Saint Mary’s Weekly News
For June 8, 2014 – The Day of Pentecost
Our prayer concerns for this week
For healing: John Reny, Jim Whittemore, Angela Kase, Marion Abramo, Larry Bennett, Michelle Bilodeau, Dodie Clifford, Jacci Evans, Paula Gardner, Charlie Hunt, Kathryn Kuehn, Andrew Leighton, Andrea Markos, Arthur Markos, Roger Murray, Brian Pettingill, Peg Pierce, Haley Stark, and Ann Tholen.
***IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THIS LIST, please write them on the Sunday Prayer List found in the Narthex or contact the Office (781-3366 or smary@smary.org).
2015 Leadership Nominations: We need your input! – deadline SUNDAY!
This year the Nominating Committee is requested to recruit parishioners to fill the 2015 positions of Sr. Warden and Jr Warden; four (4) three year-terms on the Vestry; one (1) one-year term on the Vestry; and four (4) delegates and three alternates to the 2015 Diocesan Convention. For the Nominating Committee to be successful in its task, we need your input with nominations of eligible parishioners who you believe to be best suited for these key parish leadership positions. If you are interested, please nominate yourself. See inserted Nomination F5orm; nomination boxes are outside the Guild Room and the Narthex of the church. Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, June 8.
NEW Summer Worship Schedule starts the week of June 22!
Sunday worship will be at 8:00 and 9:30 AM ( instead of 10am) beginning June 22. There will be no Guiding RAY classes or Middlers, but there will be nursery all summer.
Mass On The Grass: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. A brief, informal, outdoor Eucharist that is interactive and multi-sensory and appropriate for all ages. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. If inclement weather, we’ll gather in the Chapel.
Thursday 10:30 am: Spiritual Reflections with Deacon Christine. Open to all, this may include a bible study, a book study, reflective readings as well as follow-ups and conversations.
The Thursday 12 noon Healing Eucharist will have a brief hiatus during the summer months. Please join us for Noonday Prayer in the chapel.
Like us on Facebook and Twitter!
While we work on the re-development of our website, our Facebook page and Twitter feed are the best ways to keep up with parish news on the internet! Like us, follow us and be up to speed on our parish life!
www.facebook.com/ChurchofSaintMary AND @SMaryFalmouth
Serving The World
Join the Souper Supper Team
We offer free community suppers on the second and fourth Friday of each month in the auditorium of S. Mary’s Parish House. The dinners, which are available to the public at no charge, are served in a family-style setting and consist of a hearty soup or entree, salad or vegetable, bread, homemade desserts and beverages. We’d love to have you join us for a wonderful fellowship dinner or to help out in setup serving or clean-up. Contact Jennifer Gregg jenniferanngregg@gmail.com if interested or for more information.
Mindful Movement and Breath Series Mondays, 9-9:45
June 2-July 7 - FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
Enjoy a six week class that seeks to connect the body mind and spirit. Each class is structured around a universal meditation/intention, threading quiet movement and breath through a musical journey designed to create space and drop each participant more deeply into themselves. These movements may be done from a chair or the floor, so are suitable to all ages and physical abilities. Held in the auditorium. Open to and offered at no charge to the community at large. Bring a friend!
Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Presentation and Reception, June 26, 10am - S. Mary's Auditorium
Do you have aging parents? Are you approaching Retirement? Are you of "a certain age" and want to know about the many services available? This is for you!
The Outreach Committee invites you to a presentation by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, involving a short overview of the wide variety of services offered to all, followed by Q and A and light refreshments. This is A FREE information session, open to the public. Learn about resources in your area from Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA), a non-profit that has helped older adults in York and Cumberland counties for four decades. Topics covered include: Information and resources,, Healthy aging (good nutrition, staying active, Maine Senior Games), Volunteering, Adult Day Services, and more…FMI, Contact Jennifer Gregg (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com; 781-2665)
Youth Ministry Notes
Our thanks to Guiding RAY folks for hosting a special Strawberry Shortcake coffee hour this Sunday morning. Our thanks as well to each member of the GR Leadership Team, to each teacher and each parent. Praise God for another wonderful school year together!
Godly Play: Christian Formation for our young people
On regular Sundays from September to June, we offer a Montessori-based program called Godly Play to learn about God, the Bible, and the Church with our children. Today is the last day for classes until we gather again on September 7. Mark your calendars!
Maine & New Hampshire Week @ Young Life Camp: July 6 – 12
All high schoolers are invited to join the bus trip going from our region over to Saranac Lake, NY with Jordan (our new YL staff from California) for the most amazing week ever. Guaranteed. Talk with Nathan+ right away if you would like more information.
NEW -Saint Mary’s High School Youth Group: Sunday, June 29, 6:30 PM
Interested in a S. Mary’s High School Youth Group focused on service, fellowship and spirituality? Interested in brainstorming ideas for a High School program based at S. Mary’s? Then please join us on June 29 at 6:30pm (dessert and coffee) to express your ideas and desires for the youth of S. Mary’s. For all interested youth and their parents. Many have expressed interest in seeing this happen at S. Mary's, but we can only move forward if we have everyone's feedback and help!! Thank you and we hope to see you on June 29th!!
Camp BION @ Bishopswood: August 19-23
Archery, kayaks, shaving cream games, swimming, ultimate Frisbee, campfires, s'mores, team building games, beads & hemp, music and lots more. An awesome 5 days away for our teens (all who have completed 6-12 grades) to explore faith, have fun, and make new friends. Nathan+ will be one of the clergy leaders. See www.maineyouth.net to register.
Guiding RAY Summer Nursery Care
Though Guiding RAY classes end on June 8th, Nursery Care will continue throughout the summer from 9:15-10:30 thanks to the devoted service of Alison Hayward. In order to ensure the safety of our youngest parishioners, we endeavor to have two adults in the nursery area--which means that Alison needs a partner! We are asking the entire parish family to consider assisting Alison ONE Sunday this summer. If you can do so, visit the Google spreadsheet listed in the eNEWS, then just click on the attached and add your name! Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13HA8oyE60blgphevNZ9VEkP-P953NMhK5q9DBSPc1QM/edit?usp=sharing
Meetings, Events & Notes
Notice of a Special Meeting of the Parish: Sunday, June 15, 10:30 AM
A Special Meeting of the members of The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin is scheduled for Sunday, June 15, at 10:30 AM to vote on a request to Thomas G. Ainsworth, Esquire, of South Portland, Maine, the Trustee of the Ruth Eddy White Trust for the benefit of the Church which was established under the will of Ruth Eddy White dated April 22, 2008, that he exercise his sole and absolute discretion to distribute all of the undistributed income and principal in the Trust to the Church, with one-half to be added to the S. Mary’s Programs Endowment Fund and one-half to be added to the S. Mary’s Buildings and Grounds Endowment Fund.
The Vestry has called for this Special Meeting to be held at the start of our gathering with Bishop Steve in order to discuss the future mission of our parish family.
St. Mary’s Schola – Spring Concert THIS WEEKEND!!
The St. Mary Schola, under the direction of Bruce Fithian, will present a very festive program call ‘Come, ye Sons of Art’ on June 6 at 7:30pm at the Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland, and June 8 at 4:00pm at the Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth, Maine. For more information, visit the Schola website http://www.stmaryschola.org
NEW Welcome Gathering: Sunday, June 22, 4-6pm
Everyone who is new (and/or newly returning) to Saint Mary’s is invited for an informal gathering for food and conversation with parish leaders and others. We’ll meet at the home of Janet & Garry Bowne, 11 Streamwood Lane, Falmouth (off Woodville Rd – just up the road from the middle school.) Don’t miss it!
SPARKLES NEWS
NEWS Knitters Corner----start to knit NOW for Sparkles! Mittens, hats, scarves, baby items and felted bags are big sellers. Items are priced by the knitter. If you have early donations or want more information, please call Barbara Murray (799-1326).
Saint Mary’s Godspeed Team – Runners needed!
We have a few months until the Maine Marathon (October 5) when our Godspeed Team will be running again. Last year, we had a 4-person relay team, and this year we are hoping for even more runners to join the team! We hope to have a meeting in late June to get organized and discuss a fundraising goal for a worthy cause. If you are interested in joining the Team, please let Nathan+ know right away. Runners of all abilities are welcome. This is a NO JUDGMENT team. The more, the merrier!
Saturday, August 9: S. Mary's 10th Annual Lobster Bake & Auction
To be held on our lawns, weather permitting. Beginning at 4:30 pm, rain or shine, join fellow parishioners, family and friends for fun, fellowship and feasting. Lobster/Steamer dinner= $30, BBQ Chicken dinner= $10, and grilled burgers and hotdogs= $5. To purchase tickets, contact Beth in the office 781-3366, smary@smary.org or Betsy & Jim Stoddard, 829-2026, jbstod@myfairpoint.net.
The Auction Committee has received many live and silent auction items thus far. Kindly consider donating an auction item to this event. Can you offer a service or an experience? Gift certificates are very popular. If you prefer to underwrite any portion of this event, your monetary donation would gladly be appreciated. We are looking for a co-chair for this wonderful annual event; if interested, contact the Wardens or Betsy or Jim Stoddard.
Urban Promise Week August 3—9, in Camden, New Jersey
“For anyone who goes, prepare to fall in love with some of the most beautiful and lively children you've ever met who are forced to live in some of the most dreadful conditions imaginable.” Father Nathan Ferrell
This will be a wonderful opportunity for S. Marians of all ages to spend a week with, teach and learn from children at Urban Promise, a “summer camp” for neighborhood children of Camden, New Jersey that provides a safe, loving, fun and creative place for local youth to escape the dangerous city streets.
See the May and June AVEs for more details. We hope you will feel called to join Father Nathan for what will surely be a life-changing experience. Sign-up sheet is outside the Guild Room. Please also contact Harold Otte (haroldotte@aol.com) or Father Nathan with questions.
Global Leadership Summit: August 14-15
Space is still available to join Fr. Nathan at this world-class leadership training event. If you are called to be a leader in your business, in your home, in the church, in the community, then this event will inspire and equip you to be a better Christ-centered leader. Contact Fr. Nathan FMI.
Pastoral Care
Communicating with Fr. Nathan
Feel free to contact Fr. Nathan at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org or call his cell anytime at 207-310-0268.
Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. The Eucharistic Visitor today is Deacon Christine. If you or someone you know would like Communion brought to them, please call the Parish Office. If you wish to learn more about this special ministry, feel free to speak with Deacon Christine.
This Week at Saint Mary’s
Sunday 8 8:00am The Day of Pentecost: Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour in the auditorium
9:15am Family Chapel – for all families and children
9:30am Guiding RAY begins: last day until the fall
10:00am The Day of Pentecost: Contemporary Eucharist
11:15am Coffee Hour in the auditorium
Monday 9 9:00am Budget & Finance Committee meeting
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
Tuesday 10 12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
1:00pm Staff meeting
3:00pm 2014-2015 Calendar Planning session
7:00pm AA in Auditorium
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
Wednesday 11 12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
7:00pm Bible Study @ the Hurdman’s
Thursday 12 10:30am Wisdom Seekers Bible Study
12noon Healing Eucharist in the Chapel
3:00pm David Thurston burial
4:00pm Boy Singers of Maine
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
Friday 13 Parish Office is closed on Fridays
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are!
5:00pm Community Souper Supper - All welcome!
5:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
7:00pm Classic Cinema in the Guild Room
Saturday 14 9:00am Boy Singers of Maine
7:00pm Renewal of Marriage Vows for Carla & Arthur Birt
Sunday 15 9:00am Trinity Sunday: ONE Contemporary Eucharist
10:00am Parish Photo on the lawn
10:15am Continental breakfast for all in the auditorium
10:30am Parish Meeting & Conversation with Bishop Steve
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
At The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, we are building authentic,
vibrant, Christ-centered community as we …
v Celebrate the goodness of God and the gift of life,
v Honor the presence of Christ in one another, and
v Serve the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our congratulations to Angus and the Ferrell Family with the wonderful news that Angus is accepting the invitation to join the July cadet class at West Point! Here is Erin’s retelling of the journey and the family’s excitement.
Congratulations to Angus from your S. Mary’s family!
West Point….The Bigness of the Invitation!!!!!!
This letter is a summary of the crazy journey and its joy filled end. June 2014.
Year 2011. Nate (minister), Erin (artist) and family stops at the Naval Academy in Baltimore to look around while in the area. Cadets walk in uniform and formation and somehow these liberal arts parents see that their son would fit perfectly in this place. The admissions video states statistics that 17,000 people apply to all Service Academies and 4,600 cadets are accepted. To apply is a long, multi-layered process that begins junior year of high school.
A few months later Angus attended Navy Seal Wrestling Camp in Annapolis and set the goal for himself to attend a Military Academy.
The move to Maine. Many are aware that I didn’t want to leave Philadelphia area for Maine. One of the upsides of the move though would be the smaller pool of applicants from the state which would improve Angus’s securing Congressional appointments. In addition to moving, Angus was accepted to the selective Air Force summer session for juniors and during that time in Colorado distinguished himself in the top of his class for PT.
How to get a leg up
Career military friends told us that a few selected spots are reserved every year at the academies for members of the National Guard. Many times these spots are not filled because many National Guardsmen are too old, married, or have children already. Angus, a junior in high school, asked that we sign a parental release for him to join the Maine Army National Guard and spent 11 weeks of the summer before senior year in boot camp in Missouri.
Last summer, with my son being put in gas tanks and only able to talk on the phone for 30 seconds once a month, I tasted the emotionally difficulty of being a military mom…but Angus’s goal was on the academies.
The Paperwork
Applying to The United Air force Academy, West Point, and the United Naval Academy is a very complex procedure. Before one can even apply one needs to submit a note of interest and then the regional officer contacts you. The cadet and family are interviewed, then the cadet has three separate interviews per academy. If you are vetted through that stage then you can start the military medical and eye exams and begin the paperwork. One layer lets you through to another layer. Each layer needs approval and is systematic.
Congressional Appointments
Even with all the interviews completed, medical exams passed, and paperwork in order, the candidate must now secure congressional nominations to the academy. Angus last fall began writing all the Maine senators and congressmen for a congressional appointment. November brought a day of intense interviews which landed him 9 appointments to the academies. We got Cocky.
The Wait
Erin is not a patient person. We knew that Angus would hear from the schools for acceptance anytime between December and April 15. How the process works is each candidate is ranked on a list in order. The higher on the list the sooner you find out if you were accepted. The lower on the list, you are generally issued a rejection letter sooner. Angus was high but not high enough. In April we were excited because he hadn’t received a rejection letter from anywhere. Then on April 13 the rejection emails from Navy and Air Force arrived. In late April Angus was informed that he ranked 5th in Maine and the state only took 2 candidates.
The Grief
Change of Plans. Complication. Plan B. Resignation. The future looked different. Maine National Guard obligation stated that Angus needed to complete Military Police Job Training Aug-October which knocked out the first semester of University of Maine. Angus would be hanging at home till February 2015. We were all grumpy.
The Call
June 3. Tuesday evening. Tacos and beer outside on the patio. Nate, Fiona, and I are hanging out. Angus walks outside and quietly makes the comment that we might have to revisit the summer calendar and contract we had talked about two days earlier.
Angus had just received a phone call informing him of his invitation to West Point.
Gratitude
The invitation from West Point yesterday marks the end to a three year journey from the visit to Annapolis and the realization of a parent that my child would fit perfectly in this strange military world through work, and forms, waiting for 7 months, rejection and grief, to incredible surprise and tremendous Joy! I thank God for this painful process, as the joy wouldn’t be so crazy without the work and the pain that came before it. Child birth all over.
As a mother I celebrate. I also reflect on the emotional roller coaster of thoughts and feelings. From Acknowledging Angus belonging in the military environment to recognizing unhealthy vicarious living patterns through the success and failure of my son as my own success and rejection. Coming to terms with a plan B and making peace with it. Prayer, waiting, listening, …acceptance…Then this OUTCOME OF GRACE.
Thank you for sharing the journey with our family! GO ARMY!
Erin McGee Ferrell
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.3366
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