An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 5/9

Posted on ; Filed under News

Dear People and Friends of St. James,

One clear reason for my joy in these days of much concern and anxiety is that I continued to be uplifted by the ministry which we continue to show and extend to each other, even as we observe the mandates of our ecclesiastical, local and state officials.  From the tone of your voices, as I make my electronic pastoral calls, I sense to be sure frustration of not being able to address each other visually, but I do not sense resignation.  To share laughter with you over family anecdotes enriches my life, our relationships, and assures me that your faith in the God of love has not been shaken.  Hence, my alleluia on this fifth Sunday in Easter.

I take this opportunity to report to you as well, that virtual conversations via Zoom with fellow clergy and our bishop assure me that they, too, are experiencing the absence of communal worship.  To hear our bishop report via ZOOM that he, too, has not partaken since 10 March in the Eucharist, Holy Communion, reassures me that we are more than an institution, i.e. a collection of buildings and officers.  Rather, we are a people guided and united by a love of and for each other, and that our buildings and canonical laws are there primarily to function as a framework for our common good.

You should know that many discussions are being held in our diocese, the national church, and in the worldwide Anglican Communion regarding in-person worship.  Local conditions will determine local decisions.  Particularly in our diocese, we are trying to imagine the practical aspects of in-person worship, when once restrictions have been loosened or even removed entirely.  I encourage you to read our bishop’s most recently posted reflections on this subject.  Although I have no crystal ball—I never found use for one except at birthday parties, may I quickly add—I rely, as do you, on information from our scientific and medical community.  In addition, however, conversations with family abroad inform my thinking, which I have shared with our bishop and fellow priests.  Yes, Pentecost will occur.  However, it is becoming clearer to me that a celebration on 31 May, the Day of Pentecost in our liturgical calendar, will not, in all likelihood, take place in our sacred place on the corner of Broadway and Clarendon Avenue.  Official notice of actions which we may take will be issued from our bishop.

I shall continue to have conversations with our wardens, so that in consort with the vestry and being guided by our bishop, we will not lose the momentum which had begun to restore us to a more vibrant community of worshippers.  I lose not faith.

And as always, I bid your prayers for those among us, as well as for those personally unknown to us, who daily answer the call to give aid to the stranger and comfort to those afflicted.  I bid you pray for peace among all peoples and nations.

And 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.  Amen

Your humble servant,

CEB+