Thursday, March 30, 2017

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 4.2.17

Saint Mary's Weekly News

April 2, 2017 – The Fifth Sunday in Lent


 

Good Friday Blood Drive

April 14, 8 AM – 1 PM

There are many reasons to give blood. We do it on Good Friday here at Saint Mary's as a way to remember the blood given for us by our Lord Jesus on the Cross. WALK IN on April 14 or schedule your donation NOW at the Red Cross website with the sponsor code:  SMARY www.redcrossblood.org/findadrives

 

The St. Mary Schola Lenten concert: As Pants the Hart

At Saint Mary's:  Sunday, April 2, 4 pm

This beautiful program will feature sublime music: Bach's poignant aria from Cantata 42 based on the text 'when two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them,' two major master works by Lassus and Gesualdo with extraordinarily chromatic harmonies that are rarely performed, Bach's aria "I will gladly carry the cross", a mysterious medieval setting of Ave Regina Caelorum by Guillaume Dufay and an absolutely radiant five part setting of the famous Ave Maria text by Palestrina.       The concert will conclude with Handel's powerful Chandos Anthem As Pants the Hart

This concert will also be presented March 31, 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and April 4, 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of Saint Luke.

Lenten Small Groups week 5:  Learning the Art of Forgiveness

Participate in our final session in Lent. The groups meet as follows:

1.        Wisdom Seekers: Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM

2.        Nathan's Group: Wednesday evening at 6 PM  (begins with a soup supper)

          3.           Oceanview Group: Thursday afternoons at 3 PM

Visiting Choristers on April 29-30

The RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) chorus from Saint Luke's, East Greenwich Rhode Island is coming to Saint Mary's! The young choristers will arrive Saturday April 29. Children and their parents can observe their rehearsal Saturday afternoon and the whole parish can join them at a Saturday dinner. Sunday we will welcome them as they sing during our 10 AM liturgy.

Sunday Coffee Hour: Hosts Needed!

We need volunteers for the 10am service Coffee Hour. Please keep in mind that

Coffee Hour is meant to be a quick parish gathering with coffee and juice available for children, along with a couple of store bought or home baked treats. Most Sundays, coffee is already made (thanks to Hugh Smith!), so hosts would do a simple set up and clean up. Remember the importance of Coffee Hour as the gathering together of our parish family. We need your involvement. The sign-up sheet is outside of the Guild Room.

Kindly consider this ministry once or twice a year. Contact Betsy Stoddard, 829-2026 jbstod@myfairpoint,net if you have questions. Thank you!

 

Altar Flowers to honor those you love

Your family or friends will love the flowers arranged and shown at the Saint Mary's altar on a special Sunday.  See the inserted lavender form to see how easy it is. 

"BE STILL" With God: Mondays 5:30 – 6:30 PM

You are cordially invited to the Father James' Chapel on Monday evenings throughout Lent to spend quiet moments with God.  There will be no program.  This time and space are reserved for you to grow your relationship with God and Creation.    Come for 5 minutes or come for an hour.  Bring something to read and contemplate...or not.  Just come, and "be still."  God will do the rest.

Time to reserve your tickets for the Great Gardener Series: April 6

"Color Gardens:  Beautiful Perennial Combinations from Spring through Frost" 

The guest speaker, Maria von Brincken, specializes in beautiful spaces and colorful flower gardens using native and ornamental plants.  5pm social time including complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages with presentation at 6pm.  For ticket or more information visit the St. Mary's Garden Club website or visit http://www.greatgardenerseries.com/

Annual BridgeaThon: Fri., April 21, 12:30-4pm - Reserve your table now!

Enjoy an afternoon of bridge - or any card or table game for four - at Saint Mary's.

Good fellowship, sumptuous refreshments, prizes for high scorers, all for price of admission ($48.00 per table/$12 per person) Call Beth Shaw 781-3366 to reserve your spot!  Please share this with any Bridge player you know!

 Don't play Bridge or cards?  For those who can't or don't wish to play cards that day, we would greatly welcome tea-snacks (tea sandwiches, sweets, savories) for this event. 

Sign-up sheet is outside the Guild Room or contact Betsy Stoddard or Jan Mordarski if you can help. 

Serving the World

"For I was a stranger and you made me welcome…." Matthew 25:35

 During this season of Lent, Saint Mary's will endeavor to become more knowledgeable about the Greater Portland community of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and to discern how we as individuals and as a parish may share God's love by becoming positively engaged.

Did you know?    Do refugees choose to come to the United States?  

The only refugees that are "predetermined" to come to the United States are those who, after vetting, are joining family members who have come before them.  Once determined to hold refugee status, the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) refers all others to one of many countries that provide resettlement opportunities.  While no one ever chooses to become a refugee, refugees are grateful for the opportunity to start their lives over in the safety and security these countries offer.  (Source:  Catholic Charities Maine Refugee Immigration Services)  FMI, see Jennifer Gregg, Anne Lafond, Becky Pride

Sign-up for the Good Friday Blood Drive:  April 14, 8 AM – 1 PM

www.redcrossblood.org/findadrive  sponsor code:  SMARY

 

Youth Ministry

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth): 9:45 AM   

All systems are go as our children gather each Sunday morning after Family Chapel to learn the stories of the Bible. FMI on our Guiding RAY or Godly Play programs, please visit our website  www.smary.org.

The Nursery is open for our youngest disciples in the lower level of the Parish House beginning at 9:30 AM every Sunday.

 

This Sunday in Guiding RAY:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The older kids will be finishing their model of the Temple. For the past 5 weeks, they have been diligently creating a model of the Temple as they learned about its history and Jesus' teachings in the Temple. During these final stages, we will be discussing Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and how we, too, can prepare for this special event. We will also be discussing the events that took place during Holy Week as we make the final preparations to burn our model temple in the great fire during the Easter Vigil.

All during this Lenten season the younger children have been learning about the mystery of Easter, As we approach Palm Sunday, we will hearing a story of Jesus as King and about his journey to Jerusalem and his triumphant entry into the city. We will wonder what it was like for Jesus to be called a King and wonder what type of King he would be? Why did Jesus choose to enter on a donkey instead of horse? Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
 

Young Life Club:  Every Monday at 7:31 pm at 56 Quiet Ln, Portland

Every single high school student in the Casco Bay area is INVITED to gather for an amazing Club.  This is crazy fun and growing each week. Don't miss out!

FMI: visit www.younglifecb.com or call Jordan Droge at 805-453-1999

2017 First Communion: NEW DATES – June 10 and 11

Baptism is the only requirement to receive Communion. However, this Class is intended for children in grades 1-4 who want to learn about the meaning of Communion and who want to be part of our fun First Communion liturgy. We need a group of at least 5 to make this work. If interested, please contact Fr. Nathan or Megan Akers.

2017 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. 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
  • To reaffirm their commitment to life with Christ in the body of Christ

Community Care & Nurture

Chapel Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon

This is an informal time (in a beautiful space!) to gather at the Lord's Table with a meditation on the scripture or the saint of the day and prayers for healing.

Noonday Prayer: every other weekday in the Chapel

Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. 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.

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 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  but know that email is checked rarely during the weekends or when he's away.

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Margaret Jean Taylor, Debbie Roberts, John Fournier, Frank Rheame, Ginny Stelk, Lynne Shepherd, Marsha Jewett, Chuck Horton, Bob Armitage, Larry Bennett, Charlie Dayton, Sarah Gorman, Talie Harris, Roger Murray, Tri Nguyen, Emily Otte, Stewart Stalnecker, Karon Velek and Bucky.    

Other Prayer Concerns this week: for Averyl Hill as she prepares for baptism.

IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List in the Narthex or contact the Parish Office.

This Week at Saint Mary's

Sunday              2     The Fifth Sunday in Lent 

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour

                                  9:30am          Family Chapel and Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour

                                  4:00pm          The St. Mary's Schola Lenten Concert

Monday             3     12noon          Noonday Prayer – wherever you are

                                  6:30pm          T'ai Chi in auditorium

Tuesday             4     9:30am          Art Group

                                  10:30am            Wisdom Seekers Lenten Study group

                                             12 noon             Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                                  1:00pm          Staff meeting

                                  1:00pm          Get Stitching group

                                  3:30am          Executive Committee meeting

                                  6:00pm          Schola Rehearsal in church

                                  7:00pm          AA in the auditorium

                                  7:30pm          Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:30pm Beginner's Al-Anon)

Wednesday             5       9:00am               BNI group in auditorium 

                                  6:00pm          Lenten Study -  Soup & Discussion group (last session)

                                  6:00pm          ORI in the auditorium

Thursday            6     12noon          Chapel Eucharist (Nathan away in DC)

                                  1:00pm          CARE Circle

                                  3:00pm          Lenten Study group at Oceanview  (last session)

Friday                7     12noon          Noonday Prayer – wherever you are

                                  5:30pm          AlAnon in the Guild Room

                                  6:00pm          SinG in the church sanctuary

Saturday            8     9:00am          SPRING GROUNDS CLEAN-UP PARTY

Sunday              9     The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour with Hot Cross Buns

                                  9:30am          Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist: begins in the Auditorium

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour with Hot Cross Buns

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366

 

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 3.26.17

Saint Mary's Weekly News

March 26, 2017 – The Fourth Sunday in Lent


 

We welcome the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle to Saint Mary's this weekend!

Rob was born and raised on a farm  in New Zealand and now lives in the woods of Oregon. He has a degree in aeronautical engineering, a degree in clinical psychology, and degrees in counseling and theology! Rob has been ordained for more than 20 years and has focused in ministry on interim pastoral leadership and counseling.

Rob is with us to teach in small groups formats on Friday and Saturday and also to preach the Gospel with us on Sunday. He is the author of our Lenten small group series on Learning the Art of Forgiveness. We are very blessed to have Rob with us for this special weekend of learning and worship. Come to any or all of the events – and bring a friend!

Teaching Others How to Forgive: Friday, March 24, 9:00 AM – 3 PM

Designed for professionals, but open to all who want to gain practical tools on leading others to a place of sustainable forgiveness. It can be done! And perhaps there are few things in life more important than this.  Held here at Saint Mary's with Rob Voyle.

Discerning Your Core Purpose: Saturday, March 25, 9:30am – 3:30 pm

Spend a day on retreat here at Saint Mary's with renowned speaker, priest, coach, author and psychologist Rob Voyle. He will lead us all in a journey of discovering and claiming the unique calling to ministry that God has given to each of us. Coffee, snacks and lunch are included. $60 per person; financial aid is available. Open to all, so invite a friend!

Lenten Small Groups week 4:  Learning the Art of Forgiveness

Participate in one session or each session throughout Lent. The groups meet as follows:

1.        Wisdom Seekers: Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM

2.        Nathan's Group: Wednesday evening at 6 PM  (begins with a soup supper)

          3.           Oceanview Group: Thursday afternoons at 3 PM

 

"BE STILL" With God

You are cordially invited to the Father James' Chapel on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm throughout Lent to spend quiet moments with God.  There will be no program.  This time and space are reserved for you to grow your relationship with God and Creation.    Come for 5 minutes or come for an hour.  Bring something to read and contemplate...or not.  Just come, and "be still."   God will do the rest.

Sunday Coffee Hour: Hosts Needed!

We need volunteers for the 10am service Coffee Hour. Please keep in mind that

Coffee Hour is meant to be a quick parish gathering with coffee and juice available for children, along with a couple of store bought or home baked treats. Most Sundays, coffee is already made (thanks to Hugh Smith!), so hosts would do a simple set up and clean up. Remember the importance of Coffee Hour is the gathering together of our parish family. We need your involvement. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the hallway . .

Kindly consider this ministry once or twice a year. Contact Betsy Stoddard, 829-2026 jbstod@myfairpoint,net if you have questions. Thanks.

Time to reserve your tickets for the Great Gardener Series: April 6

"Color Gardens:  Beautiful Perennial Combinations from Spring through Frost"  The guest speaker, Maria von Brincken, specializes in beautiful spaces and colorful flower gardens using native and ornamental plants.  5pm social time including complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages with presentation at 6pm.  For ticket or more information visit the St. Mary's Garden Club website or visit http://www.greatgardenerseries.com/

Annual BridgeaThon: Fri., April 21, 12:30-4pm - Reserve your table now!

Enjoy an afternoon of bridge - or any card or table game for four - at Saint Mary's.

Good fellowship, sumptuous refreshments, prizes for high scorers, all for price of admission ($48.00 per table/$12 per person) Call Beth Shaw 781-3366 to reserve your spot!  Please share this with any Bridge player you know!

 Don't play Bridge or cards?  For those who can't or don't wish to play cards that day, we would greatly welcome tea-snacks (tea sandwiches, sweets, savories) for this event. 

Sign-up sheet is outside the Guild Room or contact Betsy Stoddard or Jan Mordarski if you can help. 

 

SM Book Club: Monday, March 27, 11am:  I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

Serving the World

"For I was a stranger and you made me welcome…." Matthew 25:35

 During this season of Lent, Saint Mary's will endeavor to become more knowledgeable about the Greater Portland community of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and to discern how we as individuals and as a parish may share God's love by becoming positively engaged.

Did you know?

Trends in refugee resettlement mirror the conflicts and tragedies that are happening worldwide. Historically, refugees in Maine have come from over 30 countries.  Current refugee populations that are coming to Maine are from Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Burma, Iran, and Iraq. (Source:  Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services, Maine) FMI: see Jennifer Gregg, Anne LaFond, or Becky Pride.

Good Friday Blood Drive: April 14, 8 AM – 1 PM

There are many reasons to give blood. We do it on Good Friday as a way to remember the blood given for us by our Lord Jesus on the Cross. Mark your calendars now for a special opportunity to share the gift of life with others. Here in our Parish House Auditorium. Sign-up at the website below with the sponsor codeSMARY www.redcrossblood.org/findadrive

 

Maine Interfaith Advocacy Days: March 27 and 28

This is designed to bring people of all faiths together in our state capital to worship, learn, and advocate effectively with Maine's legislators on the issues of hunger, homelessness, health care, and climate justice. It is sponsored by the Maine Episcopal Network for Justice and the Maine Council of Churches among others. FMI, see this website (http://mainecouncilofchurches.org/) .

Youth Ministry

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth): 9:45 AM   

All systems are go as our children gather each Sunday morning after Family Chapel to learn the stories of the Bible. FMI on our Guiding RAY or Godly Play programs, please visit our website  www.smary.org.

The Nursery is open for our youngest disciples in the lower level of the Parish House beginning at 9:30 AM every Sunday.

 

This Sunday in Guiding RAY:   Julie Otte and Dee Dee Fournier will be talking with the kids about the origin of Easter eggs. They will hear a story about the origin of Ukrainian eggs and about how the designs and colors represent feelings such as love, happiness, hope, dread and despair; all the emotions that we experience during the mystery of Easter. The older kids will continue working on their model of the Temple. As they work, they are learning the history of the Temple and how it relates to our modern day worship. The kids will add the Temple to the Easter fire during the Easter Vigil. Curious to see how the Temple is progressing? Come down to the Guiding RAY space and check it out!

Young Life Club:  Every Monday night at 7:31pm

Every single high school student in the Casco Bay area is INVITED to gather for an amazing Club.  This is crazy fun and growing each week. FMI: visit www.younglifecb.com or call Jordan Droge at 805-453-1999

2017 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. 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
  • To reaffirm their trust in God and their commitment to life in Christ

2017 First Communion: NEW DATES – June 10 and 11

Baptism is the only requirement to receive Communion. However, this Class is intended for children in grades 1-4 who want to learn about the meaning of Communion and who want to be part of our fun First Communion liturgy. We need a group of at least 5 to make this work. If interested, please contact Fr. Nathan or Megan Akers.

 

Community Care & Nurture

Chapel Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon

This is an informal time (in a beautiful space!) to gather at the Lord's Table with a meditation on the scripture or the saint of the day and prayers for healing.

Noonday Prayer: every other weekday in the Chapel

Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. 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.

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  but know that email is checked rarely during the weekends or when he's away.

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Ginny Stelk, Lynne Shepherd, Marsha Jewett, Chuck Horton, Bob Armitage, Larry Bennett, Charlie Dayton, Sarah Gorman, Talie Harris, Roger Murray, Tri Nguyen, Emily Otte, Stewart Stalnecker, Karon Velek and Bucky.    

Other Prayer Concerns this week: For Grace Brown at our diocesan youth retreat, for Averyl Hill as she prepares for baptism.

IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List in the Narthex or contact the Parish Office.

 

This Week at Saint Mary's

Sunday              26   The Fourth Sunday in Lent:  with Rev Dr. Rob Voyle preaching

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour

                                  9:30am          Family Chapel and Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour

Monday             27   12noon          Noonday Prayer – wherever you are

                                  6:30pm          T'ai Chi in auditorium

Tuesday             28   9:30am          Art Group

                                  10:30am            Wisdom Seekers Lenten Study group

                                             12 noon             Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                                  1:00pm          Staff meeting

                                  1:00pm          Get Stitching group

                                  4:00pm          Pastoral Partners

                                  6:00pm          Schola Rehearsal in church

                                  7:00pm          AA in the auditorium

                                  7:30pm          Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:30pm Beginner's Al-Anon)

Wednesday             29    9:00am               BNI group in auditorium 

                                  6:00pm          Lenten Study -  Soup & Discussion group

                                  6:00pm          SinG in the auditorium

Thursday            30   12noon          Noonday Prayer

                                  1:00pm          Caring Circle

                                  3:00pm          Lenten Study group at Oceanview

Friday                31   9a4p          Lifeline Screening

                                  12noon          Noonday Prayer – wherever you are

Saturday, Apr 1 9:00am                

Sunday              2     The Fifth Sunday in Lent

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour

                                  9:30am          Family Chapel and Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour

                                  4:00pm          The St. Mary's Schola Lenten Concert & Donor reception

 

 

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366

 

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 3.19.17

Saint Mary's Weekly News

for March 19, 2017 – The Third Sunday in Lent


 

Discerning Your Core Purpose: Saturday, March 25, 9:30am3:30 pm

Spend a day on retreat here at Saint Mary's with renowned speaker, priest, coach, author and psychologist Rob Voyle. He will lead us all in a journey of discovering and claiming the unique calling to ministry that God has given to each of us. Coffee, snacks and lunch are included. Don't worry about the cost – just come and be engaged! Donations up to $60 are encouraged, but do what you can. Open to all, so invite a friend!

Lenten Small Groups week 3:  Learning the Art of Forgiveness

Participate in one session or each session throughout Lent. The groups meet as follows:

1.        Wisdom Seekers: Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM

2.        Nathan's Group: Wednesday evenings at 6 PM

            3.         Oceanview Group: Thursday afternoons at 3 PM

 

"BE STILL" with God

You are cordially invited to the Father James' Chapel on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm throughout Lent to spend quiet moments with God.  There is no program.  This time and space are reserved for you to grow your relationship with God and Creation. Come for 5 minutes or come for an hour.  Bring something to read and contemplate...or not.  Just come, and "be still."   God will do the rest.

Sunday Coffee Hour: Hosts Needed!

We need volunteers for the 10am service Coffee Hour. Please keep in mind that

Coffee Hour is meant to be a quick parish gathering with coffee and juice available for children, along with a couple of store bought or home baked treats. We need your involvement. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the hallway . .

Kindly consider this ministry once or twice a year. Contact Betsy Stoddard, 829-2026 jbstod@myfairpoint,net if you have questions. Thanks.

Time to reserve your tickets for the Great Gardener Series: April 6

"Color Gardens:  Beautiful Perennial Combinations from Spring through Frost"  The guest speaker, Maria von Brincken, specializes in beautiful spaces and colorful flower gardens using native and ornamental plants.  5pm social time including complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages with presentation at 6pm.  For ticket or more information visit the St. Mary's Garden Club website or visit http://www.greatgardenerseries.com/

 

Annual Bridge aThon: Fri., April 21, 12:30-4pm - Reserve your table now!

Enjoy an afternoon of bridge - or any card or table game for four - at Saint Mary's.

Good fellowship, sumptuous refreshments, prizes for high scorers, all for price of admission ($48.00 per table/$12 per person) Call Beth Shaw 781-3366 to reserve your spot!  Please share this with any Bridge player you know!

 Don't play Bridge or cards?  For those who can't or don't wish to play cards that day, we would greatly welcome tea-snacks (tea sandwiches, sweets, savories) for this event. 

Sign-up sheet is outside the Guild Room or contact Betsy Stoddard or Jan Mordarski if you can help. 

 

SM Book Club - Monday, March 27:  I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

Serving the World

"For I was a stranger and you made me welcome…." Matthew 25:35

 During this season of Lent, Saint Mary's will endeavor to become more knowledgeable about the Greater Portland community of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and to discern how we as individuals and as a parish may share God's love by becoming positively engaged.

Did you know...the difference between Refugees and Asylees?

Refugees seeking protection from fear of persecution are brought to the U.S. via the U.S. Refugee Resettlement program only after thorough vetting including interviews and interagency investigations and screenings to confirm their refugee and security status.  This process generally takes several years.

Asylees seek protection from fear of persecution after they have been admitted provisionally to the U.S. on a student or work visa or as undocumented persons.  They petition the U.S. government for asylum and vetting ensues, mirroring that of the refugee. (Source:  Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services, Maine)

FMI: see Jennifer Gregg, Anne LaFond, or Becky Pride.

Good Friday Blood Drive: April 14, 8 AM – 1 PM

There are many reasons to give blood. WE do it on Good Friday as a way to remember the blood given for us by our Lord Jesus on the Cross. Mark your calendars now for a special opportunity to share the gift of life with others. Here in our Parish House Auditorium. Sign-up at the website below with the sponsor codeSMARY www.redcrossblood.org/findadrive

Maine Interfaith Advocacy Days: March 27 and 28

This is designed to bring people of all faiths together in our state capital to worship, learn, and advocate effectively with Maine's legislators on the issues of hunger, homelessness, health care, and climate justice. It is sponsored by the Maine Episcopal Network for Justice and the Maine Council of Churches among others. FMI, see this website (http://mainecouncilofchurches.org/) .

 

Youth Ministry

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

Family Chapel begins at 9:30 and all are welcome! After this, the children head downstairs to learn the stories of the Bible and to have some fun. FMI on our Guiding RAY or Godly Play programs, please visit our website  www.smary.org.

The Nursery is open for our youngest disciples in the lower level of the Parish House beginning at 9:30 AM every Sunday.

Help Wanted!  We want your clean wood scraps!  We're building the Temple! As Soon as Possible, please!! Thank you!

Young Life Club:  Every Monday night at 7:31pm

Every single high school student in the Casco Bay area is INVITED to gather for an amazing Club.  This is crazy fun and growing each week. FMI: visit www.younglifecb.com or call Jordan Droge at 805-453-1999

2017 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. 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
  • To reaffirm their trust in God and their commitment to life in Christ

2017 First Communion: May 6-7

Baptism is the only requirement to receive Communion. However, this Class is intended for children in grades 1-4 who want to learn about the meaning of Communion and who want to be part of our fun First Communion liturgy. We need a group of at least 5 to make this work. If interested, please contact Fr. Nathan or Megan Akers.

Community Care & Nurture

Chapel Eucharist: every Thursday in the Chapel at 12 noon

This is an informal time (in a beautiful space!) to gather at the Lord's Table with a meditation on the scripture or the saint of the day and prayers for healing.

Noonday Prayer: every other weekday in the Chapel

Pause for 10 minutes of prayer together. 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.

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  but know that email is checked rarely during the weekends or when he's away.

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Marsha Jewett, Chuck Horton, Bob Armitage, Larry Bennett, David Bates, Charlie Dayton, Sarah Gorman, Talie Harris, Allie Matthews, Roger Murray, Tri Nguyen, Emily Otte, Stewart Stalnecker, Jim Stoddard, Karon Velek and Bucky.    

 IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List in the Narthex or contact the Parish Office.

 

 

 

This Week at Saint Mary's

Sunday               19   The Third Sunday in Lent

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour

                                  9:30am          Family Chapel and Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour

Monday             20   12noon          Noonday Prayer – wherever you are

                                  6:30pm          T'ai Chi in auditorium

Tuesday             21   9:30am          Art Group

                                  10:30am            Wisdom Seekers Lenten Study group

                                             12 noon             Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                                  1:00pm          Staff meeting

                                  1:00pm          Get Stitching group

                                  4:00pm          Pastoral Partners

                                  6:00pm          Schola Rehearsal in church

                                  7:00pm          AA in the auditorium

                                  7:30pm          Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:30pm Beginner's Al-Anon)

Wednesday             22    9:00am               BNI group in auditorium 

                                  12noon          Noonday Prayer

                                  6:00pm          Lenten Study -  Soup & Discussion group

                                  6:00pm          SinG in the auditorium

Thursday            23   12noon          Chapel Eucharist 

                                  1:00pm          Caring Circle

                                  3:00pm          Lenten Study group at Oceanview

Friday                24   Rob Voyle Weekend: Parish Office is closed on Fridays 

                                  9:00am          Teaching Others How to Forgive

                                  12noon          Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

Saturday            25   9:30am          Discerning Your Core Purpose – all welcome!

Sunday              26   The Fourth Sunday in Lent:  with Rev Dr. Rob Voyle preaching

                                  8:00am          Contemplative Eucharist

                                  9:00am          Coffee hour

                                  9:30am          Family Chapel and Nursery opens

                                  10:00am          Choral Eucharist

                                  11:00am         Coffee hour

 

 

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366