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As we enter the new year and St. Mary's navigates budget cuts, including a one year reduction to half time for the rector, we might wonder what kind of year it will be. (the rector will continue her work at Union Seminary as Academic Advisor for Episcopal Anglican Studies). Living into the Holy Spirit's presence, "we're all in this together" (Fr. Gary's refrain) and embodying the Gospel "we are not afraid" (Fr. Castle's motto), we reaffirm our dedication to serving the community, providing essential services and fostering resilient connections.
It is a paradox that at this point in our history where we need to cut back financially, we are growing as a congregation (Sunday attendance 25% increase over pre-COVID). Our new Welcome Place outreach drop in program and our monthly pantry are also both expanding.
St. Mary's leaders are stepping up and I ask that you support them! I will be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and in worship three Sundays per month. Our amazing assisting clergy: the Rev. Cn. Arlette Benoit-Joseph, the Rev. Linda Aristondo and Deacon Simón Morell will enable weekly Eucharist to continue. Our amazing lay leaders, especially Ms. Lisa Slocum, will support Sunday worship and continue to lead/organize Tuesday Noonday Prayer and Friday Compline. Members of Vestry will sustain current programs with the backing of our very part-time Bookkeeper (Sajia Choudhury), Parish Administrator (Yarilynne Regalado), and Sexton (Jacobo Medrano).
We thank the Diocese of New York for their support. The Bishop, Canon to the Ordinary and Canon for NYC have met with St. Mary's leadership and have helped to access potential space sharing partners and other important revenue possibilities.
What is not happening? We have canceled some events for this year: the Tres Reyes/Three Kings Day Party, the MLK Freedom Practices Day, and we will be streamlining Holy Week. We will no longer publish our monthly Happenings newsletter, opting to focus on the weekly Friday Update (click link to sign up for weekly emails; too much? we will continue to send out broad appeals in Easter, St. Mary's Sunday and Giving Tuesday).
How can you help?
Pray for St. Mary's! This is a unique congregation that is a gift to the wider church and to Harlem. Pray that we might find the resources we need to continue to grow in breadth and depth of service to the Lord.
Give to St. Mary's! Even with significant cut-backs we are estimating a large deficit, reinforce our fundraising efforts. If you have any questions, please reach out to Yarilynne Regalado (Tues, Wed, Thurs 1:30-4 pm).
Let us know if you know of a potential space sharing partner (a non-profit/group/individual that needs office, meeting or performance space and is able to contribute toward operations).
What kind of year will it be?
It will be another year of challenge and growth, learning and loving, serving and celebrating our beloved community. We are all in this together, and we are not afraid.
peace,
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