Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 8/1/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Having the ministry of a cantor has added immensely to our celebration of the Eucharist. Attendees at today’s Eucharist, veiled behind face-coverings, joined fully in making a joyful noise.

Complying with the wishes of those in our parish who cannot be present on Sunday, and complying as well as with the recommendations of our Bishop-diocesan, I attach the words which I shared in today’s Eucharist. [See separate post] I hope that in so doing, we remain connected the one with the other, as we continue our return and rebound from a pandemic that appears not to go away anytime soon. As always, I invite your comments and questions regarding my homilies. It is my intention always to address any spiritual and other concerns which you may have.

Following the examples, which my fellow clerics employ in their respective parishes, I report that attendees remain diligent in using masks and maintaining “social distance.” This is crucial as we hope and pray, even as we follow discussions about variants and their impact on social gatherings, that we will not be required to return to our experience of privious months. Know also, that groups using our facilities during the week are expected and required to adhere to the same precautionary behavior which we put before those who worship on Sundays.

Pray for those in our own congregation, as well as those beyond, who exercise ministry among the infirmed and who continue to seek remedies to diseases, including Coronavirus, that affect our common humanity and role in nature. Pray for peace.

In our distant, yet common worship we pray the Collect for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost:

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; 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, that 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 Ghost, be with you, and remain with you and those whom you love, this day and forever more. Amen.

You fellow traveler in The Way
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