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September 2023 Newsletter

Hints of Autumn In The Garden

September

By: Helen Hunt Jackson

The golden-rod is yellow;

The corn is turning brown;

The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down.

The gentian’s bluest fringes

Are curling in the sun;

In dusty pods the milkweed

Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,

In every meadow nook;

And asters by the brook-side

Make asters in the brook.

From dewy lanes at morning

the grapes’ sweet odors rise;

At noon the roads all flutter

With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather,

And autumn’s best of cheer.

But none of all this beauty

Which floods the earth and air

Is unto me the secret

Which makes September fair.

‘T is a thing which I remember;

To name it thrills me yet:

One day of one September

I never can forget.

A Note From Your Senior Warden

September 2023 -

Not a fortnight goes by without a parishioner reaching out to ask two questions, and the first is “can we keep Father Bellows?” Which while heartwarming and touching, the answer is a resounding “no” because the Episcopal church’s Interim guidelines, and Scott’s contract state so. Which brings forth “how’s the search coming?” And we’re both happy to report – “we have no idea.”

Of course the Search Committee is on our minds, and included in our prayers, but as the Diocese directs, once the Vestry has empaneled the committee and they have been blessed by the Priest, the “Searchers” are on their own, even shielded from the Wardens!

Of course, many of you, being dedicated members of St. Mary’s of Barnstable, or other Episcopal churches, have been through this before – so why are we rehashing this now? Because we again ask you to put the Search Committee near the top of your prayer list.

The Search Committee is entering its second year, and while the passing of time may have turned our attention to other items, the “Searchers” work, and the need to feel the Holy Spirit has only intensified. It is here that prayerful assistance from the members of the St. Mary’s family is again summoned, with all the care, force and love that was unleashed in September 2022. God has already chosen our next Rector, however it’s up to us, and our Search Committee to unlock all the tumblers, and open that special door. So please give a mindful minute for Emory, Arlene, Bill, Stella, Peter, Barbara, Susan, Rob, Aleina, Peter and Dorothy.

Thank you!

Brad Goodwin - Senior Warden

Ministry Notes

Creation Care Column from Pastor Russ

The Season of Creation

The celebration of this Season began when Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I established a Day of Prayer for Creation for the Orthodox in 1989. The World Council of Churches extended the celebration into our current pattern. During the Season of Creation, we join with billions of Christians around the world to celebrate in prayer and action our Gospel calling to protect the Earth that God has entrusted to our care.

St. Mary’s will observe the Season of Creation for five weeks in September and October. The Season will open on Labor Day weekend and conclude with the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi and the blessing of the animals on October 1.

What is the urgency of climate and ecological crisis?

“We’ve changed the planet, changed it in large and fundamental ways. Our old familiar globe is suddenly melting, drying, acidifying, flooding, and burning in ways that no human has ever seen.” — Bill McKibben

Because of the relentless burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, the world’s climate has become disrupted and unstable. The web of life is unraveling before our eyes. Human society is at risk of collapse within decades along with mass extinctions of species and forced migrations. Over the last fifty years, 60% of the planet’s mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish have been wiped out by human land development and habitat destruction. More than a million species are on the way to extinction. Oceans are acidifying and warming, sea levels are rising, coral reefs dying, and ecosystems collapsing. Record-breaking and intensifying weather patterns are increasing deadly droughts, floods, storms, and heat.

What does Christianity have to do with ecology?

God the Creator pronounced the world “very good” and gave humans the task to “till and keep” the Earth as stewards and caregivers rather than owners. Destruction of nature is a sign of our estrangement from God. Christian hope is in the renewal and restoration of all things. Our participation with God in creating a more just and habitable world and living more gently on Earth is how we share in what Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls the “supreme work” of Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God, one another, and God’s whole Creation. The good news of God in Christ is for all creatures and the whole Earth.

Want to learn more and do more yourself?

Click here to sign-up for the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative Newsletter.

Search Committee Corner

The Search Committee continues with their excellent work. They appreciate your support, participation and prayers through this journey. Please click here for the latest update from the Search Committee to see what they have been working on this summer.

Pastoral Care

Your Pastoral Care Team is sharing two informative articles this month; one on the surprising benefits of the shingles vaccine and another article warning of a new tick-borne virus to look out for and understand. Or click here to find the articles on the CDC website.

Faith Communities Environmental Network

We are happy to share that the FCEN's Energy Cafés, will be returning to Saint Mary's this Fall! Be on the lookout for Sundays in October and November when representatives will be available during coffee hours to help educate us all about how to reduce the energy use in our own homes. Additionally they hope to help income-eligible ratepayers learn how to apply for discounts on their energy expenses, as well as how to receive other energy-related cost savings. The program is specifically intended to help people with economic challenges, or who experience cultural or language barriers in the communities. Click here for more information about FCEN, their mission and how YOU can get involved.

Outreach Committee Update

Your Outreach Committee met on July 19th to review the grant applications received this quarter and to vote on the allocation of funds. Please click here for the meeting minutes. As always if you know of a charity or non-profit in need of our support please forward the grant application or let someone on the Outreach Committee know of the need.

Thank you!

Lutheran and Episcopalian Friends

We continue to build our collaboration and friendship with the First Lutheran Parish in West Barnstable. Click here to read the minutes from the "Friends" Meeting in August.

Celebrating With Our Friends

We continue to build our fellowship with one another. Please know we are invited to participate in the following meetings at First Lutheran:

Tuesdays - Meditation and Reiki Group meets at 12pm
Wednesday Nights - Sacred Journey (Via Sacre) Worship Service.

Via Sacre is an alternative form of worship held every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM; it is filled with candlelight, time for meditation and prayer, Bible readings and sermon, and the sharing of Communion – and community. Each week may be a little different without any set liturgy, but there is plenty of music – both in the Taizé tradition and others with upbeat rhythms.

Formation Opportunity at First Lutheran

The Tuesday Ladies small group Bible Study begins a new focus on the Sermon on the Mount by Amy-Jill Levine. During the six-week study, Levine takes a detailed and colorful overview of Matthew 5-7, collectively known as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Through her engaging method of biblical interpretation, readers will come away with a solid understanding of this scripture’s historical and theological context.

Begins Tuesday, September 5, 7-8:30pm, in the Sandy Neck classroom at First Lutheran Church.

Book: $15

Reaching Out Together

First Lutheran’s Mission Team will be leading a Service for the Homeless in Hyannis in front of the Baptist Church on Main Street on Sunday, September 10th at 2 pm. This

service is conducted monthly by the Cape Cod Council of Churches and led by a variety ofchurches. All are welcome.

We hope to continue resurrecting the Kitchen Garden area with fall veggies and high bush blueberries.

Garden Committee News

The busiest time of year for our Garden Committee is fast approaching. We will be returning to having regular Saturday morning work parties to tackle some needed garden repairs and refurbishments. We are looking for donations of labor, enthusiasm and dollars to help us accomplish these goals. Listed below is a wishlist of some of the work we hope to accomplish in September, October and November.

Deep Freeze Damage Repair

Replace the woody shrubs we lost during the deep arctic blast of last winter

Kitchen Garden

Plant high-bush blueberry patch .

Plant Fall/winter crops for food pantry use.

Weed and mulch walkways.

War Memorial Restoration

Replace the diseased and woody azaleas.

Edge and mulch the area.

Father Nicholson's Grave

Need to give this area some TLC and plant some shade loving plants.

Memorial Garden

Continue to trim back the perimeter, edge and mulch the borders.

Daffodil Butterfly Meadow

Cut back the Joe Pye weed.

Plant about 800 new daffodil bulbs in November.

The Garden Committee will have our first Saturday morning work party on September 23rd at 9:00 AM ALL are warmly invited to join us. Please RSVP to Allison so she can plan.

Vestry Meeting Minutes

Your Vestry took a well-deserved break in July but will be conveining again this week. Please click here for the minutes from the last Vestry meeting in June.

Coming Events

Concerts in The Garden - concerts begin at 4pm

(In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held in Walden Hall)

September 10: Oldies but goodies – pop music of the 50’s and later

Janice Smith on Clarinet and Flute

September 24: Old time Community Hymn Sing ~

October 15: John Murelle’s Vocal Students present:

I Got Rhythm, Song of the Gershwins

Please click the flier below for more information about these fabulous nights of music in our gardens! There will be light refreshments provided. Please consider a donation to help support the cost of these events.

Observing September 11th at Saint Mary's

As is our tradition at Saint Mary's we will be offering a Service of Remembrance for the community. All are warmly welcome to join us on September 11,2023 at 10:45 AM in the church. There will be a reception following the service on the patio or in Walden Hall in the event of rain.

Potluck Pocketbook Party

Time to clean out your closets. For the next few weeks we will be collecting donations of gently used pocketbooks, wallets, small valises, briefcases, beach bags, etc. of leather/pleather, canvas, straw, or fabric that are in good condition for our “Potluck Pocketbook Party.” Please bring your contributions to church and place them in the boxes marked Potluck Pocketbook Party that will be in the sun room and in front of the office starting next week.

Our PPP kick off will be on Friday, September 15 at 3:30 PM in the garden at St. Mary’s, inside if it rains. Goodwill donations large or small will be accepted for the bag (s) of your choice. Please bring a potluck offering

of snacks and a beverage. Come browse and maybe you’ll find your dream bag! Reminder, this isn’t just for women! Men are encouraged to shop for gifts for women and girls they know or a briefcase or bag for themselves.

Join the party! We expect to have merchandise available after services on Saturday PM and Sunday the following 2 weekends so don’t despair if you can’t be there on Friday. All bags that remain will be donated. We look forward to seeing you sporting your “new to you” bag!! All proceeds will be split 50/50 between St. Mary’s Admin and Outreach.

Movie Theology Resumes!

Sunday, September 17, at 3 pm in Walden Hall,

Feature Film, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”.

Mr. Holland is a music teacher at an Oregon HS. It’s a temporary gig, or so he thinks, until he can finish his musical masterpiece. Life gets in the way, however and he becomes quite fond of teaching. But there’s this void with this transcendent piece of music he has long dreamed of composing. It’s a beautiful story, underscoring the difference a teacher can make in the lives of their students.

It was released in 1996, and stars Richard Dreyfuss as Mr. Holland, Glenne Headly and W.H.Macy. It is a bit long at a little over 2 hours, but it flies by.

Please bring your own beverage, adult or soft, a seat cushion and we’ve got the rest, including the popcorn. See you at the movies!

Fall Forum

Putting Our Affairs in Order

Planning today for the living of tomorrow

Announcing a 3-part Educational Offering of Saint Mary’s Church for adults of all ages, recognizing the gift we give to ourselves and those we love – parents, children, and others, when we plan today for the eventualities of tomorrow.

Sundays 11:30 - 1:30 in Walden Hall, a light lunch will be provided. Please help our chefs plan and RSVP to our online signup or you can call the office at 508-362-6682. Thank you.

September 17 – Legal & Financial Considerations

Advance Medical Directives, Healthcare Proxies,

Powers of Attorney, Wills, Legacies, Financial Planning

Presenters: Linda Gadkowski – Certified Financial Planner/Founder, Beacon Financial

Peter Hutton – Attorney (Estates, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Elder Law)

September 24 - Living Considerations

Staying at Home, Life Plan Communities, Specialized Options

Presenters: Ted Lowrie – President, Barnstable Neighbor to Neighbor (BN2N)

Andrea Doherty – Consultant, Senior Living Navigator

October 1 – End of Life Considerations

Saying Goodbye, Funeral Planning, Burial, Celebrating Life

Presenters: Faith Hallett – Director/Owner, Hallet Funeral Home & Cremation Services The Rev. Scott P. Bellows – Interim Priest, Saint Mary’s Church

Flu Vaccine Clinic at Saint Mary's - October 2, 2023

We are thrilled to be offering a Flu Shot Clinic in partnership with Whole Health Pharmacy, running between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm on Monday, October 2 at St. Mary's Church. Please sign-up for your individual appointment slot on our online sign-up. Just a friendly reminder that you will need to complete the attached Immunization Questionnaire and Consent Form and have it completely filled out and with you. Thank you to Peter Scarafile for making this possible.

Welcoming Our Newcomers

Newcomers and those wishing to connect with fellow parishioners are invited to gather for fellowship and good cheer on Friday evening, October 6, 5-7 pm in Walden Hall and on the patio. Appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and wine will be served.

RSVP to Judy Knauer: fabjude@comcast.net

or text 203-249-2764

St. Mary’s Ministry Fair - Save the Date - Mark your calendars

This year our Ministry Fair will be open for three days in Walden Hall:

Friday October 6th for the Newcomer’s reception 5:30-7:30 PM
Saturday October 7th following the 5pm service.
Sunday October 8th following the 8 and 10am services.

All ministries will be asked to set up their tables on Friday the 6th and to staff them on Sunday the 8th. We plan to publish a booklet for interested parishioners describing all of St. Mary’s Ministries and volunteer opportunities. This is your opportunity to become acquainted with the many ministries in our community, to try on new opportunities and roles and to consider how you might wish to give of your time and talents.

Altar Flower Dedications

Flower arrangements can be donated for so many different reasons whether it is in loving memory of a deceased loved one, in celebration of a joyous event, a wedding, a baptism, a graduation, or in thanksgiving for something important in your life. We are very blessed to have a team of talented flower guild members who always work to create beautiful arrangements holding your intentions in their hearts. We have a paper sign-up on the bulletin board in the sunroom as well as an online sign-up sheet. Please note that dates do need to be shared as we have a large community to honor and celebrate together.

Thank you!

Tea on the Terrace Time

We invite you to sign up for hosting a Tea on the Terrace after our Sunday 10:00 AM services. We are looking for volunteers to provide the iced tea/lemonade and some nibbles. This is an important ministry to help us build community and create fellowship. There is a paper sign-up on the bulletin board in the sunroom. Thank you!