An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 6/13/2021

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

For a second Sunday, our doors have been open for in-person worship.  For a second Sunday, it has been my pleasure and privilege to welcome new faces into our midst, even as we “oldtimers” greet each other with enthusiasm, which I hope shall not wane soon.  For me to see from the altar, Episcopalians turn, with both arms raised, and greet each other at The Peace with such energy, caused me to smile behind my mask.  The motion used was one which my late deaf brother used to signal joy and gladness and fun and applause.  I pray that such normally un-Episcopalian behavior becomes ingrained in our staid liturgy.

In order that we anticipate a new normal and make deliberate and intelligent plans for the future of our parish, I announce in this message that a vestry meeting has been warned for Sunday, 27 June, to be convened immediately following the 10 o’clock Eucharist.  Vestry meetings at St. James are open to all parishioners, for the business of the parish is not secretive or limited to a select/elected few, but is a ministry that is shared and supported by all.  You are all invited.

Specifically, I thank in this public forum those who, each week now, continue to work to minimize the transmission of a virus that is still with us.  Surfaces are attended to and social distancing and facecoverings remain in place.  Registration is not required, although we continue to ask that individuals enter name and contact information on the pads that are located at entrances.   

Finally, I remind you all that our Bishop-diocesan, Bishop Alan Gates, departs on 15 June 2021 on a long overdue sabbatical.  You have received prior notice of this in prior diocesan newsletters.  During his absence of six months, he has assured us that having two Bishops-suffragan  and a canon who is also a bishop, together with the Standing Committee of the Diocese, the Diocese of Massachusetts will be welled served. 

I bid you pray:

Collect of the Day

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Collect for Social Justice

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

For those engaged in the ministry of healing:

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.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with and remain with you and those whom you love this day and for ever. Amen

Your fellow traveler in The Way, 

CEB+