Christmas Letter

 

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