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 …
Due to safety concerns related to the arrival of tropical storm/hurricane Henri, this Sunday’s 10am service is canceled. Please keep informed on how to prepare for and ride out the storm by listening to or watching local news stations or checking sites such as: MEMA https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips Somerville https://www.somervillema.gov/news/governor-urges-public-prepare-tropical-storm-henry-stay-home-sunday FEMA https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210820/fema-urges-preparedness-ahead-tropical-storm-henri The readings for this Sunday …
12 Pentecost Psalm 111; I Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14; Ephesians 5:15–20; John 6:51–58 Giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 Our lectionary over these last four plus weeks has been unrelenting. Eating and drinking have held center stage, from the feeding …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, I write to alert you that we continue to monitor developments around our state and in our area concerning the emerging variants of Covid-19 virus. At St. James, we continue to take every precaution so that we might weather this health storm and be able to continue in-person …
11 Pentecost Psalm 130; II Samuel 18:5–9, 15, 31–33; Ephesians 4:25–5:2; John 6:35, 41–15 Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 As people of faith, we Episcopalians are members of that larger body that we call the Christian family or …