September 16, 2020
This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Upcoming Calendar
All services are being live-streamed on Facebook (you do not need a Facebook account to participate).

Thursday, September 17
5pm - Evening Prayer

Saturday, September 19
9pm - Compline

Episcopal Charities Sunday, September 20
10am - Holy Eucharist (in-person and livestreamed)
11:30am - Vestry Meeting (via Zoom)

Tuesday, September 22
5pm - Evening Prayer
12pm to 6pm - Sloatsburg Food Pantry is open

Wednesday, September 23
10am - Holy Eucharist (in-person and livestreamed)

Thursday, September 24
5pm - Evening Prayer
From the Rector
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The Pope wears a ring on which is inscribed the Latin title of “Pontifex Maximus.” In English, this means “Chief Bridge Builder.” As with many symbols and customs of the Church, such as sacred vestments, this title was co-opted from the ancient Roman life; in this case, from the priestly class.

This got me to thinking that if there is a “chief” bridge builder, there must be many other bridge builders as well. And if this title comes to us from the ancient Roman priests, then one could consider all priests to be “bridge builders.”

During this Ember week (when we pray for those seeking ordination), I think it is appropriate to focus on this “bridge building” characteristic of the priesthood. Christ calls us all to lives of reconciliation, unity, and up-building. One could also add to that list, “bridging.” 

What bridges do priests form for the Church? First and foremost, a priest bridges heaven and earth in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the priest makes Christ truly and immediately present for the faithful. Secondly, the priest bridges ancient wisdom and modern life in the interpretation and proclamation of God’s word. Thirdly, and perhaps most obviously, the priest as a community leader stands betwixt and between all manner of people. The priest hopes to foster new relationships, to renew old ones, and to help mend those that are broken.

Bridges are an essential part of our everyday lives that we use without thought, until they are are broken. Then we realize how truly necessary, useful, and good they are. Never forget that as a part of Christ’s royal priesthood, it is the vocation of all Christians to build, maintain, and repair. In our divided world, be a bridge builder.

Father Rick
917.658.6314
September 20th is Episcopal Charities Sunday
St. Francis Day is October 4th
In a longstanding Anglican tradition, pets are always welcome in church, but especially on St. Francis Day! On Sunday, October 4th, we will have a special blessing of the animals after the 10am service, on the great lawn of St. Mary's. So please bring your furry, feathery, and scaly friends that day. All are welcome to attend the inside service and/or just the outdoor pet blessing. If your pets don't travel well, or you'd like to remember pets who have passed, please bring a photo. Masks are required at all times at St. Mary's.

For those joining us virtually, please send a photo of your pet with their name to comms@stmtux.org by October 1st and we will include them in the pet blessing service.
Fall Book Group Begins October 6th
Join us on Tuesdays at 5:30pm (October 6, 13, and 20) for a local discussion (via Zoom) of a very important book that people throughout our diocese will be reading this fall. More information is below, along with a sign up link if you’re interested. All are welcome to join the discussion.
Save the Date: October 24th
The Progressive Dinner is a biennial tradition where guests gather for cocktails at one location, and then enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert in the beautiful homes of Tuxedo Park. It is the single biggest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds benefit the many good works of St. Mary’s-in-Tuxedo. Tickets are $175 per person.

CALLING ALL DINNER HOSTS
We are now arranging dinner hosts. If you would like to host, please contact co-chairs Jane Garofano (845.351.5444) or Lili Neuhauser (845.351.0048).

PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN
We are changing a few things to better protect everyone, including outdoor cocktails, smaller groupings at dinner (combined with dessert), and more flexibility around house assignments. For example, if you have your own “bubble” of people you’ve been close with, consider making that a dinner group! Please contact co-chairs Jane Garofano (845.351.5444) or Lili Neuhauser (845.351.0048) to discuss seating or if you have any other questions.

The latest information and tickets can be found at www.stmtux.org/progressivedinner.
Outreach Update
Carryou is on my mind! Talking to Mark in South Africa recently I was thinking back over the years and wondering how all those living in poverty then were managing to survive now. His reply was that 'You thought it was bad then...it's 100 times worse now.' St Mary's and friends have managed to send donations to provide some food help for the families we are most closely connected with and Carryou continues to distribute whatever government funds can supply for food. With the children going back to school most can now count on one meal a day whereas during lock down, which was very strict for about six weeks in South Africa during the early stages of the pandemic malnutrition was rife. I am hoping to send them further donations for food parcels and subsistence stipends for our students by the end of September. Any donations of any size will be welcome and well used. Donations go into St Mary's Outreach account specifically designated and then wired to Carryou when sufficient to send. Please visit our Facebook page for photos of some of my favorite memories from annual visits since 2001.

Sue Heywood, Outreach Chair
How to contact us...
Website: www.stmtux.org
Office: 845.351.5122
Physical Address: 10 Fox Hill Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 637, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987