This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Upcoming Calendar
Saturday, February 1
5pm - Contemplative Evensong at the St. Mark's Altar

Sunday, February 2, Candlemas
8am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit 
9:50am - Infant/childcare
10am - Holy Eucharist with choir and organ
Food and fellowship follows in Bentley Hall

Wednesday, February 5
10am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
From the Rector
Dear Parishioners and Friends,

While the Christmas tree has started its journey to becoming mulch, we still have a few "wintery" decorations with lights lingering at the rectory. That is because we are approaching the final celebration in what I will call a "triduum of light." The first, of course, is Christmas. On this day, we celebrate the birth of the one who is the light of the world. The second is the Epiphany, when we celebrate that light shining on all of God's people in his manifestation to the gentiles. Finally, on February 2, we will celebrate Candlemas. This is the day when, according to Jewish custom, Jesus was presented in the Temple. It is also the day in which our Lady would have undergone the rituals of purification after childbirth.

In medieval times, the blessing of the year's supply of candles also became a part of this festival day. Both liturgical and domestic candles would be brought into the church and blessed to serve as a reminder to the faithful throughout the year that Jesus is the one true light.

We will mark this day with a Candlemas procession at the beginning of the service. Everyone will be given hand-candles, which will be lit as special prayers are said, and the Song of Simeon is sung by the choir at the back of the church. We will process to the altar, offering more prayer and praise to God for sending us his light. After the collect of the day, the service proceeds as usual. I hope you can join us for this unusual and moving liturgy of thanksgiving.

And don't forget! The first Sunday of every month is Family Sunday, and I hope to have lots of young helpers for our special liturgy this week. Children are welcome and encouraged to serve in any way they feel comfortable, whether it be as ushers, readers, acolytes, or musicians. Please see me or one of the ushers at the beginning of the service. Of course, children are always welcome to join their families for services on any Sunday.

Blessings,
Father Rick
Winter 5pm Saturday Service Resumes
Our seasonal Saturday evening services have resumed. Please join us at 5pm at the St. Mark's altar in the nave of the main church. Come as you are for this short, contemplative service of Evensong.
St. Mary's Got Talent
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)!
Make Your Pledge for 2020
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.
Now Recruiting for Ministries and Committees
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.
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).
How to contact us...
Website: www.stmtux.org
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