An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 4/17/20

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Dear People and Friends of St. James,

This e-epistle comes to you with much thanksgiving to you and to the Divine One that I should be so privileged with the assignment to be among you and to serve you during these trying times.  To be sure, I lament not being able to celebrate and to share Eucharist with you.  How could I as a clergyman say otherwise?!  But what I miss most is the informal give-and-take, the wonderful sense of humor of individuals, the beautiful faces of you all at the St. James’ world renown Coffee Hour, even though I drink not coffee.  I long, as do you, so hope I, for the time when again we will meet face to face.  Still, I remind you all that my telephone (617.744.0318) bill is up-to-date and is ready to receive at any hour of day or night your call.

EasterCoffeeHour2016CroppedIn addition to my weekly homily [posted separately], this week to hold before our mind’s eye my most beloved Thomas, I make you aware of what next follows.  However, first I must thank in this written public forum our interim organist, Carl Klein*, whose ministry among us has shown us a path worth pursuing and reminded us of the inestimable contribution that music make to our liturgy.  From Ash Wednesday through Easter Day he has shared with us music which has certainly connected us to the season in ways not heretofore applied.  It is with appreciation for his musical ministry that I send you, from Church of the Advent – Boston where I am canonically registered as a member, another opportunity to connect to the Gospel of Christ.  Mark Dwyer, organist and director of music, directs the Choir of the Church of the Advent.   You are invited simply to listen, or you may sing along in the privacy of your home:

https://soundcloud.com/mark-dwyer-2/20200415-festival-of-easter-music

  • The strife is o’er, the battle done (208)
  • O sons and daughters, let us sing (#203)
  • The day of resurrection (#210)
  • Welcome, happy morning! (179)
  • Hail thee, festival day (#175)
  • Through the Red Sea brought at last (#187)
  • Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son (The New English Hymnal #120

I pray that these will lift your spirits.

CEB+

*Carl Klein’s music for Easter 2 can be found here.