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

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Clergy Notes — Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21, 2024

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

‘I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy, in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.’ Philippians 1:3-6

As I bid my farewell as your Rector, I echo these words of St. Paul: my heart is full of thanksgiving for these past nine years which we have shared together as the Body of Christ here at St. James’. It has been a privilege to belong to this vibrant parish with such a rich heritage of faith, and I leave with every confidence that St. James’ will continue to shine brightly with the light and love of Christ in this place. I have not once regretted the decision to come to Canada – and to become Canadian! – and I never cease to wonder at the giftedness, generosity, and diversity of our community.

Thank you all for your welcome to Allan and to me. Thank you for your faithfulness, your encouragement and support, and for your patience and forbearance. I ask forgiveness where I have fallen short, and of those whom I have hurt or offended.

It is invidious and impossible to thank everyone by name. It has been a particular joy to work with fellow-clergy, our strong lay leadership, and the visible and invisible, audible and inaudible, team who works so diligently to make possible our worship, mission and service. God bless you all.

I will let St. Paul have the final word:

‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:4-7

With love, much thanksgiving, and every blessing,
Fr Kevin

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, April 21, 2024

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