A capacity congregation gathered in the nave of St. James' for the 10:30am High Mass celebrating The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This would be the final liturgy celebrated by St. James' incumbent of the last eight years the Reverend Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins. Father Mark resigned this ministerial post in November of 2014 and will be taking up a new position in the UK as Team Rector of the newly created Rectorial Benefice of Eglwysilan and Caerphilly in the Diocese of Llandaff in the Church of Wales.
It was a very special celebration complete with six baptisms, five infant and one adult. The music in worship led by the St. James' choir under the direction of Organist and Choirmaster, Gerald Harder featured Monteverdi's Messa a 4 voci da capella.
Following the Gospel chanted by the Deacon, the Reverend Mother Joyce Locht, Mark 1: 4-11, Father Mark ascended the pulpit to preach for the final time as the rector of the parish.
Father Mark preached about baptism, a life-changing event for everyone involved. For the parish of St. James' he said, "Today the Holy spirit is leading you into a new season of Grace." He referred them to Jesus' words from Matthew's Gospel. "I am with you always to the ends of the earth." He said "the greatest gift we receive in life is our relationship with Jesus Christ." He urged the parish to "practice the promise of Jesus" and "Pray for the clergy...support the parish". He encouraged everyone present to continue to attend church. "This is not a time to take a break."
Following the liturgy, there was a celebratory luncheon to say farewell to Father Mark and his family and to thank him for his ministry.