Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, October 23, 2022  –  Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshiping virtually, and a social gathering outside (in the entryway in inclement weather) for those worshiping in-person.

To join the 10am worship on October 23, 2022 – 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 October 23 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the October 16 sermon video –  Click HERE

NOTE: There will be a printed version of the Weekly at church on Sundays if you would like to pick one up for someone who is not receiving it electronically or see someone new who is not yet on our mailing list.

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

• A Message from the Communications Team
• Gingerbread Houses and Christmas Pageant!
• Installation Ceremony for Reverend Lindsey
• Meet with Rev. Lindsey
  
• Little Food Pantry Donations

Stewardship 2023

• A Message from our Stewardship 2023 Leaders

Education

• St. Mary’s Tweeners – “Let’s Learn About the Episcopal Church”
• Youth Group & Activities for 2022-23
• Families with kids 0 through 6th grade
• Adult Education – The Gospel of Mary

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

• Prayer Requests

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

For the latest on COVID-19 and Worship at St. Mary’s – Click HERE

Announcements

A Message from the St. Mary’s Communications Team

In the next couple of weeks we will be making a transition of services for our email messages for the Weekly, Saint Mary’s Mornings, and other announcements. The new service will help us integrate more photos and images and will be part of creating a new look for our messages. We are going to do our best to make this transition as seamless as possible. Watch your inbox for changes in early November and email the Communications Team with any questions or comments.

Sign Up for Gingerbread Houses and the Christmas Pageant!

Installation Ceremony for Reverend Lindsey

Did you miss the Installation Ceremony for Reverend Lindsey?

To watch highlights from this wonderful event Click HERE.

To see the wonderful book that the children of St. Mary’s made and gifted to Rev. Lindsey at the Installation Ceremony Click HERE.

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey wants to get to know you!  Our new priest is continuing to meet with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit. Rev. Lindsey has updated her calendar through November for meetings.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

* If you are a youth, please sign up with an adult.

Little Food Pantry Donations

Food Insecurity and the threat of eviction are both on the rise in the Twin Cities. We are needing an increase in donations to match the need. Also, please take food if you need it. This is a project in the spirit of mutual aid. Fill the pantry when you can, receive from the pantry when you need it.

Return to Top

A Message from the Stewardship 2023 Leaders

Stewardship: The careful and responsible managements of something entrusted to one’s care

Welcome to Week Three of our Stewardship Campaign! We’ve now heard from Bruce Briese, Paulette Briese and Brian Nerbonne about why they’ll be making a pledge to support St. Mary’s this year. In a nutshell, here’s what each had to say: 

• Bruce:  “Pledging is a way of making a commitment beyond just giving money when you think you can. Pledging provides a baseline for monitoring what you have committed to give and a
  benchmark for thinking about pledging in future years.”
• Paulette:  “For me, it’s all about relationships and community. I want this safe, caring place to not only be here for us, but to be here for anyone looking for a Christian community who finds their way to this building. I want people to feel God’s love, expressed through all of us, no matter who they are or where they are on their faith journey. I invite you to join me in making a pledge to St. Mary’s simply because we value this community and because, as one person said, ‘We’re here.'”
• Brian: “A practical reason to pledge: The Vestry needs to know how much money will be available in the coming year to plan around. And a personal reason: St. Mary’s provides a place for me to learn how to be closer to my best self.”

Have you been thinking about why you would make a pledge? How much you can give to support our community and ministry in this place?

Thank you all for your prayerful consideration in this season.

Your Stewardship Co-Chairs: Paulette Briese, Bruce Briese and Julie Thomas
 
STEWARDSHIP UP-DATE

As of Sunday, October 16, 2022, 11 households have made a pledge to St. Mary’s totaling $40,100.  

STEWARDSHIP Q & A

What are our goals?

• We have set a target of pledges totaling $185,000. This will likely still put us in a deficit budget situation, but it is a decent increase over last year and we feel an attainable goal.
• We are looking for 100% of active households to make a pledge. We feel that we have a strong community here, and hope that you all will show your commitment through a financial pledge.
• We are asking that all pledges are received by November 14th. This will allow us to set our budget using true pledge information.

How can you pledge?

• You can submit a pledge electronically through this link https://forms.gle/HVcrTHfVVrMhrkvF7
• Paper forms are available in the pews at church
• If you would like a paper form mailed to you, contact one of the stewardship chairs.

How can you pay your pledge?

• You can pay by check, via automatic payments through your bank, electronically through Vanco on the website, even cash in an envelope!
• You can pay on a schedule that best fits you – from weekly to once a year.
• Check the website for all the information on how to give. How to give – Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church (saintmarysepiscopal.org)

Return to Top

Education

The St. Mary’s Tweeners – “Let’s Learn About the Episcopal Church”

Faith Formation for Children, Youth, and Families

Please click on one of the links under the “What’s In the Weekly?” section above for complete information on details and schedule for Children, Youth, and Families.

Adult Education – The Gospel of Mary (Tuesdays 6:30pm – 7:30pm)

October 25^th – “Transformation in the Text”

November 8^th -“Looking into the Heart of the Matter”

November 15^th -“Art, Interpretation, Transformation”

If you’ve never heard of the Gospel of Mary, there’s a good reason. No one knew about this early Christian wisdom text until 1896, when it was discovered in a fifth-century papyrus codex in Egypt. Rev. Lindsey for a four-week series making meaning with this ancient text, where Mary Magdalen will be the guide on the path of discipleship.

Please sign up by email, revlindseybriggs@gmail.com, or text/call 612-444-1090.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; 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 those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

If you would like a name to be added to Saint Mary’s public prayer list or special prayer shared, please email Claire at clairehorton97 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 10/21 – 10/27

Sunday, October 23, 2022
Family Gathering/ In-person Sunday School
No Family Gathering/In-person Sunday School this week
Contact MiaLisa for more information – Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 23, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Sunday, October 23, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Contact the Wardens for more information at wardens at saintmaryespiscopal.org

Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Adult Education – The Gospel of Mary
6:30pm
Contact Rev. Lindsey for more information – revlindseybriggs at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Youth Group – Halloween Party!
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Zoom Pre-Tweeners – Wear a costume!
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Zoom Tweeners – Wear a costume!
7:00pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Contact Vonda for more information at musicdirector at saintmaryespiscopal.org

Thursday, October 27, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, October 27, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (The Contemplative Service is In-person and Virtual)

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

Return to Top

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, September 4, 2022  –  Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshiping virtually, and a social gathering outside (in the entryway in inclement weather) for those worshiping in-person.

To join the 10am worship on September 4, 2022 – 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

The September 4 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

For a supplemental music lyric sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the August 28 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

• Meet with Rev. Lindsey
• Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols updated 6/30/2022
• Saint Mary’s Making a Difference in the World
• “Welcome home, Wanderer. We’ve been saving a place for you at the campfire!”

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

• Prayer Requests

Education

• Families with kids 0 through 6th grade

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  Our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit. Rev. Lindsey has updated her calendar for September through November for meetings.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

* If you are a youth, please sign up with an adult.

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols (updated 6/30/2022)

• Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
• 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will not continue.
• Lay Leader or Officiant will continue to read important announcements from lectern, including those from the Weekly Email, from the basket at the back of sanctuary and from the chat. Individual parishioners go to floor mic to request prayers. Anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
• Bread and wine will be distributed for communion. Wine will be served from the “pourable chalice”, so bring your small glasses or take a paper cup from an usher.
• Communion will take place at the center aisle, either standing or kneeling.
• Small processions are back.
• Use Acolytes again (with parental permission)
• Singing with masks in place!
• Passing the peace with handshakes – yes, can do this. We need to respect that people have different comfort levels. Please check each person’s color dot and/or ask re their preference.
  • RED • dot – maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
  • YELLOW • dot – more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
  • GREEN • dot – willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Making a Difference in the World

About every 3 months, a few Saint Marians gather via zoom to make loans around the
world through the KIVA organization. Saint Mary’s has been making KIVA loans for over 10 years.
As previous loans are re-paid, those re-payments are put in a KIVA account for Saint Mary’s to re-
loan. When the KIVA account has grown to over $1000, it’s time to turn those dollars into
new loans. Recently, Saint Mary’s made 11 new loans to 9 different countries: Honduras, Kenya,
Ecuador, Philippines, Togo, Dominican Republican Tajikistan, El Salvador and Kyrgyzstan. What
do the people who receive these loans do with the money? These 11 loans provide hay for
livestock, cows, a new oven to do baking, a sewing machine to sew women’s clothing, spare
parts to repair vehicles, grocery store stock and vegetables to sell, fertilizer to increase growth
of fruits and veggies, fishing items to catch fish and farm supplies to increase food production.
All of these loans make it possible for people to earn money and provide a better quality of life
for their families and their communities. An exciting aspect of this loaning period is that 9 of
these loans were matched—If we loaned $100 it was matched with another $100!! Yes, Saint
Mary’s is making a difference in the world!

Return to Top

“Welcome home, Wanderer. We’ve been saving a place for you at the campfire!”

This is the tag line for a live virtual conference called “Evolving Faith”. The conference
comes to us from Atlanta, GA, on Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15. The cost is
$129/person. There will be wonderful, wise speakers, interactive Q&A in real time, breakout
sessions and robust spiritual care.
Three of us have already signed up for this conference and we’d love to have other Saint
Marians join us at one of our homes or at Saint Mary’s, depending on how many sign up. So in
addition to the breakout sessions and Q&A times for all conference attendees, we’ll be able
to discuss the presentations amongst ourselves as well. Contact any one of us if you’d like
more info about this conference or if you’d like to sign up or if you’d like a list of speakers.
Paulette Briese, Nina Johnson and Julie Thomas

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; 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 those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

If you would like a name to be added to Saint Mary’s public prayer list or special prayer shared, please email Claire at clairehorton97 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

Return to Top

Education

Families with kids 0 through 6th grade

Hello everyone!

It is going to be an amazing fall and winter.  Hold onto your hats! We have a wild ride in store for you with so many fun adventures! This email is only for families with kids 0 through 6th grade.  If you have a youth grouper, a separate email will be forthcoming.

As summer comes to a close, we have been working hard here at Saint Mary’s to create new relevant plans for the 2022-2023 Faith Formation year!  We have a mix of programming this year. Most of our programming for kids has shifted to an in-person format (with masks) however, we do have some zoom programming (by the kids request).  For those of you that may not be familiar with the names of our groups and programs– I endeavor to explain them all below. In that way, you can get a good understanding of what might be a good fit for your young person. I hope this email helps to explain all the details for fall. However, if you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at mialisamcfarland at gmail.com or text me at 570 – 269 – 9688. 

What do I need to do?

Funny you should ask– I do actually need your help with something. Please fill out this VERY SHORT registration form and media release.  It registers kids for all activities at church (Sunday School, Pre-Tweeners and Tweeners). Register here.

How will Sunday mornings work for families?

Families will show up for Family Gathering with their children. They wil stay for the short 15 minutes and then the children will depart until 9:50.  At that time, we will bring them out to the Saint Marys room so they can connect with you. 

What programming is available?

Parent Meeting for Sunday School

Sunday, September 18, 2022

9:00am in the Chapel

For Families with school aged children

• I am holding a parent meeting to answer questions about how we are handling Sunday School classrooms in the midst of COVID and to answer any questions you may have about our curricula.

Family Gathering 

Sundays,  September 25, 2022- May 31, 2022

9:00-9:15am in the Chapel

For Families with young children

Led by MiaLisa Millares

• Last year we tried a mini family worship service online.  It worked pretty well for online with kids.  We are doing the same format in- person for families. All are welcome– but the service is geared toward preschool and elementary aged kids. This is for families– not just for kids.  Please stay with your kids during this part. This Family Gathering will be in the Chapel. The format includes short intros, breathing, prayer, a story, a question, a song, blessings and a closing. 

Sunday School

Sunday, September 25, 2022 through May 31, 2022

9:15-9:50am in the Youth Room

For Kindergarten through sixth grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares, Brian Nerbonne, Trevor Sannes, Billy Lackey (There are two teaching teams.  Team 1- MiaLisa, Trevor and Billy  and Team 2-  MiaLisa and Brian

• • After Family gathering parents will leave and children will stay.  The Sunday School teachers will take the children through the old sacristy down the steps to the Youth Room. We are using the Whirl K-5 All Kids Curricula.  This is the same curricula we used for zoom Sunday school.  The kids liked it a lot. We will have an opening, watch a short (1 minute video from Whirl Kids), answer questions about the video, read a Bible story, discuss the story and do a craft or service project. In the month of December, Sunday School time is used to prepare for the Christmas Pageant. 
  • The lessons are as follows:
    • 9/25: In the Beginning
    • 10/2: Noah and the Flood
    • 10/9: Abraham and Sarah
    • 10/16: Joseph and His Brothers

• 10/23: No Sunday School MEA Weekend

• • • 10/30: Joseph in Egypt
    • 11/ 6: Deborah
    • 11/13: Elijah and Elisha
    • 11/20: Esther
    • 11/27: Daniel
    • 12/4:  Annunciation and Christmas Practice
    • 12/11:Mary Visits Elizabeth and Christmas Practice
    • 12/18: Jesus is Born and Christmas Practice

• 12/25: No Sunday School, Christmas Day

• 1/1: No Sunday School, New Years Day

• • 1/8: Sunday School resumes

Activities for Elementary Aged Kids

Zoom Programming: I was just as surprised as you are that the kids asked for this zoom programming to continue.  But, in short a quote from Penelope sums it up best. “I got to know kids in a way I somehow failed to do during Sundays at church.” And there you have it folks.  We will continue this part of the programming by kid request.

PreTweeners

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Carmen Patterson

September 21- May 31 (there will be some weeks off for holidays)

Wednesday Evenings 6:30-7:00pm

• The format is simple.  We do introductions and a question of the day.  We share the highs and lows of our week. Then we do a show and tell or short game.  We close with a prayer. This is all about connection with one another and getting to know each other better.

Tweeners

Third Grade through Sixth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Emily Topinka

September 21- May 31 (there will be some weeks off for holidays)

Wednesday Evenings 7:00-7:45pm

• This year we are exploring a slightly different format for Tweeners.  We will still do introductions, question of the day and highs and lows. Then we will alternate in weeks. We will be using some of the Classroom curricula from Doing Good Together which focuses on gratitude, giving back and social justice.  Other weeks we will simply play games! We always end with a prayer. 

In-Person Fall/ Winter Activities for Pre Tweeners/ Tweeners –Click HERE

Feed My Starving Children

Saturday, October 8, 2022

2:00-3:45pm

This will be a parent/ child activity as we need a large number of parent chaperones to meet the quota for FMSC. 

Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up

Saturday, October 16, 2022

Time TBD

After church we will meet at Big Stone Mini Gold.  It is a bit of a hike– but completely worth it.  This family adventure is an ALL PARISH EVENT.  You can choose to golf (you must pay cash adults are $12 and kids are $10) or you can choose to just walk around the sculpture garden (free but suggested donation $2). If you haven’t been there– it is a must see for Minnesota.  

Hopkins Stages Theater

November, Date TBD

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 

We will be going as a group to see this play.  Again, this is a parent/ child activity (not a drop off activity).  

Gingerbread Houses

Sunday, December 4, 2022

11:15am

This family event led by Anne and George Green and supported by MiaLisa is a crowd pleaser. Just bring yourself and we will provide the graham crackers, frosting and candy to decorate the most charming Gingerbread House. 

Christmas Practive and Pageant 

Practice, Saturday, December 17, 2022

10:30am-12:30pm

Pageant, Sunday December 18, 2022

Time TBD

This year the Christmas Pageant will be in person.  As we have done in other “in-person” years, we will practice the script and learn the songs during Sunday School.  Our songs for the play this year will be Go Tell it On the Mountain, Angels We Have Heard on High and Joy to the World. Our pageant practice is scheduled for December 17, 2022 10:30-12:30pm. The pageant will be on December 18, 2022– the time is TBD. The snow day for the pageant will be January 8, 2023.

Epiphany Party with Pinata

Sunday, January 8, 2022

11:15am

We will rekindle our Epiphany party pinata tradition. As with tradition, we will have a pinate party for Epiphany. The kids always enjoy having a fun party and trying to knock the pinata 

Faith Formation at Home

There are 168 hours in a week and church is only one hour of that time. How are you and your family infusing spirituality and faith at home in the little things you do. Are you doing family service, saying prayers in the evening or at meals, practicing gratitude, doing an inspirational reading?  There are so many ways to infuse faith into your daily life.  I want to inspire families to do more faith formation at home (along with what we offer here at church too!)  But, our lives are SO busy– so I am going to make it easy for you! I put out a table in the Saint Mary’s room with some nice Sparkhouse resources for including Faith formation in your family life.  There are packets for different seasons.  I left out the Fall and Winter packets.  Each page is a very short way to have a faithful reflection around your dinner table.  I encourage you to give it a try!  

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 9/2 – 9/8

Sunday, September 4, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service returns to In-person and Virtual!)

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

Return to Top