News For This Month
Paschal Evensong: Sunday April 14 at 5pm ( chanting instruction at 4:30)
Please join us for a special evensong with James and Nathan. This evensong will follow the "monastic" form rather than the "cathedral" form, which means we all sing the liturgy together. Come 30 minutes early for instruction from James about how to chant these pieces. Hopefully, all participants learn enough to chant at home as part of their daily prayer.
Formation Hour: Sundays at 9:15
In the Auditorium – Coffee and Conversation
- APR 7 : Ask James Kennerley
- APR 14: Learn about the good works of the Friends of Casco Bay
- APR 21 & 28 : Common Ground Movie Regenerative agriculture
In the Chapel - Be Still: a weekly time to reflect on contemplative readings and to discuss them in the Chapel
Our April Outreach Partner: Friends of Casco Bay
Friends of Casco Bay, gathers scientific data, advocates for better laws and practices, and gets the community involved in caring for this place we love.
The dynamic combination of science and advocacy, as well as participation from volunteers, led to the historic clean-up of the Julie N oil spill, designation of Casco Bay as a federal No Discharge Area, closure of a toxic paper mill, and the reduction of pesticide and nitrogen pollution along the Bay's coast. Today, our science finds the Bay lies at a tipping point once again, as it faces a range of threats from local human impacts to global climate change. Every step of the way, the Casco Baykeeper and community will be there, serving as the eyes, ears, and voice of Casco Bay.
Sunday, April 14 -- Learn about it! Representatives from Friends of Casco Bay will give a presentation
during Formation, from 9:15 to 10 a.m.
Sunday, April 21 – Do something about it! Meet at Mackworth Island at 3 pm to clean up the shores and
simultaneously collect data for Friends of Casco Bay. Wear sturdy shoes for climbing on rocks and bring
gloves. Please sign up by the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
Sunday, April 28 -- Support it! Make a Last Sunday Offering to support the work of Greater Friends of
Casco Bay.
Casco Bay Clean-up Sunday, April 21 3pm
Meet at Mackworth Island at 3 pm to clean up the shores and simultaneously collect data for Friends of Casco Bay. Wear sturdy shoes for climbing on rocks and bring gloves. Please sign up by the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
Making Sandwiches for Milestone on the first Sunday of each month at 9:15
If you are not part of a Formation discussion at 9:15, please come to the Guild Room to make sandwiches for the Milestone shelter. This is the only "wet" homeless shelter in Portland (first come, first serve and no one is turned away). They are full every night of the year and they send out their guests each morning with a sandwich for the day. Please come and help us make 60-80 sandwiches for these neighbors of ours in need.
St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center: serving on Tuesday 16 April
The collection for kitchen & cookware continues, but please do not bring any clothing at this point. 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
State Street Church Shelter volunteer Sign -up
A coalition of faith communities and friends is coming together to provide 4-5 families with children (20-24 people) a safe and warm place to go each night this spring. This is more important than ever, since there is very limited shelter space for children and families in our wider community. Each faith community will sign up for a week at a time. Persons can sign up for one night at a time if you click on the link; we don't need to commit for a week. Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland is volunteering the week of April 8-13 and has asked for our help. Contact Deacon Matthew if you can help in this way. DeaconMatthew@smary.org
Souper Supper at Saint Mary's
Enjoy this free sit-down dinner of hearty soup, salad, rolls, desserts and beverages. Come out to eat, or come to volunteer by setting up or by serving on the 2nd & 4th Fridays! Buy our Coffee By Design coffee bags in the Parish House to support Souper Supper. This month: APRIL 12 & 26
Falmouth Food Pantry
Accepting donations of canned tuna, chicken, soups, (no cream-based), boxes of pasta, cold cereal, granola bars or checks. Serving 200 families/month. FMI contact Vanessa Record record.vanessa@gmail.com
Red Cross Blood Drive at Saint Mary's: Wednesday May 16, 9 - 2
Please consider sharing your blood. The need is constant. Lives depend on it! This Red Cross blood drive will be in our Auditorium from 9 to 2. To register, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code stmary to find this blood drive.
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.
Youth Service Corps: Sunday 21 April
Our March service activity is coming up in two weeks. Keep watching for details. All Middle and High Schoolers are welcome - parents welcome too!
Register NOW for Summer 2024 at CAMP BISHOPSWOOD
Located on the shores of Lake Megunticook in the Camden Hills, Bishopswood is one of the best kept secrets among Maine summer camps. Operated by the Diocese of Maine since the early 1960s, Bishopswood is affordable, safe, well-managed, beautiful – and great fun for all young people. There are mini-sessions for first-time campers, multi-week sessions, and a family weekend. But spots are filling up fast, so get online now if you are interested. Register your child or yourself now at www.bishopswood.org .
