Monthly Newsletter

December 2024

An Advent Message from Fr. Michael

Dear Friends in Christ,

As the days grow shorter and the pace of life quickens with holiday preparations, I want to take a moment to invite you to pause. Advent, this holy season of waiting, is not just a countdown to Christmas; it is a time to reflect on what we are truly waiting for — what we long for in the depths of our hearts.

What are you waiting for this Advent? Peace in a world that feels so fractured? Healing for yourself or someone you love? Strength to face the challenges ahead? Or perhaps the quiet assurance that God is indeed with us, even in the waiting?

Advent is an invitation to draw close to God, to open our hearts to the One who comes to us in love and hope. Amid the busyness of December—shopping lists, holiday parties, and family gatherings—don’t forget to set aside time to pray, to reflect, and to prepare your spirit for the coming of Christ.

For many, the holiday season is filled with joy and celebration. I hope you’ll join us for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services as we gather to celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth. These services are a beautiful reminder of God’s love made flesh among us, and I can’t wait to celebrate them with you.

At the same time, we know this season can be difficult for some—those grieving a loss, struggling with loneliness, or facing other hardships. If this resonates with you or someone you know, I invite you to our Blue Christmas Service at 6pm on December 19th. This special service is a space to acknowledge the challenges of the season and to find comfort in God’s presence and in community.

For me, this season also brings deep gratitude. It’s hard to believe I’ve been at St. Mary’s for six months already. In this short time, I have been continually blessed by your warmth, faithfulness, and generosity. You have welcomed me, my family, and even our new puppy (!) with open hearts, and I am profoundly thankful to serve as your rector.

As we look to the coming year, I am filled with hope and anticipation for what God will do in and through us as a community of faith. Together, we will continue to seek Christ, serve others, and share the love that makes St. Mary’s such a special place.

May this Advent season be one of peace and quiet joy for you and your loved ones. And may the light of Christ, which shines in the darkness, guide your steps and fill your heart.

Adventtide blessings,

Coming Events

December Birthdays

Click here or on the flier below for a list of our parishioners celebrating a birthday in December. If we have missed yours, please reach out and let us know.

Barnstable Village Winter Stroll

We hope you will join us at this year as we serve hot cocoa and pass out candy canes at the Barnstable Village Winter Stroll. The Stroll is coming soon! It is always on the first Wednesday in December, this year on December 4, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Please email Allison if you would like to be a St. Mary's Christmas Elf and take a turn at our table. We would love to have enough volunteers so people can take turns and have time to stroll themselves. Our tent will be in front of the Barnstable Post Office. We plan to set-up around 5:00 PM. The Stroll begins promptly at 6:00 PM with the Christmas tree lighting on the courthouse lawn.

Hope to see you there!

Movie Theology

A Fieldtrip to the Movies

Thursday afternoon, December 5, Movie Theology is going on a field trip to see the new film, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin at the Heritage Theatre in Sandwich. The group will have their discussion over dinner at Tomatoes Bar and Grill which is right across from the Theatre. All are welcome. It is supposed to be a great, thought provoking film. Please click here for more details.

Blue Christmas -

A Service of Hope and Healing

6:00 PM, Thursday Dec. 19, 2024

The holiday season can be a time of joy, but for many, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, grief, or struggle. Whether you're carrying loss, facing challenges, or simply seeking a moment of peace, this service is a place for you.

Join us in a quiet, reflective gathering with prayers, music, and candlelight, designed to bring comfort and hope to all. Come as you are, and find solace in the company of community and the presence of God’s love.

Let this be a time of light in the darkness.

Jingle & Mingle

Parish Christmas Party

Join us for our Parish Christmas Party on Saturday night, December 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM in Walden Hall. We are asking everyone to bring a dish to share, either an appetizer or a sweet treat. Finger foods and easy to eat are best so we can jingle & mingle to our hearts content. Dr. Lawlor will lead us in a Very Merry Carol Sing. Wear your festive attire and come celebrate the season with all your St. Mary's friends.

Movie Theology

Double Feature December

December is a busy month for the Movie Theology group! First, their field trip (mentioned above) on December 5th and second, viewing a beloved classic, Holiday Inn at 2:00 PM on December 15th in Walden Hall. Please click here for a description of the film. We provide the popcorn. Invite a friend or two to join in the fun! We hope to see you at the movies.

Christmas Services at St. Mary's

We hope you will join us at any of the Christmas Services that speak to your heart. Please click the flier below for our full schedule and share with others.

Voices From Our Parish & Ministry News

Vestry

The Vestry Minutes for October will be voted on at the upcoming Vestry meeting in December. We will share the minutes once they are approved. Thank you for your understanding.

Creation Care

This month Pastor Russ is sharing a Creation Care Reflection entitled, Would Abandoning False Hope Help us to Tackle the Climate Crisis?

Pastoral Care

Your Pastoral Care Team is sharing two articles this month to inspire everyone to stay active as we head into the darker and colder months. Click here for the first article; Exercise As We Age and the second article, Healthy Aging Basics

Aging Gracefully

Pastor Russ is sharing a lovely poem by Samantha Reynolds entitled, Age: Ask Me Anything

Volunteering Opportunities

Advent Toy Drive for Animals in Shelters

Each year we gather toys and treats for all our furry friends who are living in shelters awaiting their forever home. There are collection boxes for pet toys in the sunroom. We will be collecting toys and treats for the next 3 weeks. Amy Crocker will gather all of the toys and deliver them to the animal shelter on Christmas Eve so all the animals will have a merry Christmas morning. Any questions? please contact Amy Crocker

Outreach Action Team - OAT

OAT has been working hard to identify effective ways for St. Mary's to reach out and serve our brothers and sisters on Cape Cod. The St. Mary's Outreach Action Team has assembled a flier to highlight some of the Inreach and Outreach opportunities that exist at St. Mary's. On one side we highlight current volunteer needs and on the other, we list some of the ongoing outreach ministries you may be interested in joining. The contact information for the ministry heads is included. We will continue updating this flier as outreach campaigns and needs change throughout the year. These fliers are always available at the back of the church and in the sunroom. Click here for the latest OAT flier. OAT is always looking for new members as well. Please consider attending their next meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 12, 2024.

Angels' Treasures Thrift Shop

Did you know Angels' Treasures Thrift Shop is the single biggest source of revenue for our parish outreach efforts? It takes a lot of people to make the best little Thrift Shop around hum along. Maybe working in retail isn't your thing? Do you enjoy researching antiques, doing dump-runs, re-finishing or repairing furniture? How about helping with marketing and social media posts? There are so many different ways you can help at Angels' Treasures. Just send Janis Umschlag a note and she will find a way for you to volunteer.

St. Mary's Garden Committee

The St. Mary's Garden Committee would like to thank everyone who purchased bulbs and supported our fundraiser. Thanks to your support we were able to refurbish our own daffodil meadow. It should be a glorious Spring in the gardens. The Garden Committee volunteers planted over 1000 bulbs last weekend!

We have new leadership and lots of exciting plans and projects ahead for 2025. We hope to continue growing our ranks. Any amount of commitment or time is welcome. Please consider joining us this spring when we re-convene in March.

Supporting Our Church

Stewardship at St. Mary's

Stewardship is everywhere at St. Mary's. This month we captured it as volunteers are placing flags on our front lawn helping to honor and welcome Veterans to our annual breakfast hosted by OAT (St. Mary's Outreach Action Team. Remember Stewardship is time, treasure and talent.

Recognizing Our 1891 Society Members

A Note from Parishioner, Ann German

St. Mary's and the people have been here to support me through many periods in my life, some difficult and some joyful. I have included St. Mary's in my will. Even though it is not very much, I want 10 percent of whatever is there to be given to St. Mary's to help it be here for others, just as it has been here for me.

Ann German