Letter from Rev. Clarence, 1/2/2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James,

Per usual, you may find attached my meditation for the Second Sunday after Christmas. Eucharist was celebrated on Sunday, 26 December, as liturgical protocol required, Sunday being always a feast day, and a homily was offered, however, informally. And as we do not transmit our worship via Zoom or live-stream, my homiletic offering was to those “two or three gathered together” in His Name. I am pleased to welcome several new faces and to hear of those whose intention it is to return to in-person liturgy, when C19 restrictions and recommendations allow.
I offer an observation re: C19. Today, I complimented and thanked those present regarding their diligence in following diocesan guidelines: wearing masks and maintaining appropriate distance while indoors. Even fully vaccinated individuals must don a face-cover while indoors. Given the vault of the ceiling and square footage of our sanctuary, i.e. our ability to seat 300+ individuals, and given our low attendance, and while we cannot guarantee a totally transmission-free environment, we assure you that attention is given to every notice from the diocese, as well as from the City of Somerville. We remain diligent in all things, but respect those among us who choose to absent themselves from in-person worship.

On Sunday, 16 January, a meeting of the vestry, your vestry, will be held immediately following the 10:00 a.m. liturgy. You are invited to be present, again behind masks. Should that not be possible, you are invited still to send in writing, either via hardcopy or in response to this email, any concerns which you may have. A telephone call will suffice, as well.
I send you greetings for renewed strength, as we begin to navigate another liturgical and secular year and share with you a blessing appropriate for this Holy Season:
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. And may the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you and those whom you love this day and always.
Amen

Your fellow traveler in The Way,
CEB+