This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Stay informed about what's happening at St. Mary's by subscribing to our weekly newsletter...
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Saturday, February 8
5pm - Contemplative Evensong at the St. Mark's Altar
Sunday, February 9
8am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit
9:50am - Infant/childcare and Sunday School
10am - Holy Eucharist with choir and organ
Food and fellowship follows in Bentley Hall
Tuesday, February 11
2pm to 6pm - Sloatsburg Food Pantry is open
Wednesday, February 12
10am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
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Dear Parishioners and Friends,
During the Easter season in the traditional rite, the Holy Eucharist begins with the singing of the "Vidi Aquam" while the priest sprinkles the congregation with holy water to remind them of their baptisms. It begins with, "I saw water proceeding from the Temple, from the right side thereof..." Well, last Sunday when I entered the chapel for the 8:00 service, I saw just that. There was water proceeding from the right side of the temple--actually from a steam pipe in the ceiling. And that's not all! There was water proceeding from my vestment closet, and steam shooting forth in the nave of the church. At coffee hour, I received a number of theories as to what exactly the problem was. As it turns out, a workman forgot to open a valve back up after making a repair last Friday. The valve has since been reopened, and all is well. We will, however, be looking into repairing some leaky joints and ancient radiator valves. Thanks to our wardens Lili and Billy, and to Greg Stevens, for helping me to get a handle on this little hiccup.
For the last thirty years of my life, I have lived in a home that was at least 80 years old. I find old buildings fascinating, and if you listen closely enough, they will tell you all of their secrets. They are like people in a way. Before the many advancements in construction that we now enjoy, buildings were made entirely out of the various parts of God's creation: stone, wood, metal, minerals, even horse hair in the plaster. Old buildings breathe and experience the seasons like we do. They are an extension of us. Being stewards of old buildings can teach us a lot--patience, humility, respectfulness, and certainly resourcefulness. They help us to see that we inhabit a world where we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, where we are called to focus on people and things other than ourselves, and where collectively and individually we can make a difference for the good of all. There is a spiritual discipline to it.
If you have not already, please make your annual pledge to St. Mary's. Your pledge dollars go entirely toward the funding of our mission in our church. We are blessed to be stewards of a truly unique church and astounding art. It can be easy to take this for granted. Please take a moment to consider the place that St. Mary's has in your heart, and contribute as generously as you can to her upkeep and well-being.
Blessings,
Father Rick
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Congratulations to parishioners Odeta Beggel and George Mackey Robertson who were married by Father Rick on Saturday, January 25th, at St. Mary's!
O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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After a busy Christmas and Epiphany season, plus our Annual Meeting, Father Rick will be on vacation with Pete in Mexico from February 10th to 18th. Father Cromey will be taking the Wednesday service and addressing any pastoral needs during this time. Please also welcome the Reverend Ifeanyi Obichefu who will be taking services on Sunday, February 16th. Father Rick will be back on Wednesday, February 19th.
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Our seasonal Saturday evening service continues thru March. Please join us at 5pm at the St. Mark's altar in the nave of the main church. Come as you are for this contemplative service of Evensong, which includes readings from the mystic Teresa of Avila.
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Each year at St. Mary's, we have one last celebration before Lent starts, where we enjoy a delicious brunch with festive decorations and music. This year, "Mardi Gras Sunday" will take place on February 23rd after the 10am service.
We are right now in the planning stages for the event, and thinking about spicing things up by adding a talent component. An inspiration for this has been the Follies videos that Father's Ed's been showing Father Rick (it seems Tuxedo is chock-a-block with talent). If you have a hidden talent you're willing to share, please let
Sheldon
or
Pete
know. You can sing a song, play an instrument, do a dance, read a poem, perform a magic trick...the key is making it fun for the whole community. All are welcome and anything goes (within Episcopal reason)!
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Make Your Pledge for 2020
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In the coming weeks, you will hear from Father Rick
and parishioners about the importance of financial giving as a spiritual practice, but also as a practical need. The reality of ministry in a large, historic building with a robust program is that doing these things takes money, and expenses almost never decrease. St. Mary's relies heavily on the generosity of her parishioners and friends to meet our budget. Your pledge is not only a significant part of your spiritual and civic life, but also a valuable tool for helping the parish leadership get an accurate picture of the financial year ahead.
There are many worthy causes out there, and we understand that as engaged citizens you may contribute to multiple organizations. When you do, please bear in mind that the donor base for some high-profile entities dwarfs that of a parish church like us, and that we receive absolutely no outside funding. Your gift to St. Mary's will ensure that the God of Abraham is glorified not only through our worship, but in our deeds. God's word will be preached and heard, and faithful people will be inspired to go out to do his will. The hungry will be fed, the naked clothed, the sick comforted. The sheer amount of good that flows forth from this place is astonishing, and it is all because of you.
Please make your
pledge
to the mission and ministry of this integral part of our community. May God bless you in your generosity.
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Now Recruiting for Ministries and Committees
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The ways we serve God and our neighbor at St. Mary's are quite broad and impactful, but they all require the support of volunteers like you. There are many ways to get involved, deepen your faith, and help make a difference in the life of your neighbor, our community, and the broader world.
We are in particular need of acolytes, readers, and coffee hour hosts on Sundays, as well as committee members for Christian Education, Building & Grounds, and Finance. Please check out our
ministries page
to learn more about how we serve, and
sign up here
to share your interests/abilities.
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All are truly welcome at St. Mary's, which is located within the historic gates of Tuxedo Park and serves the entire Tuxedo community. Please tell the gatehouse you're going to St. Mary's, proceed thru the gates and we're on the right (plenty of parking available).
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How to contact us...
Office: 845.351.5122
PreSchool: 845.351.2389
Physical Address: 10 Fox Hill Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 637, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
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