An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 4/24/20

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James!

In keeping with my pledge to support our small congregation in acceptable ways during this time of our separation, I attach [see separate post] my homily for the Third Sunday of Easter.  I attempt to ring in to one or more of you each week, with the hope and expectation that you will share to others in our congregation my personal concern for you all.  I express my deep gratitude to each of you, who have ministered to me with a telephone call.  I bring several items to your attention.

• As your priest-in-residence, I have not felt a need to convene a vestry meeting via ZOOM or other web means, as no one has contacted me with a matter of urgency. Indeed, with never an intention of usurping power that falls clearly under the purview of the vestry, it would be my responsibility, working with the wardens of the parish, to act during the time when the full vestry does not or cannot meet. Such a meeting does not have to be “in-person.” I ask that you keep the wardens and me informed should matters require our attention.
• In the matter of keeping you and us all informed, I bring to your attention that [a] former member continues to assist us in remaining in contact with each other, as well as connecting to the wider community via Facebook and our website.  She has posted there information which is vital during these anxiety-trying times.  The most recent information [posted 8:48am, 4/24/2020] concerns the use of detergents and off-the-shelf poisons which individuals [may be] tempted to consume, in order to combat COVID -19, believing false information found on various websites. My concern is less for our immediate congregations but for acquaintances whom we may know or about whom we may hear.  I beg of you to advise those individuals to check with CDC for appropriate means of combatting this virus.  We are in this together, and our mandate from Christ is to love neighbor as self and, as we know, “neighbor” is not limited to those who live within our vicinity.
• Should you follow information from local and state officials as well as from our diocesan bishop, all of which are on publicized websites, you are aware that dates as to when we may next assemble in “our holy space” are subject to change. I will share with you, as can your wardens, any new information from Tremont Street.
• As you all know, members of the Butler Clan reside in Hong Kong where, thanks to daily communication from favorite daughter #1, I report that through clear guidelines and enforcement of same, Hong Kong has witnessed only four new cases and those new cases of infection are being registered by individuals returning from the USA and Europe. The government there is dealing stringently, via quarantine, with those cases in order to reduce new outbreaks.  Social distancing is critical in reducing infection.  If we remain patient and diligent, my daughter assures me that we, together, can manage this virus.
• I know not when mandates will be lifted here in Massachusetts. However, I am cheered by the expectation that, as small as we are and still not the smallest parish in the diocese, our celebration will be a wonderful one when we next assemble on Broadway and Clarendon.
• You may reach me still at this email address (butler@hws.edu) and at 617.744.0318.
• Finally, even as we pray for each other let us please not fail to include in our prayers those who are termed “essential,” for they place themselves at risk for your and my well-being.

Your humble Priest-in-Residence,
CEB+

Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
– Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765

(https://www.diomass.org/covid-19-updates-resources)