Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 11/28/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Almost as if by surprise, the Season of Advent is with us.  The appearance of wreaths, the lighting of the first candle of Advent, and a change in altar hangings and vestments were and are visual evidence of the beginning of another liturgical year.  Appropriately, the first Sunday in Advent was observed with a modification in our usual weekly liturgy.  Advent, although not the same length of the Holy Season of Lent, allows time to reflect of the presence of God in a real way in the creation, and thus the inclusion of the Penitential Order served to ground us in our anticipation of the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Nativity.

Our vestry met today and I am very pleased to report that progress is being made to address concerns caused by our 20-month absence from our campus due to COVID.  Conversations with diocesan officials remain positive regarding how to secure and expand our outreach in and to the community.  Covid restrictions, e.g., masks while indoors (even for the fully vaccinated) and social distancing remain in place.  This is all the more essential as temperature changes have called for closed windows.  We are pleased, nevertheless, to offer meeting space to three AA groups.  A major personal regret for me, hopefully only temporarily, is the absence of ESL (English as a Second Language) opportunity.  Inquiries have been received, but the lack of student volunteers from Tufts University due to Covid restrictions has placed that outreach on hold. 

The Collect for Advent unites us:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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 on the Way,
CEB+