An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 4/24/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Like many of you, I, too, relish those days which allow me to engage in more than superficial reflection.  Absent Zoom meetings—although troubled deeply by the continuing, if not acceleration of death(s) at the hands of our law enforcement officers—I was able this week to spend more time on our church campus.  I did so with a view of noting in my mind those things which, anticipating my discussion with our appointed regathering shepherd/liaison,  will require immediate attention.  I report to you the following: The majority of the anticipated items are really those which, even in ordinary time, we ought regularly to do.  In conversation with our senior warden, we have begun to consider how best to proceed, with least cost.  I am also pleased to note that our junior warden, Bill Parsons, had set the pace at the beginning of the pandemic.

Also, I take this occasion to reiterate my desire and willingness to open up our facilities for private, undisturbed prayer and contemplation.  This is allowed by the Diocese and the City of Somerville.  As I am on campus at least once a week, I would gladly accommodate your individual schedules to my own.  In any case, I recommend a walk to the garden just outside St. Francis Hall, where you will see nature in full bloom.  Quasi protected from the still minor traffic on Broadway, the garden, opening onto Clarendon, provides a wonderful place stand and to reflect.  We are, again, indebted to the crew hired by our junior warden, that maintains the exterior upkeep during our absence.

I bid you pray.

• Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Easter:

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

• Collect for our cities and towns:

Almighty and everliving God, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth and especially of this land.  Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life.  Send us honest and able leaders.  Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

• Collect for all care givers:

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 your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen

The God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love this day and for evermore.  Amen

Priest-in-charge and your fellow sojourner in The Way,
CEB+