Dear People of St. James’,
I don’t know about you but I am so relieved to be back in Stage 3 and headed into Stage 2 again.
The indicators are looking good (decreasing positivity rates, decreasing hospitalizations, decreasing case loads). Boosters are becoming available for many of the most vulnerable, and we await news for children ages 5-11.
Given our experience over the last year-and-a-half, it seems to me that this fall is an important opportunity to regather, to reconnect, and to connect for the first time with those who have joined us during the pandemic. As one of our blessings says, life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us.
In worship, in order to provide a true welcome for families with children and those who are immunocompromised, we will continue to mask, to distance as we are able, and to respect each other’s boundaries. After extensive conversations, it seems like these are the norms we need to continue to observe in indoor worship.
However, get excited because we are working on bringing choirs back in this season, and you will soon be invited to receive communion in both kinds (bread and wine) by intincting (that’s Episcospeak for dipping the wafer in the chalice). This is a rebuilding season for our choirs, so know that, and hear the invitation anew to sing with the 10:30 am choir (houfei@stjamesaustin.org) or the 5:00 pm choir (mpulkingham@gmail.com). If you are new to our community or if you have been singing sweetly from the pews for some time, consider this opportunity for ministry and for being formed in your own spiritual journey.
Small groups meeting outdoors during this time may unmask, and coffee hour and outdoor hospitality is back. Small groups meeting indoors are encouraged to have a conversation before making a group decision to be unmasked. We want to honor the differing comfort levels and family circumstances of each person.
Through hybrid, live streamed, fully online, and outdoor gatherings, St. James’ is creating meaningful spaces to gather, because it is through gathering that we find that experience of generous welcome, belonging, and love that defines our community and reveals God’s presence.
Don’t let this season of opportunity to gather pass you by! I know the fear of others is still there. I know parents and grandparents are still taking wise precautions. So, let us wisely gather as seems good and life-giving to us. Let us prepare our hearts for gathering so that we might be present to each other. Let us find ourselves curious and hopeful to know these other human beings whom God has brought into our lives. And may we invite others who seek that greater welcome of God that we have already found at the table.
Rev. Eileen
