Thursday, December 17, 2015

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 12.20.15

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

December 20, 2015 – The Fourth Sunday of Advent


Celebrate Honor Serve

 

 

THANK YOU! We are getting more 2016 pledge forms in every day. Our new total is $188,850 from 95 of parishioner households. We are blessed but still have a way to go to hit our goal of $265,000. It’s such a busy time but we hope you’ll take a minute to complete your form and turn it in. Let us know if you need a pledge form. You’ll find them in the Narthex and at coffee hour or by contacting the office! At this time of year, some parishioners use appreciated securities/stock to www.smary.org  Also on our web site you’ll find ways to give electronically. If you do use a stock transfer for your pledge, please let Beth know (admin@smary.org or 781-3366) as the transfers come to us without any identification which makes it nearly impossible to credit you.   You make it possible for Saint Mary’s to Celebrate Honor and Serve God in all people. Thank you!

"Be Still" : every Monday in Advent, 5:30 – 6:30 PM  

Especially for busy parents, a time to “Be Still” is offered each Monday of Advent (December 21). This is time for quiet in the Father James Chapel. Time to breathe, re-center, reflect, to “be” with God. Come for five minutes, or come for the hour!

Wisdom Seekers book study: this Tuesday at 10:30 AM - December 22

Join us for our Advent book study, “Awaiting the Already.” All are welcome and invited.  There will be no Wisdom Seekers on December 29th, but we’ll see you on January 5th.

Thursday Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon

Please note the next Thursday Eucharist will be held on January 7th.  Join us most every Thursday for this beautiful, informal time to gather at the Lord’s Table with a meditation on the scriptures or the lives of the saints, time for group discussion, and prayers for healing.

Noonday Prayer: every other weekday in the Chapel

Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. Everyone is welcome! You are also invited, wherever you may be, to STOP and PRAY with us in the Spirit at Noon for those in need, for our parish family, for our bishop Steve, and for your own daily life with God.

 

SPARKLE NEWS:

Please stop in the paper room and shop for Valentine paper supplies and Saint Mary’s cards.  In the paper room as well are three or four gift boxes. There are also some bags of SPARKLES Coffee and a few Fr. James Ornaments (more are in the auditorium).  

**All of these things will remain available until January 8 or the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas.  It would be wonderful to have everything bought and nothing to store away! 

Also, if anyone knows the woman who purchased the pottery Nativity Scene that was in the Guild Room, let Beth or Jan know.  In packing up, we found one piece of it left here.     See the SparklesSaintMarys Falmouth Facebook page to see some great pictures of a fun day.   

Enormous THANKS to all who helped with the many Sparkles events!

Christian Formation Notes

Guiding RAY  (Religious Adventures for Youth):   9:30 / 9:45 each Sunday   

At 9:30 AM, Family Chapel is a special time for families and children with Fr. Nathan in the Chapel. Guiding RAY classes begin immediately afterward at 9:45 AM.

The Nursery always opens at 9:30 AM for our youngest disciples on the lower level. 

NOTE: There will be no Family Chapel or GR classes on Dec. 20 due to the Pageant!

Youth Ministry

Young Life Casco Bay: on break now until January

Watch the calendar for upcoming youth events at www.younglifecb.com .

Advent for the Middlers: Christmas Around the World
Throughout Advent, youths from 6th to 12th grades have had the opportunity to gather at 9:30 AM in the Youth Room on the Sundays of Advent to learn how Christmas is celebrated in Ethiopia, Germany and Mexico.

Dec. 20: Meet briefly for hot chocolate with cinnamon and special snacks and learn how the wise men/three kings represent foreign counties and cultures paying homage to Jesus. Then attend Saint Mary's children's Christmas pageant at 10 AM.

Serving The World

Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays, including December 25!

Our free suppers in our Parish House Auditorium open to anyone and everyone continue as usual in the month of December. Please consider dropping in sometime between 5 – 7 PM on either evening for dinner served in a family-style setting and consisting of a hearty soup, salad, bread, homemade desserts and beverages.  

Our monthly Classic Cinema has changed nights in December and will be showing “Christmas in Connecticut” at 7pm on Christmas night following Souper Supper.

Community Care & Nurture

If You Have to Spend Time in a Hospital… 

Please make sure that you register yourself as a member of The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth! MMC no longer keeps track of general religious affiliation, but only membership in a specific congregation. And make sure to call S. Mary’s and let us know!

Communicating with Father Nathan 

Feel free to contact Nathan+ at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can call or text his cell anytime at 207-310-0268   or e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org. 

IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List found in the Narthex or contact the Office  (781-3366 or smary@smary.org).

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Rick Bartlett, Michelle Bilodeau, Gardner Bilodeau, Clair Budnik, Janet Dorman, Gay Freeman, Olive Galen, Sarah Gorman, Margo Harrington, Lynn Hathaway, Cindy Horton, Chandra Lowe, Mary Lygo, Shelly Maher, Roger Murray, and Jim Whittemore.       

 

This Week at Saint Mary’s

Sunday         20    8:00am     Holy Eucharist: using Rite II in Advent

                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins

                             9:30am     Middlers:  Hot Cocoa and Snacks

                             10:00am     Christmas Pageant and Choral Holy Eucharist

                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues

Monday        21    January AVE deadline

                             12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel 

Tuesday        22    Annual Reports are due

                             9-12:30     Art Group in Auditorium

                             10:30am   Wisdom Seekers Advent Study: “Awaiting the Already”

                             12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                             1:00pm     Get Stitching in the White Wool Room

                             6:30pm     Beginner’s Al-Anon

                             7:00pm     AA in auditorium

                             7:30pm     Al-Anon meeting – in Guild Room 

Wednesday   23    12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel 

Thursday      24    THE EVE OF THE NATIVITY

                                    12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                             4:00pm    Family Christmas Eve Eucharist

                             6:00pm    Family Christmas Eve Eucharist

                             9:00pm     Choral Candlelight Christmas Eve Eucharist

Friday           25   THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

                             10:00am   Christmas Day Eucharist

                             5 – 7 pm   Community Souper Supper – All are welcome!

                             7:00pm    Classic Cinema presents Christmas in Connecticut

Sunday         27    THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

                             8:00am     Holy Eucharist

                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins

                             10:00am     Choral Holy Eucharist

                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues

 

FYI: Beth Shaw will be on vacation next week (Dec. 28 to 31)

The Parish Office will be closed for the holidays on December 28 - January 1.

Pastoral or Emergency calls should be made to Fr Nathan’s cell phone at 207-310-0268

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Administrator

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366

 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 12.6.15

Saint Mary's Weekly News
December 13, 2015 – The Third Sunday of Advent

Today: Fr. David Illingworth returns
The Ferrell family is away for the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia and for a time to visit with family.  We are delighted to have Fr. David Illingworth return to Saint Mary's to preside, and also to have the Rev. Portia Hirschman assisting.  Thank you to both!

Celebrate Honor Serve!
 Thank you to the over 75 households who have pledged over $170,000 for 2016. We have a way to go to hit our goal of $265,000. It's a busy time of year here at Saint Mary's. Please remember to turn in your completed pledge form by the end of December! If we all do what we can, we will hit our goal! Pledging should be joyful not stressful. Consider what it possible for you and turn your form in today! If you've lost your form, they are available in the narthex of the church and at coffee hour or by contacting Beth Shaw (781-3366 or admin@smary.or). Some have asked about their 2015 pledging status. Beth is the go to person for that information too. THANK YOU!

Upcoming Events & Gatherings
SPARKLES NEWS
The Sparkles Fair is over for the year and this afternoon's Schola and Reception will mark the end of the Sparkles Season for 2015. We hope you will join us for the concert and gala reception.
         We were blessed with beautiful weather for the Fair.  We had lots of shoppers and we did very well financially (appears that we will clear more than $14000.). We showed a beautiful and welcoming face to the community, and we made new friends within the Parish family----just what the Sparkles Season is all about.  There are still some bags of Sparkles special coffee from Coffee by Design to purchase and a few of the new special Fr. James+ Ornaments.  
   So many of you helped to make this all happen and we offer our heartfelt thanks to all.  We would like to offer special thanks to ALL our section chairs and especially to the new folks on the team-----Jana Burke who joined Nadine Timberlake on publicity and who created our Sparkle Facebook page, Kathy Galen who joined MaryAnn Mclean in organizing the volunteers for Fair Day, Megan Akers organized the Family Advent Wreath Workshop and Garry Bowne who took on the Head Cashier position and was assisted by John Fournier. And, of course we could never do this without the men who help with all the moving and lifting.  And, most especially, we want to thank our hardworking and always smiling Parish Administrator, Beth Shaw.
  Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year from Onnie Hastings and Jan Mordarski --Sparkles Co-Chairs
Sparkles Benefit Concert: this Sunday, December 13, 4 PM
"Today's Light": a joyous celebration of the season.  The St. Mary Schola offers its annual SPARKLES Concert to benefit our parish family. If you want to experience the mystery of medieval song, the glory of early music, and hear some of Maine's best singers and players celebrate this season, please join us at 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Bruce will present a brief early music lecture at 3:30 PM.  After the concert, you are invited to an elegant reception to end the Sparkles season. Concert & Reception cost $20 adults; students are free.  Tickets are available on-line (www.stmaryschola.org), in the parish office or at the door IF there are tickets left.
 
Advent Caroling for all: Friday, December 11, 4:30 PM    
Adults and children of all ages are invited to gather at the Parish House on Friday evening for caroling at Falmouth by the Sea and Foreside Harbor, followed by a hearty meal (and singing for your supper...) at S. Mary's SOUPER SUPPER. All are welcome!
 
Back by popular demand – Cinnamon Rolls!
 At Sparkles, we quickly sold out of the delicious cinnamon rolls. You may recall we sold them individually, hot from the oven and in packages of 6, frozen. A small group of elves will see to it that we have another delivery in time for Christmas. On Sunday, December 20th, you'll be able to buy packages of 6 frozen cinnamon rolls for $10 on a first come, first served basis after the 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock services. They are perfect for baking off on Christmas morning!

"Be Still" : every Monday in Advent, 5:30 – 6:30 PM  
Especially for busy parents, a time to "Be Still" is offered each Monday of Advent (December 7, 14, & 21). This is time for quiet in the Father James Chapel. Time to breathe, re-center, reflect, to "be" with God. Come for five minutes, or come for the hour!
 
Wisdom Seekers book study: every Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Join us for our Advent book study, "Awaiting the Already." All are welcome and invited for this Advent season. FMI contact Deacon Christine: deacab@maine.rr.com, 653-2448.
 
Thursday Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon
This is a beautiful, informal time to gather at the Lord's Table with a meditation on the scriptures or the

"BE STILL" Every Monday in Advent
Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. Everyone is welcome! You are also invited, wherever you may be, to STOP and PRAY with us in the Spirit at Noon for those in need, for our parish family, for our bishop Steve, and for your own daily life with God.

Christian Formation Notes
Guiding RAY  (Religious Adventures for Youth):   9:30 / 9:45 each Sunday   
At 9:30 AM, Family Chapel is a special time for families and children with Fr. Nathan in the Chapel. Guiding RAY classes begin immediately afterward at 9:45 AM.
NOTE: There will be no Guiding RAY classes on December 20 due to the Pageant!
The Nursery always opens at 9:30 AM for our youngest disciples and has returned to the Guiding RAY rooms in the lower level of the Parish House.
 
Christmas Pageant FULL Dress Rehearsal:  Saturday, December 19 at 3 PM
All hands on deck! FMI: please contact Julie Otte at 781-2322 or juliemomotter@aol.com

Youth Ministry
Young Life Casco Bay: Club on Mondays at 7:31 PM
You're crazy to miss it! All area high schoolers are invited to crash the Herdrich's home at 2 Town Landing Rd in Falmouth (the corner of Foreside Rd and Town Landing). Park in the corner lot across from the Market. Bring ALL of your friends!
 
Advent for the Middlers: Christmas Around the World
Open to all youth from 6th to 12th grades. Gather at 9:30 AM in the Youth Room on the Sundays of Advent to learn how Christmas is celebrated in other countries with their own unique traditions which we will explore with special food, activities and games particular to each culture. Questions? Call or email Meg Hurdman 400-9011 or hurdman@maine.rr.com.
The Focus on Nov 29 and Dec. 6 was on Ethiopia and Germany.
Dec. 13: Focus will be on Mexico, learn about poinsettias and piñatas and what it means when you greet someone by saying, "Feliz Navidad".
Dec. 20: Meet briefly for hot chocolate with cinnamon and special snacks and learn how the wise men/three kings represent foreign counties and cultures paying homage to Jesus. Then attend Saint Mary's children's Christmas pageant at 10 AM.

Serving The World
Saint Mary's Snow Angel Giving Tree: Sunday is the deadline!
Thanks to everyone who took tags and didn't miss the opportunity to become engaged in the spirit of giving. Unwrapped gifts should be back under the tree no later than December 13 with the tag on them to ensure the families receive them in time for Christmas.  For more information, contact Betsy or Jim Stoddard at 829-2026 or  jbstod@myfairpoint.net
 
Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays, December 11 and 25
Our free suppers in our Parish House Auditorium open to anyone and everyone continue as usual in the month of December. Please consider dropping in sometime between 5 – 7 PM on either evening for dinner served in a family-style setting and consisting of a hearty soup, salad, bread, homemade desserts and beverages.   FMI or to join the Souper Supper team, contact Jennifer Gregg  jenniferanngregg@gmail.com .

Community Care & Nurture
If You Have to Spend Time in a Hospital… 
Please make sure that you register yourself as a member of The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth! MMC no longer keeps track of general religious affiliation, but only membership in a specific congregation. And make sure to call S. Mary's and let us know!
Communicating with Father Nathan 
Feel free to contact Nathan+ at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can call or text his cell anytime at 207-310-0268   or e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org
Prayer Concerns for this week:  Rick Bartlett, Michelle Bilodeau, Gardner Bilodeau, Tim Blanchette, Janet Dorman, Gay Freeman, Olive Galen, Sarah Gorman, Lynn Hathaway, Cindy Horton, Chandra Lowe, Mary Lygo, Shelly Maher, Roger Murray, Lynne Shepherd and Jim Whittemore.                                                                                          IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List found in the Narthex or contact the Office  (781-3366 or smary@smary.org).
 
Christmas 2015 at Saint Mary's
Children's Christmas Pageant: December 20 at 10AM
Christmas Eve: Family Eucharist at 4 and 6pm, Choral Candlelight Eucharist at 9pm
Christmas Day:  Holy Eucharist with carols at 10am
 
This Week at Saint Mary's
Sunday         13    8:00am     Holy Eucharist: using Rite II in Advent
                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins
                             9:30am     Family Chapel – in the Chapel
                             9:30am     Middlers:  Christmas around the world
                             10:00am     Choral Holy Eucharist
                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues
                             3:30pm     Pre-concert lecture in sanctuary
                             4:00pm     Sparkles Schola Christmas Concert & Gala Reception
Monday        14    9:30am     Garden Club
                             12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel 
Tuesday        15    9-12:30     Art Group in Auditorium
                             10:30am   Wisdom Seekers Advent Study: "Awaiting the Already"
                             12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
                             1:00pm     Get Stitching in the White Wool Room
                             1:00pm     Staff meeting
                             3:00pm     Pastoral Partners meeting
                             7:00pm     AA in auditorium
                             7:30pm     Al-Anon meeting – in Guild Room  (6:30pm -Beginner's Al-Anon)
Wednesday   16    12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel 
                             6:00pm     Vestry meeting
                             6:00pm     Women's Oratorio chorale in the Chapel
Thursday      17    12noon    Thursday Eucharist in the Chapel
                             4:00pm     Boy Singers of Maine rehearsals
                             7:00pm     Choir rehearsal
Friday           18    Parish Office is closed on Fridays
                             12noon    Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
                             5:30pm     Al-Anon meeting
Saturday       19    9:00am     Boy Singers of Maine rehearsals
                             3:00pm     Pageant Full Dress rehearsal – any and all are invited
Sunday         20    8:00am     Holy Eucharist: using Rite II in Advent
                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins
                             9:30am     Middlers:  Christmas around the world
                             10:00am     Christmas Pageant and Choral Holy Eucharist
                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues
 

Monday, November 30, 2015

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 11.29.15

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

November 29, 2015 – The First Sunday of Advent


ADVENT Lessons & Carols:   Sunday morning at 10

To kick-off the Church’s New Year, we will gather next Sunday to hear the story of salvation told in readings from Holy Scripture and in the singing of sacred music.

ADVENT Potluck, Workshop & Tree Lighting: SUNday at 3 PM

How do you observe Advent in your home? Come and gather resources for each family and household to watch, wait and prepare for the birth of Christ throughout the season of Advent. Bring any dish to share. Then we light the Memorial and Celebration Tree which shines until the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6.

Celebrate Honor Serve:  2016 Stewardship Campaign

Thank you to the over 65 households who have turned in their completed pledge forms for 2016!! As of last Sunday, our total was $144, toward our goal of $265,000. We have a long way to go by the end of December. We’re going to be making reminder calls to everyone to be sure they received their pledge packet and have what they need to make their pledge intention. You can drop your pledge form in an envelope into the collection plates, mail it to the Beth Shaw in the Parish Office, scan it and email it to Beth at admin@smary.org or you can drop it off at the Parish Office. It’s the season of thanksgiving and we are most thankful for all the support we receive from our parishioners!!

 

Wisdom Seekers:  every Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Join us for our Advent book study, “Awaiting the Already.” All are welcome and invited for this Advent season. FMI contact Deacon Christine: deacab@maine.rr.com, 653-2448.

 

Thursday Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon

This is a beautiful, informal time to gather at the Lord’s Table with a meditation on the scriptures or the lives of the saints, time for group discussion, and prayers for healing. 

 

Noonday Prayer: every other weekday in the Chapel

Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. Everyone is welcome! You are also invited, wherever you may be, to STOP and PRAY with us in the Spirit at 12 noon for those in need, for our parish family, for our bishop, and for your own daily life with God.

Christian Formation Notes

Guiding RAY  (Religious Adventures for Youth):   9:30 / 9:45 each Sunday   

At 9:30 AM, Family Chapel is a special time for families and children with Fr. Nathan in the Chapel. Guiding RAY classes begin immediately afterward at 9:45 AM.

NOTE: There will be no Guiding RAY classes on November 29 and on December 20. Children will go to church with their families on Nov. 29 to participate in Advent Lessons & Carols and on Dec. 20 for the Christmas pageant. 

The Nursery always opens at 9:30 AM for our youngest disciples and has returned to the Guiding RAY rooms in the lower level of the Parish House.

 

Casting Call!  The 2015 Christmas Pageant:  December 20 at 10 AM

It’s only a few weeks away!  Practice has begun, but it’s not too late!  FMI: please contact Julie Otte at 781-2322 or juliemomotter@aol.com .

Youth Ministry

Young Life Casco Bay: Club on Mondays at 7:31 PM

You’re crazy to miss it! All area high schoolers are invited to crash the Herdrich’s home at 2 Town Landing Rd in Falmouth (the corner of Foreside Rd and Town Landing). Park in the corner lot across from the Market. Bring ALL of your friends!

 

Advent for the Middlers: Christmas Around the World
Open to all youth from 6th to 12th grades. Gather at 9:30 AM in the Youth Room on the four Sundays of Advent to learn how Christmas is celebrated in Ethiopia, Germany and Mexico. Christians on each continent have their own unique traditions which we will explore with special food, activities and games particular to each culture. Questions? Call or email Meg Hurdman 400-9011 or 
hurdman@maine.rr.com.

Nov. 29: Focus on Ethiopia, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, learn about their beautiful white robes, unique church buildings and why no gifts are exchanged.

Dec. 6: (St. Nicholas Day) Focus on Germany and learn about Advent calendars, Christmas trees and what children hope for when they leave their shoes out overnight!

Dec. 13: Focus on Mexico, learn about poinsettias and pinatas and what it means when you greet someone by saying, "Feliz Navidad".

Dec. 20: Meet briefly for hot chocolate with cinnamon and special snacks and learn how the wise men/three kings represent foreign counties and cultures paying homage to Jesus. Then attend Saint Mary's children's Christmas pageant at 10 AM.

Serving The World

BLACK FRIDAY Blood Drive: November 27, 8 AM – 1 PM   

Come and share the gift of life with others as a way to give thanks for our many blessings. The Blood Drive is here in our Parish House Auditorium.  Sign-up now or walk in that Friday. To sign up, go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code “SMary” to make your donor appointment.  FMI: contact our Coordinator, Jana Burke, at 272-4535 or jana.burke@icloud.com or Beth in the Parish Office at admin@smary.org

 

Saint Mary’s Advent Snowman Tree

We look forward every year to having an Advent Giving Tree!  Here is an opportunity to become engaged in the spirit of giving this Christmas.  Saint Mary’s, together with the Salvation Army, are hosting a “SnowAngel Giving Tree.  Snowman tags will be on the Christmas tree with a child’s gift request.  Kindly take a tag, purchase item(s) on the tag, and bring back to Saint Mary’s.  Unwrapped gifts should be back under the tree no later than December 13 with the tag on them to ensure the families receive them in time for Christmas.  For more information contact Betsy or Jim Stoddard  829-2026   jbstod@myfairpoint.net

 

St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center service: 9 – 11 AM on Tuesday, December 1

Come out to serve those in need in Portland at Saint Elizabeth’s. A group from Saint Mary’s will be there on Tuesday morning to distribute clothing and other important items. Enter from the parking lot behind St. Luke’s Cathedral on Park Street.

Emergency Fuel Fund

Please consider making a special offering to enable our support of those who need help with their heating bills this winter. Envelopes are available in the Prayer Books and in the Narthex. Thank you from all those who you will help!

 

Join the Souper Supper Team

We offer free community suppers on the second and fourth Friday of each month in the auditorium of Saint Mary’s Parish House.  The dinners 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 .

Upcoming Events & Gatherings

SPARKLES NEWS 

Today (Nov. 29) is the beginning of Advent and the Sparkle Festivities.

3 PM Sunday: the Family Advent Wreath Making Workshop and Potluck in the Auditorium followed by the lighting of the Memorial and Celebration Tree around 4:30 PM outdoors. FMI:  Megan Akers at meganakers@maine.rr.com     

(Don’t worry – the Patriots play at 8:30 PM!)  Be sure to drop by Skillins and thank them for once again donating two trees to beautify our campus throughout this season.

·        December 2 (beginning at 12 noon) and Dec. 3 and 4 (all day) we set up for the Sparkles Fair and Boutique and we need LOTs of helpers. 

URGENT UPDATE:  The Sparkles Bake Sale needs more goodies!!  Please help with this successful fund raiser with a contribution of your prettiest Christmas cookies or yummy baked goods.  PLEASE bring tthem to the Parish kitchen by NOON on Friday, December 4  (NOT on Saturday).

·        December 5, 9 AM to 2 PM: the Boutique, Café, Cookie Walk and Bake Sale. We need volunteers to gather downstairs in the Guiding Ray rooms by 8:00 AM.  Yes, there will be donuts and coffee!!  Lunch is also provided for all volunteers.

Please come shopping and bring your friends.  Again this year, we are cooperating with Foreside Community Church with a raffle bowl at Skillins. When you pay for your purchases, you will be given a ticket to write your name on and drop in the raffle bowl at Skillins.  One ticket will be drawn for a $25 gift certificate at Skillins Greenhouse.

December 11 is Caroling and Souper Supper. We’ll go caroling at some of the local retirement homes followed by Souper Supper.  A great event for families and for all!

December 13 is the Sparkles Benefit Schola Concert. This year the Schola will present "The Season of Light".  This wonderful concert is followed by a gala reception which officially concludes the Sparkles Season.  An early music instructional lecture will be offered at 3:30 PM with the concert beginning at 4:00.

 

SPECIAL CALL!  All Middlers and High Schoolers: we need your help with bagging and greeting and carrying on the day of Sparkles! Please call/email/text Father Nathan or Beth Shaw or Jan Mordarski if you can help. Thank you!

Like us on Facebook and Twitter!

Would you like regular updates of what is happening at Saint Mary’s?

Then like us on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/ChurchofSaintMary   

Follow us on Twitter:  @SMaryFalmouth    And visit our website: www.smary.org

Community Care & Nurture

If You Have to Spend Time in a Hospital… 

Please make sure that you register yourself as a member of The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth! MMC no longer keeps track of general religious affiliation, but only membership in a specific congregation. And make sure to call S. Mary’s and let us know!

Communicating with Father Nathan  

Feel free to contact Nathan+ at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can call or text his cell anytime at 207-310-0268   or e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org. 

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Rick Bartlett, Tim Blanchette, Janet Dorman, Gay Freeman, Olive Galen, Sarah Gorman, Lynn Hathaway, Cindy Horton, Chandra Lowe, Mary Lygo, Shelly Maher, Roger Murray, Scott Ryan, and Jim Whittemore.       

IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List found in the Narthex or contact the Office  (781-3366 or smary@smary.org).

 

Christmas 2015 at Saint Mary’s

Children’s Christmas Pageant: December 20 at 10AM

Christmas Eve: Family Eucharist at 4pm and 6pm , Choral Eucharist at 9pm

Christmas Day:  Holy Eucharist with carols at 10am

 

This Week at Saint Mary’s

Sunday          29    8:00am     Traditional Eucharist: using Rite II in Advent

                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins

                             9:30am     Family Chapel:  “Welcome to Advent!”

                             9:30am     Middlers:  “Christmas around the world!”

                             10:00am     Advent Lessons & Carols: all children in church

                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues

                             3:00pm     Advent Potluck, Wreath Workshop & the Lighting of the                                                                                                                   

                                              Memorial & Celebration tree (at approx. 4:30pm)

Monday         30    12noon     Noonday Prayer in the Chapel   

Tuesday, Dec. 1     9:00am     Saint Marians volunteer at St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center

                             9-12:30     Art Group in Auditorium

                             9am-2pm  Embroiderer’s Guild Party in the Guild Room & Kitchen

                             10:30am   Wisdom Seekers Advent Study: “Awaiting the Already”

                             12noon     Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                             1:00pm     Get Stitching in the White Wool Room

                             1:00pm     Staff meeting in office wing

                             3:30pm     Executive Committee meeting in office wing

                             6:30pm     Beginner’s Al-Anon

                             7:00pm     AA in auditorium

                             7:30pm     Al-Anon meeting – in Guild Room 

Wednesday    2      10a-2pm   Mainely Weavers Christmas Party in the Guild Room

                             12noon     Noonday Prayer in the Chapel   

                             12:15pm   Sparkles set-up begins!

Thursday       3      Sparkles set-up all day!

                             12noon     Thursday Eucharist in the Chapel

                             4:00pm     Boy Singers of Maine rehearsals in Chapel and Lower level

                             7:00pm     Choir rehearsal

Friday            4      Sparkles set-up all day!   Parish Office is closed on Fridays

                             12noon     Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                             5:30pm     Al-Anon meeting

Saturday        5      9am-2pm  Sparkles Christmas Fair

Sunday          6      8:00am     Holy Eucharist: using Rite II in Advent

                             9:00am     Coffee hour begins

                             9:30am     Family Chapel (in the Chapel)

                             9:30am     Middlers:  Christmas around the world!

                             10:00am     Choral Holy Eucharist

                             11:00am   Coffee hour continues

                            

 

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Administrator

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366