April 9, 2017 – The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
The Triduum and Pascha at Saint Mary's
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Special Holy Week prayers are offered at 12 Noon in the Chapel.
"BE STILL" With God: April 10
You are cordially invited to the Father James' Chapel on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm throughout Lent to spend quiet moments with God. There will be no program. This time and space are reserved for you to grow your relationship with God and Creation. Come for 5 minutes or come for an hour. Bring something to read and contemplate...or not. Just come, and "be still." God will do the rest.
Chrism Eucharist at the Cathedral: Tuesday, April 11 at 11 AM
All are invited to join Bishop Steve and our local clergy for an ancient liturgy of Holy Week. The oils of anointing are blessed and distributed, the clergy renew their ordination vows, and communion is shared.
Maundy Thursday Agape Meal: April 13, sign-ups needed
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, April 10.
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 wall sign-up next to the water fountain by the kitchen and indicate the time that you would like to keep watch.
Good Friday at Saint Mary's: A Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Sacrifice
Blood Drive: from 8 AM to 1 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 Friday. Go to www.redcrossblood.org to make your appointment and use our sponsor code "SMary". Or sign-up TODAY in the Auditorium. And tell your friends and neighbors!
Friday at 12 noon: The Prayer Watch ends with the brief Good Friday Liturgy and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament in the Chapel.
Friday at 4:30 pm: The Way of the Cross especially for families and children. Walk the stations (on our grounds if weather permits) Jesus walked with other families with familiar scripture, words with familiar songs. Experience this together.
Friday at 6 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.
The Great Vigil: Holy Saturday, April 15
Saturday evening at 7:24 PM. This is the hinge of the entire church year. It begins at sunset with the Blessing of the New Fire (kindled by the Guiding RAY children's wooden model of the temple they built in Lent), 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, one is baptized, 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.
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha: Easter Day
9 AM & 11 AM: Two identical joyous Festive Eucharists with organ, brass, and choir. Baptism will be celebrated at 11 AM.
Serving The World
GOOD FRIDAY Blood Drive: Friday, April 14, 8am – 1pm
On the way to work or at lunch time! Come to share the gift of life.
Here in our Parish House Auditorium. In partnership with the RED CROSS.
"For I was a stranger and you made me welcome…." Matthew 25:35
During this season of Lent, Saint Mary's will endeavor to become more knowledgeable about the Greater Portland community of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and to discern how we as individuals and as a parish may share God's love by becoming positively engaged.
Did you know?
...What is the economic impact to the community welcoming refugees?
The economic impact of refugees on local communities is very small. Refugee Resettlement is a federal program designed to temporarily host refugee families while they transition to self-sufficiency. Because the program is only partially funded by the government, Catholic Charities Refugee Immigration Services depends on local volunteers, in-kind support, and cash donations. Historically, refugees do not take jobs away from U.S. citizens. Due to language barriers and employment skills that may not transfer easily to the US job market, many refugees initially take entry-level positions that do not require English proficiency. Also, many refugees work two or more entry-level, low-wage jobs so that they may become financially stable and independent.
(Source: Catholic Charities Maine)
Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month – 4/14 and 4/28
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 Gregg (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com or 781-2665.
Christian Formation and Youth Notes
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)
There are NO classes April 9 and 16 so that all can join in the Holy Days, but we will offer crafts for the younger ones in the Guiding RAY room on Palm Sunday.
However, 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 Julie Otte. Nursery is open every Sunday morning beginning at 9:45 AM.
A Holy Week Journey for Families and Children
►Walking the Way of the Cross: Good Friday, April 14
On Good Friday at 4:30 join us for a walk with Jesus. Our walk will be like a trip back in time, where we imagine what it was like, watching as Jesus goes bravely to die. As we walk together, we will hear part of the story of the last day of Jesus' life. Because of what happened on Good Friday, we can live forever with Jesus in the beauty of God. Let's walk the Way of the Cross together.
►The Great Vigil: Easter Eve, Saturday, April 15
The Guiding RAY children have been work throughout Lent on a wooden model of Solomon's temple as they learn about its significance throughout the bible and today. We ask the children to be here to lay the kindling (the temple) for the great fire that brings new light.
Visiting Choristers on April 28-29
The RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) chorus from Saint Luke's, East Greenwich Rhode Island is coming to Saint Mary's! The young choristers will arrive Saturday April 29. Children and their parents can observe their rehearsal Saturday afternoon and the whole parish can join them at a Saturday dinner. Sunday we will welcome them as they sing during our 10 AM liturgy.
Young Life Club: Every Monday night at 7:31pm
Every single high school student in the Casco Bay area is INVITED to gather for an amazing Club. This is crazy fun and growing each week. FMI: visit www.younglifecb.com or call Jordan Droge at 805-453-1999
2017 Class for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
This is a wonderful time to learn about the Church, the Episcopal Church and reaffirm your Christian faith. Anyone who might be interested in discussing preparations to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please contact Fr. Nathan. A meeting date will be announced following the expressed interest.
Who should state their interest to join this class? Those who wish:
· To confirm their baptismal identity as followers of Christ
- To be received into the fellowship of The Episcopal Church from another denomination
- To reaffirm their trust in God and their commitment to life in Christ
2017 First Communion: NEW DATES – June 10 and 11
Baptism is the only requirement to receive Communion. However, this Class is intended for children in grades 1-4 who want to learn about the meaning of Communion and who want to be part of our fun First Communion liturgy. We need a group of at least 5 to make this work. If interested, please contact Fr. Nathan or Megan Akers.
News & Events
Navy Reserve Officer Commissioning: postponed to 4/23 at 1 pm
Everyone is invited to this ceremony in the Sanctuary (we'll sing the Navy hymn!) followed by a simple celebration in the Auditorium.
Annual Bridge – a – Thon: Fri., April 21, 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 memorial or thanksgiving flowers.
Chapel Eucharist: every Thursday 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, for our bishop, and for your own daily life with God.
If You Have to Spend Time in a Hospital…
Please make sure that you register yourself as a member of The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth! MMC no longer keeps track of general religious affiliation, but only membership in a specific congregation. And make sure to call Saint Mary's and let us know as well.
Communicating with Father Nathan Feel free to contact Nathan+ at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can call or text his cell anytime at 207-310-0268 or e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org but know that email is checked rarely during the weekends or when he's away.
Prayer Concerns for this week: Debbie Roberts, Frank Rheaume, John Fournier, Ginny Stelk, Lynne Shepherd, Marsha Jewett, Chuck Horton, Bob Armitage, Larry Bennett, Sarah Gorman, Talie Harris, Roger Murray, Tri Nguyen, Emily Otte, Stewart Stalnecker, and Bucky.
Other Prayer Concerns this week: For Averyl Hill, Mungu Kadaffi and Joy Adiye as they prepare for baptism at our Resurrection Feast.
IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER LIST, write them on the Sunday Prayer List in the Narthex or contact the Parish Office.
THIS HOLY WEEK at Saint Mary's
Sunday 9 The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
8:00am Contemplative Eucharist (in Sanctuary)
9:00am Coffee hour
9:30am Family Chapel and Nursery opens
10:00am Choral Eucharist (in Auditorium)
11:00am Coffee hour
Monday 10 12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
6:30pm T'ai Chi in auditorium
7:31pm Young Life Club
Tuesday 11 11:00AM Chrism Eucharist at the Cathedral
9:30am Art Group
10:30am Wisdom Seekers Lenten Study group
12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
1:00pm 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 9:00am BNI group in auditorium
12noon Holy Week Prayers in the Chapel
Thursday 13 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 14 Good Friday
7:30am– 1pm: Good Friday Blood Drive – in the Auditorium
12noon Good Friday Liturgy with Communion – in the Chapel
4:30pm Walking the Way of the Cross for families and children
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting
6:00pm Good Friday Liturgy with music
Saturday 15 Holy Saturday
7:24pm The Great Vigil
Sunday 16 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
