1895 Laurel, Saint Paul MN 55104

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 17, 2021

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Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, December 19, 2021

  • First Message: Micah 5: 2-5a
  • Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45    
10:00am – Eucharist Worship Service In-person and via Zoom with social time to follow for those worshipping in person outside and in the entryway and a Zoom social gathering for those worshipping virtually. The Rev. Lydia Huttar-Brown will be the celebrant and preacher.

For those joining virtually, please join via Zoom in the link below and the Zoom Host will share the Live Stream. This will allow all of those attending virtually to interact during the service.

To join the 10am worship on December 19, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625
 
For the December 19th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles – Click HERE
For the Advent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Vestry Update

Christmas Greens & Poinsettias

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Thank you Vonda for all of your contributions to Lessons and Carols at Saint Mary’s!

Photo by Jennifer Wedel
 

What’s New?

  • To listen to the Lessons and Carols celebration, Click HERE.
  • Remember to bring your “cup” to receive wine during communion. Small paper cups will also be available.
  • Starting this Sunday, December 19, there will be one kneeler on the main floor to the left of the altar for those who prefer to kneel to receive bread and wine.
  • Virtual Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve…you won’t want to miss this one!! Come in person or attend via Zoom and participate in St. Mary’s Christmas Eve worship. One service only at 4:00pm, with Christmas carols starting at 3:30pm.
  • Worship Schedule (All 10am and 3:30/4:00pm services are both in-person and virtual.)
    • Sun—Dec 19….10am Eucharist—Advent 4 (The Rev. Lydia Huttar Brown)
    • Fri— Dec 24……3:30pm carol singing; 4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve with virtual Christmas pageant (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sat— Dec 25…..No service
    • Sun—Dec 26…. Let’s Zoom together to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis–More info to come                       
    • Sun—Jan 2…….10am Bishop Loya’s Christmas sermon, Christmas carols, & Morning Prayer

Feedback is welcome!
Expect changes as we try things, see how they work and make improvements! Your feedback is more important than ever before to help us know what’s working well and what isn’t. Please send your thoughts, ideas, suggestions to the Worship Team.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

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Vestry discussion of COVID rates and in-person services

At our November vestry meeting, we discussed the elevated COVID rates and how that might affect St. Mary’s in-person worship. It is hard to miss the news that COVID rates have spiked to levels not seen since this time last year. Thankfully this year vaccines are available and significantly reduce the risk of serious illness for people who are vaccinated.
 
We have heard questions from some members of the congregation about whether in-person services would or should continue at this time. I reached out to Cindi Brickson, knowing that she was part of the diocese’s development of COVID guidelines. She is also tapped into things happening around the diocese in her new role. I learned there is currently only one congregation in MN that Cindi knows of that has stopped having in-person services. The rest, including the cathedral, have chosen to emphasize their requirements around masking, social distancing and people not coming to church if they are sick or have a recent known exposure.
 
The vestry of St. Mary’s has decided to follow that same approach. We know that for many, in-person worship is very important for both spiritual and social reasons. We feel that by following our requirements, we can minimize the risk of spread at church. We are asking that anyone who attends church services mind those requirements to the letter so that we can continue to keep everyone safe. Our virtual option continues to be available for Sunday services, and we hope people take advantage of that option if they have reason not to attend in person.
 
Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions, or suggestions about how we can make sure our services remain safe.
 
Brian Nerbonne, warden

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Deck St. Mary’s Halls with Christmas Greens and Poinsettias!

Please fill out the Google form (Click HERE) and leave your donation in the church plate or send it to St. Mary’s by December 19, 2021. (This Sunday!)
 
Thank you.
 
Ginny DeLuca

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St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth for Fall

Youth Group:
No Youth Group for the next two weeks. Youth Group will resume on January 5th, 2022.
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm We are excited that the youth will be back in person again this year! Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade.
 
Tweeners:
No Tweeners for the next two weeks. Tweeners will resume on January 6th, 2022.
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. Please note that Tweens will be on THURSDAY and not on WEDNESDAY due to the availability of the tweens that expressed interest! The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Help Tweeners Raise Money for the Hallie Q Brown Community Center
Tweeners are still trying to raise $300 and we are at $205.  Help the Tweeners meet their goal and combat food insecurity. Donate on this link!
 
Family Advent Resources:
Parents, here are some advent resources that emphasize ideas that can work well for your Family Advent adventures at home. There are some great ideas in the newsletter for each week. Each week emphasizes advent in a different country! Take the time to learn about traditions in the Philippines, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Norway. They also give ideas for creating together (a craft), serving together (family service) and exploring together! Enjoy this time together as a family, bringing church into your home this Advent season. 
 
 

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“All Our Good Holiday Giving” Update

Message from Nina Johnson: 

We’re still collecting donations to the annual holiday event for families in need, called “All Our Good Holiday Giving”.

With all of the generous donations from St Marians so far, I have collected 50 gift cards! Because the need is so great, my goal is to donate 150 gift cards for families and kids who continue to be hit hard by racial injustice and the pandemic.

Many many thanks to those who have helped us get this far!  ~ If you haven’t donated yet and would like to join in this beautiful effort, please do, at any time! 

You may make a cash donation to me and I will make sure it gets to the families!

PayPal: @ninacjohnson
Venmo: Nina-Johnson-115
Check: to Nina Johnson, 418 Macalester St, St Paul, 55105

Feel free to contact me at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 if you have any questions. Thank you so very much!

Event details: 

“All Our Good Holiday Giving”
Saturday, December 18
11:00am-3:00pm
Zion Baptist Church
621 Elwood Ave N, Minneapolis
Hosted by Zion Baptist Church, We Win Institute, and Racial Justice Network

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Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Amara; Steven, Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education, all who are thinking about getting or waiting to get a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all who are in need of prayer.

If you would like a name to be added to Saint Mary’s public prayer list, please email claire1412@gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 12/17 – 12/23

Sunday, December 19, 2021
Hybrid Eucharist Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Thursday, December 23, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, December 23, 2021
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link

Visit the Saint Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – July 30, 2021

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Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Worship In-person and via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow—10:00am

This Sunday Vonda Humburg, a Saint Mary’s member and Music Director, will be our Preacher. Worship will be an adapted Morning Prayer service. Zoom coffee time and outdoor visiting for in-person worshippers will allow us to have social time after the service.

  • First Message: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
  • Gospel: John 6:24-35 (Jesus is the bread of life, we shall not go hungry.)

For the Zoom worship service on August 1, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179

For the Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Summer Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Technology for Sunday Worship

Altar Guild

  • Volunteers needed – Please review and consider this request as we are in danger of soon NOT having a functioning Altar Guild.

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Beware Phishing Emails!

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?
  • To listen to the sermon given by The Rev. Susan Moss on Sunday, July 25, Click HERE.
  • It’s time for quilts! No, certainly not the weather for quilts, but Saint Mary’s will be giving a quilt to each high school graduate!! Our graduates this year are Bennett Anderson, Max Johnson, Ava McCallister and Lucas Nerbonne. For 3 Sundays, August 1, 8 and 15, the quilts will be available for Saint Marians to sign, and then they’ll be given to the grads on Sunday, August 22. Come to church the next 3 Sundays and sign the quilts to let these young people know they will continue in our thoughts!
  • The Worship Team has been looking ahead to fall and brought recommendations to the Vestry on Tuesday, July 27. The Vestry approved the following:
    • Offer those who attended the 7:45am service pre-COVID to have a fully lay led in-person Morning Prayer early Sunday morning worship service. Training of Lay Leaders will be provided; safe church procedures will be followed; housekeeping duties before and after service will be performed; Saint Mary’s COVID guidelines will be followed. This option will soon be discussed with those who attended the 7:45am service.
    • Continue one 10am hybrid (in-person & virtual) blended service with liturgy/music that has “something familiar for everyone”; two or three adapted Morning Prayer services per month and two (sometimes 3) Eucharist services per month. Revisit this decision at the end of September or when ournew priest is called.

Feedback is welcome!
Expect changes as we try things, see how they work and make improvements! Your feedback is more important than ever before to help us know what’s working well and what isn’t. Please send your thoughts, ideas, suggestions to the Worship Team.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

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Volunteers for Sunday Worship Service Technology

Brian Nerbonne would appreciate some technology volunteers so that we can continue to provide an online option for worship, and so that he can take a few Sundays off. He has a couple people signed up, but not enough yet to provide coverage for when Brian is on vacation. There are two jobs: 

  1.  Audio/Video live stream from church, which requires a laptop and cell phone
  2.  Zoom host, which  can be done from home or even from church if you bring your device. The Zoom host shares the PowerPoint files of song lyrics that Vonda creates for each song. 

Neither job is actually very difficult, and Brian is happy to train people on how to do each. If you can help, please let Brian know.  Click HERE with questions or to volunteer.

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Volunteers for Saint Mary’s Altar Guild

As we open for the first time in a very long time, we are looking for new volunteers for Saint Mary’s Altar Guild. Your duties will be to serve on a team for one Sunday a month. Your team will set up for the services that day. Making sure that the wine and bread are ready for each service, the correct linens are placed where needed, candles are replaced occasionally, and various other small chores having to do that Sunday. Then clean up when the services are over. Once in a while there will be a 5th Sunday, those are rotated among the 4 teams. We really, really do need you, please volunteer if you are interested. I will talk you through the process in detail first and answer questions. Finally you will have the backup of other team members.

Also badly needed are folks that like to bake, one month out of the year you would bake the communion bread for that month, the recipe is simple and we have bakers that will give you the recipe and instructions.

Thank you, Kitty McFarland
mcfarlandkitty274@gmail.com or text 651-955-1639

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Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Calendar for Summer 2021:

Pastoral Care Team
The Team meets on Zoom on Monday nights at 6:30. Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to join us.

Compline (All Are Welcome)
Each Tuesday at 8:30pm, all are invited to pray Compline in our Zoom prayer room. We will use the Prayer Book. This is a brief form of the Liturgy of the Hours, prayed before bedtime. All are
welcome. Contact Rev. Cindi for details / the link.
pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org 

Caring for an Aging Loved One
Each first Tuesday at 7:00pm: ongoing. All are welcome; please contact Rev. Cindi for more information / to register and to get the link.
 
Coffee and Conversation with Rev. Cindi
The second Wednesday of every month at 10:00am & 7:00pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE
 
Join our Prayer Chain:
Pray with and for your friends and family at Saint Mary’s. 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
For confidential prayer requests or to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org for a Zoom Link.
 

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School Tools Drive

We will once again join with Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul (I. A.) and other faith communities, to collect new school tools for low-income families involved  in 10 different programs in Saint Paul.

Supplies Needed

  • Backpacks
  • 3-ring binders, loose-leaf paper and folders
  • Calculators
  • Spiral and composition notebooks
  • Pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, highlighters, pencil sharpeners
  • Glue sticks & bottles
  • Scissors & rulers
  • Facial tissue
  • School boxes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Reusable masks

The drive will run from July to August 1st. Items can be left downstairs by the entrance to the church. Monetary donations can be done online to I. A., under  “donations” with “school tools” entered into the “other” text field. Checks should be sent to the I. A. with “school tools” in the memo line. More information is available on the I. A. website – Click HERE.

Thanks for considering supporting low-income students with the school supplies they need! If you have questions, contact:
Rainy Morgan at Morgan55105@yahoo.com

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Update on Current Isaiah work

Isaiah is currently developing a plan to support a Rent Stabilization Referendum which will be on the ballot in St. Paul this November. Having a stable and safe residence is critical for families and individuals to thrive. St. Paul has over 50% renters now, and 60% of those are people of color – so this issue is deeply intertwined with equity also. Come join us to learn more about how you can help ensure that St. Paul families can find stable housing.

Please consider signing up for ONE of the Zoom information/training sessions in August:

  • Saturday August 14 from 9:30am–12pm
  • Tuesday August 17 from 6:30pm–9pm
  • Thursday August 19 from 6:30pm–9pm
  • Tuesday August 31 from 6:30pm–9pm

More questions???… call or talk to: Ginny (651 470 7739) or Jim DeLuca (651 792 6675) or Maura (651 249 4634) or Fran Roby (612 968 2370) or Tom Brown (651 402 0495)

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Beware Phishing Emails

(The following is a message that was sent by ECMN in January of this year, but we are sharing again as there has been mention of a resurgence by local church communities)
 
Many of us have received emails that seem to be coming from leaders of our churches or in ECMN that seem off. Maybe they’re asking you to send them money, maybe they’re asking you to reach out to them urgently, but the text in the message is misspelled. These types of emails are called email-based impersonation, and are a form of phishing utilized by cybercriminals to get access to your information, or to influence you to send money.
 
When you look closely, there are telltale indications that these messages aren’t truly from the leaders we think they are, but are examples of Phishing.
 
There is no way to stop these scams from occurring. However, with some vigilance and a list of things to look for, you can keep yourself and your data safe. 
 
Here are a few things to look for to determine if a message is, indeed, fraudulent:
  • The return email address: the email sending the message is often something like bishop@gmail.com or the.rt.rev.craiglowa@gmail.com. They might look semi-plausible, but aren’t the actual email of the individual being impersonated. You can expect any email coming from ECMN to come from an account using the domain @episcopalmn.org or @ecmn.org
  • The message: phishing emails often address the recipient as ‘dear friend’ or ‘hello’ but don’t list you or your name in the message.
  • Grammatical errors: phishing emails often have strange grammatical errors or use language, phrases, and content that seem out of character for the individual being impersonated.
Here’s what to do if you think you’ve received a phishing email:
  • Don’t open any attachments 
  • Don’t click on links
  • If you can, report the email to your provider as phishing or spam (in Gmail, you can click the stop sign with the exclamation point inside to let Google know the email is illegitimate).

Confirm requests with a conversation. Even if the email seems legit, if a request contains an urgent ask for contact, personal information or money, or it seems even remotely “off,” don’t respond to the email or act on it until you confirm it.

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 7/30 – 8/5

Sunday, August 1, 2021
Worship In-person and via Zoom with coffee hour to follow
10:00am
Link

Monday, August 2, 2021
Pastoral Care
6:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Men’s Group
7:00pm
For details Click HERE

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Compline
8:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Thursday, August 5, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, August 5, 2021
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link

Visit the Saint Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – July 23, 2021

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Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Worship In-person and via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow—10:00am

This Sunday The Rev. Susan Moss will be our Celebrant and Preacher, and since it’s the 4th Sunday of the month, it will be a Eucharist service. Zoom coffee time and outdoor visiting for in-person worshippers will allow us to have social time after the service.

  • First Message: As we walk the Christian journey, we discover that what we need to heal the aching in our lives and the crises of our time is here. The gifts we need are here, in the church. In the faith that we carry, in the love we have for one another and in the love we give to the world. The gifts we need are here, and not in a marginal way, but in abundance. God gives abundantly, can’t help it. As we walk the Christian way, in the church and sent by the church, we will see signs of God’s abundant love and grace all around us. Thanks be to God. Amen (The Rev. Todd Smith Lippert, former minister at First United Church of Christ, Northfield, MN.)
  • Gospel: John 6:1-21 (The feeding of the 5000)

For the Zoom worship service on July 25, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179

For the Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Summer Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Technology for Sunday Worship

Altar Guild

  • Volunteers needed – Please review and consider this request as we are in danger of soon NOT having a functioning Altar Guild.

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Beware Phishing Emails!

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at Saint Mary’s by the Rev Susan M. Moss
 
The Worship Team is grateful for your feedback, questions and suggestions. We are hearing that many are missing the pre-covid custom of gathering around the altar for communion and understand the yearning to return to this inclusive practice.
 
Please understand that we are not gathering around the altar at this time because of our decision to social distance; decision that, along with mask wearing,  will keep the community safe until these covid restrictions are no longer necessary.
 
We, too are yearning for the return of many worship customs among them: receiving both bread and wine at communion, passing the peace with handshakes and hugs, non family members able to sit next to one another, and full throated congregational singing. We ask for your understanding and patience as we continue to uphold the values of safety and “love thy neighbor”.
 

What’s New?

  • To listen to Colleen Carpenter’s sermon given on Sunday, July 18th , Click HERE.
  • Progress is being made on technology upgrades. These upgrades should make a big
    difference for both in-person and zoom worshippers; they should make a big
    difference on both the audio and visual. The hope is that the new system will be
    rolled out by mid-August. Stay tuned!! And please remember, be patient! Each
    change that is made usually requires “tweaking”…that means we learn as we go and
    make improvements as needed.
  •  A request for people to volunteer for any of our Sunday morning lay ministries…
    techies (Zoom hosts & sanctuary techies), ushers, greeters, Vergers, Lay Leader/
    Officiants, musicians, choir members, Altar Guild members. YOU ARE NEEDED!!!
    Even if you’re not available until fall, please sign up and indicate “fall start”.

Feedback is welcome!
Expect changes as we try things, see how they work and make improvements! Your feedback is more important than ever before to help us know what’s working well and what isn’t. Please send your thoughts, ideas, suggestions to the Worship Team.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

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Volunteers for Sunday Worship Service Technology

Brian Nerbonne would appreciate some technology volunteers so that we can continue to provide an online option for worship, and so that he can take a few Sundays off. He has a couple people signed up, but not enough yet to provide coverage for when Brian is on vacation. There are two jobs: 

  1.  Audio/Video live stream from church, which requires a laptop and cell phone
  2. Zoom host, which  can be done from home or even from church if you bring your device. The Zoom host shares the PowerPoint files of song lyrics that Vonda creates for each song. 

Neither job is actually very difficult, and Brian is happy to train people on how to do each. If you can help, please let Brian know.  Click HERE with questions or to volunteer.

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Volunteers for Saint Mary’s Altar Guild

As we open for the first time in a very long time, we are looking for new volunteers for Saint Mary’s Altar Guild. Your duties will be to serve on a team for one Sunday a month. Your team will set up for the services that day. Making sure that the wine and bread are ready for each service, the correct linens are placed where needed, candles are replaced occasionally, and various other small chores having to do that Sunday. Then clean up when the services are over. Once in a while there will be a 5th Sunday, those are rotated among the 4 teams. We really, really do need you, please volunteer if you are interested. I will talk you through the process in detail first and answer questions. Finally you will have the backup of other team members.

Also badly needed are folks that like to bake, one month out of the year you would bake the communion bread for that month, the recipe is simple and we have bakers that will give you the recipe and instructions.

Thank you, Kitty McFarland
mcfarlandkitty274@gmail.com or text 651-955-1639

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Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Calendar for Summer 2021:

Pastoral Care Team
The Team meets on Zoom on Monday nights at 6:30. Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to join us.

Compline (All Are Welcome)
Each Tuesday at 8:30pm, all are invited to pray Compline in our Zoom prayer room. We will use the Prayer Book. This is a brief form of the Liturgy of the Hours, prayed before bedtime. All are
welcome. Contact Rev. Cindi for details / the link.
pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org 

Notice of Death
William Alexander Bierman, Jr., son of Bill and Janice (dec.) and brother of Ann and Dick,  died on July 16 from complications of dementia.
His funeral will be at St. Mary’s on Monday July 26th at 11.00 AM. The Rev. Susan M. Moss will officiate.
Let us pray for the Bierman family in this time of grief:
 
O God of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with the Bierman family and all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love: through Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
Caring for an Aging Loved One
Each first Tuesday at 7:00pm: ongoing. All are welcome; please contact Rev. Cindi for more information / to register and to get the link.
 
Coffee and Conversation with Rev. Cindi
The second Wednesday of every month at 10:00am & 7:00pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE
 
Join our Prayer Chain:
Pray with and for your friends and family at Saint Mary’s. 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
For confidential prayer requests or to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org for a Zoom Link.
 

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School Tools Drive

We will once again join with Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul (I. A.) and other faith communities, to collect new school tools for low-income families involved  in 10 different programs in Saint Paul.

Supplies Needed

  • Backpacks
  • 3-ring binders, loose-leaf paper and folders
  • Calculators
  • Spiral and composition notebooks
  • Pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, highlighters, pencil sharpeners
  • Glue sticks & bottles
  • Scissors & rulers
  • Facial tissue
  • School boxes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Reusable masks

The drive will run from July to August 1st. Items can be left downstairs by the entrance to the church. Monetary donations can be done online to I. A., under  “donations” with “school tools” entered into the “other” text field. Checks should be sent to the I. A. with “school tools” in the memo line. More information is available on the I. A. website – Click HERE.

Thanks for considering supporting low-income students with the school supplies they need! If you have questions, contact:
Rainy Morgan at Morgan55105@yahoo.com

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Beware Phishing Emails

(The following is a message that was sent by ECMN in January of this year, but we are sharing again as there has been mention of a resurgence by local church communities)
 
Many of us have received emails that seem to be coming from leaders of our churches or in ECMN that seem off. Maybe they’re asking you to send them money, maybe they’re asking you to reach out to them urgently, but the text in the message is misspelled. These types of emails are called email-based impersonation, and are a form of phishing utilized by cybercriminals to get access to your information, or to influence you to send money.
 
When you look closely, there are telltale indications that these messages aren’t truly from the leaders we think they are, but are examples of Phishing.
 
There is no way to stop these scams from occurring. However, with some vigilance and a list of things to look for, you can keep yourself and your data safe. 
 
Here are a few things to look for to determine if a message is, indeed, fraudulent:
  • The return email address: the email sending the message is often something like bishop@gmail.com or the.rt.rev.craiglowa@gmail.com. They might look semi-plausible, but aren’t the actual email of the individual being impersonated. You can expect any email coming from ECMN to come from an account using the domain @episcopalmn.org or @ecmn.org
  • The message: phishing emails often address the recipient as ‘dear friend’ or ‘hello’ but don’t list you or your name in the message.
  • Grammatical errors: phishing emails often have strange grammatical errors or use language, phrases, and content that seem out of character for the individual being impersonated.
Here’s what to do if you think you’ve received a phishing email:
  • Don’t open any attachments 
  • Don’t click on links
  • If you can, report the email to your provider as phishing or spam (in Gmail, you can click the stop sign with the exclamation point inside to let Google know the email is illegitimate).

Confirm requests with a conversation. Even if the email seems legit, if a request contains an urgent ask for contact, personal information or money, or it seems even remotely “off,” don’t respond to the email or act on it until you confirm it.

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 7/23 – 7/29

Sunday, July 25, 2021
Worship In-person and via Zoom with coffee hour to follow
10:00am
Link

Monday, July 26, 2021
Pastoral Care
6:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Contact for details and a link Click HERE

Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Compline
8:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Thursday, July 29, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, July 29, 2021
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link

Visit the Saint Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 18, 2021

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to Follow – 10:00 AM

 
This will be the first Sunday in Lent. Can you think back to a year ago when we were in the Sanctuary during Lent? If so, maybe you remember that we put away all the bright, shiny things and brought out wooden crosses and offering plates and pottery for all services. The Worship Team is trying to create that same sense of simplicity in our Lent Zoom services. We hope the flow/pace of the service will feel a bit slower, a bit more thoughtful and contemplative. So, you’ll notice some changes in the service. (See “What’s New” below for more info.)
 
First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-9
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15
 
Please note that the Zoom information below is new for the New Year!
For the Zoom worship service on February 21, 2021 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179
 
For the Lent 1 Service Bulletin – CLICK HERE
For the Lent 2021 Music Bulletin – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St Mary’s by the Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
Liturgy means “the work of the people.” I have been learning how true this is for you.
 
Your voices on worship and what is important to you, are represented in the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: Overview carefully composed by your Transition Team.
 
The Worship Team has been working hard to represent these values in this extraordinary time of Covid-19.
 
In matters of Worship: 
What are you seeing now that you were not able to see pre-pandemic? 
What is the Spirit saying to St. Mary’s?
What should be maintained? 
What should change? 
Be left behind? 
What new insights might the Spirit be revealing?
 
What’s New?
  • To listen to the 2-14-21 sermon by Missioner Sarah Barnett, CLICK HERE.
  • HELP!!! Calling all artists, photographers, videographers, “image makers” of all kinds. Please see the “2021 Sundays in Lent – Images” article below.
  • What will be different in our worship services during Lent? Announcements will be at the beginning of the service so they don’t interrupt the flow of the service at the end…so don’t be late! There will be fewer voices in each service. There will be less music. There will be two “Moments of Silence”, one after the sermon and one at the end of the service (like a quiet recessional). Our first coffee time will give us an opportunity to talk with others about a question based on the theme for the day-kind of 7:45am style! There will be a second coffee time for socializing! It’s a lovely service and we hope you’ll join us! 
  • The Big Lenten Prayer Tent: For the season of Lent, Bishop Loya invites each of us in ECMN to practice discipleship through daily prayer: 5 minutes every day, inviting the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Let’s join with other congregations and other people throughout ECMN in prayer during this season of Lent. CLICK HERE for more information.
     
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
CLICK HERE  to give feedback. Thanks!

2021 Sundays in Lent – Images

The Worship Team would like images to screen share during “Moments of Silence” during our 5 Sundays in Lent. If you have images of any kind (drawings, paintings, photos, videos, stained glass, mosaic, etc.) that conjure up thoughts of God’s Promises as indicated below…and you’d like to share them with the St Mary’s community…please send them to Brian Nerbonne at Michigander_guy@yahoo.com by the Friday before the Sunday they would be used. If you’d like to read the lessons to get your creative juices flowing, check lectionarypage.net website.
 
02/21/2021
God’s Promise – first trial through water, 
baptism, then promise in rainbow – NOAH
Jesus Baptism and then 40 days in desert
 
02/28/2021
God’s Promise – first barren, then fruitful, 
because faithful
Jesus must suffer, we must trust in the plan, be
faithful.
 
03/07/2021
God’s Promise – through commandments, 
Israelites struggle
God is wiser than our wisest.
Jesus upset with commercial-ness of 
worship/sacrifice – rebuild in 3 days
 
03/14/2021
God’s Promise – whining Israelites, still God 
saves them from the snakes when they turn to
him.  
God’s gift of grace to faithful. God sacrifices 
Jesus (Son), a gift for us.
Light comes to save.  
 
03/21/2021
God’s Promise – a new covenant with Israel
Jesus as man suffered, through this suffering 
and obedience he became salvation.
Jesus must die like the wheat grain in order to 
bear much fruit – so we can believe.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Calendar for February 2021
Fridays (ongoing) Feb. 19, 26
Elders & Evening Prayer 6:30 PM
 
Monday Feb. 22
Pastoral Care Team 6:30 PM
 
Mondays (ongoing) Feb. 22 (Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
Book Club 7:30 PM
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent. Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Mondays of Lent. We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest.  
 
Let’s stay in touch! Join Rev. Cindi, St Mary’s Pastoral Care Minister, for Coffee (or tea?) and Conversation with a few other St Marians (via Zoom.)  The next conversations will be on March 10th, at 10 AM and 7 PM.
 
We have launched our new Prayer Chain, a ministry that anyone can support! 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for 
the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
You are invited to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at 
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org

2021 Budget and Pledge Numbers

The Vestry approved a 2021 working budget for the first six months of 2021 at its January meeting. The budget has a projected annual deficit of ($26,832.40), in spite of the fact that the overall 2021 budget was reduced by almost $47,000 from last year. It was determined that making further reductions would result in unacceptable consequences for staffing and programs.  
 
The Finance Committee recommended only a six-month budget due to the significant budget changes anticipated by the hiring of a permanent rector and likely resumption of in-person services later this year. Another six-month budget covering the last half of 2021 will be forwarded to the Vestry by the Finance Committee in late Spring. 
 
The 2021 Stewardship campaign resulted in a total of 57 households pledging $165,813 for 2021. This is 10 households fewer than 2020, when 67 households pledged $176,542. The 2021 working budget is based on a slightly higher number of $170,000 in pledge income than pledged for 2021 to date, so if total pledge income does not increase to that level by the end of the year, or expenses are higher than projected, we will have a larger deficit than currently projected for 2021. 
 
Pledge income for January was approximately $5,000 under budget, while expenses were right on budget, so we have unfortunately fallen behind our projected budget in the first month of this year. However, pledge income for the first half of February is running a bit higher than expected.

Resources: 

ECMN News
 
If you are interested in hearing from the Bishop, finding out about Education, Events, and Training, and what is happening in the Episcopal Church of Minnesota, please subscribe to the ECMN News weekly email – CLICK HERE
 
 
Hi ECMN Parents, Caregivers, and Ministry Leaders,
Following the Bishop’s Summit in December, we heard a clear ask for more opportunities to gather and support one another as parents and caregivers in ECMN. 
So we’ve pulled together some key professionals who can speak to the intersection of faith formation and home dynamics in the context of this ongoing pandemic. 
Anyone in ECMN who is in a supporting role for young people is invited to the following series of three zoom gatherings. 
 
Bishop’s Series for Parents and Caregivers
Hosted by ECMN, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and St. John in the Wilderness
 
Fostering Coping & Resiliency in Our Homes 
Sunday, February 28 @ 4-5pm
 
Family Trauma and the Pandemic
Sunday, March 28 @ 4-5pm
Home Dynamics: Connection & Conflict 
Sunday, April 25 @ 4-5pm
Speaker TBD
 
Come expecting to:
  • Hear from an expert on the topic
  • Meet other parents and caregivers from other Episcopal faith communities in breakouts 
  • Debrief with a Q&A time with your Bishop and the presenter
  • Learn about more opportunities across ECMN
Nobody can do this alone. We are working really hard to make sure this transformational community across the state is connected and surrounded by support for the long haul. We hope you can join us for one or all of these gatherings. 

Outreach: 

Opportunities for Line 3 Engagement
 
1. Sign this nationwide petition asking President Biden to take action to stop the pipeline. We have thousands of signatures and the list is growing – adding your name shows the power and breath of the Stop Line 3 movement. 
 
2. If you identify as clergy or as a faith leader or spiritual leader, please sign this faith and spiritual leader petition!
 
3. Share the Nationwide Petition and the Faith and Spiritual Leader Petition with your friends and communities. This our moment to show the Biden administration that as people of spirit, faith, and conscience, we expect our elected officials to help us build a world where water is sacred, where Native treaty rights and Native sovereignty are respected, and where rural areas have access to sustainable jobs and community wealth.

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 2/19 – 2/25 

 

Friday, February 19, 2021
Elders & Evening Prayer
6:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, February 22, 2021
Pastoral Care Team
6:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Monday, February 22, 2021
Book Club
7:30 PM
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent. Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Mondays of Lent. We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest allows.  
 
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Vestry Meeting
7:00 PM
Vestry Meetings are open to all Saint Mary’s members. The Saint Mary’s Vestry usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM. (Note: If you are a member of Saint Mary’s and would like to attend this meeting via Zoom, please contact Jim DeLuca or Caroline Kaker for the Zoom access code at wardens@saintmaryepiscopal.org)
 
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Adult Choir
7:00 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact
 
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click here to contact Julie
 
Thursday, February 25, 2021 
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service Via Zoom
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark  
7:00 PM 
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, 
and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
If you receive this email, you are on the list. 
 
Visit the St. Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 7th, 2021

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to Follow – 10:00 AM

Epiphany was on Wednesday, January 6. This year at St Mary’s we celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, January 10th. For the sermon we’ll be transported to breakout rooms and join in a participatory sermon. Join other St Marians to talk about Epiphany and the Magi/Wise Men.
 
First Reading:  Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel:  Matthew 2:1-12
 
Please note that the Zoom information below is new for the New Year!
For the Zoom worship service on January 10, 2021 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179
 
For the Epiphany I Service Bulletin – CLICK HERE
For the Epiphany Song Book – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

Epiphany Message from Bishop Craig Loya
Taken from Bishop Loya’s letter in the ECMN Weekly News:
“…Epiphany is about remembering how the light of Jesus was first revealed in the world, and is an invitation to consider the ways it continues to shine in the present darkness. In the coming Sundays, we’ll hear stories of how the light of God’s love was revealed in the life of Jesus, and be challenged to look for the ways it continues to show up in our own lives today….” 
 
What’s New?
    • Last week’s sermon by Rev Lydia Huttar Brown CLICK HERE.
    • For the remaining 5 Sundays during the Season after Epiphany, we will hear sermons from Bishop Loya and ECMN Missioners.  These sermons will be shared through our St Mary’s zoom services. 
    • On Sunday, February 7, Bishop Craig Loya will be visiting St Mary’s via Zoom and preaching. St. Mary’s Youth will also participate in the service and will hold their annual Super Bowl Fund Raiser.
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
CLICK HERE  to give feedback. Thanks!

Update from Your Transition Team 

We continue preparing the materials we will share with prospective priest candidates.  We are on track with our original timeline.  Most recently, we received feedback from Vestry members, which we are incorporating into the materials. We will present the complete portfolio to the congregation before sending it to Bishop Loya for final review and posting. Details TBA.  The next meeting of the Transition Team is January 9th. Resources: 
 

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Calendar for January 2021 
Mondays, Jan. 11, 18, 25
Pastoral Care Team Meeting 7:30 PM
 
Wednesday, Jan. 13 
Coffee and Conversation with Rev. Cindi 
Come, connect with your neighbors and check in!
10:00 AM, 7:00 PM
 
Friday, Jan. 22 
Elders & Evening Prayer 6:30 PM
 
Wed., Jan. 27 
Grief Circle (Prayer and Support) 7:00 PM
Grief and change are often isolating, but they don’t have to be.  
Join this circle for time to be heard, to connect with others, and to pray.
 
Jan. dates TBA:    
GLBTQ+ gathering
Alzheimers support group
 
We will also launch our new Prayer Chain this month….details TBA 
(No meeting required)
 
You are invited to join any of these events: reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org for a Zoom link
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Would you like to say THANK YOU?

Please join us in thanking everyone who is working so hard on behalf of our community by signing our online message board. The link is below. The site is easy to use and in addition to a written message, you can add photos and GIFs. Feel free to have fun with it!
 
You may consider dropping a note of gratitude for the amazing Pageant; perhaps you loved Community and Carols; or maybe you’d simply like to thank all of the folks that are working behind the scenes to bring St. Mary’s forward. If possible, please post one message on the board per family, as we have a limited number of posts.

Outreach Opportunities: 

January 24, 2021
Isaiah’s We Make Minnesota Virtual Launch
Please CLICK HERE for more information on the event and/or contact Ginny DeLuca for more information – ginnydeluca1736@gmail.com

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 1/8 – 1/14 

Sunday, January 10, 2021
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, January 11, 2021
Pastoral Care Team
7:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org or 612-998-5136
 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Coffee and Conversation with Rev. Cindi
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Please reply to Cindi at  pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org to reserve your space and get the Zoom link
 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Adult Choir
7:00 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact Vonda at musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Adult Ed./Book Study
7:00-8:30 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact Nina Johnson at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 
 
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click here to contact Julie
 
Thursday, January 14, 2021 
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service Via Zoom
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark  
7:00 PM 
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, 
and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
If you receive this email, you are on the list. 
 
Visit the St. Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 24th, 2020

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CLICK HERE to watch a Christmas message from Bishop Loya and his family and read his letter to the ECMN community below. 

 
 
Beloved in Christ, 
 
When I was a child, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas meant that my grandmother would make dozens of tamales, a traditional Mexican dish of  meat and spices wrapped in dough and baked inside a corn husk. When the labor-intensive process was complete, it seemed like my family would eat almost nothing else for days. They were the outward and visible sign of the bottomless love my grandmother had for me and my sisters. To this day, when I eat tamales, it’s as if that seven-year old boy and his loving grandmother are with me in the midst of whatever lies in front of me.  
 
Christmas is like that, too. At Christmas, we don’t simply recall past events, we re-member Jesus, love coming among us in its fullness in a way that allows us to fully participate in that love right now.  
 
In the reading from Isaiah appointed for Christmas Eve, the prophet writes, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah was writing to people who were wandering in the deepest imaginable darkness. Their homes had been destroyed, they had been dispersed in a strange and foreign land, and the worship of God as they knew it had been rendered impossible. They felt abandoned, destitute, completely without hope. They had experienced the Ancient  Near East’s version of 2020 on steroids.  
 
And yet, Isaiah offers a bold and brazen word of hope. In the face of disaster and destitution, he prophesies in the present perfect tense. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The seeing that began in the past is not confined there, but continues uninterrupted into the present. He is inviting the people of Israel to remember what God has done, the ways they have seen God’s  light, in order that they might call those past deeds into the present to carry them into God’s future.  
 
In the deep darkness of 2020’s winter, we do not have to look to some imagined  future to find the light of hope. This Christmas, as ever, we are invited to look back, to God’s unfailing faithfulness to God’s people from the beginning of creation. Through patriarchs, matriarchs, prophets, and apostles. Through the saints of history and the saints who sit next to us in our pews, occupy the square next to us on Zoom, teach in our classrooms, or cook in our grandparents’ kitchens. Through the heroic work of health care workers. Through the weary distance-learning parent who finds a way to carry on. Through the window birthday parties for the aged and lonely in nursing homes. Through weeknight virtual Compline and small groups that allow us to let go of our attempts to keep it all together. 
 
In this year of darkness, I have seen a great light in every single one of you. We have seen a great light in one another. This Christmas, eat your tamales, dearly beloved, and remember. Remember, God is faithful. Remember, we have seen a great light. Remember, a light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not, will not, and cannot overcome it. 
 
Merry Christmas, 
 
The Right Reverend Craig Loya 
X Bishop 
Episcopal Church in Minnesota 
 
(From ECMN News: The Great Light email of December 22, 2020)

Christmas Eve Worship & Gathering Options

Thursday, December 24

Please join fellow St. Marians via Zoom for a few Christmas Eve Service options. On Thursday, December 24th we will gather as a community to participate in one of the services from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
 
  • 5:00 PM Family Service: The Nativity story with a service of carols and prayers featuring a menagerie of live animals. 
  • 6:15 PM St Mary‘s Coffee hour for everybody & anybody!! Stay for 5 minutes or 45 minutes or any amount of time in between!!
  • 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Eucharist, a service of readings from Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music and preaching by The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
For the Zoom Christmas Eve services on December 24, 2020 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 458490
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 957 8585 8549
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 957 8585 8549
If asked for a passcode, use 458490

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to Follow – 10:00 AM

On the first Sunday after Christmas, the Rev Carol Arney will preside and preach.  There will be lots of Christmas carols included in this service, so please join other St Marians and give voice (muted, of course!) to many of the beautiful carols that enrich this season.
 
Music – Vonda Humburg
Technical Assistance – William Welsh & Brian Nerbonne
 
For the Zoom worship service on December 20, 2020 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 330173
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 921 8033 3901
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 921 8033 3901
If asked for a passcode, use 330173
 
For the Christmas 1 Song Book – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

Christmas Message
“My suggestion is that you separate mystery from history and then enter into and enjoy the mystery of the season.  Dream of Peace on Earth and Goodwill among men and women, and then dedicate yourself to bringing that vision into being.”  John Shelby Spong
 
Christmas Eve–December  24
We will “zoom” together to services at the National Cathedral AND have the opportunity to visit with our St Mary‘s friends.
 
Christmas Day–December 25
No service from St Mary‘s.  If you would like to attend a Christmas Day service via zoom, here are a couple choices:
    • St John the Evangelist–10 am Festival Service with the pageant as the Gospel.  Check their website (stjohnsstpaul.org) for further information.
    • St Mark’s Cathedral–10 am ECMN Festival of Lessons and Carols, featuring faces and voices from across the state, bringing the ECMN family together to celebrate Christmas. Available on Vimeo and Facebook. For the bulletin for the service CLICK HERE.
What’s New?
-The Pageant from the December 20th, 2020 service CLICK HERE
 
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Update from Your Transition Team 

Last Sunday we met with the vestry to present the narrative part of the Ministry Portfolio (which we affectionately call the “two-pager”). You can watch a recording of our presentation HERE (video will play in your browser window).  We plan to present the complete portfolio to the congregation before sending it to Bishop Loya for final review and posting. Details TBA.  
 
The next meeting of the Transition Team is January 2nd. We would love to hear from you — email us at transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org.

Pastoral Care

Is there something on your mind? 
In your heart?
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at: pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
The Pastoral Care Team meets (by Zoom) on Mondays at 7:30 PM.  All are welcome!  
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link.
 
How to contact Rev. Cindi: pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org or 612-998-5136
 
The Pastoral Care Team is looking for your prayerful support. We are beginning a prayer chain ministry!  If you would like to join the chain, or would like more information about how it will work, please reach out to Rev. Cindi.
Come pray with us!

In a Hurry? Donate by Credit Card! 

It’s the end of the year. If there are  too many things to do and not enough time, you can make a year-end or Christmas donation to St. Mary‘s quickly by credit card. Just click on the link below and it will take you to the St. Mary‘s site where you can donate using any credit card. Be aware that a fee of 2.9% of your donation will be deducted from your donation.  
 
 
Have enough time and want your entire donation to go to St. Mary‘s with no fee (that’s our preference too!!)? Mail a check with your year-end or Christmas donation.  We check the mail daily, so it’s safe to send in donations via U.S. mail. Send your check to the following address:
 
St. Mary‘s Episcopal Church
1895 Laurel Ave.
St. Paul, MN  55104 
 
Regardless of how you choose to donate, we appreciate it—-a lot!! 
Questions? Contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.

Finance Committee Update

November Donations Reduce Deficit!

Pledge income in November was almost $14,000 above the budgeted amount. It was very welcome news after October when pledge income was well below budget. The donations positively impact our projected year-end deficit. The linked chart (CLICK HERE) outlines the key financials as of November 30, 2020.  
 
If donations in December keep pace with the projected levels for December, we could end the year with a deficit around $10,000 less than projected, in other words, a deficit of approximately ($21,000) instead of the projected deficit of ($31,190). Once we apply the $31,700 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan to the 2020 operational budget that we received in April, which should be 100% forgiven, we could actually end the year with a small surplus. We are very fortunate to have received this forgivable loan. 
 
Feel free to contact Rex Holzemer via e-mail (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) or phone (651-308-4895) if you have questions or want additional information.

Outreach Opportunities: 

January 24, 2021
Isaiah’s We Make Minnesota Virtual Launch
Please CLICK HERE for more information on the event and/or contact Ginny DeLuca for more information – ginnydeluca1736@gmail.com

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary‘s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 12/25 – 12/31 

Sunday, December 27, 2020
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, December 28, 2020
Pastoral Care Team
7:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, 
and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
If you receive this email, you are on the list. 
NO Sunday school December 20th or 27th!
 
Visit the St. Mary‘s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Family, Children & Youth Programming December 19-31

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Christmas Pageant Info and Thank Yous

 
Dear All:
 
A big thank you in advance to all the youth, kids, parents and Sundays School teachers who helped pull together the pageant. Thank you to staff– Jim and Vonda, and to our volunteers Carmen and Jennie who helped with many aspects of the brainstorming. An especially big thank you to Julie who helped with some of the fancy editing. I appreciate all of your help and contributions!
 
Just a reminder that we will be having our Christmas Pageant as a part of the December 20, 2020 church service. The zoom link is sent out as it normally is for church service.
 
We are taking a break from Sunday School for the Christmas Holiday and resuming on January 3, 2020. We are also taking a break from Tweeners and Youth group for the holiday and resuming on January 6, 2020.
 
We will continue our virtual programming and I will send out some new zoom links– but you can expect the same timing for Sunday school, Tweeners, Youth Group and Beginnings as we had in fall.
 
Let me know if you have questions!
 
Blessings
MiaLisa McFarland Millares
Children’s and Youth Director
Saint Mary‘s Episcopal Church

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 17th, 2020

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to Follow – 10:00 AM

Today’s Service and Christmas Pageant will be led by the Youth of St. Mary‘s.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candle – The Welsh Family
Music – Rachel, Elias, Jim May, and Vonda Humburg
Technical Assistance – William Welsh
 
For the Zoom worship service on December 20, 2020 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 330173
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 921 8033 3901
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 921 8033 3901
If asked for a passcode, use 330173
 
For the service bulletin for the 12/20 service,  CLICK HERE

Worship Team

 
Advent Message
This Sunday, December 20, Advent IV, the Candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love will be lit.  The lighter of the candles will say: “Christ, be our light.  As we light this candle of love for all God’s people, we remember your commandments.  You call us to love God and love our neighbors.  Come to us in this time of Advent.  May the light of your love be born anew in us.”  The response is:  “God, fill us with love.  Love is patient, love is kind.  Love is not envious or boastful or rude.  Love does not insist on its own way.  Love rejoices in the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.  God, bless us with love.”
 
What can I expect at St. Mary‘s Worship services?
All the worship services in Advent are planned and led by parishioners…there will be no priest presiding and there will be no communion or spiritual communion. During the first three Sundays in Advent we worshipped in the style of each of our Sunday services.  This Sunday, Advent IV, we’ll have a Youth led service AND the Christmas pageant.  Please join the youth for this very special service.
 
What’s New?
  • Because of concerns about privacy issues, the full worship services will not be shared.
  • Sermons will continue to be shared.
  • Sermon from the December 13th, 2020 service CLICK HERE

Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Christmas Eve Worship & Gathering Options

Thursday, December 24

Please join fellow St. Marians via Zoom for a few Christmas Eve Service options. On Thursday, December 24th we will gather as a community to participate in one of the services from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
 
5:00 PM Family Christmas Eve Service
6:15 PM St. Mary‘s Christmas Eve Community Fellowship
7:00 PM Traditional Christmas Eve Service
 
For the Zoom Christmas Eve services on December 24, 2020 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 458490
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 957 8585 8549
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 957 8585 8549
If asked for a passcode, use 458490

Update from Your Transition Team 

We continue meeting weekly to prepare the materials we will use in our priest search: a two-page “letter” to prospective priests; and answers to specific questions from the Office for Transition Ministry of the Episcopal Church. This week we will present the letter, revised after the recent community meeting, to the vestry to get their feedback. 
 
Other info:
  • We are on schedule with our general timeline, which you can see HERE
  • The information we shared at the community meeting CLICK HERE 
  • Introductory messages from transition team members CLICK HERE

Pastoral Care

Is there something on your mind? 
In your heart?
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at: pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
The Pastoral Care Team meets (by Zoom) on Mondays at 7:30 PM.  All are welcome!  
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link.
 
How to contact Rev. Cindi:
 
The Pastoral Care Team is looking for your prayerful support. 
We are beginning a prayer chain ministry!  If you would like to join the chain, or would like more information about how it will work, please reach out to Rev. Cindi. Come pray with us!

Your Christmas Offering? 

One of our parishioners asked recently about whether we’ll be taking up a Christmas offering. Absolutely!!  However, given COVID-19, Santa won’t be dropping by your home to pick it up!  You’ll need to make a special effort to get it to St. Mary‘s.  That special effort involves some of your time to make out a check, find an envelope, put on a stamp and get it in the mail.  Please put “Christmas Offering” in the note section of your check so we code it appropriately in your individual contribution record.   And, yes, the address to send it to is the same as that for your regular contributions that you mail to St. Mary‘s:
 
St. Mary‘s Episcopal Church
1895 Laurel Ave. 
St. Paul, MN  55104
 
Of course, for those of you on auto-pay, you can certainly send a Christmas donation via auto-pay, as well, or send a separate check via mail.  We check the mail daily, so sending any regular contributions or special Christmas offerings is safe through the mail. 
Thanks everyone for your continued financial support!   
Rex Holzemer, Treasurer
651-308-4895

Finance Committee Update

November Donations Reduce Deficit!

Pledge income in November was almost $14,000 above the budgeted amount. It was very welcome news after October when pledge income was well below budget. The donations positively impact our projected year-end deficit. The linked chart (CLICK HERE) outlines the key financials as of November 30, 2020.  
 
If donations in December keep pace with the projected levels for December, we could end the year with a deficit around $10,000 less than projected, in other words, a deficit of approximately ($21,000) instead of the projected deficit of ($31,190). Once we apply the $31,700 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan to the 2020 operational budget that we received in April, which should be 100% forgiven, we could actually end the year with a small surplus. We are very fortunate to have received this forgivable loan. 
 
Feel free to contact Rex Holzemer via e-mail (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) or phone (651-308-4895) if you have questions or want additional information.

Solar System is Operational! 

The solar panels installed on the church roof this past summer are finally connected and producing electricity!  On Thursday, December 10th, Xcel completed testing, commissioning and meter installation for the system and it is now operational.  Some final work related to internet monitoring of the system will be completed next week, but that does not affect the ongoing operation of the solar panels.  
 
As has been communicated previously, St. Mary‘s is leasing this system from Monarch Solar, so all costs associated with installation and maintenance of the system are the responsibility of the solar company.  We are guaranteed a 20% reduction in our electricity costs during the 25-year lease period.  The lease contract allows for St. Mary‘s to purchase the system at fair market value after six years. 
 
Have questions?  Want more information?  Feel free to contact Rex Holzemer via e-mail (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) or phone (651-308-4895).

St. Mary‘s Music and Food

Did you miss the St. Mary‘s Community and Carols presentation last Sunday? 
Or perhaps you enjoyed it so much that you want to watch it over and over again? Please click on the following link to see it again – CLICK HERE
Thank you Vonda, Erika, Jim May, and all the contributors, readers, musicians, and singers!
 
Did you get a chance to try any of the traditional St. Mary‘s Lessons and Carols recipes?
In case you missed it last week, HERE are the recipes that were shared
and a photo from the Ward/Reemtsma household of Roast Pork with Cherry Sauce,
Apple & Greens Salad, and Wild Rice.

Recipes shared by Julie Thomas.
(Thank you, Julie!)

If you are looking for more music to enjoy during the Christmas season, please check out the schedule of holiday broadcasts on Classical MPR with the option to stream several of the concerts at your convenience. CLICK HERE

Outreach Opportunities: 

January 24, 2021
Isaiah’s We Make Minnesota Virtual Launch
Please CLICK HERE for more information on the event and/or contact Ginny DeLuca for more information – ginnydeluca1736@gmail.com

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary‘s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 12/18 – 12/24 

Sunday, December 20, 2020
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, December 21, 2020
Pastoral Care Team
7:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Vestry Meeting
7:00 PM
Vestry Meetings are open to all Saint Mary‘s members.  The Saint Mary‘s Vestry usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.  The meeting  begins at 7:00 PM.  (Note: If you are a member of Saint Mary‘s and would like to attend this meeting via Zoom, please contact Jim DeLuca or Caroline Kaker for the Zoom access code at wardens@saintmaryepiscopal.org)
 
Wednesday,  December 23, 2020
Adult Ed./Book Study
7:00-8:30 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact 
Nina Johnson at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 
 
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Christmas Eve Services & Community Gathering
5:00 PM Christmas Eve Family Service
6:15 PM St. Mary‘s Community Fellowship
7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, 
and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
NO Sunday school December 20th or 27th!
 
Visit the St. Mary‘s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Welcome to our new online news section!

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Missed announcements this week? Looking for a link to an online activity? Looking for information about the Transition Team’s work? Here’s your new spot to find all this . . . and more!

If you’re searching for information about something specific, you can type that topic or name into the search bar (in the right side bar) and all posts that concern that topic will be shown to you, in a list starting from most recently published. You may not find much here yet, but week by week, this archive will grow. 

Contact communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org any time with questions, comments, and feedback. We love to hear from you!