Holy Week News 2019
Serving the World
Responding to Maine's Opioid Crisis - Education, Compassion, Community
In the second of three Spring presentations on why, how and what our individual and community responses might be to the addiction crisis in Maine might be, mark your calendars now for Sunday, April 28 from 4-6 pm to learn about "The Hijacked Brain: The Biology of Addiction" with Dr. Mark Publicker, specialist in the medical treatment of addiction in Portland, Maine. This will be followed by personal testimonials from individuals directly and indirectly by addiction, as well as Q and A. Light refreshment provided. Free and open to the community at large. As we seek to answer God's call to embrace and help those who are suffering, we need not look far. Please come, listen, learn. FMI: Diane Fletcher, Jennifer Gregg, Anne LaFond, Bonnie Rodden.
Responding to Maine's Opioid Crisis: An Invitation to Share Your Story
The presentations regarding the Opioid Crisis in Maine will be a safe and supportive place for those who feel called to share their personal story of addiction, either direct or indirect experience. You are warmly invited to do so.
Welcome, New Mainers Spring Event: MULTICULTURAL FAIR
Sunday, May 5th 3-6pm at Saint Mary’s Mark your calendars!
Last November’s Fair was so well received, that many requested S. Mary’s host another one in the spring. Almost all vendors from last November are returning, and we have others eager to share their skills.
Many New Mainers are artisans and chefs, with artistic and culinary skills they’ve brought from their native countries. Some have established businesses and others are just getting started and need exposure. Saint Mary’s will not be charging for table space and all vendors keep 100% of their sales.
It is a special opportunity for New Mainer entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products, services, and to introduce us to their culture. There will be jewelry, clothing, baskets, and delicious ethnic foods- from Italian desserts and pasta, to Argentinian empanadas, Syrian cuisine, Japanese miso, and more!!
It is a festive ethnic event, and a great opportunity to do some unique
shopping for family and friends! Almost all vendors from last November are returning, and we have others eager to share their skills.
For more information, please contact Anne LaFond akblafond@gmail.com
Youth Ministry
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)
Our Guiding RAY programs for all young people ages 0 to 14. We gather all together beginning at 9:30am for Formation in the lower level of the Parish House with classes beginning at 10am. For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website www.smary.org
Maundy Thursday families are invited to share in an Agape meal, and the Good Friday Family Stations of the Cross offers the opportunity to walk in Christ's steps. The Great Vigil begins 7:30pm and starts with a big bonfire that is blessed and lights the Paschal candle. Pascha, Easter Day is a celebration of the greatest mystery of our faith. Join us anytime during Holy Week and explore the meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
There will be NO classes on the Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha: Easter Day; we’ll see you on April 28!
The nursery will be open for our youngest disciples on Easter Sunday during the 9am and 11am service.
Middlers: The Middlers group meets every other Sunday at 10:00 in the Youth Room. Our group, led by Will & Michelle Chappell, is engaging and Christ-centered, focused on imparting the love and knowledge of God. We use games and discussion-based teaching to serve our students. We welcome all middle school youth, from those who are merely curious about God to those who have a full-fledged desire to follow God.
First Communion Camp: Saturday, May 4
This experience is open to all our young people (including those who have already been receiving Communion), but it is specifically designed for second and third graders in primary school. On Saturday, there will be a one-day Camp in the Parish House with Father Nathan from 11 AM until 5 PM and end with a family potluck. The Camp will include bread-making, candle-making, writing prayers, and a time for the children to experience Reconciliation.
On Sunday morning, May 5 at our 10:15 Eucharist, our First Communicants will be “the stars of the show” as they carry their candles into the church, lead us in singing a song, and be the first ones on this day to receive Communion, using the bread that they made the previous day!
Saint Mary’s RSCM Youth Choirs: rehearsals resume with Maria Belva
The Youth Choir Program has two choirs appropriate for the ages of the children.
St. Cecilia Choir (open to ages 8-15) and Angel Choir (open to ages 4-7) join the St. Cecilia choristers on Sundays from 9:30 - 10am.
Young Life of Casco Bay
Every Monday night (when school is in session) at 7:31 PM. Now meeting at The Root Cellar at 94 Washington Ave in Portland. For ALL area high school students – no one is excluded. The BEST thing happening on a Monday night – guaranteed! FMI, visit www.younglifecb.com
Gatherings & Events
National Day of Prayer: May 2, 2019, 6:30pm
“Love one another. Just as I have loved you.” John 13:34
Join all the Falmouth churches, as well as the Jewish and Buddhist communities as all Faiths come together for a time of prayer. Come and pray with your neighbors at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, 43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth. www.Nationaldayofprayer.org
11th Annual Easter Egg Hunt All are invited to join the Greater Falmouth community at the annual Easter Egg Hunt ( for kids to age 12) at the Falmouth Congregational Church , next to Town Hall, 267 Falmouth Road. Live music, cake walk, games and “Steamer.” Rain or Shine and bring a basket!
COMMON GROUND: Thursdays in May
5/2: National Day of Prayer – all faiths praying together
5/9: College Planning
5/16: David Masengsho shares his life story
How it works:
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!!
5:45-6:45 pm Presentations on topical issues in our community.
6:45 pm Clean-up and head home
Mark your calendars for Casco Bay CAN Table Talks: May 30 5-7pm
Learn about substance abuse trends, signs of youth use, resources and practical tips to use at home and to share with others, and how to support positive choices. Important for all ages! More information coming.
ADULT Formation groups: 9:30 AM on Sundays in May
Amazing Grace: The Vocabulary of Faith – meeting each Sunday in the Guild Room. Led by Deacon Christine. Join the conversation about the words we use to talk about God and faith.
Be Still and Know: Guided Meditations – meeting each Sunday in the Chapel. Led by Becky Pride, Merle Maria Troeger and Jennifer Gregg. Gather in that beautiful space to pray and explore our connection with God.
Both are open for anyone to drop in and participate on any given Sunday.
Voices of Faith and the Faithful: Wednesday, April 24, 6 - 8:30 pm
All are invited to a special reception and lecture series to honor the social justice ministry of Bishop Stephen T. Lane on the occasion of his retirement. At the USM Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford St in Portland. This will be a very special evening to consider the impact of people of faith and faith-based advocacy and an important discussion about the state of faith in Maine in 2019.
FMI, visit www.episcopalmaine.org and to see the list of panel presenters.
The Episcopal Church and the Visual Arts: Lenten Exhibition
A special online exhibition - Suffering - is the first of the 2019 Episcopal Church & Visual Arts presentations. Forty-five artists, of which our Erin McGee Ferrell is one, have offered touching, often very personal reflections on this shared human condition. Please visit the website at www.ecva.org .
Diocesan Spring Training 2019 – for everyone!
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at South Parish Church, 9 Church St, in Augusta. This is a day of learning, sharing, and growth for all the ministers of the Gospel. And that means YOU! With more than 20 different workshops, you’ll find resources to equip you for ministry! Register today at www.episcopalmaine.org . Carpooling will be available for all interested.
Community Care & Nurture
Chapel Healing Eucharist: Thursdays 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.
Wisdom Seekers Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
This Bible study group meets weekly in the Guild Room. Everyone is welcome! We are now exploring each week’s Gospel scriptures in depth.
Noonday Prayer: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 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, our bishop, and our own daily life with God.
Communicating with Nathan+
Feel free to contact Fr. 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 on weekends or when he’s away on vacation.
Prayer Concerns for this week: Jeanette Duvall, Laura Martin, Priscilla Rigg, Sasha & Chris Bartlett, Tom Chamberlain, Kathryn Street, Mimi Hilton, Clarinda Schmidlapp, Keith Lombardozzi, Erin Ferrell, Chandra Lowe, Bucky, Stewart Stalnecker, Nolan Farris, Frank Rheaume.
IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THE PRAYER 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
Thursday 18 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 19 Good Friday
7am – 3pm Good Friday Habitat Walk in Cumberland
3:00pm The Watch of Prayer and Adoration ends
4:00pm Walking the Way of the Cross – for all ages
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting
6:00pm Good Friday Liturgy with music
Saturday 20 Holy Saturday
9am– 2pm: Holy Saturday Blood Drive – in the Auditorium
7:06pm The Great Vigil
Sunday 21 Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Pascha – Easter Day
9:00am Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Eucharist
10:00am Coffee Hour
11:00am Sunday of the Resurrection: Holy Eucharist
12:00am Coffee Hour continues
Monday 22 Earth Day – AVE Deadline - Parish Offices closed todayen
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray where you are
6:00pm Portland Community Chorus rehearsal in auditorium
Tuesday 23 7 - 9am BNI in the auditorium
9:30am Art Group
10:30am Wisdom Seekers
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
12:45pm Staff Meeting
7:00pm AA in the auditorium (Al-A-Teen in Youth Room)
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room (6:30pm Beginner’s Al-Anon)
Wednesday 24 12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
6-8:30pm SinG in the Auditorium
6-8:30pm Voices of Faith and the Faithful – at USM
Thursday 25 12noon Chapel Healing Eucharist
2:00pm Merton Group in the Chapel
Common Ground is on break until next week
6:00pm Dowsers in the Guild Room
Friday 26 Parish Offices are closed on Fridays
12noon Noonday Prayer – stop and pray where you are
5 – 7pm Community Souper Supper
5:30pm Al-Anon meeting
Saturday 27 9:30 - 3:30pm Spring Training for the Diocese of Maine
9am–3pm Al-Anon workshop in the auditorium
7:00pm Oratorio Chorale concert – A Ceremony of Carols
Sunday 28 Second Sunday of the Great Forty Days
8:00am Contemplative Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)
9:30am Guiding RAY opens
10:15am Choral Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)
4 - 6pm Responding to Opioid Crisis: “The Hijacked Brain”
Beth Shaw
Parish Manager
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366, www.smary.org
