Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 8/29/21

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

Normalcy?  I must admit that as we continue to celebrate Eucharist in-person, a level of normalcy has begun to settle in.  That is a good thing, for to be forced or required to function under unending stress is not healthy.  However, given the emergence of variants of coronavirus and increase in the rate of infections in the City of Somerville, the second most densely populated city in our Commonwealth, and because our bishops have admonished parishes to use all caution in observing in-person worship, I am “duty bound” to provide you with updates.  To that end, I rush to thank all of you who worship in person and to assure you who are in spirit and thought, that we continue to observe the mandates of both city and diocese.  Hand sanitizers and masks are available at all entrances; face-coverings are worn, even by those fully vaccinated, and appropriate distance is kept, when approaching the altar for Holy Communion.  No report of illness has reached my desk or email account.  For that I, personally, give thanks.

Now a spoiler alert regarding the sermon which I offered today at Eucharist: My reflections are about school, education, and how curriculums are carried out.   I invite your comments.

As always, I bid you pray for those who are ill, no matter the circumstance or location, as well as for those in our congregation and elsewhere who care for them.  This is a ministry to which one cannot affix a value.

United we pray:
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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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