Sermon, 6/27/21: What If…

5 Pentecost Psalm 130; Samuel.1. 1, 17-27; II Corinthians. 8. 7-15; Mark. 5. 21-43 She said, ‘If I touch even his garments…’ Mark 5:28 As I thought about the lectionary appointed for today, I had another “what if” conversation with myself.  In some circles, so I understand, this “what if?” is called ‘Monday morning quarterbacking.’ …

An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 6/27/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I confess to a return to something in our common life that resembles some aspects of a normal to which I and others are accustomed, even as one parishioner remarked today that some things have changed.  My inner response to that welcomed recognition of change was “Alleluia. We …

Sermon, 6/20/21: A Hidden Parable!

4 Pentecost Psalm 133; I Sam. 17:57–18:5, 10–16; II Cor. 6.1–13; Mark 4:35-41 And they were filled with great awe.  Mark 4:41 O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness, …

An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 6/20/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, On this 4th Sunday after Pentecost, on Father’s Day 2021, as well as on this first day of summer, I send you greetings. What joy it was again today to see so many old faces, but also to greet new faces at Eucharist, new students at Tufts and …

Sermon, 6/13/21: What Metric would you use to mark Success?

3 PentecostPsalm 20; I Samuel 15:34–16:13; II Corinthians 5:6–10, 14–17; Mark 4:26–34 When it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs. Mark 4:32 Guilty as charged! Being a mere mortal, I am controlled by an inner urge to showcase my success. When the now ubiquitous smartphone was introduced onto the …

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 …

Sermon, 6/6/21: Whereto From Here?

2 Pentecost Psalm 138; I Samuel 8:4–11 (12–15); II Corinthians 4:13–5:1; Mark 3:20–35 Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that holy things have taken; Let ears that now have heard the songs to clamor never waken. Lord, may the tongues which “Holy” sang keep free from all deceiving; The eyes which saw thy love be …

An Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 6/6/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, What joy it was this morning to welcome at Eucharist so many of you, together with such an appreciable number of new faces! It is my hope and fervent prayer that the time will yet come, when even more of our parish family will feel comfortable with public …

REMINDER: REOPENING, SUNDAY, 6 JUNE 2021

10:00 a.m. Celebration of the Eucharist Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 St. James Church, Teele Square, will be open to all for Sunday worship as of 6/6/21 • Masks are highly recommended. A limited supply will be available, as will hand sanitizer. • Registration—name and contact information—is requested …