Our rector at St. James: Musings on a godly man

I remember 10 years ago, in February 2013, when Fr. Ben arrived at St. James. He was thrilled to be back in Virginia, Williamsburg is his birthplace, after spending his first years after ordination in Kentucky. He was excited to have his two young children, Elliott and Lauralee, at St. James Episcopal School. Working on Culpeper Street at the time, I would smile when I saw him chasing after their Bassett hound.

Fr. Ben was likeable and eager to get to know the congregation of St. James and what the Holy Spirit had in mind for him at this new parish.

Over the last 10 years I have been privileged to be a part of this faith community and to observe our pastor in action.

Fr. Ben doesn’t move slowly. He has a quick and determined pace about him. He’s focused and whether he’s speaking to you directly or navigating a crowd, he’ll give each person his eyes and attention.

While I know he’s not particularly fond of the scripture reading about a shepherd and his flock (suspect relaxing in an open field not his style), he is definitely a spiritual protector of us all. We are his extended family and his reach is exhaustive and caring. He will seek out the isolated. He will offer a gentle touch to those he knows would benefit from a kind word. He is a compassionate man.

He is a considerate man weighing the pros and cons of every situation and ever being mindful of the diverse range of personalities that fill the sanctuary. He works diligently to reinforce his strong belief that we are all created in the image of God, are unconditionally loved by that same God and invited to walk together in faith.

Fr. Ben loves to be amused and amazed. No surprise that he has a particular penchant for the children and youth at St. James. You’ll see him visiting classrooms, sharing stories and inviting preschoolers to join at baptisms. You’ll

also finding him sharing the slopes at ski trips or stirring the fire at a camp.

Fr. Ben is a reader, a life-long learner and he enjoys the intellectual stimulation that can be found in the various study forums.

Being in the choir, I’ve witnessed Fr. Ben at baptisms: his gentle caressing of infants, his smile to ease the nervousness of a young toddler and his jubilation at walking down the aisle with the newly baptized for all to welcome.

I’ve seen Fr. Ben at funerals; those final farewells. Often some passings have been preceded by illnesses or sudden tragedies. His sadness is real as is his consolation and hope for healing.

There have been sermons over the years that have had me teary. Fr. Ben keeps getting better and better at interpreting and elaborating on scripture always managing to bring in our human faults and foibles knowing that renewal and

restoration are always at hand.

St. James with all of its physical beauty is also a building demanding of attention. Fr. Ben is an able administrator and wears many hats dealing with staff, other clergy, ministry leaders and vestry.

To be in Fr. Ben’s sphere of influence is ever uplifting and reassuring. Fr. Ben encourages growth and encourages us all to be open to the opportunities that each day presents to extend our hearts to others and to choose joy.

There have been Sundays as I’ve sat in the choir and listened to his sermons where I’ve sensed a certain light about him – an aura. Perhaps it’s a reflection from the stained-glass windows or the way the sun decides to hit the pulpit or my contacts are blurry. But there is a radiance.

As we prepare to thank this man for his 10 years of service, let’s reflect on the past with gratefulness and look forward to a future that is hope filled, one where his light will continue to shine and where our lives in Christ will be encouraged to shine even brighter.

Anita L. Sherman

Vestry, reader and choir member

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