Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 9/11/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

It is at once a joy and a privilege to introduce to you our new organist, Brandon Qi (pron. “she”). Brandon is not totally new to the area, as he is a graduate of Phillips Academy Andover (Mass.), where he began his study of the organ. Since that time, he has been an organ scholar at Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut and most recently an organ scholar at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, in the UK. That 3-year graduate program was interrupted by Covid. Currently, he is enrolled in a second Master’s Degree in Music Composition at Brandeis University. He joins violinist Louis Steptoe, who, since our reopening, has accompanied our congregational hymns with his talent, but who has served also as cantor. It is a delight to have these two musically talented young men among us. Do take a moment to greet both, but especially to welcome Brandon into our worshipping community.

As have many in the Anglican Communion expressed sadness in the death of Elisabeth II Queen, so do we through the Episcopal Church, a branch of the world-wide Anglican Communion. Therefore, of your charity, I bid your prayers for her soul, for her family, the Anglican Church Worldwide, and for all people of faith who saw in her a steadfast dedication to the Good News of Christ, as understood and articulated by the Anglican Common.

We pray:
O Gracious God, we give you thanks for the life of your servant Elizabeth, to her faith and her dedication to duty. Bless those who mourn her death, and may her example continue to inspire us, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

We pray for the church:
Gracious God, we pray for you holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

We pray for the Human Family:
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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+