An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 5/1/21

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Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

In an earlier communication from our Bishops (Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts) regarding reopening after Covid-19, when it became clear that Easter, the Celebration of Feast of the Resurrection, could not be held as traditionally observed, the hope was that we could look forward to regathering after 19 April.  Well, both Easter Day and 19 April have come and gone.  However due to the increase in Covid cases, caution was the word of valor, when it came to reopening.  Well, caution remains center to all that we undertake.  However, as the infection rate remains relatively steady or has decreased even in the Commonwealth and as the number of individuals who have been vaccinated, talk turns again to regathering.

To that end, I inform you of several housekeeping items pertinent to our reopening:

  • We have been assigned a regathering shepherd/liaison, a parishioner at St. John’s Church – Chelsea.  I have had an initial conversation and we meet again this week.  Our initial conversation was posted to you last week.
  • As we think about reopening, we shall have to form a committee in our parish, which shall report to the vestry what steps are required and have been taken to meet diocesan and City of Somerville regulations.  Earlier, I had recommended to our senior warden individuals who would be appropriate for this challenge.  When it became clear that reopening would be delayed, the proposed committee became dormant.  As I/we reactivate this essential group, I extend an invitation to anyone in the parish who would like to participate in the effort.  An email response to this email would be sufficient.
  • In addition to the thorough sanitizing of our sanctuary, St. Francis Hall, and the larger Parish Hall, there is a need for volunteers to assist in the general cleaning.
  • In anticipation of making the Parish Hall available again to outside groups, e.g. AA groups, you are invited to reclaim or to take items which have been stored for the Annual Fair.  These items must be removed, as they predate and are continuous with Covid-19.  Unclaimed items will be donated, to the degree that they are acceptable, to organizations that may make better use of them.

As I have mentioned previously, our junior warden had begun to address the mandates of reopening.  I/we call now on your thoughts and contributions to carry out the task before us.  St. James has in the past rallied to meet challenges even more demanding, and it is my hope that that same spirit will emerge as we plan for regathering.   Like our bishops, I cannot announce to you a date definite for regathering, as the pandemic looms still in all decisions and actions which we undertake.  However, my hope, my prayer, my aspiration is that we shall be granted permission to regather by mid-summer.

I applaud you for your continued financial commitment to our parish through your pledges and for your patience and understanding as we live through this pandemic.  And as always I bid your prayers:

For the wonders of Easter:

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

For the sick and those who give aid to them:

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
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