From the Rector ~ June and July 2024
For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Parish Family,
Pentecost Sunday (May 19th) was a grand and wonderful celebration, with a full and enthusiastic gathering in our historic sanctuary. The grandeur of the flowers (so thoughtfully prepared by parishioners Ann and John Parker), the fiery splendor of the color red, the wonderful liturgy and the joyful baptism of three beautiful young people made for a distinguished morning together.
In our liturgical season, we have now moved to something known as “Ordinary Time.” Traditionally, Ordinary Time is any part of the church year outside of the major seasons (Christmastide and Eastertide), and their preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent. That generally means the time between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, and then the twenty-seven (or so) weeks between Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent.
Ordinary Time can be seen as an opportunity to return to the ordinary of daily life, and to celebrate every aspect of Christ's earthly mission, including his travels, teaching, healing and ministry. It's also a great opportunity to reflect on how we might live day to day as Christians and to examine and order our own spiritual lives. The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green, which symbolizes growth and new life. That’s why you’ll see green vestments and altar cloths.
For St. James Parish, our season changed as our beloved Mount Lebanon Chapel opened for Sunday worship on May 26th to significant and joyful gatherings of both regulars and newcomers. At the same time, a robust congregation worshiped downtown and celebrated another special baptism. This will be an important season to remember that although we are blessed with two extraordinary worship locations, we remain one beloved parish family.
As we know, this June also brings to a close the remarkable season of tenure for Associate Rector Cheryl Brainard. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Cheryl at our Annual Picnic on June 2nd. I trust Cheryl knows of our love and best wishes for her and Don, and that her legacy of ministry will remain as strong as our friendships as they move to Georgia. Godspeed Cheryl and Don!
The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “for everything, there is a season.” As we move into this our summer season, may we remain grateful for all the blessings God has placed in our lives. And then let us in our daily lives find ways to represent Christ’s love, seeking and serving him in all that we do. In this Ordinary Time, may our words and actions be Christ-like, which is anything but ordinary, and so desperately needed in our world and community this season.
Blessings,
The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
