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 2^nd & 4^th 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 .

News For This Month

Formation Hour: Sundays at 9:15

  In the Auditorium – Coffee and Conversation

• MAR 3, 17, 24:  Lenten Discussion Series - Bearing Witness in the Holy Land. Each of the five sessions is grounded in a Gospel passage and accompanied with videos and resources from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
• MAR 10:  Ask the Bishop -  join Bishop Brown for coffee and conversation about the health and future of the Church.

   In the Chapel

          Be Still: a weekly time to reflect on contemplative readings and to discuss them in the Chapel

Making Sandwiches for Milestone 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.

Our March Outreach Partner:  Greater Portland Family Promise

The mission of Family Promise is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families to achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. Their model is based on partnering with local faith communities and others to create a community-based system of care for families. The need in the Portland area continues at a crisis level. Opportunities to volunteer with GPFP are numerous! Visit www.gpfamilypromise.org to learn more. On the last Sunday of the month (Resurrection Sunday 31 March), we will take up a collection to support this vital nonprofit.

St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center: serving on Tuesday 19 March

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 

Saint Mary's BOOK SALE: Saturday 16 March, 9 – 12 Noon

Calling ALL Books!! Books are still being received and sorted.

All proceeds will go to support the Outreach ministries of our parish.

To donate books, help sort books, to carry books, or lead a section, or if you have any questions, please email: Vanessa Record at recordvanessa@gmail.com or Jan Mordarski (janmordarski@gmail.com), or Becky Pride (rebeccapride1@gmail.com)

  Bring your donated books to the lower-level hallway. 

No encyclopedias, magazines or textbooks, please. 

Red Cross Blood Drive at Saint Mary's:  Wednesday 20 March, 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 17 March

Our March service activity is coming up in two weeks.  Keep watching for details. All Middle and High Schoolers are welcome - parents welcome too! 

Sunday 10 March: Episcopal Visitation with Bishop Brown

Please make plans to be present next Sunday to worship God with our Chief Pastor, the Tenth Episcopal Bishop of Maine, Thomas Brown. He will preach and preside and will also speak with us at our 9:15 Formation hour.

Sunday 17 March: Newcomers Welcome

We are blessed to have many new members of our Saint Mary's family. If you would like to be recognized and welcomed on this day, be in touch with our Parish Office and we will get you on the list.

Sunday 24 March: Palm Sunday

Sadly, the donkey is unavailable to lead our procession this year, but we will still have a glorious and powerful morning to remember the Lord's triumphant entry and his Passion in Jerusalem. And we get to enjoy some Hot Cross Buns with our coffee or tea. Each liturgy will begin in the Auditorium.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week

Special Holy Week prayers are offered at 12 Noon in the Chapel and livestreamed on Facebook.

Maundy Thursday: March 28

Thursday 12 Noon:  Maundy Thursday Eucharist in the Chapel with Footwashing

Thursday evening at 6 PM: Maundy Thursday Agapé Supper, Footwashing, Communion and Prayer Watch.

One of our most special gatherings of the year. We begin with 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 get the privilege to participate in Footwashing.

After the meal, we walk over to the Church for Holy Communion, and the stripping and washing of the Altar.

To help with planning, visit the Guild Room Table to indicate if you are planning to attend this special event.  Indicate if you would like to contribute (ahead of time!):  juice or wine. Please bring to the kitchen or office by the end of Monday 25 March.

All-Night Watch of Prayer and Adoration

Maundy Thursday 8 PM to Good Friday 12 noon in the Chapel

"Can you not watch with me one hour?"  These is the question posed by Jesus to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.  We strive to 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.  You can sign-up  to indicate the time that you would like to keep watch, but this is not necessary. Come at any time to spend an hour with our Savior. 

Good Friday 29 March: Day of Fasting, Prayer & Sacrifice

4:00:   Family Stations of the Cross  An all-age service in which we walk the way Jesus walked together with familiar scripture and songs. 

6:00:   The Good Friday Liturgy. A quite liturgy in the stripped-bare Sanctuary.  The Passion According to Saint John is chanted to an ancient tone; a plain, wooden cross is brought into our midst. All are offered time and space to reflect on Christ's self-offering. 

Good Friday Offering:  As we do every year, we will join the Episcopal Church in donating our Loose offering from Good Friday to the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East and their efforts toward peace, education, healthcare and evangelism in the Holy Land.  Please mark this designated offering in the memo for Good Friday Offering and please be generous. 

Holy Saturday 30 March: The Great Vigil at 7:07 PM

This is the hinge of the entire church year.  It begins at sunset with the Blessing of the New Fire, 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, 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.

Sunday 31 March: Resurrection Sunday

Holy Week ends on the Eighth Day, the Day of Resurrection and of the New Creation. On this special Sunday, we will gather at 9 and 11 AM for two identical and festive celebrations of the Holy Eucharist.

News For This Month

Ash Wednesday is February 14

            12 noon: Brief Ash Wednesday liturgy  In the Sanctuary

            4:00:  Family Ash Wednesday gathering  In the Chapel   

            6:00:  Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Music In the Sanctuary -  on Facebook Live

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the two Fasting Days in the year that each Christian is expected to observe "by special acts of discipline and self-denial" according to the Prayer Book. FMI, see the Calendar section of the BCP on p.17.

Immerse Bible Reading: Kingdoms Discussion, Sundays at 5 PM

The Immerse Bible divides the Bible into 6 sections. This will be the sixth section that Saint Mary's will read through as a group. This section includes the Hebrew books from Joshua through 2 Kings. The focus is on who lives in the land of Canaan, known today as Palestine and Israel. A pertinent topic, don't you agree? Today we will discuss the end of 1 Samuel and the beginning of 2 Samuel. Gather on ZOOM for a fireside chat to discuss what we read, today at 5 PM. See the eNews for more details and the ZOOM link, or email nathanferrell@smary.org.

Our February Outreach Partner:  Falmouth Food Pantry

The Falmouth Food Pantry is currently serving just under 200 families (about 540 family members) a month. They are very appreciative of the generous donations from Saint Mary's to support this ministry. Volunteers continue to deliver boxes of non-perishable food, fresh vegetables, eggs, and meat to the homes of families who need food assistance. We will collect an offering to support this vital ministry at our Last Sunday Offering on February 25.  

Falmouth Food Pantry Presentation: February 4 at 9:15

Please gather in the auditorium at Formation time for a discussion on the realities of hunger here in Maine presented by Deacon Matthew. This will be followed by a discussion about the Falmouth Food Pantry by Nancy Lightbody. Bring your questions and ideas, and join the conversation!

Formation Time in February: Sundays at 9:15

  In the Auditorium

• FEB 11: Pancake Breakfast for All
  Tradition dictates the eating of pancakes before Lent begins. Come and eat as many as you can on this "Shrove Sunday". All ages are welcome!
• FEB 18 & 25:  Lenten Discussion Series - Bearing Witness in the Holy Land,  Each of the five sessions is grounded in a Gospel passage and accompanied with videos and resources from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

   In the Chapel:  Be Still for contemplative readings with reflections in the Chapel

Shrove Sunday Pancake Breakfast:  February 11, 9 - 10:15 AM

Let's gather for the traditional Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday pancake meal on Sunday morning instead! Join us for a parish-wide pancake breakfast from 9 - 10:15 in the Auditorium. Parishioners of all ages are welcome, including families and children. Bring your cans of soup and other food donations for our SOUPERBowl collection.  

SOUPERBowl of Caring: Let's Tackle Hunger Together!

Bring cans of soup and other food donations on the first two Sundays in February to fill the shelves at the Falmouth Food Pantry. Let's give more effort to fight hunger in our state than we do to watch a football game! Add your donations to the bucket in front of the Kitchen or in the Narthex. 

Saint Mary's BOOK SALE: Saturday 16 March, 9 – 12 Noon  Calling ALL Books!!

All proceeds will go to support the Outreach ministries of our parish.

To donate books, help sort books, to carry books, or lead a section, or if you have any questions, please email: Vanessa Record at recordvanessa@gmail.com or Jan Mordarski (janmordarski@gmail.com), or Becky Pride (rebeccapride1@gmail.com)

  Bring your donated books to the lower-level hallway. 

No encyclopedias, magazines or textbooks, please. 

Save the date:  Book Sale Coffee Hour on February 25:  Sign up to help

St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center:

The Drive for kitchen & cookware (no other clothing) cntinues. 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 

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. 

Wisdom Seekers: each Tuesday at 10:30

This weekly Bible study group continues its group study and discussion of our weekly lessons in the Guild Room. This is a great way to prepare for our upcoming Sunday worship. All are welcome to join in the exploration and learning.

COUPLE CHECK UP: A Resource for Saint Valentine's Day…and beyond

Looking for a proven resource to strengthen your relationship and spark meaningful conversations? Check out this resource called Couple Checkup (www.couplecheckup.com). It is built on the same database as the renowned Prepare-Enrich tool, and it can be utilized by couples of any kind. If you are honest and open-minded, a Couple Checkup may offer great insights that can increase the health of your most important earthly relationship.

Forgiveness Sunday on February 18

On the First Sunday of Lent, our Sunday morning liturgy changes quite a bit. As we dive into this season of self-examination and preparation, we pray the Great Litany (first written in English in 1544), and we participate in the Rite of Forgiveness (an ancient Lenten practice from the Eastern Orthodox tradition). Get ready to feel the change that Lent brings to us on Sunday 18 February.

Please be mindful of our Kneelers

The beautiful works of art which add some much color to our Sanctuary are for kneeling in prayer. They do not work well as footstools or stepstools. THANK YOU for helping to care for them!

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO A BUSY MARCH…

Sunday 10 March: Episcopal Visitation with Bishop Brown

Whenever our Bishop visits, there is an opportunity to celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation. If you feel called to pursue one of these sacramental acts with Bishop Brown, be in touch with our Parish Office right away so that plans can be made.

Sunday 17 March: Newcomers Welcome

We are blessed to have many new members of our Saint Mary's family. If you would like to be recognized and welcomed on this day, be in touch with our Parish Office and we will get you on the list.

Sunday 24 March: Palm Sunday

Last year, our Palm Procession was led by a real donkey! It is possible that the donkey will make a triumphant return (get it?!), but no matter what, we will have a glorious and powerful morning to remember the Lord's triumphant entry and his Passion in Jerusalem. And we get to enjoy some Hot Cross Buns with our coffee or tea.

Sunday 31 March: Resurrection Sunday

Holy Week ends on the Eighth Day, the Day of Resurrection and the New Creation. On this special Sunday, we will gather at 9 and 11 AM for two identical and festive celebrations of the Holy Eucharist.

Annual Meeting & Foundation 135 Presentation:  

Sunday 28 January, 9:15 to Noon 

YOU are needed to participate in our Annual Meeting where we elect officers to manage the fiduciary and practical matters of our parish community. We will gather for one Eucharist at 9:15, move to the Auditorium for brunch, manage our parish business, and have a presentation about our Foundation 135 project.  

Formation Time in January: Sundays at 9:15  

  In the Auditorium  

• JAN 7: Christian Division and Unity 
• JAN 14: The Three Great Awakenings in America 
• JAN 21:  Partners for World Health 
• JAN 28:  Annual Meeting with brunch at 10:30 (worship at 9:15) 

   In the Chapel 

Be Still for contemplative readings with reflections in the Chapel 

Immerse Bible Reading: Kingdoms Discussion are Sundays at 5 PM  

The Immerse Bible divides the Bible into 6 sections. This will be the fourth section that Saint Mary's will read through as a group. This section includes the Hebrew books from Joshua through 2 Kings. The focus is on who lives in the land of Canaan, known today as Palestine and Israel. A pertinent topic, don't you agree? Pick up a copy in Saint Mary's Office soon, purchase your own, or listen to the online audio files (also on Spotify). Then gather on ZOOM for a fireside chat to discuss what we read, beginning on Sunday 14 January at 5 PM. What a great use of some downtime in the winter!  

Suicide Prevention Workshop: Saturday 13 January, 2 – 6 PM 

Would you know how to respond if a friend or co-worker began to hint about suicide? Your help could be the difference between life and death. Sign up for this 4-hour training in suicide alertness and prevention. This is applicable to, and useful for, each person. safeTALK is a globally used resource developed by LivingWorks (see www.livingworks.net). Register before November 9 by emailing Fr Nathan at nathanferrell@smary.org. There is a fee of $30 which covers the cost of materials you will receive (Scholarships are available.)  

First Communion Weekend: February 10-11 

Baptism is the only requirement to receive Communion. All members of God's family are fed at God's Table. Saint Mary's offers First Communion Weekends as a teaching opportunity for our young people, especially those in Grades 2 to 4 in school. It is also a chance for families to celebrate the spiritual life of their children. Saturday is a retreat day for teaching and crafts with Fr Nathan. At the Sunday Choral Eucharist, the children are celebrated and given an opportunity to share what they learned. Pleas speak with Fr Nathan or Miss Meg now if you have a child who wishes to participate.  

Wisdom Seekers: each Tuesday at 10:30 

This weekly Bible study group continues its group study and discussion of our weekly lessons. This is a great way to prepare for our upcoming Sunday worship. All are welcome to join in the exploration and learning. 

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 Corp is going tubing!  January 21 at 1:30 

Come on out, have some winter fun and fellowship with our friends from area churches.  All Middle & High School aged students from the area churches (parents welcome)  are invited to join in the fun on Sunday, January 21 at 1:30 at Sea Coast Adventure Park in Windham (930 Roosevelt Trail.)  It's only 35 minutes away, cost is 26.50 if we get 20ppl , but help is available if there are issues.  Let Deacon Matthew know if you are interested in going at deaconmatthew@smary.org or 540-429-9172. 

St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center:  

Adult Winter Coat Drive, plus kitchen & cookware (no other clothing). 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   

Red Cross Blood Drives:  Feb 2, 9 – 2pm -  Critical Need! 

Please consider sharing your blood in this season of giving. The need is constant. Lives depend on it! This Red Cross blood drive will be in our Auditorium.   

Stewardship 2024:  Rooted in Abundance  

If the  image for our pledge campaign looks familiar it's because it is from our altar. Perhaps, a vestry long ago, decided that a tree on our altar was an apt metaphor for the way we dig deep into what nourishes us to transform that goodness into work, service, and joy in a world that needs us more than ever. Supporting Saint Mary's gives us the conduit to do good things like strengthen our children's program.  Thank you to all the households who have pledged and got us closer to our $300,000 goal. There's still time to pledge! Here's the link for our pledge form (HERE).For more information on how to pledge, contact the parish office, smary@smary.org or Janet Bowne, jmitchellbowne@gmail.com. 

 

Saint Mary's BOOK SALE: Saturday 16 March, 9 –Noon 

Calling ALL Books!! 

All proceeds will go to support the Outreach ministries of our parish.  

To donate books, help sort books, to carry books, or lead a section, or if you have any questions, please email: Vanessa Record at recordvanessa@gmail.com or Jan Mordarski (janmordarski@gmail.com), or Becky Pride (rebeccapride1@gmail.com) 

  Bring your donated books to the lower-level hallway.   

No encyclopedias, magazines or textbooks, please.   

 

Formation Time in Advent: Sundays at 9:30  

• DEC 10: Thomas Merton – who is he and why is he famous?  
• DEC 17: The Four Gospel Canticles surrounding the Birth of Jesus 
• DEC 24: Nothing today, we're prepping for the Pageant! 

Advent Quiet Morning:  Saturday 16 December, 9 AM – 12 noon 

Getting Directions to the Kingdom of Heaven 

Register now for this special morning led by Merle Marie Troeger. The Chapel is used as the primary gathering point for this Advent Quiet Morning when we'll contemplate this central image of Jesus' teaching, the Kingdom of Heaven. FMI and to register, contact the Parish Office. 

St. Mary Schola Advent Concert: Friday, December 15, 7:30 

A Napolean Christmas. Buy your tickets for a concert of seasonal music for Advent.  

• Friday 15 December, 7:30 PM, Saint Mary's, Falmouth 
• Saturday 16 December, 3:00 PM, St. Luke's Cathedral, Portland 

Wisdom Seekers: each Tuesday at 10:30 

This weekly Bible study group continues its group study and discussion of our weekly lessons. This is a great way to prepare for our upcoming Sunday worship. All are welcome to join in the exploration and learning. 

Christmas Pageant: Sunday 24 December at 10:15 AM 

Sign up NOW to have your children participate in the Pageant! Email Emily Rodgers at emilymayrodgers@gmail.com.  

Pageant rehearsals are today at 11:30 and Pageant Dress Rehearsal will be on SUNDAY 17 December at 11:30 in the Sanctuary. The entire cast meets in the Guiding RAY room. All participants need to be at the dress rehearsal.  

The Christmas Pageant is Sunday 24 December at 10:15 – the Fourth Sunday in Advent (No Guiding RAY classes that day – all children in church.) 

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.   

St Elizabeth's Jubilee Center:  

Adult Winter Coat Drive, plus kitchen & cookware (no other clothing). 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   

Red Cross Blood Drives:  Dec 28  -  Critical Need! 

Please consider sharing your blood in this season of giving. The need is constant. Lives depend on it! This Red Cross blood drive will be in our Auditorium.   

Stewardship 2024:  Rooted in Abundance  

If the  image for our pledge campaign looks familiar it's because it is from our altar. Perhaps, a vestry long ago, decided that a tree on our altar was an apt metaphor for the way we dig deep into what nourishes us to transform that goodness into work, service, and joy in a world that needs us more than ever. Supporting Saint Mary's gives us the conduit to do good things like strengthen our children's program.  Thank you to the _90_ households who have pledged $_218,720__. There's still time to pledge! Here's the link for our pledge form (HERE).For more information on how to pledge, contact the parish office, smary@smary.org or Janet Bowne, jmitchellbowne@gmail.com. 

Sunday 24 DEC is the Fourth Sunday in Advent AND Christmas Eve 

The worship schedule will be as follows: 

10:15 AM     Advent 4 Christmas Pageant 

4:00 PM                 Family Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols 

9:00 PM                 Candlelight Choral Eucharist 

Blue Christmas: Thursday 22 December at Noon 

All are invited to this quiet, reflective service for those of us who are grieving, sad, lonely, not feeling particularly festive, feeling the fatigue of COVID or just in need of quiet in the busy-ness of the season. Please spread the word to those you know.  

Join us for this memorable communion service of rest, comfort, and healing. 

Suicide Prevention Workshop: Saturday 13 January, 2 – 6 PM 

Would you know how to respond if a friend or co-worker began to hint about suicide? Your help could be the difference between life and death. Sign up for this 4-hour training in suicide alertness and prevention. This is applicable to, and useful for, each person. safeTALK is a globally used resource developed by LivingWorks (see www.livingworks.net). Register before November 9 by emailing Fr Nathan at nathanferrell@smary.org. There is a fee of $30 which covers the cost of materials you will receive (Scholarships are available.)