An open letter from Rev. Clarence, 5/2/20

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Good day to members and friends of St. James!
 
I write, as promised, hoping that in so doing, we may all remain in contact with one another, even as we may presently not embrace each other with our presence. Inevitably, I will forget to mention items which I would share with you, although I maintain a list that is designed to eliminate such a failure. Here, though, are some of the things that may be of interest to our common life as a parish.
  • ThanFBAAE3B3-E66A-41C8-8F78-9B12410B3E0Bks to our junior warden, our building and grounds are being maintained. I have ventured out, wearing even a mask in my automobile, to observe from curbside that we have not become an eyesore. I shudder when I imagine how things would stand, had our larger stained glass windows exploded during our presently mandated absence. This is but another reason to have faith that those who are working diligently for a vaccine and/or cure for this and other diseases will continue their research and eventually discover solutions.
  • Thanks all who continue to submit your pledges, we are able to honor our suppliers of services, so that we are not in arrears in our accounts. Our treasurer, Nadine Parsons, allayed any anxiety on my part.
  • In addition to a weekly homily [see separate post], I attempt to maintain via email or telephone personal contact with as many of you as possible.
  • Likewise, your calls to me, to inquire about my family here in the USA and my family in Hong Kong, have been cause of clergy envy, when I have participated in our weekly ZOOM meeting and reported your concern. I thank all of you for your ministry to me. On that score, I report that as the shiest introvert on the planet, I tolerate myself with aplomb. I am spending time reading books postponed awaiting my retirement, practicing my violin, and taking walks through the neighborhood, observing social distancing and wearing a mask.
  • I ask, without ceasing, that we all remember in our prayers those in our own congregation and families, as well as those unknown to us, who, declared “essential personnel” by profession or position, find themselves in harm’s way. Let us pray as well for their families.
  • I refrain from repeating information re: COVID -19. Please note, it is not because I would ignore or disregard the stress, anxiety and strain which this pandemic is exacting on us all. Rather, our media are best placed to provide you with up-to-date information. Instead, I bring to your attention opportunities of virtual worshiping, should you be so moved. In our deanery: Church of Our Savior, Arlington,  and All Saints, Belmont (https://www.facebook.com/All-Saints-Church-Belmont-Massachusetts-3737814914441). And of course, there are many other opportunities on line which those of you more savvy than I can approach.
  • I draw your attention to on-line opportunities for worship, I submit here the prayer which is recommended throughout the world wide Anglican Communion for those who make an Act of Spiritual Communion on such occasions:
Lydia n John Rowsell.Stained Glass
My Jesus,
I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things,
and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive you sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there and
unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen
 
 
In closing, I offer you the Benediction of Easter.
 
May the God of Peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do his will, and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love this day and forever more. AMEN
 
Your humble servant,
CEB+
Priest-in-Residence