Thursday, May 2, 2024

News For This Month
Formation Hour: Sundays at 9:15
  In the Auditorium – Coffee and Conversation
  • May 5:  Julian of Norwich
  • May 12:  The Gospel of Thomas
  • May 19:  The Kneeler Project
  • May 26:  In Her Presence presentation
  In the Chapel -  Be Still: a weekly time to reflect on contemplative readings and to discuss them in the Chapel
Our May Outreach Partner: In Her Presence
Driven by the leadership of immigrant women residing in Maine, IHP's mission is anchored in the firm belief that women's empowerment, particularly through access to education, is crucial to achievement for the entire family. In collaboration with individuals born here, who possess lifelong knowledge of systems and opportunities, IHP strives to bridge cultural divides and harness the strengths of both communities.
Sunday, May 5, 12, & 19 -- Mission Moments from parishioners who have volunteered with IHP
Sunday, May 26 – Formation – Presentation by Claudette Ndayininahaze, Co-founder and Executive Director, and by Mary Faulkner, Chief Impact Officer, Oversees Frances Warde House.
   Make a Last Sunday Offering to support IHP.
Sunday, May 19 : WEAR RED TO CELEBRATE THE DAY OF PENTECOST!
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, May 21
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 
Stand-Up for Maine Council of Churches Comedy Show
Friday, May 10, 7:30, 1 Middle St, Brunswick
Don't miss this Media Sensation: Chip Leighton.  Purchase tickets online at Mainecouncilofchurches.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 2nd & 4th 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 30 and June 12,  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, May 19
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 .



Beth Shaw
Parish Manager
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary
43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-3366
admin@smary.org