Christmas, 2025
My
Friends at St. Stephen’s,
It’s
no secret at St. Stephen’s that your priest is kind of a Grinch regarding
Christmas. I’m not a big fan of the commercial aspects of the holiday. But I
can say that our celebration of Christmas at St. Stephen’s makes up for it for
me. I love celebrating Christmas with all of you. I am grateful to serve a congregation
in which, as we commemorate the birth of Christ and prepare to celebrate all
that that birth means to us, we do so recognizing that we are all fully loved
and fully accepted children of God. There is something truly beautiful and
joyous in that realization.
For
my part, serving as St. Stephen’s continues to be truly one of the most
fulfilling experiences of my priestly life. Our life together of ministry,
worship, music and outreach is always an amazing grace in my life. I love
serving alongside faithful, committed people who truly do seek after God and
strive to serve others.
As
we move forward together into this future full of hope and potential growth, I
ask for your continued prayers for St. Stephen’s and your continued presence on
Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and whenever else we gather together to
worship and to do ministry.
Please
know that I pray, as always, for each of you individually by name over the
course of each week in my daily prayers and at the celebration of the
Eucharist. Above all, know that I give thanks to God every day for the
opportunity to serve such a wonderful, caring and loving congregation of people
who are committed to growth and radical hospitality.
My
sincerest blessings to you and to all those you love during this season of joy,
hope and love and in the New Year of 2026.
PEACE always,
Fr. Jamie
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