This Sunday we will have a very special Mother's Day service on the Lawn. The weather is supposed to be wonderful. We will also provide some water bottles and individually wrapped snacks. So I encourage you if you haven't been out in a while and want to catch up with old friends to come on over and Worship the Lord. It will be a Joy-filled service!
I am happy to announce that I have been Vaccinated and most of you who have communicated with me have been too. The CoVid numbers in Cape May County have fallen far below the requirement given by the Diocese, so the music will return to us this summer with Thursdays on the Lawn and Beach Services on Saturday night will once again take place. The Children from Science Explorers will occupy our buildings and grounds, and I am hopeful that once again we will be able to offer an invitation to our 12 Step groups.
No doubt the CoVid closure and restrictions have left us with some obstacles, in addition to our everyday challenges as a church community; however, there is no obstacle or challenge that cannot be overcome with strong community support and involvement.
One immediate challenge that we are facing is with our building. We have had some sewer issues which required us to call in a plumber several times over the last year. Upon further diagnosis of the problem, it appears that the building is settling and the main sewer line has been adversely affected in three areas. This will require our immediate attention and repair. Though we are seeking estimates, it is my understanding that this will be a costly repair. We will keep you informed as we move along.
For now, I ask that as we gradually move into a new post-covid world that you continue to love one another, pray for one another and as always reach out to us here to let us know how you are doing and how we can better support you through this transitional time. We are family, we are friends, we are community, together we are St. Mary's.
Four times in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John, we find Jesus using the word “if.” The last time he uses the word is in John 15:14: “You are my friends — you do what I command you.” Basically, Christ wants us to obey the commandments of love and to “bear good fruit.”
It is indeed true that “they will know we are Christians by our love.” Our good deeds in Christ’s name also are a good sign of our Christian commitment. Standing up for justice, caring for the homeless, supporting Christian healing centers, providing learning and recreational places for the poor, comforting the sick, and making certain that children are treated with love, respect, and dignity … all these actions prove that we are Christ’s friends because we have done what Christ has asked of us. “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
So let us love one another and look to our future with expectant Joy in our celebration and worship.
See you Sunday!
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 or Julie in the church office.
