Friends and Neighbors, 

The word "parish" is often used today to acknowledge a particular community that identifies with a church. In countries with an official state church, the parish was a territory that one church served for spiritual purposes and beyond, (in some cases the parish priest kept the local bull!) I like the concept of reaching beyond our walls and serving our neighborhood. St. James has a history of doing that by serving our community. We feed, we show up, and we share our space. 

Continuing the theme of words and meaning, I often hear the phrase "holding space." It often refers to allowing people to express difficult thoughts and feelings safely. I am all for that. I would also like to expand the definition and say that St. James often "holds space" as we seek to be a welcoming place. We also "hold space" by sharing our rooms with various community groups. Some of you found your way to St. James through a group that meets here, and some by way of someone who shared with you that this was a safe place to be you and to explore your faith. 

I recently offered up the invitation for conversations about life in our parish. A couple of you have reached out and most of the thoughts had to do with "holding space" for our congregation and the community. The parish church holds space for the larger community. We don't exist solely to serve congregational members. Our beautiful space helps nurture a community that loves mercy, does justice, and walks humbly with our God.

I am grateful for the sacred space that have and that we can share with wider community. I look forward to seeing us continue to explore how we can hold space that is safe, and welcoming, and that allows others to know God's love. Please keep the conversation going about ways we can use the gifts we have to welcome others. See the announcements in this newsletter about all the things we are doing to be a parish that holds space for joy, wonder, and love. 

Peace,

Fr. John Mark