The Pastor's Ponderables

This is a letter I wrote to the congregation after my return from a trip to South Africa where I helped lead a retreat on being peacemakers in a world of fear. I missed a lot while I was away through nearly all of June.  I missed two Sundays - where I heard you even sang together as part of the sermon.  I missed planning meetings - and nearly missed the Luau! One other thing I missed was a Vigil last Saturday that took place across the country and throughout our region by churches of every conceivable denomination.  The vigil was a Christian response to the separation of children from their parents seeking asylum at the southern border.  I felt bad missing the Vigil, especially since I had gotten home from South Africa the night before.  Jet lag and the time difference kept me out of things, however, and I slept while others prayed. Since St. James’ was only modestly represented at these vigils (we DID have a few members of the parish take part, and for ...