WEEKLY eNEWS

November 14, 2026



The Twenty-fifth Sunday

after

Pentecost

Dear Friends,

This week we will hear Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew’s Gospel. It is undeniably challenging. At first glance, it can sound like a stressful story about financial risk, pressure, and judgment. Yet beneath the surface lies deeply encouraging good news for our community. The master in the story trusts his servants enough to hand over his most precious possessions, giving to each "according to their ability." The good news is that God does not demand what we do not have. Instead, God sees the unique beauty, capacity, and gifts already within each of us and invites us to bring them into the light rather than burying them out of fear.

We witnessed this exact grace in action today as we gathered to celebrate the life of our beloved member, Jean Wilson. Nearly 150 people—including many guests from near and far—filled our sanctuary and parish house. It was a profound moment of abundant generosity. So many of you stepped forward to offer your gifts for the worship service and the luncheon collation.

Throughout the afternoon, I kept hearing from our visitors how deeply moved they were. They marveled at the warmth of the luncheon, the beauty of our grounds, the uplifting quality of the music, and how truly special the worship felt. One guest even pulled me aside and said, "I think this is the best church I have ever been to."

"St. Mary's shines brightest when we invest

what God has placed in our hands."

Today was a vivid reminder of how blessed we are to belong to one another. St. Mary’s shines brightest when we invest what God has placed in our hands—not hiding our gifts away, but sharing them boldly for the sake of love and hospitality.



This weekend, as we hold our ingathering of pledges for 2027, we are invited to carry that same spirit forward. To keep our parish healthy, welcoming, and thriving, every single member has something vital to offer. As you reflect on your commitment for the coming year, please consider the gifts you have been given—whether financial resources, personal talents, or time—and prayerfully ask how God is calling you to share them so St. Mary’s may continue to flourish.

In Christ, 

Jennifer

For Reflection

1. What specific gifts—whether of time, talent, or treasure—has God entrusted to you, and where might fear or hesitation be tempting you to keep them hidden?
2. When you think about recent moments of grace at St. Mary’s, how have you experienced the love of God through the generosity of others in our parish?
3. As we look toward 2027, how is God inviting you to invest your unique abilities to help our community grow and welcome others?

Because You Give

REAL PEOPLE, REAL IMPACT

Our 2027 annual giving campaign, “Step into the Circle,” invites each of us to reflect on the gifts we receive through St. Mary’s and how our own giving helps sustain this community.

Every gift, large or small, helps make the work of St. Mary’s possible.

Please make your pledge

by this Sunday, 11/15

Make your pledge online.

Two Weeks at a Glance

Our Google calendar is updated and now available on our new website.

For a full listing of St. Mary's events, check our Google calendar.

Come Worship with Us

WEEKENDS AT ST. MARY'S

5:00 PM, SAT | Holy Eucharist

Historic Church

10:00 AM, SUN | Holy Eucharist

Historic Church

Click on the image above for the weekend service bulletin.

4:00 PM, SAT | Christian Meditation

Lower Level | Parish House

A Prayer for our Veterans

O God of peace, We remember before you with grateful hearts the women and men of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. We commend to your gracious care all veterans and those who serve or have served in the armed forces, asking that you shield them with your love, strengthen them in times of trial, and grant them healing of body, mind, and spirit. Give us, we pray, the courage to pursue peace, the wisdom to honor all who serve, and the grace to care for those who bear the scars of conflict. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer

Come Explore Well-Being with Us

Honoring Our Veterans: A Special Youth Gathering

Sunday, November 15

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

St. Mary’s youth will honor Veterans Day with a special gathering featuring parish veterans Trish Culver and Paul Westrom, who will share their experiences of military service.

The afternoon will include pizza and conversation, scripture and reflection on gratitude, outdoor games (weather permitting), and closing prayers with Compline.

Join us for a meaningful time of intergenerational fellowship as we celebrate service, sacrifice, and gratitude.

Today we remembered the life and ministry of our beloved sister in Christ, Jean Wilson.

While St. Mary's was special to Jean, Jean was special to St. Mary's. Her obituary highlighted her participation in the collation ministry. What was left out of her obituary, though, was her specific contributions to collations. Jean was a faithful hostess and most of all, she was known for her always requested "Jean Wilson's Grilled Peppers."

Jean may be gone from us physically, but her spirit and, now, her grilled peppers live on with each of us.

You can download the recipe for the peppers, and when you make them, remember Jean with the fondest of memories and love. And if you didn't know her, you can understand what made her such a special member of St. Mary's.

Come Serve with Us

Help Make Christmas Brighter for Newport County Families

St. Mary’s Christmas Giving Tree | November 14 – December 6

Don't forget to share the joy of Christmas!

St. Mary’s Christmas Giving Tree is collecting new, unwrapped toys, $25 gift cards for teens and tweens, and $10 grocery gift cards for families served by Newport’s MLK Community Center.

The deadline is Sunday, December 6. Bring your gifts to weekend services or leave unwrapped toys in the Parish House.

See the 2026 toy shopping list from the MLKCC.

Thank you for helping make Christmas brighter for our neighbors!

Ministry Opportunities

HELP WANTED

Holiday Lighting Ministry

Since Advent of 2020 we have been lighting our St. Mary's campus as a ministry to our local community as well as adding beauty for all who enter our grounds. 

Marlo Pratt had the original vision for this ministry during COVID and for six years she and her family have continued the tradition. We thank her for her ministry of lighting the way and for passing the torch!  



We need a new coordinator and team to light up St. Mary's. If you are willing to coordinate or help out with the decorating, we have supplies and support for you. Either way, please be in touch with Jr. Warden, John Corbishley. 

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.

For all other types of communication:

Contact the Rector if you'd like it verbally announced at worship. 

Contact Parish Associate for Administration Karen Laroche to be included in writing in the weekly worship bulletin.

Image credits: Richard Grosvenor, Historic Church, watercolor, used with permission.

Stay Connected:

http://www.smcportsmouth.org/