17 Pentecost Psalm 1; Proverb 31:10–31; James 3:13–4:3, 7–8a; Mark 9:30–37 Then he took a little child and put it among them. Mark 9:36 Not only eternal forces, but also internal discord plagued the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Miracles and declarations of faith in Jesus as the Messiah of God notwithstanding, human nature held …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, On this last Sunday of Summer 2021, you will find [in separate posting] the written version of thoughts I shared today with those present at Eucharist. I hope that my meditation, repeated here for those who worshipped in person and provided new here to those unable to attend, …
16 Pentecost Psalm 19; Proverb 1:20–33; James 3:1–12; Mark 8:27–38 “Who do men say that I am?” Mark 8:27b “But who do you say that I am?” Mark 8:29 In our industrialized economy it has become commonplace, especially at higher levels of administration, that those in position of responsibility must undergo an annual review. Continuation …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, The most important notice which I send today is a reminder that the vestry of the parish meets in a regular session on Sunday next, 19 September, following celebration of Eucharist. You are invited to attend and, should that not be possible and you have questions or concerns …
15 Pentecost Psalm 125; Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23; James 2:1–10, [11–13], 14–17; Mark 7:24–37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well.’ Mark 7:37 Kermit the Frog of Sesame Street fame used to sing a song that, to this day, resonates in my mind. It’s not that easy being greenHaving to spend …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, On this Labor Day Weekend, when not only do TV announcers insist on declaring it the non-official end of summer, and when the outer temperatures and the lessening hours of daylight announce the changing of the seasons, I am pleased to report (especially to those who are unable …
14 Pentecost Psalm 45:1–2, 7–10; Song of Solomon 2:8–13; James 1:17–29; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 “Understand: There is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him, but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.” Mark 7:14–15 Thesis: Jesus conducts a master class in teaching, and thereby …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, Normalcy? I must admit that as we continue to celebrate Eucharist in-person, a level of normalcy has begun to settle in. That is a good thing, for to be forced or required to function under unending stress is not healthy. However, given the emergence of variants of coronavirus …
13 Pentecost Psalm 84; I Kings 8:1, 6, 10–11, 22–20, 41–43; Ephesians 6:10–20; John 6:56–69 The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63b Just recently a young man, a graduate of my alma mater, spoke about the power of words. Admittedly, that is to be expected of a recent …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, Our Facebook account has already carried the announcement—“Due to safety concerns…”—that tomorrow we shall not celebrate an in-person Eucharist. I am also aware that in good and typical St. James’ fashion, parishioners have used the telephone to alert others of that decision. As I write and glance occasionally …