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  • By reading and meditating on God’s holy Word

    I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. These words are from the Invitation to the Observance of a holy Lent in the Ash Wednesday service.  Usually,…

  • Homework

    Last Sunday in my sermon I gave some homework – and a few folks have followed up with me either to share their thoughts or ask me for the assignment again!  Part of what I shared in the sermon was a reflection on the Vestry retreat last weekend and our belief it’s time to…

  • Keeping a Holy Lent

    Next week we will gather to feast on Shrove Tuesday, closing the night by burning last years’ palms to make the ashes we will use to mark our mortality the following evening on Ash Wednesday, which will mark our entrance into the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time when we are invited…

  • Part 2: Being Sent

    Go in peace to love and serve God and neighbor Last week in Part 1: Being Fed, I wrote about the phrase “behold what you are; become of what you receive” which is said as part of the invitation to receive communion every week. This week I’d like to look at the words that…

  • Part 1: Being Fed

    Behold what you are; become what you receive. Every week, after we’ve said the Great Amen and consecrated the bread and the wine, these are the words I say when we lift the bread and wine and extend the invitation that all who seek Christ are welcome at God’s table. It is an adaptation…

  • Annual Meeting this Sunday

    Please plan to stay – or arrive early – this Sunday to attend our Annual Meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.  Two essential pieces of work we will do are electing new Vestry members and announcing our next Senior Warden, and reviewing the 2016 financials and accepting the 2017 budget.  In addition there…

  • A New Paschal Candle Stand for St. James’

    This Sunday at the beginning of both services we will bless a new Paschal candle stand.  The current stand, a lovely gift from the Wolcott family years ago, has, through normal wear and use, suffered some damage.  The main pole has developed a tilt which makes it unstable when the tall Paschal candle is…

  • A Reflection on CREDO

    I wrote last month about what CREDO is, a clergy wellness conference developed by the Church Pension Fund.  In short, it is a time to unplug and spend time reflecting on the health and balance in four key area:  spiritual life, finances, physical health, and vocational path.  And so it was that I spent…

  • The Beginning is Near

    The Beginning is Near

    I hope everyone has a filling Thanksgiving this week – and that you will come to church this Sunday as we enter the holy season of Advent.  Advent is a time of expectation of God-with-us, the divine presence born human.  It is a time to prepare to come close to the Mystery of Christmas.…

  • Vestry Nominations

    The Vestry Nominating Committee is excited to announce that they are accepting nominations for the 2017-2020 Vestry Class.  A blue handout is available in the narthex which details ideal qualities for candidates as well as Vestry member responsibilities.  Outgoing members Lynda Ellis, Jane Barger, Mike Henyon, and Cory DelRegno are also available if you…