29 September 2019 – The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Mission Morning - Faith In Action as a Parish Family! September 29
Our opportunity to all join together, to seek and serve Christ outside the walls of Saint Mary's! Parishioners of all ages are invited to gather in the Auditorium at 9 AM for a short reflection and send-off, after which we will disperse in small groups into the community for various projects appealing to every interest. We return at 11:30 for a fellowship and mid-day snacks. The Nursery will be available from 9-noon. There are FOUR different projects to choose from. You can also come early for the 8 AM Eucharist and then be sent out for Mission Morning.
Maine Marathon: Next Sunday, October 6 (NO services that day)
Volunteering at the water station in front of Saint Mary’s is a great time - cheering on the runners and serving water or Gatorade as they pass by is rewarding and fun! Contact Jessica Lewis if interested: jalewis7904@gmail.com
Outdoors Church: Saturday, October 5, 5 PM
Join the good folks of Foreside Community Church here at Saint Mary’s as we gather for worship outside in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. We will sing together, listen for God’s voice in Creation and bless God’s Creation as well. Neither of our congregations can gather on Sunday as usual due to the Marathon, so this will be our alternative time to worship. And we will worship in an alternative way – outdoors!
Autumn Sunday Formation: 9:30 – 10 AM - returning Oct 13
Everyone is invited to gather on Sunday mornings in either of two groups – a prayerful group meeting in the Chapel, and a discussion group meeting in the Auditorium.
- Current Events and the Mind of Christ in the Auditorium: (led by Fr. Nathan)
- Be Still in the Fr James Chapel: Meditation, Prayer & Discussion (led by Merle Marie Troeger, Jennifer Gregg and Becky Pride)
Vestry Nominations
The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for 2020 including:
- Vestry – four members to serve 3-year terms
- Sr. Warden – to serve a 1-year term
- Jr. Warden – to serve a 2-year term
- Delegates to the 2020 Diocesan Convention
You can submit your own name or someone else’s. We are seeking two-three Diocesan Convention delegates (along with a warden and treasurer) and three alternates.
Nomination forms are available in the narthex, outside of the Guild Room or in the parish office. Nominating Committee: Peter Fitch, chair peterhfitch@gmail.com; Ed Ainsworth, Maggie Gardner, Len Taylor
New! Changes in hosting Coffee Hour
Please sign up to help with Coffee Hour. There are three positions: Baker (bring a baked good and some fruit anytime during the weekend), Set-up/Host (put out the already purchased cheese and crackers, juice, coffee mugs, and the Baker's contribution), Clean-up (tidy things up and run the dishwasher). If you are an early bird, or need to head home after Church, maybe set-up is best for you. Not and early-bird? Maybe clean-up afterwards works better for you ! :) We all love coffee-hour. Thanks for your time. Sign-up sheets are outside the Guild Room. Thank you. FMI contact Sarah or Tim Caven thcaven@gmail.com
Resolve to Get Fit! Sept. 12 - Oct. 3: new Saint Mary’s offering!
Join us on Thursdays from 11-11:45 am starting September 12th for a self-paced fitness class in the auditorium. Instructor and personal trainer, Denise Curry, will lead the class. Whether you prefer to do the class seated or standing, Denise will guide us through a series of exercises suitable for all. She’ll work to help you find your level of ability, so you are challenged sufficiently.
Come dressed to exercise, whatever is comfortable for you. Be sure to wear good shoes for exercising! We’re offering these Thursday classes on a trial through 10/3. What we do next will depend on the participants’ interest. Cost: $5 per class suggested donation. But don’t let that stop you from giving this a try.
Please call or email Beth Shaw (admin@smary.org) , 781-3366 to sign up.
Realm is Saint Mary’s new church database software program. It’s how we track parishioners’ address, emails, contributions, committees, meetings, and so much more. One of the features of Realm is you may have access to your own information or ‘Profile’ from address to donations. There are ‘Groups’ formed to list committees and guilds and facilitate their communication. There are ‘Pathways’ to create easy steps to a project or event. It’s so great! But first, you have to accept the invitation;
be sure to check for your Realm invitation in your email inbox!
Youth Ministry
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth): Sundays, 10 AM
Our Guiding RAY programs for all young people ages 0 to 14, with classes beginning at 10am. The Nursery, classes for pre-K through grade 5, and a group for Middle Schoolers now called Ignite will all be available. Our classes are designed to both appeal to and offer our children an opportunity to learn key bible stories and to develop their relationship with God. For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website www.smary.org As always, we are looking for leaders to assist with these crucial programs. Please contact Megan Akers to find out ways you can help! GuidingRAY@smary.org
This week in Guiding RAY There will be no classes due to the Maine Marathon. We invite all families to ‘be the church’ by participating in one of three family-friendly Mission Morning projects. Classes will resume on Oct 13.
Guiding SAY (Singing Adventures for Youth): 9:35 AM
Is also on a two-week break, but we hope you will consider joining this fun gathering that is new this Autumn! Before Guiding RAY classes begin, all young people are invited to gather downstairs with our own Maria Belva for fun singing. No special skill or experience required, only a willingness to sing together.
The Nursery is open for our youngest parishioners every regular Sunday, 9 - 11:30am, so parents can attend Formation classes or sing in the choir. Please contact Megan Akers, GuidingRAY@smary.org, if you are able to assist with care.
IGNITE - Middle School Youth Group: All kids in grades 6-8 are welcome to join this growing group that will resume in the fall. Save the date for the next Ignite bi-weekly gatherings on Oct 13.
Young Life of Casco Bay Club is coming soon! FMI see www.younglifecb.com
Serving the World
Celebrating Partnerships in Recovery: Friday, Oct 18, 5-7 PM
Bring your homemade chili or cornbread! Saint Marians and friends are cordially invited to attend a chili supper AND to bring a crock-pot of your favorite chili (if you can) for this special supper. Organized by the Outreach Committee, this is a community-wide event to nurture partnerships old and new in support of recovery for substance-use disorder. "Dignitaries" will include Falmouth Police Chief Kilbride, Milestone Foundation ExecDir Fowler, MaineWorks ExecDir Walsh and Casco Bay CAN Program Director Blackeman-Pohl. Please indicate your intentions to attend or cook at the Sign-Up Table or email Jennifer Gregg at jenniferanngregg@gmail.com.
12th Annual Harvest Community Supper: Thu, Oct 24, 4:30-7:00 PM
Saint Mary’s joins with other religious communities in Falmouth to once again host a free turkey supper to raise funds for the Falmouth Food Pantry, a resource devoted to serving the needs of many in our area. The community dinner is held at the Falmouth Congregational Church (267 Falmouth Road) on Thursday, October 24, from 4:30 to 7PM. Plan on coming to enjoy an evening of good food, goodwill and friendship. Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted.
As one of the hosts of this event, parishioners from Saint Mary’s are asked to donate and cook turkeys, bake squash and help with serving and cleanup.
Please volunteer by signing up in timely fashion on the poster near the guild Room. Thank you in advance for supporting this worthy cause. Contact John Brooks (781-2097) with any questions.
Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month: SEP 27
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, jenniferanngregg@gmail.com
Gatherings & Events
Common Ground: Thursday Potluck & presentation
Come with your questions and join these conversations. And bring some food to share – it is a potluck dinner!
SEPT 26: Aging and Direct Primary Care: our own Dr. Alexandra Barr will talk about her interest in gerontology, how DPC works as a model for medical care, and to answer our questions about aging. NOTE: this is a change from what was in the AVE. The Partners for World Health presentation has been moved to 11/14.
OCT 3: Where is AWAY? Trash & Recycling with EcoMaine: Katrina Venhuizen of EcoMaine will teach us about where all of our local waste goes, what happens to it, and how to reduce the amount of waste we produce.
Oct 10: 9/11 First Responder’s Experience: Sharing life experiences with each other is a benefit of our Common Ground. Join us when our own Pat Rodgers shares her experience being at Ground Zero following 9/11
The basic Common Ground structure is:
5 - 7pm Potluck-style dinner. Take a break from cooking a whole meal. Bring a piece or just eat what we have. If you can’t imagine eating early, come and enjoy fellowship and discussion. Open to everyone!!
6:00 pm We welcome our guest speaker to talk or begin our conversation.
Wanted by 5:45pm: Fun parishioners to participate in Oct 31 Trunk or Treat event. Trunk or Treat is a fun safe way for our Guiding RAY children to Trick or Treat here at Saint Mary’s. Buy some candy, and come to Common Ground and park so your trunk is easily accessible to the goblins & gremlins. You can decorate your trunk a bit if you wish to make it even more festive – just be ready for fun! The more the merrier!
Living With Grief: beginning October 8 at 4 pm
A new "Living with Grief" group will begin meeting at Saint Mary's from 4 to 5:30pm once a week for 8 weeks. Anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one whether that death occurred 6 months ago or many years ago is welcome to be part of the group. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Christine at 653-2448 or Beth at the church office.
All-Parish Hike! Monday, October 14, 9 AM departure
Enjoy the holiday by taking a hike up Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton with Nathan+ and a group of Saint Marians. The hike is not too long or strenuous, but the views are tremendous! If the group desires, we’ll stop on the way home for dinner. Be ready to carpool from S. Mary’s parking lot at 9 AM sharp.
Sparkles NEWS: Mark your calendars for December 7
One of the most consistently popular tables at Sparkles is our Knitters Corner, and we have many customers who return for these items each year. (They make great Christmas gifts!). Although it began as a table primarily for hand knit items, we now also feature felted and crocheted items, beautiful handwoven pieces, and handmade zipper bags and other sewn accessories. Because these are so popular, we are asking our knitters, crocheters, weavers, quilters and sewists to donate their handmade items as soon as possible. And . . . if you’re cleaning out your stash of yarn or fabrics, trims or notions of any kind, those are also popular sellers!
Please don’t forget to bring dried beans – any kind, any flavor -- for our delicious Saint Mary’s Friendship Soup. We need lots and lots and lots of beans donated to create this traditional favorite at St. Mary’s. There is a basket outside the Guild Room and in the Narthex, so please help us fill them both with beans!
TOPS: new group meeting at Saint Mary’s, Wednesdays 5 - 6:30 pm
TOPS Club, Inc. is a nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss support organization established in 1948. In an industry filled with quick fixes and fad diets, TOPS is an affordable and evidence-based program that encourages members to make small, steady lifestyle changes that provide lasting weight loss and better health. FMI, visit www.tops.org
Community Care & Nurture
Weekly Worship at Saint Mary’s
SUNDAYS: 8 am Contemplative Eucharist,
9:30 am Formation for ALL
10:15 am Choral Eucharist
THURSDAYS: 12 noon Chapel Eucharist
Mon - Wed: 10 minute NoonDay Prayer in Chapel or wherever you are
Wisdom Seekers: Bible Study on Tuesday mornings
At 10:30 AM every Tuesday morning, a group gathers to study the Scriptures appointed for the upcoming Sunday. It is a great way to prepare oneself for the Eucharist. Some stay afterward for NoonDay Prayer. All are welcome to join the group at any time.
Communicating with Nathan+ Feel free to contact Fr. Nathan at any time if you need advice, guidance or prayer. You can call or text his cell at 207-310-0268 or e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org , but know that email is checked rarely on Fridays, Saturdays or when he’s away on vacation.
Prayer Concerns for this week: Lee Snow, Gary Conway, Chris McGonigle, Dave Fenderson, Jim Martin, Sandy Pauly, Keith Lombardizzi, John Fournier, Karen Mangino, Chandra Lowe, Nolan Farris, Stewart Stalnecker.
IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THIS 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 29 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00am Contemplative Eucharist
9:00am MISSION MORNING – hands on projects for all
1 - 5pm Reception Retreat at Saint Mary’s
Monday 30 12noon Noonday Prayer
5:30pm Be Still in the Fr James Chapel
6 – 9pm Portland Community Chorus rehearsal in auditorium
Tuesday 10/1 7 - 9am BNI in the auditorium
9:30-12:30 Art Group in the auditorium
10:30am Wisdom Seekers in the Guild Room
11:00am 12-step support group
12 noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
12:45am Staff Meeting
7:00pm AA in the auditorium (Al-A-Teen in Youth Room)
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:00pm Beginner’s Al-Anon)
Wednesday 2 9:30a-2p Mainely Weavers in the auditorium
9:30a-12 Garden Club Judges Council in the Guild Room
5-6:30p TOPS meeting in the Kneeler Room
6:00pm ORI in the Guild Room
6:00pm SinG rehearsal in the auditorium
Thursday 3 12noon Chapel Eucharist
1:00pm CARE team meeting
5 – 7pm Common Ground Potluck & Presentation: EcoMaine
7:00pm SM Choir Rehearsal
Friday 4 Parish Office closed
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray where you are
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting in the Guild Room
Saturday 5 11:00am Burial of Jim Payson
10a-3pm Concert Rehearsing
5:00pm Outdoors Church here at Saint Mary’s
7:00pm OktoberFest Concert (PBE) in the sanctuary
Sunday 6 Maine Marathon – no morning services!
8-11am S. Mary’s Water Station and cheerleading – helpers needed!
Beth Shaw
Parish Manager
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366, www.smary.org
