news: August 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

S. Mary's eNEWS for week of Aug 26

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

for August 26, 2012 – The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Legacy Project

Parish House Color--"The Brown Has It!" Many thanks to all who deliberated and shared their thoughts regarding the exterior color of the Parish House and Rectory. The tallies are in and "Mission Brown" (the existing color) was the preferred choice. We are currently making final decisions regarding wood and window trim for both buildings. We thank all concerned for both their passion and collegiality in reaching this decision.

Private guided tours of the construction site - don't miss out! While there is much observable progress, there is also much work going on behind the scenes. Dick Miller is generously hosting guided tours of all spaces on the second and fourth (Souper Supper) Fridays at 4pm! Next one up is September 14th. All ages welcome!

Welcome Home Sunday, September 9, 2012

Return to Fall Worship Schedule, Guiding RAY, Carnival/BBQ, Choir returns

We joyfully welcome families home to S. Mary’s from summer vacation and resume our fall worship service (8am and 10am) schedule with a bang on September 9^th! Guiding Ray classes resume and all parishioners are cordially invited to join together for a picnic, carnival following the 10am service! Come one, come all!

Welcome Back Carnival

It’s time again to plan for our "Welcome Back" Carnival and All Parish Picnic on September 9^th. Any idea you have will be welcome. Some events kids love are water balloons, relay races, face painting, pastel drawings, guessing games, bingo, lawn bowling.

Again this Year! We’re holding a Cake Walk and are looking for whole cake donations that can be dropped off at the church on the 8^th or the morning of the carnival. If you can host a booth, game or bake a cake, we need you!! Please email Heather Gale hpgale@earthlink.net , and as always, thanks for all your help in celebrating the S. Mary's children and returning to the fall year. This is also the day that our Christian formation RAY program starts up with registration starting at 9:00am.

All Parish Picnic - All Welcome

Sunday, September 9th is the first day of Guiding RAY children's classes and the return of our choir after the summer break. Everything begins at 9:00 - 9:15 am with registration and social time in the rectory. Coffee, juice and donuts will be served. Rotation Workshop classes begin at 10:00 am. Any questions about the children's program can be directed to Julie Morrison at797-2201 or jmorrison500@yahoo.com

Following the service, at 11:30 am, there will be a picnic on the lawn. Hospitality will grill hamburgers and hotdogs and provide beverages. Families are requested to bring a salad or dessert to share. If your last name begins with

A-L please bring a salad,

M-Z please bring a dessert.

A sign-up sheet is in the Guild Room. To help with the picnic or with any questions, contact Anne LaFond 781-8820 or email alafond@maine.rr.com.

Volunteer Fair Re-energized and renamed Ministry Fair

Watch for more details; save the date and plan on attending on October 14^th.

Choir Rehearsal

S. Mary’s choir will resume its Thursday rehearsals on Thursday, August 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the church. If interested in joining the choir, please contact Bruce Fithian, bsfithian@aol.com

Sparkles Organizational Meeting

ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20th for our first organizational meeting. We will meet in the Guild Room at 6:30pm. We have it on good authority that the Parish House will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.

Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Consider hosting a coffee hour in the Guild Room following the service (either by yourself or with another family). It’s easy, fun and can be outside on nice summer Sundays. A feast is not needed – just a tidbit to enjoy with the coffee that is already made. FMI, contact Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 by e-mail at jbstod@myfairpoint.net .

REAL Housewives to resume this fall

The small group study "the REAL Housewives of (1st Century) Palestine" is preparing to resume after Labor Day. The group completed a review of the roles of women in the four Gospels and is now going to complete the study with a review of the Book of Acts and other sources on church history during the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. As the details are solidified we will announce the particulars of the starting date, place and time as soon as possible. All are welcome and encouraged to participate! FMI contact Bryan (bd1949@maine.rr.com) or Susan (sdench@maine.rr.com).

Camp Bishopswood Leadership Farewell

On Saturday, September 15, from 1-4p.m. there will be an open house to say goodbye to Camp Director, Georgia Koch who is retiring after 34 years and Sara Foster who is leaving after 24 years of service at Camp Bishopswood.

Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY

Throughout much of the construction period, access to the Parish House will be limited to the Guild Room and Kitchen. If you need this space to meet, please contact Beth Shaw (781-3366) early to reserve! Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Save the date - Thursday, October 18th

Thursday, October 18, 2012, Falmouth's churches and the Jewish community will host the fourth annual Harvest Community Supper, which has become popular as a community get-together and a way to support the Falmouth Food Pantry. The roast turkey supper with all the fixings will be held at the Falmouth Congregational Church. See you there!

Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. Please contact Deacon Christine if you are aware of someone who would like a visit. The Eucharistic Visitor this week is Ginny Stelk.

This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s

August – September 2012

Sunday 26 8:00am 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Soup Kitchen

Monday 27

Tuesday 28 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room

4:00pm Prayer Chain in the Guild Room

5:30pm Healing Team

7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in Auditorium

Wednesday 29

Thursday 30 10:30am Weekday Worship in the Guild Room

7:30pm Men’s AA in Auditorium

Friday 31 5:30pm Al-Anon

Sunday 2 8:00am 14^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 14^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Beth Shaw

Parish Administrator

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin

43 Foreside Road (Route 88)

Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-3366

www.smary.org

Friday, August 17, 2012

S. Mary's eNews for August 19, 2012

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

for August 19, 2012 – The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Thank you, Father Widdows

We are grateful to have the Reverend John Widdows join us as Celebrant and Preacher for the next three Sundays. Father Widdows is very involved with the Healing Team at the Cathedral, and we are fortunate to have share his talents with us. Thank you.

S. Mary’s Annual Lobster Bake/BBQ and Silent Auction

Rain or Shine - the Lobster event will happen! In addition to the main course, we’ll supply the soft drink, sides, desserts and coffee. Remember to bring your desired adults beverages and appetizers - sweaters too in case the temperatures get cool.

We have a new Rector!

Hopefully all have received, either by email or a mailed letter, the announcement from the wardens, vestry and discernment committee that Father Nathan Ferrell has accepted our call and all necessary documents have been signed. Copies of that letter can be found in the Guild Room or the narthex of the church. So many exciting things going on at S. Mary’s and so much to be thankful for!!

Legacy Project

Parish House Color--Your Thoughts are Needed!

The Legacy Design Committee must reach a decision regarding the exterior paint color of the Parish House and Rectory this coming week. We considered earlier suggestions from parishioners that we significantly lighten the color of this building. Regrettably, our budget precludes purchasing the quantity of paint and stain that would be required to do so. The alternative, limited color options will be on display this coming Sunday. Members of the design committee welcome your thoughts and feedback on these choices, so please reach out to Jennifer Gregg, Dick Miller, Hannah Russell, Janet Corey or George Barrett in person, by phone or email with your comments by 21 August. Many thanks!

In addition to the very obvious and exciting work on the new administrative wing and chapel foundation, the heating ducts in the church were cleaned this last week. At least an inch of "stuff" was coating this ductwork; its removal will significantly improve both heating efficiency and air quality in the church. This coming week will bring the pouring of the foundation for the new wing and additional work in the Guiding RAY spaces.

A reminder that Dick Miller is generously offering guided tours of all spaces under construction on the second and fourth (Souper Supper) Fridays at 4pm! Next one up is August 24. All ages welcome!

Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY

Soup Kitchen next Sunday, August 26^th

The Fourth Sunday of each month, Saint Mary’s prepares and serves a hot meal to the clients at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen. We need people to (a) go around 10:30 to help with the cooking and set-up; (b) to arrive about 11:45 to assist with table service; and/or (c) to help with clean-up beginning at 1:00. Bless you. Questions? Please call Marian McCue at 761-1936 or mmccue@maine.rr.com

Sparkles Cook Book Reminder

Next Volume of S. Mary’s Cookbook Series: “Vegetables, Eggs, Side Dishes and Sandwiches” – the fifth in our series. Recipes can be emailed or handwritten on the forms provided in the Guild Room. All recipes need to be received by early-mid October in order to have books printed and ready for Sparkles in early December. Please make this a delicious addition to our previous four books. All are available by request or at Sparkles for $10 each. With question regarding our Sparkles Fair, please call Jan Mordarski at 899-4099.

Sparkles Organizational Meeting

ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20^th at 6:30pm. We have it on good authority that the Parish Hall will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.

Remember to keep your pledges current

If you will be out of town for a few weeks or the entire summer, please maintain your weekly/monthly pledge commitment either by prepaying for the period you will be away or setting something up with Beth. The parish is still active in the summer and continues to have operating expenses, so receipt of your pledge is important. We appreciate and thank you for your support of this thriving parish.

Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Please consider hosting a coffee hour in the Guild Room following the service (either by yourself or with another family). It’s easy, fun and can be outside on nice summer Sundays. A feast is not needed – just a tidbit to enjoy with the coffee that is already made. FMI, contact Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 by e-mail at jbstod@myfairpoint.net.

This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s

August 2012

Sunday 19 8:00am 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Monday 20

Tuesday 21 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room

4:30pm Pastoral Partners in the Guild Room

7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in Church

Wednesday 22 7:00pm Vestry Meeting

Thursday 23 10:30am Weekday Worship in the Guild Room

7:30pm Men’s AA in Guild Room

Friday 24 5/7pm Souper Supper

5:30pm Al-Anon

Saturday 25

Sunday 26 8:00am 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Soup Kitchen

Announcement from the Discernment Committee

August 15, 2012

Dear Parishioners and Friends of S. Mary’s,

We are pleased to announce that we have finalized our letter of agreement with our next Rector. After receiving over 60 interested candidates, the Discernment Committee presented Reverend Nathan Ferrell to the Vestry on August 1^st. The Vestry voted unanimously to accept the Discernment Committee’s nomination.

Father Nathan comes to us from New Jersey. Since 2008, he has served as the rector of a shared ministry in Gloucester City and Bellmawr, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Vermont (Environmental Studies; ’95), Baptist Theological Seminary (’98) and the Virginia Theological Seminary (’02). He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in the Baptist tradition in 1998 and as a deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church in 2002. Prior to serving in New Jersey, Father Nathan was the Rector at Trinity Topsfield, MA and an associate at St. George’s Fredericksburg, VA.

Father Nathan is a warm, energetic and spiritual person. As a priest, he is passionate about ensuring that he connects his parish with the life changing messages in the Gospel. He believes in taking his ministry out of the church. He loves preaching and teaching. His affable nature allows him to connect with people of all ages as well as those in different places on their faith journey. He adapts easily to the customs and traditions of the parish he serves.

Father Nathan is married to his college sweetheart, Erin McGee Ferrell. Erin is a professional artist (erinmcgeeferrell.com). Together, they have 3 children, Angus, 16; Se (Shay), 14; and Fiona, 10. The Ferrell family has two dogs, Seamus and, native Mainer, Claire, who was acquired on their vacation in New England in July. The Ferrell Family loves New England especially the time they spend at their cabin in New Hampshire.

Father Nathan will officially start on November 5^th, preaching for the first time on November 11^th. Our next Ave will have more details about Father Nathan’s ministry and life as well as more information on the transition to the start of his ministry.

The Rev. John Widdows will be the celebrant for the next three weeks and we are working on coverage for the remaining weeks.

We are pleased to be looking forward to this next chapter at Saint Mary’s. With our renovated and new spaces and a new Rector, the best is yet to come for our parish family.

The Wardens, Vestry and Discernment Committee

S. Mary's eNews for August 12, 2012

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

for August 12, 2012 – The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Farewell Coffee for Pastor Barb

This Sunday is Pastor Barb’s last day as our Transition Priest in Charge. Please join us for a special coffee hour following each service. Thank you and God-speed, Pastor Barb.

Guest Organist

We are again pleased to welcome and thank Janice St. Cyr for providing the service music this Sunday morning.

Kotzschmar Organ Performance

Reminder – On August18th at 10:30 a.m. our own Bruce Fithian will be playing the Kotzschmar organ. He will be playing the “Dorian Toccata” by Bach, “Nimrod” by Edward Elgar and “Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David Johnson.

Mass on the Grass ends for the summer

We will be using supply clergy between the time Pastor Barb leaves and our new rector arrives; therefore, Mass on the Grass is over for the summer. See you on Sundays!

Remember to keep your pledges current

If you will be out of town for a few weeks or the entire summer, please maintain your weekly/monthly pledge commitment either by prepaying for the period you will be away or setting up something with Beth. The parish is still active in the summer and continues to have operating expenses, so receipt of your pledge is important. We appreciate and thank you for your support of this thriving parish.

Legacy Project

Enjoy a guided tour of the construction site on “Souper Supper” Fridays! Dick Miller is delighted to show you the site on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at 4pm. Hardhats available!

This week the focus has been on creating the elevator well, demolishing the foundation of the old office wing and beginning the construction in the Guiding Ray spaces. That construction will continue next week, along with duct work in the Church.

See Ledgewood newsletter at the end of the eNEWS

Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY

Sparkles Cook Book Reminder

The Next Volume of S. Mary’s Cookbook Series: “Vegetables, Eggs, Side Dishes and Sandwiches”–our fifth. Recipes can be emailed or handwritten on the forms provided in the Guild Room. We need all recipes submitted by early /mid–October in order to have books printed and ready for Sparkles in early December. Please make this a delicious addition to our previous four books. All are available by request or at Sparkles for $10 each. Please call Jan Mordarski at 899-4099 with any questions regarding our Sparkles Fair.

Sparkles Organizational Meeting

ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20th for our first organizational meeting. We will meet in the Guild Room at 6:30. I have it on good authority that the Parish Hall will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.

Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

S. Mary’s Annual Lobster Bake/BBQ and Silent Auction - August 18^th

Only Six Days to S. Mary’s Annual Silent Auction/Lobster Bake/BBQ. This wonderful annual event starts at 4:30pm; with dinner served at 6pm –– BYO appetizer & adult beverage. See attached 16-page catalog for full description of auction items.

This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s - August 2012

Sunday 12 Special coffee hours – Pastor Barb’s last Sunday as TPIC

8:00am 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Monday 13

Tuesday 14 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room

12:15pm Music lesson in Guild Room

4:00pm Prayer Chain

7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in Church

Wednesday 15

Thursday 16 10:30am Weekday Worship in the Guild Room

7:30pm Men’s AA in Guild Room

Friday 17 5:30pm Al-Anon

Saturday 18 4:30pm The Great Silent Auction/Lobster Bake

Sunday 19 8:00am 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Friday, August 3, 2012

S. Mary's eNEWS for August 5, 2012

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

for August 5, 2012 – The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Dear S. Mary’s Parishioners,

          After many months of hard work and many meetings, the Discernment Committee has selected and presented its choice for our next Rector to the Vestry at a special Vestry meeting August 1st. Following the Discernment Committee's comprehensive presentation about the search, selection process and their candidate, the Vestry deliberated and voted unanimously and enthusiastically to accept their recommendation. Following that vote, Bishop Lane was notified of our decision and the Bishop gave his wholehearted blessing saying he looked forward to working with the candidate. A conference call was then made to the candidate announcing the vote and the candidate immediately accepted!

          Beginning immediately, the Vestry leadership will enter into negotiations with the candidate regarding compensation and benefits and a background check must be completed. While this work has already started, the need for confidentiality continues both here and at the candidate's current parish until a letter of agreement has been signed.

          We are anxious to share the details as soon as possible as we are all sure that the candidate will be an excellent fit for St. Mary's. Thank you for your patience, support and prayers as we prepare for the next step in S. Mary's future.

The Wardens, Vestry and Discernment Committee

Guest Organist

We welcome Janice St. Cyr as our guest organist this Sunday and thank her for sharing her musical talent with us.

Pastor Barb – Access and Schedule

Next Sunday, August 12^th, will be Pastor Barb’s last Sunday with us. During this next week she will still be working out of the Rectory. Her office hours will continue to be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please use the Rectory number 619-7485 during office hours or for emergencies at any time. You can also reach Pastor Barb by cell phone at 1-989-295-1300, text messages or E-mail tpicsm9@gmail.com.

Farewell Coffee for Pastor Barb

On August 12^th, after each service there will be a special coffee hour for Pastor Barb. Please contact Anne LaFond, alafond@maine.rr.com, if you can volunteer for set up/clean up or to contribute breakfast breads and fruit.

Weekly Eucharist (Thursday)

The Thursday morning Eucharist service for Thursday, August 9th, will be celebrated at Carolyn Bernier’s home in Falmouth.

Please keep your pledges current

Discernment Committee
At a special Vestry meeting on August 1^st, the Discernment Committee, after many months of hard work and many meetings, presented its choice for our next Rector to the Vestry. Bishop Lane was notified of our decision and has given his wholehearted blessing. Look for more details about this soon.

Legacy Project

And The Walls Came A-Tumblin' Down...

Amid tears of reminiscence and excitement punctuated by shouts of enthusiasm, the old administrative wing came down on Tuesday morning. "Pieces of the rock" and wood will be available as souvenirs very soon. We are choosing from the hundreds of photos and movies taken of the event; keep checking the website (www.smary.org) and the S. Mary's Facebook site for postings.

One bit of sad news to convey: We have determined that we will not be able to save the beautiful Norway Maple tree on the northwest corner of what will be the new office wing. The primary root system had migrated towards the Parish House: In order to safely excavate, we will compromise that root system and have no choice but to bring that tree down.

Financing Secured: With the help of Pierce Atwood attorneys, S. Mary’s closed on the “bridge” construction loan with Norway Savings Bank on Tuesday afternoon! Thanks to our stellar Legacy Project Treasurer David Robinson for shepherding this through.

Next up: Ductwork in the church and reconstruction of the Parish House great room are scheduled to begin this week!

Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY

Sparkles Organizational Meeting

ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20th for our first organizational meeting. We will meet in the Guild Room at 6:30. I have it on good authority that the Parish Hall will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.

Kotzschmar Organ Performance

Mark Your Calendars – On August18th at 10:30 a.m. our own Bruce Fithian will be playing the Kotzschmar organ. He will be playing the “Dorian Toccata” by Bach, “Nimrod” by Edward Elgar and “Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David Johnson.

Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

S. Mary’s Lobster Bake/BBQ and Silent Auction

This will be your last opportunity to offer an item, gift certificate or service! Please have your donations in by August 8^th. Suggestions: a service, a special talent to share, a themed basket, or anything you think would be desirable to others. Please contact Jim or Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 or call the parish office at 781-3366.

Also time is running out for you to put a table of 8+ together to qualify for a 10% discount. Call the parish office to reserve your table or just your own lobster before they run out! Event starts at 4:30pm with dinner served at 6pm. BYO appetizer & beverage.

This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s - August 2012

Sunday 5 8:00am 10^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 10^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Monday 6

Tuesday 7 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room

12:15pm Music lesson in Guild Room

4:00pm Prayer Chain

7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in the Church

Wednesday 8 LAST DATE FOR AUCTION DONATIONS

Thursday 9 10:30am Weekday Worship at Carolyn Bernier’s home in Falmouth

6:00pm Mass on the Grass

7:30pm Men’s AA in the Guild Room

Friday 10 5:30pm Al-Anon

5/7pm Souper Supper (No Cinema)

Saturday 11 Next week the great Silent Auction/Lobster Bake

Sunday 12 8:00am 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1

9:30am 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2

Farewell Coffee Hours for Pastor Barb after each service

Beth Shaw

Parish Administrator

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin

43 Foreside Road (Route 88)

Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-3366

www.smary.org