News from St. Mary's

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

A pastoral letter concerning the recent actions of the United Methodist Church

Dear St. Mary’s Family,

Yesterday, the United Methodist Church voted to strengthen its ban on gay, lesbian, and trans clergy and same-sex marriages. As the UMC is the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States, many of us have friends and family who are directly affected by this decision. I can think of many of our own parishioners who were Methodist for many years.

One of my college roommates is on the faculty at a United Methodist seminary. He said to me last night, “I’m horrified at our church’s witness. We are aghast. Many students are asking us whether to leave or stay. God have mercy.” It is not an over-exaggeration to state that a deep and ugly church split is imminent.

Grief. Pain. Betrayal. I cannot imagine the range of emotions our Methodist cousins are feeling right now.

What can we do? First and most importantly, we should pray for our Methodist friends and family. Second, we must continue to extend Christ’s love to everyone, no matter their race or sexual orientation or gender identity. And lastly, we can humbly invite those who are hurting to worship with a welcoming and loving church family here at St. Mary’s.

But we must be careful, lest our extended hand of welcome be perceived as an accidental strike of abuse. Many Methodists might hear "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" as a grieving widow would hear "I know someone you might like." And we certainly shouldn't use their ecclesiastical dysfunction as an opportunity for recruiting. The UMC belongs to its LGBT members as much as it belongs to its traditionalist members. Some will leave, many will stay. We must listen and give our Methodist cousins time to grieve. But we at St. Mary's can and should welcome those seeking refuge from this storm, even if it's for a time.

We will offer prayers of healing for our Methodist brethren and for all who are hurt by this decision tonight at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s. All are welcome. You are invited to come and find solace and healing as we celebrate the great feast that unites us with Our Lord – the foretaste of that heavenly banquet where there is neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy.

Peace,

Fr. Charles

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday, March 5th

6:00 p.m.

St. Mary's Parish Hall

Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") , has become associated with excess--a last fling before the penitential season of Lent begins. Pancake suppers, as well as Mardi Gras feasts of rich food and drink are an opportunity to use up the last of the winter supplies of these things, which in earlier times would have been running low by now anyway.

The clergy of the parish will be cooking pancakes for you at 6:00 p.m. on Shrove Tuesday. Come hungry and ready to eat! Bring something to drink if you wish.

Click here to read more about Shrove Tuesday.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, March 6th

7:00 a.m. Low Mass and Imposition of Ashes

12:00 p.m. Low Mass and Imposition of Ashes

7:00 p.m. Solemn High Mass and Imposition of Ashes with Choir

Lent is an important time of penitence, self-denial, and self-examination for each of us as individuals, and as members of St. Mary's. Join us for a somber beginning to a Holy Lent.

Wednesdays during Lent

Beginning March 13, 2019

Stations of the Cross, 6:00 p.m.

Adult Formation and Light Soup Dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The Adult Formation will last about 40 minutes and will focus on the Way of Love . More than a program or curriculum, the Way of Love is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, rest. Stay tuned for more!

Click here to read more about the season of Lent.

Urban Necessities Project

The Urban Necessities Project , a ministry of St. Mary's, St. Augustine's, and Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, seeks to collect and distribute basic non-food items for individuals and families such as toiletries and household necessities. You can read more about the Project on our website . If you have may also contact Jen Dean if you have questions about The Project! She can be reached at [email protected] .

February and March Donation Drive

toilet paper (4 pack)

bath soap (individually wrapped 4 oz bar)

shampoo (12-14 oz)

deodorant (men’s and women’s, 3-4 oz stick)

Donations can be dropped off in the baskets by the baptismal font in the back of the nave.

St. Mary's Belles / Arts's & Crafts Group

St. Mary's Belles

ENRICHING OUR LIVES

Saturday March 16

1pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Father Charles Everson, Father Bob Hutcherson and Nancy Wagner will be speaking about several religious orders they are part of - Benedictine Oblate, Daughters of the King, Worker Sisters. Come with a friend who might be interested. Of course there will be food!

St. Mary's Arts & Crafts Group

Thursday February 28

10am - 2pm at St. Mary's

Bring a project you've been working on, or just come to chat. We will meet in the church apartment.

Did you miss Sunday's sermon?

We post sermons preached on Sundays and Major Feasts on our website. You'll normally find both an audio recording and the text on this page .

Pastoral Care

If you experience a pastoral emergency and need to speak to a member of the St. Mary's clergy, please call 816-974-8082. This is a phone service that forwards the call to the clergyperson-on-call.

If you are scheduled for surgery or a serious medical procedure, or if there is a death in your family, please let us know via phone (816-842-0975) or email .

If you'd like to pray the Daily Office online, click on the image above! That link provides a "St. Mary's-style" Daily Office in Rite I language with a few Anglo-Catholic devotions added. If you feel comfortable navigating the various options in the Office and would like to set your own preferences, click here !