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Haymaking
By Winslow Homer
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Neighbors in October
By: David Baker
All afternoon his tractor pulls a flat wagon with bales to the barn, then back to the waiting chopped field. It trails a feather of smoke. Down the block we bend with the season: shoes to polish for a big game, storm windows to batten or patch. And how like a field is the whole sky now that the maples have shed their leaves, too. It makes us believers—stationed in groups, leaning on rakes, looking into space. We rub blisters over billows of leaf smoke. Or stand alone, bagging gold for the cold days to come.
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Creation Care Column from Pastor Russ | |
On October 4th we celebrate one of the great saints of the Church – Francis of Assisi. Francis was basically a hermit. He lived in the middle of nature. In stories of his life, Francis is often quoted as talking with animals. He spoke to them, not just as birds or wolves, but as spiritual beings like himself. He was always telling them who they were, why they should be
happy, and why they made him happy. He said they give glory to God just by being who they were. He addressed inanimate creation too, which we know because of his Canticle of Creation, which includes fire, wind, water, Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Mother Earth.
Francis has inspired many over the centuries. Dostoyevsky, in his final novel, The Brothers Karamazov, wrote words that echo the thoughts of the saint: “Love every leaf … love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in all things. Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and untroubled joy. So do not trouble it, do not harass them, do not deprive them of their joy, do not go against God’s intent.”
Sherri Mitchell, a member of the Penobscot tribe and an attorney and activist for environmental protection and human rights, wrote similar words: “Every living thing has its own creation song, its own language and its own story. In order to live harmoniously with the rest of creation, we must … listen to and respect all of the harmonies that are moving around us… We hear the voices of the trees, and understand the buzzing of the bees. And we come to realize that it is the interwoven substance of these floating rhythms that holds us in delicate balance with all of life.”
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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. | |
Your Pastoral Care Team is sharing two informative articles this month; one on all you need to know about the new COVID vaccines and the other about the dangers of the EEE virus. | | |
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An Invitation from the Faith Communities Environmental Network
Join Us at an Energy Café at the Ministry Fair
October 7 and 8 following each service, Walden Hall
Sponsored by St. Mary's and Hosted by Faith Communities Environmental Network (FCEN)
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Learn about Energy-saving programs for renters, homeowners, and landlords
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Link in to the new state and federal incentives and rebates to lower costs of Utility Bills
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Discover new technologies to cut energy use and protect the Planet
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Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Audit (suggested every 2 years)
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Lutheran and Episcopalian Friends
We continue to build our collaboration and friendship with the First Lutheran Parish in West Barnstable.Please know we are invited to participate in the following meetings at First Lutheran:
- Tuesdays - Meditation and Reiki Group meets at 12pm
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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.
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The 1891Society
St, Mary’s Church
The Principle of Generosity: In the Bible, Jesus states “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. But that does not fly in the face of human nature. Recent scientific research reveals that giving is inherently rewarding. Dr. Grafman and his team at NIH found that giving activates parts of the brain associated with the pleasure of eating and other enjoyable activities. Their research shows those who give receive positive psychological results from seeing their money help others.
Click here for more information on Legacy Giving
If you are interested in becoming a member of the 1891 Society, please contact Linda Gadkowski at 508-292-5500 or
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Vestry Meeting Minutes
Please click here for the minutes from the last Vestry meeting in August.
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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.
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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: [email protected]
or text 203-249-2764
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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 this 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.
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You won't want to miss the final of our Concerts in The Garden on Sunday October 15 at 4:00 PM this time inside in Walden Hall. |  | |
At the dawn of the 20th century in New York City, a city, and a new art form, American Musical theater were being formed. Never before was there such focused energy to create an American style. This was the era of Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and, of coarse, George and Ira Gershwin. The brothers were keen on developing a new art form that was intelligent, entertaining and, political. George was a master composer. His output includes, musicals, ballets, tone poems, symphonies and an opera. Ira was a master at word play, highlighting George’s melodies.
“I Got Rhythm” is a lively program of songs and stories highlighting the dynamic musical duo that created dozens of classic song hits throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, George and Ira Gershwin. Along with an engaging powerpoint presentation, singer, John Murelle and pianist Chris Morris will share the excitement that George and Ira generated with their songs both on Broadway and in the films of Hollywood.
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Movie Theology Resumes!
Please bring your own beverage, adult or soft, a seat cushion and we’ve got the rest, including the popcorn. We have a great line up of movies selected for this year. Please invite friends and help us welcome others to Saint Mary's on the following dates.
- October 22
- November 19
- December 10
- January 14
- February 11
- March 10
- April 14
- may 12
- June 9
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Open enrollment for Medicare is October 15th to December 7th.
SHINE counselors provide free information at your local senior center. Peter Scarafile, a state certified SHINE counselor, will be reviewing the cost increases, help you understand coverages, and find out what is new with Medicare on Sunday October 15 at 11:30 in Walden Hall. Please call the office to reserve your spot. Meeting with a SHINE counselor can help you compare Medicare benefits and health insurance options. SHINE appointments fill up fast during open enrollment, so contact your local senior center for a one on one appointment.
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Here Now Ministries October Wish List | |
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With the cold weather coming and a significant housing shortage on Cape Cod, our October and November wish lists include warm clothing to keep our folks safe during this blustery time of year. We are currently seeking the following donations:
- New or gently used Hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants (Men and women, all sizes).
- Cotton Socks (wool socks, although warm, retain moisture and lead to foot issues)
- Blankets,
- Toiletries
- $10 gift cards to Cumberland Farms or Dunkin Donuts.
Donations can be brought to our worship service on Sunday October 22, or Sunday November 19 at 1:45, and folks are always encouraged to stay for worship and to share in fellowship.
In addition, monetary donations can be made to Homeless Ministries at the Cape Council of Churches to assist us in providing shelter for folks during particularly inclement weather or in the case of emergencies. Checks can be made out to the Cape Cod Council of Churches with Homeless Ministries in the memo line, and mailed to the Council office at 320 Main St, Hyannis MA 02601.
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Beginning on September 30th after the PM church service and continuing through December 17th, we are planning to have a market table set up in Walden Hall with items “Made with love by Saint Mary’s Elves and their friends.” This market table will have handcrafts, jewelry, preserves, baked goods, bouquets, houseplants, whatever parishioners make and wish to donate that week. It will always be a fun and different mix.
We hope that on two weekends, November 18-19 and December 16-17, our fabulous Saint Mary’s bakers will help us present a full blown bake sale for our holiday shopping. We request that donors label and price their donations if possible. What would your “elf self” like to make?All funds raised will be divided equally between Saint Mary’s Admin and Outreach.
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Garden Committee News
Did you know that Saint Mary's has a Pet Memorial garden? Located just off of the Outdoor altar and the orchard is a beautiful section of rock garden reserved for the cremains of beloved pets. If you are interested in honoring one of your pets in this way please reach out to Amy Crocker for more information.
Fall is the busiest time of year for our Garden Committee. We had our first garden work day this weekend and will be returning to having regular Saturday morning work parties every other week throughout the Fall.
Our next Garden Work Days:
Saturdays at 9:00 AM
October 21
November 4
November 18
We are also absolutely thrilled to have the return of our garden workers from Cape Cod Community College's Project Forward Program. Every Monday morning about 4 students from Project Forward and their instructor come to volunteer in our garden and develop their own horticulture related work skills.
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We have a long list of work to tackle this Fall. All are warmly welcome to join us.
- Deep Freeze Damage Repair
Replace the woody shrubs we lost during the deep arctic blast of last winter
Plant high-bush blueberry patch .
Plant Fall/winter crops for food pantry use.
Weed and mulch walkways.
Replace the diseased and woody azaleas.
Edge and mulch the area.
Need to give this area some TLC and plant some shade loving plants.
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. * We will need LOTS of helpers this planting day!
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Volunteer to help our elders and shut-ins
The organization “Meals On Wheels” is sponsored by Elder Services of CC & Islands. The Program delivers a daily, free pre-packaged main course meal with fruit and desert to senior shut-ins in the Yarmouth area. Driver teams are greatly needed. Each team has a set route of 20-25 locations (1.0>1.5 hours). There is mileage reimbursement and established substitutes when breaks are needed. Husband-wife teams are ideal. Please email Jud or Bonnie Phelps for more information or call 508-362-5921. Thanks for caring.
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Voices of Immigrants
The Refugee Support Team, a branch of the Nauset Interfaith Association is called to assist congregations and members of the wider community in responding to the global migration crisis. They partner with agencies and communities of faith, both locally and in the wider region to provide physical and social support on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants regardless of status. Our task is to foster relationship. They are sponsoring a special series of talks around the issue of refugees. Click the image below to read about the offerings.
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October Birthdays
Click here for a list of all our parishioners celebrating a birthday in June. If we have missed yours please reach out and let us know.
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Saint Mary's Episcopal Church
3055 Main Street
P.O. Box 395
Barnstable, MA 02630
Phone: (508) 362-3977
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