Saint Mary’s Weekly News
February 14, 2016 – The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Lenten Community Project: Growing a Rule of Life
It’s not too late to participate in our parish-wide spiritual growth project!
1. Pick-up your copy of the workbook at Saint Mary’s, or download a free PDF copy at www.SSJE.org/growrule
2. Go to www.SSJE.org/growrule and sign-up to receive a daily email with a brief video and a question. Watch the video each day in Lent and reflect on the question. Use a journal to record your thoughts, if this helps.
3. Experiment with FASTING at least one meal each week. Yes, everyone can do this! Use the time to pray instead of cooking, eating and cleaning. Bring the food that you would have eaten (or its equivalent) to Saint Mary’s for the Falmouth Food Pantry.
4. Join one of these Lenten Small Groups who will meet once a week for 6 weeks to discuss Growing a Rule of Life:
a. Oceanview Group: Thursday afternoons at 3 PM (starting Feb. 11)
b. Nathan’s Group: Sunday afternoons at 4 PM (starting Feb. 14)
c. Coffee Hour Check-In: Sundays at 9:15 AM (starting Feb. 14)
d. Wisdom Seekers: Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM (starting Feb. 16)
5. Share your insights and join the global conversation about this project by using #growrule at your favorite social media site.
6. Come to one of our Neighborhood Foyer Groups on March 9 or 10 to discuss how our Rule of Life shapes our approach to time. More details to come soon.
Looking for Foyer Group hosts: March 9 and 10
‘Foyers’ are places in our homes where folks go for warmth and welcoming. We are trying something as part of our Lenten Community Project: Foyer Groups! For our purposes, Foyers are small neighborhood gatherings of parishioners where we welcome one another and discuss an article that is a companion to the Lenten program. (We don’t have to sit in the foyer J.)
Our goal is to invite each parish household to go to a Foyer close to their home. Save the date! You'll get an invitation and the article we will be discussing with the location for your Foyer very soon. We are looking for hosts. The evening will start at 6:30 pm. All hosts need to do is be welcoming, offer simple desserts (Oreos or Chips Ahoy are fine) and a beverage such as sparkling water, juice, coffee if you wish. Father Nathan will give us questions to discuss concerning the article. The evening will start with some socializing followed by the discussion. The evening should wrap up by 8:30.
If you are willing to host, contact Janet Bowne (janetbowne@maine.rr.com, 781-3844).
"Be Still" : every Monday in Lent, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Especially for busy parents, a time to “Be Still” is offered each Monday in Lent (February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21). This is time for quiet in the Father James Chapel.
This is a time for YOU. Take the time - time to breathe, re-center, reflect, to “be” with God. Come for five minutes, or come for the hour!
Dramatic Sacred Music
On Sunday, February 28 at 3:00 PM at the First Parish Church in Brunswick, Bruce Fithian will be singing a role in the concert version of Stephen Paulus' 'The Shoemaker.' This is a very powerful opera based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy. Bruce plays the part of Michael, the angel of death, who performs his duties methodically. Except one day, he is supposed to usher a young mother from life to death and he cannot do this. The young mother recently lost her husband, and she prays fervently that her two children not be left as orphans. For his misconduct, Michael is cast down to earth to live as a mortal. He is left, starving, freezing and unclothed. A shoemaker passes by and takes pity on him, bringing him home to his wife, who at first is incensed that this stranger has troubled their life. But she too also takes pity on Michael. Years later, Michael becomes their apprentice and he meets the neighbor who has reared the orphan children. Michael is finally forgiven and learns the truths: what dwells in people's hearts, what is not given them to know and that what has kept him alive is love.
Christian Formation
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)
At 9:30 AM, Family Chapel is a brief time for families and children to be with Fr. Nathan in the Chapel. Guiding RAY classes begin immediately afterward at 9:45 AM.
The Nursery is open for our youngest disciples downstairs beginning at 9:45 AM.
The Middlers: in transition
The Middlers program is on hold until two new leaders are found. We are hoping soon to hire two young adults to lead the group every Sunday from now until June. Until then, youth are welcome to hang out in the Youth Room. But they are asked not to stay there during the Eucharist, but rather come and join their families in the liturgy. Thank you!
Young Life Super Hero Club: Monday, Feb 22 at 7:31 PM
Come dressed as your favorite super hero – or as one you made up yourself! 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 the street.
Serving The World
Winter MISSION MORNING: February 28 starting at 9 AM
We will gather at 9 AM in the Auditorium for prayer and scripture. Then we will go out for hands-on projects to spread God’s goodness, love and joy in our community. After this, we return to the Auditorium for Communion and lunch. All are welcome!
Become a Hospice of Southern Maine Volunteer
Hospice of Maine is currently accepting applications for an April training. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, and would like more information, please contact the volunteer department. You may also visit www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org and click on Volunteer.
Calling all BOOKS! Book, Bake and Soup Sale: March 5 from 9am – 1pm
WE NEED YOU for our Book, Bake, Soup Sale! Please sign up outside the Guild Room for the part you wish to play in our parish-wide Outreach fundraiser. It's so much fun in the midst of winter to come together with BOOKS, SOUPS, and BAKED GOODS! Any questions, call Babs Bell regarding soups, Elizabeth Heinzman regarding the baked goods, and Becky Pride regarding the books. ALL proceeds go to our mission work here and in the world. Please drop off books now, and contact Becky if you can help to sort. Sorting is an ongoing project that you can do at your own pace and convenience. Please leave all book donations downstairs on the HUGE table in the big storage room. Please, NO used textbooks, encyclopedia sets, or magazine sets.
Falmouth High School Senior Project: help needed next Sunday, Feb 21
For her senior project, Sé Ferrell is raising funds to buy boots for distribution to the needy through the St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center at the Cathedral, while also engaging as many different segments of the community as possible. To do this, she will sell winter-boot-themed artwork and notecards created by area residents, including people at OceanView, elementary school students, and Saint Marians. These will be sold at FHS’s annual benefit concert coming up soon. So here is how YOU can help:
· Sunday, Feb 21, 9:15 AM and 11:15 AM: at Coffee Hour, come to Sé’s table in the Auditorium and create a quick piece of art that she can sell at the concert
· Friday, March 11, 7 PM: come to FHS for “Acoustics in the Commons” Benefit Concert.
Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month – February 12 and 26
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.
Good Friday Blood Drive: March 25, 7:30 AM – 1 PM
Mark your calendars now for a special opportunity to share the gift of life with others as we remember the sacrifice of our Lord on the cross. Here in our Parish House Auditorium. Sign-up at the website below with the sponsor code: SMARY www.redcrossblood.org/findadrive
News & Events
Noonday Prayer every weekday in the Chapel
Prayer is central to our community. This takes 10 minutes and all are welcome. You are also invited, wherever you may be, to STOP and PRAY at 12 noon for those in need, for our parish family, for our bishop, and for your own life with God. On Thursdays, we include prayers for healing and the Eucharist.
Mathematics is FUN: for 2nd – 8th graders
The MMSETS Program is offering Enrichment Mathematics Program for grades 2-5 (at 3:30 PM) and for grades 6-8 (at 5:30 PM) in our Parish House. The program brings back the curiosity, relevance and excitement of mathematics through puzzles, mathematical games and building modular origami constructions. FMI about the program and the instructor for the MMSETS Program go to www.mmsets.org or contact Eva Szillery at evaszillerymmsets@gwi.net
2016 Class for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
This is a wonderful time to learn about the Church, the Episcopal Church and reaffirm your Christian faith. Anyone who might be interested in discussing preparations to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please contact Fr. Nathan then a meeting date will be announced following the expressed interest.
Who should state their interest to join this class? Those who wish:
· To confirm their baptismal identity as followers of Christ
- To be received into the fellowship of The Episcopal Church from another denomination (and so be eligible for parish leadership positions)
- To reaffirm their trust in God and their commitment to life in Christ
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 Saint Mary’s and let us know as well.
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 need an immediate response (and on weekends), his cell phone is always the best.
Prayer concerns for this week: Kathy, Don, Evelyn Mercantini, David & Patricia Stanchfield, Jonathan Cornwell, Angelica Barrett, Michelle Bilodeau, Gardner Bilodeau, Connie Dayton, Janet Dorman, Gay Freeman, Olive Galen, the Gaston family, Sarah Gorman, Cindy Horton, Nick, Becca & unborn baby Horton, Chandra Lowe, Roger Murray, David Pagenkopf.
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).
This Week at Saint Mary’s
Sunday 14 The First Sunday in Lent – Forgiveness Sunday
8:00am The Great Litany and Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour
9:15am Rule of Life Coffee Hour Check-In – in Guild Room
9:30am Family Chapel
9:45am Guiding RAY
10:00am The Great Litany and Contemporary Eucharist
11:00am Coffee Hour continues
4:00pm Lenten Rule of Life Small Group – in Guild Room
Monday 15 President’s Day Holiday – Parish Office is closed
10:00am Altar Flower Guild Meeting
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are
5:30pm Be Still
Tuesday 16 9:30am Art Group in the Auditorium
10:30am Wisdom Seekers: Rule of Life Small Group in the Guild Room
12noon Noonday Prayer – in the Chapel
1:00pm Staff Meeting
1:00pm Get Stitching group
6:30pm Beginner’s Al-Anon in the Guild Room
7:00pm AA in the Auditorium
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
Wednesday 17 12noon Noonday Prayer – in the Chapel
12-3pm College Club Appreciation Tea
Thursday 18 12noon Thursday Eucharist – in the Chapel
3:00pm Oceanview Rule of Life Small Group
4:00pm Boy Singer of Maine rehearsal
7:00pm Saint Mary’s Choir rehearsal
Friday 19 Parish Office is closed
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting
6:30pm Coffee House at FalCC featuring “The Sacarappa Boys”
Saturday 20 9:30am St. Michael’s Vestry Retreat
Sunday 21 The Second Sunday in Lent
8:00am Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour
9:15am Lenten Rule of Life Check-In & Senior Project Art Table
9:30am Family Chapel
9:45am Guiding RAY
10:00am Contemporary Eucharist & Haiti Team commissioning
11:00am Coffee Hour continues & Senior Project Art Table
4:00pm Lenten Rule of Life Small Group – in Guild Room
w HappyValentine’s Day!! w
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.3366
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