14 Pentecost Psalm 45:1–2, 7–10; Song of Solomon 2:8–13; James 1:17–29; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23 “Understand: There is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him, but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.” Mark 7:14–15 Thesis: Jesus conducts a master class in teaching, and thereby …

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 …

13 Pentecost Psalm 84; I Kings 8:1, 6, 10–11, 22–20, 41–43; Ephesians 6:10–20; John 6:56–69 The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63b Just recently a young man, a graduate of my alma mater, spoke about the power of words.  Admittedly, that is to be expected of a recent …

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, Our Facebook account has already carried the announcement—“Due to safety concerns…”—that tomorrow we shall not celebrate an in-person Eucharist. I am also aware that in good and typical St. James’ fashion, parishioners have used the telephone to alert others of that decision.  As I write and glance occasionally …