It was a joy last Sunday to be welcomed to St James as the Interim Bridge Pastor. With all that God has and is doing at St James, I begin with an Easter “Alleluia!!!” God has brought us to an exciting space—with the Holy Spirit and Pr Lamont’s faithful guidance you have assessed your ministry, mission, gifts, and challenges that are being used by the Call Committee and pastoral candidates in discerning a “Call.” That activity is filled with God’s presence that fills our lives and world. My role is to walk with you in these holy times as the process advances to call the next Lead Pastor of St James. The Interim Bridge Pastor ministry was developed by the St Paul Synod to provide a continuity of the proclamation of the Gospel in Word and Sacrament. With the leaders, staff, community of believers and guests, I look forward to sharing the love and mercy of Christ with everyone the Spirit gathers at St James and our community.

In this week’s Gospel according to Matthew we learn more about the gift of forgiveness. One insight into forgiveness that has helped me was written by Fr Richard Rohr: “Forgiveness is to let go of our hope for a different or better past.” I invite you to reflect on this thought about forgiveness, knowing that it is God’s gift of grace.

Pr Walter+
Interim Bridge Pastor

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