Clergy Notes — Pentecost 19, Sunday October 16 2022

Now that summer is over, the pace of life is quickening up. The choir has returned, and in good form! The Daily Mass is resumed: it is a joy to have that rhythm, that hallmark and anchor of St. James’ spiritual life restored. Do ask yourself whether you are able to attend perhaps one day in the week. The Creation Formation series and the Eco-Pilgrimage have taken place. We look forward now to the Heart of the City Festival, the Stewardship season, the Solemn Requiem for All Souls’; then it will be Advent, the Church’s New Year. It is good to see that the Zoom congregation continues faithfully, and that numbers in church are increasing, slowly but surely.

Wardens and Trustees continue their care for the parish’s premises. At Vestry various projects were approved in principle, among them the fire alarm in the parish hall and the redecoration of the interior of the church. It was agreed that there would be the need for an appeal to cover some of these costs. The Trustees have also agreed to the provision of extra niches in the Columbarium (most of the current ones are occupied or reserved).  The remainder of the Avery bequest will cover this.

It has become apparent during the year that further works may be necessary or desirable, so the scope of the appeal may be broadened. Looking to the future, we shall need to make the church more readily adaptable as an artistic venue, as we seek to expand the music series. Supplementary lighting for the chancel and for the choir loft would be useful, for example. We may benefit from replacing the pews (which are in need of refurbishment) with chairs. There are security and safety issues with the main doors on Gore.

 

Trustees have once again engaged Nancy Holme, our Project Manager for the Parish Centre, to work with us on a Visioning Plan, to bring to Parish Council and Vestry. This will take some time, but this gives ample opportunity for consultation. Certainly this will be a challenge, but it is exciting! We have just celebrated the Dedication Festival, giving thanks for the Parish, and our Founders and Benefactors. The current St. James’ Church is approaching its centenary. This is our opportunity, the living stones of today’s St. James’, to prepare our beautiful house of prayer for its second century.

Every blessing,

Fr. Kevin

Download the Sunday service booklet here: Liturgy at Home Pentecost 19 October 16 2022