Thursday, January 18, 2018

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 1.21.18

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

January 21, 2018 –  The Third Sunday after the Epiphany


2018 Annual Stewardship:  God’s Work, Our Hands

    Thank you to all who have pledged. We can do this!! With two weeks to go until the Annual Meeting, 124 parish families have pledged $246,159. We need $40,000 to make our goal. Dig out your pledge form and send it in. Attached to this eNews is a pledge form OR check the Parish Hall for a paper copy. Help our hands do God's work! Pledge today!!

 

Time to update the Saint Mary's Member and Friends Directory!

Time to update all of your information. We need it ready to distribute on January 28!  Please check one of the draft copies at the back narthex of the church, outside the Guild Room or circulating on clipboards during coffee hour for your correct emails, cell phone and of, course, your address, etc.  Or call Beth in the parish office (781-3366) with any changes or updates.  Do it TODAY!

A Networking Opportunity!

Are you looking for clients?  An electrician?  Golf or ski partners?  Seeking to learn knitting or other fine skills?   I bet there are other parishioners who are interested!  Expand your professional and social networks by offering a few words about your vocation and/or avocations for publication in the 2018 Saint Mary’s Members and Friends Directory!  Email the information to Beth Shaw at admin@smary.org by January 22.

 

Serving The World

Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month –  1/26

Our free suppers in our Parish House Auditorium open to anyone and everyone. 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. And we are always looking for more servers to join the Souper Supper Team. FMI, contact Jennifer Gregg  (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com or 781-2665).

St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center:    Needs Blankets 

Saint Elizabeth’s is a Diocesan effort housed at St. Luke’s where the mission is to distribute non-food essentials, clothes, and small household items to the needy among us.  A group from Saint Mary’s goes to assist every 6th  Tuesday mornings Our next turn is February 6. All are welcome to join in.  

In the meantime, St. Elizabeth’s is having a Blanket Drive in January.  They are looking for gently-used woolen or cotton blankets or comforters.  (no lightweight throws please.)  Bring to our collection box outside the Guild Room or drop off at St. Elizabeth’s on Mondays or Tuesdays. 

Youth Ministry

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)  

Our Guiding RAY programs for all young people ages 1 to 14 have begun with exciting plans for the program year!  We gather all together beginning at 9:45am with classes beginning at 10am.  For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website  www.smary.org . The Nursery  opens at 9:45am for our youngest disciples in the Guiding RAY area every Sunday morning for the later Eucharist.

This Sunday in Guiding RAY

 we will begin participating in the 2018 Souper Bowl of Caring! Super Bowl Sunday is a day where our nation turns its attention to a football game.  Our hope is that on this day people's attention can also be turned to caring for those in need. Guiding RAY kids will be collecting cans of soup as a part of our learning to love our neighbors. Through this mission, we will learn what it’s like to make a positive difference in the world –  as we work to collect food for the hungry and gain compassion for those in need.

Be part of this movement that is sharing God’s love with those in need. Please give generously on Super Bowl Sunday.  Every can of soup (low-sodium preferred) we collect will be donate to the Falmouth Food Pantry, our Souper Bowl of Caring charity of choice.

Falmouth YOUNG LIFE Club: On Christmas break  Gatherings will start up again mid-January on Mondays at 7:31 PM.  FMI, visit www.cascobay.younglife.org .

 

 

 

Events and Happenings

Faith Family Ice Skating: Monday, January 22, 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Come anytime during the evening to join your parish family for outdoor ice skating at the Lee Twombly Pond in Falmouth. There will be hot chocolate, hot teas, cookies and snacks by the fireplace. Bring your own skates or rent them from Family Ice Center. It’s great fun for all. All are welcome!

 

THE MOTH storytelling @ Saint Mary’s!

Back by popular demand!  Six SUNDAYS 9:15-9:55 am in the Guild Room

       Beginning February 4! Running for 6 weeks.

Contact Erin McGee Ferrell for more info: 856.630.0932

“A story sharing opportunity for parishioners around various questions. Drop in any part of the hour.  Topics include: your first Job, your grandparents house, summer Camp, favorite pets, learning to swim…”

Mardi Gras Messy Church Pancake Supper and Talent Show at Saint Mary’s:  February 11, 4-6 PM

                        Mark this date on your calendar, Saint Marians!  Entertainment at its finest will occur the Sunday before Mardi Gras!  Andrea Myles-Hunkin, the shy, modest, parishioner we recognize from her choice of wacky legwear will be emceeing the TALENT SHOW.  The last time this took place was three years ago, and we had a great turnout of both spectators and talent. 

            This year we’ll begin with mask-making, a prayer, packing up the Alleluia for Lent! Then we’ll gorge on Pancakes and the entertainment begins!!     Magic tricks, humor, storytelling, piano playing, singing, dancing and unforgettable moments in time occurred before our very eyes.  You may be 8 or you may be 80!  No matter your age, please prepare a performance to share in front of our very enthusiastic Saint Mary audience.   We want everyone to have fun, relax and laugh away their winter blues right before the Lenten season.

For more information or to enter your act, please contact Andrea Myles-Hunkin at mylesfromhome@msn.com  Remember February 11th -- be there or be square!! 

Annual Meeting Faith Family Event: January 28, at 9:30 AM

“Any person age fifteen years or older who has attended and supported the Church for six months and accepts its Constitution shall be considered a voting member of the Parish.” From our Constitution and By-laws.

DIFFERENT THIS YEAR! No more long lines and waiting. Everyone will be able to quickly come in and gather for a delicious brunch. To help out please consider bringing fruit or muffins/bagels/sweet bread.  When everyone is seated, our brief business meeting will begin. After this, everyone is invited to join in intergenerational discussions at each table designed to grow community. Childcare will be available, and the Holy Spirit will be guiding us! Come be part of this very special day in our community life. Family-friendly and open to all!

Community Care & Nurture

Please pray for the Bishop search process! 

God of Grace, we give you thanks for all of the blessings of our common life and ministries as the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, and for our leaders who are guiding us through this season of change. Grant to the Discernment and Transition Committees open hearts, minds, and spirits as they receive the Holy Spirit's gifts of faith, hope, and love to aid their work. We ask also that you send courage and vision to our next bishop of Maine as she or he discerns your call. Amen.

Wisdom Seekers: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

This Bible study group meets weekly in the Guild Room. Everyone is welcome! We are now discussing each week’s Advent scriptures in depth.

Chapel Eucharist: Thursdays 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, our bishop, and our own daily life with God.

Communicating with Nathan+   

Feel free to contact Fr. 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 on weekends or when he’s away

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Onnie Hastings, Nolan Farris, Douglas McCormack, Lee Lamphere, Arthur Markos, Patti Braswell, Richard Harris, Ellen Hitchcock, Frank Rheaume, Stewart Stalnecker

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             21       The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

                                    8:00am            Contemplative Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)

                                    9:15am            RSCM Angel Choir in the Chapel

                                    9:45am            Nursery opens

                                    9:45 am           Guiding RAY gathering with classes to begin at 10am

                                    10:00am           Choral Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)

Monday           22        12noon            Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are

                                    4:30pm            T’ai Chi in auditorium

                                    5:30pm            Ice Skating outside at Family Ice

                                    6:00pm            PCC rehearsal in Auditorium

Tuesday          23        7 - 9am            BNI in the auditorium

                                             9:30am            Garden Club design team

                                    10:30am                Wisdom Seekers in Kneeler Room

                                    12noon            Noonday Prayer 

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

                                    7:30pm            Al-Anon in the Guild Room

Wednesday 24 9:30am                        Art Group

                                             12 noon                Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                                             12:30pm              Staff Meeting

                                    1:00pm            Get Stitching group

                                    6:00pm            Parish Council+ the Guild Room

                                    6:00pm            SinG rehearsal in Auditorium

Thursday         25        12noon            Chapel Eucharist in the Fr James Chapel 

                                    68:30pm            Oratorio Chorale in the Auditorium

                                    6 :15pm           Dowsers in the Guild Room

                                    7:00pm            Saint Mary’s choir rehearsal

Friday             26       12noon            Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are

                                    5:30pm            Al-Anon meeting in the Guild Room

Sunday            28       Annual Meeting & Faith Family Event: 4th Sunday after Epiphany

                                  9:30am            ONE Contemporary Eucharist

                                                              (No Guiding RAY classes – all ages worship together!)

                                  10:30am           Brunch in the Auditorium - all are invited!!  Bring Fruit or Breads!!

                                  10:30am            Annual Meeting and Faith Family Activities 

                                   1-3:30pm    Bishopswood Board meeting in Guild Room

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366

 

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 1.7.18

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

For January 7, 2018 –  The Baptism of our Lord


Winter Mission Morning – NEXT Sunday, January 14 at 9 AM!

Please consider donating gently-used or new winter scarves for those in need

Please join together in celebrating the true spirit of Martin Luther King weekend by sharing his dream to come together in love and service!  Following the usual 8am Eucharist, join us in the auditorium at 9am for prayer and scripture, then continue with hands-on projects, designed for all ages and inclinations and are to bless and help others.  We'll gather again at 11:30 for a quick lunch and you'll be home by noon! 

     --Work with Milestone Foundation in Old Orchard (adults only and sorry, but you won't be back in time for lunch...)

     -- Moving cut and split wood from the outside to a shed for a Food Pantry neighbor in need (Family Friendly) 

      --Sprucing up and installing new shelf paper at the Falmouth Food Pantry (Family-Friendly)

      --Visiting residents of The Cedars (family-friendly)-

      --In-House project - Age-appropriate video about Martin Luther King and preparing cold-weather kits for neighbors in need (to be distributed through the Falmouth Food Pantry) (family Friendly)

2018 Offering Envelopes are here!

You can pick up your packet outside the Guild Room in the Parish House. If you forgot to check the box on your pledge form, but would like envelopes, simply sign up for them on the table outside the Guild Room or fill out a pledge form and check the box for envelopes. 

God's Work. Our Hands.

    Thank you to everyone who has made their pledge for 2018. To date we have $220,342 in pledge commitments for 2018 from 104 households. Praise God for your faithful and generous support! 

    $54,808.  This is what we send to the Diocese for episcopate and assessment allowing the diocese to function and assist all parishes in the State.  With the new year dawning, thank you for making the mission and ministries at Saint Mary's possible. We are truly blessed. Your volunteer hours and financial support has enabled us to celebrate, honor and serve God.

    We still have a significant gap to close to reach our goal of $285,000 and 170 pledging families. It's a busy time, but please take time to complete your pledge form before the end of the year. If you're new to Saint Mary's and would like a pledge form, you'll find them in the church and parish house, as well as online. Once completed, please return your pledge form confidentially to Beth Shaw, Parish Manager in the collection plate (please seal it in an envelope), via email at admin@smary.org or via USPS at 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth 04105. Together we can use our hands to do God's work.  Whether you've been with us for 1 week or 50 years, we thank you. Thank you for enriching our community. Happy New Year.

Time to update the Saint Mary's Member and Friends Directory!

Time to update all of your information. We need it ready to distribute on January 28!  Please check one of the draft copies at the back narthex of the church, outside the Guild Room or circulating on clipboards during coffee hour for your correct emails, cell phone and of, course, your address, etc.  Or call Beth in the parish office (781-3366) with any changes or updates. 

A Networking Opportunity!

Are you looking for clients?  An electrician?  Golf or ski partners?  Seeking to learn knitting or other fine skills?   I bet there are other parishioners who are interested!  Expand your professional and social networks by offering a few words about your vocation and/or avocations for publication in the 2018 Saint Mary’s Members and Friends Directory!  Email the information to Beth Shaw at admin@smary.org by January 22.

Events and Happenings

Centering Prayer Workshop:  January 13 and 20:  9:30 – 10:15am

Centering Prayer is not a “skill” or “special knowledge” but it helps to have some practice. So, we’ll gather with Merle Marie Troeger on two Saturday mornings to explore different avenues into the heart of centering prayer and then spend some time sitting with the Mystery that is God.  There is no specified “outcome” other than the spiritual rewards and risks of being on Holy Ground together. You are welcome to come to one or both sessions.  Each can stand on its own, but you might enjoy the cumulative effect of attending both.  There is a sign-up sheet, but it’s not necessary.

Faith Family Ice Skating: Monday, January 22, 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Come anytime during the evening to join your parish family for outdoor ice skating at the Lee Twombly Pond in Falmouth. There will be hot chocolate, hot teas, cookies and snacks by the fireplace. Bring your own skates or rent them from Family Ice Center. It’s great fun for all. All are welcome!

Annual Meeting Faith Family Event: January 28, at 9:30 AM

“Any person age fifteen years or older who has attended and supported the Church for six months and accepts its Constitution shall be considered a voting member of the Parish.” From our Constitution and By-laws.

DIFFERENT THIS YEAR! No more long lines and waiting. Everyone will be able to quickly come in and gather for a delicious brunch. When everyone is seated, our brief business meeting will begin. After this, everyone is invited to join in intergenerational discussions at each table designed to grow community. Childcare will be available, and the Holy Spirit will be guiding us! Come be part of this very special day in our community life. Family-friendly and open to all!

Youth Ministry

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)  

Our Guiding RAY programs for all young people ages 1 to 14 have begun with exciting plans for the program year!  We gather all together beginning at 9:45am with classes beginning at 10am.  For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website  www.smary.org . The Nursery  opens at 9:45am for our youngest disciples in the Guiding RAY area every Sunday morning for the later Eucharist.

 

This Sunday in Guiding RAY we will be reading Genesis 1:1-5. As we learn about the first day of creation, we will be talking about how we appreciate the beauty and variety of the world God created for us. We will wonder about how we can care for God’s Creation and how we can thank God for all creation.
The older Guiding RAY kids will have their final "Paul" lesson with Meg Hurdman before they embark on their next journey, "Peter". Please join us!

 

RSCM Parents and Youth Dinner: Wednesday, Jan 10 at 5:30 PM

Calling all RSCM families to come together for a festive spaghetti dinner this Wednesday in the auditorium. This will be a great opportunity to get to now one another and enjoy fellowship as well as discuss exciting plans for the spring season. There will be a short rehearsal with the children in the choir room ( in preparation for their singing at our Annual Meeting on 1/28), and Bruce will share refreshments with the parents. There is a lot of beautiful music to look forward to!

Falmouth YOUNG LIFE Club: On Christmas break  Gatherings will start up again mid-January on Mondays at 7:31 PM.

FMI, visit www.cascobay.younglife.org .

Serving The World

Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month – 1/12 & 1/26

Our free suppers in our Parish House Auditorium open to anyone and everyone. 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. And we are always looking for more servers to join the Souper Supper Team. FMI, contact Jennifer Gregg  (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com or 781-2665).

Community Care & Nurture

Please pray for the Bishop search process! 

God of Grace, we give you thanks for all of the blessings of our common life and ministries as the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, and for our leaders who are guiding us through this season of change. Grant to the Discernment and Transition Committees open hearts, minds, and spirits as they receive the Holy Spirit's gifts of faith, hope, and love to aid their work. We ask also that you send courage and vision to our next bishop of Maine as she or he discerns your call. Amen.

Wisdom Seekers: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

This Bible study group meets weekly in the Guild Room. Everyone is welcome! We are now discussing each week’s Advent scriptures in depth.

Chapel Eucharist: on break until January 25

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, our bishop, and our own daily life with God.

Communicating with Nathan+   

Feel free to contact Fr. 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 on weekends or when he’s away.

Prayer Concerns for this week:  Nolan Farris, Douglas McCormack, Lee Lamphere, Arthur Markos, Patti Braswell, Richard Harris, Ellen Hitchcock, Frank Rheaume, Stewart Stalnecker

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         7       The Baptism of our Lord

                             8:00am       Contemplative Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)

                             9:15am        RSCM Angel Choir in the Chapel

                             9:45am       Nursery opens      

                             9:45 am       Guiding RAY gathering with classes to begin at 10am

                             10:00am       Choral Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)

Monday      8        10:00am       Garden Cub board meeting in the Guild room

                             6:00pm        PCC rehearsal in Auditorium

Tuesday      9        7 - 9am       BNI in the auditorium

                             10:30am         Wisdom Seekers in Kneeler Room

                                    123pm         College Club Holiday Tea in Guild Room

                             12noon       Noonday Prayer 

                             3:30pm       Executive Committee meeting

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

                             7:30pm       Al-Anon in the Guild Room

Wednesday 10      9:30am       Art Group

                             10:00am      Falmouth House Eucharist at Oceanview

                                    12 noon          Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                             1:00pm       Get Stitching group

                             5:30pm       RSCM Dinner with parents and youth

                             6:00pm       SinG rehearsal in Chapel

Thursday     11      No Chapel Eucharist on January 11 or 18

                             12noon       Noonday Prayer 

                             6 – 8pm      Oratorio Chorale in the Sanctuary

                             610pm      Portland Land Trust Movie at 7pm

                             7:00pm       Saint Mary’s choir rehearsal

Friday         12      12noon       Noonday Prayer – stop and pray wherever you are

                             5:00pm       Community Souper Supper

                             5:30pm       Al-Anon meeting in the Guild Room

                             7:00pm       Classic Cinema presents Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt

Saturday     13     9:30am       Centering Prayer Workshop in the Fr. James Chapel

Sunday         14     Winter Mission Morning

                             8:00am       Contemplative Eucharist

                             9:00am     MISSION MORNING – Gather for community projects

                             11:30am   Return to Auditorium for lunch

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, Maine  04105

207.781.3366