Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 11/13/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

It is a relief, somewhat, when I am able to report to you that, as we continue to reaffirm our presence since the beginning of the pandemic and our regathering for in-person worship, this past week has been one of calm and a steady march forward.  It is with great joy that I took our message on the road to visit a former devoted member of the congregation, now residing in Connecticut.  All is well down south in Connecticut, with greeting returned in kind.  And even as I report on ties that bind, I dare travel on grounds closer to home, when I report that Mrs. Nan Ryce, our oldest living member of only 93 years, celebrates on 18 November her very own special New Year.  Your prayers and cards for her would most assuredly be appreciated. 

And then I dare do a very un-Anglican thing, to wit: I mention in this public forum MONEY.  Next Sunday we observe the last Sunday after Pentecost 2022, also known as Christ the King Sunday.  It is also the Sunday prior to the national holiday Thanksgiving Day.  On the Sunday following Thanksgiving Day, our vestry will hold a regular meeting, to which all are welcome.  However, it is also at that meeting that your clergy and vestry will begin consideration of a budget for 2023.  And the un-Anglican thing?  I ask us all to consider how we might give evidence of thanksgiving through our pledges for the innumerable gifts, financial income included, received from our Divine Creator.

Of your charity I bid you pray for peace in our world, both at home and abroad, for sound government, and for our first responders.  We summarize our petitions in the Collect for the Day:
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear  them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; 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+