Saint Mary’s Weekly News
17 December 2017 – The Third Sunday of Advent
Stewardship 2018: God’s Work, Our Hands
Thank you to everyone who has made their pledge for 2018. To date we have $180,324 in pledge commitments for 2018 from 80 households. Praise God for your faithful and generous support!
$41,225. This is the amount that we spend annually on various types of insurances in 2017. This includes employee health insurance and property and casualty insurance to cover our buildings against damage and loss. As we all know with our own health and households, insurance is an important budget item. We must have this coverage to ensure the smooth running order of the Parish.
We still have a significant gap to close to reach our goal of $285,000. It's a busy time, but please take time to complete your pledge form before the end of the year. If you're new to Saint Mary's and would like a pledge form, you'll find them in the church and parish house, as well as online. Once completed, please return your pledge form confidentially to Beth Shaw, Parish Manager in the collection plate (please seal it in an envelope), via email at admin@smary.org or via USPS at 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth 04105. Together we can use our hands to do God's work.
Contemporary Language at 8 AM in Advent & Christmas
Once again, in this season we will use the contemporary language texts (Rite II) at our 8 AM Eucharist. It is important for everyone to become accustomed to these texts, as the old Elizabethan texts will be discontinued at some point in the future. Change is continuous, though it is difficult at times. Please speak with Nathan+ if you have thoughts or concerns about this.
Advent is upon us. How do you make it meaningful?
Be part of the Anglican Communion’s Global Advent Calendar. It’s an innovative way to engage in the season of Advent with people all over the world. Simply respond to the daily meditation emailed to you with images and prayers that speak to your heart. To learn more, visit: http://adventword.org/
Advent Faith Family Formation: Join us for devotions & fellowship
Advent is a time of waiting and longing as we anticipate the birth of Jesus in the manger on Christmas. On Sundays during Advent between the 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. hour all are invited to participate in an Advent Faith Family formation.
The large coloring posters explain different parts of scripture and are a wonderful way to educate during Advent because the illustrations show the depth of the story and incite fellowship conversations. We will be finishing up our Advent posters this Sunday so that we will be able to use them in our Christmas pageant. Special thanks to Becky Pride, Betsy Elliman, Merle Marie Troeger and Linda Eaton for leading us through this Advent formation.
The posters we will be working on this Sunday, December 17 are: DO NOT BE AFRAID and MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD
“Do not be afraid” is a common refrain used throughout biblical stories and one that we need to hear over and over again. In our world today, and in a world that we fear and imagine is possible in the future, we need to be reminded not to be afraid. In this poster, we have the angel Gabriel coming to bring this important message to Mary, as Mary’s life changes forever with the news of the child that will be born, Jesus.
If we accept the angel’s invitation to “Not be afraid” – this can often put us in a posture to be more receptive to what God might have for us. We see this in Mary’s response both to the angel’s exhortation to not fear and the news that she would bear a son and name him Jesus.
Mary’s response is “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” This is not the response from someone who is living in fear. In this poster, we have Mary responding to the angel Gabriel’s news for her. We can see a look of contentment on her face as she ponders all of these amazing words.
Events and Happenings
Our journey to Bethlehem is continuing!
Saint Mary's pageant is in rehearsal! Rehearsal this Sunday for all pageant and Angel and RSCM choir participants will be held in the church from 9:00 - 9:50am. Please be prompt as we have a long way to travel in order to get to Bethlehem in time to celebrate our Savior's birth. We will also have a quick run through rehearsal in the church after the 10:00 service. Pageant costumes are ready and should be picked up in the CF office. Pageant dress rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday, 12/23, from 9:00 - 10:30. All are welcome to take photos during the dress rehearsal.
The retelling the Nativity story in pageant scriptures and carols will be presented during the 10:00 am service on Christmas Eve morning. December 24. FMI, contact Heather Gale at hpgale@earthlink.net.
Sparkles Wrap-Up
The Sparkles Fair is over, and Sunday’s Schola and Reception marks the end of the Sparkles Season for 2017.
We were blessed with good weather for Fair Day, we had a good number of shoppers, and we met and exceeded our budget goal of $12,000. We showed a welcoming and beautiful face to the community, and we made new friends within the Parish family - exactly what we hope for. There are still bags of Sparkles Blend of coffee (donated by Coffee by Design) some soup bags and gift baskets. Please leave your cash or check in the Honor Box.
So many people helped to make this all happen, some who have helped for many years, and some who were first-time Sparklers this year. We offer our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you! Most of our traditions were continued from previous Sparkles Fairs, and the continuity of traditions, leadership (especially Jan and Onnie), organizers, and workers are a great part of our success. We also tried a few new things this year. Our Sparkles Spirits was a wonderful success, and great fun, with tastings of wine and delicious appetizers! Our special area for kids was also a fantastic success! Santa and Mrs. Claus were our special celebrity guests, and were a hit with everyone! We also experimented with more greens this year. We made and sold many Boxwood Trees and small house plants. They were both very popular and successful!
We could never do this without the “behind the scenes” elves who moved furniture, set up tables, decorated the Guild Room and Auditorium, made and hung signs. Special thanks to Roy, who manages to take such great care of the facility, in spite of our mess.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year from Jana Burke and Kathy Galen, Sparkles Co-Chairs
Faith Family Ice Skating: Monday, January 22, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Come anytime during the evening to join your parish family for outdoor ice skating at the Lee Twombly Pond in Falmouth. There will be hot chocolate, hot teas, cookies and snacks by the fireplace. Bring your own skates or rent them from Family Ice Center. It’s great fun for all. All are welcome!
Serving The World
Saint Mary’s Advent Snowman Tree:
Thank you to everyone that took tags and brought back toys, clothes and presents that will put smiles on the faces of lots of children and families this Christmas. God’s love inspires us with the spirit of giving. Thanks to God and to you!
Serving the needs of citizens in Falmouth and surrounding communities for over 25 years. Food and supplies may be dropped off at Saint Mary’s on Sundays or in the Parish House anytime during the week. FFP is always in need of hot and cold cereals; canned meats and fish; canned soups (especially healthy and low sodium; canned fruit (especially light or in juice.) Thank you for your generosity and compassion!
Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month – 12/8 & 12/22
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).
Emergency Fuel and our Discretionary Fund
Please consider making a special offering to enable our support of those who need help with their heating bills this winter. Envelopes are available in the Prayer Books and in the Narthex. Thanks from the Outreach Committee who oversees the distribution of these funds.
In Her Presence boxes outside the Guild Room
We’re collecting new hats, mittens, scarves, kitchen utensils and household items.
In Her Presence, an organization created and led by immigrant women living in Maine, teaches English and essential skills necessary to empower immigrant women to attain their personal ambitions while honoring their unique identity. Thank you.
Youth Ministry
Guiding RAY (Religious Adventures for Youth)
Our Guiding RAY programs for all young people ages 1 to 14 have begun with exciting plans for the program year! We gather all together beginning at 9:45am with classes beginning at 10am. For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website www.smary.org . The Nursery opens at 9:45am for our youngest disciples in the Guiding RAY area every Sunday morning for the later Eucharist.
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With the help of Rayle Ainsworth, Janet Bowne and Penny Guyton the kids will take a journey to Bethlehem because we have been invited to a very special Birthday Party. The Birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
For our older Guiding RAY kids, Christmas around the World continues as Meg Hurdman and Jack Heinzman focus on Germany and talk with the kids about Advent calendars, Christmas trees and what children hope for when they leave their shoes out overnight. All are welcome!
Casco Bay YOUNG LIFE: for all area high school youth
Club is on-break until the new year, but folks are signing up now for summer camp! FMI, visit www.younglifecb.com
Community Care & Nurture
Please pray for our Bishop search process!
God of grace, we give you thanks for all of the blessings of our common life and ministries as the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, and for our leaders who are guiding us through this season of change. Grant to the Discernment and Transition Committees open hearts, minds, and spirits as they receive the Holy Spirit's gifts of faith, hope, and love to aid their work. We ask also that you send courage and vision to our next bishop of Maine as she or he discerns your call. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Wisdom Seekers: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
This Bible study group meets weekly in the Guild Room. Everyone is welcome! We are now discussing each week’s Advent scriptures in depth.
Chapel 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.
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, 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: Grace Robinson, Hannah Russell, John Lund, Nolan Farris, Douglas McCormack, Lee Lamphere, Arthur Markos, Patti Braswell, Richard Harris, Brooke Welch-Frehsee, Ellen Hitchcock, Frank Rheaume, Stewart Stalnecker
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 17 The Third Sunday of Advent
8:00am Contemplative Eucharist
9:00am Coffee Hour with Advent Formation for all
9:00am RSCM Youth Choirs and Pageant Practice in the Church
10:00am Guiding RAY classes begin, Nursery opens
10:00am Choral Holy Eucharist followed by Coffee Hour
2:00pm Music Partners set-up for 6pm recital
Monday 18 AVE Deadline for January AVE
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
Tuesday 19 7 – 9am BNI meeting
9a - 12n Art Group in the Auditorium
10:30am Wisdom Seekers in Guild Room
12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
1:00pm Get Stitching group
6:30pm Beginner’s Al-Anon
7:00pm AA in the Auditorium
Wednesday 20 12noon Noonday Prayer in the Chapel
12:30pm Staff Meeting
6:00pm Vestry Meeting (Pizza & Salad at 5:30pm)
Thursday 21 The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle
12noon Chapel Eucharist in the Chapel
7:00pm Saint Mary’s choir rehearsal
Friday 22 Parish Office is closed
12noon Noonday Prayer – wherever you are
5:30pm Al-Anon to meet in Guild Room
Saturday 23 8am – 1pm In Her Presence Kitchen & Auditorium
9 – 11am Full Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant
Sunday 24 The Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve
10:00am Choral Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant
followed by Coffee Hour
4:00pm Family Christmas Eve Eucharist
9:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Eucharist
Monday 25 The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
10:00am Joyful Christmas Day Celebration
The Parish Office will be closed for the holidays between Christmas
and New Years, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2
In case of emergency needs, please call Fr Nathan’s cell phone at 207-310-0268
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Beth Shaw
Parish Manager
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105
207.781.3366
