Letter from Rev. Clarence, 5/29/22

Posted on ; Filed under News

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

I share the following information.

The Right Reverend Barbara C Harris: I am pleased to be able to further the announcement that after almost two years, our diocese, hindered by Covid-19 restrictions, is able to invite the people of the diocese to a Service of Thanksgiving for the life and ministry of the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, Bishop Suffragan late. Bishop Harris was the first female to be elevated to the rank of bishop in the Worldwide Anglican Communion. The Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, 12 June, 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on Tremont St., Boston. The Service will be live-streamed at www.Stpaulboston.org. Pre=registration is required for in-person attendance.

Humanitarian Assistance for Ukrainian Refugees: The question has been asked where contribution to aid Ukrainians, as they endure displacement and other atrocities brought upon them by war. The Episcopal Church sponsors Episcopal Relief and Development, whose contact can be obtained from the website. An ecumenical effort is being offered via Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT). These are reliable sources for contributions. Know the background of all organizations which approach you for contributions.

English as a Second Language: To provide immigrants for job interviews, the rector of neighboring parish St. John’ Church – Arlington, active in ESL affairs, seeks one or more individuals who could assist in a one-time effort only. This practice drill will be conducted via ZOOM and questions, i.e. format, will be provided. Should you be interested in joining hands with our sister parish in this extremely beneficial once only outreach, please respond to this email, and I will provide contact numbers for this effort.

Of your charity I bid you pray:
For Peace: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread aboard your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

For those in the Armed Forces of our Country: Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Heroic Service: O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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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+