Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 7/24/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Advice from weather centrals informed us in advance of a spike in heat and humidity on this Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. This prompted messages to members of the congregation whose health would be compromised, should they have attempted to worship in person today. Unofficially, I have come in these last several years to anticipate and look at such patterns as “weather bookends.” At least one severe ice/snow storm forces cancellation in winter of an in-person liturgy. Likewise, in summer, as today, the other bookend, severe heat forces reconsideration of in-person liturgy. And you have responded appropriately. Our minion of “where two or three are gathered in His name” held today. I did not get “a day off.” Indeed, attendance at Eucharist exceeded my expectation and greatly exceeded “three,” We were mindful of those among us who were absent due to weather restrictions. Air-conditioning held in St Francis Hall, as did the sacredness of Mass, as we sat around tables.

Please note the following announcement. Should weather not hinder crews, work will continue on the exterior, as well as essential interior updates of the rectory, in order to make the space again useable. Concurrently, conversations continue with representatives from the diocese regarding how best to use the space in our Parish Hall. The pandemic and other developments have forced us to realize that such activities as Fall Fair and large congregational potluck suppers, so much a part of our history and should be remembered, will not be in our immediate future. Therefore, should any of you wish to reclaim any articles of clothing, furniture, or crystal ware, etc., which you may have donated for such events, please do so within the next 72 hours. We hope, otherwise, to find appropriate social agencies which can offer these items to the public.

Of your charity, I bid you pay for peace in our world, both at home and abroad, and forget not those who suffer dislocation due to heat.
United in our prayers, we say:
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; 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+