1895 Laurel, Saint Paul MN 55104

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Announcing Saint Mary’s New Rector

by

St. Mary’s new rector is the Reverend Lindsey R. Briggs. She/they is an Episcopal Priest, Board Certified Chaplain, and LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care Educator. Previous to coming to Saint Mary’s, Reverend Briggs spent four years in healthcare chaplaincy with specialties in LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice in New York City. She also teaches LGBTQ+ Spiritual Care at Union Theological Seminary. Prior to her chaplaincy, Reverend Briggs served as the Chief of Staff and Assistant to the Rector at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York.

While Reverend Briggs has lived in New York for twelve years, she is no stranger to Minnesota winters. Her heart and many dear friends remain in the Twin Cities following the six years she lived in Minneapolis’ Philips neighborhood and worked with a variety of community organizations. Reverend Briggs is thrilled to return to here, as it is where she truly feels at home. She has said that she feels both excitement and a grounded sense of peace at returning to the religious, spiritual, and civic life of this place she loves. Outside of her work, Reverend Briggs loves reading science fiction and exploring nature with her miniature poodle, Georgie.

Reverent Briggs’ first Sunday preaching for St. Mary’s will be June 4, which happens to be Pentecost. I have no doubt that we will all have a chance to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we welcome Reverend Briggs.

Speaking of welcoming Reverend Briggs, the vestry is forming a welcoming committee to help plan some of the events and activities that will take place upon her arrival. If you are interested in participating with the committee, please contact the wardens (wardens at saintmarysepiscopal.org).

We give thanks to our wonderful search committee of Cathy McNaughton, Catherine Neuschler, Joe McManmon, Jennifer Wedel, Jennie Ward, Ginny Deluca, Emma Brickson and Jane Wells. The team spent over 200 hours together over a year and a half, through multiple twists and turns to the process before we ever arrived at the point of interviewing our final slate of candidates. They did an amazing job representing Saint Mary’s though this process. Please offer your gratitude to these folks when you have the chance.

Saint Mary’s Weekly – May 20, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, May 22, 2022 – The Sixth Sunday of Easter

  • First Message:  Acts 16: 9-15
  • Gospel:  John 5: 1-9 Healing: Stand up, take up your mat and walk
8:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer (Zoom only) led by Steve Andrews with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on May 22, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
For the May 22 Service Bulletin for the 8am service – Click HERE
 
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome. The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on May 22, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Hybrid Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) led by Jim DeLuca. (Refer to BCP pages 75-102—Morning Prayer Rite Two.)

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers.

To join the 10am worship on May 22, 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 May 22 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the Easter Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Welcoming our Next Rector

Children and Youth

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • To listen to the homily given by Reverend John Bellaimey on Sunday, May 15, Click HERE.
  • Heads up!! WEAR RED on Sunday, June 5, Pentecost!! Start looking through the clothes in your closet and in your drawers. There must be something RED! Red is the color of the day for Pentecost. Don’t be left out of sea of RED!! June 5, WEAR RED!!
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are stickers available for you to put on your name tag or your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED • dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW • dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN • dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.
  • Worship Schedule for May 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • May 22—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily led by Steve Andrews. (virtual only)
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 29—
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
    • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!
Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

Welcoming our Next Rector

Plans taking shape to welcome Reverend Lindsey Briggs to St. Mary’s
The Welcoming Committee has been working on plans to welcome Lindsey after her official start on June 1. Here’s a list of events that are being planned to provide opportunities to get to know her, and for her to get to know you!

  • Pentecost barbecue and potluck picnic June 5 at 11:00 a.m. following Lindsey’s first Sunday celebrating mass with us.
  • Meetings with various teams at St. Mary’s (e.g., Communications, Buildings and Grounds)
  • Outdoor gatherings with small groups of St. Marians over a meal or snacks/drinks, hosted by volunteer households at their homes or at a local park.
  •  Opportunities to sign up for one-on-one meetings with Lindsey.
We are also making sure Lindsey’s office is ready and welcoming, and working with her to purchase some liturgical materials to help with planning worship services. Lindsey has already been in contact with the Worship planning team to begin dialogue about plans for the first month or two after she starts.
 
Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for the various opportunities to get to know Lindsey. We hope as many people as possible are planning to attend Pentecost service and the June 5th picnic. Hope to see you there!
 
You’ll be seeing items in the Weekly that will include things about Reverend Briggs to help folks get to know some things about her.
 
Worship Planning Committee

 

Getting to Know Our Next Rector
In just a few short weeks we will be meeting our next rector for Saint Mary’s – The Reverend Lindsey Briggs. In June we plan on doing a series of articles in the Weekly to help our community get to know Reverend Lindsey a little bit better. To help Reverend Lindsey with what “inquiring minds want to know”, please feel free to submit your questions to help develop our June articles – Click HERE. In the meantime, you’re invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

 

Pentecost Picnic!
Back by popular demand – a Picnic on Pentecost!

That’s right, we will once again have a picnic following the Pentecost service on June 5th! We will gather to celebrate the ending of the program year and (hooray!) welcome our new rector, Reverend Lindsey Briggs. Burgers, hot dogs, veggie options and beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share.

If you are interested in helping with the picnic please contact Ginny Deluca or Julie Thomas.

 

St. Mary’s Children, Youth, and Families

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Youth Group:
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in May.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

Return to Top

Pastoral Care

Meal Train for The Ebbers Family
Anna and Jaron Ebbers are expecting a baby girl this month! They have a meal train set up for anyone that would like to sign up to bring food after the baby is born:

https://mealtrain.com/7wlken

Thank you!!

Outreach

An update on St. Mary’s KIVA loan to Tejedoras De Sajputa Group in Guatemala–Making a Difference in the World
In a rural area of ​​the state of Quiche, the women carefully protect their methods of weaving. Margarita, 26, says that her community’s woven fabrics are their cultural heritage because the methods come from her ancestors. That is why the fabrics and embroideries of the traditional blouses that Margarita weaves and embroiders are unique in her community. She explains that each artisan woman uses her own creativity to give life, style and color to the traditional shirts. She has been running this business for more than four years. Through her ability to weave and embroider traditional blouses, Margarita generates her own income. She continues to capitalize on her business to meet consumer demand. That is why Margarita took out her first loan with Kiva in July 2021. With this financing, she was able to purchase yarn in various colors in bulk. As a result of her efforts, Margarita can send her only child, a nine-year-old daughter, to school.

     
Margarita is a member of the Communal Bank “Tejedoras De Sajputa” (Weavers of Sajputa). She and six other women in the group communicate in their first language – the Mayan Ixil language. Only with difficulty do they communicate in Spanish. These women are grateful to Kiva and Friendship Bridge lenders for financing their textile businesses. Margarita and her companions also received medical attention from a nurse at the institution. Each of them underwent Pap tests, glucose checks, and height and weight checks. During the loan cycle, they also received monthly educational training through games, drawings, riddles and puzzles. Via these learning strategies, the women are learning about health, nutrition, women’s rights, family planning, budgeting, investing and saving.
     
There are now more than 32,000 clients who are benefiting from Friendship Bridge’s “Microcredit Plus” program. Thank you Kiva!
 

Announcements

Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols as of 4/26/2022

  • 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.
  • On Sundays when there is Eucharist, there will be a Gospel Procession to middle of center aisle, using either lapel or floor mic.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission) (Note: Penelope, Clare and Caroline are super excited to be able to acolyte again!)
  • 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. (See “Dot” blurb in “What’s New”.)
  • Social time in the Sanctuary and St Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!  (Occasional exceptions re food/drink with windows/doors open, but generally will defer this until we can be outside.

 

One Voice Mixed Chorus Concert
One Voice Mixed Chorus will perform their Sound Mind concert at the Ordway Concert Hall on June 18 and 19. Sound Mind uplifts Queer voices exploring mental health through song, story, and art. This will be our first in-person One Voice performance in two years. We can’t wait to share this powerful experience with you! You can get tickets and learn more at https://www.onevoicemn.org. Use promo code FAITH for 50% off.

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!
Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Pat; Lanny & Sandy; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all frontline 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.

 

CaringBridge for Don Horton
If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation, I will be posting updates on his CaringBridge site.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Thanks,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 5/20 – 5/26

Sunday, May 22, 2022
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, May 22, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, May 22, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, May 23, 2022
Worship Team Meeting
5:30pm
Email worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Monday, May 23, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Email wardens@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Email musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, May 25, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, May 25, 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!)

Thursday, May 25, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – May 13, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, May 15, 2022 – The Fifth Sunday of Easter

  • First Message:  Acts 11: 1-18
  • Gospel:  John 13: 31-35
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome. The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on May 15, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Hybrid Eucharist service with The Reverend John Bellaimey as guest celebrant and preacher.

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers.

To join the 10am worship on May 15, 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 May 15 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the Easter Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

A Thank You note from The Reverend Susan Moss

Worship Team

St. Mary’s 2022 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up

Welcoming our Next Rector

Children and Youth

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

A Thank You Note from The Reverend Susan Moss

Dear people of St. Mary’s:

It is now my turn to cross a threshold, saying goodbye as your Transition priest while remaining your friendly neighbor and fellow colleague in ministry in the East Metro Mission Area. I join you in your excitement and joy in welcoming The Rev. Lindsey Briggs as your new rector.
 
I invite those that were unable to be present on May 1 for worship and the 2022 Annual meeting, to listen to my final sermon. You’ll find the link HERE.
 
Thank you for the gorgeous basket of flowering bulbs. The volume of lectionary readings is a welcome gift in liturgy planning. And I so appreciate the generous gift card from Highland Nursery. In September, our son and his fiancé will be married in our yard. I will use your gift to create beauty and life for their wedding.
 
May the blessing of God who creates life be upon you as you celebrate life.
May the blessing of God who restores life be upon you as you seek new life.
May the blessing of God who sanctifies life be upon you as you give life to others.
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • To listen to the meditation given by Jim DeLuca on Sunday, May 8, Click HERE.
  • If you missed the Good Friday Stations of the Cross service on April 15 or would like to experience it again, Click HERE.
  • See Up-dated COVID protocols in “Announcements” section.
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are stickers available for you to put on your name tag or your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED • dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW • dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN • dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.
  • Worship Schedule for May 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • May 15—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Eucharist, The Rev John Bellaimey (Guest Preacher & Celebrant)
    • May 22—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily led by Steve Andrews. (virtual only)
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 29—
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
    • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!
Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s 2022 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up

Thanks to everyone who attended our 2022 Annual meeting on May 1, either in-person or online. Here are the highlights:
  • We expressed our gratitude to our wonderful staff, music director Vonda Humburg, youth minister Mia Lisa Millares and youth group leader Kat Lewis for all that they do.
  • We thanked outgoing vestry members Cindy James, Jim Wheeler and Lisa Stratton for their service.
  • We thanked Rex Holzemer (treasurer) and Jennie Ward (clerk) as they step out of those roles for all of their contributions, and welcomed Catherine Neuschler as our new treasurer and Aimee Sutherland as our new clerk.
  • We offered our appreciation to the search team for all of their work over a year and a half through some difficult challenges so that we can now be on the cusp of our next rector starting in a matter of weeks.
  • Elections:
    • Nina Johnson was elected as our new co-warden
    • Cathy McNaughton, Julie Thomas and Anna Clark were elected to the vestry.
    • Paulette Briese and Nina Johnson will represent St. Mary’s as delegates to the ECMN annual convention, and Julia Nerbonne and Julie Thomas will be alternates.
    • Jim Wheeler was elected to the Endowment Committee.
  • Finally, we expressed our gratitude for all that Rev. Susan Moss has done for St. Mary’s during her time as our transition priest. It was such a gift that Susan was willing to work with us over a much longer stay than we all had planned. Her wise guidance and thoughtful insights were so helpful as St. Mary’s navigated some challenging times. Susan’s last day with St. Mary’s was May 7. Thank you, Susan!
  • If you were unable to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting and would like to watch the Live Stream recording, please email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org with the subject line “2022 Annual Meeting” and we will share the link with you.

Welcoming our Next Rector

Plans taking shape to welcome Reverend Lindsey Briggs to St. Mary’s

The Welcoming Committee has been working on plans to welcome Lindsey after her official start on June 1. Here’s a list of events that are being planned to provide opportunities to get to know her, and for her to get to know you!
  • Pentecost barbecue and potluck picnic June 5 at 11:00 a.m. following Lindsey’s first Sunday celebrating mass with us.
  • Meetings with various teams at St. Mary’s (e.g., Communications, Buildings and Grounds)
  • Outdoor gatherings with small groups of St. Marians over a meal or snacks/drinks, hosted by volunteer households at their homes or at a local park.
  •  Opportunities to sign up for one-on-one meetings with Lindsey.
We are also making sure Lindsey’s office is ready and welcoming, and working with her to purchase some liturgical materials to help with planning worship services. Lindsey has already been in contact with the Worship planning team to begin dialogue about plans for the first month or two after she starts.
 
Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for the various opportunities to get to know Lindsey. We hope as many people as possible are planning to attend Pentecost service and the June 5th picnic. Hope to see you there!
 
You’ll be seeing items in the Weekly that will include things about Reverend Briggs to help folks get to know some things about her.
 
Worship Planning Committee

 

Getting to Know Our Next Rector

In just a few short weeks we will be meeting our next rector for Saint Mary’s – The Reverend Lindsey Briggs. In June we plan on doing a series of articles in the Weekly to help our community get to know Reverend Lindsey a little bit better. To help Reverend Lindsey with what “inquiring minds want to know”, please feel free to submit your questions to help develop our June articles – Click HERE. In the meantime, you’re invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

 

Pentecost Picnic!

Back by popular demand – a Picnic on Pentecost!

That’s right, we will once again have a picnic following the Pentecost service on June 5th! We will gather to celebrate the ending of the program year and (hooray!) welcome our new rector, Reverend Lindsey Briggs. Burgers, hot dogs, veggie options and beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share.

If you are interested in helping with the picnic please contact Ginny Deluca or Julie Thomas.

 

St. Mary’s Children, Youth, and Families

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Youth Group:
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in May.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

Return to Top

Pastoral Care

Meal Train for The Ebbers Family
Anna and Jaron Ebbers are expecting a baby girl this month! They have a meal train set up for anyone that would like to sign up to bring food after the baby is born:

https://mealtrain.com/7wlken

Thank you!!

Outreach

KIVA Update
On Good Friday, a soup supper was held to support St Mary’s efforts to provide loans to people around the world through the KIVA organization. Delicious soups and bread were enjoyed by all and $560 was collected to add to the $1480 that had been re-paid by those who received loans from St. Mary’s earlier. Totaling these up, $2040 was available to be loaned. Thank you to all who joined us for soups. And thank you to those of you who donated.

New loans were made in 13 different countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Palestine, Kenya, Berkina Faso, Ecuador, Madagascar and Rwanda; and to 16 individuals or groups; for sewing traditional clothing, making ice cream, farming, raising sheep, selling fish and cell phones and beer and candy and for home construction, toilets, pig farms, fertilizer and seeds. Making a difference around the world….

Announcements

Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols as of 4/26/2022

  • 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.
  • On Sundays when there is Eucharist, there will be a Gospel Procession to middle of center aisle, using either lapel or floor mic.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission) (Note: Penelope, Clare and Caroline are super excited to be able to acolyte again!)
  • 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. (See “Dot” blurb in “What’s New”.)
  • Social time in the Sanctuary and St Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!   (Occasional exceptions re food/drink with windows/doors open, but generally will defer this until we can be outside.

 

Mission Area Gatherings – Saturday, May 14 from 9am – 12pm
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting at this Spring’s gathering for the East Mission Area. This will be a hybrid event, taking place at St. Clements, 901 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104 with an option to attend online. Food and beverages will not be served, but join us after the gathering for an “After party” potluck lunch! Click HERE to register.

 

Discounted Tickets for the Bach Society of Minnesota-At the Summit, B Minor Mass – Saturday, May 14
For the At the Summit, B Minor Mass concert. We would love to offer a discounted price to show our appreciation to your church community. Please use promotional code “Bach18” when you purchase over the phone (Ordway Ticket Office 651-224-4222) or through the website. For this same concert, children under 12 attend for free (with a purchase of student/adult ticket)

Yunyue Liu
Executive Director
BACH SOCIETY of MINNESOTA
 
 

Memorial Service for Nina Johnson’s Mom

All are welcome to join Nina, Mike, Zack and Juno in a celebration of the life of Nina’s mom, Janet Childs. The service will be on

Wednesday, May 18th
5:30pm at St. Mary’s

Food and drink and social time will follow the service. Any questions, please contact Nina at nina@jazmn.net.

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!
Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Pat; Lanny & Sandy; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all frontline 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.

 

CaringBridge for Don Horton

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation, I will be posting updates on his CaringBridge site.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Thanks,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 5/13 – 5/19

Sunday, May 15, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, May 15, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, May 16, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
Email finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Memorial Service for Nina Johnson’s Mom
5:30pm
Contact Nina Johnson for more information – nina at jazmn.net

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Email musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, May 19, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, May 19, 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!)

Thursday, May 19, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, May 19, 2022
Communications Team Meeting
7:00pm
Email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – May 6, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, May 8, 2022 

  • First Message:  Acts 9: 36-43
  • Gospel:  John 10: 22-30 Jesus is rejected…the Father and I are one…
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on May 8, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Hybrid Morning Prayer service from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) led by Jim DeLuca (Refer to BCP pages 75-102—Morning Prayer Rite Two).

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers.

To join the 10am worship on May 8, 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 May 8 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the Easter Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

A Thank You note from The Reverend Susan Moss

Worship Team

St. Mary’s 2022 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up

Getting to Know Our Next Rector

Children and Youth

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

A Thank You Note from The Reverend Susan Moss

Dear people of St. Mary’s:

It is now my turn to cross a threshold, saying goodbye as your Transition priest while remaining your friendly neighbor and fellow colleague in ministry in the East Metro Mission Area. I join you in your excitement and joy in welcoming The Rev. Lindsey Briggs as your new rector.
 
I invite those unable to be present on May 1 for worship and the 2022 Annual meeting, to listen to my final sermon. You’ll find the link HERE.
 
Thank you for the gorgeous basket of flowering bulbs. The volume of lectionary readings is a welcome gift in liturgy planning. And I so appreciate the generous gift card from Highland Nursery. In September, our son and his fiancé will be married in our yard. I will use your gift to create beauty and life for their wedding.
 
May the blessing of God who creates life be upon you as you celebrate life.
May the blessing of God who restores life be upon you as you seek new life.
May the blessing of God who sanctifies life be upon you as you give life to others.
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • To listen to the homily given by The Reverend Susan Moss on Sunday, May 1, Click HERE.
  • Hand Sanitizer… The Altar Guild has noticed that hand sanitizer takes the finish off the pews. Please use hand sanitizer carefully.
  • See Up-dated COVID protocols in “Announcements” section.
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are stickers available for you to put on your name tag or your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED • dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW • dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN • dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.
  • Worship Schedule for May 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • May 8—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 15—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Eucharist, The Rev John Bellaimey (Guest Preacher & Celebrant)
    • May 22—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily. (virtual only)
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 29—
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
    • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!
Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s 2022 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up

Thanks to everyone who attended our 2022 Annual meeting on May 1, either in-person or online. Here are the highlights:
  • We expressed our gratitude to our wonderful staff, music director Vonda Humburg, youth minister Mia Lisa Millares and youth group leader Kat Lewis for all that they do.
  • We thanked outgoing vestry members Cindy James, Jim Wheeler and Lisa Stratton for their service.
  • We thanked Rex Holzemer (treasurer) and Jennie Ward (clerk) as they step out of those roles for all of their contributions, and welcomed Catherine Neuschler as our new treasurer and Aimee Sutherland as our new clerk.
  • We offered our appreciation to the search team for all of their work over a year and a half through some difficult challenges so that we can now be on the cusp of our next rector starting in a matter of weeks.
  • Elections:
    • Nina Johnson was elected as our new co-warden
    • Cathy McNaughton, Julie Thomas and Anna Clark were elected to the vestry.
    • Paulette Briese and Nina Johnson will represent St. Mary’s as delegates to the ECMN annual convention, and Julia Nerbonne and Julie Thomas will be alternates.
    • Jim Wheeler was elected to the Endowment Committee.
  • Finally, we expressed our gratitude for all that Rev. Susan Moss has done for St. Mary’s during her time as our transition priest. It was such a gift that Susan was willing to work with us over a much longer stay than we all had planned. Her wise guidance and thoughtful insights were so helpful as St. Mary’s navigated some challenging times. Susan’s last day with St. Mary’s is May 7. Thank you, Susan!

Getting to Know Our Next Rector

In just a few short weeks we will be meeting our next rector for Saint Mary’s – The Reverend Lindsey Briggs. In June we plan on doing a series of articles in the Weekly to help our community get to know Reverend Lindsey a little bit better. To help Reverend Lindsey with what “inquiring minds want to know”, please feel free to submit your questions to help develop our June articles – Click HERE. In the meantime, you’re invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

 

St. Mary’s Children, Youth, and Families

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Youth Group:
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in May.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

Return to Top

Pastoral Care

Meal Train for The Ebbers Family
Anna and Jaron Ebbers are expecting a baby girl in May! They have a meal train set up for anyone that would like to sign up to bring food after the baby is born:

https://mealtrain.com/7wlken

Thank you!!

Outreach

KIVA Update
On Good Friday, a soup supper was held to support St Mary’s efforts to provide loans to people around the world through the KIVA organization. Delicious soups and bread were enjoyed by all and $560 was collected to add to the $1480 that had been re-paid by those who received loans from St. Mary’s earlier. Totaling these up, $2040 was available to be loaned. Thank you to all who joined us for soups. And thank you to those of you who donated.

New loans were made in 13 different countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Palestine, Kenya, Berkina Faso, Ecuador, Madagascar and Rwanda; and to 16 individuals or groups; for sewing traditional clothing, making ice cream, farming, raising sheep, selling fish and cell phones and beer and candy and for home construction, toilets, pig farms, fertilizer and seeds. Making a difference around the world….

Announcements

Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols as of 4/26/2022

  • 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.
  • On Sundays when there is Eucharist, there will be a Gospel Procession to middle of center aisle, using either lapel or floor mic.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission) (Note: Penelope, Clare and Caroline are super excited to be able to acolyte again!)
  • 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. (See “Dot” blurb in “What’s New”.)
  • Social time in the Sanctuary and St Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!   (Occasional exceptions re food/drink with windows/doors open, but generally will defer this until we can be outside.

 

Mission Area Gatherings – Saturday, May 14 from 9am – 12pm
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting at this Spring’s gathering for the East Mission Area. This will be a hybrid event, taking place at St. Clements, 901 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104 with an option to attend online. Food and beverages will not be served, but join us after the gathering for an “After party” potluck lunch! Click HERE to register.

 

Discounted Tickets for the Bach Society of Minnesota-At the Summit, B Minor Mass – Saturday, May 14
For the At the Summit, B Minor Mass concert. We would love to offer a discounted price to show our appreciation to your church community. Please use promotional code “Bach18” when you purchase over the phone (Ordway Ticket Office 651-224-4222) or through the website. For this same concert, children under 12 attend for free (with a purchase of student/adult ticket)

Yunyue Liu
Executive Director
BACH SOCIETY of MINNESOTA

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!
Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Pat; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline 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 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.

CaringBridge for Don Horton
Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 5/6 – 5/12

Sunday, May 8, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, May 8, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, May 9, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Men’s Group Meeting (Rescheduled from last week)
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Email musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, May 12, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, May 12, 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!)

Thursday, May 12, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – April 29, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, May 1, 2022 

  • First Message:  Acts 9: 1-6
  • Gospel:  John 21: 1-19 Jesus appears to his disciples
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on May 1, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Eucharist (Virtual and in-person) with The Reverend Susan Moss, celebrant and preacher. This is also the date of the Annual Meeting (immediately following the worship service) and Susan’s last Sunday with us.
To join the 10am worship on May 1, 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 May 1 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the Easter Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

St. Mary’s Annual Meeting & Celebration for Reverend Moss

Children and Youth

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • This will be Reverend Susan Moss’ last Sunday with us. Also on May 1st, St. Mary’s will hold its Annual Meeting following the worship service, again in person and via Zoom. On the Agenda are reviewing St. Mary’s financials and voting for a new Warden and new Vestry members. We need a minimum of 25% of our adult membership (age 16 and over) for this to be a valid meeting. Please come and join in organizing St. Mary’s for this new phase of our future.
  • Hand Sanitizer… The Altar Guild has noticed that hand sanitizer takes the finish off the pews. Please use hand sanitizer carefully.
  • See Up-dated COVID protocols in “Announcements” section.
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are stickers available for you to put on your name tag or your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED • dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW • dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN • dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.
  • Worship Schedule for May 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • May 1—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Eucharist/Annual Meeting/Susan Moss’ last Sunday
    • May 8—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 15—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Eucharist, The Rev John Bellaimey (Guest Preacher & Celebrant)
    • May 22—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily. (virtual only)
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 29—
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
    • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!
Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

May 1 – St. Mary’s Annual Meeting & Celebration for Reverend Moss

St. Mary’s Staff and Committee Reports
In advance of our St. Mary’s Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, May 1st following the 10am worship service, please review the annual reports presented by staff and committees. Please note that the Treasurer’s Report will be a part of the May 1st meeting:
 
Candidates for St. Mary’s Leadership
The approval of candidates to serve in our open leadership roles will be an order of business during our upcoming annual meeting on May 1, 2022.
 
We have several open positions:  Warden, Vestry, Treasurer, and Clerk. We are so blessed and so thankful to have these members of our community step forward with willingness to volunteer their time to do this work of Saint Mary’s as we move into an exciting new phase of our life in community.
 
Please take a minute to get acquainted with our members who have indicated interest to serve by following this link: (https://saintmarysepiscopal.org/new-members-for-vestry-2022/)
If the full slate of our candidates is approved, the whole of the leadership body (Priest, Wardens, and vestry) could include twelve (12) people! This is such a positive sign indicating the strength
of our community and our combined energy for a bright future.
 
Many thanks to our candidate-members!
 
St. Mary’s Delegates to the 2022 ECMN Convention
At the May 1st St. Mary’s annual meeting we will be voting on delegates to represent St. Mary’s at the 2022 ECMN annual convention, to be held in Rochester on October 27-29. The annual convention is both a way to learn more about what is happening in the wider diocese and to vote on decisions being made there. St. Mary’s is entitled to two delegates, and we generally name an alternate as well. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please contact warden Brian Nerbonne by Sunday, April 24 either at church or via email.
 
Reverend Susan Moss Celebration
May 1 will be our chance to give The Reverend Susan Moss a St. Mary’s-style send-off and show our deep appreciation for all she has done for us. That Sunday will be her last day preaching with us, and after church we will gather to give her our thanks for celebrating Eucharists, working with the worship team to plan services, giving thought-provoking sermons, helping us to heal and be ready for new beginnings, and for guiding the wardens, vestry and search team through a longer than expected search process. It is standard practice during transitions for a departing priest to leave 3-4 weeks prior to the arrival of a new rector. Susan’s last day will be Saturday May 7. That means – a party to show our thanks after church on May 1!
 
May 1 is also the date of our annual parish meeting, where we will vote on important things like new vestry members and a co-warden. Our bylaws state that we need at least 25% of us in attendance in order for a vote to take place, so this is another reason to join us.
 
For those who are wondering, during the transition time between Susan’s departure and the arrival of our new rector, we will cover pastoral duties in a few ways. Pastoral care emergencies will be handled by The Reverend Cindi Brickson. For worship services we will have a mix of lay-led Morning Prayer services, a Eucharist with a guest celebrant and preacher, and an adapted Morning Prayer Zoom only service with Gospel Based Discipleship. If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please let me know.
 
Hope to see you there for a fun event on May 1!
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Youth Group:
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in May.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

Return to Top

Pastoral Care

Meal Train for The Ebbers Family
Anna and Jaron Ebbers are expecting a baby girl in May! They have a meal train set up for anyone that would like to sign up to bring food after the baby is born:

https://mealtrain.com/7wlken

Thank you!!

Outreach

KIVA Update
On Good Friday, a soup supper was held to support St Mary’s efforts to provide loans to people around the world through the KIVA organization. Delicious soups and bread were enjoyed by all and $560 was collected to add to the $1480 that had been re-paid by those who received loans from St. Mary’s earlier. Totaling these up, $2040 was available to be loaned. Thank you to all who joined us for soups. And thank you to those of you who donated.

New loans were made in 13 different countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Palestine, Kenya, Berkina Faso, Ecuador, Madagascar and Rwanda; and to 16 individuals or groups; for sewing traditional clothing, making ice cream, farming, raising sheep, selling fish and cell phones and beer and candy and for home construction, toilets, pig farms, fertilizer and seeds. Making a difference around the world….

Announcements

Saint Mary’s COVID Protocols as of 4/26/2022

  • 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.
  • On Sundays when there is Eucharist, there will be a Gospel Procession to middle of center aisle, using either lapel or floor mic.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission) (Note: Penelope, Clare and Caroline are super excited to be able to acolyte again!)
  • 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. (See “Dot” blurb in “What’s New”.)
  • Social time in the Sanctuary and St Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!   (Occasional exceptions re food/drink with windows/doors open, but generally will defer this until we can be outside.

 

Violin and Viola Concert – Friday, April 29 at 7pm
The community of St. Mary’s is invited to a violin and viola concert in the sanctuary on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The performers are mostly students of Mary Taylor Allen, who taught from her St. Mary’s studio for many years before moving to Hawaii. Savannah and Elias, St. Mary’s youth, will perform as well. All are welcome! If you have questions, please contact Erika Scheurer at ecscheurer at stthomas.edu.

 
Mission Area Gatherings – Saturday, May 14 from 9am – 12pm
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting at this Spring’s gathering for the East Mission Area. This will be a hybrid event, taking place at St. Clements, 901 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104 with an option to attend online. Food and beverages will not be served, but join us after the gathering for an “After party” potluck lunch! Click HERE to register.

 

Discounted Tickets for the Bach Society of Minnesota-At the Summit, B Minor Mass – Saturday, May 14
For the At the Summit, B Minor Mass concert. We would love to offer a discounted price to show our appreciation to your church community. Please use promotional code “Bach18” when you purchase over the phone (Ordway Ticket Office 651-224-4222) or through the website. For this same concert, children under 12 attend for free (with a purchase of student/adult ticket)

Yunyue Liu
Executive Director
BACH SOCIETY of MINNESOTA

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!
Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline 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 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 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.

CaringBridge for Don Horton
Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 4/29 – 5/5

Sunday, May 1, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, May 1, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service & Annual Meeting
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, May 2, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Worship Team Meeting
5:30pm
Email worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Men’s Group Meeting
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Email musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, May 5, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, May 5, 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!)

Thursday, May 5, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – April 22, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, April 24, 2022 

  • First Message:  Acts 5: 27-32
  • Gospel:  John 20: 19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples and to Thomas)
8:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion creating the homily—Virtual only—led by Steve Andrews. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on April 24, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
For the April 24 Service Bulletin for the 8am service – Click HERE
 
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on April 24, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer with favorite hymns and songs of St. Mary’s parishioners. Come and sing with us!! In-person and virtual. After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and for in-person worshippers, there will be a social gathering held in the entryway with doors open (and outdoors if weather permits).
To join the 10am worship on April 24, 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 April 24 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the April 24 Hymn Sing Lyric Sheet – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

St. Mary’s Annual Meeting & Celebration for Reverend Moss

Children and Youth

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • To listen to the homily given by The Reverend Susan Moss on Easter Sunday, April 17, Click HERE.
  • What a glorious Easter celebration at St. Mary’s! It felt almost like a pre-COVID Sunday with 80 people in the sanctuary! Add to that close to 20 people who joined via Zoom, and we came mighty close to topping 100 people in the St. Mary’s community being together to celebrate the Risen Christ!! Alleluia!!
  • Hand Sanitizer… The Altar Guild has noticed that hand sanitizer takes the finish off the pews. Please use hand sanitizer carefully.
  • What’s so special about April 24, 2022?? Well, first, it’s the 2nd Sunday of the Easter season and that’s worth celebrating!! It’s joyful! The “Alleluias” continue. Second, we’ll be singing and singing and singing…many of our favorite hymns and songs! (All the hymns/songs may not be sung on April 24, but there are several more Sundays in the Easter season! Stay tuned!) Third, see the next bullet point re DOTS!
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are stickers available for you to put on your name tag or your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED • dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW • dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN • dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.
  • May 1st is now only one week away.  You’re invited to worship at 10am either in person or via Zoom. This will be Susan Moss’ last Sunday with us. Also on May 1st, St. Mary’s will hold its Annual Meeting following the worship service, again in person and via Zoom. On the Agenda are reviewing St Mary’s financials and voting for a new Warden and new Vestry members. We need a minimum of 25% of our adult membership (age 16 and over) for this to be a valid meeting. Please come and join in organizing St. Mary’s for this new phase of our future.
  • Worship Schedule for April & May 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • April 24—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a sermon. (virtual only)
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer service with LOTS of St. Marians’ favorite hymns and songs.
    • May 1—
      • (Note: Yet to be determined whether or not the 9am Family Service will continue into May.)
      • 10:00am Eucharist/Annual Meeting/Susan Moss’ last Sunday
    • May 8—
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 15—
      • 10:00am Eucharist, The Rev John Bellaimey (Guest Preacher & Celebrant)
    • May 22—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a homily. (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Morning Prayer straight out of the BCP led by Jim DeLuca
    • May 29—
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
    • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!
Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

May 1 – St. Mary’s Annual Meeting & Celebration for Reverend Moss

St. Mary’s Staff and Committee Reports
In advance of our St. Mary’s Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, May 1st following the 10am worship service, please review the annual reports presented by staff and committees. Please note that the Treasurer’s Report will be a part of the May 1st meeting:
 
Candidates for St. Mary’s Leadership
The approval of candidates to serve in our open leadership roles will be an order of business during our upcoming annual meeting on May 1, 2022.
 
We have several open positions:  Warden, Vestry, Treasurer, and Clerk. We are so blessed and so thankful to have these members of our community step forward with willingness to volunteer their time to do this work of Saint Mary’s as we move into an exciting new phase of our life in community.
 
Please take a minute to get acquainted with our members who have indicated interest to serve by following this link: (https://saintmarysepiscopal.org/new-members-for-vestry-2022/)
If the full slate of our candidates is approved, the whole of the leadership body (Priest, Wardens, and vestry) could include twelve (12) people! This is such a positive sign indicating the strength
of our community and our combined energy for a bright future.
 
Many thanks to our candidate-members!
 
St. Mary’s Delegates to the 2022 ECMN Convention
At the May 1st St. Mary’s annual meeting we will be voting on delegates to represent St. Mary’s at the 2022 ECMN annual convention, to be held in Rochester on October 27-29. The annual convention is both a way to learn more about what is happening in the wider diocese and to vote on decisions being made there. St. Mary’s is entitled to two delegates, and we generally name an alternate as well. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please contact warden Brian Nerbonne by Sunday, April 24 either at church or via email.
 
Reverend Susan Moss Celebration
May 1 will be our chance to give The Reverend Susan Moss a St. Mary’s-style send-off and show our deep appreciation for all she has done for us. That Sunday will be her last day preaching with us, and after church we will gather to give her our thanks for celebrating Eucharists, working with the worship team to plan services, giving thought-provoking sermons, helping us to heal and be ready for new beginnings, and for guiding the wardens, vestry and search team through a longer than expected search process. It is standard practice during transitions for a departing priest to leave 3-4 weeks prior to the arrival of a new rector. Susan’s last day will be Saturday May 7. That means – a party to show our thanks after church on May 1!
 
May 1 is also the date of our annual parish meeting, where we will vote on important things like new vestry members and a co-warden. Our bylaws state that we need at least 25% of us in attendance in order for a vote to take place, so this is another reason to join us.
 
As one way of saying thank you to The Reverend Moss, we are taking donations for a thank you gift through Sunday, April 24. If you would like to make a donation, you have a few options:
 
  • Write a check (or cash in an envelope) and put it in the offering plate at church, indicating “Susan” on the memo line or envelope.
  • Write a check or use your bank’s online bill pay system and send it to St. Mary’s (1895 Laurel Avenue; St Paul, MN 55104), indicating “Susan” on the memo line.
  • Online with our automated payment system through Vanco. To make a special contribution Click HERE and select “Thanks Rev. Moss!”
 
For those who are wondering, during the transition time between Susan’s departure and the arrival of our new rector, we will cover pastoral duties in a few ways. Pastoral care emergencies will be handled by The Reverend Cindi Brickson. For worship services we will have a mix of lay-led Morning Prayer services, a Eucharist with a guest celebrant and preacher, and an adapted Morning Prayer Zoom only service with Gospel Based Discipleship. If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please let me know.
 
Hope to see you there for a fun event on May 1!
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Youth Group:
Join Kat for youth group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Just a reminder that Youth Group is for young people who are 7th through 12th grade. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

Return to Top

Outreach

Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light Federal Climate Action Event
On Tuesday, April 26, at 11:15 am, join Minnesotans of faith and conscience to raise our collective voices for federal climate action! We will meet virtually with Senator Tina Smith, who has been a champion for the $555 billion climate provisions of the Build Back Better Act. If this legislation passes the Senate, it will be the largest-ever federal investment in clean energy! Register here for the call: Click HERE 

During this event hosted by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, we will hear clean energy testimonies from several congregations and have an opportunity to add our own climate stories. The Senator will also share updates and how we can help get these provisions passed. We hope to have at least 10 people from St. Mary’s on the call. Join us by clicking this link: Click HERE

KIVA Update
On Good Friday, a soup supper was held to support St Mary’s efforts to provide loans to people around the world through the KIVA organization. Delicious soups and bread were enjoyed by all and $560 was collected to add to the $1480 that had been re-paid by those who received loans from St. Mary’s earlier. Totaling these up, $2040 was available to be loaned. Thank you to all who joined us for soups. And thank you to those of you who donated.

New loans were made in 13 different countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Palestine, Kenya, Berkina Faso, Ecuador, Madagascar and Rwanda; and to 16 individuals or groups; for sewing traditional clothing, making ice cream, farming, raising sheep, selling fish and cell phones and beer and candy and for home construction, toilets, pig farms, fertilizer and seeds. Making a difference around the world….

Announcements

Violin and Viola Concert – Friday, April 29 at 7pm
The community of St. Mary’s is invited to a violin and viola concert in the sanctuary on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The performers are mostly students of Mary Taylor Allen, who taught from her St. Mary’s studio for many years before moving to Hawaii. Savannah and Elias, St. Mary’s youth, will perform as well. All are welcome! If you have questions, please contact Erika Scheurer at ecscheurer at stthomas.edu.

 
Mission Area Gatherings – Saturday, May 14 from 9am – 12pm
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting at this Spring’s gathering for the East Mission Area. This will be a hybrid event, taking place at St. Clements, 901 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104 with an option to attend online. Food and beverages will not be served, but join us after the gathering for an “After party” potluck lunch! Click HERE to register.

 

Discounted Tickets for the Bach Society of Minnesota-At the Summit, B Minor Mass – Saturday, May 14
For the At the Summit, B Minor Mass concert. We would love to offer a discounted price to show our appreciation to your church community. Please use promotional code “Bach18” when you purchase over the phone (Ordway Ticket Office 651-224-4222) or through the website. For this same concert, children under 12 attend for free (with a purchase of student/adult ticket)

Yunyue Liu
Executive Director
BACH SOCIETY of MINNESOTA

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!
Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline 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 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 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.

CaringBridge for Don Horton
Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 4/22 – 4/28

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, April 24, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, April 25, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Vestry Meeting
6:30pm
Email wardens@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, April 28, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, April 28, 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!)

Thursday, April 28, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly April 15, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Friday, April 15, 2022

5:30pm Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper

7:00pm Stations of the Cross (Following KIVA Soup Supper)

To join the 7pm Stations of the Cross on April 15, 2022 Click HERE

If asked for a passcode, enter 929786
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 847 9828 8585

For the April 15 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

 

Saturday, April 16, 2022

 4:00pm 2022 Easter Vigil Family Service (Virtual)
 
To join the 4pm Easter Vigil Family Service on April 16, 2022 Click HERE
 
If asked for a passcode, enter Church
If asked for a meeting ID, enter  858 4295 0103
 

Sunday, April 17, 2022 

  • First Message:  Acts 10:34-43
  • Gospel:  Luke 24: 1-12 
10:00am – “Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia!”  Yes, the “Alleluias” are back!!  Join the in-person and virtual Eucharist worship celebration with The Reverend Susan Moss giving the homily and celebrating.
After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and for in-person worshippers, there will be a social gathering, with beverages and donuts, held in the entryway with doors open (and outdoors if weather permits). The children’s Easter egg hunt will also happen after the worship service, weather permitting.
To join the 10am worship on April 17, 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 April 17 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Easter Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Children and Youth

Outreach

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Whats new? 

  • To listen to the homily given by The Reverend Susan Moss on Palm Sunday, April 10, Click Here.
  • TODAY!! Good Friday KIVA Soup supper is back! Fresh homemade bread (Julie Thomas) and butter; a few beverages; dessert AND 3 or 4 delicious sounding soups!!
    • Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup (Rainy Morgan)
    • Vegan Spicy Peanut and Pumpkin Soup (Anne Hanson)
    • Chicken & Vegetable Soup with Gnocchi (Aimee Sutherland)
    • Chilli (Aimee Sutherland)
  • Join us at 5:30pm. You’ll hear about the KIVA program and be invited to make a donation to KIVA, the worldwide loaning program Saint Mary’s participates in. No donation required to attend! Stations of the Cross begins at 7:00pm.
  • IMPORTANT: Hand Sanitizer… The Altar Guild has noticed that hand sanitizer takes the finish off the pews. Please use hand sanitizer carefully.
  • What’s happening on Easter Day? The “Alleluias” are back!! Let’s make them resound throughout the sanctuary and on Zoom as well!! After the worship service, there will be the fastest Easter Egg Hunt for children—location to be determined. There will also be beverages and donuts available in the entryway with doors open for air flow and outside if weather permits.
  • What’s so special about April 24, 2022?? Well, first, it’s the 2nd Sunday of the Easter season and that’s worth celebrating!! It’s joyful! The “Alleluias” continue. Second, we’ll be singing and singing and singing…many of our favorite hymns and songs! (If you didn’t sign up your favorite [one or two per person], send an email to worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org or put the name or hymn number in the chat or use the sign up sheet at the back of the church [ask ushers] and we’ll add them to the list!) All the hymns/songs may not be sung on April 24, but there are several more Sundays in the Easter season! Stay tuned!  Third, see the next bullet point re DOTS!!
  • “Covid Comfort” & DOTS!!…Do you need 6′ spacing to feel safe at church? Do you prefer elbow and fist bumps? Are you hankering for hugs? Well, now we have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • Starting Sunday, April 24th, there will be stickers available for you to put on your name tag or on your shirt to let all of us know how close you’re willing to get when we’re greeting each other.
    • A RED dot will indicate that you’d like to maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug); a YELLOW dot will tell us that you feel comfortable coming closer and would like a wave or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting; and a GREEN dot will indicate that you are willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs.

Worship Schedule for Holy Week & Easter (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)   Look closely below:  services/activities at different times & in different places

  • April 15—
    • 5:30pm Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper
    • 7:00pm Stations of the Cross (Following KIVA Soup Supper)
      • For the April 15 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
  • April 16—
    • 4:00pm Easter Vigil (virtual) (No Family Service on Easter Day)
  • April 17— Easter
    • 10:00am  Eucharist led by The Reverend Susan Moss, with Easter Egg Hunt for children and with beverages & donuts after the service.  
  • April 24—
    • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship discussion in place of a sermon. (virtual only)
    • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer service with LOTS of St. Marians’ favorite hymns and songs.

Weekly Worship Services

  • Mondays—Compline 7:30pm (virtual only)
  • Thursdays—Contemplative Service 7:00pm in St Mary’s Chapel.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth
 
Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week. 
 
Apr 16, 2022
2022 Easter Vigil Family Service
 4:00pm 
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

 

Return to Top

Outreach

Help our new rector get to know us!

Let Paulette Briese know if you’d like a new name badge.  Info needed:  First & Last name; pronouns you prefer; Lanyard, pin or clip style; and if you want a rainbow pin on your name badge.  paulettegb at comcast.net. 

To brighten someone’s day…

Would you like to bring a smile to someone’s face? Brighten their day? This opportunity may be for you! The Worship Team is looking for a couple people who would like to bring an Easter plant to some of the St Mary’s parishioners. Don’t be shy!! If you’d like to deliver plants, let me (paulettegb at comcast.net ) or Susan know!

Spring Food Shelf Drives

My name is Rainy Morgan, and I want to remind everyone that March was usually considered the month for annual food drives. In the past St. Mary’s Outreach had a relationship with the Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul (IAGSP, or ‘IA/Interfaith Action’) with their local food shelf, however, they have now moved to Little Canada. Their business office remains local, on Grand Avenue. Because they recently moved and are getting re-organized, they did not do a big March promotion, but donations can still be made online or by sending in checks. (See addresses below) Interfaith action specializes in programming with the department of Indian Work. If donating online, please donate under that program. Today there are multiple agencies both local, national, and international, to raise funds for food donations. For those of us that are able, it’s easy to go online to donate any time of year. So please remember to support your favorite food shelf if possible! Rainy Morgan, morgan55106 at yahoo.com

Donation for Interfaith Action: Interfaithaction.org

Checks can be mailed to the following address, with food shelf in the notation line:

Interfaith Action

1041 Grand. Ave.

St. Paul. Mn. 55105

Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light Federal Climate Action Event

On Tuesday, April 26, at 11:15 am, join Minnesotans of faith and conscience to raise our collective voices for federal climate action! We will meet virtually with Senator Tina Smith, who has been a champion for the $555 billion climate provisions of the Build Back Better Act. If this legislation passes the Senate, it will be the largest-ever federal investment in clean energy! Register here for the call: Click HERE 

During this event hosted by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, we will hear clean energy testimonies from several congregations and have an opportunity to add our own climate stories. The Senator will also share updates and how we can help get these provisions passed. We hope to have at least 10 people from St. Mary’s on the call. Join us by clicking this link: Click HERE

Announcement
 
Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 9am-12pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!
 

Violin and Viola Concert Friday, April 29 at 7pm 

The community of St. Mary’s is invited to a violin and viola concert in the sanctuary on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The performers are mostly students of Mary Taylor Allen, who taught from her St. Mary’s studio for many years before moving to Hawaii. Savannah and Elias, St. Mary’s youth, will perform as well. All are welcome! If you have questions, please contact Erika Scheurer at ecscheurer at stthomas.edu.
 

May 1 – Annual Meeting & The Reverend Susan Moss Celebration 

May 1 will be our chance to give The Reverend Susan Moss a St. Mary’s-style send-off and show our deep appreciation for all she has done for us. That Sunday will be her last will day preaching with us, and after church we will gather to give her our thanks for celebrating Eucharists, working with the worship team to plan services, giving thought-provoking sermons, helping us to heal and be ready for new beginnings, and for guiding the wardens, vestry and search team through a longer than expected search process. It is standard practice during transitions for a departing priest to leave 3-4 weeks prior to the arrival of a new rector. Susan’s last day will be Saturday May 7. That means – a party to show our thanks after church on May 1!
 
May 1 is also the date of our annual parish meeting, where we will vote on important things like new vestry members and a co-warden. Our bylaws state that we need at least 25% of us in attendance in order for a vote to take place, so this is another reason to join us.
 
As one way of saying thank you to The Reverend Moss, we are taking donations for a thank you gift through Sunday, April 24. If you would like to make a donation, you have a few options:
 
  • Write a check (or cash in an envelope) and put it in the offering plate at church, indicating “Susan” on the memo line or envelope.
  • Write a check or use your bank’s online bill pay system and send it to St. Mary’s (1895 Laurel Avenue; St Paul, MN 55104), indicating “Susan” on the memo line.
  • Online with our automated payment system through Vanco. To make a special contribution Click HERE and select “Thanks Rev. Moss!”
 
For those who are wondering, during the transition time between Susan’s departure and the arrival of our new rector, we will cover pastoral duties in a few ways. Pastoral care emergencies will be handled by The Reverend Cindi Brickson. For worship services we will have a mix of lay-led Morning Prayer services, a Eucharist with a guest celebrant and preacher, and an adapted Morning Prayer Zoom only service with Gospel Based Discipleship. If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please let me know.
 
Hope to see you there for a fun event on May 1!
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!

Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline 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 who are in need of prayer.

Prayers for Betsy, Karen, and family as they mourn the loss of Betsy’s mother who passed away Monday morning. May Lorraine’s soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Prayers for Nina, Mike, and family as they mourn the loss of Nina’s mother who passed away Sunday evening. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

If you would like a name to be added to Saint Mary’s public prayer list or special prayer shared, please email 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.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 4/15-21

Friday, April 15, 2022
Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper
5:30pm
St. Mary’s Room 

Friday, April 15, 2022
In-person and Virtual Stations of the Cross
7:00pm Service
Link

Saturday, April 16, 2022
Virtual Easter Vigil
4:00pm Service
Link

Sunday, April 17, 2022
In-person and Virtual Easter Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, April 18, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
Email finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Rescheduled Men’s Group Gathering
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Choir Rehearsal 
7:00pm

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, April 21, 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!)

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Tweeners-Virtual
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly April 8, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, April 10, 2022 

  • First Message:  Isaiah 50:4-9a
  • Gospel:  Luke 19:28-40 
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on April 10 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the April 10 Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am -The Community gathers downstairs in the entryway outside the office for the “Liturgy of the Palms”. Then we process up to and around the sanctuary.  (Further information in the “What’s New” section under “Worship Team”.)  In-person and virtual Eucharist, The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and homilist.

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

To join the 10am worship on April 10, 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 April 10 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Children and Youth

Outreach

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Whats new? Palm Sunday and KIVA Soup Supper

  • To listen to the pre-recorded homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN, Click HERE
  • Procession with Palms:This Sunday, the Community gathers downstairs in the entryway outside the office for the “Liturgy of the Palms”. Then we up to and around the sanctuary. After processing around the outer aisles of the sanctuary, we’ll process down the center aisle.  Feel free to drop out of the procession to take your place in a pew as the procession goes down the center aisle.
  • Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper is back!  Soup with meat and meatless soup; fresh baked homemade bread and butter; a few beverages; dessert.  Join us at 5:30pm. You’ll hear about the KIVA program and be invited to make a donation to KIVA, the worldwide loaning program St. Mary’s participates in.  No donation required to attend! 
  • See “Announcements” for info re “Favorite Hymns?  Favorite Songs?”
  • Worship Schedule for Palm Sunday, Holy Week &  Easter (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)   Look closely below:  services/activities at different times & in different places
    • April 10—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Liturgy of the Palms & Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. 
    • April 14—
      • 7:30pm Maundy Thursday at St. Clements 
    • April 15—
      • 5:30pm Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper
      • 7:00pm Stations of the Cross 
    • April 16—
      • 4:00pm Easter Vigil (virtual) (No Family Service on Easter Day)
    • April 17— Easter
      • 10:00am  Eucharist led by The Reverend Susan Moss, with Easter Egg Hunt for children and with beverages & donuts after the service.  
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline (virtual)
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service in St. Mary’s Chapel 

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth
 
Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week. 
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 
Apr 16, 2022
2022 Easter Vigil Family Service
 4:00pm 
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

 

Return to Top

Outreach

Help our new rector get to know us!

Let Paulette Briese know if you’d like a new name badge.  Info needed:  First & Last name; pronouns you prefer; Lanyard, pin or clip style; and if you want a rainbow pin on your name badge.  paulettegb at comcast.net. 

To brighten someone’s day…

Would you like to bring a smile to someone’s face? Brighten their day? This opportunity may be for you! The Worship Team is looking for a couple people who would like to bring an Easter plant to some of the St. Mary’s parishioners. For some people, it might simply be delivering a plant and having a little visit. For others, it might also include taking communion to them. Susan would provide training for anyone who would like to do this. Don’t be shy!!  If you’d like to deliver plants, let me (paulettegb at comcast.net ) or Susan know! If you’d like to take communion to someone, same story! Let Paulette or Susan know. 

Spring Food Shelf Drives

My name is Rainy Morgan, and I want to remind everyone that March was usually considered the month for annual food drives. In the past St. Mary’s Outreach had a relationship with the Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul (IAGSP, or ‘IA/Interfaith Action’) with their local food shelf, however, they have now moved to Little Canada. Their business office remains local, on Grand Avenue. Because they recently moved and are getting re-organized, they did not do a big March promotion, but donations can still be made online or by sending in checks. (See addresses below) Interfaith action specializes in programming with the department of Indian Work. If donating online, please donate under that program. Today there are multiple agencies both local, national, and international, to raise funds for food donations. For those of us that are able, it’s easy to go online to donate any time of year. So please remember to support your favorite food shelf if possible! Rainy Morgan, morgan55106 at yahoo.com

Donation for Interfaith Action: Interfaithaction.org

Checks can be mailed to the following address, with food shelf in the notation line:

Interfaith Action

1041 Grand. Ave.

St. Paul. Mn. 55105

Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light Federal Climate Action Event

On Tuesday, April 26, at 11:15 am, join Minnesotans of faith and conscience to raise our collective voices for federal climate action! We will meet virtually with Senator Tina Smith, who has been a champion for the $555 billion climate provisions of the Build Back Better Act. If this legislation passes the Senate, it will be the largest-ever federal investment in clean energy! Register here for the call: Click HERE 

During this event hosted by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, we will hear clean energy testimonies from several congregations and have an opportunity to add our own climate stories. The Senator will also share updates and how we can help get these provisions passed. We hope to have at least 10 people from St. Mary’s on the call. Join us by clicking this link: Click HERE

Announcement
 
Easter Flowers
We rely on all of your generous contributions to make the altar look beautiful and spring like for the Easter season. Please fill out the Google form Click HERE or take a form from the back of the church. Please leave your donation in the church plate or send it to St. Mary’s by April 10th 2022. Remember to put Easter Flowers in the memo. Please contact Ginny DeLuca (651.470.7739) if you have any questions. Thank you.
 

What are your favorite hymns? Favorite songs?

On Sunday, April 24th, we’ll celebrate Easter 2 by having a simple Morning Prayer service and singing as many of our favorite hymns and songs as we can squeeze in!!!  This is your opportunity to let the Worship Team know what those songs/hymns are!!  What hymns/songs have you been missing?  You can send your favorites to worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org.  Or there’ll be a clip board at church this Sunday so you can sign up.  Ask the Ushers for the clip board!!  Or put your favorites in the chat!  

Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!
 

Violin and Viola Concert Friday, April 29 at 7pm 

The community of St. Mary’s is invited to a violin and viola concert in the sanctuary on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The performers are mostly students of Mary Taylor Allen, who taught from her St. Mary’s studio for many years before moving to Hawaii. Savannah and Elias, St. Mary’s youth, will perform as well. All are welcome! If you have questions, please contact Erika Scheurer at ecscheurer at stthomas.edu.
 

May 1 – Annual Meeting & The Reverend Susan Moss Celebration 

May 1 will be our chance to give The Reverend Susan Moss a St. Mary’s-style send-off and show our deep appreciation for all she has done for us. That Sunday will be her last will day preaching with us, and after church we will gather to give her our thanks for celebrating Eucharists, working with the worship team to plan services, giving thought-provoking sermons, helping us to heal and be ready for new beginnings, and for guiding the wardens, vestry and search team through a longer than expected search process. It is standard practice during transitions for a departing priest to leave 3-4 weeks prior to the arrival of a new rector. Susan’s last day will be Saturday May 7. That means – a party to show our thanks after church on May 1!
 
May 1 is also the date of our annual parish meeting, where we will vote on important things like new vestry members and a co-warden. Our bylaws state that we need at least 25% of us in attendance in order for a vote to take place, so this is another reason to join us.
 
As one way of saying thank you to The Reverend Moss, we are taking donations for a thank you gift through Sunday, April 24. If you would like to make a donation, you have a few options:
 
  • Write a check (or cash in an envelope) and put it in the offering plate at church, indicating “Susan” on the memo line or envelope.
  • Write a check or use your bank’s online bill pay system and send it to St. Mary’s (1895 Laurel Avenue; St Paul, MN 55104), indicating “Susan” on the memo line.
  • Online with our automated payment system through Vanco. To make a special contribution Click HERE and select “Thanks Rev. Moss!”
 
For those who are wondering, during the transition time between Susan’s departure and the arrival of our new rector, we will cover pastoral duties in a few ways. Pastoral care emergencies will be handled by The Reverend Cindi Brickson. For worship services we will have a mix of lay-led Morning Prayer services, a Eucharist with a guest celebrant and preacher, and an adapted Morning Prayer Zoom only service with Gospel Based Discipleship. If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please let me know.
 
Hope to see you there for a fun event on May 1!
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

 

Episcopal Night with the Minnesota Twins!

Tuesday, June 21, 6:40pm at Target Field. For more information Click HERE. 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline 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 who are in need of prayer.

Prayers for Betsy, Karen, and family as they mourn the loss of Betsy’s mother who passed away Monday morning. May Lorraine’s soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Prayers for Nina, Mike, and family as they mourn the loss of Nina’s mother who passed away Sunday evening. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

If you would like a name to be added to Saint Mary’s public prayer list or special prayer shared, please email 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.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 4/8-14

Sunday, April 10, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

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

Monday, April 11, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Worship Team Meeting
5:30pm
Email worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Choir Rehearsal 
6:00pm

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, April 14, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, April 14, 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!)

Thursday, April 14, 2022
Maundy Thursday at St. Clements 
7:30pm 
St. Clements – 901 Portland Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly April 1, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, April 3, 2022 

  • First Message:  Isaiah 43:16-21
  • Gospel:  John 12:1-8 (Mary anoints Jesus 6 days before Passover—foreshadowing his execution)
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on April 3rd, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the April 3 Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – In-person and virtual Adapted Morning Prayer led by Jim DeLuca. ECMN Pre-Recorded homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN.

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

NOTE:  See the “Yes, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s” article for more information about decreasing COVID restrictions at St. Mary’s!

To join the 10am worship on April 3rd, 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 April 3rd Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Children and Youth

Outreach

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue is our guest preacher this Sunday. Here is an excerpt from Bishop Loya’s recent introduction of Blair to ECMN faith communities:

Blair is a truly extraordinary priest, and one I believe is uniquely qualified [to be ECMN’s new Canon for Vitality and Innovation.] For the past sixteen years, she has served as Rector of St. Matthew’s in St. Paul, which has experienced remarkable spiritual revival and renewal during her tenure. Her time at St. Matthew’s clearly demonstrates that she knows how to nurture congregational vitality and has the courage and creativity to lead a faith community in the ever-changing landscape around us. She previously served congregations in both rural and suburban contexts, and that background makes her a very good fit for our diverse diocese. She has written extensively in the areas of vitality and innovation during her ministry, has served as a coach in the Missional Leadership Cohort for Episcopal clergy at Luther seminary, and is widely recognized and consulted as a leader in the areas of vitality and innovation all over our church and ecumenically. Most importantly, she brings a deep and daily commitment to abiding in the person of Jesus, and a passion for reaching those outside the church’s walls. 

In accepting this call, Blair said: “I look forward to helping lay and ordained leaders in ECMN live more deeply into a network of shared learning and experimentation. My focus will be on deep listening, raising up and training regional leaders, facilitators, and coaches, and supporting grassroots networks so they can function as learning communities. I’m also excited about sharing spiritual practices to help people connect more deeply with God and their neighbors.”

 
What’s New?
  • To listen to the pre-recorded homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN, Click HERE
  • Worship Schedule for LENT & through Easter (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • April 10—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Liturgy of the Palms & Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. 
    • April 14—
      • 7:30pm Maundy Thursday at St. Clements 
    • April 15—
      • 5:30pm Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper
      • 7:00pm Stations of the Cross 
    • April 16—
      • 4:00pm Easter Vigil (virtual) (No Family Service on Easter Day)
    • April 17— Easter
      • 10:00am  Eucharist led by The Reverend Susan Moss, with Easter Egg Hunt for children and with beverages & donuts after the service.  
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline (virtual)
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service in St. Mary’s Chapel 

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Children’s and Youth 
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week.  
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun

Return to Top

Outreach

St. Mary’s support for KIVA continues

In 2021, loans made by St. Mary’s throughout the world through KIVA totaled $3550, plus $215 to support the services provided to the people by the KIVA organization. As KIVA receives loan repayments, these dollars go into St. Mary’s KIVA account. When that account reaches approximately $1000, new loans are made by St. Marians to other people looking to start or expand a business or wanting to make improvements to make their living environment healthier (i.e., toilets). If you’d like more information, contact Paulette Briese or Julie Thomas.

Help our new rector get to know us!

Let Paulette Briese know if you’d like a new name badge.  Info needed:  First & Last name; pronouns you prefer; Lanyard, pin or clip style; and if you want a rainbow pin on your name badge.  paulettegb at comcast.net. 

To brighten someone’s day…

Would you like to bring a smile to someone’s face? Brighten their day? This opportunity may be for you! The Worship Team is looking for a couple people who would like to bring an Easter plant to some of the St. Mary’s parishioners. For some people, it might simply be delivering a plant and having a little visit. For others, it might also include taking communion to them. Susan would provide training for anyone who would like to do this. Don’t be shy!!  If you’d like to deliver plants, let me (paulettegb at comcast.net ) or Susan know! If you’d like to take communion to someone, same story! Let Paulette or Susan know. 

Spring Food Shelf Drives

My name is Rainy Morgan, and I want to remind everyone that March was usually considered the month for annual food drives. In the past St. Mary’s Outreach had a relationship with the Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul (IAGSP, or ‘IA/Interfaith Action’) with their local food shelf, however, they have now moved to Little Canada. Their business office remains local, on Grand Avenue. Because they recently moved and are getting re-organized, they did not do a big March promotion, but donations can still be made online or by sending in checks. (See addresses below) Interfaith action specializes in programming with the department of Indian Work. If donating online, please donate under that program. Today there are multiple agencies both local, national, and international, to raise funds for food donations. For those of us that are able, it’s easy to go online to donate any time of year. So please remember to support your favorite food shelf if possible! Rainy Morgan, morgan55106 at yahoo.com

Donation for Interfaith Action: Interfaithaction.org

Checks can be mailed to the following address, with food shelf in the notation line:

Interfaith Action

1041 Grand. Ave.

St. Paul. Mn. 55105

Announcement
 
Easter Flowers
We rely on all of your generous contributions to make the altar look beautiful and spring like for the Easter season. Please fill out the Google form Click HERE or take a form from the back of the church. Please leave your donation in the church plate or send it to St. Mary’s by April 10th 2022. Remember to put Easter Flowers in the memo. Please contact Ginny DeLuca (651.470.7739) if you have any questions. Thank you.
 
Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!
 

The House of Bishop’s Resolution 

Click HERE

Violin and Viola Concert Friday, April 29 at 7pm 

The community of St. Mary’s is invited to a violin and viola concert in the sanctuary on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. The performers are mostly students of Mary Taylor Allen, who taught from her St. Mary’s studio for many years before moving to Hawaii. Savannah and Elias, St. Mary’s youth, will perform as well. All are welcome! If you have questions, please contact Erika Scheurer at ecscheurer at stthomas.edu.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Comfort for Janet, Nina Johnson’s mother, now in hospice care, and also for Nina and her two sisters; Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 4/1 – 7

Sunday, April 3, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, April 3 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, April 4, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Men’s Group
7:00pm
Email SMMG@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Wednesday, April 6 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, April 6 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm

Thursday, April 7, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, April 7, 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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – March 25, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s offers in-person and virtual service

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, March 27, 2022 

  • First Message:  Joshua 5:9-12
  • Gospel:  Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on March 27, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the March 27th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – In-person and virtual Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. ECMN Pre-Recorded homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, Episcopal Church in Minnesota. See “Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s” below for more information. 

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

NOTE:  See the “Yes, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s” article for more information about decreasing COVID restrictions at St. Mary’s!

To join the 10am worship on March 27th, 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 March 27th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Children and Youth

Outreach

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

 
Our guest preacher this Sunday is The Venerable Rena Turnham. She is one of three deacons appointed by Bishop Loya as ECMN archdeacons. An archdeacon in the Episcopal Church is a senior cleric to whom a bishop delegates certain responsibilities. Rena also serves our Cathedral Church of St. Mark as an associate for community engagement. She is the vice chair of the ECMN Cuba Commission and serves on the board of the Friends of the Episcopal Church in Cuba.
 
 
What’s New?
  • To listen to Brian Nerbonne read the transcript of the homily written by The Reverend John Mitchell from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Click HERE
  • Healing Prayers will be available after worship services on March 27th. 
  • Worship Schedule for LENT & through Easter (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • March 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN. **
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • April 10—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Liturgy of the Palms & Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. 
    • April 14—
      • 7:30pm Maundy Thursday at St. Clements 
    • April 15—
      • 5:30pm Good Friday KIVA Soup Supper
      • 7:00pm Stations of the Cross 
    • April 16—
      • 4:00pm Easter Vigil (virtual) (No Family Service on Easter Day)
    • April 17— Easter
      • 10:00am  Eucharist led by The Reverend Susan Moss, with Easter Egg Hunt for children and with beverages & donuts after the service.  
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline (virtual)
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service in St. Mary’s Chapel 

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

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

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
There is an opportunity for a TEC-like overnight April 1-2 at Ascension church in Stillwater.  Let Mia know if you are interested.  It is specific to 9th-12th graders. 
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week.  
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun

Return to Top

Outreach

St. Mary’s support for KIVA continues

In 2021, loans made by St. Mary’s throughout the world through KIVA totaled $3550, plus $215 to support the services provided to the people by the KIVA organization. As KIVA receives loan repayments, these dollars go into St. Mary’s KIVA account. When that account reaches approximately $1000, new loans are made by St. Marians to other people looking to start or expand a business or wanting to make improvements to make their living environment healthier (i.e., toilets). If you’d like more information, contact Paulette Briese or Julie Thomas.

Two ways for our new rector to get to know us!

First way: Let Paulette Briese know if you’d like a new name badge. Info needed: First & Last name, pronouns you prefer and “do you want a rainbow pin on your name badge”.  paulettegb@comcast.net     

Second way: We haven’t put out a new St. Mary’s Directory since 2018 and there have been many changes since then. In preparation for a new Directory and to give our new rector accurate info, please send address, phone number and email changes to paulettegb@comcast.net. Thanks.

To brighten someone’s day…

Would you like to bring a smile to someone’s face? Brighten their day? This opportunity may be for you! The Worship Team is looking for a couple people who would like to bring an Easter plant to some of the St. Mary’s parishioners. For some people, it might simply be delivering a plant and having a little visit. For others, it might also include taking communion to them. Susan would provide training for anyone who would like to do this. Don’t be shy!!  If you’d like to deliver plants, let me (paulettegb@comcast.net ) or Susan know! If you’d like to take communion to someone, same story! Let Paulette or Susan know. 

Announcement
 
Easter Flowers
We rely on all of your generous contributions to make the altar look beautiful and spring like for the Easter season. Please fill out the Google form Click HERE or take a form from the back of the church. Please leave your donation in the church plate or send it to St. Mary’s by April 10th 2022. Remember to put Easter Flowers in the memo. Please contact Ginny DeLuca (651-470-7739) if you have any questions. Thank you.
 
Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 3/25 – 31

Sunday, March 27, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, March 27, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, March 28, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 31, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 31, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, March 31, 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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – March 18, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s offers in-person and virtual service

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, March 20, 2022

  • First Message:  Exodus 3:1-15
  • Gospel:  Luke 13: 1-9 (Parable of the Fig Tree)
8:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Service via Zoom led by Steve Andrews. In place of a homily, there will be a Gospel Based Discipleship discussion. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on March 20, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on March 20, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the March 20th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am -In-person and virtual Adapted Morning Prayer led by Paulette Briese with an ECMN pre-recorded homily given The Reverend John Worjloh Mitchell, Priest-in-Charge, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Minneapolis.  See “liturgy Matters” under Worship Team for more information about Reverend John Worjloh Mitchell. 

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

NOTE:  See the “Yes, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s” article for more information about decreasing COVID restrictions at St. Mary’s!

To join the 10am worship on March 20th, 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 March 20th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

In-person Worship

Children and Youth

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

Rev. John Worjloh MitchellMeet The Reverend John Worjloh Mitchell, a native of Liberia, our guest preacher this coming Sunday. Father John serves ECMN as the priest in charge of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in north Minneapolis, not far from the ECMN offices on Broadway.

Admitted to our diocese at convention in 1875, St. Andrews, is one of our oldest faith communities. They describe themselves as a multicultural parish that has a long-standing tradition of warm and kind hospitality to all who come to worship.

Currently, the majority of St Andrew’s members came to the United States seeking asylum after the Civil War in Liberia. Other members are from Nigeria and Caribbean countries.

St. Andrews and Circle of the Beloved, Minnesota’s branch of the Episcopal Service Corps, are partners in a ministry of service with young adults promoting “kinship across lines of difference.” Circle’s corps members serve in metro non profits and live at Liberty House, St Andrew’s former rectory. 

Learn more about our Episcopal siblings at St. Andrews and Circle of the Beloved here: www.standrewsepiscopalchmn.org and  www.circleofthebeloved.org  and,  like them on Facebook. 

What’s New?
  • Yeah!! Hybrid (both in-person and virtual) worship is back!!  See separate article in Weekly Email regarding what will stay the same and what will change.
  • To listen to the homily given by Cherry Say, Lay Catechist, Church of the Messiah in Saint Paul, on Sunday, March 13, Click HERE. The segment in English starts at 4 minutes 30 seconds. 
  • Healing Prayers will be available after worship services on 27th. 
  • Worship Schedule for LENT (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • March 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship led by Steve Andrews (virtual).
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend John Mitchell from St. Andrew’s in Minneapolis.**
    • March 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN. **
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

YES, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s!!

At its February 22 meeting the Vestry approved opening St. Mary’s back up to in-person worship (continuing virtual worship as well).  The primary concerns of the Vestry (as they have been from the beginning) are to keep everyone (especially our youngest members who can’t yet be vaccinated and those who may be at higher risk) as safe as possible and to be as inclusive as possible.

Everyone is longing for a return to “normal”, whatever that is for each of us.  So, in the list below, all of these—safety, inclusivity and normalcy—were factors the Vestry considered.

First, what stays the same?

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will continue in the sanctuary.
  • Individual parishioners going to the mic to request prayers. Although no longer mandatory, 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 (at each end of the kneeler, keeping households separate)

Next, what changes?

  • Small processions will come back…no choir yet.
  • Aco-“lite” (!)—one child (with parental permission).
  • Folks can make their own announcements from the microphone. Although no longer mandatory, anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Singing with masks in place! Yes, we can really sing again!!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes and then a ritual hand sanitizing for all! Yes, we can really touch people again! However, we need to respect that people have different comfort levels. For those who are more comfortable staying apart, that’s perfectly fine, too.  Just wave a sign of peace.
  • Social time in the St. Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!

Return to Top

 

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

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
There is an opportunity for a TEC-like overnight April 1-2 at Ascension church in Stillwater.  Let Mia know if you are interested.  It is specific to 9th-12th graders. 
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week.  
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Announcement
 
Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!

 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 3/18 – 24

Sunday, March 20, 2022
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, March 20, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, March 20, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, March 21, 2022
Worship Team Meeting
5:30pm in Saint Mary’s Room

Monday, March 21, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 24, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 24, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, March 24, 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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – March 11, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s offers in-person and virtual service

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, March 13, 2022

  • First Message:  Genesis 15:1-2, 17-18
  • Gospel:  Luke 13:31-35
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on March 13, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the March 13th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am -In-person and virtual Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as the celebrant and Cherry Say, Lay Catechist, Church of the Messiah in Saint Paul, giving the homily. 

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

NOTE:  See the “Yes, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s” article for more information about decreasing COVID restrictions at St. Mary’s!

To join the 10am worship on March 13th, 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 March 13th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

In-person Worship

Name Tags

Children and Youth

Announcement

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Cherry Say 

St. Mary’s is pleased to welcome Cherry as our guest homilist this Sunday. She’s a member of Messiah Church, Ford Parkway, our neighbor and one of the faith communities in the East Metro Mission Area.  Read her story here and learn more about Asiamerica Ministries with the Karen community in ECMN.

The Episcopal Church’s Office of Asiamerica Ministries through its Karen Episcopal Ministry Formation Team and the Southeast Asian Convocation, launched a program in March to train about 20 members of the Karen community as catechists, deacons and priests. “Some 30 congregations or groups of Karen immigrants and refugees have joined The Episcopal Church in the past five years,” according to the Rev. Fred Vergara, the church’s missioner for Asiamerica Ministries.

Cherry Say was 7 years old when her family fled their Myanmar home because of ethnic and religious persecution of the Karen people, the country’s second-largest ethnic minority. She spent the next 20 years in the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand, where she taught Sunday school to youth and young adults.

Now a mother and grandmother, Say, 48, lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a priest. She serves as a lay Eucharistic visitor at Messiah Episcopal Church, where about one-half of the 350-member congregation are Karen and regard her as a pastor.

“When I came, they did not have a leader, a pastor” who spoke or understood the S’gaw Karen language, Say told ENS. “A lot of my people here did not understand this very well. They are very sad. They feel like they have to be baptized all over again.”

McCaugh, P. (May 11, 2021). Localized ordination programs open doors to ministry for nontraditional clergy candidates. Episcopal News Services. https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2021/05/11/localized-ordination-programs-open-doors-to-ministry-for-nontraditional-clergy-candidates/ 

What’s New?
  • Yeah!! Hybrid (both in-person and virtual) worship is back!!  See separate article in Weekly Email regarding what will stay the same and what will change.
  • To listen to the homily given by Buff Grace, Director of Faith Networks for Interfaith Power and Light, on Sunday, March 6, Click HERE.
  • Healing Prayers will be available after worship services on March 13th and 27th. 
  • Worship Schedule for LENT (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • March 13—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by Cherry Say from Church of the Messiah in St Paul. **
    • March 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship led by Steve Andrews.
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend John Mitchell from St. Andrew’s in Minneapolis.**
    • March 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN. **
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.
^^Will be assessed to decide whether or not to continue these.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

YES, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s!!

At its February 22 meeting the Vestry approved opening St. Mary’s back up to in-person worship (continuing virtual worship as well).  The primary concerns of the Vestry (as they have been from the beginning) are to keep everyone (especially our youngest members who can’t yet be vaccinated and those who may be at higher risk) as safe as possible and to be as inclusive as possible.

Everyone is longing for a return to “normal”, whatever that is for each of us.  So, in the list below, all of these—safety, inclusivity and normalcy—were factors the Vestry considered.

First, what stays the same?

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will continue in the sanctuary.
  • Individual parishioners going to the mic to request prayers. Although no longer mandatory, 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 (at each end of the kneeler, keeping households separate)

Next, what changes?

  • Small processions will come back…no choir yet.
  • Aco-“lite” (!)—one child (with parental permission).
  • Folks can make their own announcements from the microphone. Although no longer mandatory, anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Singing with masks in place! Yes, we can really sing again!!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes and then a ritual hand sanitizing for all! Yes, we can really touch people again! However, we need to respect that people have different comfort levels. For those who are more comfortable staying apart, that’s perfectly fine, too.  Just wave a sign of peace.
  • Social time in the St. Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!

Return to Top

Who are we?

This week we’re back doing hybrid worship, both in-person and virtual!! Yeah!!
 
Let’s be ready!! Let’s all have name badges so in case our eyes showing isn’t enough to let people know who we are, our name badges will do the trick!!! Now I know not everyone will be returning to in-person worship even when it’s available…everyone is assessing risk vs benefit for themselves and their families and making decisions that are right for them. But again, let’s be ready for when each of us comes back to in-person worship and have a name badge waiting for us in the badge rack in the entryway.
 
Unless you’re 100% sure you have a name badge in the rack, let’s get you a new one! Send an email to Paulette Briese or use the “click here” for Worship Feedback and let me know:
  • Your name as you’d like it to appear on your name badge (Include personal pronouns if you’d like them listed)
  • Which style you’d like: pin? clip? lanyard?
  • If you’d like a rainbow pin on your name badge
This also gets us ready for when our new Rector arrives! It will help him/her get to know us easier. Order your new name badge today.
 

Return to Top

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

Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
There is an opportunity for a TEC-like overnight April 1-2 at Ascension church in Stillwater.  Let Mia know if you are interested.  It is specific to 9th-12th graders. 
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
Easter Sunday:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service.  Our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week.  
 
Family Service Update:
We will continue to run a Family Zoom Service in March and April. Please note our Easter Vigil will replace the Family Service the week of Easter and be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 in lieu of the Family Service that week.  
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Announcement
 
Mission Area Gatherings
 
Come for a rich day of conversation, learning, and reconnecting with fellow Episcopalians at your mission area gatherings. These will be hybrid events, taking place in person with an option to attend online. Refreshments and lunch will be provided, and we will close our time with a celebration of Eucharist.
 
Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2pm: East Metro Mission Area. Save the date!

 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 3/11 – 17

Sunday, March 13, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, March 13, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, March 14, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30 – 8:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 17, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 17, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, March 17, 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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – March 4, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s offers in-person and virtual service

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, March 6, 2022

  • First Message:  Deuteronomy 26: 1-11
  • Gospel:  Luke 4: 1-13
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on March 6, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the March 6th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am -Hybrid Adapted Morning Prayer.  Buff Grace, Director of Faith Networks who guides the Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light team that helps congregations and area networks take bold climate action, will give the homily and Erika Scheurer will be the Officiant. 

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually and a no-beverage/no snacks social gathering will be held in the St. Mary’s room for in-person worshippers. 

NOTE:  See the “Yes, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s” article for more information about decreasing COVID restrictions at St. Mary’s!

To join the 10am worship on March 6th, 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 March 6th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Lent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

In-person Worship

Name Tags

Children and Youth

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be returning to hybrid in March!

Worship Team

A Pastoral Message about Lent from Bishop Loya, Click HERE

What’s New?
  • Yeah!! Hybrid (both in-person and virtual) worship is back!!  See separate article in Weekly Email regarding what will stay the same and what will change.
  • To listen to the homily given by The Reverend Susan Moss on Sunday, February 27, Click HERE.
  • Looking for a new Lent activity? Here are some possibilities…
    • Monday evenings at 7:30pm, join other St. Marians for a Compline service. This is a beautiful way to end your day. Look for the link in the “Upcoming Events at St. Mary’s” section of this Weekly Email. (Virtual only)
    • Thursday evenings at 7:00pm, join other St. Marians for a Contemplative gathering in the St. Mary’s Chapel. This is another beautiful way to end your day.  This is in-person only.
    • ECMN extends an invitation to observe a Holy Lent by using 5 different spiritual practices, one for each week of Lent. The intent is not to add “one more thing” to your busy life, but to help you slow down so God can fill you spiritually. Join other Episcopalians from all over Minnesota in these spiritual practices. Click HERE to access ECMN info and link.
    • Kate Bowler’s free Reflection Guide, “A Good Enough Lent.” For a bit more info, refer back to 2/18/22 Weekly Email. Check out katebowler.com/lent/ to learn more or to sign up for the free guide.
    • Daily Meditations are email reflections featuring Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) faculty, as well as guest teachers and authors, reflecting on the wisdom and practices of the Christian contemplative tradition. Subscribers receive an emailed meditation every day of the week. Each week builds on previous topics—but you can join at any time. For a bit more info, refer back to 2/18/22 Weekly Email.  This could be a Lenten practice or an on-going practice. Click HERE to learn more and to sign up.
    • Learn more about saints. For a bit more info, refer back to the 2/11/22 Weekly Email or google www.lentmadness.org to check it out or sign up.
  • Worship Schedule for LENT (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • March 6—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer led by Erika Scheurer. Buff Grace will give the homily.
    • March 13—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by Cherry Say from Church of the Messiah in St Paul. **
    • March 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship led by Steve Andrews.
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend John Mitchell from St. Andrew’s in Minneapolis.**
    • March 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN. **
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.
^^Will be assessed to decide whether or not to continue these.

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

YES, in-person worship is back at St. Mary’s!!

At its February 22 meeting the Vestry approved opening St. Mary’s back up to in-person worship (continuing virtual worship as well).  The primary concerns of the Vestry (as they have been from the beginning) are to keep everyone (especially our youngest members who can’t yet be vaccinated and those who may be at higher risk) as safe as possible and to be as inclusive as possible.

Everyone is longing for a return to “normal”, whatever that is for each of us.  So, in the list below, all of these—safety, inclusivity and normalcy—were factors the Vestry considered.

First, what stays the same?

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will continue in the sanctuary.
  • Individual parishioners going to the mic to request prayers. Although no longer mandatory, 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 (at each end of the kneeler, keeping households separate)

Next, what changes?

  • Small processions will come back…no choir yet.
  • Aco-“lite” (!)—one child (with parental permission).
  • Folks can make their own announcements from the microphone. Although no longer mandatory, anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Singing with masks in place! Yes, we can really sing again!!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes and then a ritual hand sanitizing for all! Yes, we can really touch people again! However, we need to respect that people have different comfort levels. For those who are more comfortable staying apart, that’s perfectly fine, too.  Just wave a sign of peace.
  • Social time in the St. Mary’s Room returns! No beverages or snacks yet, but time to be together and be social and chat!

Return to Top

Who are we?

This week we’re back doing hybrid worship, both in-person and virtual!! Yeah!!
 
Let’s be ready!! Let’s all have name badges so in case our eyes showing isn’t enough to let people know who we are, our name badges will do the trick!!! Now I know not everyone will be returning to in-person worship even when it’s available…everyone is assessing risk vs benefit for themselves and their families and making decisions that are right for them. But again, let’s be ready for when each of us comes back to in-person worship and have a name badge waiting for us in the badge rack in the entryway.
 
Unless you’re 100% sure you have a name badge in the rack, let’s get you a new one! Send an email to Paulette Briese or use the “click here” for Worship Feedback and let me know:
  • Your name as you’d like it to appear on your name badge (Include personal pronouns if you’d like them listed)
  • Which style you’d like: pin? clip? lanyard?
  • If you’d like a rainbow pin on your name badge
This also gets us ready for when our new Rector arrives! It will help him/her get to know us easier. Order your new name badge today.
 

Return to Top

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

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 3/4 – 10

Sunday, March 6, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, March 6, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, March 7, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Men’s Group
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 10, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 10, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, March 10, 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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 25, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services until the end of February

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, February 27, 2022

  • First Message:  Exodus 34:29-35
  • Gospel:  Luke 9:28-36
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on February 27, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the February 27th Family Sheet – Click HERE
For the February 27th Activity Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – Virtual Eucharist via Zoom. The Reverend Susan Moss will give the homily and be the Celebrant and Steve Andrews will be the Lay Leader. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
No in-person service. Worship is via Zoom only.
To join the 10am worship on February 27, 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 February 27th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Name Tags

Opportunities to serve St. Mary’s

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach & Education

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be returning to hybrid in March!

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters in Lent by The Reverend Susan M. Moss
On March 2, Ash Wednesday, we turn the liturgical corner into the observation of the 40 day penitential season of Lent.
 
We will hear again, the invitation to observe a holy Lent, receive ashes as a sign of our mortality and pray together the Litany of Penitence before celebrating the Eucharist.
 
As Lent begins,  my practice is to listen again to the voice of a master teacher: The Rev. John Westerhoff who in his book, A Pilgrim People writes:
 

There comes a time in our human pilgrimage when we come aware of lost innocence.

The naïveté of childhood comes to an end and we face up to the hard  realities about ourselves, others and the world…

…As persons and as the church we examine our interior and exterior lives. 

Aware that God accepts us just as we are and offers us forgiveness for the times we have denied who we really are, we enter a penitential season in the church’s eternal cycle. 

Penance: acts of making whole again and repairing damage done, [and] growing in grace…

…In Lent we face up to the struggle to acknowledge who we really are and the continuing battle with the principalities and powers in our lives and history that prevents us  —

not entirely against our will–from actualizing our true identity.

Lent is that serious, contemplative time when we prepare for the renewal of our baptismal covenant we will make at Easter. 

Easter is the key to the church’s story, but without a holy lent, its power is diminished. The stories told in Lent help us to face up to our temptations and the ever present threat of evil; they help us to face up to the ways in which we need to die and the narrow gate through which we need to pass; they help us to face up to  our blurred visions, misplaced loyalties, and wrongful desire; they help us face up to our blindness and to the healing and nourishment we need; and they help us to face up to the ways in which we are bound and trapped.

May God create in us a clean heart…and renew a right spirit within us these next 40 days of Lent.

Faithfully, Susan

Episcopal 101: For a brief review of  Lent’s history 

What’s New?
  • Back to hybrid worship—in-person and virtual!! Hybrid services return Ash Wednesday, March 2nd .
  • Ash Wednesday service, in-person at St Mary’s and via Zoom, will be at 7pm, straight from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and will include the imposition of ashes.
    • If you’re joining via Zoom, have your ashes (from a fireplace, candle wicks, matches, BBQ briquettes are some possibilities!) with you. When imposition of ashes is taking place at St. Mary’s, you may make the sign of the cross on others in your household. If you are alone, you can make the sign of the cross on your own forehead.
    • Another option for imposition of ashes: Our neighbor, St. Clements at 901 Portland Avenue in St. Paul, will have imposition of ashes from 4-6pm outdoors.
  • To hear the homily given by Karen Olson, Canon for Ministry at ECMN (Episcopal Church of Minnesota), on February 20, Click HERE.
  • Looking for a new Lent activity? Here are some possibilities…
    • Monday evenings at 7:30pm, join other St. Marians for a Compline service. This is a beautiful way to end your day. Look for the link in the “Upcoming Events at St. Mary’s” section of this Weekly Email. (Virtual only)
    • Thursday evenings at 7:00pm, join other St. Marians for a Contemplative gathering in the St. Mary’s Chapel or via Zoom. This is another beautiful way to end your day.
    • ECMN extends an invitation to observe a Holy Lent by using 5 different spiritual practices, one for each week of Lent. The intent is not to add “one more thing” to your busy life, but to help you slow down so God can fill you spiritually. Join other Episcopalians from all over Minnesota in these spiritual practices. Click HERE to access ECMN info and link.
    • Kate Bowler’s free Reflection Guide, “A Good Enough Lent”. Check out katebowler.com/lent/ to learn more or to sign up for the free guide.
    • Daily Meditations are email reflections featuring Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) faculty, as well as guest teachers and authors, reflecting on the wisdom and practices of the Christian contemplative tradition. Subscribers receive an emailed meditation every day of the week. Each week builds on previous topics—but you can join at any time. This could be a Lenten practice or an on-going practice. Click HERE to learn more and to sign up.
    • Learn more about saints. For a bit more info, refer back to the 2/11/22 Weekly Email or google www.lentmadness.org to check it out or sign up.
  • Worship Schedule for LENT (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise shown)
    • March 2—
      • 7:00pm Ash Wednesday service, including imposition of ashes.
    • March 6—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Buff Grace will give the homily.
    • March 13—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Rev Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by Cherry Say from Church of the Messiah in St Paul. **
    • March 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship led by Steve Andrews.
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend John Mitchell from St. Andrew’s in Minneapolis.**
    • March 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Eucharist with The Rev Susan Moss as Celebrant. Homily given by The Venerable Rena Turnham, Archdeacon, ECMN. **
    • April 3—
      • 9:00am Family Service led by MiaLisa Millares (virtual)^^
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Homily given by The Reverend Canon Blair Pogue, Canon for Vitality and Innovation, ECMN**
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service

**Homilies pre-recorded, part of the ECMN Lent Homily Series.
^^Will be assessed to decide whether or not to continue these.

  • Stay tuned for changes in COVID protocols—come back and read about them next Friday!

Feedback is welcome!

Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

Who are we?

Next week we’re back doing hybrid worship, both in-person and virtual!! Yeah!!
 
Let’s be ready!! Let’s all have name badges so in case our eyes showing isn’t enough to let people know who we are, our name badges will do the trick!!! Now I know not everyone will be returning to in-person worship even when it’s available…everyone is assessing risk vs benefit for themselves and their families and making decisions that are right for them. But again, let’s be ready for when each of us comes back to in-person worship and have a name badge waiting for us in the badge rack in the entryway.
 
Unless you’re 100% sure you have a name badge in the rack, let’s get you a new one! Send an email to Paulette Briese or use the “click here” for Worship Feedback and let me know:
  • Your name as you’d like it to appear on your name badge (Include personal pronouns if you’d like them listed)
  • Which style you’d like: pin? clip? lanyard?
  • If you’d like a rainbow pin on your name badge
This also gets us ready for when our new Rector arrives! It will help him/her get to know us easier. Order your new name badge today.
 

Return to Top

 

Ask not what St. Mary’s can do for you – ask what you can do for St. Mary’s

What gifts and talents has God given you? How might you be called to share your time and talents to build up the body of Christ at St. Mary’s? Where is the Spirit calling you to serve?
 
If you have been at St. Mary’s awhile, you have certainly heard the phrase, or perhaps more importantly seen the actions – “It takes a village.” In spite of a pandemic there is so much going on at St. Mary’s and many hands are needed to help keep our village thriving. Would you like to get to know St. Marians better and what makes the church “tick”? Below are some of the immediate opportunities to serve at St. Mary’s as well as some of the upcoming opportunities. Please feel free to be curious and ask questions about these positions and step up if one seems right for you or provides an opportunity to grow and to get to know your community better.
 
Immediate opportunities to serve:
Altar Guild – Join the team that helps prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for worship and other services. Kitty McFarland – mcfarlandkitty274 at gmail.com
Saint Mary’s Weekly – If you like communication and have some editorial skills, please join the team in creating the Weekly. Communications Team – communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Stewardship Committee – Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. Cindy James – james.c.a at comcast.net or Jim Wheeler – james.jw.wheeler at gmail.com
Finance Committee – If you have an interest in helping guide the finances of St. Mary’s, please consider joining the Finance Committee. All St. Mary’s members are welcome to sit in on the monthly Finance Committee meetings. finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Technology (Worship Assistance) – Join the team that keeps the audio working and Live Stream accessible to those attending worship virtually. Commitment is a Sunday every month or two based on your availability. Todd Reemtsma – todd.reemtsma at gmail.com
Technology (Equipment & Infrastructure) – Someone with knowledge or interest in networks and equipment to work with the Buildings & Grounds Team to improve and maintain our network at St. Mary’s. building@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Upcoming opportunities to serve:
Warden(s) – 1 or 2 people to serve a term-limit of no more than 3 years. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Vestry Members – 2 or 3 new Vestry members to replace outgoing Vestry members with a 3-year term. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
Vestry Clerk – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
 
Please note that most committees – Worship, Communications, Finance, Buildings & Grounds – can be joined at any time that you might be interested.
 

Return to Top

Search Committee

Update from the Search Committee
We are so excited to share that we will soon be visiting with candidates in person (Covid-cautious) for more mutual discernment! We will complete these in-person interviews by the end of February. God be in our ears and in our listening!
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search continues, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Souper Bowl of Caring
The Youth Group is raising money for the Souper Bowl of Caring this year again! This year they chose Community Bridge as the recipient for the funds. Here is the link to their fundraising page. Please share widely! If you prefer to send a check for this effort, please mark Souper Bowl of Caring in the Memo so we can make sure the funds are added to this effort! 
 
Check out the 2022 Youth Group Souper Bowl of Caring video! Click HERE then donate HERE! https://map.tacklehunger.org/donate/stmarysyouth22
(As of the publication of the Weekly $314 of the $750 goal has been raised.)
 

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Outreach & Education

From MNIPL – Tell our state legislators that Minnesotans want bold climate action this year!

The 2022 session of the Minnesota Legislature has begun, and our lawmakers need to hear from us on climate! Our state has billions of dollars in budget surplus and additional federal dollars to spend. The newly announced MN House Climate Action Plan proposes investing $1 billion of the surplus in climate solutions. We can invest in clean energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, good-paying green jobs, and cleaner air. Click here to send your elected officials a strong message: 2022 is the year to prioritize climate action! 

Why this matters:

Our lawmakers need to hear from us at the start of the legislative session about the importance of bold climate action. Every call, email, and meeting makes a difference! Read more about the MN House Climate Action Plan, which proposes  investing in clean energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Later this spring, you’ll have an opportunity to help your congregation further this message by participating in an in-district meeting with your legislators on Zoom.

Making a difference in the world – KIVA Loans

This is a Report from the Xemuji Group in Guatemala. St Mary’s made a loan to this group and the group is re-paying the loan. Thanks to The Reverend Susan Moss for the translation.

Mayan women, textile weavers, are those who, for the most part, stick to tradition wearing typical traditional clothing. This is why Felipa, 64, stands out. She is an entrepreneur, married and mother of 10 children between the ages of 14 and 41. 

Felipa says because her large family is so large, her children could only attend school for 6 years. To generate her own income while not neglecting her children’s upbringing, Felipa decided to weave belts typical [of the region] to sell in the community market.

Felipa’s children are married, so she needs to generate her own income to defray the cost of her home’s basic services.

That’s why she acquired the third Kiva loan last March.

Thanks to the new financing, Felipa could actually buy a variety of good quality yarns and another back strap loom.

There are nine women that gave life to the Xemuj Community Bank. This group of women are in solidarity with one another and are motivated… investing capital into their textile businesses and
raising animals.

They have little or no formal education so the loan program, informal education and the health service “Microcrédito Plus” gives them monthly education training.

Studying finance allows these women to be able to effectively invest capital into their businesses and to save part of their earnings for an emergency. 

In matters of health, they were visited by nurses from the institution who visited their homes every two months.

They also were able to become familiar with their rights and duties as women, mothers and spouses.

Thanks to all who have given loan to Kiva, these women move forward creating a more prosperous and sustainable future.

 

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 2/25 – 3/3

Sunday, February 27, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, February 27, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, February 28, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Men’s Group
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Hybrid Ash Wednesday Service
7:00pm Service (see above for additional information)
Link

Thursday, March 3, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, March 3, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, March 3, 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

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 18, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services until the end of February

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, February 20, 2022

  • First Message:  Genesis 45: 3-11, 15
  • Gospel:  Luke 6: 27-38
8:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Service via Zoom led by Steve Andrews. In place of a homily, there will be a Gospel Based Discipleship discussion. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on February 20, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on February 20, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the February 20th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer via Zoom. Karen Olson, Canon for Ministry at Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN) will give the homily; Jennifer Wedel is the Officiant. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
No in-person service. Worship is via Zoom only.
To join the 10am worship on February 20, 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 February 20th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Name Tags

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Opportunities to serve St. Mary’s

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach & Education

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

What’s New?
  • To hear the homily given by The Reverend Susan Moss, on February 13, Click HERE.
  • Looking for a new Lent activity? Here’s one possibility…
    Kate Bowler is an associate professor of the History of Christianity in North America at Duke University; she has a podcast; she writes books; she’s an optimist; six years ago she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and given 2 years to live. She invites you to join her in “A Good Enough Lent”. It’s a book, but also available is a free Reflection Guide. Check out katebowler.com/lent/ to learn more or to sign up for the free guide.
  • Another possibility for a new Lent activity…
    These Daily Meditations are email reflections featuring Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) faculty, as well as guest teachers and authors, reflecting on the wisdom and practices of the Christian contemplative tradition. Subscribers receive an emailed meditation every day of the week. Each week builds on previous topics—but you can join at any time. On Saturday you’ll receive a summary of the previous week’s meditations and an invitation to practice—this will be your opportunity to go deeper with the wisdom and teachings and apply them to your day-to-day life. The hope is that these meditations will help deepen prayer practice and strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. This could be a Lenten practice or an on-going practice. Click HERE to learn more and to sign up.
  • Worship Schedule for February
    • February 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship.
      • 9:00am Family Service.
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. ECMN Canon for Ministry Karen Olson will preach.
    • February 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service.
      • 10:00am Eucharist. The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and preacher.
    • Mondays @ 7:30pm — Compline
    • Thursdays @ 7:00pm — Contemplative Service
  • Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Feedback is welcome!
Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

Who are we?

Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer and we’ll be able to return to our hybrid worship—both in-person and virtual. The number of cases per 100,000 continues to drop (below 60 on Monday). The Vestry will assess the situation at its
February 22nd meeting and decide if we can resume in-person worship.
 
Let’s be ready!! Let’s all have name badges so in case our eyes showing isn’t enough to let people know who we are, our name badges will do the trick!!! Now I know not everyone will be returning to in-person worship even when it’s available…everyone is assessing risk vs benefit for themselves and their families and making decisions that are right for them. But again, let’s be ready for when each of us comes back to in-person worship and have a name badge waiting for us in the badge rack in the entryway.
 
Unless you’re 100% sure you have a name badge in the rack, let’s get you a new one! Send an email to Paulette Briese or use the “click here” for Worship Feedback and let me know:
  • Your name as you’d like it to appear on your name badge (Include personal pronouns if you’d like them listed)
  • Which style you’d like: pin? clip? lanyard?
  • If you’d like a rainbow pin on your name badge
This also gets us ready for when our new Rector arrives! It will help him/her get to know us easier. Order your new name badge today.
 

Return to Top

St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services through the end of February

The COVID wave may soon be peaking, but we have a ways to go before it dissipates. On Tuesday, January 25, the St. Mary’s vestry discussed whether to resume holding in-person worship services. We have continued to watch the cathedral, which has said they will not return in-person until case rates approach 100. When the Vestry made this decision, Ramsey County case rates were over twice that. With this in mind, the vestry decided to continue with virtual services through the end of February. Our first in-person service is slated to be on Ash Wednesday, March 2, in time for the start of Lent.
 
We recognize that this news may disappoint some people. In-person worship is an important ritual and social function for many of us, and it is hard for virtual services to fully replace that experience. We all hope conditions improve by March so that we can follow through on the plan to return to in-person. Until then, we hope to have you join us online for services.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry

Return to Top

Ask not what St. Mary’s can do for you – ask what you can do for St. Mary’s

What gifts and talents has God given you? How might you be called to share your time and talents to build up the body of Christ at St. Mary’s? Where is the Spirit calling you to serve?
 
If you have been at St. Mary’s awhile, you have certainly heard the phrase, or perhaps more importantly seen the actions – “It takes a village.” In spite of a pandemic there is so much going on at St. Mary’s and many hands are needed to help keep our village thriving. Would you like to get to know St. Marians better and what makes the church “tick”? Below are some of the immediate opportunities to serve at St. Mary’s as well as some of the upcoming opportunities. Please feel free to be curious and ask questions about these positions and step up if one seems right for you or provides an opportunity to grow and to get to know your community better.
 
Immediate opportunities to serve:
Altar Guild – Join the team that helps prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for worship and other services. Kitty McFarland – mcfarlandkitty274 at gmail.com
Saint Mary’s Weekly – If you like communication and have some editorial skills, please join the team in creating the Weekly. Communications Team – communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Stewardship Committee – Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. Cindy James – james.c.a at comcast.net or Jim Wheeler – james.jw.wheeler at gmail.com
Finance Committee – If you have an interest in helping guide the finances of St. Mary’s, please consider joining the Finance Committee. All St. Mary’s members are welcome to sit in on the monthly Finance Committee meetings. finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Technology (Worship Assistance) – Join the team that keeps the audio working and Live Stream accessible to those attending worship virtually. Commitment is a Sunday every month or two based on your availability. Todd Reemtsma – todd.reemtsma at gmail.com
Technology (Equipment & Infrastructure) – Someone with knowledge or interest in networks and equipment to work with the Buildings & Grounds Team to improve and maintain our network at St. Mary’s. building@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Upcoming opportunities to serve:
Warden(s) – 1 or 2 people to serve a term-limit of no more than 3 years. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Vestry Members – 2 or 3 new Vestry members to replace outgoing Vestry members with a 3-year term. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
Vestry Clerk – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
 
Please note that most committees – Worship, Communications, Finance, Buildings & Grounds – can be joined at any time that you might be interested.
 

Return to Top

Search Committee

Update from the Search Committee
We are so excited to share that we will soon be visiting with candidates in person (Covid-cautious) for more mutual discernment! We will complete these in-person interviews by the end of February. God be in our ears and in our listening!
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search continues, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Souper Bowl of Caring
The Youth Group is raising money for the Souper Bowl of Caring this year again! This year they chose Community Bridge as the recipient for the funds. Here is the link to their fundraising page. Please share widely! If you prefer to send a check for this effort, please mark Souper Bowl of Caring in the Memo so we can make sure the funds are added to this effort! 
 
Check out the 2022 Youth Group Souper Bowl of Caring video! Click HERE
(As of the publication of the Weekly $261 of the $750 goal has been raised.)
 

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Outreach & Education

From MNIPL – Tell our state legislators that Minnesotans want bold climate action this year!

The 2022 session of the Minnesota Legislature has begun, and our lawmakers need to hear from us on climate! Our state has billions of dollars in budget surplus and additional federal dollars to spend. The newly announced MN House Climate Action Plan proposes investing $1 billion of the surplus in climate solutions. We can invest in clean energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, good-paying green jobs, and cleaner air. Click here to send your elected officials a strong message: 2022 is the year to prioritize climate action! 

Why this matters:

Our lawmakers need to hear from us at the start of the legislative session about the importance of bold climate action. Every call, email, and meeting makes a difference! Read more about the MN House Climate Action Plan, which proposes  investing in clean energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Later this spring, you’ll have an opportunity to help your congregation further this message by participating in an in-district meeting with your legislators on Zoom.

Making a difference in the world – KIVA Loans

Over the years, St Mary’s parishioners have “put money in a pot” to make loans throughout the world through the KIVA organization. Sometimes money was gathered at home parties; other times money was gathered at a soup supper before the Good Friday service. Loans were then made…and eventually those loans (most of them) are re-paid.

Each time money from loans is re-paid, it goes into St Mary’s KIVA account. About once every 3 months, the accumulated money reaches the $1200-1300 level…and then we know it’s time to make new loans!! We don’t want our dollars sitting in the account! We want them out helping people start new businesses or expand already existing businesses or improve their living situation (toilets!) or pay for education expenses for children.

So, recently 11 KIVA loans were made totaling $1,225.00 (plus an additional donation to the KIVA organization). Loans were made to Thailand, El Salvador, Albania, Guatemala (2), Liberia, Vietnam, Philippines, Congo (DRC) and Kyrgyzstan. What were the loans for? Weaving silk cloth; tortillas/hammocks; potato & onion seeds/pay a tractor driver to ready the soil; ingredients to cook food to sell; toilets (2); West African fabric; pearls/gems/thread to make traditional clothing; a cow for milk to drink and sell. Many of the stories talk about earning money so their children can attend school.

Since we haven’t been able to host a Soup Supper the last couple of years, that means we’ve had no “new” donations coming in. Our thanks go out to those who came before us and made donations so it would be possible for us to continue making loans and making a difference in the world.

 

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 2/18 – 2/24

Sunday, February 20, 2022
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, February 20, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, February 20, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, February 21, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 24, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 24, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, February 24, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 11, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services until the end of February

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, February 13, 2022

  • First Message: Jeremiah 17:5-10
  • Gospel: Luke 6: 17-26
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on February 13, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the February 13th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – Virtual Adapted Eucharist Service via Zoom. The Reverend Susan Moss will give the homily. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
No in-person service. Worship is via Zoom only.
To join the 10am worship on February 13, 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 February 13th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Opportunities to serve St. Mary’s

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach & Education

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

What’s New?
  • To hear the homily given by Anna Clark, St. Mary’s parishioner, on February 6, Click HERE.
  • Worship Schedule for February
    • February 13—
      • 9:00am Family Service.
      • 10:00am Eucharist. The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and preacher.
    • February 20—
      • 8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship.
      • 9:00am Family Service.
      • 10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. ECMN Canon for Ministry Karen Olson will preach.
    • February 27—
      • 9:00am Family Service.
      • 10:00am Eucharist. The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and preacher.
  • Come to Zoom church and see faces you may not have seen for awhile. Even though it’s been great to have both the Zoom and in-person worship options, it’s also nice to have the community gathered all together.
  • Looking for a new Lenten activity? Lent Madness may be for you…Read on…

Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of The Rev. Tim Schenck. In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the church’s Calendar of Saints, Tim came up with this unique Lenten Devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of saints, Lent Madness was born on his blog, now called “Clergy Confidential”.

The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch. 

As Lent Madness continues to grow and evolve, what won’t change is the essence of Lent Madness: allowing people to get to know some amazing people who have come before us in the faith and reminding one another that there’s no reason for a dreary Lenten discipline. If this helps people connect with the risen Christ during this season of penitence and renewal, and have a bit of fun in the process, then it continues to be worthwhile.

Want to check it out or sign up? Go to www.lentmadness.org

  • Still thinking about giving the Worship Team input about your yearnings/longings around worship at St. Mary’s? It’s never too late to let us know what you’re thinking about. Use the feedback link below.

Feedback is welcome!
Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services through the end of February

The COVID wave may soon be peaking, but we have a ways to go before it dissipates. On Tuesday, January 25, the St. Mary’s vestry discussed whether to resume holding in-person worship services. We have continued to watch the cathedral, which has said they will not return in-person until case rates approach 100. When the Vestry made this decision, Ramsey County case rates were over twice that. With this in mind, the vestry decided to continue with virtual services through the end of February. Our first in-person service is slated to be on Ash Wednesday, March 2, in time for the start of Lent.
 
We recognize that this news may disappoint some people. In-person worship is an important ritual and social function for many of us, and it is hard for virtual services to fully replace that experience. We all hope conditions improve by March so that we can follow through on the plan to return to in-person. Until then, we hope to have you join us online for services.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry

Return to Top

Ask not what St. Mary’s can do for you – ask what you can do for St. Mary’s

What gifts and talents has God given you? How might you be called to share your time and talents to build up the body of Christ at St. Mary’s? Where is the Spirit calling you to serve?
 
If you have been at St. Mary’s awhile, you have certainly heard the phrase, or perhaps more importantly seen the actions – “It takes a village.” In spite of a pandemic there is so much going on at St. Mary’s and many hands are needed to help keep our village thriving. Would you like to get to know St. Marians better and what makes the church “tick”? Below are some of the immediate opportunities to serve at St. Mary’s as well as some of the upcoming opportunities. Please feel free to be curious and ask questions about these positions and step up if one seems right for you or provides an opportunity to grow and to get to know your community better.
 
Immediate opportunities to serve:
Altar Guild – Join the team that helps prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for worship and other services. Kitty McFarland – mcfarlandkitty274 at gmail.com
Saint Mary’s Weekly – If you like communication and have some editorial skills, please join the team in creating the Weekly. Communications Team – communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Stewardship Committee – Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. Cindy James – james.c.a at comcast.net or Jim Wheeler – james.jw.wheeler at gmail.com
Finance Committee – If you have an interest in helping guide the finances of St. Mary’s, please consider joining the Finance Committee. All St. Mary’s members are welcome to sit in on the monthly Finance Committee meetings. finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Technology (Worship Assistance) – Join the team that keeps the audio working and Live Stream accessible to those attending worship virtually. Commitment is a Sunday every month or two based on your availability. Todd Reemtsma – todd.reemtsma at gmail.com
Technology (Equipment & Infrastructure) – Someone with knowledge or interest in networks and equipment to work with the Buildings & Grounds Team to improve and maintain our network at St. Mary’s. building@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Upcoming opportunities to serve:
Warden(s) – 1 or 2 people to serve a term-limit of no more than 3 years. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Vestry Members – 2 or 3 new Vestry members to replace outgoing Vestry members with a 3-year term. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
Vestry Clerk – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
 
Please note that most committees – Worship, Communications, Finance, Buildings & Grounds – can be joined at any time that you might be interested.
 

Return to Top

Search Committee

Update from the Search Committee
We’ve finished our first, short interviews (on Zoom) with candidates. We are conducting second interviews, also on Zoom. We’ve also asked each candidate to answer a short essay question, we’ve listened to recordings of their sermons, and we are answering thoughtful questions from the candidates. Each candidate brings different gifts and experiences to the table, and we are excited to have deeper discussions about our community’s needs and their strengths. After the second interviews, finalists will visit with the search committee in person for more mutual discernment. God be in our ears and in our listening!
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Souper Bowl of Caring
The Youth Group is raising money for the Souper Bowl of Caring this year again! This year they chose Community Bridge as the recipient for the funds. Here is the link to their fundraising page. Please share widely! If you prefer to send a check for this effort, please mark Souper Bowl of Caring in the Memo so we can make sure the funds are added to this effort! 

https://map.tacklehunger.org/donate/stmarysyouth22

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Outreach & Education

From MNIPL – Tell our state legislators that Minnesotans want bold climate action this year!

The 2022 session of the Minnesota Legislature has begun, and our lawmakers need to hear from us on climate! Our state has billions of dollars in budget surplus and additional federal dollars to spend. The newly announced MN House Climate Action Plan proposes investing $1 billion of the surplus in climate solutions. We can invest in clean energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, good-paying green jobs, and cleaner air. Click here to send your elected officials a strong message: 2022 is the year to prioritize climate action! 

Why this matters:

Our lawmakers need to hear from us at the start of the legislative session about the importance of bold climate action. Every call, email, and meeting makes a difference! Read more about the MN House Climate Action Plan, which proposes  investing in clean energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Later this spring, you’ll have an opportunity to help your congregation further this message by participating in an in-district meeting with your legislators on Zoom. Register for our “How to meet your State Senator” training on February 15, where you’ll learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Making a difference in the world – KIVA Loans

This is a Report from the Xemuji Group in Guatemala. St Mary’s made a loan to this group and the group is re-paying the loan. Thanks to The Reverend Susan Moss for the translation.

Mayan women, textile weavers, are those who, for the most part, stick to tradition wearing typical traditional clothing. This is why Felipa, 64, stands out. She is an entrepreneur, married and mother of 10 children between the ages of 14 and 41. 

Felipa says because her large family is so large, her children could only attend school for 6 years. To generate her own income while not neglecting her children’s upbringing, Felipa decided to weave belts typical [of the region] to sell in the community market.

Felipa’s children are married, so she needs to generate her own income to defray the cost of her home’s basic services.

That’s why she acquired the third Kiva loan last March.

Thanks to the new financing, Felipa could actually buy a variety of good quality yarns and another back strap loom.

There are nine women that gave life to the Xemuj Community Bank. This group of women are in solidarity with one another and are motivated… investing capital into their textile businesses and
raising animals.

They have little or no formal education so the loan program, informal education and the health service “Microcrédito Plus” gives them monthly education training.

Studying finance allows these women to be able to effectively invest capital into their businesses and to save part of their earnings for an emergency. 

In matters of health, they were visited by nurses from the institution who visited their homes every two months.

They also were able to become familiar with their rights and duties as women, mothers and spouses.

Thanks to all who have given loan to Kiva, these women move forward creating a more prosperous and sustainable future.

 

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Claire; the Horton family; Anne; Kirby; Amara; the Strande family; Steven; Georgia; the Weber Nelson/Nelson family; 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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 2/11 – 2/17

Sunday, February 13, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, February 13, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, February 14, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 17, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 17, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, February 17, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 4, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services until the end of February

Weekly Worship Services
Sunday, February 6, 2022

  • First Message: 

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

— Rumi

  • Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
9:00am – Virtual Family Church Service via Zoom. Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
To join the 9am Family Church Service on February 6, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
For the February 6th Family Sheet – Click HERE
 
10:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Worship Service via Zoom. Anna Clark, a St. Mary’s parishioner, will give the homily. Stick around after the service for a Zoom social gathering.
No in-person service. Worship is via Zoom only.
To join the 10am worship on February 6, 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 February 6th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Opportunities to serve St. Mary’s

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach & Education

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s from Paulette Briese, Chair of the Worship Team

The Worship Team will soon be looking ahead and planning for worship services during Lent. Over the past 14 or so months, we’ve tried very hard to have elements in every service that would be familiar to each and everyone of you. Knowing our one worship service can’t be “all things to all people”, we still wonder what people are longing for. So, we’re asking you…asking you to let us know what it is you’re yearning for and why this is important to you. Please use the feedback “Click HERE” below and respond by February 8th so we’ll have your thoughts before our next meeting. Thank you for sharing your yearnings with us.

What’s New?
  • To hear The Reverend Susan Moss’ homily given on January 30th, Click HERE.
  • At the January 25th meeting of the Vestry, the decision was made to continue “Zoom Only” services through the month of February, with Ash Wednesday (March 2) tentatively being our first hybrid (In-person & Zoom) service. The COVID numbers in Ramsey County continue to be high and keeping people as safe as possible is our primary concern. The Vestry will review and reassess at the February 22nd meeting.
  • Worship Schedule for February
    • February 6—10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. Anna Clark will preach.
    • February 13—10:00am Eucharist. The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and preacher.
    • February 20—8:00am Adapted Morning Prayer with Gospel Based Discipleship.
    • February 20—10:00am Adapted Morning Prayer. ECMN Canon for Ministry Karen Olson will preach.
    • February 27—10:00am Eucharist. The Reverend Susan Moss is celebrant and preacher.
  • Come to Zoom church and see faces you may not have seen for awhile. Even though it’s been great to have both the Zoom and in-person worship options, it’s also nice to have the community gathered all together.
  • Do you know about “Lent Madness”?? What’s “Lent Madness” you say? Stay tuned!!

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!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services through the end of February

The COVID wave may soon be peaking, but we have a ways to go before it dissipates. On Tuesday, January 25, the St. Mary’s vestry discussed whether to resume holding in-person worship services. We have continued to watch the cathedral, which has said they will not return in-person until case rates approach 100. Right now in Ramsey County we are over twice that rate. With this in mind, the vestry has decided to continue with virtual services through the end of February. Our first in-person service is slated to be on Ash Wednesday, March 2, in time for the start of Lent.
 
We recognize that this news may disappoint some people. In-person worship is an important ritual and social function for many of us, and it is hard for virtual services to fully replace that experience. We all hope conditions improve by March so that we can follow through on the plan to return to in-person. Until then, we hope to have you join us online for services.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry

Return to Top

Ask not what St. Mary’s can do for you – ask what you can do for St. Mary’s

What gifts and talents has God given you? How might you be called to share your time and talents to build up the body of Christ at St. Mary’s? Where is the Spirit calling you to serve?
 
If you have been at St. Mary’s awhile, you have certainly heard the phrase, or perhaps more importantly seen the actions – “It takes a village.” In spite of a pandemic there is so much going on at St. Mary’s and many hands are needed to help keep our village thriving. Would you like to get to know St. Marians better and what makes the church “tick”? Below are some of the immediate opportunities to serve at St. Mary’s as well as some of the upcoming opportunities. Please feel free to be curious and ask questions about these positions and step up if one seems right for you or provides an opportunity to grow and to get to know your community better.
 
Immediate opportunities to serve:
Altar Guild – Join the team that helps prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for worship and other services. Kitty McFarland – mcfarlandkitty274 at gmail.com
Saint Mary’s Weekly – If you like communication and have some editorial skills, please join the team in creating the Weekly. We’ll be hosting a training session on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm if you are interested. We’ll also be recording the training for those interested, but unable to join. Communications Team – communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Stewardship Committee – Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. Cindy James – james.c.a at comcast.net or Jim Wheeler – james.jw.wheeler at gmail.com
Finance Committee – If you have an interest in helping guide the finances of St. Mary’s, please consider joining the Finance Committee. All St. Mary’s members are welcome to sit in on the monthly Finance Committee meetings. finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Technology (Worship Assistance) – Join the team that keeps the audio working and Live Stream accessible to those attending worship virtually. Commitment is a Sunday every month or two based on your availability. Todd Reemtsma – todd.reemtsma at gmail.com
Technology (Equipment & Infrastructure) – Someone with knowledge or interest in networks and equipment to work with the Buildings & Grounds Team to improve and maintain our network at St. Mary’s. building@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Upcoming opportunities to serve:
Warden(s) – 1 or 2 people to serve a term-limit of no more than 3 years. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Vestry Members – 2 or 3 new Vestry members to replace outgoing Vestry members with a 3-year term. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
Vestry Clerk – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
 
Please note that most committees – Worship, Communications, Finance, Buildings & Grounds – can be joined at any time that you might be interested.
 

Return to Top

Search Committee

Update from the Search Committee
We’ve finished our first, short interviews (on Zoom) with candidates. We are conducting second interviews, also on Zoom. We’ve also asked each candidate to answer a short essay question, we’ve listened to recordings of their sermons, and we are answering thoughtful questions from the candidates. Each candidate brings different gifts and experiences to the table, and we are excited to have deeper discussions about our community’s needs and their strengths. After the second interviews, finalists will visit with the search committee in person for more mutual discernment. God be in our ears and in our listening!
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 
 
Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
Thanks for all of your feedback, we will continue doing the Family church service for the month of February and then reassess again.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 9am and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
Topic: Family Church
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 860 0920 4974
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Outreach & Education

Making a difference in the world – KIVA Loans

Over the years, St Mary’s parishioners have “put money in a pot” to make loans throughout the world through the KIVA organization. Sometimes money was gathered at home parties; other times money was gathered at a soup supper before the Good Friday service. Loans were then made…and eventually those loans (most of them) are re-paid.

Each time money from loans is re-paid, it goes into St Mary’s KIVA account. About once every 3 months, the accumulated money reaches the $1200-1300 level…and then we know it’s time to make new loans!! We don’t want our dollars sitting in the account! We want it out helping people start new businesses or expand already existing businesses or improve their living situation (toilets!) or pay for education expenses for children.

So, recently 11 KIVA loans were made totaling $1,225.00 (plus an additional donation to the KIVA organization). Loans were made to Thailand, El Salvador, Albania, Guatemala (2), Liberia, Vietnam, Philippines, Congo (DRC) and Kyrgyzstan. What were the loans for? Weaving silk cloth; tortillas/hammocks; potato & onion seeds/pay a tractor driver to ready the soil; ingredients to cook food to sell; toilets (2); West African fabric; pearls/gems/thread to make traditional clothing; a cow for milk to drink and sell. Many of the stories talk about earning money so their
children can attend school.

Since we haven’t been able to host a Soup Supper the last couple of years, that means we’ve had no “new” donations coming in. Our thanks go out to those who came before us and made donations so it would be possible for us to continuing making loans and making a difference in the world.

 

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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 2/4 – 2/10

Sunday, February 6, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, February 6, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, February 7, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
St. Mary’s Men’s Group (Virtual this month)
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 10, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 10, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, February 10, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 28, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services until the end of February

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, January 30, 2022

  • First Message: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  • Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
10:00am – Virtual Eucharist Worship Service via Zoom. The Reverend Susan Moss will be the celebrant and preacher. Stick around after the service for a Zoom social gathering.
No in-person service. Worship is via Zoom only.
To join the 10am worship on January 30, 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 January 30th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Opportunities to serve St. Mary’s

Finance Committee

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach & Education

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service has moved from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s from Paulette Briese, Chair of the Worship Team

The Worship Team will soon be looking ahead and planning for worship services during Lent. Over the past 14 or so months, we’ve tried very hard to have elements in every service that would be familiar to each and everyone of you. Knowing our one worship service can’t be “all things to all people”, we still wonder what people are longing for. So, we’re asking you…asking you to let us know what it is you’re yearning for and why this is important to you. Please use the feedback “Click HERE” below and respond by February 8th so we’ll have your thoughts before our next meeting. Thank you for sharing your yearnings with us.

What’s New?
  • To hear The Reverend Debbie Brown’s homily given at St Mary’s on January 23, Click HERE.
  • At the January 25th meeting of the Vestry, the decision was made to continue “Zoom Only” services through the month of February, with Ash Wednesday (March 2) tentatively being our first hybrid (In-person & Zoom) service. The COVID numbers in Ramsey County continue to be high and keeping people as safe as possible is our primary concern. The Vestry will review and reassess at the February 22nd meeting.
  • Come to Zoom church and see faces you may not have seen for awhile. Even though it’s been great to have both the Zoom and in-person worship options, it’s also nice to have the community gathered all together.
  • Do you know about “Lent Madness”?? What’s “Lent Madness” you say? Stay tuned!!

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!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s continues Virtual Services through the end of February

The COVID wave may soon be peaking, but we have a ways to go before it dissipates. On Tuesday, January 25, the St. Mary’s vestry discussed whether to resume holding in-person worship services. We have continued to watch the cathedral, which has said they will not return in-person until case rates approach 100. Right now in Ramsey County we are over twice that rate. With this in mind, the vestry has decided to continue with virtual services through the end of February. Our first in-person service is slated to be on Ash Wednesday, March 2, in time for the start of Lent.
 
We recognize that this news may disappoint some people. In-person worship is an important ritual and social function for many of us, and it is hard for virtual services to fully replace that experience. We all hope conditions improve by March so that we can follow through on the plan to return to in-person. Until then, we hope to have you join us online for services.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry

Return to Top

Ask not what St. Mary’s can do for you – ask what you can do for St. Mary’s

What gifts and talents has God given you? How might you be called to share your time and talents to build up the body of Christ at St. Mary’s? Where is the Spirit calling you to serve?
 
If you have been at St. Mary’s awhile, you have certainly heard the phrase, or perhaps more importantly seen the actions – “It takes a village.” In spite of a pandemic there is so much going on at St. Mary’s and many hands are needed to help keep our village thriving. Would you like to get to know St. Marians better and what makes the church “tick”? Below are some of the immediate opportunities to serve at St. Mary’s as well as some of the upcoming opportunities. Please feel free to be curious and ask questions about these positions and step up if one seems right for you or provides an opportunity to grow and to get to know your community better.
 
Immediate opportunities to serve:
Altar Guild – Join the team that helps prepare the Altar and Sanctuary for worship and other services. Kitty McFarland – mcfarlandkitty274 at gmail.com
Saint Mary’s Weekly – If you like communication and have some editorial skills, please join the team in creating the Weekly. We’ll be hosting a training session on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm if you are interested. We’ll also be recording the training for those interested, but unable to join. Communications Team – communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Stewardship Committee – Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. Cindy James – james.c.a at comcast.net or Jim Wheeler – james.jw.wheeler at gmail.com
Finance Committee – If you have an interest in helping guide the finances of St. Mary’s, please consider joining the Finance Committee. All St. Mary’s members are welcome to sit in on the monthly Finance Committee meetings. finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org
Technology (Worship Assistance) – Join the team that keeps the audio working and Live Stream accessible to those attending worship virtually. Commitment is a Sunday every month or two based on your availability. Todd Reemtsma – todd.reemtsma at gmail.com
Technology (Equipment & Infrastructure) – Someone with knowledge or interest in networks and equipment to work with the Buildings & Grounds Team to improve and maintain our network at St. Mary’s. building@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Upcoming opportunities to serve:
Warden(s) – 1 or 2 people to serve a term-limit of no more than 3 years. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Vestry Members – 2 or 3 new Vestry members to replace outgoing Vestry members with a 3-year term. Elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting.
Treasurer – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
Vestry Clerk – Appointed during the first meeting of the 2022-23 Vestry.
 
Please note that most committees – Worship, Communications, Finance, Buildings & Grounds – can be joined at any time that you might be interested.
 

Return to Top

2021 Annual Contribution Statements

2021 annual contribution statements will be sent out via e-mail by January 28th. If you do not have a current e-mail address on file, please send your current e-mail address to Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at rexaholzemer at gmail.com. If necessary, a hard copy of an annual contribution statement will be mailed to any parishioner without an e-mail address on file.
 
If you think there are any inaccuracies on your statement or you have questions, please feel free to call or e-mail Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 65I-3O8-4895 or rexaholzemer at gmail.com.
 
Thanks to each of you for your generosity and financial support of St. Mary’s in 2021!
 

Saint Mary’s Annual 2022 Finance Report

Greetings St. Mary’s Community,
 
In an attempt to get information out to all parishioners regarding our 2021 and 2022 budgets as soon as possible, the Vestry has decided to send out the Annual Finance report via e-mail immediately rather than wait until an annual meeting can be scheduled. An update on St. Mary’s finances will still be provided at the annual meeting.  
 
We have some good news! Due to pledge income coming in higher than expected in 2021 and significantly lower than expected expenses, as well as excellent gains on our investments, we ended 2021 with a $48,189 surplus. This surplus has been moved to contingency reserves to cover any future budget deficits.
 
The challenging news is that our projected budget deficit for this year is ($84,176). This is due to the fact that the Vestry has committed to hiring a full-time priest to assist in rebuilding our parish community, and we have 9 fewer household pledges in 2022 compared to 2021.
 
We continue to have a very committed parishioner base. With continued commitment and leadership from our parishioners, the Vestry is hopeful and confident we will indeed be a thriving, vital community again in the future. It likely means we will run deficits for the next couple of years or so. However, given our solid reserves thanks to those who came before us, we can manage such deficits during the rebuilding process.  
 
Attached (link below) is a simplified 2-page annual report from our Finance Committee that is a quick read and important for all St. Mary’s members to understand. Please take time to read through it. If you have any questions regarding our budget or finances, please feel free to call or e-mail Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer at gmail.com.  
 
My personal thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s and for your commitment to this community!
 
Rex Holzemer, The Finance Committee, and The St. Mary’s Vestry
 
 

Return to Top

Search Committee

Update from the Search Committee
We’ve finished our first, short interviews (on Zoom) with candidates. We are conducting second interviews, also on Zoom. We’ve also asked each candidate to answer a short essay question, we’ve listened to recordings of their sermons, and we are answering thoughtful questions from the candidates. Each candidate brings different gifts and experiences to the table, and we are excited to have deeper discussions about our community’s needs and their strengths. After the second interviews, finalists will visit with the search committee in person for more mutual discernment. God be in our ears and in our listening!
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

NEW! Pre-Tweeners Group on Wednesday from 6:30pm – 7pm:
We just started a group for kids who are K-2nd grade.  Any child in that age group is welcome to join.  We will be having a question of the day, talk about our lows and highs and then do a show and tell.  All children K-2 are welcome to join. Please contact Mia for the link! 
 
Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 
NEW! Family Service on Sunday at 9:00am:
We are piloting a family church service on Sunday January 30, 2022 from 9am-9:20am. Anyone is welcome to join the service. The link is below. The service will have:
  • Intros
  • Welcome
  • 3 Breaths
  • Song
  • Story
  • Question for the kids
  • Activity
  • Prayer
  • Call to Action
Topic: Family Church
Time: Jan 30, 2022 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 890 7277 9543
Passcode: Fun
 

Return to Top

Outreach & Education

Making a difference in the world – KIVA Loans

This is a Report from the Xemuji Group in Guatemala. St Mary’s made a loan to this group and the group is re-paying the loan. Thanks to The Reverend Susan Moss for the translation.

Mayan women, textile weavers, are those who, for the most part, stick to tradition wearing typical traditional clothing. This is why Felipa, 64, stands out. She is an entrepreneur, married and mother of 10 children between the ages of 14 and 41. 

Felipa says because her large family is so large, her children could only attend school for 6 years. To generate her own income while not neglecting her children’s upbringing, Felipa decided to weave belts typical [of the region] to sell in the community market.

Felipa’s children are married, so she needs to generate her own income to defray the cost of her home’s basic services.

That’s why she acquired the third Kiva loan last March.

Thanks to the new financing, Felipa could actually buy a variety of good quality yarns and another back strap loom.

There are nine women that gave life to the Xemuj Community Bank. This group of women are in solidarity with one another and are motivated… investing capital into their textile businesses and
raising animals.

They have little or no formal education so the loan program, informal education and the health service “Microcrédito Plus” gives them monthly education training.

Studying finance allows these women to be able to effectively invest capital into their businesses and to save part of their earnings for an emergency. 

In matters of health, they were visited by nurses from the institution who visited their homes every two months.

They also were able to become familiar with their rights and duties as women, mothers and spouses.

Thanks to all who have given loan to Kiva, these women move forward creating a more prosperous and sustainable future.

 

Faith & The Way of Love: Finding Hope in Troubled Times (Part of the Faith & Life Series from St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN)

We have heard from the office of Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, that he has put his travel plans on hold for the foreseeable future, and therefore will not be with us in person for our Feb. 1 Faith & Life event with him.

We will still hold this event virtually on the same date and the same time—Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m., Central time. You can watch Bishop Curry deliver his presentation live at faithandlife.org/livestream.

  • We encourage you to submit written questions in advance, or during the event at the link above, or via email to social@spdlc.org.

Since we recognize that some people may still want to gather to watch this presentation together in a more public space, we will also hold an in-person viewing of the event at St. Philip the Deacon. This will be held on a large screen in our sanctuary, and—as always—attendance is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

 

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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 1/28 – 2/3

Sunday, January 30, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, January 30, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, January 31, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, February 1, 2022
St. Mary’s Men’s Group (Virtual this month)
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 3, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, February 3, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, February 3, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 21, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s moves to Virtual Services for the remainder of January

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, January 23, 2022

  • First Message: Isaiah 60:1-6
  • Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
10:00am – Virtual Eucharist Worship Service via Zoom. The Reverend Debbie Brown will be the celebrant and preacher. Debbie and Ron Brown were previously members of St. Mary’s. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
To join the 10am worship on January 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 January 23rd Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Finance Committee

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service will be moving from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm starting January 17th.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

A reminder that Susan will be on vacation until January 24. Should a pastoral emergency arise at Saint Mary’s during Reverend Susan’s vacation, please contact Brian Nerbonne, warden, at  6I2 8IO 7898.

 

What’s New?

  • St. Mary’s will NOT hold in-person worship service on Sunday, January 23 and 30. Worship will be Zoom ONLY.
  • Come to Zoom church and see faces you may not have seen for awhile. Even though it’s been great to have both the Zoom and in-person worship options, it’s also nice to have the community gathered all together.
  • To hear The Reverend Stephanie Speller’s homily given on January 16, Click HERE.

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!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s moves to Virtual Services for the remainder of January

As everyone is likely aware, the omicron variant is creating a large wave of COVID infections, regardless of vaccination status. St. Mark’s Cathedral recently made the decision to move to Virtual only services, and the St. Mary’s vestry has decided to do the same. We view this as a way for us to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID at a time when our health care system is under strain. It is a way to love our neighbor as Jesus calls us to do.
 
One of the few pieces of good news about this wave is that it is anticipated to be relatively short, with the peak happening in the next week to ten days. The vestry will revisit the question of in-person services in advance of the first Sunday of February to see if conditions warrant a return to in-person services. For the remainder of January, all services will be conducted via Zoom. The link to the Virtual Services is available in the Weekly newsletter emailed to subscribers and posted on the St. Mary’s website as well as in the St. Mary’s calendar of events. We hope folks will join us online for these Sundays.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry

Return to Top

2021 Annual Contribution Statements

2021 annual contribution statements will be sent out via e-mail by January 28th. If you do not have a current e-mail address on file, please send your current e-mail address to Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at rexaholzemer at gmail.com. If necessary, a hard copy of an annual contribution statement will be mailed to any parishioner without an e-mail address on file.
 
If you think there are any inaccuracies on your statement or you have questions, please feel free to call or e-mail Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 65I-3O8-4895 or rexaholzemer at gmail.com.
 
Thanks to each of you for your generosity and financial support of St. Mary’s in 2021!
 

Saint Mary’s Annual 2022 Finance Report

Greetings St. Mary’s Community,
 
In an attempt to get information out to all parishioners regarding our 2021 and 2022 budgets as soon as possible, the Vestry has decided to send out the Annual Finance report via e-mail immediately rather than wait until an annual meeting can be scheduled. An update on St. Mary’s finances will still be provided at the annual meeting.  
 
We have some good news! Due to pledge income coming in higher than expected in 2021 and significantly lower than expected expenses, as well as excellent gains on our investments, we ended 2021 with a $48,189 surplus. This surplus has been moved to contingency reserves to cover any future budget deficits.
 
The challenging news is that our projected budget deficit for this year is ($84,176). This is due to the fact that the Vestry has committed to hiring a full-time priest to assist in rebuilding our parish community, and we have 9 fewer household pledges in 2022 compared to 2021.
 
We continue to have a very committed parishioner base. With continued commitment and leadership from our parishioners, the Vestry is hopeful and confident we will indeed be a thriving, vital community again in the future. It likely means we will run deficits for the next couple of years or so. However, given our solid reserves thanks to those who came before us, we can manage such deficits during the rebuilding process.  
 
Attached (link below) is a simplified 2-page annual report from our Finance Committee that is a quick read and important for all St. Mary’s members to understand. Please take time to read through it. If you have any questions regarding our budget or finances, please feel free to call or e-mail Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer at gmail.com.  
 
My personal thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s and for your commitment to this community!
 
Rex Holzemer, The Finance Committee, and The St. Mary’s Vestry
 
 

Return to Top

 

Search Committee

Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
Join Mia and Emily for Tweeners on Thursdays from 7-7:45pm. The meeting will be virtual. Please contact Mia for the link!
 

Return to Top

Outreach

MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Legislative Breakfast on January 26, 2022

Hello!
 
I am writing to invite members of your congregation to the MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Annual [Virtual] Legislative Breakfast taking place on Wednesday, January 26th from 8-9:30am via Zoom.   At the breakfast, we will join with elected officials, city staff, faith leaders, community members, and people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness and housing crises as we work towards a St. Paul/MN where everyone, without exception, has safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing!  Let’s work together to make it happen.
 
We hope you will be able to share some version of the invitation with your congregation through your newsletter and/or other communications.  (Click HERE)
  

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at this email (micahbrkfst@comcast.net).  We hope to see members from your community at this important event. 

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
 
Jean Giebenhain
 
MICAH, St. Paul Chapter
 

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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 1/21 – 1/27

Sunday, January 23, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, January 24, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 27, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 27, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, January 27, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 14, 2022

by

IMPORTANT NOTICE: St. Mary’s moves to Virtual Services for the remainder of January

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, January 16, 2022

  • First Message: “I Dream a World” a poem by Langston Hughes
  • Gospel: John 2: 1-11 (The wedding in Cana)
8:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Service via Zoom led by Steve Andrews.  In place of a homily, there will be a Gospel Based Discipleship discussion. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on January 16, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
10:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Service via Zoom led by Michael Phillips. A pre-recorded homily given by The Reverend Stephanie Spellers will be shown. After the service a Zoom social gathering will be held.
To join the 10am worship on January 16, 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 January 16th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Vestry Update

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

  • New!: The Evening Compline Service will be moving from Tuesday nights to Monday nights at 7:30pm starting January 17th.
  • New!: The Thursday evening Contemplative Service will be Zoom only until the end of February and will then be reassessed.

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

Transcript of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Epiphany Address to the Nation from January 6, 2022 – “A Moment of Peril and Promise”

A reminder that Susan will be on vacation until January 24. Should a pastoral emergency arise at Saint Mary’s during Reverend Susan’s vacation, please contact Brian Nerbonne, warden, at  6I2 8IO 7898.
 
 

What’s New?

  • For the rest of the Sundays in January (16, 23, 30), St. Mary’s will NOT hold in-person services.  Worship will be Zoom ONLY.
  • To hear The Reverend Tom Eklo’s homily given on January 9, Click HERE.
  • New for season of Epiphany: Printed song sheets are available for those worshipping in person. These are songs that will be used during the Epiphany season that aren’t in the hymnal. (For those in the hymnal, the hymnal song number will be shown in the bulletin.) This was requested so people in the pews can clearly understand the lyrics. We are not encouraging parishioner singing because of the transmissibility of the Omicron COVID variant…quiet humming or very, very quiet singing are okay.
  • Question from a parishioner: “In light of omicron, why is the choir still allowed to sing in church?” FROM VONDA – Choir members wear special resonance masks that are double layer cloth with a special paper filter. The masks have a rubber like seal on the nose crown an extend below and over the chin, creating a good seal while still allowing movement of lips and opportunity for better diction. Also, all choir members are fully vaccinated, boosted and we are distanced from the congregation over 20’. The choir sound is picked up by microphones as well.

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!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s moves to Virtual Services for the remainder of January

As everyone is likely aware, the omicron variant is creating a large wave of COVID infections, regardless of vaccination status. St. Mark’s Cathedral recently made the decision to move to Virtual only services, and the St. Mary’s vestry has decided to do the same. We view this as a way for us to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID at a time when our health care system is under strain. It is a way to love our neighbor as Jesus calls us to do.
 
One of the few pieces of good news about this wave is that it is anticipated to be relatively short, with the peak happening in the next week to ten days. The vestry will revisit the question of in-person services in advance of the first Sunday of February to see if conditions warrant a return to in-person services. For the remainder of January, all services will be conducted via Zoom. The link to the Virtual Services is available in the Weekly newsletter emailed to subscribers and posted on the St. Mary’s website as well as in the St. Mary’s calendar of events. We hope folks will join us online for these Sundays.
 
Sincerely,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry
 

“Love your neighbor” and COVID Protocols

“Love your neighbor” implies to me that we care about, and for, each other. We care about our neighbors near and far and, right now, part of that care involves having COVID protocols that work to keep us all as safe as we can be. Being vaccinated and boosted is expected…that’s the first step.

KN95 masks provide greater protection than cloth or 3-layer paper masks. If you can find them, buy some/one!

The Vestry again looked at our St. Mary’s protocols at its January 4th meeting and re-affirmed those already in place and added a few more.

**NEW: Given the growing number of Omicron cases, these protocols were added this week.

  • **NEW: At least through the end of January, in-person social time is not being encouraged. Please visit outdoors if you do want to socialize.
  • **NEW: For hymns, quiet humming and very, very quiet singing is still okay.
  • Wear a mask (covering nose and mouth) when in the building. KN95 is best!
  • Practice 6’ physical distancing (also referred to as “social distancing”).
  • Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
  • If you’re scheduled for a Sunday morning lay ministry but are feeling uncomfortable with the idea of being with people, know you have permission NOT to come to church. Please let the Verger or Brian Nerbonne or Paulette Briese know ahead of time if you can.
  • If you’ve had close contact with someone who has COVID, consider testing or not coming to church.
  • If you get a positive test result within 72 hours of being at church, let Brian Nerbonne know so others at St. Mary’s can be made aware of their potential exposure.

Yes, in the world we live in today, part of how we show our love for our neighbor is by doing our part to keep not only ourselves, but also those we come in contact with, as safe as we can. Thank you, St. Mary’s, for being concerned about the common good and for loving your neighbors.

Paulette Briese
Worship Team

Return to Top

Summary of the January 4, 2022 Vestry Meeting

In the interest of more timely communication of happenings at vestry meetings, we are beginning to publish a brief summary in the Weekly email following the meeting, rather than waiting a month to publish the minutes once they are approved. If you have questions about the meeting, please contact warden Brian Nerbonne at michigander_guy at yahoo.com.
 
Finance: The St. Mary’s bylaws call for a finance meeting to be held in January of each year. In lieu of holding a meeting, given our current circumstances due to COVID, the vestry approved a plan to instead distribute the working budget via email.
 
Committee re-shuffle: All of our various teams that handle duties at St. Mary’s (e.g. worship planning, finance, stewardship) have been active for over a year, some for several years. With a new year arriving, we would like to offer the opportunity for current committee members to consider whether they need a break, or if they would like to try a role on a different team. This will also be a chance for people to try out serving on a team if they haven’t previously. Look for an item coming soon in the weekly to kick off this process.
 
Stewardship: Final numbers are 48 pledging households totaling over $153,000. Thanks to everyone who pledged, and much appreciation to Jim Wheeler and Cindy James for leading this year’s campaign. Jim and Cindy also made the proposal to look to adding members to this team, as both are ready to rotate off of this duty to focus on other things. They also propose that we look at making stewardship a more year-round activity, broadening it to include other contributions to the congregation beyond just pledging.
 
Door codes and required Safe Church training: Episcopal Church of MN canons require all people with keys or door access codes to the church to complete Safe Church training once every three years. This is also required of vestry members or those working with youth. Jim Wheeler and Aimee Sutherland worked together to cross reference records on safe church training with those who are currently assigned door codes. Many people are currently in need of the training, or will be some time in 2022. Emails will soon be sent to people in need of the training. They will have the option to give up their code or take the training. If no action is taken by people to rectify this, we may need to deactivate codes after a reasonable time period (i.e. a few months). Please look for an email with information on how to complete the training if this might apply to you. We are also insuring that our building tenants fulfill this requirement.
 
Omicron considerations for in-person services: The vestry discussed whether to consider any shifts to services with the Omicron variant causing a significant spike in COVID cases. The vestry feels that we can continue to do in-person services safely, but also have virtual options for people who do not feel comfortable in-person. We will continue our current protocols, but also begin to encourage KN-95 mask wearing to further reduce the chance of viral spread. Look for an item in the weekly outlining COVID precautions we are asking people to follow.
 
Letter from St. Mary’s to Title IV complainants: As another step toward moving forward from our former rector’s Title IV process, we will be discussing with the bishop the idea of sending a brief letter to the complainants, expressing wishes for healing from any harm that occurred. Based on the bishop’s feedback, we will discern next steps.
 
Member transitions: So that people can have a way to stay informed of births and deaths in our community, new St. Mary’s members, and St. Mary’s members who have moved away or left our congregation, we will begin publishing an item once a month in the Weekly email covering these transitions.

Return to Top

Search Committee

New Candidates
We are excited to share that we have received a number of applications after re-opening our job posting for a permanent priest. We are reviewing them with great joy, and we will meet with the candidates in early January. As before, we will share our progress as often as possible. You can reach us with questions or comments any time at transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org. 
 
God is good, all the time! 
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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. Stay tuned to our text chain. Kat will inform the group if YG will be virtual or in person. Contact Mia if you need to be added to the group.
 
Tweeners:
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!
 

Return to Top

Outreach

MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Legislative Breakfast on January 26, 2022

Hello!
 
I am writing to invite members of your congregation to the MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Annual [Virtual] Legislative Breakfast taking place on Wednesday, January 26th from 8-9:30am via Zoom.   At the breakfast, we will join with elected officials, city staff, faith leaders, community members, and people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness and housing crises as we work towards a St. Paul/MN where everyone, without exception, has safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing!  Let’s work together to make it happen.
 
We hope you will be able to share some version of the invitation with your congregation through your newsletter and/or other communications.  (Click HERE)
  

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at this email (micahbrkfst@comcast.net).  We hope to see members from your community at this important event. 

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
 
Jean Giebenhain
 
MICAH, St. Paul Chapter
 

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 at gmail.com. The prayer list will be updated weekly, and all prayers will remain on the list for one month unless otherwise requested.

CaringBridge for Don Horton

Hello my dear friends,

If you would like to stay updated on my dad’s health situation and don’t use Facebook, I will be posting updates on CaringBridge too.

Website Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhorton

Much love,

Claire Horton

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 1/14 – 1/20

Sunday, January 16, 2022
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, January 16, 2022
Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, January 17, 2022
Compline (Now on Mondays!)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
For more information Click HERE

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 20, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 20, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, January 20, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the Contemplative Service will be Virtual Only until the end of February and then reassessed)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 7, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, January 9, 2022

  • First Message: Isaiah 60: 1-6
  • Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
10:00am – Eucharist Service In-person and via Zoom. Social time to follow – outside and in the entryway for those worshiping in person and a Zoom gathering for those worshiping virtually. The Reverend Tom Eklo will be the celebrant and preacher. See “What’s New” for more info regarding Epiphany.

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 January 9, 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 January 9th Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Epiphany Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Keeping our community safe and healthy

Vestry Update

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Reverend Susan M. Moss

Dear Saint Marians:

January 6th, the 12th Day of Christmas, is the Feast of The Epiphany; the day Christians across the world proclaim with the prophet Isaiah: 
 
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
 
The Epiphany story teaches that Jesus is the Light that has come; the Light that shines in the darkness and will not be overcome.
 
During this season, listen for the ways in which the Gospel lessons point to the ways in which Jesus is the manifestation of God with us. Epiphany calls us to share the Light of God’s love. How might you answer this call to make real the love of God in your family, your neighborhood, your school, your place of work?
 
I will be on vacation from January 7 to January 24. Please welcome The Rev. Tom Eklo and The Rev. Debbie Brown, guest celebrants on January 9th and 23rd.  
 
Should a pastoral emergency arise at Saint Mary’s during my time away, please contact Brian Nerbonne, warden at  6I2 8Io 7898.
 
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Light of the World.
Fill our hearts with your love
And our minds with your peace. Amen
 
Susan
 
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
Transition Priest
 
 

What’s New?

  • To hear Bishop Loya’s Christmas sermon, Click HERE.
  • Heads up: On Sunday, January 16, in addition to the 10am Worship Service, an 8am adapted Morning Prayer will be led by Steve Andrews via Zoom. Gospel Based Discipleship (discussing the readings for the day) will take place instead of a homily.
  • The Epiphany Ring:
    Yes, on Sunday, January 9th, St. Mary’s will celebrate Epiphany in-person and virtually. It’s not yet possible to have a piñata for the kids or a cake to hide the 128 year old ring in, but we will have Epiphany cupcakes and the ring will be hidden in one of them! What’s this about a ring, you might ask? And why is a ring connected with Epiphany? Here’s some information passed from Margaret Neily (a longtime St. Mary’s member) to St. Marian LaVonne Mayer who was the keeper of the ring for many years. The ring was kept in the Mayer safety deposit box and brought out every year before the Epiphany celebration which is held the Sunday after Epiphany.
    ~
    In 1894 some St. Mary’s women donated gold jewelry and a ring was made. Exactly why this was connected with Epiphany isn’t really known, but this became a much loved tradition. In those days, there were only “Vestrymen”…no Vestrywomen…and only the spouse of a Vestryman could get the ring! To be sure that this would happen, a portion of the cake was designated for these spouses! The finder of the ring would be crowned Queen for the year, and apparently the only benefit (??) derived from being Queen was that the Queen made the cake the next year!! This tradition went on for many years but at some point it was discontinued.
    ~
    The ring was kept in a big heavy safe at St. Mary’s. In the 1980’s it was decided that this big safe was obsolete. Jim Jepson “took it off St. Mary’s hands”, and as he was removing everything from the safe, he discovered the ring. He and his wife Kathie decided to bring back the Epiphany ring tradition, but now anyone could find the ring and a Queen or King would be crowned. The Reverend Russ Johnson, St. Mary’s rector at the time, added the piñata for the kids. His daughters put candy in little bags before they were put in the piñata to keep candy clean and to be sure each child could get some candy. No longer was the spouse of a Vestry member responsible for making the cake. For many years the cake was purchased and Kathie would expertly cut into the decorated cake, insert the plastic wrapped ring in the cake and hide all evidence of where the ring was hidden!!
    ~
    St. Mary’s master-baker, Joe McManmon, has baked the cake in recent years (pre-Covid shut down) and this year will bake cupcakes!! Thank you, Joe!!
    (NOTE: The ring is given back so the tradition can continue for years to come!)

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!

Return to Top

“Love your neighbor” and COVID Protocols

“Love your neighbor” implies to me that we care about, and for, each other. We care about our neighbors near and far and, right now, part of that care involves having COVID protocols that work to keep us all as safe as we can be. Being vaccinated and boosted is expected…that’s the first step.

KN95 masks provide greater protection than cloth or 3-layer paper masks. If you can find them, buy one! If not, there are some at St. Mary’s you can take.

The Vestry again looked at our St. Mary’s protocols at its January 4th meeting and re-affirmed those already in place and added a few more.

  • Wear a mask (covering nose and mouth) when in the building.
  • Practice 6’ physical distancing (also referred to as “social distancing”).
  • Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
  • If you’re scheduled for a Sunday morning lay ministry but are feeling uncomfortable with the idea of being with people, know you have permission NOT to come to church. Please let the Verger or Brian Nerbonne or Paulette Briese know ahead of time if you can.
  • If you’ve had close contact with someone who has COVID, consider testing or not coming to church.
  • If you get a positive test result within 72 hours of being at church, let Brian Nerbonne know so others at St. Mary’s can be made aware of their potential exposure.

Yes, in the world we live in today, part of how we show our love for our neighbor is by doing our part to keep not only ourselves, but also those we come in contact with, as safe as we can. Thank you, St. Mary’s, for being concerned about the common good and for loving your neighbors.

Paulette Briese
Worship Team

Return to Top

Summary of the January 4, 2022 Vestry Meeting

In the interest of more timely communication of happenings at vestry meetings, we are beginning to publish a brief summary in the Weekly email following the meeting, rather than waiting a month to publish the minutes once they are approved. If you have questions about the meeting, please contact warden Brian Nerbonne at michigander_guy@yahoo.com.
 
Finance: The St. Mary’s bylaws call for a finance meeting to be held in January of each year. In lieu of holding a meeting, given our current circumstances due to COVID, the vestry approved a plan to instead distribute the working budget via email.
 
Committee re-shuffle: All of our various teams that handle duties at St. Mary’s (e.g. worship planning, finance, stewardship) have been active for over a year, some for several years. With a new year arriving, we would like to offer the opportunity for current committee members to consider whether they need a break, or if they would like to try a role on a different team. This will also be a chance for people to try out serving on a team if they haven’t previously. Look for an item coming soon in the weekly to kick off this process.
 
Stewardship: Final numbers are 48 pledging households totaling over $153,000. Thanks to everyone who pledged, and much appreciation to Jim Wheeler and Cindy James for leading this year’s campaign. Jim and Cindy also made the proposal to look to adding members to this team, as both are ready rotate off of this duty to focus on other things. They also propose that we look at making stewardship a more year-round activity, broadening it to include other contributions to the congregation beyond just pledging.
 
Door codes and required Safe Church training: Episcopal Church of MN canons require all people with keys or door access codes to the church to complete Safe Church training once every three years. This is also required of vestry members or those working with youth. Jim Wheeler and Aimee Sutherland worked together to cross reference records on safe church training with those who are currently assigned door codes. Many people are currently in need of the training, or will be some time in 2022. Emails will soon be sent to people in need of the training. They will have the option to give up their code or take the training. If no action is taken by people to rectify this, we may need to deactivate codes after a reasonable time period (i.e. a few months). Please look for an email with information on how to complete the training if this might apply to you. We are also insuring that our building tenants fulfill this requirement.
 
Omicron considerations for in-person services: The vestry discussed whether to consider any shifts to services with the Omicron variant causing a significant spike in COVID cases. The vestry feels that we can continue to do in-person services safely, but also have virtual options for people who do not feel comfortable in-person. We will continue our current protocols, but also begin to encourage KN-95 mask wearing to further reduce the chance of viral spread. Look for an item in the weekly outlining COVID precautions we are asking people to follow.
 
Letter from St. Mary’s to Title IV complainants: As another step toward moving forward from our former rector’s Title IV process, we will be discussing with the bishop the idea of sending a brief letter to the complainants, expressing wishes for healing from any harm that occurred. Based on the bishop’s feedback, we will discern next steps.
 
Member transitions: So that people can have a way to stay informed of births and deaths in our community, new St. Mary’s members, and St. Mary’s members who have moved away or left our congregation, we will begin publishing an item once a month in the Weekly email covering these transitions.

Return to Top

Search Committee

New Candidates
We are excited to share that we have received a number of applications after re-opening our job posting for a permanent priest. We are reviewing them with great joy, and we will meet with the candidates in early January. As before, we will share our progress as often as possible. You can reach us with questions or comments any time at transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org. 
 
God is good, all the time! 
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 

Return to Top

Outreach

MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Legislative Breakfast on January 26, 2022

Hello!
 
I am writing to invite members of your congregation to the MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Annual [Virtual] Legislative Breakfast taking place on Wednesday, January 26th from 8-9:30am via Zoom.   At the breakfast, we will join with elected officials, city staff, faith leaders, community members, and people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness and housing crises as we work towards a St. Paul/MN where everyone, without exception, has safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing!  Let’s work together to make it happen.
 
We hope you will be able to share some version of the invitation with your congregation through your newsletter and/or other communications.  (Click HERE)
  

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at this email (micahbrkfst@comcast.net).  We hope to see members from your community at this important event. 

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
 
Jean Giebenhain
 
MICAH, St. Paul Chapter
 

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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 1/7 – 1/13

Sunday, January 9, 2022
Hybrid Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Men’s Group Gathering
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 13, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 13, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, January 13, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the link has been updated for 2022)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 31, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, January 2, 2022

  • Lesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14
  • Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
  • Psalm 84: 1-8    
10:00am – Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Morning Prayer Worship Service In-person and via Zoom. Social time to follow outside and in the entryway for those worshiping in person and via Zoom for those worshiping virtually. Jim DeLuca will be the Officiant. We will hear Bishop Loya’s Christmas homily and sing Christmas carols.

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 January 2, 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
 
There is not a Service Bulletin for January 2nd. Please see the “Liturgy Matters” to follow the BCP service.

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Vestry Update

Search Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by Lay Leader Jim DeLuca

Happy New Year and a Blessed Christmas Season to You!
 
For this coming Sunday at 10:00, we will celebrate with Rite Two Morning Prayer, sprinkled with beautiful carols and other traditional morning prayer opportunities to sing (quietly)! We will be using the Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal and if you are Zooming you can link directly to Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer here:  https://www.bcponline.org/DailyOffice/mp2.html. Or, if you want the PDF of the entire book and then go to Page 75 for Morning Prayer, link here:
 
Morning Prayer dates back to the earliest Anglican prayer books, and has its roots in the Jewish and then Christian Monastic patterns of prayer. The psalms are important in both of these traditions. Morning Prayer was the dominant Sunday service at many Episcopal churches well into the 1960s with Holy Communion practiced only on the first Sunday of the month and on high holy days. The old St. Mary’s sign in the foyer displays that very schedule! We hope to see you in person or on Zoom for Morning Prayer this Sunday!
 
Peace, 
 
Jim DeLuca
 

What’s New?

  • To see and listen to the virtual Christmas pageant, Click HERE.
  • Worship Schedule for January (All 10am services are both in-person and virtual.)
    • Sun—Jan 2…….10am  Morning Prayer led by Jim DeLuca, Bishop Loya’s Christmas homily and Christmas carols.
    • Sun—Jan 9…….10am Eucharist with The Reverend Tom Eklo, guest celebrant and preacher
    • Sun—Jan 16…….8am adapted Morning Prayer led by Steve Andrews ZOOM only.                      
    • Sun—Jan 16……10am adapted Morning Prayer with homily by Stephanie Spellers
    • Sun—Jan 23…..10am Eucharist with The Reverend Debbie Brown, guest celebrant and preacher
    • Sun—Jan 30……10am Eucharist with The Reverend Susan Moss, celebrant and preacher
  • The Epiphany is actually on Thursday, January 6th, but at St. Mary’s we celebrate it the first Sunday after Epiphany, which this year is January 9th. Epiphany cupcakes will be served, with the St. Mary’s Epiphany ring in one of them. A queen or king will be crowned and reign until Epiphany 2023. More to come about Epiphany in the next Weekly Email.

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!

Return to Top

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

Return to Top

Search Committee

New Candidates
We are excited to share that we have received a number of applications after re-opening our job posting for a permanent priest. We are reviewing them with great joy, and we will meet with the candidates in early January. As before, we will share our progress as often as possible. You can reach us with questions or comments any time at transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org. 
 
God is good, all the time! 
 
Prayers for the Search Committee and Candidates
Dear Saint Marians:
 
As the Rector’s Search begins anew, let us remain constant in prayer for members of the Search Committee and the candidates who have come forward.
 
Faithfully, 
 
Susan
The Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
 Let us pray:
 

Lord Jesus Christ you are the Light of the World!

May your Holy Spirit continue to  guide and illumine the discerning hearts and minds of the Saint Mary’s Search Committee and rector candidates, in the search for a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for ministries in your name.  Amen.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 

Return to Top

Outreach

MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Legislative Breakfast on January 26, 2022

Hello!
 
I am writing to invite members of your congregation to the MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) Annual [Virtual] Legislative Breakfast taking place on Wednesday, January 26th from 8-9:30am via Zoom.   At the breakfast, we will join with elected officials, city staff, faith leaders, community members, and people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness and housing crises as we work towards a St. Paul/MN where everyone, without exception, has safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing!  Let’s work together to make it happen.
 
We hope you will be able to share some version of the invitation with your congregation through your newsletter and/or other communications.  (Click HERE)
  

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at this email (micahbrkfst@comcast.net).  We hope to see members from your community at this important event. 

Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!
 
Jean Giebenhain
 
MICAH, St. Paul Chapter
 

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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 12/31 – 1/6

Sunday, January 2, 2022
Hybrid Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Men’s Group Gathering
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesdays in 2022
Compline will continue to take place in 2022 on Tuesdays at 7:30pm when there is not a Vestry Meeting.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 6, 2022
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, January 6, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, January 6, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (please note that the link has been updated for 2022)

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 24, 2021

by

Christmas Worship Services – December 24 – 26

  • First Message: Isaiah 9: 2-7
  • Gospel: Luke 2: 1-20    

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021

Please see the “Special Notice for Christmas Eve Service 2021” in the Worship Team section.
3:30pm – Christmas Carols
4:00pm – Eucharist Worship service in-person and via Zoom with social time to follow: for those worshipping in person outside and in entryway and with a Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. The Rev. Susan Moss will preside. In place of a homily, the Children’s virtual Christmas Pageant will be shown. (Remember to bring your cup/small glass for communion wine. Paper cups are available if you don’t bring one.)

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 Christmas Eve service on December 24, 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 Christmas Eve Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the Advent Songbook – Click HERE
 

If you’d like to attend a later Christmas Eve service in-person or virtually, here’s information for services at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis:

10:30pm Music
11:00pm Feast of the Nativity/Holy Eucharist
To join the Christmas Eve service at St. Mark’s Cathedral on December 24, 2021 Click HERE
 

Christmas Day, December 25, 2021

There will not be a Christmas Day service at St. Mary’s. Please check websites for other Episcopal churches if you’d like to attend a Christmas Day worship service. St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis will have a 10am service. If you would like to join the Christmas Day service at St. Mark’s Cathedral on December 25, 2021 Click HERE
 

Sunday, December 26, 2021

There will not be a service at St. Mary’s on Sunday, December 26th. The following is information on services at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis:
 
8:00am Rite I (in-person only)
10:30am Rite II (in-person and virtual)

To join the 10:30am service at St. Mark’s Cathedral on December 26, 2021 Click HERE

5:00pm Choral Evensong (in-person and virtual)
To join the 5:00pm Choral Evensong service at St. Mark’s Cathedral on December 26, 2021 Click HERE
 
Any of the Live Stream services from St. Mark’s Cathedral can also be viewed on their Facebook page – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Vestry Update

Search Committee Announcement

Children and Youth

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Special Notice for Christmas Eve Service 2021

We’ve all been hearing about the Omicron variant, how infectious it is and how fast it’s spreading.  We’re all constantly evaluating risk vs. benefit in how we engage and interact with people.  

Here are some things we’d like you to know about the Christmas Eve service at St Mary’s:

  • The Rev. Susan Moss, our presider and celebrant, is fully vaccinated and boosted.  She will take an at-home test prior to the Christmas Eve service.
  • Everyone inside the church building is required to be masked. Please consider upgrading your mask if it does not fit tightly over your mouth and nose. KN95’s are recommended.
  • Physical distancing will be practiced as much as possible.
  • While we will not be able to sing loudly, we encourage humming! 
  • Please stay home and join us via Zoom if you or a member of your family is not feeling well or if you are not fully vaccinated.

Most importantly do whatever is necessary for you 
and your loved ones to feel comfortable 
and safe during this Christmas season.

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 Rev. Lydia Huttar-Brown’s homily about miracles given on December 19, Click HERE.
  • Remember to bring your “cup” to receive wine during communion. Small paper cups will also be available.
  • There is one kneeler available during communion for those who prefer to kneel. To stay physically distant, no more than 3 people kneeling at one time, please…one person at each end and one in the middle.
  • 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
    • Fri— Dec 24……3:30pm carol singing; 4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve with virtual Christmas pageant (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sat— Dec 25…..No service at St. Mary’s. Check Episcopal church websites for Christmas Day services.
    • Sun—Dec 26…. Join the congregation at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis. (See more information in the Worship section above.)                       
    • Sun—Jan 2…….10am Bishop Loya’s Christmas sermon, Christmas carols, and Morning Prayer led by Jim DeLuca

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!

Return to Top

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

Return to Top

Announcement from the Search Committee

We are excited to share that we have received a number of applications after re-opening our job posting for a permanent priest. We are reviewing them with great joy, and we will meet with the candidates in early January. As before, we will share our progress as often as possible. You can reach us with questions or comments any time at transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org. 
 
God is good, all the time! 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
No Youth Group next week. 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 next week. 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!
 

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 12/24 – 12/30

Friday, December 24, 2021
Hybrid Christmas Eve Worship Service
3:30pm Carols; 4:00pm Service
Link

Saturday, December 25, 2021
Christmas Day Service
No service at St. Mary’s. Please see worship information above.

Sunday, December 26, 2021
Sunday Service
No service at St. Mary’s. Please see worship information above.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Thursday, December 30, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, December 30, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 17, 2021

by

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!

Return to Top

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

Return to Top

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

Return to Top

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. 
 
 

Return to Top

“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

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 10, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
(NOTE: The 4pm Lessons and Carols will be taking the place of the 10am Worship Service)
Sunday, December 12, 2021

  • First Message: Zephaniah 3:14-20
  • Gospel: Luke 3:7-18    
8:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Worship Service via Zoom led by Steve Andrews with social time to follow.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on December 12, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
For the 8am Service Bulletin – Click HERE
 
3:30pm – Come to Lessons and Carols early and enjoy a peaceful time of listening to or humming or quietly singing carols.
4:00pm – Lessons and Carols In-Person and via Zoom.

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.

For Lessons and Carols Zoom viewing on December 12, 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 Lessons and Carols Bulletin – Click HERE
Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles – Click HERE
For the Lessons and Carols Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Vestry Update

Christmas Greens & Poinsettias

Children and Youth

ECMN Missioner for Children, Youth, and Camp

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Lessons and Carols at Saint Mary’s

Come one, come all this Sunday, December 12th at 4pm and fill your holiday season with a time of reflection, song and love. We are anticipating so much this season of Advent…the call for a new rector/priest, renewal and revival of our focus, the opportunity for worship innovation and yes…the birth of a child named Jesus!  
 
Everyone has been working so hard to make this live worship something to remember. As we carefully rise up from the blanket of isolation caused by the COVID pandemic, we get this special night to celebrate and anticipate the birth of Jesus.  
 
Yes, it is true, this will not be the same Lessons and Carols service of the past, it is something similar, yet new. The choir will be your voice, the band will be your joy, the solo instruments will bring you that feeling of home, and our love will surround you! Our elaborate meal must be simplified for safety reasons and instead…a plate full of cookies for each household to take home as you leave the service. A sweet feast to remember why we are all drawn to Saint Mary’s and why we call these walls home.
 
Remember, there is no 10am worship this Sunday, we are asking you to join us later in the day to worship through scripture and song. Come early and join us in singing some carols quietly behind your masks at 3:30pm that day. Then Lessons and Carol’s at 4pm, Sunday, December 12th!!!
 
All are welcome,
Vonda

What’s New?

  • To listen to The Reverend Susan Moss’ December 5th homily, Click HERE.
  • Winter temps are now with us and the Worship Team has discussed how to do Social Time for in-person worshippers in a COVID-safe way. Here’s what we came up with! Some folks may still want to gather outside, and that’s just fine…feel free to gather in front of the entrance as you’ve done in the past or in the “garth” (which would give you some protection from the wind). People can also stay inside and gather in the entryway area with the front doors and doors to the “garth” open for good air flow…even better protection from the wind and hopefully a little warmer than outside. Let’s give it a try…and please give us your feedback and other ideas.
  • 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 12…..8am adapted Morning Prayer–Advent 3 (Zoom only)
    • Sun—Dec 12….3:30pm carol singing; 4pm Lessons & Carols—Advent 3 (The Rev. Susan Moss, officiant)
    • 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 Mpls–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!

Return to Top

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

Return to Top

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.
 
Thank you.
 
Ginny DeLuca

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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. 
 
 

Return to Top

Missioner Job Description Conversation

  • Children’s & Youth Listening Session
  • December 16, 7pm | Online
  • If you are involved in ministry with young people, families, or intergenerational formation in ECMN, you are invited to participate in the process for hiring a new Missioner for Children, Youth, and Camp. On Thursday, December 16, ECMN will be hosting a Zoom listening session to discuss the values that you would like to see reflected in the job description for this missioner. What does ECMN need in a missioner for children, youth, and camp? What does your faith community need from this missioner to in order thrive in the area of children, youth, and intergenerational ministry? Leaders in all aspects of these ministries are welcome, including parents and invested teens. Please be sure to share this invitation with all in your community involved in youth ministry. If you are unable to make this Zoom session, there will be a survey that can be filled out on your own time. 
 

Return to Top

“All Our Good Holiday Giving” Update

Message from Nina Johnson: 

My organization, the Racial Justice Network, co-sponsors an annual holiday event for families in need, called “All Our Good Holiday Giving”. 

In 2020 we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, due to the huge demand, we’re doubling the length of the event and hope to double the amount we can give away.  

Last year St Marians donated 100  $10 gift cards, and this year I told the planners that our community could donate 200 gift cards. So far 11 people have made donations, and we have 47 cards to give to families. Many thanks to those who have helped us get this started! 200 cards is an ambitious goal, but I know we can do it, St. Mary’s! Please give as much as you can- the need is great. 

You may give $10 gift cards from Target, Cub or Walmart, or give money and I’ll take care of getting the cards. Please contact me at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 and let me know how much you’d like to give. Thank you!

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

Return to Top

The Angel Tree is Back!

Saint Marians, it is time to sign up for the Angel Tree gifts again.  This is an opportunity to purchase a gift for a child at Galtier School.  There are options for giving clothing of a specific size or toys based on the child’s interests. We are doing this a little differently this year. Sign Up on this link below by filling out your Name, Phone number and email and then bring the gift you signed up for in a gift bag to Saint Mary’s by 4pm on December 12.  After Lessons and Carols the Youth Group plans to pack up the gifts to get them ready for distribution.  
 
 
Or if you would like to contribute but simply cannot go shopping you can give a check or a gift card from Target, Walmart or Cub in increments of $10.  Please sign up to give a check or gift card here. 
 

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 12/10 – 12/16

Sunday, December 12, 2021
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, December 12, 2021
Lessons and Carols In-Person and via Zoom
3:30pm carols; 4:00pm service
Link

Monday, December 13, 2021
Worship Team Meeting via Zoom
4:45pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 16, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 16, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, December 16, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 3, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, December 5, 2021

  • First Message: Malachi 3:1-46
  • Gospel: Luke 3:1-6    
10:00am – Eucharist Worship Service In-person and via Zoom with social time to follow for those worshipping in person (see “What’s New” in Worship Team section) and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. The Rev. Susan Moss will be the celebrant and preacher.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on December 5, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles – Click HERE
NEW! For the 2021 Advent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Christmas Greens & Poinsettias

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at Saint Mary’s by Ginny DeLuca, Worship Team member

Nurturing the Roots of Our Community:
An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal 
led by The Rev. Susan M. Moss
Saturday, Dec. 4th at 4pm

Prepare the way for renewal at St Mary’s as we experience Advent this year. Join us in person for a Healing and Renewal Service Saturday Dec. 4, 2021 at 4pm. No zoom option available.

Saint Mary’s has experienced many changes these past few years, some which went smoother than others, to say the least. We enter the season of Advent in preparation for the birth of Jesus as we also prepare to call a new Rector. There have been requests to have a time where all our community may gather together and support each other as we heal; a time to come with our faith and doubts, hopes and fears as we prepare for what that exciting future can be! No matter where we are on our journey, we recognize that the community of Saint Mary’s is important to us.

In her October 24th sermon, Susan Moss reminded us about a gardener’s care when she and her neighbors rescued and transplanted perennials from the backyard of a house on their alley that had been torn down. “Some of the plants were really tattered…we reminded each other– protect the roots!… we need to protect  that which has been entrusted to our care.”  This definitely sums up our community; we’re feeling a bit ragged, some of us more than others. Remember, our roots are good, we need to nurture them, protect and care for them. Let us all create space for a time to be together to offer that care, show support, and pray as we prepare to move forward and thrive. God is Good!

What’s New?

  • To listen to Bishop Loya’s ECMN (Episcopal Church of Minnesota) November 5, 2021, Convention address, Click HERE.
  • Winter temps are now with us and the Worship Team has discussed how to do Social Time for in-person worshippers in a COVID-safe way. Here’s what we came up with! Some folks may still want to gather outside, and that’s just fine…feel free to gather in front of the entrance as you’ve done in the past or in the “garth” (which would give you some protection from the wind). People can also stay inside and gather in the entryway area with the front doors and doors to the “garth” open for good air flow…even better protection from the wind and hopefully a little warmer than outside. Let’s give it a try…and please give us your feedback and other ideas.
  • Worship Schedule
    • There will be a Christmas Pageant. The date is TBD.
    • Sat— Dec 4……4pm Nurturing the Roots of Our Community: An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal” (The Rev. Susan Moss, officiant)
    • Sun—Dec 5……10am Eucharist—Advent 2 (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sun—Dec 12…..8am adapted Morning Prayer–Advent 3 (Zoom only)
    • Sun—Dec 12….4pm Lessons & Carols—Advent 3 (The Rev. Susan Moss, officiant)
    • Sun—Dec 19….10am Eucharist—Advent 4 (The Rev. Lydia Huttar Brown)
    • Fri— Dec 24……4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sat— Dec 25…..No service
    • Sun—Dec 26…. Let’s Zoom together to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Mpls–More info to come                       
    • Sun—Jan 2…….10am Christmas carols & adapted Morning Prayer
  • On December 4th and Eucharist Sundays in Advent, the sacrament of Laying on of Hands & Annointing will be offered.
  • The Worship Team is looking for new members who would like to help plan the liturgy for one season. Advent is already planned so we’re looking ahead to Epiphany. Epiphany Sundays  include January 9 through February 27 ( 7 Sundays). Planning for these Sundays will start at the Worship Team meeting  on Tuesday, December 7, from 4-6pm at St Mary’s. Click HERE if you’re interested in joining us!

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!

Return to Top

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.
 
Thank you.
 
Ginny DeLuca

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
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. 
 
 

Return to Top

“All Our Good Holiday Giving” Update

Message from Nina Johnson: 

My organization, the Racial Justice Network, co-sponsors an annual holiday event for families in need, called “All Our Good Holiday Giving”. 

In 2020 we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, due to the huge demand, we’re doubling the length of the event and hope to double the amount we can give away.  

Last year St Marians donated 100  $10 gift cards, and this year I told the planners that our community could donate 200 gift cards. So far 11 people have made donations, and we have 47 cards to give to families. Many thanks to those who have helped us get this started! 200 cards is an ambitious goal, but I know we can do it, St Mary’s! Please give as much as you can- the need is great. 

You may give $10 gift cards from Target, Cub or Walmart, or give money and I’ll take care of getting the cards. Please contact me at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 and let me know how much you’d like to give. Thank you!

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

Return to Top

The Angel Tree is Back!

Saint Marians, it is time to sign up for the Angel Tree gifts again.  This is an opportunity to purchase a gift for a child at Galtier School.  There are options for giving clothing of a specific size or toys based on the child’s interests. We are doing this a little differently this year. Sign Up on this link below by filling out your Name, Phone number and email and then bring the gift you signed up for in a gift bag to Saint Mary’s by 4pm on December 12.  After Lessons and Carols the Youth Group plans to pack up the gifts to get them ready for distribution.  
 
 
Or if you would like to contribute but simply cannot go shopping you can give a check or a gift card from Target, Walmart or Cub in increments of $10.  Please sign up to give a check or gift card here. 
 

Return to Top

KIVA Loans – St. Mary’s “Out in the World”

Once again the KIVA loans that were re-paid to St Mary’s totaled over $1000—it takes about 3 months for this to happen!! So, once again this $1000+ was turned into new loans made to people around the world…loans made to Moldova, Kenya, Madagascar (2), Sierra Leone and Guatemala (2)…7 loans in all to enable people to start or expand their small businesses.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Amara; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; all who are thinking about getting or waiting to get a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 12/3 – 12/9

Saturday, December 4, 2021
Nurturing the Roots of Our Community: An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal
4:00pm (In-Person)
For more information Click HERE

Sunday, December 5, 2021
Hybrid Worship Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Worship Team Meeting in the Saint Mary’s Room
4:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Men’s Group Gathering
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

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

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 9, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 9, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, December 9, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – November 26, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, November 28, 2021

  • First Message: Jeremiah 33:14-16
  • Gospel: Luke 21:25-36    
10:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer Worship Service In-person and via Zoom with social time to follow for those worshipping in person (see “What’s New” in Worship Team section) and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. Instead of a Homily, we’ll hear Bishop Loya’s Address to the ECMN Convention on November 5, 2021.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on November 28, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles – Click HERE
NEW! For the 2021 Advent Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

Finance Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at Saint Mary’s by Ginny DeLuca, Worship Team member

Nurturing the Roots of Our Community:
An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal 
led by The Rev. Susan M. Moss
Saturday, Dec. 4th at 4pm

Let us prepare the way for renewal at Saint Mary’s as we experience Advent this year. Join us for a Healing and Renewal Service, Saturday Dec. 4, 2021 at 4pm. 

Saint Mary’s has experienced many changes these past few years, some which went smoother than others, to say the least. On November 28th we enter the season of Advent in preparation for the birth of Jesus as we also prepare to call a new Rector. There have been requests to have a time where all our community may gather together and support each other as we heal; a time to come with our faith and doubts, hopes and fears as we prepare for what that exciting future can be! No matter where we are on our journey, we recognize that the community of Saint Mary’s is important to us.

In her October 24th sermon, Susan Moss reminded us about a gardener’s care when she and her neighbors rescued and transplanted perennials from the backyard of a house on their alley that had been torn down. “Some of the plants were really tattered…we reminded each other– protect the roots!… we need to protect  that which has been entrusted to our care.”  This definitely sums up our community; we’re feeling a bit ragged, some of us more than others. Remember, our roots are good, we need to nurture them, protect and care for them. Let us all create space for a time to be together to offer that care, show support, and pray as we prepare to move forward and thrive. God is Good!

What’s New?

  • To listen to the homily given by The Rev. Susan Moss on November 21st, Click HERE.
  • Winter temps are now with us and the Worship Team has discussed how to do Social Time for in-person worshippers in a COVID-safe way. Here’s what we came up with! Some folks may still want to gather outside, and that’s just fine…feel free to gather in front of the entrance as you’ve done in the past or in the “garth” (which would give you some protection from the wind). People can also stay inside and gather in the entryway area with the front doors and doors to the “garth” open for good air flow…even better protection from the wind and hopefully a little warmer than outside. Let’s give it a try…and please give us your feedback and other ideas.
  • Worship Schedule
    • There will be a Christmas Pageant. The date is TBD.
    • Sun—Nov 28…10am adapted Morning Prayer—Advent 1 (Bishop Loya’s Convention Address)
    • Sat— Dec 4……4pm Nurturing the Roots of Our Community: An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal” (The Rev. Susan Moss, officiant)
    • Sun—Dec 5……10am Eucharist—Advent 2 (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sun—Dec 12…..8am adapted Morning Prayer–Advent 3 (Zoom only)
    • Sun—Dec 12….4pm Lessons & Carols—Advent 3 (The Rev. Susan Moss, officiant)
    • Sun—Dec 19….10am Eucharist—Advent 4 (The Rev. Lydia Huttar Brown)
    • Fri— Dec 24……4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve (The Rev. Susan Moss)
    • Sat— Dec 25…..No service
    • Sun—Dec 26…. Let’s Zoom together to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Mpls–More info to come                       
    • Sun—Jan 2…….10am Christmas carols & adapted Morning Prayer
  • On December 4th and Eucharist Sundays in Advent, the sacrament of Laying on of Hands & Annointing will be offered.
  • And another free Advent Devotional…this one by Kate Bowler entitled “The Season of Almost: A 4-week Advent Devotional”. Kate says:
    Many of us still feel we are living in uncertainty. We feel exhausted and weary under the weight of this distended anxiety and fear. And yet, the long dawn of Advent is coming. Advent is the season of almost. Almost Christmas. Almost an end to a pandemic. Almost vaccines for everyone. As we learn to sit in the faint glow of a long Advent which begins this Sunday, November 28th , we need gentle reminders to look for hope and beauty and love. My hope and prayer is that this will be a way for us to make the very act of waiting, holy. And as we anticipate Christ’s birth together, may we experience the stubborn hope of Christmas, joy in the midst of sorrow, a love that knows no bounds, and a transcendent peace amid a world on fire. Jesus can’t be born soon enough. 
    Click HERE to download this devotional.
  • Do you know about #AdventWord? 28 daily words, meditations and images will be offered during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28.  There is also a new Advent devotional published by Forward Movement, Promise & Praise, which corresponds with the daily reflection words of AdventWord, including reflections by Bishop Curry and Lisa Kimball who teaches at VTS (Virginia Theological Seminary) and who some of you know.  Click HERE to learn more and to sign up for AdventWord.
  • The Worship Team is looking for new members who would like to help plan the liturgy for one season. Advent is already planned so we’re looking ahead to Epiphany. Epiphany Sundays  include January 9 through February 27 ( 7 Sundays). Planning for these Sundays will start at the Worship Team meeting  on Tuesday, December 7, from 4-6pm at St Mary’s. Click HERE if you’re interested in joining us!

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!

Return to Top

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

This will be the final posting of this message in the Weekly.

In his October 21st pastoral letter to St. Marians Bishop Loya wrote:

… I recognize that given the nature of LeeAnne’s departure, some of you may want to have a conversation with her in order to bring closure to your pastoral relationship with her. If so, please be in touch with my office, and I will work with you and LeeAnne to arrange for you to meet. 

To make an appointment with The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins for the purposes of bringing closure to a pastoral relationship, please contact Karen Olson, Missioner for Ministry at karen.o@episcopalmn.org or call Karen at 612-423-3902 (cell)
 
Available times: Monday 9-4; Wednesday 1-8; Friday 9-4
Place: St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul 55102
 
The names of those who want to schedule time with LeeAnne are confidential and will not be shared. Conversations are private.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Brian Nerbonne, Warden michigander_guy@yahoo.com
Susan Moss, Transition Priest susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

Updates from the Finance Committee monthly meeting

Due to two large contributions, pledge donations were $7.2K over budget for the month of October. Pledge contributions are now $32,600 over budget for the year. Total income for the year is $31,400 over budget. Expenses were $3,700 under budget for October and are $31,300 under budget for the year. One of the contributing factors to lower expenses is that the approved budget includes a ¾ time priest with benefits effective July 1, 2021, and we continue to employ only an interim priest at 15 hours/week.
 
Year to date, we are running $62,700 ahead of budget based on our deficit budget of ($23,232). In other words, we currently have a $39,500 surplus for the year. We expect lower than monthly pledge income in November and December given a number of parishioners have fulfilled their annual pledges in the last several months through large donations. Regardless, we are now projecting that we may at least end the year with a balanced budget, which is better than expected! Thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s!
 
If you have any questions regarding our budget or financial status, please feel free to contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
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. 
 
 

Return to Top

All Our Good Holiday Giving

Nina Johnson is asking for your help in collecting donations for the annual holiday community event sponsored by Zion Baptist Church, We Win Institute, and the Racial Justice Network. Several St. Marians donated a total of 100 gift cards last year to this cause, and it was a huge success!

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

Last year we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, we’re doubling the length of the event and we plan to double the amount of inventory.  

What we need–

*2500 gifts (ages birth to 18 years)
*1000 Target, Walmart, Cub Foods gift cards ($10)
*$5,000 to purchase books by Black authors and illustrators

Several other churches, community partners, and corporate partners are also being asked to help make this happen. Since we know there are supply chain issues this season, we’re asking for your help in securing dollars or gifts as soon as possible. 

Please let Nina Johnson know how you can help. Organizers are hoping to have a preliminary total number of gifts, gift cards, and/or dollars by December 5, if possible, so we can plan accordingly.

Please contact Nina Johnson at 651-308-8663 or nina@jazmn.net with any questions.

Return to Top

The Angel Tree is Back!

Starting next week, the weekly will have a link to a student at Galtier School whom the social worker has identified as someone to receive an angel tree gift provided by the generous families of St. Mary’s.

We will be provided the age, gender and sizes of clothing for each child and since we can’t have a real angel tree this year, please open the link and sign up for either an article of clothing or a toy/gift/game.

Then please wrap your gift in a holiday gift bag , put the child’s number very conspicuously on the outside (for later sorting) and bring it to the main church lobby NO LATER THAN Sunday, December 19 where they will be sorted and bagged by child number and loaded into cars for delivery to Galtier school on Monday morning

We will also be collecting $10 gift cards to Walmart, Target or Cub to give to the social worker to use during the year as she becomes aware of needs. If you would prefer to write a check for your gift cards, please put your check in the offering plate or mail it to the church office (1895 Laurel Ave, St Paul, 5104). We will be happy to shop for you. Be sure to write angel tree in memo line of your check.

Thanks in advance for your generosity.

Return to Top

KIVA Loans – St. Mary’s “Out in the World”

Once again the KIVA loans that were re-paid to St Mary’s totaled over $1000—it takes about 3 months for this to happen!! So, once again this $1000+ was turned into new loans made to people around the world…loans made to Moldova, Kenya, Madagascar (2), Sierra Leone and Guatemala (2)…7 loans in all to enable people to start or expand their small businesses.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Amara; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; all who are thinking about getting or waiting to get a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 11/26 – 12/2

Sunday, November 28, 2021
Hybrid Worship Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 2, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, December 2, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, December 2, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – November 19, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, November 21, 2021

  • First Message: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
  • Gospel: John 18:33-37   
10:00am – Eucharist Worship Service In-person and via Zoom with distanced social time to follow for those worshipping in person, and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. This Sunday, The Rev. Susan Moss will be the preacher and celebrant.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on November 21, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

Saint Mary’s Stewardship 2022

Finance Committee

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at Saint Mary’s by Ginny DeLuca, Worship Team member

Nurturing the Roots of Our Community:
An Advent Service of Healing and Renewal 
led by The Rev. Susan M. Moss
Saturday, Dec. 4th at 4pm

Let us prepare the way for renewal at Saint Mary’s as we experience Advent this year. Join us for a Healing and Renewal Service, Saturday Dec. 4, 2021 at 4pm. 

Saint Mary’s has experienced many changes these past few years, some which went smoother than others, to say the least. On November 28th we enter the season of Advent in preparation for the birth of Jesus as we also prepare to call a new Rector. There have been requests to have a time where all our community may gather together and support each other as we heal; a time to come with our faith and doubts, hopes and fears as we prepare for what that exciting future can be! No matter where we are on our journey, we recognize that the community of Saint Mary’s is important to us.

In her October 24th sermon, Susan Moss reminded us about a gardener’s care when she and her neighbors rescued and transplanted perennials from the backyard of a house on their alley that had been torn down. “Some of the plants were really tattered…we reminded each other– protect the roots!… we need to protect  that which has been entrusted to our care.”  This definitely sums up our community; we’re feeling a bit ragged, some of us more than others. Remember, our roots are good, we need to nurture them, protect and care for them. Let us all create space for a time to be together to offer that care, show support, and pray as we prepare to move forward and thrive. God is Good!

What’s New?

  • To listen to the homily given by Steve Andrews on November 14th, Click HERE.
  • Do you know about #AdventWord? 28 daily words, meditations and images will be offered during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28.  There is also a new Advent devotional published by Forward Movement, Promise & Praise, which corresponds with the daily reflection words of AdventWord, including reflections by Bishop Curry and Lisa Kimball who teaches at VTS (Virginia Theological Seminary) and who some of you know.  Click HERE to learn more and to sign up for AdventWord.
  • The Worship Team is looking for new members who would like to help plan the liturgy for one season. Advent is already planned so we’re looking ahead to Epiphany. Epiphany Sundays  include January 9 through February 27 ( 7 Sundays). Planning for these Sundays will start at the Worship Team meeting  on Tuesday, December 7, from 4-6pm at St Mary’s. Click HERE if you’re interested in joining us!
  • Worship Schedule
    • Sun—Nov 21…10am Eucharist –Last Sunday in Pentecost
    • Sun—Nov 28…10am adapted Morning Prayer—Advent 1
    • Sat—  Dec 4……4pm—Advent Service of Healing and Renewal led by The Rev. Susan M. Moss
    • Sun—Dec 5……10am Eucharist—Advent 2
    • Sun—Dec 12….4pm Lessons & Carols—Advent 3
    • Sun—Dec 19….10am Eucharist—Advent 4
    • Fri—   Dec 24…..4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve
    • 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 Christmas carols & adapted 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!

Return to Top

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

In his October 21st pastoral letter to St. Marians Bishop Loya wrote:

… I recognize that given the nature of LeeAnne’s departure, some of you may want to have a conversation with her in order to bring closure to your pastoral relationship with her. If so, please be in touch with my office, and I will work with you and LeeAnne to arrange for you to meet. 

To make an appointment with The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins for the purposes of bringing closure to a pastoral relationship, please contact Karen Olson, Missioner for Ministry at karen.o@episcopalmn.org or call Karen at 612-423-3902 (cell)
 
Available dates for LeeAnne: After November 22
Available times: Monday 9-4; Wednesday 1-8; Friday 9-4
Place: St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul 55102
 

The names of those who want to schedule time with LeeAnne are confidential and will not be shared. Conversations are private.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Brian Nerbonne, Warden michigander_guy@yahoo.com

Susan Moss, Transition Priest susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

THANK YOU to all who sent in a pledge to St. Mary’s for 2022.

  • 39 pledges received totaling $125,389

Our 2022 stewardship campaign is over, but financial contributions can be made at any time by accessing the St. Mary’s website (www.saintmarysepiscopal.org), selecting the CONTRIBUTE tab and scrolling to the Faithful Belonging – Stewardship 2022 menu option.

As a reminder, we have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (CLICK HERE) and select Give Now Online from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Thank you for your contribution and your support,

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

Updates from the Finance Committee monthly meeting

Due to two large contributions, pledge donations were $7.2K over budget for the month of October. Pledge contributions are now $32,600 over budget for the year. Total income for the year is $31,400 over budget. Expenses were $3,700 under budget for October and are $31,300 under budget for the year. One of the contributing factors to lower expenses is that the approved budget includes a ¾ time priest with benefits effective July 1, 2021, and we continue to employ only an interim priest at 15 hours/week.
 
Year to date, we are running $62,700 ahead of budget based on our deficit budget of ($23,232). In other words, we currently have a $39,500 surplus for the year. We expect lower than monthly pledge income in November and December given a number of parishioners have fulfilled their annual pledges in the last several months through large donations. Regardless, we are now projecting that we may at least end the year with a balanced budget, which is better than expected! Thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s!
 
If you have any questions regarding our budget or financial status, please feel free to contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.
 

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
There is no youth group scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Youth group resumes the following week.
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:
There is no Tweeners on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Tweeners resumes the following week. 
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!
 
Tweeners Thanksgiving Fundraiser
The Tweeners would like to raise money for The Hallie Q Brown Food Shelf this Thanksgiving Season as a way to express gratitude and to give back.  Check out their Video (Click HERE!) enticing you to give. You can give easily on this website platform or send a check to the church with “Hallie Q” in the memo (so we know your intent). Tweeners have a goal of raising $300 to help hunger this Thanksgiving season.
 
 

Return to Top

All Our Good Holiday Giving

Nina Johnson is asking for your help in collecting donations for the annual holiday community event sponsored by Zion Baptist Church, We Win Institute, and the Racial Justice Network. Several St. Marians donated a total of 100 gift cards last year to this cause, and it was a huge success!

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

Last year we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, we’re doubling the length of the event and we plan to double the amount of inventory.  

What we need–

*2500 gifts (ages birth to 18 years)
*1000 Target, Walmart, Cub Foods gift cards ($10)
*$5,000 to purchase books by Black authors and illustrators

Several other churches, community partners, and corporate partners are also being asked to help make this happen. Since we know there are supply chain issues this season, we’re asking for your help in securing dollars or gifts as soon as possible. 

Please let Nina Johnson know how you can help. Organizers are hoping to have a preliminary total number of gifts, gift cards, and/or dollars by December 5, if possible, so we can plan accordingly.

Please contact Nina Johnson at 651-308-8663 or nina@jazmn.net with any questions.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Amara; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; all who are thinking about getting or waiting to a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 11/19 – 11/26

Sunday, November 21, 2021
Hybrid Worship Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

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

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – November 12, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, November 14, 2021

  • First Message: Hebrews 10: 11-25
  • Gospel: Mark 13: 1-8
8:00am – Virtual Adapted Morning Prayer Worship Service via Zoom with social time to follow. Steve Andrews will give the homily, no music, lay led.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on November 14, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
10:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer service in-person and via Zoom with outdoor social time to follow for those worshipping in person and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. This Sunday Steve Andrews will give the homily.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on November 14, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

2021 Pledge Update

Safe Church Training

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?

  • To listen to Todd Maitland’s homily given on November 7, Click HERE.
  • Sunday, November 14, 8 & 10:30am St. Mark’s Cathedral | Live streamed – Saint Mark’s Cathedral is pleased to announce that The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation and Creation is the preacher for this year’s Fontaine Sermon series. Canon Spellers will be preaching on Sunday November 14th, at the 8am and 10:30am services with opportunity for discussion after each service. The 10:30 worship will be livestreamed, and the link will be available on the Cathedral website, ourcathedral.org. Canon Spellers’ newest book is The Church Cracked Open.
  • Do you know about #AdventWord? 28 daily words, meditations and images will be offered during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28.  There is also a new Advent devotional published by Forward Movement, Promise & Praise, which corresponds with the daily reflection words of AdventWord, including reflections by Bishop Curry and Lisa Kimball who teaches at VTS (Virginia Theological Seminary) and who some of you know.  Click HERE to learn more and to sign up for AdventWord.
  • The Worship Team is looking for new members who would like to help plan the liturgy for one season. Advent is already planned so we’re looking ahead to Epiphany. Epiphany Sundays  include January 9 through February 27 ( 7 Sundays). Planning for these Sundays will start at the Worship Team meeting  on Tuesday, December 7, from 4-6pm at St Mary’s. Click HERE if you’re interested in joining us!
  • Worship Schedule
    • Sun—Nov 21…10am Eucharist –Last Sunday in Pentecost
    • Sun—Nov 28…10am adapted Morning Prayer—Advent 1
    • Sat—  Dec 4……4pm—Advent Service of Healing and Renewal led by The Rev. Susan M. Moss
    • Sun—Dec 5……10am Eucharist—Advent 2
    • Sun—Dec 12….4pm Lessons & Carols—Advent 3
    • Sun—Dec 19….10am Eucharist—Advent 4
    • Fri—   Dec 24…..4pm Eucharist—Christmas Eve
    • 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 Christmas carols & adapted 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!

Return to Top

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

In his October 21st pastoral letter to St. Marians Bishop Loya wrote:

… I recognize that given the nature of LeeAnne’s departure, some of you may want to have a conversation with her in order to bring closure to your pastoral relationship with her. If so, please be in touch with my office, and I will work with you and LeeAnne to arrange for you to meet. 

To make an appointment with The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins for the purposes of bringing closure to a pastoral relationship, please contact Karen Olson, Missioner for Ministry at karen.o@episcopalmn.org or call Karen at 612-423-3902 (cell)
 
Available dates for LeeAnne: After November 22
Available times: Monday 9-4; Wednesday 1-8; Friday 9-4
Place: St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul 55102


The names of those who want to schedule time with LeeAnne are confidential and will not be shared. Conversations are private.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Brian Nerbonne, Warden michigander_guy@yahoo.com

Susan Moss, Transition Priest susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

Pledge Goal:  $190,000 – please have all pledges completed by November 14th.

  • 22 pledges received totaling $82,287

The finance committee is meeting on Tuesday, November 16th to determine our budget for 2022 and needs an accurate account of our pledge income. If you have not made your pledge
yet, now is the time to do it.

Stewardship thought from Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933) “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those who sang best.”

Click HERE for the Stewardship letter from Cindy James and Jim Wheeler.

Steve Andrews will be giving the stewardship sermon this Sunday, November 14th as our 2022 Stewardship campaign draws to a close.

We have a couple of ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year.  If you would like a paper pledge card, please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE

We have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

Thank you for your contribution and your support.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

2021 Pledge Update

Are you wondering how much you have left to fulfill your pledge for calendar year 2021? Contribution statements for pledge contributions thru October 31, 2021, were sent via e-mail the first week of November. If you didn’t receive a statement, please contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.

Return to Top

Safe Church Training

ECMN has now started Zoom Trainings for Safe Church – https://schoolforformation.org/workshops/safe-church/. It has been three years since our last in-person training at St. Mary’s and there are a number in the congregation that are due training (myself included). Those who need safe church training include vestry members, those involved in youth ministry and those with key codes.  Let me know if you have any questions about what you might need.

Aimee Sutherland
612-709-1579

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 

Return to Top

All Our Good Holiday Giving

Nina Johnson is asking for your help in collecting donations for the annual holiday community event sponsored by Zion Baptist Church, We Win Institute, and the Racial Justice Network. Several St. Marians donated a total of 100 gift cards last year to this cause, and it was a huge success!

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

Last year we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, we’re doubling the length of the event and we plan to double the amount of inventory.  

What we need–

*2500 gifts (ages birth to 18 years)
*1000 Target, Walmart, Cub Foods gift cards ($10)
*$5,000 to purchase books by Black authors and illustrators

Several other churches, community partners, and corporate partners are also being asked to help make this happen. Since we know there are supply chain issues this season, we’re asking for your help in securing dollars or gifts as soon as possible. 

Please let Nina Johnson know how you can help. Organizers are hoping to have a preliminary total number of gifts, gift cards, and/or dollars by December 5, if possible, so we can plan accordingly.

Please contact Nina Johnson at 651-308-8663 or nina@jazmn.net with any questions.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; our ECMN convention delegates; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; all who are thinking about getting or waiting to a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 11/12 – 11/19

Sunday, November 14, 2021
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, November 14, 2021
Hybrid Worship In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 18, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 18, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, November 18, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – November 5, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, November 7, 2021

Daylight Savings Time Ends Saturday night/Sunday morning! Set your clocks back 1 hour!

  • First Message: Revelation 21: 1-6a
  • Gospel: John 11: 32-44
10:00am – Eucharist Service In-person and via Zoom with outdoor social time to follow for those worshipping in person and Zoom social time for those worshipping virtually. This Sunday Todd Maitland will give the homily, entitled “The Day of the Dead: Creating Sacred Space at Home,” and The Rev. Susan Moss will be the celebrant.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on November 7, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

ECMN Convention 2021 (Nov. 5-6)

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

A Message from our Warden

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

2021 Pledge Update

Safe Church Training

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s

Marigolds and the Day of the Dead
(from St. Mary’s member Todd Maitland, our lay preacher on All Saints’ Sunday)

On Sunday, November 7, St. Mary’s will celebrate All Saints’ Day. We will learn about the Days of the Dead as it is practiced in Mexico, where the Dias de los Muertos, October 31 to November 2, are a time to welcome the souls of departed loved ones. Families create a home altar, an ofrenda, or offering for the dead, with candles, flowers, fruit, and favorite foods of the deceased. Marigolds, which grow wild in Mexico, are gathered by the truck load, sold in markets and arranged on the ofrenda, where the pungent scent of the flowers will guide the spirits home.

Every culture must deal with the mystery of death. Many have rituals that mark the life/death/life cycle of the seasons, with autumn as a time to honor the dead. For Celtic cultures, the days around November 1 were a “thin time,” when the veil between the living and the dead becomes permeable. While the Spaniards brought Catholicism and its feast days to Mexico, the Aztecs had their own ancient ceremonies honoring the dead around this time. The Days of the Dead are a synthesis of traditions growing out of the emotional and spiritual needs of all humans.

So please bring flowers for our altar, marigolds if you have them, in jars or cans or vases, to brighten our worship. We will learn the simple and beautiful tradition of making an ofrenda in our homes, to expand the joy of this season of remembrance.

What’s New?

  • Let’s start with All Saints’ Day…
    • What is Dia de los Muertos and how does it relate to All Saints’ Day… https://churchofstmartin.org/2019/10/15/what-is-dia-de-los-muertos-and-how-does-it-relate-to-all-saints-day/
    • Remember tying ribbons on our trellis in memory of those who have died? We’ll be doing that again on Sunday. If you worship virtually, you’ll be invited to put names in the chat during the prelude and someone will tie a ribbon to the trellis in memory of those persons; if you worship in person, you’ll be invited to tie ribbons to the trellis.
    • Asperges? What is that? The liturgical practice of sprinkling with holy water as a reminder of baptism. Those worshipping in-person will experience this following the baptismal vows.  For more information: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/asperges/
    • We’ll have both bread and wine available for Eucharist! Look around and see if you have a little shot glass or cup or “your Grama’s antique sherry glass” to bring with you to church if you’d like wine. We will use the new “pouring chalice” (with a pouring lip!) to pour a bit of wine into glasses that people bring. We’ll also supply small paper “cups” if you want wine but forgot your glass.

  • Next Sunday, November 14th, there will be an 8:00am worship service and Steve Andrews will doing a “double-header”!! He’ll give the homily at both the 8am and 10am services!
  • Sunday, November 14, 8 & 10:30am St. Mark’s Cathedral | Live streamed – Saint Mark’s Cathedral is pleased to announce that The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation and Creation is the preacher for this year’s Fontaine Sermon series. Canon Spellers will be preaching on Sunday November 14th, at the 8am and 10:30am services with opportunity for discussion after each service. The 10:30 worship will be livestreamed, and the link will be available on the Cathedral website, ourcathedral.org. Canon Spellers’ newest book is The Church Cracked Open.

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!

Return to Top

ECMN Convention 2021, November 5 – 6 online

AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Friday evening’s business meeting will be live streamed on Facebook and Vimeo for non-delegates.
 
All Minnesotan Episcopalians are encouraged to join in all Convention activities on Saturday, November 5. In spite of our need to stay distant again this year, it is so important that we gather as a family to pray and learn together.
 
9am: Diocesan-wide Morning Prayer – Register here.
 
10:30am & 12pm: Workshops
 
Session 1:
Post-Pandemic VITALITY: Focusing on the Essentials
with Bishop Loya, Susan Daughtry, and a panel of ECMN clergy 
-or-
DISCIPLESHIP & FAITHFUL INNOVATION: How do congregations hear God’s call to do something new?
with Christine Luna Munger, Director, Episcopal House of Prayer
 
Session 2:
DISCIPLESHIP: Storytelling: Practical Skills to Deepen Your Relationship with God & Others
with Emilia Seay Allen, Missioner for Communications
-or-
DISCIPLESHIP + JUSTICE: Praying Toward God’s Justice
With Heidi Kim
 
 
11:30am: Live stream of Bishop’s Address – on Facebook and Vimeo.
 

Return to Top

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

In his October 21st pastoral letter to St. Marians Bishop Loya wrote:

… I recognize that given the nature of LeeAnne’s departure, some of you may want to have a conversation with her in order to bring closure to your pastoral relationship with her. If so, please be in touch with my office, and I will work with you and LeeAnne to arrange for you to meet. 

To make an appointment with The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins for the purposes of bringing closure to a pastoral relationship, please contact Karen Olson, Missioner for Ministry at karen.o@episcopalmn.org or call Karen at 612-423-3902 (cell)
 
Available dates for LeeAnne: Beginning November 8-10; after November 22
Available times: Monday 9-4; Wednesday 1-8; Friday 9-4
Place: St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul 55102


The names of those who want to schedule time with LeeAnne are confidential and will not be shared. Conversations are private.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Brian Nerbonne, Warden michigander_guy@yahoo.com

Susan Moss, Transition Priest susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

A Message from our Warden

Dear St. Mary’s community,
 
I want to share some news from the vestry related to our search for a new rector. We heard from members of St. Mary’s during our listening sessions that after 3 years of changing priests, people yearn for the stability and deeper relationships that come from a permanent rector. The vestry has been talking about ways to increase our chances of success in a future call for a rector. One option would be to post a full-time position, rather than a ¾ time position that we advertised in our previous calls.
 
A ¾ time position would require us to use some of our reserves to cover the priest’s salary and benefits A full-time position would put an even bigger draw on our reserves. However, the vestry believes this is the time to make a major investment in St. Mary’s future. We also believe it is important to demonstrate financial support from all members of  the congregation. Pledged income is needed to support a full time call so we do not exhaust our financial reserves. 
 
That is where our annual stewardship campaign comes in. Next week you will receive more information from Cindy James and Jim Wheeler, co chairs of the 2022 stewardship campaign asking you to make a pledge toward our future. I ask that you prayerfully consider how your pledge will enable the support of a full-time rector.
 
This is a crucial time in St. Mary’s history. Those who have been at St. Mary’s for a while know there have been difficult times in the past, and the commitment of the congregation has pulled us through to better times. This is our time to do something similar.
 
I am excited about the potential of calling a full time rector, and I hope you are, too. The vestry and I feel this is our moment to move toward a new beginning for St. Mary’s. When we make our 2022 pledges, let’s be as generous as we can to show our support.  It is going to take all of us making a commitment to making this happen. The vestry and I look forward to traveling this path together with you.
 
If you have questions or concerns about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Also don’t forget to pray for discernment and guidance of the Spirit as we all navigate this season!
 
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

Pledge Goal:  $190,000 – please have all pledges completed by November 14th.

  • 14 pledges received totaling $39,483

Stewardship thought from 1 Peter 4:10 “Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.”

Click HERE for a Stewardship moment from parishioner Jennifer Wedel.

We have a couple of ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year.  If you would like a paper pledge card, please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE

We have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

Thank you for your contribution and your support.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

2021 Pledge Update

Are you wondering how much you have left to fulfill your pledge for calendar year 2021? Contribution statements for pledge contributions thru October 31, 2021, will be sent via e-mail the first week of November, no later than November 7, 2021. Look for a contribution statement in your inbasket, and if you don’t receive it by November 7th, please contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.

Return to Top

Safe Church Training

ECMN has now started Zoom Trainings for Safe Church – https://schoolforformation.org/workshops/safe-church/. It has been three years since our last in-person training at St. Mary’s and there are a number in the congregation that are due training (myself included). Those who need safe church training include vestry members, those involved in youth ministry and those with key codes.  Let me know if you have any questions about what you might need.

Aimee Sutherland
612-709-1579

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 

Return to Top

The UN Climate Change Conference

St. Marian Julia Nerbonne along with colleagues Analyah Schlaeger dos Santos and Ruhel Islam from MNIPL are traveling to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. They join a global community of people of faith and conscience who are bringing a moral voice to these proceedings.

At this webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 pm, hear first-hand accounts from the Climate Talks. We’re thrilled to also welcome two amazing co-hosts who are deeply immersed in the issue of climate fair share: 

Climate security is a human right, and it is vital that faith communities in the US hear the stories of people’s climate experience from around the world. With the United States not even close to meeting its climate goals, we also need to create pressure that will give US leaders the political will to pay our fair share and take equitable climate action.

Please join us for a deep conversation on challenging international issues that we are all connected to.

Click HERE to Register

Return to Top

All Our Good Holiday Giving

Nina Johnson is asking for your help in collecting donations for the annual holiday community event sponsored by Zion Baptist Church, We Win Institute, and the Racial Justice Network. Several St. Marians donated a total of 100 gift cards last year to this cause, and it was a huge success!

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

Last year we welcomed over 300 adults and children and gave away over 1,600 toys, books, and gift cards in 2 hours. This year, we’re doubling the length of the event and we plan to double the amount of inventory.  

What we need–

*2500 gifts (ages birth to 18 years)
*1000 Target, Walmart, Cub Foods gift cards ($10)
*$5,000 to purchase books by Black authors and illustrators

Several other churches, community partners, and corporate partners are also being asked to help make this happen. Since we know there are supply chain issues this season, we’re asking for your help in securing dollars or gifts as soon as possible. 

Please let Nina Johnson know how you can help. Organizers are hoping to have a preliminary total number of gifts, gift cards, and/or dollars by December 5, if possible, so we can plan accordingly.

Please contact Nina Johnson at 651-308-8663 or nina@jazmn.net with any questions.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; our ECMN convention delegates; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all frontline workers; all who are thinking about getting or waiting to a COVID vaccine or booster; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 11/5 – 11/11

Sunday, November 7, 2021
Hybrid Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Worship Team Meeting
7:00pm
For more information Click HERE

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 11, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 11, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, November 11, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 29, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, October 31, 2021

  • First Message: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
  • Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34
10:00am – ZOOM ONLY Gospel Based Discipleship Service with social time to follow.

This Sunday will be a ZOOM ONLY worship service. We’ll be doing an adapted version of Gospel Based Discipleship. There’s no sermon today. We’ll be breaking into 3 groups to discuss the First Message and Gospel and create our own sermon! These will be the discussion questions…they’re a little different than usual:

o What is the Holy Spirit doing/saying in the First Message & Gospel?
o Where do you see yourself?
o What do these readings say about this journey you’re on?

For the 10am Zoom worship service on October 31, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

A Message from our Warden

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

2021 Pledge Update

Finance Committee

Update from the Search Committee

Safe Church Training

Children and Youth

Notice of Death

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s

Marigolds and the Day of the Dead
(from St. Mary’s member Todd Maitland, our lay preacher on All Saints Sunday)

On Sunday, November 7, St. Mary’s will celebrate All Saints’ Day. We will learn about the Days of the Dead as it is practiced in Mexico, where the Dias de los Muertos, October 31 to November 2, are a time to welcome the souls of departed loved ones. Families create a home altar, an ofrenda, or offering for the dead, with candles, flowers, fruit, and favorite foods of the deceased. Marigolds, which grow wild in Mexico, are gathered by the truck load, sold in markets and arranged on the ofrenda, where the pungent scent of the flowers will guide the spirits home.

Every culture must deal with the mystery of death. Many have rituals that mark the life/death/life cycle of the seasons, with autumn as a time to honor the dead. For Celtic cultures, the days around November 1 were a “thin time,” when the veil between the living and the dead becomes permeable. While the Spaniards brought Catholicism and its feast days to Mexico, the Aztecs had their own ancient ceremonies honoring the dead around this time. The Days of the Dead are a synthesis of traditions growing out of the emotional and spiritual needs of all humans.

So please bring flowers for our altar, marigolds if you have them, in jars or cans or vases, to brighten our worship. We will learn the simple and beautiful tradition of making an ofrenda in our homes, to expand the joy of this season of remembrance.

What’s New?

  • To listen to the homily given by The Rev. Susan Moss on October 24th, Click HERE.
  • This Sunday is Halloween. Kids & Adults: Wear your costumes!
  • And, next Sunday, November 7th, All Saints Day and much MORE…
    • There will be a special prayer naming and remembering those who have died in the last year. Please put names in the chat or send an email to susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org by Tuesday, November 2nd.
    • Remember tying ribbons on our trellis in memory of those who have died? We’ll be doing that again on Sunday. If you worship virtually, you’ll be invited to put names in the chat during the prelude and someone will tie a ribbon to the trellis in memory of those persons; if you worship in person, you’ll be invited to tie ribbons to the trellis.
    • And, this will be our first Eucharist with both bread and wine being available since March 2020! You may bring your own little cup/shot glass/Grama’s antique sherry glass with you when you go for communion and a little wine will be poured in it. There will also be small paper cups available if you forget yours or don’t have one.

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!

Return to Top

Update on the October 21st Letter from Bishop Loya

In his October 21st pastoral letter to St. Marians Bishop Loya wrote:

… I recognize that given the nature of LeeAnne’s departure, some of you may want to have a conversation with her in order to bring closure to your pastoral relationship with her. If so, please be in touch with my office, and I will work with you and LeeAnne to arrange for you to meet. 

Karen Olson is looking into scheduling tools like Calendly for those who would like to have a conversation with LeeAnne. It looks like these conversations can be at St. John the Evangelist, 60 Kent Street, St. Paul.

We will post more information as it becomes available.

The names of those who want to schedule time with LeeAnne are confidential and will not be shared. Conversations are private.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Brian Nerbonne, Warden michigander_guy@yahoo.com

Susan Moss, Transition Priest susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

A Message from our Warden

Dear St. Mary’s community,
 
I want to share some news from the vestry related to our search for a new rector. We heard from members of St. Mary’s during our listening sessions that after 3 years of changing priests, people yearn for the stability and deeper relationships that come from a permanent rector. The vestry has been talking about ways to increase our chances of success in a future call for a rector. One option would be to post a full-time position, rather than a ¾ time position that we advertised in our previous calls.
 
A ¾ time position would require us to use some of our reserves to cover the priest’s salary and benefits A full-time position would put an even bigger draw on our reserves. However, the vestry believes this is the time to make a major investment in St. Mary’s future. We also believe it is important to demonstrate financial support from all members of  the congregation. Pledged income is needed to support a full time call so we do not exhaust our financial reserves. 
 
That is where our annual stewardship campaign comes in. Next week you will receive more information from Cindy James and Jim Wheeler, co chairs of the 2022 stewardship campaign asking you to make a pledge toward our future. I ask that you prayerfully consider how your pledge will enable the support of a full-time rector.
 
This is a crucial time in St. Mary’s history. Those who have been at St. Mary’s for a while know there have been difficult times in the past, and the commitment of the congregation has pulled us through to better times. This is our time to do something similar.
 
I am excited about the potential of calling a full time rector, and I hope you are, too. The vestry and I feel this is our moment to move toward a new beginning for St. Mary’s. When we make our 2022 pledges, let’s be as generous as we can to show our support.  It is going to take all of us making a commitment to making this happen. The vestry and I look forward to traveling this path together with you.
 
If you have questions or concerns about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Also don’t forget to pray for discernment and guidance of the Spirit as we all navigate this season!
 
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

Pledge Goal:  $190,000 – please have all pledges completed by November 14th.

  • 6 pledges received totaling $8160

Stewardship thought from Crisis & Care: Meditations on Faith and Philanthropy edited by Dustin D. Benac and Erin Weber-Johnson.  “When exploring faith and philanthropy, we remember we belong to one another.”

Click HERE for a Stewardship moment from parishioners Maura and Fran Roby

We have a couple of ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year.  If you would like a paper pledge card, please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE

We have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

Thank you for your contribution and your support.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

2021 Pledge Update

Are you wondering how much you have left to fulfill your pledge for calendar year 2021? Contribution statements for pledge contributions thru October 31, 2021, will be sent via e-mail the first week of November, no later than November 7, 2021. Look for a contribution statement in your inbasket, and if you don’t receive it by November 7th, please contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.

Return to Top

Finance Committee

Contributions were $4,000 over budget in September and are approximately $25,300 over budget for the year. Total income, which includes both pledge and non-pledge income, is $24,200 over budget for the year.

Expenses were $10,300 under budget for September and are $27,500 under budget for the year. As of the end of September, we are running $51,700 better than budget overall. However, that does not mean we have a surplus of $51,700, because our budget is a deficit budget with a projected year-end deficit of ($23,200). It does mean that we are covering our deficit totally and have a $28,400 surplus as of the end of September. As a result, the prospects for at least ending the year with a balanced budget have improved over the last several months.

A major contributing factor to contributions being over budget is that a number of parishioners have paid off their annual pledges in the last 2-3 months. It’s possible we could see lower than expected contributions in the last 2-3 months of the year, as a result. The main contributing factor to lower expenses is our budget projected that a ¾ time priest with benefits would be in place effective July 1, 2021. However, at this point we continue to employ only an interim priest at 15 hours/week, which has reduced our monthly staff salary expenses significantly.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the St. Mary’s budget, please feel free to contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895, or at rexaholzemer@gmail.com.

Return to Top

Update from the Search Committee

On October 28th, we re-published our call for a new permanent priest. Your Search Committee members have genuine, deep confidence in the successful outcome of this process, even if we wish it would move faster. 🙂  Priest searches often take longer than anyone would like, and that’s without considering the impact of the pandemic. Please ask any questions via transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org.

Return to Top

Safe Church Training

ECMN has now started Zoom Trainings for Safe Church – https://schoolforformation.org/workshops/safe-church/. It has been three years since our last in-person training at St. Mary’s and there are a number in the congregation that are due training (myself included). Those who need safe church training include vestry members, those involved in youth ministry and those with key codes.  Let me know if you have any questions about what you might need.

Aimee Sutherland
612-709-1579

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
NO Halloween Party and NO Virtual Lego Class this Sunday (October 31st)
 

Return to Top

Notice of Death

Sylvia Clark, mother of St. Mary’s parishioner, Anna Clark, died at the Episcopal Church Home on Sunday October 24th. A memorial service will be held in the St. Mary’s Chapel on November 5th,  led by The Rev. Aaron Twait, pastoral care deacon at the Church Home. Time TBD.

Receive Sylvia into the arms of your mercy O God, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. 
Surround Anna and her family with your love. May they have confidence in your goodness and strength to meet the days to come. Amen.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all frontline workers; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 10/29 – 11/4

Sunday, October 31, 2021
ZOOM ONLY Gospel Based Discipleship Service
10:00am
Link

Monday, November 1, 2021
Worship Team Meeting
7:00pm
For more information. Click HERE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Men’s Group
7:00pm
For more information. Click HERE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 4, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, November 4, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, November 4, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 22, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, October 24, 2021

  • First Message: 2 Timothy 1:13-14
  • Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
10:00am – Eucharist Service In-person and via Zoom with outdoor social time to follow for those worshipping in person and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. This Sunday The Rev. Susan Moss will be the celebrant and preacher.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on October 24, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

A Message from our Warden

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

Children and Youth

Outreach

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?

  • To listen to the homily given by Nina Johnson on Sunday, October 17, Click HERE.
  • Next Sunday, Oct 31st, is Halloween. Two things to note:
    • This will be a ZOOM ONLY Gospel Based Discipleship service—no in-person service.
    • Kids & adults: Wear your costumes!!
  • Do you have any marigolds growing in pots or in your garden? St Mary’s will have a need for LOTS of marigolds for the worship service on Sunday, November 7, which is All Saints Day. We’ll be learning about Day of the Dead and how to honor our dead at home by creating an ofrenda or home altar. Marigolds are important to this remembrance. Marigolds can be brought to St. Mary’s that Sunday morning and taken home after the service.
  • And more about All Saints Day, November 7th:
    • There will be a special prayer naming and remembering those who have died in the last year. On Sunday, October 24: If you worship virtually, please put names in the chat; if you worship in person, please put the names in the offering plate at the back of the sanctuary; or send an email to susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org by Tuesday, November 2.
    • Remember tying ribbons on our trellis in memory of those who have died? We’ll be doing that again this year on November 7th . If you worship virtually, you’ll be invited to put names in the chat during the prelude and someone will tie a ribbon to the trellis in memory of those persons; if you worship in person, you’ll be invited to tie ribbons to the trellis.
    • It’s common on All Saints Day to have baptisms and renewal of Baptismal vows. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact The Rev. Susan Moss at susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org.

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!

Return to Top

A Message from our Warden

Dear St. Mary’s community,
 
I want to share some news from the vestry related to our search for a new rector. We heard from members of St. Mary’s during our listening sessions that after 3 years of changing priests, people yearn for the stability and deeper relationships that come from a permanent rector. The vestry has been talking about ways to increase our chances of success in a future call for a rector. One option would be to post a full-time position, rather than a ¾ time position that we advertised in our previous calls.
 
A ¾ time position would require us to use some of our reserves to cover the priest’s salary and benefits A full-time position would put an even bigger draw on our reserves. However, the vestry believes this is the time to make a major investment in St Mary’s future.   We also believe it is important to demonstrate financial support from all members of  the congregation.  Pledged income is needed to support a full time call so we do not exhaust our financial reserves. 
 
That is where our annual stewardship campaign comes in. Next week you will receive more information from Cindy James and Jim Wheeler, co chairs of the 2022 stewardship campaign asking you to make a pledge toward our future. I ask that you prayerfully consider how your pledge will enable the support of a full-time rector.
 
This is a crucial time in St. Mary’s history. Those who have been at St. Mary’s for a while know there have been difficult times in the past, and the commitment of the congregation has pulled us through to better times. This is our time to do something similar.
 
I am excited about the potential of calling a full time rector, and I hope you are, too. The vestry and I feel this is our moment to move toward a new beginning for St. Mary’s. When we make our 2022 pledges, let’s be as generous as we can to show our support.  It is going to take all of us making a commitment to making this happen.  The vestry and I look forward to traveling this path together with you.
 
If you have questions or concerns about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Also don’t forget to pray for discernment and guidance of the Spirit as we all navigate this season!
 
Brian Nerbonne
Warden

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

Pledge Goal:  $190,000 – please have all pledges completed by November 14th.

Stewardship thought from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer – “Good Communities don’t make themselves,” my dad said. “We’ve got a lot to be grateful for, and we all have to do our part to keep it going.”

Click HERE for a Stewardship moment from parishioner Catherine Neuschler.

We have a couple of ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year.  If you would like a paper pledge card, please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE

We have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

Thank you for your contribution and your support.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 

Return to Top

Galtier Elementary Fall Festival

Wednesday, October 27, 3:30pm – 6:00pm, Galtier Elementary, 1317 Charles Ave., St. Paul

Join Love First, Galtier Parents and community partners for free food, fun, and fellowship.

Sneaker Drive – Bring a new or barely used pair of sneakers for students in Galtier’s gym class!

Volunteers Needed: Contact Kristin Howatt at kristinhowatt@gmail.com or 651-341-7124.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all frontline workers; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 10/22 – 10/28

Sunday, October 24, 2021
Eucharist Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
For more information. Click HERE

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 28, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 28, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, October 28, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 15, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, October 17, 2021

  • First Message: Job 38: 1-7, 12-13, 16-21
  • Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
There will not be an 8:00am Service this week
10:00am – Adapted Morning Prayer Service In-person & Zoom with outdoor social time to follow for those worshipping in person and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. This Sunday Nina Johnson will provide the homily.

This Sunday, Oct 17, we will have space for anyone interested to gather to discuss the topics raised at the Bishop’s visit. This will be a chance to do the truth-telling work mentioned by Reverend Moss in last week’s sermon, to share what is on our hearts, and to offer support to each other. We will begin 10 minutes after the service ends. We will gather in the sanctuary; the Zoom room will remain open as well for online participation.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on October 17, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

Children and Youth (and Talent!)

Communications

Outreach

Notice of Death

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?

  • To listen to the homily given by The Rev Susan Moss on Sunday, October 10, Click HERE.
  • The next 8am worship service will be held on Sunday, November 14.
  • Do you have any marigolds growing in pots or in your garden? St Mary’s will  need LOTS of marigolds for the worship service on Sunday, November 7, when we celebrate All Saints/All Souls Day with elements of the Mexican Day of the Dead.  Please bring marigolds from your garden to decorate our altar. They can be taken home with you after the service. We’ll also be learning how to honor our dead at home by creating an ofrenda or home altar.
  • It’s common on All Saints Day, November 7th this year, to have baptisms and renewal of Baptismal Vows. If you are interested in learning more, please contact The Rev Susan Moss at susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org.
  • Not a lot of responses received regarding adding wine to Eucharist, but all the response received was positive. So starting on All Saints Day (Nov 7), we’ll have both bread and wine available for Eucharist! Look around and see if you have a little glass or cup to bring with you to church if you’d like wine. We will use the “pouring chalice” (with a pouring lip!) to pour a bit of wine into glasses that people bring. We’ll also supply small paper “cups” if you want wine but forget your glass.
  • This Sunday, October 17, we’ll start ‘turning to face the middle aisle’ when we say our Baptismal promises to each other and to God. We can’t touch each other yet, but we can make eye contact with those across the aisle from us. We hope this will increase the sense of community we feel being together.

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!

Return to Top

Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future –  Stewardship 2022

Our stewardship campaign has started and will run through Nov 14th.  We’d like all pledges to be completed by that time.

Click HERE for a Stewardship moment from our Warden, Brian Nerbonne.

We have a couple of ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year.  If you would like a paper pledge card, please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE

We have several ways you can pay your pledge:

  • By check made out to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

Thank you for your contribution and your support.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
Sunday School Updates
 
Basic Info:
We have a Virtual Lego Camp (Starts this week!) that will be starting up that will be 7 sessions long. Each session will be 45 minutes long and led by Max and Theo Reemtsma (with a little help from Mia and Jennie). Each class will have a short check in, some demonstration and teaching for 10-15 minutes and then some work time.
 
Outcome:
Each kid will animate a different story from the Bible using stop motion. We plan to focus on Advent stories.
 
Needs for Class:
We suggest kids have on hand a few Lego figures, small vehicles, and a general assortment of Lego pieces. It’s ok if they don’t have Legos as they can use clay, pipe cleaners, action figures, animals, etc. – Lego figures are just pretty easy to physically articulate and get good shots of without relying on paid-app-version tricks that can remove hands from the frame, etc.
It is strongly recommended that students have 2 devices for this class– one for zoom and one for the stop motion app.
 
Age Range:
Kids need to be really comfortable reading, or have an adult with them who can help them. This should be kid-led but the whole family can be involved in building, animating, lighting and “special effects” or voiceovers.
 
The dates for this class will be on Sundays in the afternoon (we were thinking 1pm):
 
October 17
October 24
November 7
November 14
November 21
December 5
December 12
 
 
In Person Halloween Party for Children– Come in Costume
October 31
Ghosts of the Bible
Led by Julie Phillips and helpers
More details to come
 
 
Did you miss the Talent Show after church last Sunday or want to see it again?
A big shout out to everyone who contributed to the Talent Show and to Mia for hosting and putting it all together! Click HERE to watch.

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Website Hosting Going Green!

St. Mary’s website is now hosted by Green Geeks, a move that saves St. Mary’s money while also making a positive environmental impact. Green Geeks purchases wind power credits to replace three times the amount of energy a website uses every year. Didn’t think that websites used energy? From Green Geeks: “The Internet industry consumes enormous amounts of energy. The backbone of the Internet are data centers which hold millions of large servers, stacked on top of each other in racks, which are powered up and running all day every day. These servers consume enormous amounts of energy and to make sure that they do not overheat and fail, they are blasted with arctic temperature air all day every day. … In fact 40% of all of the energy used to power the internet is used to keep those servers from overheating. … Today, data centers account for 2% of the world’s carbon emissions, that is as much as the airline industry! Data Center pollution is expected to grow to 14% of the world’s carbon emissions, as much as the United States of America, by 2040.

Return to Top

“Faiths 4 Climate Justice”: Multi-Faith Prayer Gathering

Monday, Oct. 18, 12:00 pm – Downtown Minneapolis

On October 18, faith and spiritual communities from around the world are rising up for a global “Faiths 4 Climate Justice” day of action! As part of this, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light is hosting a multi-faith gathering to call on Biden to make a just transition from fossil fuels. Join St. Mary’s and MNIPL, and Bishop Craig Loya  from 12-12:45 pm outside the Federal Building (212 Third Ave S., Minneapolis), where we will share song, prayer, meditation, and silence. Afterwards, we will cross the Stone Arch Bridge for a picnic lunch and time in community. Masks are required. Click here to register.  

Also, keep your eyes out for a fun prayer square art activity after church during October.  Julia and Lucas Nerbonne are part of a multifaith delegation at the International Climate Talks in Glasgow. We’ll bring our our prayers to the streets of Glasgow.

Why this matters:

The science is clear: We need to stop new fossil fuel projects if we want to limit climate change below 1.5 degrees Celsius. President Biden has the executive power to stop fossil fuel projects, like Line 3, but it won’t happen without public pressure. In November, world leaders will meet in Glasgow for the most important UN Climate Talks since the Paris Accords. This is the time to hold countries accountable—no country is currently on track to meet this 1.5 degree goal. It will only happen if countries like the US, historically the biggest polluters, come to the talks showing we’ve taken real action! That’s why right now, going into the international climate negotiations, is a critical time to pressure President Biden.

Return to Top

Galtier Elementary Fall Festival

Wednesday, October 27, 3:30pm – 6:00pm, Galtier Elementary, 1317 Charles Ave., St. Paul

Join Love First, Galtier Parents and community partners for free food, fun, and fellowship.

Sneaker Drive – Bring a new or barely used pair of sneakers for students in Galtier’s gym class!

Volunteers Needed: Contact Kristin Howatt at kristinhowatt@gmail.com or 651-341-7124.

Return to Top

Notice of Death

Billy J. Lackey, father of Billy Lackey and father-in-law of Trevor Sannes died Wednesday morning in Richmond VA. 
 
Please remember Billy and his family in your prayers.
 
Keep watch dear Lord with those who work, or watch, or weep this night and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen

Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; Anne; Kirby; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; all who are sick, anxious, struggling financially; all frontline workers; all who care for the sick and 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.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 10/15 – 10/21

Sunday, October 17, 2021
Adapted Morning Prayer Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
For more information. Click HERE

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 21, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 21, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, October 21, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 8, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, October 10, 2021

  • First Message: Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC by Frederick Buechner
  • Gospel: Mark 10:17-31 Rich young ruler asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
10:00am – Eucharist Service In-person & Zoom with outdoor social time to follow for those worshipping in person and Zoom gathering for those worshipping virtually. The Rev. Susan Moss is our preacher and celebrant.

The new format for the 10am service has seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on October 10, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

Children and Youth (and Talent!)

Communications

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?

  • Although the Worship Team didn’t get a lot of responses regarding the Lay Leader/Officiant using the lectern, most response was positive because “we’re in this together” and the lectern gives those worshipping with us via Zoom and those in the choir & band the best sound. So, we’ll continue having the Lay Leader/Officiant use the lectern for now.
  • Again, not a lot of responses received regarding adding wine to Eucharist, but all the response received was positive. So starting on All Saints Day (Nov 7), we’ll have both bread and wine available for Eucharist! Look around and see if you have a little glass or cup to bring with you to church if you’d like wine. We will use the “pouring chalice” (with a pouring lip!) to pour a bit of wine into glasses that people bring. We’ll also supply small paper “cups” if you want wine but forget your glass.
  • This Sunday, October 10, we’ll start ‘turning to face the middle aisle’ when we say our Baptismal promises to each other and to God. We can’t touch each other yet, but we can make eye contact with those across the aisle from us. We hope this will increase the sense of community we feel being together.

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!

Return to Top

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya on October 13th

All current and former members of St. Mary’s are invited to participate in a pastoral visit by Bishop Craig Loya to St. Mary’s. This visit will address issues related to Rev. LeeAnne Watkin’s Title IV process (disciplinary procedures of the Episcopal church), including her removal by ECMN from active ministry. The bishop will be joined by Canon Karen Olson for this visit. The bishop welcomes and encourages your questions and concerns on these and other matters so that all can continue the journey toward understanding, healing and wholeness.

The pastoral visit will be on October 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s, or people can participate via Zoom if they prefer. A Zoom link for the service appears below. In-person attendees will need to follow COVID protocols that require masking and social distance. For those who are interested, there will be adult-supervised childcare that night in the St. Mary’s Room, where a children’s video will be shown. Children should also be masked.

If you have questions about this upcoming visit, contact Warden Brian Nerbonne at michigander_guy@yahoo.com or The Rev. Susan Moss, our transition priest, at susan@saintmarysepiscopal.org.

To join the meeting via Zoom, Click HERE
Meeting ID: 834 5191 4590
Passcode: 456410

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Stewardship 2022

Dear St. Mary’s Family,

We have entered that time of year when stewardship is at the forefront of our minds.  This year’s campaign will begin on Sunday, October 10th and run through Sunday, November 14th.  We would like all pledges to be completed by that time.

We are looking at stewardship as something we do year-round and not just in the fall.  Through your time, talent and treasure: leading committees, participating in talent shows, youth activities, singing in the choir and Sunday night bedtime stories (to name a few), we are stewards of our community.

This year’s theme: Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future reflects that ongoing commitment.

Our goal this year is $190,000 in pledge income.  Yes, it’s a big goal, but we can do it because we value our life together at St. Mary’s.

We have several ways that you can make your pledge:

  • Paper pledge cards are available again this year. Please contact Cindy James at james.c.a@comcast.net or at 651-261-4884.
  • Online pledge by accessing our stewardship page by clicking this link. Click HERE
  • Electronic Funds transfer from your bank. Contact our treasurer, Rex Holzemer (rexaholzemer@gmail.com) for details on how this works.
  • Click the CONTRIBUTE tab at the top of our website (Click HERE) and select “Give Now Online” from the menu to set up a Vanco account to put your pledge on a credit card or have it withdrawn from your bank account. Note: If you choose this option, please check the processing fee box (2.75% for credit cards and 1% for bank accounts) to help cover the processing fee.  This fee will be included in your pledge statement at the end of the year, so you get the tax credit and St. Mary’s won’t have to pay the processing fee.

Not sure how much you are currently pledging?  No problem: simply contact our pledge clerk (Enzo DeLuca) at pledgeclerk@saintmarysepiscopal.org and he will give you the information regarding your current pledge.

The stewardship committee thanks you for your time, talent and treasure. We welcome you to the 2022 Stewardship campaign: Faithful Belonging: Now and in the Future.

Cindy James and Jim Wheeler

Return to Top

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

ECMN guidelines for in-person worship include a threshold in COVID case numbers. If exceeded in the county where we worship, the recommendation is to switch to either outdoor or virtual worship. If you have been watching the news at all recently, you know that the Delta variant has pushed up case numbers to levels similar to what we saw this spring. We have yet to exceed the threshold set by ECMN, but people should pay attention to this email each weekend in case we need to pivot away from in-person services. In the case where we need to make a change, details will be shared in the Friday weekly about the format for that Sunday’s service. Yet another reason to read the Weekly each week!

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
Sunday School Updates
 
Basic Info:
We have a Virtual Lego Camp that will be starting up that will be 7 sessions long. Each session will be 45 minutes long and led by Max and Theo Reemtsma (with a little help from Mia and Jennie). Each class will have a short check in, some demonstration and teaching for 10-15 minutes and then some work time.
 
Outcome:
Each kid will animate a different story from the Bible using stop motion. We plan to focus on Advent stories.
 
Needs for Class:
We suggest kids have on hand a few Lego figures, small vehicles, and a general assortment of Lego pieces. It’s ok if they don’t have Legos as they can use clay, pipe cleaners, action figures, animals, etc. – Lego figures are just pretty easy to physically articulate and get good shots of without relying on paid-app-version tricks that can remove hands from the frame, etc.
It is strongly recommended that students have 2 devices for this class– one for zoom and one for the stop motion app.
 
Age Range:
Kids need to be really comfortable reading, or have an adult with them who can help them. This should be kid-led but the whole family can be involved in building, animating, lighting and “special effects” or voiceovers.
 
The dates for this class will be on Sundays in the afternoon (we were thinking 1pm):
 
October 17
October 24
November 7
November 14
November 21
December 5
December 12
 
 
In Person Halloween Party for Children– Come in Costume
October 31
Ghosts of the Bible
Led by Julie Phillips and helpers
More details to come
 
 
Did you miss the Talent Show after church last Sunday or want to see it again?
A big shout out to everyone who contributed to the Talent Show and to Mia for hosting and putting it all together! Click HERE to watch.

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Website Hosting Going Green!

St. Mary’s website is now hosted by Green Geeks, a move that saves St. Mary’s money while also making a positive environmental impact. Green Geeks purchases wind power credits to replace three times the amount of energy a website uses every year. Didn’t think that websites used energy? From Green Geeks: “The Internet industry consumes enormous amounts of energy. The backbone of the Internet are data centers which hold millions of large servers, stacked on top of each other in racks, which are powered up and running all day every day. These servers consume enormous amounts of energy and to make sure that they do not overheat and fail, they are blasted with arctic temperature air all day every day. … In fact 40% of all of the energy used to power the internet is used to keep those servers from overheating. … Today, data centers account for 2% of the world’s carbon emissions, that is as much as the airline industry! Data Center pollution is expected to grow to 14% of the world’s carbon emissions, as much as the United States of America, by 2040.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests

Hello friends,

We may experience life’s ups and downs individually, but together as a beloved community we are called to show up for each other. One of the ways our community can show up for each other is through prayer. There is great power in prayer. In addition to our prayer chain, I’d like to add a section in the Weekly. It would be a public list because the Weekly is published on our website. My idea is that the list would be brief. If you missed a Sunday, you’d still be able to know what is on the hearts of those in this community. The list would be updated weekly with prayers remaining on the list for at least a month or longer if requested. For the Weekly that will go out on October 15th, please send me your prayer requests by October 11th. You can email me at claire1412@gmail.com.

Much love,

Claire H.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 10/8 – 10/14

Sunday, October 10, 2021
Eucharist Service In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Compline
7:30pm
Link

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Pastoral Visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya
6:30pm
Link

Thursday, October 14, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 14, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, October 14, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 1, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, October 3, 2021

  • First Message: Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Gospel: Mark 10:13-16
8:00am – Virtual Morning Prayer Worship Service via Zoom with social time to follow. Gospel Based Discipleship discussion instead of a homily, no music, lay led.
For the 8am Zoom worship service on October 3, 2021 Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 878 4182 3048
If asked for a passcode, use 171895
 
For the Service Bulletin – Click HERE
 
10:00am – Hybrid Worship Service in-person and via Zoom with social time to follow.

This Sunday a guest preacher will be with us at the 10am service – Vivian Ihekoronye from the Isaiah organization. Please see below in Worship for more information on Vivian.

Last week’s new format for the 10am service seemed to work well for those attending 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.

For the 10am Zoom worship service on October 3, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Invitation to register for East Metro Mission Area Gathering – Oct. 2nd

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

St. Mary’s Finance Committee

Children and Youth (and Talent!)

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

About our guest preacher Vivian Ihekoronye (introduced by Ginny DeLuca)

This Sunday October 3, 2021 we will welcome Vivian Ihekoronye as our guest preacher. Vivian is Isaiah’s lead organizer for St. Paul and East Metro, working to build a just and abundant Minnesota through faith in action that includes Everyone  with no exceptions. Vivian is a graduate from Central High School and went on to graduate from Macalester College. I’ve had the privilege of working with her for 4 years now and am always inspired and informed by what she has to share. When Vivian previously spoke at St Marys some of us felt called to join the path Isaiah walks, and during these past 4 years I’m happy to say more of us have heard that call. Our faith calls us to action and Isaiah is a vehicle St. Marians can join to help build the Beloved Community within our city and state.

Peace

Ginny DeLuca

What’s New?
  • To listen to The Rev Carol Arney’s sermon on Sunday, September 26, Click HERE.
  • The Worship Team will meet in person on Monday, October 4, 7:00-8:30pm, at St. Mary’s. New members are always welcome for short or long commitments. On our Agenda that night are:
    • planning All Saints Day (November 7) service;
    • will we have bread and wine for communion?
    • what happens when it’s too cold to have social time outdoors?
    • how can worship connect with Stewardship?
    • what works best…speaking in front of the altar or at the lectern;
    • and more!!
      Have ideas about any of these? Join us and let your voice be heard!!!
  • Heads up! In November, Eucharist will be celebrated on November 7th and 21st (the 1st and 3rd Sundays) and adapted Morning Prayer will be on November 14th (2nd Sunday). This is the reverse of our normal schedule because All Saints Day, a high festival day, is on November 7th …AND, believe it or not, Advent starts Nov. 28th.

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!

Return to Top

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Bishop Loya is planning a visit to St. Mary’s from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on October 13. His purpose for this visit is to hear questions and concerns from our congregation surrounding the Title IV process of our former rector, Rev. LeeAnne Watkins. More details about this event will be available soon, but for now we ask any current and former members of St. Mary’s interested in attending to save the date. Expect more information in a future email from St. Mary’s.

Return to Top

East Metro Mission Area Gathering – Oct. 2nd
Conversations around Convention and Ourselves 

Brothers and Sisters of the East Metro Mission Area,

You are all invited to our Fall Mission Area Gathering.

On behalf of your council representatives, ECMN Missioners and Bishop Loya, please plan to attend our MAG in person on October 2nd, 2021 at 1:00pm at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

Registration Link

We are excited to be gathering in person for this Metro Area Gathering this fall. Our gathering will give us the opportunity to share stories, have small group discussion, and hear from our Bishop as he presents the FSM budget and narrative that goes along with it. The business portion of the meeting will be from 1:00-3:00pm with a social and round table discussion from 3:00-4:00pm to follow.

Link to the Financial Statement
Link to Financial Statement Narrative
Agenda

Notes:
Please bring your own lawn chairs so we may be able to spread out more; social distance and all.
If your congregation would like to help coordinate a finger food dish for our event, please reach out to one of your mission area team members.

Email us at: eastmetro@episcopalmn.org

Return to Top

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

ECMN guidelines for in-person worship include a threshold in COVID case numbers. If exceeded in the county where we worship, the recommendation is to switch to either outdoor or virtual worship. If you have been watching the news at all recently, you know that the Delta variant has pushed up case numbers to levels similar to what we saw this spring. We have yet to exceed the threshold set by ECMN, but people should pay attention to this email each weekend in case we need to pivot away from in-person services. In the case where we need to make a change, details will be shared in the Friday weekly about the format for that Sunday’s service. Yet another reason to read the Weekly each week!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Finance Committee

Total annual income (pledges and non-pledge income) thru August 31, 2021, is approximately $20,700 above budget and total expenses are approximately $17,000 under budget. Income is significantly above budget primarily due to several large pledge donations in August from households that paid off their annual pledges in full. It is expected that pledges will balance out over the next few months and end the year closer to budget.

The projected 2021 budget is a deficit budget, with a projected year-end deficit of ($23,232). However, if we continue to manage expenses as has been the case over the first eight months, and pledges meet budget, we may be able to reduce the projected year-end deficit significantly. Thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s!

If you have any questions regarding the St. Mary’s budget, please feel free to contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com. Please see a summary income vs. expenses chart for exact budget figures for January 1, 2021 thru August 31, 2021, at the following link – Click HERE.

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
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:
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!
 
Sunday School Updates
 
Basic Info:
We have a Virtual Lego Camp that will be starting up that will be 7 sessions long. Each session will be 45 minutes long and led by Max and Theo Reemtsma (with a little help from Mia and Jennie). Each class will have a short check in, some demonstration and teaching for 10-15 minutes and then some work time.
 
Outcome:
Each kid will animate a different story from the Bible using stop motion. We plan to focus on Advent stories.
 
Needs for Class:
We suggest kids have on hand a few Lego figures, small vehicles, and a general assortment of Lego pieces. It’s ok if they don’t have Legos as they can use clay, pipe cleaners, action figures, animals, etc. – Lego figures are just pretty easy to physically articulate and get good shots of without relying on paid-app-version tricks that can remove hands from the frame, etc.
It is strongly recommended that students have 2 devices for this class– one for zoom and one for the stop motion app.
 
Age Range:
Kids need to be really comfortable reading, or have an adult with them who can help them. This should be kid-led but the whole family can be involved in building, animating, lighting and “special effects” or voiceovers.
 
The dates for this class will be on Sundays in the afternoon (we were thinking 1pm):
 
October 17
October 24
November 7
November 14
November 21
December 5
December 12
 
 
In Person Halloween Party for Children– Come in Costume
October 31
Ghosts of the Bible
Led by Julie Phillips and helpers
More details to come
 
 
Did you miss the Talent Show after church last Sunday or want to see it again?
A big shout out to everyone who contributed to the Talent Show and to Mia for hosting and putting it all together! Click HERE to watch.

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 10/1 – 10/7

Sunday, October 3, 2021
Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, October 3, 2021
Hybrid Worship In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Monday, October 4, 2021
Worship Team Meeting
7:00pm
For more information on the gathering Click HERE

Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Saint Mary’s Men’s Group
7:00pm
For more information on the gathering Click HERE

Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Compline
8:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 7, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, October 7, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, October 7, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – September 24, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, September 26, 2021

Worship In-Person and via Zoom with Social Time and Talent Show (Information below) to follow.—10:00am

This Sunday The Rev. Carol Arney will be our Preacher and Celebrant, so we’ll have Eucharist.

  • First Message: James 5:13-20
  • Gospel: Mark 9:38-50

We’re going to try a new format for those attending virtually this week. 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.

For the Zoom worship service on September 26, 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 Service Bulletin – Click HERE
For the 2021 Fall Songbook – Click HERE
 
For the Zoom link to the Talent Show following the worship service Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

September is Rally Month at St. Mary’s!

Gratitude to Cindi Brickson

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

St. Mary’s Finance Committee

Stewardship at St. Mary’s

Sunday Morning Lay Ministry

Children and Youth

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Communications

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s New?
  • To listen to the sermon given by The Rev. Carol Arney on September 19, Click HERE.
  • What do your Gramma’s antique sherry glass and the shot glass you bought while on vacation have in common???? Your first reaction might be “Lordie, Lordie, I can’t imagine they have anything in common!” But wait just a minute! The Worship Team is looking at ways we might bring wine back into our Eucharist…and the common denominator could be those mis-matched glasses mentioned above! Each person who would like to receive wine along with the bread would bring a small glass of some kind with them to church. When it’s time for communion, that glass would accompany the person and a small amount of wine would be poured from the “pouring chalice” (a chalice with a small pouring lip) into each person’s glass. So, what do you think of this idea? How important is it to you to have both bread and wine? The Worship Team is seeking feedback on this idea…both positive and negative. We look forward to hearing from you! Click on the feedback link below.
  • St. Mary’s will continue to have 8am worship services via zoom in October. These will be adapted Morning Prayer using the same liturgy as the 10am adapted Morning Prayer services. The 8am services will be lay led (no clergy), won’t have music and will use Gospel Based Discipleship discussions in place of a homily. Links to these services will be in the Weekly Email.

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!

Return to Top

September is Rally Month at St. Mary’s! (updated for 9/24/21)

Talent Show:
Our Parish talent show will be happening this coming Sunday on September 26, 2021. The show is a HYBRID….that means there are two different ways you can choose to attend. It will be in-person on the big screen in the Sanctuary at church and also streamed via Zoom.
 
If you are planning on attending in-person church, just stick around right afterwards to see the Talent Show. The acts have been recorded and will be shown on a big screen in the sanctuary. Or, if you have attended church via Zoom, just click on the link below to switch over to the talent show! We are looking forward to hosting you either way and have some amazing talents to share!
 
Topic: Talent Show for Saint Mary’s
Time: Sep 26, 2021 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
 
 
Meeting ID: 841 6139 3391
Passcode: church
 

Return to Top

Gratitude to Cindi Brickson for her contributions to St. Mary’s

If you can, please join us at church on Sunday, Sept. 26 when we will have a chance to say thank you to Cindi for all of her work at St. Mary’s over the past year-plus. Cindi served as our pastoral care minister during that time, a critical role during COVID when she founded online opportunities for people to connect with one another. Cindi also led our regathering committee, helping to craft our plan for returning to in-person worship. If that weren’t enough, she also located and worked with a contractor to install our fancy new camera system that has been a significant upgrade for virtual worship. Professionally Cindi has moved on to a new role within the diocese that did not leave time for her to continue on staff at St. Mary’s, but she and her family continue to be members of our congregation. Huge thanks to you, Cindi!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

ECMN guidelines for in-person worship include a threshold in COVID case numbers. If exceeded in the county where we worship, the recommendation is to switch to either outdoor or virtual worship. If you have been watching the news at all recently, you know that the Delta variant has pushed up case numbers to levels similar to what we saw this spring. We have yet to exceed the threshold set by ECMN, but people should pay attention to this email each weekend in case we need to pivot away from in-person services. In the case where we need to make a change, details will be shared in the Friday weekly about the format for that Sunday’s service. Yet another reason to read the Weekly each week!

Return to Top

St. Mary’s Finance Committee

Total annual income (pledges and non-pledge income) thru August 31, 2021, is approximately $20,700 above budget and total expenses are approximately $17,000 under budget. Income is significantly above budget primarily due to several large pledge donations in August from households that paid off their annual pledges in full. It is expected that pledges will balance out over the next few months and end the year closer to budget.

The projected 2021 budget is a deficit budget, with a projected year-end deficit of ($23,232). However, if we continue to manage expenses as has been the case over the first eight months, and pledges meet budget, we may be able to reduce the projected year-end deficit significantly. Thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s!

If you have any questions regarding the St. Mary’s budget, please feel free to contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com. Please see a summary income vs. expenses chart for exact budget figures for January 1, 2021 thru August 31, 2021, at the following link – Click HERE.

Return to Top

Stewardship at St. Mary’s

Our season of Stewardship will soon be upon us.

Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. 

We are looking for more people (we’d love to have a committee of 6 – 8 people!) to participate in the Stewardship committee and help us move into the next phase of stewardship at St. Mary’s.  

As so many things are changing in our church (and all churches), we would like to adopt some new models and are looking for people with energy and ideas. We would like to move toward a model of stewardship that is a year-round endeavor and with balanced focuses on time, talent, and treasure. In these past few years, we have shown how much of our church life we can manage and move forward with strong laity; we want to recognize and encourage this as we look to our future.

Our first team meeting will be Sept. 30th at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will discuss this year’s stewardship campaign, the different ways we give to St. Mary’s, and what activities and events will be scheduled to keep stewardship in our minds throughout the year. One resource we recognized through the ECMN diocese that we will study as a possible starting point is Project Resource (https://project-resource.org/annual-giving).

If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Cindy James (james.c.a@comcast.net) or Jim Wheeler (james.jw.wheeler@gmail.com) for the link to the Zoom meeting. 

In faith,

Cindy James
Jim Wheeler
Enzo DeLuca (pledge clerk)
Rex Holzemer (treasurer)

Return to Top

Lay Ministry: Gearing up for Fall

Yes, fall is right around the corner and St. Mary’s needs YOU!! When we started in-person worship services, many of you signed up to help with Sunday morning lay ministries… Ushers, Greeters, Lay Leaders/Officiants and Vergers. Thanks to all of you who were able to do that!  

Now that summer is nearing an end and we’ll soon be settling into our fall/winter routines, it’s our hope that more of you will be able to help with these lay ministries. The goal is to have enough people assisting with these ministries so that no one will be asked to take on responsibilities more often than once each month. You can get more information or sign up now by contacting mauramccro@gmail.com.

Return to Top

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

Youth Group:
Our Youth Group kicked off on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm led by Kat Lewis, our new Youth Leader. 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:
Our Tweeners started up on Thursday September 23, 2021 from 7:00pm-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!
 
Sunday School Updates
 
Basic Info:
We have a Virtual Lego Camp that will be starting up that will be 7 sessions long. Each session will be 45 minutes long and led by Max and Theo Reemtsma (with a little help from Mia and Jennie). Each class will have a short check in, some demonstration and teaching for 10-15 minutes and then some work time.
 
Outcome:
Each kid will animate a different story from the Bible using stop motion. We plan to focus on Advent stories.
 
Needs for Class:
We suggest kids have on hand a few Lego figures, small vehicles, and a general assortment of Lego pieces. It’s ok if they don’t have Legos as they can use clay, pipe cleaners, action figures, animals, etc. – Lego figures are just pretty easy to physically articulate and get good shots of without relying on paid-app-version tricks that can remove hands from the frame, etc.
It is strongly recommended that students have 2 devices for this class– one for zoom and one for the stop motion app.
 
Age Range:
Kids need to be really comfortable reading, or have an adult with them who can help them. This should be kid-led but the whole family can be involved in building, animating, lighting and “special effects” or voiceovers.
 
The dates for this class will be on Sundays in the afternoon (we were thinking 1pm):
 
October 17
October 24
November 7
November 14
November 21
December 5
December 12
 
 
In Person Halloween Party for Children– Come in Costume
October 31
Ghosts of the Bible
Led by Julie Phillips and helpers
More details to come
 

Return to Top

 

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Bishop Loya is planning a visit to St. Mary’s from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on October 13. His purpose for this visit is to hear questions and concerns from our congregation surrounding the Title IV process of our former rector, Rev. LeeAnne Watkins. More details about this event will be available soon, but for now we ask any current and former members of St. Mary’s interested in attending to save the date. Expect more information in a future email from St. Mary’s.

Return to Top

Website Maintenance

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be doing some behind-the-scenes maintenance on the St. Mary’s website. It may have some periods of downtime, when you aren’t able to access it. If that happens, please rest assured that it will be up and running again within 24 hours. With questions, please email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 9/24 – 9/30

Sunday, September 26, 2021
Worship In-Person and via Zoom
10:00am
Link

Sunday, September 26, 2021
St. Mary’s Talent Show
11:00am
Link

Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Contact Warden Brian Nerbonne for details and link Click HERE

Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Compline
8:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, September 30, 2021
Tweeners
7:00pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Thursday, September 30, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click HERE.

Thursday, September 30, 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – September 17, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, September 19, 2021

NEW: An 8:00am service this Sunday! See “The Return of a Morning Prayer Service” below for more information.

Worship In-Person & Live Streamed with social time to follow for those worshipping in person.—10:00am

 

This Sunday The Rev. Carol Arney will be our Preacher and Celebrant, so we’ll have Eucharist.

  • First Message: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
  • Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

For the Live Stream worship service on September 19, 2021 Click HERE

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

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

September is Rally Month at St. Mary’s!

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

ECMN News

Stewardship at St. Mary’s

Sunday Morning Lay Ministry

Children and Youth

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Pastoral Care

Communications

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

The Return of a Morning Prayer Service!

There will be a second worship service this Sunday, September 19th at 8:00am via Zoom! This will be hosted and led by those who attended the 7:45am service pre-COVID! This will be completely led by an Officiant (lay person), no clergy involvement. Instead of a sermon, they will discuss the readings for the day and create their own sermon! they will use the adapted Morning Prayer service that will be used at 10am Morning Prayer services. After this service they will decide whether to do another 8:00am service or two in October. All are welcome to join them!

To join the September 19th Morning Prayer service via Zoom, Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 171895
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 878 4182 3048

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 878 4182 3048
If asked for a passcode, use 171895
 
For the Morning Prayer Service Bulletin – Click HERE
 
What’s New?
  • To listen to the sermon given by The Rev. Susan Moss on September 12, Click HERE.
  • What do your Gramma’s antique sherry glass and the shot glass you bought while on vacation have in common???? Your first reaction might be “Lordie, Lordie, I can’t imagine they have anything in common!” But wait just a minute! The Worship Team is looking at ways we might bring wine back into our Eucharist…and the common denominator could be those mis-matched glasses mentioned above! Each person who would like to receive wine along with the bread would bring a small glass of some kind with them to church. When it’s time for communion, that glass would accompany the person and a small amount of wine would be poured from the “pouring chalice” (a chalice with a small pouring lip) into each person’s glass. So, what do you think of this idea? How important is it to you to have both bread and wine? The Worship Team is seeking feedback on this idea…both positive and negative. We look forward to hearing from you! Click on the feedback link below.
  • “Bags for Kids”:  Thanks to Kitty McFarland we now have sanitized “Bags for Kids” to have while they’re in church and then to take home with them…single use only! Kitty put items in a Ziploc bag…some with markers and paper, others with crayons and an activity booklet. Thank you, Kitty, for keeping our children in mind!

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!

Return to Top

September is Rally Month at St. Mary’s! (updated for 9/17/21)

Yes, this year we are having Rally Month instead of a Rally Day. There are so many fun and exciting events being planned that we need a whole month to fit them all into our schedule.
 
Below, you will find details on the events coming up in September. They include blessing of the back packs, an ice cream social, community meetings and even a talent show. All will be available live or virtually. Get them on your calendar now.  
 
You don’t want to miss any of these events as we kick off the fall season, Sunday school and welcome everyone back to St. Mary’s from their summer adventures.
 
We look forward to seeing you,
 
The St. Mary’s Vestry
 
Listening Sessions
 
We have decided to refresh our documents that go along with the rector job search. We want to get a sense of who the community is now. The last survey asked people to think back to a time before the pandemic and we may not be the same at this point in time. We are asking for your help to make this refresh. We are holding Community Listening Sessions and you are invited to participate. There are three opportunities; two sessions are virtual and one is in-person. Please join us with your input!
 
The remaining sessions are:
 
September 19, 2021
After Church (~11:30am)
In person session
 
September 19, 2021
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Meeting ID: 244 275 5100
Passcode: church
 
Family Event
 
On September 26, 2021 we are going to have an in-person screening of a video talent show made by the community! The plan is to have the screening right after church so that the community that is there in- person can stay to watch the show. We will simultaneously either livestream it or do a virtual way to watch as well. I am looking for people who would like to share their talents! Let Mia know if you are interested!
Text her now at 570-269-9688!
 
Please join us as we celebrate St. Mary’s and each other this September!
 

Return to Top

St. Mary’s COVID contingency planning

ECMN guidelines for in-person worship include a threshold in COVID case numbers. If exceeded in the county where we worship, the recommendation is to switch to either outdoor or virtual worship. If you have been watching the news at all recently, you know that the Delta variant has pushed up case numbers to levels similar to what we saw this spring. We have yet to exceed the threshold set by ECMN, but people should pay attention to this email each weekend in case we need to pivot away from in-person services. In the case where we need to make a change, details will be shared in the Friday weekly about the format for that Sunday’s service. Yet another reason to read the Weekly each week!

Return to Top

ECMN News

Similar to the Saint Mary’s Weekly, ECMN emails out a weekly newsletter. If you do not already receive ECMN News, you can click on “Receive Updates” at the bottom of the ECMN website to subscribe – https://episcopalmn.org/.

A couple of items of note from this week’s newsletter:

Dwelling in Scripture
Following on the Bishop’s invitation above, please see here for the scriptures we are invited to dwell in together, as well as instructions for how to engage Dwelling in the Word and Gospel-Based Discipleship.

Celebratory Evensong on Sunday, September 19 at 5:00pm

That service will be live streamed here.

Return to Top

Stewardship at St. Mary’s

Our season of Stewardship will soon be upon us.

Are you interested in helping St. Mary’s grow? Are you wondering where our money comes from? If you answered YES to these questions, our community is asking each of you to consider whether participation with the Stewardship committee could be your ministry at St. Mary’s. 

We are looking for more people (we’d love to have a committee of 6 – 8 people!) to participate in the Stewardship committee and help us move into the next phase of stewardship at St. Mary’s.  

As so many things are changing in our church (and all churches), we would like to adopt some new models and are looking for people with energy and ideas. We would like to move toward a model of stewardship that is a year-round endeavor and with balanced focuses on time, talent, and treasure. In these past few years, we have shown how much of our church life we can manage and move forward with strong laity; we want to recognize and encourage this as we look to our future.

Our first team meeting will be Sept. 30th at 7:00pm via Zoom. We will discuss this year’s stewardship campaign, the different ways we give to St. Mary’s, and what activities and events will be scheduled to keep stewardship in our minds throughout the year. One resource we recognized through the ECMN diocese that we will study as a possible starting point is Project Resource (https://project-resource.org/annual-giving).

If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Cindy James (james.c.a@comcast.net) or Jim Wheeler (james.jw.wheeler@gmail.com) for the link to Zoom meeting. 

In faith,

Cindy James
Jim Wheeler
Enzo DeLuca (pledge clerk)
Rex Holzemer (treasurer)

Return to Top

Lay Ministry: Gearing up for Fall

Yes, fall is right around the corner and St. Mary’s needs YOU!! When we started in-person worship services, many of you signed up to help with Sunday morning lay ministries… Ushers, Greeters, Lay Leaders/Officiants and Vergers. Thanks to all of you who were able to do that!  

Now that summer is nearing an end and we’ll soon be settling into our fall/winter routines, it’s our hope that more of you will be able to help with these lay ministries. The goal is to have enough people assisting with these ministries so that no one will be asked to take on responsibilities more often than once each month. You can get more information or sign up now by contacting mauramccro@gmail.com.

Return to Top

Update from Mia on Children’s and Youth for Fall

We have been in brainstorming mode to try to get some appropriate programming that kids and youth will be interested in for the fall (while keeping kids safe!) 
 
Here is what we know so far. 
 
Youth Group:
Youth Group will start up September 22, 2021 from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday nights in person with our Youth Leader, Kat Lewis! Yay, welcome aboard Kat! Check the Saint Mary’s Calendar for more up to date details about the Youth Group.  Since most youth group sessions will be indoors, masks are required. The youth group may choose to do some outdoor gatherings as well!  
*I am still looking for an additional 1-2 adults who are interested in supporting and helping with youth group this year (in person). 
 
Tweeners:
We were planning on starting Tweeners on September 22, 2021– but I heard from a few participants that the date and time do not work for them.  I am in the process of reaching out to find a better time for Tweener youth.  If you are interested in Tweeners and NEW (from last year) please reach out to Mia so she can coordinate schedules with you.
 
Sunday School:
I have only received 4 parent surveys– if you are interested in providing feedback on Sunday school– I do need some more responses!  Please fill out the survey.

Parent Survey

Sunday Night Bed Time Stories:
As part of the Christian Formation plan for this year, I would like to do a Story time for our little kids. Any congregation member can help with this idea. I will be taking pictures of our Spark Story Bible and attaching the stories to a specific day. Your job (if you so choose to accept it) would be to read the story and video tape yourself doing this. You would also have a chance to say a few words to the kids and let them know that they are missed and we all hope to be back together soon! I would then distribute this in the weekly email so that our families can have Bible stories read to our littlest children on Sunday nights.  
 

Return to Top

Pastoral visit to St. Mary’s by Bishop Loya

Bishop Loya is planning a visit to St. Mary’s from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on October 13. His purpose for this visit is to hear questions and concerns from our congregation surrounding the Title IV process of our former rector, Rev. LeeAnne Watkins. More details about this event will be available soon, but for now we ask people interested in attending to save the date. Expect more information in a future email from St. Mary’s.

Return to Top

Pastoral Care

I am both happy and sad to announce that Rev. Cindi Brickson has a new job that will require her to step down from her role as Pastoral Care Minister. I am so appreciative that she stepped up to take on this role at St. Mary’s with gusto, going above and beyond individual pastoral care to found recurring care groups for LGBTQ+ people and elders, a quarterly healing circle, and curating the St. Mary’s prayer chain, to name a few. All of these efforts happened during a time when face to face interaction was very limited, and people needed virtual venues to connect and help heal one another from all of the trauma that is so present right now.

As we await the results of our search process that we hope will call our new rector this fall, St. Mary’s pastoral care programs will be more limited. Rev. Susan Moss will cover pastoral care emergencies, Eily Marlow has offered to continue to coordinate the LGBTQ+ and elder care groups, and Cindi plans to continue to lead the prayer chain and Tuesday evening Compline gatherings. The members of the pastoral care team look forward to working with a new rector to develop a robust pastoral care program at St. Mary’s once they are in place.

If you have any questions about this transition time for pastoral care, please reach out to Susan or me. Congratulations on your new job with ECMN, Cindi, and thank you for your service to St. Mary’s in this role!

Brian Nerbonne, Warden

Return to Top

Website Maintenance

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be doing some behind-the-scenes maintenance on the St. Mary’s website. It may have some periods of downtime, when you aren’t able to access it. If that happens, please rest assured that it will be up and running again within 24 hours. With questions, please email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 9/17 – 9/23

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Morning Prayer Worship via Zoom
8:00am
Link

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Worship In-Person and Live Stream
10:00am
Link

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Listening Session (information above)
11:30am (In-person)
7:00pm (via Zoom)

Monday, September 20, 2021
LGBTQ+ Gathering
6:30pm
Contact Eily Marlow for details and link Click HERE

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
Contact Finance for details and link Click HERE

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Compline
8:30pm
Contact Rev. Cindi for details and link Click HERE

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

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

Thursday, September 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.

Return to Top

 

Saint Mary’s Weekly – September 10, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service
Sunday, September 12, 2021

Worship In-Person & Live Streamed with special outdoor social time to follow for everyone!—10:00am

This Sunday The Rev. Susan Moss will be our Preacher and Celebrant. After the Eucharist service, we’ll hold our Ice Cream Social and Blessing of Backpacks, Bags & Briefcases. See “What’s New” for details.

  • First Message: Wisdom of Solomon 7:27-8:1
  • Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

NEW! For the Live Stream worship service on September 12, 2021 Click HERE

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

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

September is Rally Month at St. Mary’s!

Sunday Morning Lay Ministry

Children and Youth

Pastoral Care

Communications

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St. Mary’s by The Rev. Susan M. Moss

In his latest message to ECMN clergy, Bishop Loya reminded us that:

“The central arc of scripture begins with God’s call to Abraham and Sarah to leave behind everything they have known and come to depend on and set out on a journey whose destination is uncertain, relying only on an outrageous promise from God. Throughout the rest of the Bible, God repeats this pattern over and over: a call to leave what Is familiar behind and learn to rely on God’s outrageous promise.”

Acknowledging the uncertainty we face as a church, a diocese and as local congregations, he also assured us that God’ people have been in this place before, and have learned how to faithfully walk through them.

“Our primary diocesan priority of discipleship is fundamentally about learning to leave behind the institutional certainties we’ve come to depend on and relearn what it feels like to rely entirely on the outrageous promises of God.” wrote Bishop Loya.

Our bishop has invited St. Mary’s and every ECMN faith community into a year of dwelling in the stories of scripture.

Why?