Letter from Rev. Clarence, 6/5/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

You find attached [separate post] my reflections on this most important holy day in our liturgical calendar. Spoiler Alert: Pentecost makes us aware that, to use a sport’s reference, the ball of spreading the Good News of God’s redemptive and loving care for the creation is in our court. As always, I welcome your comments.

It is with great enthusiasm and pleasure, although tired physically, that I say thanks to the Garden Committee of St. John’s Church -Arlington, our neighboring parish up the road. For more than four hours, that hard working of women and men, using their own tools, returned a sparkle to the exterior our campus. Our greenery took on a mid-Spring freshness. This is the kind of cooperation between parishes which our Bishop-diocesan encourages. I urge you to take a walk to Teele Square to admire and appreciate the results of this interparish cooperation. This cooperation will be reciprocated when a member of our parish and I shall lend assistance for a novel and practical project with their ESL (English as a Second Language) project. This was and is an apt preparation for and display of contemporary Pentecost.

Continued Humanitarian Assistance for Ukrainian Refugees: War in Ukraine may no longer hold headline attention. However, contributions to aid Ukrainians, as they endure displacement and other atrocities brought upon them by war, as still very much needed. 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. Please consider making a donation through the Episcopal Church.

Of your charity, I bid you pray for our nation and the world, that we heed the truth of Pentecost:
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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+