Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 10/24/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Attached [separate post] is my homily delivered at Eucharist on the 20^th Sunday after Pentecost.  Our liturgical practice does not anticipate comments during delivery, but I remind you that your comments are always welcome via this medium, or also following Eucharist.

I share with you the exciting news that both wardens and I met last week with sponsors of a recent immigrant to our community whom we have hired as parttime sexton.  This is exciting for two reasons.  First, through our action we extend hospitality to a newcomer, albeit as employee, to our country and immediate community, and shall work together with an interfaith group to hasten acclimation of the sexton and his family.  The second reason for our excitement is that we have now reliable help in preparing our premises, especially the kitchen area and St. Francis Hall, for restoring our traditional coffee hour.  Following diocesan guidelines regarding Covid-19 prevention, we anticipate this restoration of hospitality first following our Christmas Eve Eucharist.  Clergy colleague at St. John’s Church – Arlington and Epiphany Church – Winchester have played a major role in this development.

Note as well that Diocesan Convention, the first in-person since 2019, will be held in Danvers, Mass. on Friday and Saturday of this week.  St. James will be represented by David Olsen and yours truly.  A major item for consent, expected without much debate, is the approval of Bishop Alan Gates’ recommendation that an Assistant Bishop rehired, instead of searching for a Bishop-Suffragan.  Bishop-Suffragan Gayle Harris, having reached mandatory age of retirement (72), ends on 31 December 2022 her official service to and in the diocese.  Appropriate recognition of her tenure will be made during Convention.  Your prayers on her behalf are requested that the next stage in her journey be one of continued fulfillment and joy.

Of your charity, I bid your prayers for continued growth in our parish membership, even as we neglect not praying for peace in our world.  It is appropriate that we join in our Collect for the 20^th Sunday after Pentecost:
Almighty and Everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us to love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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+