Saint Mary’s Weekly News
March 2, 2014 – The Last Sunday after Epiphany
!!! Bring in your palms… THIS SUNDAY!
…last year’s palms from Palm Sunday, that is. Between the liturgies when Family chapel starts ( around 9:15am), we’ll burn the palms that have been brought in. These ashes will be used during Ash Wednesday.
Our prayer concerns for this week
For healing: Michelle Bilodeau, Peter Bramhall, Lynda Conner, Andrew Leighton, Mary Lygo, Roger Murray, Brian Pettingill, Peg Pierce, Lynne Shepherd, Eileen Shortell, and John Unfricht.
For those deployed: For Shae Bickerstaff, serving with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, for his family and for all active-duty military personnel and family.
God’s Power at Work Within Us!
TODAY, March 2nd is Pledge Ingathering Sunday. You are invited to bring your completed pledge forms on Sunday or mail (or drop off) it to the office. Thank you to all who have already sent in their pledge forms and thanks to everyone for considering a pledge. Without your tithes and offerings, we could not carry out our God-given mission and ministries. Your support makes the difference. If you would like to pledge your support and didn’t receive the pledge packet, please contact Beth Shaw (781-3366, admin@smary.org) and we will get one off in the mail to you!
March 5 is Ash Wednesday: An Invitation to a Holy Lent
There will be multiple opportunities for everyone to observe this special day of fasting, prayer and self-denial. In addition, if anyone would like ashes brought to a homebound member, please call the Parish Office right away. Our Ash Wednesday services will be:
· 7 – 9am: Ashes-To-Go in the Pratt-Abbott parking lot (Rt. 1 and Depot Rd)
· 12noon: Ash Wednesday liturgy – in the Chapel
· 4pm: Ash Wednesday for Children and Youth – in the Chapel
· 7pm: Ash Wednesday liturgy with music – in the Church
·
Youth Ministry Notes
Godly Play - Christian Formation for our younger Christians
On regular Sundays from September to June, we offer a Montessori-based program called Godly Play to learn about God, the Bible, and the Church with our children. Family Chapel begins at 9:15am followed by Guiding RAY classes (age 4 through 5th grade) begin downstairs in the Parish House at 9:30am. The nursery also opens at 9:15 for our infants and preschoolers.
“The Middlers” 9:30 to 10:35 AM on Sunday mornings! In order to make the group more accessible to even more of our young people, the Middlers (all those in Middle School) will use the same schedule as our Guiding RAY classes and join their families for Communion.
Acolyte Training will be on April 6th!
On April 6th at 11:30am, Father Nathan will hold a 2-hour training session for all those interested in becoming an acolyte (young or mature – all are welcome). Don’t miss out!
FUN IS GOD High School group gathers monthly! Next one will be:
Sunday, March 23, 2014, 4-6pm: “Culinary Cultured Color Creations” We will each pick a country and share a game, appetizer or dessert from that country. Titus 2:11-13 Questions? Call Jane Stegemann (797-8422) or Ruth Smith (239-0482). All high schoolers are welcome. Bring your friends and canned goods to share with Falmouth Food Pantry!
Serving The World
S. Mary's-Habitat Work Day! Saturday, March 8, 9-4pm - Freeport!
This is a wonderfully fun, local Outreach Mission opportunity! We will be working INDOORS in Freeport! Two 3-hour shifts available, (9-noon; 1-4pm). NO existing skills necessary, as you will be taught on the job! Must be at least 16 years of age (liability requirement). If you would rather not work a shift, we also need lunch for the workers at noon! Sign-up sheet outside of the Guild Room or contact Jennifer Gregg (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com)
Book, Bake and Soup Sale in support of Outreach: March 22
As part of our 2014 Outreach Project, S. Mary's is holding its Book, Bake & Soup Sale on Sat., March 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. WE NEED YOU to: donate books, videos, games & puzzles; sort books; sell books; BAKE for the bake sale; clean-up. Please sign up to help in whatever way you are able and willing. There are sign-up sheets in the Guild Room. Any questions about baking call Elizabeth Heinzman; any questions about books, contact Becky Pride. Thanks to Babs Bell for making the soups. Regarding books, games or puzzles: Please leave all donations downstairs on the HUGE table in the big storage room. Please, NO used textbooks, encyclopedia sets, or magazine sets.
Recyclers Unite! Help Keep S. Mary's "Green!"
Can you lend ONE hour of your time to S. Mary's in 2014? That's all it will take to help S. Mary's continue our recycling program! You will be assigned one month during the year (or more, if you wish) during which we ask that you gather recyclables to put out for curb-side pick-up each Tuesday of that month. Quick, easy and NO meetings!!
FMI: Jennifer Gregg (jenniferanngregg@gmail.com) or Beth Shaw (admin@smary.org)
Meetings, Gatherings and Events
Couple Check-Up Retreat: THIS Saturday, March 1, 1-4:30 PM
All couples (even those not married) are invited to a brief time apart to talk through their Couple Check-Up assessments and to learn from one another about how to strengthen our relationships. Take the relationship assessment called Couple Check-Up ahead of time and gain some objectivity about your relationship.
1. Go to www.couplecheckup.com and take the assessment.
2. Sign-in with our Group # 14780-2014. All information is confidential. This number gives us information on the health of couples in the parish in general.
3. Come to the Retreat (below) to talk through the results and find proven tools for improving the health of your most important human relationship!
Sign-up NOW in the Parish House. You can stay afterward for our Mardi Gras potluck or make dinner reservations out for a real date night!
Mardi Gras Potluck and Talent Show at Saint Mary’s: THIS SATURDAY - March 1, 5-7 PM
Mark this date on your calendar, Saint Marians! Entertainment at its finest will occur the Saturday before Mardi Gras! Andrea Myles-Hunkin, the shy, modest, parishioner we recognize from her choice of wacky legwear will be emceeing the TALENT SHOW. The last time this took place was a couple of years ago, and we had a great turnout of both spectators and talent.
Magic tricks, humor, storytelling, piano playing, singing, dancing and unforgettable moments in time occurred before our very eyes. You may be 8 or you may be 80! No matter your age, please prepare a performance to share in front of our very enthusiastic Saint Mary audience. Remember that this showcase is rated PG (since some parents may be guiding their young ones onto the stage.) We want everyone to have fun, relax and laugh away their winter blues right before the Lenten season.
For more information or to enter your act, please contact Andrea Myles-Hunkin at mylesfromhome@msn.com Remember March 1st -- be there or be square!!
Remember to sign up for the Potluck on the table outside the Guild Room!
2014 Class for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
Initial meeting - Sunday, March 9, at 11:30am. Everyone who might be interested is invited to our initial meeting in the Parish House. We will discuss our preparations for this special event. Please bring your questions to this meeting, or contact Fr. Nathan in advance. Bishop Steve will visit with us for Confirmation on Sunday, November 9th at 5 PM
Who should come to this meeting and 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 (and so be eligible for parish leadership positions)
· To reaffirm their trust in God and their commitment to life in Christ
Wednesday Afternoons at S. Mary’s
(starting March 12th for 6 weeks) 3:15- 4:30pm for ages 9-15years
lTHE STUDIO @ Saint Mary's teaching 1) Painting and Color Relationships: A Visual Art Feast of Color Exploration ( Adult classes 4:45 - 6pm) and 2) Comic Book Illustration
lTutoring @ Saint Mary's teaching 1) Academic Fundamentals and 2) Tutorial or enrichment work with first or second grade students plus some piano
See attached information sheet or contact Erin@erinmcgeeferrell.com
What are your unique God-given Spiritual Gifts? Come find out!
Two Sundays afternoons in March (March 16th and 23rd, 4 - 6pm)
Join Fr. Nathan for these two sessions where we will study the biblical understanding of spiritual gifts and explore how our personal passions and styles are used by God for the benefit of others. Every person has a special role to play in God’s mission, and each one of us needs to find this!
Pre-session Prep: Before March 16, all who wish to participate must complete a Spiritual Gifts Experience Assessment. Pick one up ASAP in the Parish Office!
Men’s Snowshoe Adventure: March 13-15
ALL men of any age or ability are invited to join us as we journey up into the Carrabassett Valley for yet another snowshoe adventure. “The Edwards Lodge” construction is now complete. We’ll depart after work on Thursday evening, snowshoe to a mountain summit on Friday, and return to Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Bring your Nordic or Telemark skis also, if you have them. Questions? Ready to join the fun? Please speak with Fr. Nathan!
Lenten Soup & Salad Program: Wednesday evenings in Lent
Chanting for All: An Ancient Spiritual Practice for Contemporary Christians
Can you talk? If so, then YOU can chant! Come and learn about the ancient practice of chanting from Fr. Nathan and Bruce Fithian during our Lenten Supper Program which begins on Wednesday, March 12, at 6 PM in the Auditorium. Each week, we will all learn to chant portions of the ancient monastic Compline office, which we will all chant together on April 9 at 7 PM. No musical knowledge or skill is required. If you learn this, then you can begin to chant all of your daily prayers and discover a new way to draw close to God in this ancient practice.
Spiritual nourishment for all: Thursdays at Saint Mary’s
All are welcome for a time of spiritual refreshment and community. If you need help with transportation or childcare in order to participate, provisions can be made. Please ask!
10:30am: Wisdom Seekers –Bible Study
12noon: Healing Eucharist with the laying on of hands for healing. All are welcome. You do not need to be ill. This is a brief, informal liturgy in the Chapel.
Pastoral Care
Communicating with Fr. Nathan
Feel free to contact Fr. Nathan at any time if you wish to speak with him. You can e-mail him directly at nathanferrell@smary.org or call him anytime on his cell at 609-410-7573.
Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to those unable to worship with us on Sunday morning. The Eucharistic Visitor today is Stan . 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 special ministry, feel free to speak with Deacon Christine.
This Week’s Calendar at Saint Mary’s
Sunday 2 PLEDGE SUNDAY
8:00am The Last Sunday after the Epiphany: Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour in the auditorium
9:15am Family Chapel – for all families and children
9:15am Art and Faith Discussion group
9:30am Guiding RAY begins and the Middlers gather
10:00am The Last Sunday after the Epiphany: Contemporary Eucharist
11:00am Coffee Hour in the auditorium
5-7pm Bible Study in Freeport – at the Unfricht’s
Monday 3 9:00am Budget & Finance Committee meeting
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
1:00pm Guiding RAY Leadership Team meeting/
Tuesday 4 10:00am Order of St. Luke
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
12:30pm Staff meeting
7:00pm AA in Auditorium
7:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
Wednesday 5 ASH Wednesday - The Season of Lent begins
7 - 9am Ashes-to-Go at Pratt Abbott
12noon Ash Wednesday liturgy – in the Chapel
4:00pm Ash Wednesday for Children and Youth – in the Chapel
7:00pm Ash Wednesday liturgy with music – in the Church
Thursday 6 10:30am Wisdom Seekers Bible Study
12noon Healing Eucharist in the Chapel
4:00pm Boy Singers of Maine
7:00pm Choir rehearsal
Friday 7 Parish Office Closed on Fridays
12noon Noonday Prayer – wherever you find yourself
5:30pm Al-Anon in the Guild Room
Saturday 8 9:00am Boy Singers of Maine rehearse
9am-4pm Saint Mary’s Habitat Build Date in Freeport
Sunday 9 8:00am The First Sunday in Lent: Traditional Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour in the auditorium
9:15am Family Chapel – for all families and children
9:15am Art and Faith Discussion group
9:30am Guiding RAY begins and the Middlers gather
10:00am The First Sunday in Lent: Contemporary Eucharist
11:00am Coffee Hour in the auditorium with Casco Bay CAN
11:30am Confirmation, Receiving & Reaffirmation meeting
Beth Shaw
Parish Administrator
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road (Route 88)
Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366
www.smary.org
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