This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Upcoming Calendar
Wednesday, July 4 - Independence Day
10 am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
Church Office Closed
 
Saturday, July 7 - Paladius, Apostle of Ireland, 5 th  Cent.
3pm to 6pm - Jake's Rockin’ Country Band concert on the Great Lawn

Sunday, July 8 - The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
8 am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
9:50 am - Infant/childcare available and Sunday school begins
10 am - Holy Eucharist in the Church with music; coffee & lemonade follows

Wednesday, July 11 - Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540
10 am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
 
Sunday, July 15 - The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 
8 am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
9:50 am - Infant/childcare available and Sunday school begins
10 am - Holy Eucharist in the Church with music; coffee & lemonade follows
11:30 am - Vestry Meeting
 
Wednesday, July 18
10 am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
From the Rector
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Since its very beginnings, Independence Day has been observed by the Episcopal Church as a day of prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection for our country. We kept this tradition going this morning at the weekday Mass in the chapel, by reading, praying, and meditating on the scriptures and prayers appointed for this day. We heard in the reading from Deuteronomy (10:17-21) about how God treats his people, and how he expects us to live with one another, in justice, fairness, honesty, and charity. In the collect of the day, we prayed that God would grant us and all of the people of this nation the grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace.

We often hear the saying, "freedom isn't free," usually in reference to heroic military service, but this axiom applies not only to our brave men and women in uniform, but to all Americans. Indeed, our freedom is a precious gift and a can be a powerful witness to the good in humanity. Let us pray that we always use our liberties in accordance with God's gracious will for us and for all people.

Blessings,
Father Rick

PS: Please note that Pete, Emmy, and I will be on our summer holiday from Sunday, July 8 to Saturday, July 14. The weekly newsletter will also be on break for the week. Look for it to return the week of July 15.
Please welcome the Rev. Victoria Duncan, who will cover the Sunday services. Our Rector Emeritus will cover the Wednesday service and will be available for any pastoral needs in my absence.
Premiere Country Band on July 7th
Join St. Mary's for a fun-filled afternoon listening to Jake's Rockin' Country Band, a multi-award winning band featuring steel guitar, fiddle, drums, bass, and guitars. Kids (and kids at heart) can dance away the afternoon learning some moves from the band's country line dance instructor. Chili, burgers, hot dogs, and more will be for sale. Tuxedo's own Tuxedo Creamery will be on location selling some delicious flavors. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of St. Mary's in Tuxedo. Please visit our website for tickets and more information.
Lemonade on the Lawn
St. Mary's is known for its splendid coffee hours after the 10 am service. And while we love these delicious and often themed repasts, during the hectic summer months, pulling off such a fulsome fellowship can be a challenge. Remember the words of Tuxedo Park denizen Dorothy Draper, "Entertaining can be fun!"

In the spirit of breezy summer fun, we will be offering an alternative to our traditional coffee hour from now until Labor Day: Lemonade on the Lawn. The church will provide lemonade, iced tea, and coffee. All you have to do is set it out on the lawn (weather permitting) or in Bentley hall if air conditioning is called for. Please do consider signing up on the board in the breezeway between the church and Bentley Hall.

You and other parishioners should feel free to bring a little light something, leftovers from the previous night's soirée, or whatever you wish. Think "pot luck." Unlike our traditional coffee hours, anyone can bring what they wish. The only commitment needed is someone to put the refreshments out. Let's enjoy a more relaxed pace of life this summer, and look forward to returning to our traditional fare this fall.
In Memoriam
Alan Yassky , longtime resident of Tuxedo Park and friend of St. Mary's, died on June 7 at the age of 82. A celebration of his life was held at St. Mary's on Thursday, June 28.

Ed Conklin , husband of former choir-member Theresa and father of Pam Sutherland, died on June 23 at the age of 71. A service was held last Friday in Stony Point.

May Alan and Ed's souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Vacation Bible School
For several years, St. Mary's has hosted a pretty elaborate Vacation Bible School which took a toll on the volunteers. We had decided a while back to take a break this year and instead increase support for the town camp. But in recent conversations, Jane Garofano and Fr. Rick decided that instead of canceling our VBS all together, we could put on a simplified program if some volunteers could be found. The dates would be August 14-15-16 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Please let Jane or Fr. Rick know if you're available to help.
Tuxedo Trail Angels
A small group of “angels” from Tuxedo have been leaving jugs of water at a designated place on the Appalachian Trail since 1999 when Edie Sonne, daughter of Sally and Chris, hiked the 2,200-mile trail from Georgia to Maine. She talked about the Trail Angels who had helped her along the way, and also revealed that the supply of clean water on the stretch of the trail that passes through the north end of Tuxedo is notably scarce. Thus, the Tuxedo Trail Angels came into being.

About five people take turns going to the trail with between four and eight gallon-jugs of water every four days or so. (Bottles are provided, and we refill the empties.) The schedule changes depending on the demand, which has been increasing every year (the coming weeks are quite busy). A Log Book is filled with effusive expressions of gratitude from the hikers. That, in itself, is sufficient reward for this relatively simple gesture of kindness. Chauncie Rodzianko, Tom Fuller, Paul Gluck, Chris Schneider and Sally Sonne make up the current group of volunteers. Of course there are times during the summer when each one is unavailable, so any additional volunteers would be welcome. If this interests you, please get in touch with Sally Sonne . Thank you!
All are truly welcome at St. Mary's, which is located within the historic gates of Tuxedo Park and serves the entire Tuxedo community. Please tell the gatehouse you're going to St. Mary's, proceed thru the gates and we're on the right (plenty of parking available).
How to contact us...
Office: 845.351.5122
PreSchool: 845.351.2389
Physical Address: 10 Fox Hill Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 637, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987