A Note From Father Rob

Thirty-six hours after our last Holy Week service had ended, Betsy and I were in our truck, trailer in tow, and off for Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. After a long, hard week, we were finally off for some vacation time at the beach. But, not before officiating at a memorial service in Troy, Alabama, on the Tuesday following Easter. Sometimes, it seems, there is always one more thing to do. Speaking of which, I saw a lot of people running around St. James over the last few weeks with “one or more things to do.”

Holy Week at St. James is a lot of work. All of the services we do that week require several crews of people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, put in the time and do the hard work. We hold nine services during that week, all of which are special services that we only do once a year. Each service, with its own unique details and preparations, requires many talented and willing participants to pull them off. Today, I take my hat off to all of those dedicated groups and individuals.

It starts with our St. James Altar Guild, who just might have more work to do than most, although the kitchen crews are right there with them. The flower guild is busy early, ordering palms, arranging for flowers and searching for dozens of potted lilies. Office staff has a special bulletin to produce and print for eight of the nine services. The junior wardens and ground crews do their part outside, and dozens of people inside the church vacuum, cook, clean, wash and polish. Chairs and tables get arranged, musicians and choir members put in overtime, our deacon is ‘deaconing’ everywhere, and everyone is looking for that “one more thing to do.” Whew!

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you and say, “I wouldn’t want to do it all with anyone but you!” Have a great Easter season, my friends.

Rob+