A message from Fr Ron Clingenpeel

Dear Friends,

I am so glad and honored to be a part of St. Margaret’s community for the next three months. I want to thank Fr. Tommy of asking me to be here in your presence.

I will be in the office on a regular basis and you may come by, call, make an appointment, invite me for coffee or whatever. Usually I am at St. Margaret’s all day Monday, Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon. That is in addition to Sundays. Of course I will make hospital calls as allowed, and other pastoral calls a necessary.

My email address is [email protected] and you may write me anytime. If need be, I will be able to either answer by email or call you.

I do need your help, please. You all have one name to remember, but there are so many of you. If you would remind me of you name each time we meet – at least for a few weeks – and that will help me remember names. Thank you so much.

On June 13, we will start a book study reading, The Mystery of Christ, and Why We Don’t Get It. This text, by Robert Farrar Capon, is one of my favorite theological books. Here Capon relates case studies to a weekly theology group and they reflect on the study to see how it touches their lives. The members of the small group represent a number of viewpoints, which allows Capon to delve into different understandings of Grace. We will read two chapters each week. Please note that it will take 7 weeks for us to get through the book, taking a week off for July 4. You may order the book online.

Soon we will announce some plans for a few field trips during the summer. As Father Tommy is on pilgrimage, we too can spend some time on local pilgrimage.

You may know that some protocols for liturgy have been changed by our bishop and we will make those adjustments. The protocol in the state and the diocese have changed so that those who are vaccinated may go without a mask inside – and in our case, at the liturgies. Although this is now allowed I will be wearing a mask a good deal of the time. I have been vaccinated and I am comfortable with all that. I spend a good deal of time with lots of other people – young, old, people with and without presenting medical issues. Although I probably cannot share COVID germs, there are other things out there that I might pass on. I don’t want to take that chance. So bear with me as I continue to wear a mask. I look forward to seeing you on Sundays, and for those who cannot be present physically, we will continue to broadcast so that you can be a part of the community of faith.

May the Blessings of Christ be with you.

Ron +