March 25, 2018 – The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
McClosky Voice Workshop: Saturday, March 24, 10am -12 noon
Our new choir member, Maria Belva, will be leading a vocal masterclass for singers on Saturday, March 24, 10-12 noon in the auditorium. The McClosky method is superbly suited for singers of all abilities. It is especially useful for amateur and older singers who can learn to extend their range and sing with more comfort. The workshop will be open to singers at the cost of $20, with $10 donated to the church by Maria. If interested, please e mail Bruce Fithian: bsfithian@aol.com.
The Triduum and Pascha at Saint Mary's
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week
Special Holy Week prayers are offered at 12 Noon in the Chapel.
♦♦ Maundy Thursday Agape Meal: March 29 -- sign-up!
Thursday evening at 6:00 pm. Our Maundy Thursday Agapé Supper and Liturgy is one of our most special liturgies of the year. We gather for a simple meal of soup, bread, cheese, and fruit. Holy Scripture proclaims the institution of the Lord's Supper and Jesus' act of service by washing the feet of his disciples. We re-enact the footwashing. At the conclusion of the meal, we walk over to the Church for the remainder of the Eucharist, and the stripping and washing of the Altar. Visit the Sign-Up Table by the Guild Room where you may indicate if you (and your family/friends) are planning to attend this special event. You may indicate if you would like to, ahead of time, bring: a block of cheddar or swiss cheese, dried fruit, mixed nuts, juice or wine. Please bring to kitchen or office by Monday, March 26.
All-Night Watch of Prayer and Adoration
Maundy Thursday 8:00 pm to Good Friday 12 noon in the Chapel.
"Can you not watch with me one hour?" These are the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. We overcome the failure of the twelve by keeping an all-night watch of prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. This is an intimate, highly spiritual time to spend in the presence of God. Visit the sign-up next to Beth's office and indicate the time that you would like to keep watch.
♦♦Good Friday at Saint Mary's: A Day of Fasting, Prayer & Sacrifice
Good Friday morning: Walk for Habitat for Humanity
Traditionally, Saint Mary's has hosted a walk or a walk/run to benefit Habitat for Humanity in May. This year, the Falmouth May 5th event will be a run only, and we wish to encourage anyone who wishes to walk to join the wonderful Cumberland Good Friday Walk for Habitat. You have a choice of four routes: 3-miles, 5-miles, 10 miles, and 20 miles. Registration runs from 7-3pm at either the Congregational Church of Cumberland or First Baptist Church of Cumberland (for the 3-mile only.) The Cumberland Walk enjoys a wonderful history (this is its 32nd year!) and how meaningful it will be to do this on Good Friday! FMI: Jennifer Gregg (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com) or Habitat for Humanity, 772-2151, or www.crowdrise/com/2018GoodFridayWalk
12 noon: The Prayer Watch ends with the brief Good Friday Liturgy and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament in the Chapel.
4:00 pm: The Way of the Cross An all age service in which we walk the way Jesus walked together with familiar scripture and songs.
6:00 PM: The Good Friday Liturgy. A time of powerful readings, times of silence, and the Church stripped bare by the austerity of mourning. The Passion According to Saint John is chanted to an ancient tone; a plain, wooden cross is brought into our midst. The organ does not sound; it, too, is silent in the face of Christ's self-offering.
Good Friday Offering: We will join the Episcopal Church in donating our Loose offering from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East and their efforts toward peace, education, healthcare and evangelism in the Holy Land.
♦♦Holy Saturday, March 31
Blood Drive: from 9 AM to 2 PM. Come and share the gift of life with others as we remember the new life that Christ has given to us through the shedding of his blood. Here in our Parish House Auditorium. Sign-up now or walk in on Saturday. Go to www.redcrossblood.org to make your appointment and use our sponsor code "StMary". Or sign-up TODAY in the Auditorium. And tell your friends and neighbors!
The Great Vigil: Holy Saturday at 7:06 PM
This is the hinge of the entire church year. It begins at sunset with the Blessing of the New Fire, the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, and our procession into the darkness of the Church, still waiting for the light of the Lord's resurrection. The story of salvation is told through Hebrew Scripture, all are doused with blessed water, the lights of the church go on as Christ is proclaimed as risen, and we gather for our Paschal feast at the Lord's table! A special treat awaits everyone at the end. Bring a bell from home to proclaim the Lord's resurrection! All are welcome. We ask the children to be here a few minutes early to lay the kindling for the great fire that brings new light.
♦♦The Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha: Easter Day
9 AM & 11 AM: Two identical joyous Festive Eucharists with organ, brass, and choir. RSCM choirs will add to the 11am festivities. Bring a bell from home and be ready to celebrate!
Serving The World
Holy Week Blood Drive: Saturday, March 31, 9am – 2pm
Jesus gave his life for us. Come to share the gift of your life with others.
Here in our Parish House Auditorium. In partnership with the RED CROSS. Go to www.redcrossblood.org and use our sponsor code "StMary".
Christian Formation and Youth Notes
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)
Palm Sunday, the kids will stay in the auditorium for the whole service to begin their journey to Holy Week. The children will create palm crosses, resurrection gardens, pascal candles and enjoy an agape style feast as we begin to understand the sequence of events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection.
There will be NO classes on the Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha: Easter Day. The nursery will be open for our youngest disciples on Easter Sunday during the 9am and 11am services – anyone interested in manning the nursery during one of these services should contact Megan Akers. Nursery is open every regular Sunday morning beginning at 9:45 AM.
Young Life Club: Every Monday night at 7:31pm
At 56 Quiet Lane in Portland (off of Summit St). High schoolers from every town are invited to come together for crazy fun and to meet new friends. Young Life includes everyone – no questions asked! Each Club ends with a 5 minute inspirational talk about the love of God in Christ. Don't miss it! FMI: visit www.younglifecb.com or call Jordan Droge at 805-453-1999
News & Events
Annual Bridge – a – Thon: Fri., May 4, 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.
Community Care & Nurture
Altar Flowers: Please fill out the inserted sheet with your names for Easter memorial or thanksgiving flowers. Due by Monday, March 26
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. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Wisdom Seekers: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
This Bible study group meets weekly in the Guild Room. Everyone is welcome! We discuss each week's 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.
With concerns, comment, or issues, feel free to contact the Parish office (Beth, 781-3366) or the Wardens ( Jim Kane, 329-1764 or Janet Bowne, 318-7045)
Prayer Concerns for this week: Pat Mordecai, Stewart Stalnecker, Karen Mynahan, John Lund, Sally Rigg, Theresa Violette, Nolan Farris, Douglas McCormack, Lee Lamphere, Arthur Markos, Frank Rheaume.
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 HOLY WEEK at Saint Mary's
Sunday 25 The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
8:00am Contemplative Eucharist (in Sanctuary)
9:00am Coffee hour
9:15AM RSCM Choir practice in the Choir room
9:45am Nursery opens
10:00am Choral Eucharist (all gather in the Auditorium)
Children will stay in the Auditorium after the congregation
processes to the church for a special Palm Sunday project
11:00am Coffee hour
11:30am Vestry to meet with Pastor Sara
Monday 26 12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
4:30pm T'ai Chi in auditorium
5:30pm Be Still in the Fr James Chapel
6:00pm Portland Community Chorus rehearsal in auditorium
Tuesday 11 7 - 9am BNI in the auditorium
9:30am Art Group
10:30am Wisdom Seekers
12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
1:00pm Staff Meeting / Get Stitching group
7:00pm AA in the auditorium
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:30pm Beginner's Al-Anon)
Wednesday 12 12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
6-8:30pm Oratorio Chorale in the Auditorium
6-8:30pm SinG in the Chapel or choir room
Thursday 24 Maundy Thursday
12noon Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Foot-washing
6:00pm Agape Meal and Foot-washing in the Auditorium
7:00pm The Maundy Eucharist in the Sanctuary
8:00pm The Watch of Prayer and Adoration begins in the Chapel
Friday 25 Good Friday
7am – 3pm Good Friday Habitat Walk in Cumberland
12noon Good Friday Liturgy with Communion – in the Chapel
4:00pm Walking the Way of the Cross all age service
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting
6:00pm Good Friday Liturgy with music
Saturday 26 Holy Saturday
9am– 2pm: Holy Saturday Blood Drive – in the Auditorium
7:06pm The Great Vigil
Sunday 27 Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha – Easter Day
9:00am Sunday of the Resurrection: Contemporary Eucharist
10:00am Coffee Hour
11:00am Sunday of the Resurrection: Eucharist & Baptism
12:00am Coffee Hour continues
Beth Shaw
Parish Manager
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.3366
