Saint Mary’s Weekly News
November 9, 2014 – The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
THIS Saturday, November 8 -
Grab your Gloves, Rakes and Spades: Annual Fall Clean-Up and Bulb Planting,
Let’s gather together on November 8th from 8 AM to 12 noon. We will be working outside to spruce up our campus for the winter season – just in time for the Bishop’s visit for Confirmation and Reception on November 9th. We’ll also be planting flower bulbs to enjoy in the spring! Food and drink will be provided. Join us!!
Regional Confirmation, Reception & Reaffirmation AND Holy Baptism
TODAY, November 9 at 5 PM. Our Bishop, Steven Lane, will be here at Saint Mary’s to confirm, receive and reaffirm new people in The Episcopal Church, as well as to baptize new members of the household of God. A group of confirmands from Saint Alban’s in Cape Elizabeth will be here as well. All are welcome to join the celebration!
ALL LOOSE OFFERINGS will be directed to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
where he helps folk in need around the State of Maine.
Parish House Lower Level: Expert arriving for more testing on November 10
SSA, Ledgewood and sub-contractors have conducted Sodium Chloride testing to provide information on moisture levels downstairs, and are bringing in a well-reputed concrete floor expert on November 10 to conduct two "core sample" tests. SSA expects this expert will provide a visual analysis on November 10 and that the testing will determine where, in the layers under the tile/carpet, breakdowns are occurring. SSA is hopeful that this testing will establish the sources of the moisture and also point to the sources of the VOC and odor issues. If successful, this testing will provide the basis for solutions. Turn-around time for receiving the complete analysis from this complex testing is 4 weeks.
HUGUES BASTION here to visit: Friday, November 28, 3 – 5 PM
The Outreach Committee is hosting a meet-and-greet reception with the founder and director of 'our' school in Haiti! We support and pray for Institution Univers each week. Come and meet the charismatic founder and director, Hugues Bastion, who is here on his first trip to Maine! If you are curious about the reason we are so enthusiastic about this school in Haiti, meeting Hugues will give you complete understanding! Drop by the Outreach Reception in the Guild Room and enjoy cheese, crackers, and liquid refreshments. After that, you are invited to enjoy a wonderful Souper Supper at 5pm in our Auditorium! A RARE and wonderful chance to experience a taste of Haiti and our Souper Supper program! FMI: call Becky Pride (781-4391) or Kelly Ianno (781-3498).
We are all God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. (1Cor 3-9)
Thank you all for joining us on this journey of faith. And thanks to all who share their resources with us. Our 2015 stewardship program packets are on their way to you. We are switching back to calendar year timing in response to your requests to fit more in line with household annual budgeting and to coincide with the tax year. The Vestry and the Finance Committee in concert with the Stewardship Committee are committed to a working to achieve a balanced budget. If all our parishioners could increase their pledges by 10 % we would achieve that goal and put St. Mary's on a sustainable path. Thank you for all you do for St. Mary's!
SPARKLES News - You are invited and encouraged…
It is NOT TOO LATE! If you were not able to sign up to help with Sparkles last Sunday, PLEASE stop by the auditorium and fill in one, two or even three spaces on the sign-up sheets that are there.
We need cookies for the Cookie Walk and items for the Bake Sale.
We need your physical help on December 3rd, 4th and 5th for setting up for the boutique, and we need LOTS of help on the day of the Fair (the 6th). We also need help with set up and clean up for the Schola Concert and Reception.
Many hands make light work, so PLEASE sign up and join in the fun
The Sparkles Jewelry table needs your help before the big day
There are many ways to help! You could do simple tasks that don’t require any jewelry-making skill. We could form an assembly line group to complete the jewelry work. Then...You can work at the table on the big day. If any of this appeals to you, contact Barbara Bell at babsi821@gmail.com.
Advent Potluck & Workshop: November 30 at 3 PM
Start off the season of Advent in the best way! Learn about the meaning of Advent. Come and make your own Advent wreath to use at home. Pick up resources for daily Advent prayers to use with your wreath. Bring a main dish, side or dessert to share. Then help us to light the Memorial Tree. FMI: Megan Akers ( meganakers@maine.rr.com )
Advent ‘Memorial and Celebration’ Tree: November 30 at 4:30 PM
Please fill out the green insert to celebrate your loved ones by remembering them and giving thanks for them. The Tree Lighting is on Sunday, November 30 following the Advent Potluck & Workshop which starts at 3 PM (see above).
Like us on Facebook and Twitter! AND visit our revised website!
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Follow us on Twitter: @SMaryFalmouth And visit our website: www.smary.org
Serving The World
Don’t buy your coffee anywhere else! Support Souper Supper at S. Mary's
Fair Traded “Coffee by Design” Coffee on Sale Now!
If 50 families bought just 1 bag a month, we could support our Souper Supper community fellowship effort! …. and support fair trade practices by local owners…..and get GREAT organic coffee! Win! Win! Win!
Join the Souper Supper Team: the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month
We offer free community suppers on the second and fourth Fridays of each month in the auditorium of S. Mary’s Parish House. The dinners, which are available to the public at no charge, are served in a family-style setting and consist of a hearty soup or entree, salad or vegetable, bread, homemade desserts and beverages. We’d love to have you join us for a wonderful fellowship dinner or to help out in setup serving or clean-up. FMI: contact Jennifer Gregg jenniferanngregg@gmail.com.
Saint Elizabeth’s Non-Essentials Pantry: Tuesday, November 18 at 8:30 AM
Feel called to help new immigrants to Portland and those who are “down on their luck”? More hands are always needed to help at S. Elizabeth’s. Come to Saint Luke’s Cathedral back door at 134 Park Street and join other Saint Marian’s in this important ministry.
Christian Formation Notes
Godly Play: Christian Formation for our young people
On REGULAR Sundays from September to June, Guiding RAY offers Godly Play, a program that helps children to explore their faith through story, to gain a religious language and to enhance their religious experience through "wonder" and play during which they learn about God, the Bible, and the Church.
Family Chapel with Fr. Nathan begins at 9:30 AM in the Chapel and is open to everyone.
Guiding RAY classes (age 4 through 5th grade) follow this at 9:45 AM in the Guild Room.
The Nursery also opens at 9:30 AM for our infants and preschoolers and this week will be held in the Ruth White Room.
The Middlers meet in the Rectory living room from 9:30 AM until approximately 10:35 when they join everyone in the church for Holy Communion.
Aspiring actors & actresses needed for the 2014 Christmas Pageant!
All ages encouraged to participate in this wonderful annual story of the nativity!
The S. Mary’s Christmas Pageant will be Sunday, December 21 at 10 AM. Sign-ups to participate and help have started and can be found outside the guild room table during the week. Practices will be Sundays after church starting November 16. FMI please contact Julie Otte at 781-2322 or juliemomotter@aol.com .
Roles include: Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, Head Angel, Little Angels, Shepherds, 3 Kings,
3 Kings pages, sheep, donkey, Baby Jesus (already has been cast), Innkeeper, Innkeepers wife, Passerby, Centurion, Evil King Herod, Narrator 1, Narrator 2, chicken and Star plus there are non-speaking parts always open, so join us.
The Moth @ Saint Mary’s: 9 AM every Sunday in the Auditorium
Modeled after the popular radio show, this is simple storytelling by fellow parishioners. Get to know others in your parish family at a deeper level, and perhaps share a laugh or two. Led by Andrea Myles-Hunkin and Erin McGee Ferrell. All are welcome to stop in and join the group on any given Sunday, and feel free to come in late, if necessary.
Youth Ministry
Middle School Event @ The Cathedral: Friday to Sunday, 11/14-16
All Middle Schoolers are invited for a weekend retreat at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Portland with other middle schoolers from across the state. A group of Saint Marian’s are going, and more would be fantastic! This is a safe and fun way to make friends and learn about God. Register TODAY at www.maineyouth.org .
Young Life Club: every Wednesday at 7:17 PM !
Every Wednesday night at 2 Town Landing Rd (the Hurdrich family house), all high schoolers are invited to come and bring a friend. You can park in the town lot across from the Town Landing Market.
High School Service Group: November 14, 23, 28
The "S. Mary's High School Community Service Group" will serve as a vehicle for service, fellowship and spirituality for high schoolers. This new group will focus on two of S. Mary's established outreach programs: Preble Street Soup Kitchen (on the 4th Sunday of every month) and Souper Supper (on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month.)
There are sign-up sheets on the sign-up table outside the Guild Room. Or, please contact Anne LaFond (alafond@maine.rr.com or 781-8820) with your dates/times or any questions you might have.
Meetings, Events & Notes
Wisdom Seekers: every Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the Guild Room
***NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME! Everyone is welcome to join this open Bible study and discussion group led by Deacon Christine.
Healing Eucharist: every Thursday at 12 noon in the Chapel
All are welcome for a brief, informal time of Communion with a group discussion of the Scriptures or the life of a saint, prayers for healing and the laying on of hands.
Noonday Prayer every other weekday in the Chapel
This takes 10 minutes and all are welcome. You are also invited, wherever you may be, to STOP and PRAY at 12 noon for those in need, for our parish family, for our bishop, and for your own daily life with God.
Newcomers Welcome Gathering: NEXT Sunday, November 16 at 4 – 6 PM
Everyone new to our parish community, or recently returning from some time away, is invited to gather to meet one another and parish leaders over some food and conversation. No need to bring anything. Just come and enjoy the time together at the home of Mary Ann McLean (22 Falcon Dr. in Cumberland).
Get Stitching: every Tuesday at 1 PM
The group that met to see if there was an interest in gathering together to stitch various projects found that there was indeed an interest. We are gathering at the church EVERY TUESDAY AT 1:00pm to stitch. Some are knitting prayer scarves, some making dryer balls, some quilting, some making mitten, or socks, or vests. We help each other and chat about whatever we want. There is laughter as well as concern for our world. Everyone is welcome to an hour (and a half) of productive fellowship.
Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist: Wednesday, November 26 at 6 PM
Before the annual feast of Thanksgiving begins, come and gather together in community in the church to give thanks to God in prayer, in song, and at the Lord’s Table. This is an informal time when we will share together the things for which we give thanks.
Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols: Sunday, November 30 at 10 AM
New this year, we will celebrate this special liturgy in the morning rather than the afternoon. Come and hear the story of salvation told in the Word and in song as we begin the season of Advent.
Pastoral Care
Communicating with Father Nathan
Feel free to contact Nathan+ at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org or call his cell anytime at 207-310-0268.
Eucharistic Visitors
These are trained ministers who take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. The Eucharistic Visitor this Sunday is Stan Eaton. If you or someone you know would like Communion brought to them, please call the Parish Office. If you wish to learn more about this very special ministry and how you might get involved, feel free to speak with Deacon Christine ( deacab@maine.rr.com ).
Prayer Concerns for this week:
For healing: Sasha & Chris Bartlett, Suzanne Bauer, Larry Bennett, Michelle Bilodeau, Terry Cassavant, Lilian Davidson, Marjorie Dyer, Paula Gardner, Angela Kase, Kathryn Kuehn, Arthur Markos, Patrick Miller, Peg Pierce, Wendy Pierce, Dennis Pike, John Reny, Ann Tholen.
For those deployed: for Mark Winter, and for all active-duty military personnel and their families.
THE SUNDAY PRAYER LIST
If you arrive on a Sunday with an urgent prayer need, please stop and write it on the Sunday Prayer List found on the desk in the Narthex. These names will be remembered at Noonday Prayer in the Chapel throughout the week and added to the following Sunday’s Prayers of the People and Prayer Concerns.
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
Sunday 9 8:00am The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost: Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour & The Moth @ Saint Mary’s
9:30am Family Chapel & The Middlers
9:45am Guiding RAY classes begin
10:00am The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost: Contemporary Eucharist
11:00am Coffee Hour continues
5:00pm Regional Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation and Baptism
Monday 10 9:00am Budget & Finance Committee
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
Tuesday 11 10:30am Wisdom Seekers
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
1:00pm Get Stitching group
1:00pm Staff meeting
3:00pm ‘Food for the Soul’ at Foreside Harbor
6:30pm Beginner’s Al-Anon in the Guild Room
7:00pm AA in the Auditorium
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
Wednesday 12 12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
Thursday 13 12noon Healing Eucharist in the Chapel
4:00pm Boy Singers of Maine
6:30pm Sparkles in the auditorium (if needed)
7:00pm Godly Play in the Guild Room
7:00pm Choir rehearsal
Friday 14 Parish Office is closed on Fridays
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
5 – 7pm Community Souper Supper – all are welcome!
5:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
6:30pm Middle School Event at the Cathedral – begins
Saturday 15 9:00am Boy Singers of Maine rehearsal
9a – 12n Sparkles Drop-off
11:00am Sparkles soup assembly gathering
Sunday 16 8:00am The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost: Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour & The Moth @ Saint Mary’s
9:30am Family Chapel & The Middlers
9:45am Guiding RAY classes begin
10:00am The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost: Contemporary Eucharist
11:00am Coffee Hour continues
4:00pm Newcomer’s Welcome Gathering at Mary Ann McLean’s home
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.3366
