A Christian community of all ages

grounded in

worship, well-being, and service.

August 30 - September 6, 2024

From the Rector

Dear Friends, 

In a few days I will be leaving St. Mary's, beginning a sabbatical. I am looking forward to this sacred, restful time away. I give thanks for all the people who are making it possible. Most especially, I am thankful for our staff, Karen, Jon, Meaghan and Michael, and our wardens, Rick Updegrove and John Corbishley. We have all been working together for a few months to be sure that St. Mary's will not miss a beat.

I am excited to go, to have a change of pace and place. Thank you to all who are stretching so that I can have a rest. I look forward to returning and joining you in what God is doing in the midst of us.

It has been a crazy week and I have not packed a thing for the trip. I am not fully planned, not even for the first week. This is due to the confluence of a few other forms of packing and planning. Soon, a major renovation will begin at the rectory. You will learn more about that from our wardens. Thankfully, John Corbishley, Jr. Warden, will take lead on this project. Rick Updegrove has been instrumental in guiding and developing the plan.

What I have packed this week is most of the downstairs of the rectory, including the kitchen. Movers came this afternoon to shuffle all the furniture around so that the downstairs is mostly empty and ready for the work to begin. Chaos! My daughter Bella is moving to Boston tomorrow. More boxes and more chaos! It also feels like the kind of shaking up that leads to something new and wonderful. I know I will get to my own packing for the trip soon enough. I will be on the road Monday or Tuesday, headed for Asheville, NC.

My early morning began with planning Advent worship, a strange thing to do on Labor Day weekend. I will return in Advent, the season of joyful expectation. I'm glad to be working on that theme on the last day of August. Partly because these weeks and months have felt like a time of endless preparation and hard work at home and at church. As sabbath time begins, I am stepping into a different way of living. I don't know what to expect, but I am hopeful that joy will be a part of it.

I will be in different landscapes over the next few months, mountains and deserts. No doubt, I will be in a different spiritual space as well. I am uncertain about what I will discover. For me, this is a pregnant time, with new life on the way. It is another connection to Advent, as we wait for the coming of Christ and the light and life that this arrival will bring.

In the meantime, I pray for this holy community. You amaze me every day with your joy, service, and faith. I notice the many ways you show Christ's love and compassion here and in the wider community. Thank you from my whole heart for the compassion and care you have shown my family and me in this difficult year. Thank you for this time away. May God bless you and keep you. I look forward to our worship together this weekend and my return in Advent.

Love in Christ, Jennifer

For a calendar of all of St. Mary's activities visit our website.

Well-Being

Bites and Beverages

New name. Same opportunity for food and fellowship.

Stop by the Gathering Space in the Parish House after 5:00 worship on the first Saturday of the month for Bites and Beverages, an opportunity to socialize with fellow St. Mary’s worshippers.

An intergenerational event, we have something for everyone – nonalcoholic drinks, wine, cheese, fruit – including a good time!

If you'd like to join in offering hospitality for this time together, you can signup online. And for questions, contact either Sheila Collins or Lisa Lyons.

Apple Sunday

Join in the last Fruits of the Spirit, Fruits of the Summer event that celebrates fall -- Apple Sunday on September 29 following the 10:00 worship service.

You can help pick apples at Rocky Brook Orchard on Wednesday, September 18 at 4:30.

These delicious apples will be available for our apple potluck on September 29.

So, we need bakers to make an apple recipe of your choice. You will be able to pick up freshly picked apples to have for your baked goods while supplies last (first come first served) following the 5:00 service on Saturday, September 21 or the 10:00 service on September 22. The apples will be in the Gathering Space of the Parish House.

Then bring your apple treat of your choice in on Apple Sunday, September 29,  BEFORE the 10 a.m. service. 

Please join in celebrating the end of our summer!

And signup to help.

Service

This year the Community Outreach Team will highlight the needs of the immigrant community. Our kick-off event will be a book group discussion and coffee hour on Sunday, October 20 after 10:00 worship.

We will be discussing the book Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora, which was the selection for "Read Across Rhode Island" this year.

The memoir chronicles Zamora's journey as an unaccompanied minor from El Salvador when he was nine years old.

The book is available at your local library, bookstore, or on ebooks. The audiobook version also translates Spanish phrases as you listen.

Order it soon and start reading!

If you have questions, please contact Lynn Carlson.

Community

St. Columba's Chapel Presents . . .

The ABC’s of Getting Older

You can still take advantage of St. Columba's offerings on aging.

The sessions will take place on the following schedule and all are free of charge and open to the public. Each will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will last approximately one to one-and-a-half hours, with plenty of time for questions.

For additional information, please call Sara Chadwick, at (401) 846-3502.

Monday, September 9th –

Bread Alone is Not Enough (at least not after 60)

Kristin Niessink (MS, RD, LDN), a registered and licensed dietician, will talk about the specific nutritional needs of seniors and how food can positively or negatively impact your health.

Monday, September 16th –

…Downsize, Declutter and Dump

Steven Fusco and Zach Gultz, Principals, Associated Estate & Appraisal Company (Cranston, RI), will talk about downsizing, appraisals, estate sales and clearouts. Here’s your chance to find out what to do with all your “stuff”!

Image credits: Richard Grosvenor, Historic Church, watercolor, used with permission.

Stay Connected:

http://www.smcportsmouth.org/