Sermon, 12/5/21: Filtering out the Background Noise

2 AdventBaruch 5.1-9; Canticle 16: Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1.3-1 1; Luke 3.1-6 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. (Luke 3:4b) How often have you heard from us preachers: ‘Advent is a time for spiritual reflection, as we prepare to receive Christ as a little child’? However, what …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 12/5/21

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 …

Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 11/28/21

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 …