Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 12/12/21

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James,

In addition to sharing with you my weekly mediation/homily, today I post to you two additional items: an announcement, in its corrected form, of our Christmas Eve celebration of the Birth of Christ, and an update of observances beyond Christmas Eve/Day itself. Several of you, in person as well as via email or telephone, were gentle in your reminder that I have no authority to change the day/date of Christmas Eve. I confess that this error on my part was not a trick mailing, in order to test whether you read what is posted you. It was a sheer error. Not certain, thanks to the not always reliable delivery of the USPS, of when, or even if, my first note will reach you, I have posted, also by mail, a second, an ERRATUM with corrected day. Christmas Eve 2021 is FRIDAY, 24 December.

Alpha, Delta, Omicron Update: The size of our sanctuary, diligence on your part, i.e. wearing masks, social distancing within our facilities, the efforts of individuals to maintain clean air and furniture, and a fully vaccinated congregation allow us to anticipate an in-person observance of Christmas on Friday evening, 24 December, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with our traditional congregational carol sing and instrumental musical preludes of organ and violin. Masks and hand sanitizers are available at both entrances to the sanctuary. Abiding by diocesan guidelines, at all Eucharistic celebrations the Sacrament of Communion is offered in one kind only. Join us in person, as you feel most comfortable and most secure. Join us in spirit, should you not be able to venture forth. Finally, inform me, should you desire to receive the Holy Sacrament during Christmas Week. Have mask (and complete vaccination and booster), will travel.

As we look forward in the midst of the pandemic to this annual joyous celebration, of your charity I bid you pray for the women and men who continue to work tirelessly in laboratories, hospitals, convalescence facilities and other health facilities on behalf of those affected by the coronavirus and its offspring. Let the Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent unite us:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, 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+