Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Christmas at St. Mary's
St. Mary's Family,

We are deep into the month of December and despite the unseasonably warm weather, we are nearing the end of this period of watching and waiting for Christ's coming. In less than a week, we will ring out our joy and celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our salvation is nearly upon us!

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but St. Mary's is growing! We can analyze the reasons why we're growing, and we'll do some of that at the Annual Meeting in January, but I'm convinced that the primary reason for our growth is this: people are inviting their friends! I encourage you to invite your friends to one of our Christmas services. You may assume that your friends would be otherwise occupied with family, but you'd be surprised how many people have nowhere to go. And many folks who aren't otherwise church goers love the music and the mystery of Christmas and just need someone to invite them. The worse thing that can happen is that they say no!

It is such and honor and privilege to serve as your priest, and I give thanks to Almighty God each and every day for you, the people of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. I wish you and yours a joyful and happy Christmas!

Peace,
Fr. Charles
Pledge Update
St. Mary's Family,

As of Tuesday, December 18, we have received 42 pledges totaling $145,310 for 2019. Thanks to all who have submitted a pledge!

 We are still short of our goal of $157,000.00. If you have not yet submitted a pledge, please prayerfully consider a financial commitment to your parish for 2019. If you've already submitted a pledge, please prayerfully consider increasing your pledge. Simply click here to access the online pledge card.

Thank you for giving back the first fruits of your labors to advance God's kingdom through the ministries of St. Mary's. Please don't hesitate to contact either of us via email if you have questions, or talk to us at church on Sunday during Coffee Hour.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Co-chairs, 2019 Stewardship Campaign 
Office Schedule
The church office will be closed on the following days:
  • Monday, December 24
  • Tuesday, December 25
  • Tuesday, January 1

Any contributions that you would like to be received in 2018 for tax purposes must be received by Monday, December 31st at 11:00 a.m.
Advent Book Study
The Advent book study group meets this Saturday, December 22th at 10:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Christmas Flowers
You are invited to contribute to assist with the Christmas flowers! We do not budget for these funds, but rely on individual contributions. You may give your contribution in thanksgiving for, or in memory of, someone you love. All names will be listed in the service leaflet. Click here to learn more! Please note that all donations for Christmas flowers must be in by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20th (tomorrow) to give us time to prepare the service leaflets.
Christmas Offering
The loose offering at both Christmas services will be collected and sent to Episcopal Relief and Development's Global Needs Fund where it will help strengthen communities and make a lasting difference in fighting poverty, hunger, disease, and disasters around the world. You are encouraged to be generous!
Feast of the Holy Name
Join us on New Years Day (Tuesday, January 1, 2019) for a joyful celebration of the Feast of the Holy Name, formerly known as the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ. Mass is at 10:00 a.m.!
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting of St. Mary's Episcopal Church will be held in the parish hall on Sunday, January 20th, 2019 after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

At this meeting, the parish will review the past year in ministry and look forward to the next year. The 2019 budget, having been previously approved by the vestry, will be presented, and new vestry members will be elected. We will be sending out photos and bios on the five vestry candidates during the first week of January.

You are invited to attend, even if you're not formally a member of the parish! Those eligible to vote must meet the following requirements:
  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have received communion at least three times in the past year
  • Have contributed to the support of the parish for six months preceding the meeting
If you have questions about your voting eligibility, please contact Deacon Gerry in the church office.
St. Mary's Belles
Upcoming in January 2019:

12th Christmas Day Champagne Brunch
Saturday, January 5th at Bonnie's
11am to 2pm
Spouses, significant others and friends are welcome.
Please RSVP to Bonnie Haupt
Holiday Respite at the District Pour House
Tuesday January 15 @ 1:00pm
7122 Wornall Road in Waldo
Click on the Daily Office button to pray Morning and Evening Prayer, and to find daily Bible readings!
Donate to St. Mary's Online!
Weekly Service Schedule

Sunday
Low Mass: 8 a.m.   
Solemn High Mass: 10 a.m.
Sung Compline: 7 p.m. (2nd Sunday of the month)

Tuesday
Low Mass: 12:05 p.m.

Wednesday 
Low Mass: 12:05 p.m.
Evening Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 6:00 p.m.

Thursday
Low Mass: 12:05 p.m.

Saturday 
Noonday Prayer: 11:05 a.m. (2nd and 4th Saturday of the month)
Clergy and Staff

Assistant to the Rector
 
Rector Emeritus
The Reverend Robert M. Hutcherson
  
Deacon Administrator

 
Artist-in-Residence/Choirmaster
 
Organist
 
Sexton
Ms. Rosalyn Powell
Vestry

Mr. Todd Chenault-Wiseley, Senior Warden
Dr. Michael D. Frost, Junior Warden
Mr. Donald E. Clark
Mrs. Faye A. Hopkins
Mrs. Sharon Hunter-Putsch
Mr. Raja Reed
Mr. Dennis L. Robinson
Canon John L. Schaefer
Mr. David S. Wilcox, II
                                                  
Ms. Mary Beveridge, Parish Clerk
Ms. Judith B. Brougham, Parish Treasurer 
(816) 842-0975 | [email protected] | Website