Formation Time in Advent: Sundays at 9:30  

• DEC 10: Thomas Merton – who is he and why is he famous?  
• DEC 17: The Four Gospel Canticles surrounding the Birth of Jesus 
• DEC 24: Nothing today, we're prepping for the Pageant! 

Advent Quiet Morning:  Saturday 16 December, 9 AM – 12 noon 

Getting Directions to the Kingdom of Heaven 

Register now for this special morning led by Merle Marie Troeger. The Chapel is used as the primary gathering point for this Advent Quiet Morning when we'll contemplate this central image of Jesus' teaching, the Kingdom of Heaven. FMI and to register, contact the Parish Office. 

St. Mary Schola Advent Concert: Friday, December 15, 7:30 

A Napolean Christmas. Buy your tickets for a concert of seasonal music for Advent.  

• Friday 15 December, 7:30 PM, Saint Mary's, Falmouth 
• Saturday 16 December, 3:00 PM, St. Luke's Cathedral, Portland 

Wisdom Seekers: each Tuesday at 10:30 

This weekly Bible study group continues its group study and discussion of our weekly lessons. This is a great way to prepare for our upcoming Sunday worship. All are welcome to join in the exploration and learning. 

Christmas Pageant: Sunday 24 December at 10:15 AM 

Sign up NOW to have your children participate in the Pageant! Email Emily Rodgers at emilymayrodgers@gmail.com.  

Pageant rehearsals are today at 11:30 and Pageant Dress Rehearsal will be on SUNDAY 17 December at 11:30 in the Sanctuary. The entire cast meets in the Guiding RAY room. All participants need to be at the dress rehearsal.  

The Christmas Pageant is Sunday 24 December at 10:15 – the Fourth Sunday in Advent (No Guiding RAY classes that day – all children in church.) 

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)  

GR is for all young people ages 0 to 12. The doors open in the lower level of the Parish House at 9:15 each Sunday with projects and play, then classes begin at 10:00. GR is a cooperative effort that counts on the participation of many people. Please speak with Meg Hurdman and Melissa Roland about volunteering. There are opportunities for all.   

St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center:  

Adult Winter Coat Drive, plus kitchen & cookware (no other clothing). Saint Mary's is committed to serving at this vital ministry to new Mainers and those in need on the morning of each third Tuesday from 8:30-11. FMI and to find out how to participate, contact Stan Eaton at stan.eaton@gmail.com   

Red Cross Blood Drives:  Dec 28  -  Critical Need! 

Please consider sharing your blood in this season of giving. The need is constant. Lives depend on it! This Red Cross blood drive will be in our Auditorium.   

Stewardship 2024:  Rooted in Abundance  

If the  image for our pledge campaign looks familiar it's because it is from our altar. Perhaps, a vestry long ago, decided that a tree on our altar was an apt metaphor for the way we dig deep into what nourishes us to transform that goodness into work, service, and joy in a world that needs us more than ever. Supporting Saint Mary's gives us the conduit to do good things like strengthen our children's program.  Thank you to the _90_ households who have pledged $_218,720__. There's still time to pledge! Here's the link for our pledge form (HERE).For more information on how to pledge, contact the parish office, smary@smary.org or Janet Bowne, jmitchellbowne@gmail.com. 

Sunday 24 DEC is the Fourth Sunday in Advent AND Christmas Eve 

The worship schedule will be as follows: 

10:15 AM     Advent 4 Christmas Pageant 

4:00 PM                 Family Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols 

9:00 PM                 Candlelight Choral Eucharist 

Blue Christmas: Thursday 22 December at Noon 

All are invited to this quiet, reflective service for those of us who are grieving, sad, lonely, not feeling particularly festive, feeling the fatigue of COVID or just in need of quiet in the busy-ness of the season. Please spread the word to those you know.  

Join us for this memorable communion service of rest, comfort, and healing. 

Suicide Prevention Workshop: Saturday 13 January, 2 – 6 PM 

Would you know how to respond if a friend or co-worker began to hint about suicide? Your help could be the difference between life and death. Sign up for this 4-hour training in suicide alertness and prevention. This is applicable to, and useful for, each person. safeTALK is a globally used resource developed by LivingWorks (see www.livingworks.net). Register before November 9 by emailing Fr Nathan at nathanferrell@smary.org. There is a fee of $30 which covers the cost of materials you will receive (Scholarships are available.)  

News For This Month 

FFormation Hour at 9:15 each Sunday 

In the Auditorium: GROUP DISCUSSION. Grab coffee or tea, then join in a large group conversation about a variety of subjects.  

11/5 & 11/12 – How to Survive Your In-laws During the Holidays. Prepare yourself now for the challenges that lie ahead. We'll discuss spiritual life hacks that help with any difficult relationship.    

11/19 – What is St. Elizabeth's Jubilee Center? Talk with the Executive Director of one of our most impactful ministries in the City of Portland. Learn about Jubilee Centers in the Episcopal Church and about the challenges facing Portland and our region. Sarah Coburn Borgeson will visit us to speak about our November Outreach partner.  

11/26 – Advent Wreath-Making Workshop 

Make a wreath and start an Advent tradition with your family.  Bring greens from home if you can and clippers too. We will supply the rest.  Feel free to bring a yummy treat to share. 

In the Chapel:  BE STILL. Grab a seat for a time of thoughtful reflections and small group discussion of topical poetry and mystical readings.  

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)  

GR is for all young people ages 0 to 10. The doors open in the lower level of the Parish House at 9:15 each Sunday with projects and play, then classes begin at 10:00. GR is a cooperative effort that counts on the participation of many people. Please speak with Meg Hurdman and Melissa Roland about volunteering. There are opportunities for all.   

Wisdom Seekers: Tuesdays at 10:30 

This weekly Bible study group continues its group study and discussion of our weekly lessons in the Guild Room. This is a great way to prepare for our upcoming Sunday worship. All are welcome to join in the exploration and learning. 

 Sparkles Donation Drop-off dates:   

It's getting close to Sparkle Season!  Come check out the opportunities to help and make friends.  Remember to bring donations on upcoming drop-off Saturdays: Nov 4 & 18 

 

Also: Bean!  Beans!!  Bring dry bean donations to the Parish House for the making of Friendship Soup. 

 

 Suicide Prevention Workshop:  Saturday, Nov 11, 1-5pm 

All are invited to sign up for this 4-hour training in suicide alertness and prevention. This is applicable to, and useful for, each person. safeTALK is a globally used resource developed by LivingWorks (see www.livingworks.net). Register before November 8 by emailing Fr Nathan at nathanferrell@smary.org. There is a fee of $30 which covers the cost of materials you will receive.  

St. Elizabeth's Jubilee Center 

Donations of housewares & kitchenware needed. All needs are increasing at record levels. Saint Marians go to serve on the 3^rd Tuesday - next one is on Tuesday 21 November. 

 Last Sunday Offering for November 

St. E's is the focus of our Mission learning and doing for November.  St. Elizabeth's is a low-barrier pantry serving non-food essentials that cannot be purchased with SNAP funds to all those in need, including new Mainers and Mainers whose families have been here for generations. Distributions are on Tuesday mornings with a special focus each week and month.  Sun, Nov 19 we welcome St. E's Director, Sarah Coburn Borgeson, to Saint Mary's for Formation time and Tues, Nov 21 is our day to serve there.   

 Falmouth Food Pantry 

Donations of canned tuna, chicken, soups, (no cream-based), boxes of pasta, cold cereal, granola bars or checks. Serving 200 families/month.   

Souper Supper: Fridays 10 & 24 in November, 5 – 7 PM 

Enjoy this free sit-down dinner of hearty soup, salad, rolls, desserts and a beverage.  Come out to eat or volunteer to help set-up or serve on the 2^nd & 4^th Fridays! Buy Coffee By Design coffee to support Souper Supper.   

Souper Supper: our October Last Sunday Offering 

Today we are collecting donations to support the important ministry of Souper Supper. This is our Outreach ministry focus for the month of October. Please consider a generous donation. All donations for this ministry can be placed in the Baptismal Font. Thank you! 

Fall Campus Clean-Up:  Sun. Nov. 12, after services 

Grab your rakes, gloves, blowers, tarps, dust rags and wear your work clothes to church! The project lists are for indoor and outdoor activities. 

 We need "all hands on deck" to work together to clean up our campus and  

inside spaces too before winter.  Coffee, drinks and Snacks provided.  Questions?   

Hugh Smith, hughsails@icloud.com  

or Fred Webber,  webberonsebago@msn.com 

Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist: WED 22 November at 6 PM 

Gather your family and friends for a joyful Thanksgiving Eucharist on the evening before the holiday. After the liturgy, all are invited to stay for the lighting of the Kyros Memorial Tree with the remembrances of those who have died in the last year, and those for whom we are grateful. Be on watch for the opportunity to submit your names for remembrance.    

Special Guest on Christ the King Sunday 26 November 

On the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, the Right Reverend Ann Ritonia will be on our Presider and Preacher. Bishop Ann is the Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. She serves in this role under the Presiding Bishop and serves as Fr Nathan's "other" bishop when he is on duty as a Navy and Coast Guard Chaplain. Her office is at The National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Please greet her warmly as she visits Maine and Saint Mary's.  

The News at Saint Mary's 

All Parish Holiday Hike: Monday, October 9, 9 AM departure 

Everyone is invited to join in a peak foliage hike on the holiday. Nathan will take us up either Pleasant Mountain (easy, in Denmark, ME) or Speckled Mountain (moderate, in Evans Notch, ME), depending on the desires of the group. Those who are able will stop for dinner out together on the way home. If interested, speak with Fr Nathan. 

Red Cross Blood Drive: Wednesday, October 11, 9 – 2 New date! 

Please consider donating blood or power reds. The need is constant, and it is literally saving lives! Register here: www.redcross.org/give-blood.html    

Episcopal Visitation next week! Sunday, October 15  The Bishop of Vermont will join us next Sunday morning for both Eucharists, two Baptisms at 10:15, a Formation discussion, and Coffee Hour. Don't miss this special opportunity to talk with, and learn from, one of our Bishops. This visit is part of our growing partnership with the Dioceses of Vermont and New Hampshire.   

 Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth) 

Guiding RAY (GR) is for all young people ages 0 to 10. The doors open in the lower level of the Parish House at 9:15 each Sunday with projects and play, then classes begin at 10:00. GR is a cooperative effort that counts on the participation of many people. Please speak with Meg Hurdman and Melissa Roland about volunteering. There are opportunities for all.   

Notable October dates:  10.15 - Food Pantry visitor – bring favorite box of cereal;  10.29 - Trunk or Treat – wear your costume to church 

Sparkles donation drop-off dates, 9 am – 12noon 

It's getting close to Sparkle Season!  Come check out the opportunities to help and make friends.  Remember to bring donations of your gently used household items, home decor, holiday decorations, jewelry and accessorieson upcoming drop-off Saturdays:  

Oct 7 & 28,  Nov 4 & 18 

Sparkles Spirit: October 20, 6-8 pm 

Plan your holiday entertaining with us on Friday, October 20 and have fun socializing and sampling at the same time!  Samples of ten appetizers will be served that you can order, pay for that night to be picked up frozen on November 19 for you to thaw, heat and serve at your holiday gathering!  What could be easier!  Join us on October 20  

Community Turkey Supper:  Thursday, October 26, 5 – 7pm 

  Join the Falmouth churches and faith communities in a free turkey dinner with all the fixins!  The supper is held at the Falmouth Congregational Church at 267 Falmouth Road.  Free-will donations will be accepted to benefit the Falmouth Food Pantry.   

Diocesan Convocation: Saturday, October 21, 9 -12  

All are invited to gather with our Bishop and members of the Diocese from across the state. Workshops begin at 9, the Eucharist begins at 10:30. Come for one or both, all at your cathedral, Saint Luke's. 

St. Elizabeth's Jubilee Center: serving Tuesday, October 17 

Donations of Housewares & Kitchenware needed. All needs are increasing at record levels, and all people are welcome. Winter Coat Drive has begun! Special need for Adults L & XL 

Youth Service Corp:  October 22 at 12noon 

All youth in grades 5 – 12 from area churches are coming together for Mission Day to help feed the hungry attending Ocean Ave elementary school.  Meet at back cove Hannafords at noon.  FMI contact Deacon Matthew 

Souper Supper: Friday, October 13 and 27, 5 – 7 PM 

Enjoy this free sit-down dinner of hearty soup, salad, rolls, desserts and a beverage.  Come out to eat or volunteer to help set-up or serve on the 2^nd & 4^th Fridays! Buy Coffee By Design coffee to support Souper Supper.   

 

SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training:  November 11: 2-6pm 

All are invited to sign up for this 4-hour training in suicide alertness and prevention. This is applicable to every person. Register before November 1 by emailing Fr Nathan at nathanferrell@smary.org. There is a fee of $30 which covers the cost of materials you will receive.  

Get Ready for Kickoff Sunday:  September 10 

With program year beginning, the Sunday schedule will be as follows: 

        8:00 am   Holy Eucharist 

        9:15 am   Christian Formation – for youth, adults, and choir 

        10:00 am Guiding RAY classes begin 

        10:15 am Choral Eucharist 

 The choir returns!  Sunday Formation Returns!  Guiding RAY Returns! 

Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)        

For all young people ages 0 to 10. During the program year (Sept – early June), we gather all together beginning at 9:30 for Formation in the lower level of the Parish House with classes beginning at 10:00.    Guiding RAY is on summer hiatus.  

See you on September 10 for Kickoff Sunday 

Sparkles Table at Kickoff Sunday: September 10 

It's getting close to Sparkle Season!  Come check out the opportunities to help and make friends.  Remember to bring donations on the drop off Saturdays:  Sept 9 & 16,  Oct 7 & 28,  Nov 4 & 18 

Schola Concert:  September 24, 4pm at Saint Mary's 

Save the date for the Saint Mary Schola presentation of Dido and Aeneas with guest director, Dr. Christina Scott Edelen.  Concert also at St. Luke's Cathedral on Saturday, Sept 23 at 4pm.  There is a 3:30 pre-concert talk for both concerts.   

No AM worship services on  October 1 

Due to the closing of Foreside Rd (Route 88) for the morning running of the Maine Marathon, there are no worship services on the morning of Sunday October 1.  Join the Falmouth faith community at 2pm, 

Maine Marathon Relay Teams: Oct 1:  Saint Mary's needs RUNNERS to be part of our relay teams. This is about participation and community involvement, not about winning a prize. We also need volunteers to staff our water station which is very busy on Marathon Sunday.   

2pm Ecumenical Worship at Holy Martyrs on October 1 

Join the churches affected in the morning by the Marathon for an Ecumenical service at 2pm at Holy Martyrs at 266 Foreside Rd - across form Town landing Market. 

Summer Soiree—Summer Success
The Summer Soiree was a big success on August 13. At press time, we raised $7636 for our mission and ministries! Thank you to the donors, the attendees, the bidders and the winners!  Thank you also to the culinary team including Valerie Kyros, Melissa Kane, Kelley Young, Robin Webber and Melissa Roland for offering the wonderful spread of oysters seeded by Jack and Susan Thomas on Cumberland Foreside, lobster bites, delicious cured meats, cheeses and vegetables. The dessert bar was full of more delicious bites supplied by Rick and Portia Hirschman. 
The bidding on the silent and live auction items was fast and furious. But what was most evident was the mixing, mingling, laughing and socializing of the attendees! Thank you all!  

Ongoing Outreach projects 

Monthly Mission and Last Sunday Offering 

Got Sneakers? Our Mission project for the summer!  Last week is coming up!! 

 Bring in your old sneakers to recycle, to support refugees, and to raise money for nonprofits. On Kickoff Sunday, we all get to decide what non-profit gets the money we have raised.   

Maine Council of Churches will be our Mission focus for the month of September. Mark your calendars for September 17 for a special visit from MCC Executive Director Jane Field who will give a sermon at both services. She and John Hennessy of our Diocese will lead a Formation discussion and be available at coffee hours.   

Red Cross Blood Drive: Critical levels of need.  Consider donating blood or platelets   www.redcross.org/give-blood.html    Next drive is: Sep 21, 9am-2pm          

St. Elizabeth's: donations of Housewares & Kitchenware needed. All needs are increasing at record levels.  Saint Mary's next serves on Tuesday, September 19. 

Souper Supper:  Sept 8 & 22 -  Enjoy this free sit-down dinner of hearty soup, salad, rolls, desserts and a beverage.  Come out to eat or volunteer to help set-up or serve on the 2^nd & 4^th Fridays! Buy Coffee By Design coffee to support Souper Supper.   

Falmouth Food Pantry 

The Falmouth Food Pantry serves close to 200 families a month and needs donations from individuals. Our donation box is in the foyer of the Parish House and in the Narthex. Helpful foods are soup in cans (but not cream soups), boxes of pasta, cold cereal, canned tuna fish, canned chicken, and granola bars. If you have any questions supporting the Pantry, feel free to reach out to Vanessa, recordvanessa@gmail.com.  

Grow a Row for the Falmouth Food Pantry!    

Join the Falmouth Food Pantry in providing fresh food this summer. A share of your harvest will mean the world to those for whom fresh vegetables are a scarce and treasured commodity.       

CARE team: Soup Deliveries:   Contact the parish office if you can help. 

One of the many activities of the Saint Mary's CARE Team is the delivery of  "Soup in a Bag" to parishioners each week who are unable to leave their homes. The bagged soup (along with rolls and a sweet) can be picked up on Fridays from the kitchen to deliver to the recipients who live nearby.   

Helping Hands at Home 

If you are in need of indoor or outdoor odd job help at your home, please reach out.  The 'Helping Hands at Home' ministry will try to assist!  Contact the parish office if you need assistance or can help 781-3366, or admin@smary.org   

Garbage to Garden: Remember to compost all food, paper, scraps in our supplied bins. If it came from a living thing, it can be composted here! 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-3366

admin@smary.org