Dear Members and Friends of St. James, As we make our way toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus, God’s Messiah, I report that the dedication of you all, but especially a few select volunteers, has demonstrated a tenacity that a 20-month absence due to COVID restrictions could not, and did not, weaken. Wreathes …

1 Advent Psalm 25:1–9; Jeremiah 33:14–16; 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13; Luke 21:25–36 There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars…Be alert at all times.Lk 21:25f. Spoiler alert.  Should you remember nothing else of what I share with you this morning, remember this: Advent is not about counting down until Christmas Eve and …

Dear Members and Friends of St. James, Almost as if by surprise, the Season of Advent is with us.  The appearance of wreaths, the lighting of the first candle of Advent, and a change in altar hangings and vestments were and are visual evidence of the beginning of another liturgical year.  Appropriately, the first Sunday …

Christ the King, Last Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 132:1–19; 2 Sam. 23.1–7; Rev.1:4b–8; John 18.33–37 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Many things fascinate us human beings.  We are intrigued by paradoxes.  You know, those things that seem contradictory to common sense and experience but …