Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 11/7/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

“Spring forward; Fall back!”  I am pleased to note that no one appeared to forget that jingle which alerts us semi-annually to change in times and change in seasons.  The major hurdle in “getting to the church on time,” inasmuch as we are an urban parish, remains still the city’s work on buried infrastructure, which means that parking remains a problem: parked heavy duty earth-moving equipment awaiting return on Monday of the work crew.

Several weeks ago, our junior warden brought to our attention that our historic stained glass windows were showing signs of distress.  They—not all—showed an outward bulge.  Contact with Church Insurance Corporation has been made and we anticipate meeting with an engineer to “divine” the cause.  Given our location at the zenith of a hill, our first thoughts turn toward barometric pressure. 

The New Normal: Every caution continues to be made, in order to ward against the transmission of coronavirus.  To that end, hence the use of the phrase “the new normal,” future parish updates will not include weekly reports.  Be, however, assured that we shall continue to observe diocesan guidelines, as well as those of the City of Somerville.

The Collect for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost unites us in prayer:
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he 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 on the Way
CEB+