​The past few months have not only been pandemic, but pandemonium. We have watched evil displayed by fellow image bearers and some police officers in recent weeks. We have heard cries of grief in our own neighborhoods and from all around the world. And the cries have gotten louder. We watched as peaceful protests were hijacked by chaos and violence, destroying countless businesses and property, and injuring not only bystanders, but also injuring over 800 police officers, some of whom have been killed as well. We still have a long way to go.

​Dearest People of God in the Anglican Church in North America:I write you with a tremendous heaviness in my spirit and soul as I observe and participate in what is happening today in the United States of America. If ever there is a time for the people of God to fall on our faces before God and plead for his mercy and intervention, now is the time. As believers, we are given the privilege of coming to the Throne of Grace with our petitions and requests, and he promises to hear us. (1 John 5:14,15)
Consider what we have experienced in recent days and weeks:

​On the Day of Pentecost, May 31, Bishop Eric was blessed to ordain Anthony Velez as the newest deacon in the Diocese of San Joaquin. Due to restrictions on public gatherings only Dcn. Anthony's family were able to attend, but many others were able to participate by watching the service on Saint James Anglican Church's Facebook page. Dcn. Anthony has been very involved in both his congregation and the diocese in training catechists as well as catechizing confirmands. Dcn. Anthony is in the process to eventually be ordained a priest in the diocese at a later date. Please keep Dcn. Anthony and his family in your prayers as he begins this new stage of his ministry!