Letter from Rev. Clarence, 5/15/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Just as a reminder, in posting to you a weekly update of events in our parish, it is my intent to keep everyone informed of pertinent information, and particularly those among us who are hindered, by whatever reason, from attending weekly in-person Eucharistic liturgies. Today, prior to my homily, the thought crossed my mind that I was the town crier, inasmuch as I announced arrivals and departures of members of the congregation. Summer is upon us. Violating good Anglican protocol, especially as I continue to be grateful for your steadfast financial support, I urge us all, as we embark on summer travel, to keep pledge commitments current. Our treasurer would be thankful, as well.

I received this week a communication via the USPS that offered “recommendations for activities in your congregation, now that the program year of the church was coming to a close.” I share this information with you, for I was not aware that the mission of the church, to share the Good News of God’s reconciling work had been reduced to a program, as if it were an academic year, with which I am, of course, thoroughly familiar. The activity, in which a devout young man from among us, but now in Poland, is undertaking among displaced refugees of the war in Ukraine, is not constricted by “a program year.” Nor are plans to revive our parish ministry of ESL for new immigrants defined by a “program year.” Just as a reminder, the true Christian “program year” is not a time-definite activity. Should you like to contribute to that program year, do contact me.

Of your charity, I bid you pray for those in our congregation who may in these next weeks be absent from us:

O God, whose fatherly care reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, who will be absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by you love in the communion of your Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Chris our Lord. Amen.

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you, and those whom you love, for ever. Amen.

Your fellow traveler on the Way,
CEB+