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, thus causing a absence of quorum, it has been several months since our last meeting. I assure you that the business concerns of the parish have not been neglected, as I have been in regular contact with our senior warden and diocesan officials. Moreover, because of my pledge to transparency, I have spoken informally with members of the vestry, as well as members within the congregation, regarding matters of the parish. Remember: All are welcome to attend the meetings of the vestry.

The second item of interest pertains to the announcement made on Thursday last during the Fall Clergy Day, convened at our Cathedral in downtown Boston. Bishop-suffragan the Rt. Rev. Gayle Harris has announced her intention to retire on 31 December 2022, having attained the mandatory age of retirement in our branch of the Anglican Communion. She has asked that no special occasion be held for her. An official announcement of Bishop Harris’ pending retirement can be found on the diocesan website. Bishop-diocesan Alan Gates described during the clergy meeting his plans to replace Bishop Harris. More will be forthcoming at Convention.

Of your charity, I bid your prayers for the church:
Gracious God, we pray for the holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purity it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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 abroad 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.

Almighty and Everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 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 in The Way,
CEB+