Staying Connected
Please join us this weekend for worship in person (church)
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July 4, 2021
Dear Family in Christ,
Good News in the Life of Christ here at St. Mary's!
Activity and excitement are picking up on the church campus. Today, as I write Schafer Mechanical, is fixing the Sewer Pipe underneath the church. We are very lucky the problem is in a place that is accessible therefore the estimate came in at $4,295.00. That figure is far less than we anticipated. Thanks be to God.
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The delivery of material for Science Explorers was received on Tuesday and yesterday the Head Teachers were here preparing and organizing their material for the children. Their first-class, STEM Lab Extravaganza, begins Tuesday with an anticipated 12 children. I am suspending morning prayer for the month of July so I am able to greet our children and families each morning.
Alcoholics Anonymous returned to our Hall on Tuesday at 8:00 pm. To each member of the group and community, I say, "Welcome Home." I am glad that once again St. Mary's can be a safe harbor to all in need.
Alanon has met over the last few weeks on Fridays and will continue to meet at 10:00 am; however for the month of July they have agreed to meet in the church or chapel to allow the children of Science Explorers the use of space in the Hall. I am grateful for their flexibility and willingness.
Wednesday evening the church doors will be open at 8:00 pm for healing prayers and reflection. Compline will be said at 9:00 pm. If you are in the neighborhood or wish for prayer, come on by, cool off, and chill with the Holy Spirit. If we have yet to meet or have not seen one another since the pandemic interruption, this is a good time to stop by and say "Hi."
On Thursday evening, Three in One kicks off our Summer Concert Series on the lawn in front of the church. This is a wonderful way to give back to the community, reach out and be the visible light of Christ in the world. You and your family are all invited to come, enjoy the music and represent the Best of St. Mary's.
I have heard so many wonderful things about Saturday Eucharist at the Beach since my beginning here. We will return to 101st Street on July 10th at 5:30 pm. I am looking forward to worshipping with you in God's presence at the Beach.
This week, I want to give a special thank you to Sandra and Terri and ALL our volunteers at The Branches who are ensuring that children and families are nutritiously fed throughout the summer. Their work and dedication to helping those in need are the active Body of Christ in the community. From individual people, families, children to schools and organizations, The Branches is meeting the needs of children of God. I'm very excited to see and be a part of their continuing growth.
In March the vestry, wardens, and I met for a short working retreat. At that time each member took on the responsibility of being a liaison and portfolio manager to specific ministries in our congregation. Each person built a team to assist in working with each ministry. One such ministry is the ministry of music. As part of the Music Ministry portfolio, led by Dina Ziemba, they will review any potential candidate for the organist position after I have an initial interview with each. Essentially, I do not want to waste anyone's time and I will not make this a solo decision. We will collaborate together and come to a decision that we believe best supports our community, together. I have seen some amazing talent. One has been playing the organ since he was three years old. There was nothing he couldn't do or play that I asked of him on the spot. It was pretty incredible. But as you know music ministry is about more than just the ability to play, but also to communicate, enhance and to grow the spirit of worship and relationship among each other and our community. While we have made no decision as of yet, I am extremely hopeful that our search will end soon and the very best candidate will be chosen. I kindly ask for your continued patience.
As you can see we've been extremely active, and there's much more to come. What I have shared with you thus far are some of those things which have come to fruition, other seeds are still being planted and nurtured to grow. I encourage you to join us this weekend and especially this Sunday as we Baptize Benjamin Robert Orwig and welcome him into the Body of Christ. I encourage you to stay for coffee hour, have a chat and get involved. We are community, we are the body of Christ, we are St. Mary's.
May the peace and love of God be with you this day always.
Happy Fourth of July!
Blessings,
Mo. Allison+
551-697-6133
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If you would like a pastoral visit or a visit from one of our
Eucharistic Ministers, please contact Mo. Allison.
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The Feast of St. James and The Blessing of New Ministry
with Holy Eucharist
Mo. Allison's Installation
July 25th at 12:00 pm.
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Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(BCP p. 820)
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Everyone knows about “helping hands.” But have you ever thought about all the different things hands can really do?
Hands reach up to paint, clean, and mend the church. They do the same for the homes of those in need nearby. Sometimes, they even build those needed homes. Hands can greet a visitor with a firm handshake. Or they could learn a little sign language to help make a new church member who is deaf feel more welcome.
Hands can dip into pockets to make contributions to the church. They can also dip into buckets with a sponge to swirl across many car windows to raise more funds. Hands can hold a piece of chalk in the classroom or a piece of music in the choir loft. Even those hands that are clenched are helping. They’re donating blood during a drive.
Surely two of those hands that help belong to someone you know. Maybe they belong to you!
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It's good to be open again! |
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Coffee Hour has returned!
Come and enjoy coffee and fellowship on Sunday mornings after the 9 am service.
If you would like to provide a small snack for all to enjoy, a sign-up sheet is posted on the kitchen door.
Alanon has resumed meeting in the parish hall Friday mornings at 10 AM.
AA has also resumed meeting at St. Mary's on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm.
SUNDAY PARKING: Sturdy Bank lot and Fred's Tavern lot may be used.
Please remove your car from Fred's before 12 noon.
(The meters are off until 10 AM.)
SATURDAY PARKING: Sturdy Bank lot is available.
*** BAPTISMS ***
Benjamin Robert Orwig will be baptized on Sunday, July 4th at 9:00 am.
*** MEMORIAL SERVICES ***
The Memorial Service for Timothy Fitzgerald Noble will take place on Saturday, July 24th at 1:00 pm
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A Church that Prays Together Stays Together! |
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God the King of Glory, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give you thanks for all those who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant them your mercy and the light of your presence; give us a sense of your will and purpose, that we may understand that the work you have begun in them will be perfected through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, in whom all strife is resolved. Amen.
In addition to our regular prayer list, we are introducing a new, easy accessible way to add you or a loved one to our daily prayers. You may access this link at any time for prayers or additions.
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Thursdays on the Lawn
begins this week
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Our Thursdays on the Lawn concerts are set for Summer 2021 with a terrific line up!
We'll get off to a great start with the super popular group Three and One on July 8th. One of our favorites, The Snake Brothers, continues our summer concert series on July 15th, followed by The Quietmen on July 22nd,
Marnie and Nate on July 29th, and
C. Lynne Smith on August 5th.
We'll wrap up on August 12th with Three and One. Bring a chair, bring some friends, and plan to join us on the front lawn this summer!
A sign up sheet to help with refreshments can be found on the parish hall bulletin board.
Worship at the Beach, our "Come as you are" service on the 101st St. Beach Pavilion returns July 10th! We're moving the Saturday service from the church to the beach for the summer months. Plan to join us for a relaxed worship service in a glorious setting!
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This week we welcome to St. Mary's |
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Summertime will be exploding with fun in July with
In-Person Summer Camps at St. Mary's!
STEM Lab Extravaganza - Week of 7/6
Loose in the Lab - Week of 7/12
Final Frontiers - Week of 7/19
Jr. Explorers - Week of 7/26
www.SCIENCEEXPLORERS.COM
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Traffic Alert Sunday, July 11th |
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The Stone Harbor Triathlon will run on July 11th from 6:30 am to 9 am. Road closures will include Third Ave. from 87th St. to 90th St. and Second Ave. from 87th to 90th St. The Stone Harbor bridge will remain open, as well as First Ave. Expect delays and be alert for racers.
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Karen Parker on July 5th,
Robert Rich on July 6th, Beverly Waldron and Gretchen Spruance on July 7th!
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Summer Full of Life Blood Drive |
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The American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 9001 Sunset Dr. on Wednesday, July 7th from 8 am to 1 pm. For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or register online at RedCrossBlood.org/sh yacht club. Questions? call Tim Clay 302-547-6083
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Blueberry Festival
Sunday, July 18, 6:30-8:30
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Enjoy delicious blueberry desserts and live music at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Ave. Donations benefit the Parish Nurse ministry. |
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Used Cargo Van wanted to purchase |
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The Branches has been awarded a grant titled “Nourishing Neighbors Summer Meals Program.”
We are very grateful to Albertsons/Acme for making it possible for us to serve families in our area that may need some extra help with food during the summer when schools are not in session.
Branches will be stationed in the parking lot at Pet Smart in Rio Grande from 10-12 noon on Mondays and at The MLK Center in Whitesboro on Wednesdays from 10-12 noon.
We will also be supplying food to Mitnick and Memorial Schools in Lower Twp. for pick up on Mondays and Thursdays from 10-12 noon. We are supplementing the already existing outstanding program in Lower.
We are beyond excited to embark on this new venture. However, we have one very big problem. At the present time we are transporting food in vehicles owned by our volunteers. We would very much like to use our grant money to purchase a used cargo van. Unfortunately, these vans are in short supply, because of COVID 19.
If you, or anyone you know, has a used cargo van that may be available for purchase, we would love to hear from you!
Many, many thanks to Albertsons/Acme!
We are blessed by your community minded spirit.
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An antique baby grand piano is available for the price of moving it. If you are interested, call the church office 609-368-5922 |
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Lectionary Text for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 9 |
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Saturday 5:30 pm in person (church)
Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church) and
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Daily Office and Study Links |
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