Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 4.28.19

The News at Saint Mary's

28 April 2019:  The Second Sunday of the Great Fifty Days


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.

Diocesan Spring Training - 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. FMI call the Parish Office.

 

Responding to Maine's Opioid Crisis: TODAY, April 28, 4 – 6 pm

Come and learn about "The Hijacked Brain:  The Biology of Addiction" with Dr. Mark Publicker, specialist in the medical treatment of addiction in Portland.  As we seek to answer God's call to embrace and help those who are suffering, this is the second of three Spring presentations on why, how and what our responses might be to the addiction crisis in Maine. Followed by personal testimonials, and Q and A. Light refreshments provided.  Free and open to the community at large with an opportunity for those to share their personal story of addition in a safe and supportive environment.

MULTICULTURAL FAIR: Sunday, May 5, 3-6pm at Saint Mary's 

Mark your calendars! It is a festive ethnic event, and a great opportunity to do some unique shopping for family and friends. This is a special opportunity for New Mainer entrepreneurs, artisans and chefs, with artistic and culinary skills they've brought from their native countries, 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!!  Almost all vendors from last November are returning, and we have others eager to share their skills. FMI contact Anne LaFond akblafond@gmail.com

 Souper Supper: 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month  - May 10 & 24 

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, jenniferanngregg@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 10amOur classes are designed to both appeal to and offer our children an opportunity to learn key bible stories and to develop their relationship with God.  For more information on Guiding RAY, please visit our website  www.smary.org

The Nursery opens at 9am on regular Sundays for our youngest disciples in the Guiding RAY area every Sunday morning for the later Eucharist. Please contact Megan Akers, GuidingRAY@smary.org , if you are able to assist with care. 

This week in Guiding RAY  Alleluia! He is risen! Our new rotation is all about the Baptismal Covenant. Baptism is a sign of a new life with God and during this rotation we will explore the elements of the rite of Baptism in our Episcopal tradition. We will learn about the symbols of Baptism and review our promise to God and wonder about the experience of being known to God by name.

During our 9:30 - 10:00 formation time. We will be joined by members of the Casserole Ministry. These caring cooks will share the importance of this ministry and how we, too, can help fellow parishioners in need. All are welcome!

Middle School Youth Group: Our next time together will be May 5. All kids in grades 5-8 are welcome to join us as we continue exploring Feasts of The Church Year. We use a combination of games, lessons, and reflection to get the most out of our time together.  We hope to see you there!

Saint Mary's RSCM Youth Choirs:

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

First Communion Camp:  Saturday, May 4

FINAL CALL! 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!

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  

COMMON GROUND: Thursdays in May    

          5/2:  National Day of Prayer – all faiths praying together (6:30 pm)

          5/9:  College Planning

          5/16: David Masengesho shares his life story (Part 2)

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

 

College Planning Landscape: A discussion for parents of younger children

Join us for an informative Common Ground on Thursday, May 9 for an informal and candid discussion about planning for college in 2019 and beyond. Specifically designed to help parents of older elementary and middle school students, this program is open to all who want a better understanding of how college planning and guidance has changed in the last decade.

The conversations will be led by Katherine Thomas, Director of College Counseling and Steve Thomas, Associate Director of College Counseling.  Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions, dispel myths, and get an understanding of what the process is today.

 

Mark your calendars for CascoBay 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.

Community Care & Nurture

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.

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: 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:  Marti Galli, Patty Sarchi, Becca Horton and her baby, Jeanette Duvall, Laura Martin, Tom Chamberlain, Kathryn Street, Mimi Hilton, Erin Ferrell, Chandra Lowe, Nolan Farris, Frank Rheaume. 

IF YOU WANT TO ADD NAMES TO THIS 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       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)

                                  4:00pm            Responding to the Opioid Crisis: "The Hijacked Brain" 

Monday             29   12noon            Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

Tuesday             30   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)

Wed., May 1      9a-2p                      Mainely Weavers in the Auditorium

                                  9a-1p               GC Judges Council in Guild Room

                                  12noon            Noonday Prayer in the Chapel

                                  6-8:30pm         SinG in the Auditorium

                                  6 -8 pm            ORI in the Guild Room

Thursday            2     National Day of Prayer

                                  12noon            Chapel Eucharist in the Chapel

                                  1:00pm            CARE Team meeting

                                  3:00pm            Merton Group in the Chapel

                                  6:30pm            National Day of Prayer Event at Saint Mary's

Friday                3     Parish Offices are closed on Fridays

                                  12noon             Noonday Prayer – stop and pray where you are

                                  5:30pm            Al-Anon meeting

                                  6:00pm            Evening Prayer and Vigil for Priscilla Rigg

Saturday            4     10:00am          Funeral and Memorial Reception for Priscilla Rigg

                                  12n–6pm         First Communion Camp

Sunday       5      Third Sunday of the Great Forty Days: First Communion Sunday

                                  8:00am            Contemplative Eucharist (followed by Coffee Hour)

                                  9:30am            Formation for all

                                  10:15am          Choral Eucharist with First Communion (followed by Coffee Hr)

                                  3:00pm            Multicultural Fair in the Saint Mary's auditorium

 

 

Beth Shaw

Parish Manager

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary

43 Foreside Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-3366,  www.smary.org

 

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Saint Mary's eNEWS for 4.21.19

Saint Mary’s Weekly News

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 EventMULTICULTURAL 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

                                 7am3pm 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