
Saturday, September 1, 2012
St. Mary's eNews for Sept 2, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012
S. Mary's eNEWS for week of Aug 26
Saint Mary’s Weekly News
for August 26, 2012 – The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Legacy Project
Parish House Color--"The Brown Has It!" Many thanks to all who deliberated and shared their thoughts regarding the exterior color of the Parish House and Rectory. The tallies are in and "Mission Brown" (the existing color) was the preferred choice. We are currently making final decisions regarding wood and window trim for both buildings. We thank all concerned for both their passion and collegiality in reaching this decision.
Private guided tours of the construction site - don't miss out! While there is much observable progress, there is also much work going on behind the scenes. Dick Miller is generously hosting guided tours of all spaces on the second and fourth (Souper Supper) Fridays at 4pm! Next one up is September 14th. All ages welcome!
Welcome Home Sunday, September 9, 2012
Return to Fall Worship Schedule, Guiding RAY, Carnival/BBQ, Choir returns
We joyfully welcome families home to S. Mary’s from summer vacation and resume our fall worship service (8am and 10am) schedule with a bang on September 9th! Guiding Ray classes resume and all parishioners are cordially invited to join together for a picnic, carnival following the 10am service! Come one, come all!
Welcome Back Carnival
It’s time again to plan for our "Welcome Back" Carnival and All Parish Picnic on September 9th. Any idea you have will be welcome. Some events kids love are water balloons, relay races, face painting, pastel drawings, guessing games, bingo, lawn bowling.
Again this Year! We’re holding a Cake Walk and are looking for whole cake donations that can be dropped off at the church on the 8th or the morning of the carnival. If you can host a booth, game or bake a cake, we need you!! Please email Heather Gale hpgale@earthlink.net , and as always, thanks for all your help in celebrating the S. Mary's children and returning to the fall year. This is also the day that our Christian formation RAY program starts up with registration starting at 9:00am.
All Parish Picnic - All Welcome
Sunday, September 9th is the first day of Guiding RAY children's classes and the return of our choir after the summer break. Everything begins at 9:00 - 9:15 am with registration and social time in the rectory. Coffee, juice and donuts will be served. Rotation Workshop classes begin at 10:00 am. Any questions about the children's program can be directed to Julie Morrison at797-2201 or jmorrison500@yahoo.com
Following the service, at 11:30 am, there will be a picnic on the lawn. Hospitality will grill hamburgers and hotdogs and provide beverages. Families are requested to bring a salad or dessert to share. If your last name begins with
A-L please bring a salad,
M-Z please bring a dessert.
A sign-up sheet is in the Guild Room. To help with the picnic or with any questions, contact Anne LaFond 781-8820 or email alafond@maine.rr.com.
Volunteer Fair Re-energized and renamed Ministry Fair
Watch for more details; save the date and plan on attending on October 14th.
Choir Rehearsal
S. Mary’s choir will resume its Thursday rehearsals on Thursday, August 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the church. If interested in joining the choir, please contact Bruce Fithian, bsfithian@aol.com
Sparkles Organizational Meeting
ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20th for our first organizational meeting. We will meet in the Guild Room at 6:30pm. We have it on good authority that the Parish House will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.
Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Consider hosting a coffee hour in the Guild Room following the service (either by yourself or with another family). It’s easy, fun and can be outside on nice summer Sundays. A feast is not needed – just a tidbit to enjoy with the coffee that is already made. FMI, contact Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 by e-mail at jbstod@myfairpoint.net .
REAL Housewives to resume this fall
The small group study "the REAL Housewives of (1st Century) Palestine" is preparing to resume after Labor Day. The group completed a review of the roles of women in the four Gospels and is now going to complete the study with a review of the Book of Acts and other sources on church history during the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. As the details are solidified we will announce the particulars of the starting date, place and time as soon as possible. All are welcome and encouraged to participate! FMI contact Bryan (bd1949@maine.rr.com) or Susan (sdench@maine.rr.com).
Camp Bishopswood Leadership Farewell
On Saturday, September 15, from 1-4p.m. there will be an open house to say goodbye to Camp Director, Georgia Koch who is retiring after 34 years and Sara Foster who is leaving after 24 years of service at Camp Bishopswood.
Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY
Throughout much of the construction period, access to the Parish House will be limited to the Guild Room and Kitchen. If you need this space to meet, please contact Beth Shaw (781-3366) early to reserve! Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Save the date - Thursday, October 18th
Thursday, October 18, 2012, Falmouth's churches and the Jewish community will host the fourth annual Harvest Community Supper, which has become popular as a community get-together and a way to support the Falmouth Food Pantry. The roast turkey supper with all the fixings will be held at the Falmouth Congregational Church. See you there!
Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. Please contact Deacon Christine if you are aware of someone who would like a visit. The Eucharistic Visitor this week is Ginny Stelk.
This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s
August – September 2012
Sunday 26 8:00am 13th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1
9:30am 13th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
Soup Kitchen
Monday 27
Tuesday 28 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room
4:00pm Prayer Chain in the Guild Room
5:30pm Healing Team
7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in Auditorium
Wednesday 29
Thursday 30 10:30am Weekday Worship in the Guild Room
7:30pm Men’s AA in Auditorium
Friday 31 5:30pm Al-Anon
Sunday 2 8:00am 14th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1
9:30am 14th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
43 Foreside Road (Route 88)
Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366
www.smary.org
Friday, August 17, 2012
S. Mary's eNews for August 19, 2012
Announcement from the Discernment Committee
S. Mary's eNews for August 12, 2012
S.
Mary’s Annual Lobster Bake/BBQ and Silent Auction - August 18th 
Friday, August 3, 2012
S. Mary's eNEWS for August 5, 2012
Saint Mary’s Weekly News
for August 5, 2012 – The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Dear S. Mary’s Parishioners,
After many months of hard work and many meetings, the Discernment Committee has selected and presented its choice for our next Rector to the Vestry at a special Vestry meeting August 1st. Following the Discernment Committee's comprehensive presentation about the search, selection process and their candidate, the Vestry deliberated and voted unanimously and enthusiastically to accept their recommendation. Following that vote, Bishop Lane was notified of our decision and the Bishop gave his wholehearted blessing saying he looked forward to working with the candidate. A conference call was then made to the candidate announcing the vote and the candidate immediately accepted!
Beginning immediately, the Vestry leadership will enter into negotiations with the candidate regarding compensation and benefits and a background check must be completed. While this work has already started, the need for confidentiality continues both here and at the candidate's current parish until a letter of agreement has been signed.
We are anxious to share the details as soon as possible as we are all sure that the candidate will be an excellent fit for St. Mary's. Thank you for your patience, support and prayers as we prepare for the next step in S. Mary's future.
The Wardens, Vestry and Discernment Committee
Guest Organist
We welcome Janice St. Cyr as our guest organist this Sunday and thank her for sharing her musical talent with us.
Pastor Barb – Access and Schedule
Next Sunday, August 12th, will be Pastor Barb’s last Sunday with us. During this next week she will still be working out of the Rectory. Her office hours will continue to be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please use the Rectory number 619-7485 during office hours or for emergencies at any time. You can also reach Pastor Barb by cell phone at 1-989-295-1300, text messages or E-mail tpicsm9@gmail.com.
Farewell Coffee for Pastor Barb
On August 12th, after each service there will be a special coffee hour for Pastor Barb. Please contact Anne LaFond, alafond@maine.rr.com, if you can volunteer for set up/clean up or to contribute breakfast breads and fruit.
Weekly Eucharist (Thursday)
The Thursday morning Eucharist service for Thursday, August 9th, will be celebrated at Carolyn Bernier’s home in Falmouth.
Please keep your pledges current
If you will be out of town for a few weeks or the entire summer, please maintain your weekly/monthly pledge commitment either by prepaying for the period you will be away or setting something up with Beth. The parish is still active in the summer and continues to have operating expenses, so receipt of your pledge is important. We appreciate and thank you for your support of this thriving parish.
Discernment Committee
At a special Vestry meeting on August 1st, the Discernment Committee, after many months of hard work and many meetings, presented its choice for our next Rector to the Vestry. Bishop Lane was notified of our decision and has given his wholehearted blessing. Look for more details about this soon.
Legacy Project
And The Walls Came A-Tumblin' Down...
Amid tears of reminiscence and excitement punctuated by shouts of enthusiasm, the old administrative wing came down on Tuesday morning. "Pieces of the rock" and wood will be available as souvenirs very soon. We are choosing from the hundreds of photos and movies taken of the event; keep checking the website (www.smary.org) and the S. Mary's Facebook site for postings.
One bit of sad news to convey: We have determined that we will not be able to save the beautiful Norway Maple tree on the northwest corner of what will be the new office wing. The primary root system had migrated towards the Parish House: In order to safely excavate, we will compromise that root system and have no choice but to bring that tree down.
Financing Secured: With the help of Pierce Atwood attorneys, S. Mary’s closed on the “bridge” construction loan with Norway Savings Bank on Tuesday afternoon! Thanks to our stellar Legacy Project Treasurer David Robinson for shepherding this through.
Next up: Ductwork in the church and reconstruction of the Parish House great room are scheduled to begin this week!
Parish House Use–Kitchen and Guild Room Only – SCHEDULE EARLY
Throughout much of the construction period, access to the Parish House will be limited to the Guild Room and Kitchen. If you need this space to meet, please contact Beth Shaw (781-3366) early to reserve! Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sparkles Organizational Meeting
ATTENTION ALL SPARKLERS (returning helpers and anyone interested in helping) please SAVE THE DATE of Sept. 20th for our first organizational meeting. We will meet in the Guild Room at 6:30. I have it on good authority that the Parish Hall will be ready for us to Sparkle on Dec. 8th. For more information, please call Jan Mordarski 899-4099.
Kotzschmar Organ Performance
Mark Your Calendars – On August18th at 10:30 a.m. our own Bruce Fithian will be playing the Kotzschmar organ. He will be playing the “Dorian Toccata” by Bach, “Nimrod” by Edward Elgar and “Trumpet Tune in D Major” by David Johnson.
Help! Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Please consider hosting a coffee hour in the Guild Room following the service (either by yourself or with another family). It’s easy, fun and can be outside on nice summer Sundays. A feast is not needed – just a tidbit to enjoy with the coffee that is already made. FMI, contact Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 by e-mail at jbstod@myfairpoint.net
S. Mary’s Lobster Bake/BBQ and Silent Auction
This will be your last opportunity to offer an item, gift certificate or service! Please have your donations in by August 8th. Suggestions: a service, a special talent to share, a themed basket, or anything you think would be desirable to others. Please contact Jim or Betsy Stoddard at 829-2026 or call the parish office at 781-3366.
Also time is running out for you to put a table of 8+ together to qualify for a 10% discount. Call the parish office to reserve your table or just your own lobster before they run out! Event starts at 4:30pm with dinner served at 6pm. BYO appetizer & beverage.
Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. Please contact Deacon Christine if you are aware of someone who would like a visit. The Eucharistic Visitor this week is Stan Eaton.
This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s - August 2012
Sunday 5 8:00am 10th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1
9:30am 10th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
Monday 6
Tuesday 7 10:00am Order of St. Luke in Guild Room
12:15pm Music lesson in Guild Room
4:00pm Prayer Chain
7/8pm AA/Al-Anon in the Church
Wednesday 8 LAST DATE FOR AUCTION DONATIONS
Thursday 9 10:30am Weekday Worship at Carolyn Bernier’s home in Falmouth
6:00pm Mass on the Grass
7:30pm Men’s AA in the Guild Room
Friday 10 5:30pm Al-Anon
5/7pm Souper Supper (No Cinema)
Saturday 11 Next week the great Silent Auction/Lobster Bake
Sunday 12 8:00am 11th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite1
9:30am 11th Sunday after Pentecost: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
Farewell Coffee Hours for Pastor Barb after each service
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
43 Foreside Road (Route 88)
Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366