An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 8/8/20

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James,

This week the Episcopal Bishops of the Episcopal Dioceses of Massachusetts sent to clergy, wardens and officers of parishes an updated enhancement of guidelines for reopening of parishes for in-person liturgies.  I refrain from repeating them all here, as they are many and explained in great details.  I highlight major points:

• Reopening shall be granted only when parishes meet all previously announced, as well as enhanced guidelines.
• Reopening is not mandatory.
• Reopening will vary according to and take into consideration local parish customs.
• Reopening must, in addition, observe, i.e. follow all state, local, and CDC guidelines.
• Participation by individual parishioners may not be coerced.  Rather, clergy and parish leaders must acknowledge and guide those within the parish to acknowledge and accept the right of all parishioners to follow the needs of their respective circumstance.  At no time shall parishioners be made to believe that their faith in God or their continued membership within the parish stands in the balance.
• Parishes, that are allowed to reopen, must be prepared to refrain again from in-person worship, should circumstances dictate, e.g. a resurgence of cases in the state or appearance of cases among parishioners.

As indicated, the aforegoing is a synopsis of an e-document of ca. 15+ pages that covers specific behavior for distribution of communion—bread only, sanitation guidelines, disposal of consecrated hosts, etc.—and the observing of the sacrament of baptism—positioning and number of participants present, sanitizing and use of the sacred vessels.  It is clear to clergy and lay leadership alike that church “as we know it” will not be the same as in prior times.  While it is clear that our bishops, like our secular leaders, i.e. our governor and the major of individual cities and towns, cannot address every variation of individual parishes and future development of corona virus, it is equally clear that they take seriously their responsibility, as chief shepherds, to care for and to protect those who come under their leadership.

I state, without equivocation, that I find no fault with their guidelines which, although issued with challenging details, comes from the heart and a love of God’s people.  As your pastor, I acknowledge that since receiving this week the enhanced update, I have not spoken with our wardens, as I have been immersed in personal, non-health related matters of great importance.  However, given the demographics of our parish and based on previous lengthy conversations with our wardens and members of our vestry, I see no change in our situation that would persuade me that we should push to reopen at this time.  Too many of us remain vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19.  I urge us to remain diligent in our personal adherence to state and local guidelines, as we wait for a reduction of cases and, pray God, the discovery of a vaccine against this devastating virus.

REMEMBER: The City of Somerville, the second most densely populated city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,  permits no more than 10 individuals to gather for in-person worship.  Our sanctuary can accommodate 300 worshipers.  When we reopen, because we stand as a beacon at the top of Clarendon Hill, we wish to return strengthened in our faith and in number.  Therefore, let us remain diligent and hopeful.

As always, I am available via telephone for pastoral “visits.”  And, as always, I bid you pray for our St. James family, each other, for the City of Somerville, but especially for those who put themselves daily at risk that we all may continue to stand in awe of the work of our Creator God.  I bid you pray with me, from the Collect for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany:

Most loving God, whose will it is for us to give thanks in all things, to fear mothing but the loss of you, and to cast our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  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 among you, and remain with you and those whom you love always.  AMEN.

Your fellow traveler in The Way,
CEB+