A Reflection from Ora Houston
Hello Saints!
On November 1st there is a confluence of three important events in the life of our community:
All Saints’ Day
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Stewardship Sunday
Sixteen Saints formed this unique congregation in 1941. We give thanks for the life of Mrs. Bertha Means, the only living founder of St. James’. The congregation also has descendants of another founder, Myrtle Wormley Royster, active in the congregation: Rodney and Gail Wormley.
Saints, living or dead, come in all shapes and forms. It is God the Holy Spirit who sends or calls saints to St. James’ to share their time, talents, and treasure.
Paraphrasing sentiments Rev. Will Spong shared when he retired, which are applicable to St. James’:
“…this place has a personality and needs to be cared for, and we need to be proud of it, not because it’s perfect, but because it isn’t.”
Our Saints, dead or alive, understand this. The congregation has been ignored by the Diocese, been told that ‘we are not that special’, has not always received opportunities/training to understand the rules – yet we survive; an amazing mixture of the worship experiences of descendants of slaves and the Church. Our Saints helped craft a space where there are smells, bells and joyful singing; where there are four different service types that fit time requirements and spiritual needs.
May it always be so.
Saints, let’s review the vows made at Baptism. The Baptismal Covenant is found on p. 305, Book of Common Prayer.
The first set of questions focus on what we believe. The next set of questions contain verbs and we affirm, “I will with God’s help.’
We are in extraordinary, turbulent, complex times and Sunday, as we renew our vows, please focus on the last two questions:
“Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?”
“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”
These questions call us to action – seek, serve, love, strive and respect – “I will with God’s help”.
Jesus Christ’s ministry is one of radical social justice. God the Holy Spirit continues to put us in places and spaces that allow us to act. We must be aware of our power/privilege, practice listening to the reality of others and be intentional about seeking God’s help as we serve God’s people.
As we mature in our faith, God calls us out of our comfort zone to speak to power about God’s justice, mercy and amazing grace.
May you hear God’s call, find your voice and act.
Our Saints have given their time, talent and treasure, and we are an awesome, intentionally diverse, faithful community of lay ministers and clergy. Over 79 years, we’ve learned to live, listen, work, play, pray, serve and worship together.
Over the past 60+ years, through good times and turbulent times in my personal life and in the life of St. Jimmy’s, I have shared my God-given gifts and financial blessings. Love for and from this congregation encourages, motivates and sustains me in my work.
I pledge because this community defines/refines who and what I am as a lay minister.
Our outward facing ministries don’t stop because of pandemic, social unrest, fires or hurricanes. Our pledges allow us to do what we do well: take care of each other and care for our neighbors, whether the buildings are open or closed. ;->
May you pray about your financial commitment for 2021 and, like the Saints in 1941, pay it forward for the next generation.
Peace,
Ora Houston
