From the Rector – September 2024
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together … but encouraging one another.”
Hebrews 10:24-25a)
Dear St. James Parish Family,
In June of 2023, the National Institutes of Health published the results of a study focusing on the abiding connections between community, personal health and well-being. The findings of this study were neither ambiguous nor surprising: there is a direct correlation between a person’s well-being and their relationships within a broader community. The study defined this sense of community as ‘a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members’ needs will be met through their commitment to be together’ I find the survey to be a lovely reaffirmation of the words Paul wrote to the Hebrews (and you and me) 2000 years ago.
Wonderfully, we are blessed to live out the beauty of this definition every single day. Indeed, our community is one of faith and hope, strengthened by regular and sustainable moments of “meeting together” in worship, formation and service. We call this Church – our life together as the body of Christ, in relationship and in community.
On behalf of the St. James staff, program and ministry volunteers, I am delighted to share with you a robust and engaging invitation for the fall season of our “Life in Community” at St. James Parish. Please take the time to look through the variety of offerings, which include both Sunday mornings and opportunities throughout the week. Once again, there is a rich and diverse variety for your interest and engagement. Please include yourself. All are welcome!
We hope and pray our fall season will offer you opportunities for encouragement, and that you (and your family) will more deeply engage yourself in the life of our parish, as we strive toward love and good deeds, all to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Faithfully,
Phillip+