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A Christian community of all ages
grounded in
worship, well-being, and service.
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From the Rector
Dear Friends,
This Sunday we share the important and bittersweet work of saying farewell to the Somarriba family, who are moving to New Hampshire.
From the first email I received from Kim, I could tell that this was a unique and gifted family. Kim wondered about what was happening for kids at St. Mary's and shared a bit about her children. This began a relationship with a very special family at an important time in our ministry. When they arrived, there were seven of them, including five children. As they leave, they are a family of eight.
The Somarribas have had an impact on us, one that will last. Just as we were rebuilding our ministry with children and youth, this family brought joy and energy to our community. They were like a jump start! Kim has been instrumental in starting our youth group and supporting our Christian formation team. Fiona, Milo and Jude were a core part of our acolyte ministry. Hazel was an effervescent presence in worship, never missing an opportunity to bring up the gifts at the offertory. For two years the kids participated in telling God's stories at the Great Vigil of Easter. Little Gus made us laugh whenever he got going about Jesus' passion, making bold theological claims. And baby Toby melted our hearts as we celebrated his baptism and passed him around at family dinners. Immel was the easy going saint, often seen walking one of the little ones around during worship.
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The star above is a Somarriba creation, which graced our Epiphany celebration last January.
We have shared abundance in these years with the Somarribas. Please join me on Sunday morning as we send them with our love and God's blessing on their new journey. It will be a day of gratitude, as well as a bittersweet farewell.
The scriptures for this weekend offer us an opportunity to think about how God spreads seeds of mercy, joy and blessing. God does not hold back, and we are the recipients of this abundance. As you prepare for worship, you may want to think about what seeds God is planting in your life or the life of the world around you this season. For what new life are you longing?
Faithfully, Jennifer+
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Weekly worship is on
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Christian Meditation is weekly
on Saturdays, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m., Southside Classroom, Lower Level, Parish House
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Friday, 7.10 -- 'Tweens and Teens, 6:00 - 8:00, Parish House.
Sunday, 7.12 -- New Members' Team Meeting, 11:15, Adult Ed Room, Parish House. Details below.
Wednesday, 7.15 -- Pickle Ball, 6:00 p.m., Upper Level Parking Lot
Sunday, 7.19 -- Strawberry Sunday, following 10:00 worship, Gathering Space, Parish House. Strawberries! Ice Cream! Fellowship! Signup to help serve and do an easy cleanup.
Wednesday, 7.22 -- Pickle Ball, 6:00 p.m., Upper Level Parking Lot
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| Click on the image above for the service bulletin for this weekend. | |
Join us in worship at 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays or 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The liturgical ministers for our worship services are listed in the bulletin.
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Worship on Sundays at 10:00 is live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Use the comment section to say hello if you use Facebook.
You also can listen to the Gospel reading and sermon at your convenience on Apple Podcasts and Podbean. They are available by 6:00 p.m. on Monday.
We are trying to make better connections between those who are in person and those who are at home.If you miss worship on Sunday and just want to hear the sermon, you can listen to it online.
Prayer requests for individuals can be added to the prayers of the people for weekend worship and in the daily prayers of our prayer team by contacting Parish Administrator, Karen Laroche. We typically keep people in the prayers for one month.
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New Member Ministry Meeting
Are you someone who enjoys welcoming visitors to St. Mary's and sharing the good news of our community? Or are you a newer member who would like to provide insight and feedback about your experience joining our church?
All are welcome to join us at a New Member Ministry meeting on Sunday, July 12th after the 10:00 a.m. service (around 11:15) in the Adult Education Room in the Parish House.
We will discuss new ways to invite, welcome, and connect individuals to the St. Mary's community as well as plan for our next new members' weekend.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nancy Kimble.
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Golden Hour!
Join Jennifer Pedrick and Jenny Williams for a GOLDEN evening where we will discuss the best-selling book, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
Theo is an older man who shows up in a small town with a big heart. He spots 92 pencil portraits at a local coffee shop and buys them one by one. He gives each portrait to its rightful owner, with intention and care. His random acts of kindness change the whole town. Theo illustrates someone who truly practices love for his neighbors.
We will talk about how small choices, listening, and generosity can make a big difference in the world while enjoying some "Golden Hour" refreshments and conversation.
Theo of Golden is available at your local bookstore, library as well as Amazon.
Please RSVP by August 9th.
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 4-6pm
Location: St. Mary's Rectory, 318 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI
| | Communication & Other Announcements | |
Have an announcement?
Please use this form to digitally share information about your ministry. This enables those who are working on the eNews, website, and Facebook (and other social media) to have the information in one place and accessible to everyone who needs it. The deadline for publication in eNews is noon on Wednesday before publication on Friday. If you have questions, please contact website@smcportsmouth.org.
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