularly “hindered” because, although the majority of our congregation resides in neighboring town and suburbs, our buildings are situated in the City of Somerville, the second most densely populated location in Massachusetts.  The mayor’s task force has not yet recommended a loosing of restrictions.  As I receive updates from the Mayor’s Office, I will certainly inform our wardens and vestry when we may move forward.

Our diocesan bishop and his council have granted an exception of the following positive nature:  Those clergy who have received the second vaccination are now permitted to make Eucharistic and in-person visits.  This assumes that all safe guidelines shall be followed, including face covering and distancing, as well as consent from members who desire a visit.  I am very pleased to report to you that I fall into that category and may now make in-person pastoral visits, as I did upon the demise of our long-time member Arthur Ryce.  Communion, when observed, may be in one kind only, namely the bread.  (On that personal note, I would add that receiving the second inoculation, which required only 20 minutes, caused only the slightest side-effect.  I could justify a brief afternoon nap, which I never take, to the need to allow the vaccine “to do its thing.”)

The bishops’ pastoral communication concludes with a welcomed ray of hope for regathering.  They are projecting the date 19 April as the day on which all parishes may look forward to reopening, although still cautioning that the old normal has been replaced by a new normal for the safety of our congregations.  Here at St. James, some of the major preparation had been already undertaken by our Junior Warden.  Now remaining are the details that were at the center of our recent Annual Meeting.

I am and remain most grateful for your patience and understanding during what has been and continues to be for us all the most taxing of a life-time.  St. James may yet be a beacon of progressive faith on Teele Square, shoring up a 134 year-old presence.

Let us pray:

Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God for ever and ever.  Amen.  

For Arthur Ryce, whose earthly remains shall be interred on Monday, 8 March, and for his family

Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment.  May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and  bliss in your eternal everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  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+