Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 10/17/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I am pleased to report that our vestry met yesterday, 16 October, after a long hiatus caused by illnesses and other unavoidable factors. As always, everyone is welcome to attend the meetings. For obvious reasons, our meeting yesterday was longer than usual. Our discussions dealt with practical concerns, …

Sermon, 10/9/22: The Tale of the Three Samaritans

18 Pentecost Psalm 66:1–11; Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7; II Timothy 2:8–15; Luke 17:11–19 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him … explaining the word of truth.         II Timothy 2:14 To borrow a concept often employed decades ago on the children’s program Sesame Street, I should like us to consider …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 10/10/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, There is little new to report in our weekly update. After receiving notice of an increase of new Covid infections in Massachusetts, and because some remain cautious regarding a return to in-person worship, I can report that we remain among our membership, thanks to vaccinations and booster shots, …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 10/2/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, In this note I call to your attention two items of interest, both of which I shared at today’s Eucharist. The first is of local/parochial concern. A VESTRY MEETING has been warned for Sunday next, 9 OCTOBER, immediately following Eucharist. Because of illnesses among members of the vestry, …

Sermon, 9/25/22: From Riches to Rags?

16 Pentecost Psalm 91:1–6, 14–16; Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15; I Timothy 6:6–10 ; Luke 16:19-31 They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them. Lk 16.29 Many decades have passed, when I would spend Saturday mornings with my daughters, doing within reason whatever they desired to do. Occasionally, the three of us would prepare …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence 9/25/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, Per your request, I share with you my reflections on the lectionary for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, and invite your comments. I continue to work with diocesan authorities and fellow clergy, in order we, as a parish, may benefit from the continued advice and support in our …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 9/18/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I write today to share my enthusiasm for your continued devotion to the ministry of our congregation in Teele Square. We have been able to welcome and be nourished musically by the combined ministry of two talented musicians, one a violinist and one an organist-choir director. Take a …

Sermon, 9/11/22: Losing to Establish One’s Values

14 Pentecost Psalm 14:1–7; Jeremiah 4:11–12, 22–28; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10 Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost. (Luke 1:9) Since the advent of Covid, I have had to curtail my travel, both domestic and international. However, when I travel, no matter my mode of transportation, I try …