From the Rector: April 2023
Dear Parish Family,
This week I had the wonderful opportunity to gather with the 2023 cohort of our St. James “Praying Shapes Believing” program. This was the last of seven meetings for the group. I was surprised and delighted to see how many participants there are this year. Importantly, this group represents a rich variety of faith perspectives and backgrounds, all with the common desire to learn more about the unique history and traditions of our beloved Episcopal Church. A service of Confirmation, Reception and Re-affirmation will take place for this special group with Bishop Rob Skirving at St. James at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 23rd. All are welcome!
The theme for the final conversation this week centered around how we all come to know the central story of our Christian faith, and then how we are commissioned to share that story with the world. I was inspired by many of the comments around the room, and the willingness of those gathered to speak from their heart about what they have learned, and how they might intentionally apply those learnings in the future.
The timing for this conversation was perfect, as all of us are all moving into the very week which remembers, honors and celebrates the central story of our faith. With that in mind, I encourage you to fully participate in all of our Holy Week worship offerings. Jesus’s triumphant entry in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the solemnity and grief of Good Friday all set the stage for the truly life changing grace of our Easter celebration. Indeed, this is our story to know, our story to live, and our story to tell.
Blessings,
The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
Almighty and ever-living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
BCP 219
Rector
Director of Communications
Financial Administrator
Parish Coordinator
