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If Memorial Day weekend taught us anything at St. Mary’s this year, it is this: a little gray sky cannot diminish a community filled with joy, generosity, and heart.
While the weather certainly offered its challenges, Strawberry Fest 2026 became something truly beautiful. With more than 200 people welcomed through our doors, laughter shared, strawberries enjoyed, and neighbors gathered, what unfolded was far more than an event. It was community in its truest form.
And for that, there are so many people to thank.
To our extraordinary volunteers, thank you. Truly, thank you.
You baked. You carried. You organized. You set up tables and baskets. You greeted guests with warmth and smiles. You served food, poured drinks, welcomed newcomers, cleaned up, solved problems, lifted boxes, moved furniture, rearranged plans because of the weather, and somehow still managed to laugh along the way.
Events like Strawberry Fest do not simply happen. They are built through generosity, faithfulness, and many hands quietly saying, “I’ll help.”
To every person who gave their time, energy, strength, creativity, and patience, please know this: you helped create joy for someone else.
You made St. Mary’s feel like home.
To our merchants, thank you for partnering with us and bringing such creativity, beauty, and energy to the day. Your donations enriched the festival and helped create an atmosphere that was welcoming, festive, and full of life. Supporting one another as neighbors and local community partners matters deeply, and we are grateful you chose to be part of this day.
To our donors and supporters, thank you for your generosity. Every contribution, whether large or small, helped make this possible. From supplies to sponsorships, baked goods to behind-the-scenes gifts of care, your generosity strengthened this ministry of welcome.
To everyone who served food, offered hospitality, sold tickets, coordinated details, prepared strawberries, cleaned the kitchen, managed logistics, or stepped in wherever needed, please hear this clearly: your work mattered.
Hospitality is holy work.
Throughout Scripture, tables matter. Meals matter. Welcome matters.
Again and again, we see God revealed around shared food, open doors, and communities making room for one another. There is something sacred about gathering people together, especially in a world that often feels rushed, divided, or weary.
This weekend, St. Mary’s offered something beautiful to our wider community: joy, welcome, kindness, laughter, and connection.
And perhaps that is one of the quiet miracles of church life.
Because sometimes ministry looks like worship in the sanctuary.
And sometimes ministry looks like whipped cream, strawberries, folding chairs, neighbors reconnecting, children laughing, and volunteers joyfully saying, “How can I help?”
To everyone who attended, thank you for showing up, even with uncertain skies overhead. Your presence mattered. Seeing old friends reconnect, meeting new neighbors, hearing stories shared across tables, and watching people simply enjoy being together reminded us once again of whom we are called to be.
A community rooted in welcome.
A church grounded in joy.
A people who still believe gathering matters.
Finally, to this beloved St. Mary’s family: thank you for the countless ways you continue to embody generosity, resilience, and love. You remind me again and again that church is never simply a building. Church is people, showing up for one another with open hearts and willing hands.
Strawberry Fest was a success because of all of you.
Even under cloudy skies, love shone brightly.
And for that, my heart is deeply grateful.
With gratitude and joy,
The Very Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca
Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
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