Clergy Notes — Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 28, 2024

Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Sometimes, after big changes in our lives, we may find ourselves marvelling that life just keeps moving on. After all that anticipation, excitement, perhaps great joy or great grief (or some of both), we may wonder how it can be that even when everything has changed, so much remains the same.

Last week we celebrated Fr Kevin’s retirement; it was a joyous occasion, but not without some sadness too. And rightly so – we love him, and his time here at St James’ will always be a part of our story as God’s Holy Church.

But, at the same time, things are changed and changing – for Fr Kevin and for us. As we celebrate his ministry amongst us and his transition into retirement, so too must we celebrate the ongoing life that God continues to breathe into us. This is not to erase what has come before – not at all! It is good to reflect on things: to treasure our memories, to celebrate the joys and the struggles; the things we have learned and the ways we have grown. It is good too, to remember that no matter what changes come our way, we are God’s Church.

What comes next, then, for a little while, is to let the dust settle, and just BE. We are God’s church. As we always have been, and always will be. At some point we will begin to wonder what’s next, and look for signs of the Holy Spirit guiding us to the next part of our story together, but for now it is ok to just be God’s Church. To just BE.

Please know that you are now, as always, in my prayers. If you would like to have a chat or a visit, my door is always open (literally and figuratively!) and I am always delighted to talk or listen or pray with you.

With every blessing,
Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, April 28, 2024