Our mission is to be a community of Christian
worship, well-being and service
June 18 - June 25, 2022
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From the Rector
Dear friends,
Last night there was a shooting at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Members were gathered for a potluck supper. So far three members of the church have died. Today there are no words or explanations that will help us to understand this tragedy. In fact, it is probably not helpful for us to try, at least not at this moment.
When we humans are faced with trauma and tragedy, sometimes we say and do strange things. This is especially true if we don't take the time to process what has happened at an emotional level. For example, too soon after nineteen people died at the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, we witnessed the predictable blaming and shaming of political leaders and people on the the "other side" of the gun safety/gun control issue. We could not, as Americans, sit with the reality of the tragedy for even one day, before the finger pointing began. We did not have a chance to process the trauma or grief, nor express compassion for the families who had been impacted. We did not have a chance to connect with our sorrow, anger or fear. Too soon, many of us started choosing our sides or speaking up about who was to blame.
Perhaps as Christians, we can learn from Jesus who consistently chose healing and curiosity over fear and blame. He could speak to anyone, and did, always pointing them toward the transformative power of God's grace.
We can not turn away from the reality that mental illness and gun violence are both urgent, important issues which our nation needs to address.
With healing in mind, we need to do so not only in our prayers, but with our words and actions. We can begin by following Jesus and trying to love as he loved, to teach as he taught, and to heal as he healed - without blaming or shaming. Everyone was worthy, without exception.
We have a great Gospel story this weekend. It is about healing a man who was not in his right mind, someone who had some demons. We get a glimpse of grace and the almost comic response of the man's fearful community. --Comic, because we can probably relate.
In Christ and with gratitude, Jennifer+
A prayer for this moment:
Almighty and merciful God, whose only Son came to preach peace to the nations: Hear us, we beseech You, and comfort us with Your steady Hand, as we come before You this [day/night] in the wake of unspeakable violence. In a world that seems hopeless, help us to remember that our hope rests always in You, and in the resurrection of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Restoring the Historic Church |
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A prayer for the restoration of St. Mary's Historic Church
Shine on our ministry, O God; give us the wisdom and generosity we need to restore the historic church at St. Mary's. Help us to remember those who have come before us. May we hear their stories and see their faith. Give us gratitude for your presence in our lives and community in this season. Grant us the vision and the resources to do the work you have given us to do, that we may keep your church open and flourishing for generations yet to come. All this we ask in the name of Jesus, our Savior and strength, Amen.
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Latest on the Historic Church Restoration, June 17
Updates on the Historic Church are written bi-weekly.
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church-Portsmouth
At this past Sunday (6.12) morning's outdoor service, our rector, the Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, shared the reality of God's spiritual messages in our lives; it struck me this might be a good time and theme to write a bi-weekly report on the...
Read more
www.smcportsmouth.org
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To see progress on the church, visit our online photo album which shows the restoration in progress.
We all look forward to the "great reveal" when the restoration is completed.
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As new decisions are made and the restoration continues, read about them in the eNews. Previous decisions as well as the decision making process are available online. |
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Summer Worship and the Weather |
Unless otherwise announced, worship will be outdoors on the lawn.
In cases of extreme heat or inclement weather, we will meet in the St. George's Chapel. If we are going to be inside on Sunday morning, it will be posted on our website and Facebook by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. |
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The First Sunday after Pentecost: Feast of the Trinity |
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For the weekly bulletin, click on the picture above.
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O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Holy Eucharist at 9:00
The service will be live streamed on Facebook.
If you are joining us online, please use the comment section to say hello. We are trying to make better connections between those who are in person and those who are at home.
Please direct feedback to David Brierley regarding your online connection.
Online Worship Links
This is a permanent link which you can bookmark. If it doesn't go live for a service, use the Facebook link above.
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Liturgical Ministers
Altar Guild
Ann Gizzi, Ruth Siebens
Celebrant
The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick +
Musicians
Michael Templeton, Julie Zecher, and
The St. Mary's Choir,
Greeters
Lynne and David Burke
Lector / Intercessor
Carol Brierley
Lay Eucharistic Minister
Bob Vergnani
Audio
Brian McOsker, David Brierley
Videographer
Jane Kaull
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Daily Evening Prayer on Facebook Live
Lay leaders are praying the evening office at 5:30 p.m. daily online via Facebook Live. You do not need to have Facebook in order to participate in these daily prayers. If you cannot make it at 5:30, the service will be recorded and remain on the St. Mary's Facebook page. |
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Prayer Requests
If you would like to add someone to the prayers of the people, to be included in the Sunday morning prayers and in the daily evening prayers, please contact Parish
Administrator, Karen Laroche. We typically keep people in the prayers for one month. |
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Want to hear a favorite sermon again? Or see what you missed one Sunday?
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There's still more room at the table.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
St. Mary's Prayer Shawl ministry has started making items for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Santa's Workshop. The ministry has made scarfs and hats for children and adults and baby blankets. The ladies will soon begin making children's mittens. Members also make hat/scarf sets for the Seaman's Church Institute. Anyone in the parish is welcome to join us on Wednesday mornings from 10-12 in the Adult Formation Room of the Parish House, or if you prefer to work at home, we will supply yarn if needed. If you have questions, please contact Susan Kelchner. |
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MLKCC needs cereal!
Now that summer vacation is almost here, many children will no longer receive breakfast at school.
St. Mary's collects and delivers food for the MLKCC food pantry weekly. Please bring boxes of cereal to help us meet this need in our community. You can drop-off your donations in the entry to the Parish House.
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Communication & Other Announcements |
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Streamlining Digital Communications
In an effort to connect St. Mary's digital communications, we are moving to an online form for eNews, website, and Facebook announcements. You can use this form to share information about your ministry. The form is available online. The deadline for publication in eNews is 5:00 on Wednesday before publication on Friday. If you have questions, please contact website@smcportsmouth.org. |
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For all other types of communication:
The Rector if you'd like it verbally announced at worship.
the weekly worship bulletin.
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St. Mary's Staff
St. Mary's Officers
To contact an officer of the vestry, please see our website.
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Watercolor: Richard Grosvenor.
Stay Connected:
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