November 27, 2021

Dear St. PJ's, 

After a lovely service on Sunday, Nov. 21st, we said our goodbyes to Harlon and presented him with gifts, blessings and prayers for his future. It all happened on our new Sanctuary floor, just one of the symbols of Harlon's vision and leadership that he has shown us over the past three years. We are now in a time of transition and it is important to remind ourselves that in accordance with the Diocesan "Leaving Well Policy", all members of the parish and staff are to make a "clean break" with Harlon. This ensures that we move into the next chapter of our parish life forming a strong and healthy relationship with our next Priest-in-Charge.  

With the declining number of full-time priests, and fewer and fewer parishes able to afford them, the Priest-in-charge model is becoming widespread. Our Vestry will soon be meeting with Rev. Amber Page-Gehr, the Diocesan Transition Minister, to take the next steps toward the appointment of our next Priest-in-charge by Bishop Douglas. While we look forward to that appointment, it may take a few months. We have arranged with Rev. Nathan Empsall, one of our former Priest Associates, to serve as "Designated Celebrant" until the end of February. In this limited role, Nathan will Celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday, and while he will preach on occasion, most sermons will be delivered by some of our qualified parishioners or guests. This arrangement will ensure that we will have Communion every Sunday, as has been our custom during Harlon's term. During this time, pastoral concerns should be brought to Tudy Hill, our Minister of Pastoral Care, and her capable Pastoral Care Team. Please contact our wardens, Claire Cody or Brian Fillmore, or any member of the Vestry, with questions or concerns. 

We are focused on God's work and opening ourselves up to the community in which we live. We are strong, we are growing, and we look to the future with excitement. This is a challenging time for our Parish, and for our Church. With faith, prayer and hard work, our future is bright. To quote Harlon, "Be well, be safe, hold hope, and keep the faith."

Peace and Blessings,
Your Vestry and Wardens

Brian Fillmore
Warden
203-815-2544
bfillmore1@gmail.com

Claire Cody
Warden
847-624-5685
claire.cody@yale.edu

Tudy Hill
Pastoral Care Minister
860-990-3324
tudy.cox.hill@gmail.com
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David Hill, Treasurer
Bill Evans
Sally Fleming
Jeff Lange
Maggie King, Clerk
Nate Solberg
Agatha Zichichi-Evans
Max Clayton
Lynne Severance
David Tate

November 20, 2021

Dear Friends, 

This is the last pastoral reflection you will receive from my "pen". Tomorrow I end my tenure as priest at St. Paul & St. James. I approach the day with great sadness and with great joy. Sadness that I won’t be able to accompany the parish as it delights the adventure that God has in store for it.  Joy in the sure and certain knowledge that the Holy Spirit has taken up permanent residence at the corner of Chapel and Olive Streets, and has no intention of moving on.  

I will not try to express my gratitude for the past three years. Please know that my heart is full.

And now, as a parting gift, a word of blessing from one of my favorite poet-liturgists, Jan Richardson. It appears in her compilation Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons. 

A Blessing For After

This blessing
is for the moment
after clarity has come,
after inspiration,
after you have agreed
to what seems
impossible.

This blessing
is what follows
after illumination departs
and you realize
there is no map
for the path
you have chosen,
no one to serve
as guide,
nothing to do
but gather up
your gumption
and set out.

This blessing
will go with you.
It carries no answers,
no charts,
no plans.
It carries no source
of light
within itself.

But in its pocket
is tucked a mirror
that, from time to time,
it will hold up to you

to remind you
of the radiance
that came
when you gave
your awful and wondrous
yes.

Be well, be safe, hold hope, keep the faith. Harlon +